The
Clairemont Times Serving Clairemont, Bay Park, Linda Vista & Kearny Mesa V10.E1
News of the Neighborhoods
9
Calling all Nonpartisan registered voters! If you vote by mail and want to vote for president, you need to inform the Registrar of Voters which mail ballot you want by Jan. 6.
Otherwise, your nonpartisan mail ballot will not show any presidential candidates. Several weeks ago, the Registrar sent the County’s nearly 350,000 Nonpartisan mail ballot voters a pre-paid return postcard requesting their selection of ballot options for the March 3, 2020 primary election. If you’re Nonpartisan and just signed up to become a mail ballot voter, you can expect a postcard outlining your options. So far, nearly 37,000 Nonpartisan
JANUARY 2020
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Nonpartisan Voters Wanting to Vote for President: What You Need to Know by Tracy DeFore
Founded in 2011
voters have returned their postcards or re-registered. If your postcard became lost among all the holiday mail, here is what you need to know. The American Independent, Democratic and Libertarian parties are allowing Nonpartisan voters to
take part in their presidential primaries. But Nonpartisan voters must request one of these ballots to vote for that party’s presidential candidate. Your status as a Nonpartisan voter will not change. Without the postcard, you can still go to sdvote.com to fill out the application and email it. Make sure you are registered to vote and listed as a Nonpartisan mail ballot voter before filling it out. SEE Nonpartisan Voters, page 4
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History Uncovered: Lindbergh-Schweitzer by Bill Swank
Shortly before the winter break, a meeting of the Site Governance Team at Lindbergh-Schweitzer Elementary School was held on December 19, 2019. Kristen Straeter, a preschool special education teacher, apologized for being late. She had just come from making gingerbread houses with her students and reported that some of the gumdrops actually Principal Victoria Peterson, SDUSD Facilities made it onto the Communications Supervisor Samer Naji and Special Education teacher Karin Wehsener at houses. (photo: Bill Swank) Lindbergh-Schweitzer School The first item of business was re-naming a name change helps, she supports it. the school (see December 2019 Cori Risty, a teacher at Squaremont column) and Principal Lindbergh-Schweitzer, explained that Victoria Peterson welcomed input consideration was given to naming from the community. Dialog on this the school Clairemont Mesa, because subject has been ongoing for it stands upon a mesa top. It was approximately a year. A decision had decided that would too confusing been made that Clairemont should be since the school is located on Balboa included in the name to signify Avenue and not on Clairemont Mesa Lindbergh-Schweitzer is a Boulevard. neighborhood school. Many names had been previously Yomna Nassar, a concerned parent, discussed, including Mark Hamill, wants Lindbergh-Schweitzer to remain a neighborhood school and if SEE History Uncovered, page 3
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2 • The Clairemont Times • January 2020
From the Publisher - Here’s wishing everyone a Happy, Healthy & a Prosperous New Year by Chris O’Connell
It’s 2020! Oh Great! I have been secretly dreading this year. This is the year of the birthday I will have to see the Dr for an unpleasant exam, luckily, it is seven months away. Bill Swank is starting the year off with two contributing articles this month as you saw on page 1 plus his Who’s Who in Clairemont on page 8. Major Garrett describes the thrill of the World Series and what he experienced in Washington DC. Check out page 10 to see how it relates to our San Diego Padres. Lately, at the community meetings, there has been a lot of talk about fire safety being that Clairemont is surrounded by canyons. Louis Rodolico wrote a piece this month, which may be of interest to some folks. If you are concerned about fire, would you be willing to start up a local Clairemont Fire Safe Council see page 11. How about kicking off the new year with a fitness hike in Tecolote Canyon? See page 13 for details.
Michael Dwyer wrote a pretty extensive piece about some upcoming voting changes in the March 2020 election, see page 17. Back in July Robert Ross wrote in this paper about his meditation retreat, this month he shares part II. I think he is a believer! (Page 19). On a semi regular basis in this spot I “guarantee” you will learn something new on the following pages and I hope you do and I hope it applies to you. My secret is the library page, page 16 alone offers so much opportunity for learning. As always, thank you to the contributors and everyone who had a hand in making this edition possible. Support the advertisers, without them the paper is not possible. Special shout out to two new restaurants that recently opened Chef Jun Sushi & Kappo (page 3) & Bay Hill Tavern (page 5) also Gary at Isa Bella (page 6) now open for lunch. Enjoy this edition!
A Missing Clairemont Resident Email by Chris O’Connell
Late November, I received an email from Karin Zirk with the title “Missing Clairemont Resident”, usually these emails arrive from SDPD or Crimestoppers. Karin is very active in the PB community and has attended numerous Clairemont Planning Group (CPG) meetings and we have talked in person multiple times. Her friend Joe was missing and many people were concerned. I was purposely scrolling slow as I knew there was an attachment. In my mind, I was thinking, maybe hoping not wanting any bad news, what are the chances I
would know “Joe”? Seeing the attachment, Ahhh sh*t I thought to myself ... I know Joe. Every year, for 7 years, he would roll up to our Bike to Work Day pit stop on Santa Fe St. He was not biking to work, come to find out he was retired. He was just out biking. We would talk briefly; I’d offer him some snacks/drinks and he would be on his way. Joe was active in Clairemont & PB and attended local rec council meetings and CPG meetings. It was a bummer reading about Joe missing, turns out he passed away in October 10 days before his 77th birthday. (See page 6) RIP Joe
Chris O’Connell, Publisher
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remains of the the school district to mainstream disabled canyon will students. Lindbergh-Schweitzer retained Continued from page 1 eventually be the Schweitzer developed to name because the Genesee Avenue. school continues The gulch or to serve one of gully seen below the largest the southern edge populations of of the school special education grounds students in the represents the district. terminus of Boyd Bessie took Canyon covered umbrage and gave by homes, streets examples of the and... progress. wonderful Principal teachers, staff and Peterson programs at immediately Sunshine School. Undeveloped remains of Boyd Canyon at end of Mt. Albertine Avenue (photo: Bill Swank) grasped the He said that he is significance and proud to have Most dictionaries agree that a canyon is suggested a tweak in the name to make it been a student at a “deep or large gorge or valley with steep Clairemont Canyons. That single letter such a caring sides, typically with a river flowing (“s”) articulates the importance of saving school. The through it.” our collective canyons. The Governance members of the It is accurate to state that Team will consider this slight change prior SGT were visibly Former Sunshine and Schweitzer School student Michael Bessie stands to referral to the moved by beside the current school mascots outside Lindbergh-Schweitzer School (photo: Bill Swank) school board. his words Subsequently, and many the former Clairemont resident best Samer Naji, personally thanked him for his known for his role as Luke Skywalker in Facilities heartfelt input. the Star Wars films. Communications Under final consideration, the Michael Bessie, a Clairemont resident Supervisor with top three choices for a name and former student at Sunshine School SDUSD and change were Clairemont Canyon (which was later renamed after Dr. Albert Victoria Peterson Preparatory Academy, Clairemont Schweitzer), gave an impassioned plea to tied the proposed Canyon Academy and Clairemont change the name of the entire school to name change in Elementary School. Sunshine. with the major Karin Wehsener, another The actual buildings and grounds of renovation plan for special education teacher at the Sunshine/Schweitzer School, adjacent to the school site. school, explained that the group’s the original Lindbergh site, have been A joint City of intent was to recognize Kavod Charter School since 2012. Kavod San Clairemont for its canyons and means “respect” in Hebrew. Diego/SDUSD open space. Canyons define Sunshine had been considered, but Salazar Court backyard on Boyd Canyon floor, a half-mile from school park will be Clairemont. For years, kids have (photo: Bill Swank) rejected for any possible stigma attached created and the explored Clairemont’s canyons to the name because it was originally for team will also and motorists have gotten lost Lindbergh-Schweitzer actually sits on a disabled students. It is now the policy of consider recommending the park be trying to navigate around them. bank overlooking the “headwaters” named after community activist Eloise of the most northeasterly tentacle Battle. She is the latter day Kate Sessions of Clairemont’s largest natural who saved Tecolote Canyon from the landmark, Tecolote Canyon. developers and inspired the definitive “San Remarkably, Tecolote Canyon Diego Park District Procedural actually stretched a finger, known Ordinance” in 1969 that provided the as Boyd Canyon, all the way into blueprint for the concept of open space this Clairemont Mesa East preservation for the entire city. neighborhood, but, for the most Eloise Battle Park would have a natural part, it can’t be seen. and historic connection with a school Years ago, most of Boyd Canyon named Clairemont Canyons, but was filled, graded and terraced by Clairemont and Preparatory Academy just developers for homes effectively don’t go together. burying the canyon for a half mile to the end of Mt. Albertine Email: Bill@ClairemontTimes.com Avenue. Rumors persist the final Terminus of Boyd Canyon below Lindbergh-Schweitzer Elementary School (photo: Bill Swank)
History Uncovered
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Support and a Safe Place for Victims of Domestic Violence
Nonpartisan Voters
by Mara W. Elliott and Summer Stephan
The Green, Peace and Freedom and Republican parties are not allowing Nonpartisan voters to take part in their presidential primaries. Nonpartisan voters wishing to vote for one of these parties’ presidential candidates must re-register to do so. All voters can check their registration, re-register and register to vote at sdvote.com. The Registrar’s office urges you to do so well before the Feb. 18, 2020 registration deadline to avoid long delays on Election Day. For more information, call (858) 565-5800 or visit sdvote.com.
The November 16th murder-suicide in Paradise Hills illustrates the critical importance of early action to protect domestic violence victims and their families before violence escalates. A 29-year-old mother and four of her children -- ages 3, 5, 9 and 11 – were shot and killed in the culmination of a father’s ongoing campaign of harassment and terror. The tragedy has re-focused the community’s attention on domestic violence and highlights the importance of a safe place where victims can go for help in San Diego County. It should also remind us all that police should be called when there’s violence or a direct threat of violence. The San Diego County Domestic Violence Fatality Review Team tracks all domestic violence-related homicides and our county averages 13 a year. Even one homicide is too many. That’s why we must remain vigilant in our efforts to spread awareness around this public health and safety issue. Last year, more than 17,000 domestic violence reports were made to law enforcement. In the face of this ongoing threat to our families, friends and neighbors, two entities stand together to prevent domestic violence and protect victims and their children. The San Diego City Attorney’s Office and the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office want victims to know there are life-saving resources available to them. One incredible resource is the San Diego Family Justice Center. Every year, thousands of San Diegans come through the Family Justice Center, a safe place where domestic violence victims and their children can reclaim their lives, seek justice, and begin healing. The Center, part of the City Attorney’s Office, brings together community partners, including therapists, pro bono attorneys, forensic medical nurses, domestic violence advocates, military liaisons, prosecutors, and the San Diego Police Department all under one roof. The District Attorney’s Office is a strong partner in the Family Justice Center. Its on-site advocates work side-by-side with community partners to support victims fleeing violent relationships, to help victims understand
the criminal justice process, and to bring abusers to justice. Among the services the Family Justice Center provides are referrals to emergency housing and help in creating a Safety Plan for victims of, or people threatened with, domestic violence. A good Safety Plan is critical and should be in place before seeking a restraining order. Typically, the first 72 hours after a restraining order is granted can be the most dangerous for victims of domestic violence. Part of a Safety Plan includes: • Thinking of a safe place to go if an argument occurs – avoid rooms with no exits (bathroom), or rooms with weapons (kitchen). • Thinking about and making a list of safe people to contact. • Teaching your children how to call 911. • Memorizing all important numbers (friends, SSN, etc.) • Establishing a “code word” or “sign” so that family, friends, teachers or co-workers know when to call for help. Another tool available to victims of domestic violence is the Gun Violence Restraining Order, which was pioneered by the City Attorney’s Office. A GVRO can be ordered against a person who poses a clear threat to himself or others, preventing him from possessing, accessing or purchasing firearms or ammunition. Health care professionals have also been recruited to help recognize victims and refer them to law enforcement or services. Last month, the District Attorney’s Office and the County’s Health and Human Services Agency launched San Diego County Health CARES to bring greater awareness among health care providers to signs of strangulation crimes and help them identify victims of strangulation who might not otherwise report abuse. Domestic violence is still the number one killer of women when it comes to violent crime in U.S. and causes a ripple effect that directly harms children, takes a toll on victims’ mental health, and—as we saw last weekend—can shake a community. As a society, we must stand up to it and make sure victims have a safe place to go across the region where there are professionals who care and can provide the tools to stop violence from escalating to murder. Victims of domestic violence often feel like they are in a dark tunnel
alone. We want them to know that we stand with them and are ready to provide real time help to guide them into the light and to safety. Mara W. Elliott is the San Diego City Attorney. Summer Stephan is the San Diego County District Attorney. The San Diego Family Justice Center is located at 1122 Broadway, Suite 200, in downtown San Diego. If you or someone you know needs help or wants to learn more about personalized safety planning and Domestic Violence resources, call the National DV Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or to go thehotline.org or loveisrespect.org. More resources can be found at www.SanDiegoDA.com and www.SanDiego.gov/CityAttorney
Continued from page 1
Tracy DeFore is a Communications Specialist with the County of San Diego.
New Principal at John Muir Language Academy auditorium was transformed into a cozy We are very fortunate to introduce our wide-screen movie theatre. Hot dogs, new outstanding new principal - Ms. nachos, and drinks were sold. Everyone Silvia Herrera-Flores, formerly of the brought their blankets and chairs to enjoy Language Academy in College Area! Ms. the movie “Rise of the Guardians” Herrera-Flores has been an educator for Proceeds for this event went to the John over 20 years and has worked with a Muir Association of Parents to fund variety of students ranging from pre-K various Muir programs. through 8th grade. She is an expert in Our elementary students participated language immersion programs. Classroom Events Mrs. Joy Bain’s fifth graders had the opportunity to be field scientists, artists, authors, and marketing directors for a “pet store” all in one day during their recent “Gecko Day” celebration! Students dove into the world of crested geckos and reptiles to enrich their English Language Arts unit on informational text & in honor of their new class pet, “Churro Kwanzaa Celebration the Crested Gecko.” in dance classes each week during the Fall Ms. Margarita Garcia and Ms. Ann semester. Fred DeBerg (“Dancing with Doyen-Pareja’s 1st grade classes leaned about the meaning of Kwanzaa in a special Mr. D”) conducts these fun classes, which culminated in a special performance for celebration on December 19th. Kwanzaa families right before Winter break. centers around Seven Principles which Students dressed up in their cold weather represent the values of family, community gear and performed dances to popular and culture for people of African descent holiday tunes! It was standing room only to live by. It is celebrated from December for this popular performance! 26 through January 1. Students learned To enroll your student in our about the history of Kwanzaa and the symbols of Kwanzaa. Millions of Africans, outstanding Spanish immersion program at John Muir for the 2020-2021 school not only in America but all over the year, please call us at 858 268 1954. We world, celebrate Kwanzaa each year. offer school tours every month. We also John Muir Language Academy hosted have space in grades 3-8. You will be an exciting Movie Night on December delighted with our school! 6th! It was a rainy evening so the
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The Clairemont Times • January 2020 • 5
Clairemont Woman’s Club
POLICE BLOTTER VEHICLE THEFT 5000 Acuna St. 7400 Batista St. 3900 Cowley Way 4200 Edison St. 4100 Balboa Way 5600 Balboa Ave. 7000 Convoy Ct. 4000 Mount Alifan Way 4800 Rushden Ave. 7400 Batista St. 8600 Chantilly Ave. 3400 Mount Burnham Pl. 6400 Hannon Ct. 4800 Cole St. 3700 Balboa Terrace 2700 Wheatstone St. Cowley Way & Dakota Dr. 4800 Shawline Ave. 7100 Salizar St.
VEHICLE BREAK-IN 4800 Lehrer Dr. 4700 Conrad Ave. 3000 Hunrichs Way 4100 Balboa Way 3400 Jemez Dr. 5700 Ferber St. 4800 Ararat Dr. 3300 Clairemont Dr. 4000 Clairemont Mesa Blvd. COMMERCIAL BURGLARY 5100 Santa Fe St. 4800 Shawline St. 4700 Clairemont Mesa Blvd. 6900 Convoy Ct. 7100 Ronson Rd. 8000 Armour St. 4300 Genesee Ave.
FRAUD 4100 Clairemont Mesa Blvd. 4100 Avati Dr. 4900 Diane Pl. 6200 Beadnell Way VANDALISM 4500 Clairemont Dr. 3400 Del Rey St. 4000 Mount Everest Blvd. 6900 Linda Vista Rd. BATTERY 5600 Balboa Ave. 4000 Clairemont Dr. 3700 Budd St. ASSAULT 3400 Mount Aachen Ave. RESIDENTIAL BURGLARY 2400 Ingersoll St.
“If you do not report it or call us, in our mind it did not happen” San Diego Police Officer Call 911 to report an emergency Non Emergency 24 hours (619)-531-2000 www.sandiego.gov/police Compiled from info at www.CrimeMapping.com
by Marge Weber
Happy New Year from the Clairemont Woman’s Club ... here’s to a successful year for all of us. We ended 2019 with a lovely luncheon in Mission Valley. We enjoyed some fun activities and passed our annual Christmas Stocking for proceeds to go to the Storefront, a service for homeless youths. Our members were quite generous. Also last month we delivered 268 Christmas card trees to Meals on Wheels as holiday favors on trays. This was our 14th year for this activity. Since 2006 we have recycled 7311 cards. In addition, we delivered 8 complete bags for holiday dinners to the Clairemont Christian Service Agency for distribution to their clients. Happy Holidays for everyone. The book club discussed “Issac’s Storm” by Erik Larson. We were transported back to 1900 when the worst hurricane ever in the USA devastated Galveston, Texas with a loss of 6000 lives. Our major fundraiser “Lunch and Laughter” will be held Saturday, March 28th between 11:30 and 3 p.m. at the Comedy Club, 8878 Clairemont Mesa Blvd. There will be 3 comedians, basket
raffles and a buffet lunch. Proceeds will be for the Warrior Foundation - Freedom Station, a San Diego organization that helps veterans in their transition to civilian life. Tickets are $45... to purchase yours, call Bea at 858 272 1821. Mark this on your new calendar as a worthwhile activity to support and have an enjoyable afternoon. Start the New Year out by attending our next meeting on Wednesday, Jan. 8th at 1 p.m. Curious about your ancestors? Bob Chapman, Secretary of the North Clairemont Library, will speak on “Beginning Genealogy” where he will describe how anyone can get started tracing your family using some of the resources available to everyone in the San Diego Libraries. Come join us. Refreshments will be served. We hope to see you there! Directions below. 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. Directions: Balboa Community Church at 6555 Balboa Ave. 92111. Please park around the corner in the church parking lot off Mt. Albertine. Entrance to our meeting is under the stairwell.
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6 • The Clairemont Times • January 2020
City Council Unanimously Adopts Mayor’s YIGBY Housing Reforms The latest round of Mayor Kevin L. Faulconer’s “Housing SD” reforms won unanimous City Council approval on December 17th to allow affordable housing to be constructed in church parking lots and streamline the process for approving new senior living facilities. Previously, churches and religious institutions required to provide a certain number of parking spaces based on church capacity. With today’s approved changes to the Land Development Code, qualifying churches can choose to build affordable housing units in their parking lots to better utilize large areas of the property that are typically unused during the week. Advocates for the change included representatives of the so-called “Yes in God’s Backyard,” or YIGBY movement – a group of religious leaders who want to create more housing opportunities in their communities. “There are so many religious leaders who want to know what they can do as we face a statewide housing crisis that is putting the squeeze on working families,” Mayor Faulconer said. “We have people in need and people who want to help so giving churches the opportunity to build affordable housing on underutilized parking lots makes all the sense in the
world.” Under Mayor Faulconer, the City has worked to implement significant reforms to increase housing affordability, spur construction, lower costs and promote smart growth. Previous reforms include eliminating parking mandates in transit-priority areas and increasing housing capacity by updating community plans at a record pace. “Churches in our community want to be a part of the solution when it comes to the housing crisis,” Pastor Dr. Gerald Brown said. “This important reform allows us to continue serving our communities in the best way possible, while providing the affordable housing that is so desperately needed.” Additionally, proposed changes to the municipal code would allow continuing care retirement communities to be permitted in zones that allow multifamily housing and as a conditional use in single family residential zones. Other changes include: • Housing Development Process Improvements: Removal of the requirement of an additional permit for multifamily residential development that involves arranging to accommodate underground parking.
SANDAG Saves the San Diego Region Nearly $93 Million over the Next 29 Years The Agency Closes on more than $442 Million in Sales Tax Revenue Refunding Bonds SANDAG, serving as the San Diego County Regional Transportation Commission, successfully refinanced a portion of its 2012 Series A bonds and 2014 Series A bonds at lower interest rates, providing significant savings to the region and taxpayers. The transaction took advantage of historically low taxable interest rates to reduce debt service. SANDAG priced the 2019 Series A Bonds with a total principal amount of $442.6 million. The refinancing pays off certain 2012 and 2014 Series A bonds with lower cost 2019 Series A Bonds, reducing future debt service payments by approximately $93 million (or $63 million on a present value basis) and saving money for the region over the next 29 years. As with the bonds that were refinanced, principal and interest on the 2019 Series A Bonds will be repaid from sales tax revenues collected under TransNet, the half-cent sales tax for transportation approved by San Diego County voters. SANDAG continues to maintain strong credit ratings, which were affirmed in the process of issuing the Series 2019 A bonds: AAA from Standard & Poor’s (S&P) and Fitch Ratings (Fitch), representing the highest possible rating for both rating
agencies. Reflecting San Diego’s diverse and expanding economy which features a growing population and strong wealth levels, sales tax revenues generated by TransNet reached all-time highs in FY 2019. When the bonds were sold earlier this month with Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC acting as the lead underwriter, investor interest was strong. More than 50 investors participated including a wide range of asset managers, mutual funds, pension plans, and other investors, ultimately leading to a diverse investor base and enabling SANDAG and its financing team to reduce interest rates from initial expected levels at the beginning of marketing. Since the TransNet program’s inception, annual sales tax revenues have increased from $95.7 million in 1989 to $312.3 million in 2019. The original TransNet Program, which was adopted by county voters in 1987 and funded major transportation projects, expired in 2008. In 2004, San Diego County voters approved a TransNet extension which began in 2008 and is set to continue for 40 years until 2048. The Ordinance and Expenditure Plan for the TransNet Extension includes funding for additional major highway, transit, and local street and road projects, as well as environmental mitigation, smart growth incentives, bicycle and pedestrian facilities, and related programs.
4015 Avati Dr., SD 92117 isabellapizzeria.com • (858) 270-1798
OBITUARY
Joseph H Steinbach, Ph.D. 10/30/42 - 10/20/19
Joe was born and raised in St. Paul, MN. He received his B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. From the University of MN. Upon finishing his Ph.D., he accepted a position in medical research at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. However, two years later he accepted another research position at the VA hospitals in Los Angeles and remained there for several years until the research project transferred to UCSD in San Diego and he followed the project down the coast. He remained on this project
until he retired in 2002. He followed this with some consulting work and retained his professor status at UCSD during this time. Joe was a lifelong bachelor, but was very proud of his sister’s two children and was their Godfather. He was also a devout Catholic and supported the church financially along with financially supporting his niece and nephew through college. Joe was very active with Friends of Rose Creek and Marian Bear Memorial Park Conservation projects. He was also an avid bike rider and loved to walk and bike in the Clairemont canyons. Joe apparently had a massive stroke while out walking on 10/19/19 and passed the following day. He will be interred with his parents in MN. Requiescat in pace
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Councilmember Jennifer Campbell Announces Support for “YES for a Better San Diego” Initiative With its promise of creating a dedicated revenue stream to fund the city’s Community Action Plan to address homelessness, Councilmember Jennifer Campbell today announced her enthusiastic support for the YES for a Better San Diego initiative, which increases the hotel tax paid by visitors to fund critical San Diego needs. Campbell, whose City Council district includes central beach areas and the Midway, Linda Vista and Clairemont communities — each of which has a significant number of residents experiencing homelessness — is well aware of the urgency of addressing homelessness. A physician, Campbell said she was motivated to run for her council seat during the 2017 Hepatitis A public health crisis, which spurred emergency action by the city to address homelessness. “We know what happens when you just leave people to live on the streets, and it’s bad for all of us,” Campbell said. “It’s not safe — and just as importantly, it’s not humane. We know what we need to do to help San Diegans off the street, and this
measure goes a long way toward funding effective programs.” YES for a Better San Diego, which will be on the March 2020 ballot, increases the hotel tax on visitors to fund the expansion and modernization of the San Diego Convention Center, fix city streets and address homelessness. It would create the city’s first dedicated funding source to fund proven homelessness solutions. generating $147 million in the first five years alone. YES for a Better San Diego’s wide-ranging benefits to the city have earned it support from an unprecedented coalition of San Diego community and business leaders — hospitality industry executives and workers, homeless service providers, elected officials from both sides of the aisle, construction workers, taxpayer advocates and firefighters. The measure includes strict accountability measures to ensure the money raised will be spent only to fund these critical needs, with mandatory audits and oversight built in — and violations subject to criminal prosecution.
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St. Jude’s Novena - Patron Saint of Desperate Causes May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be adored, glorified, loved and preserved throughout the world, now and forever. Sacred Heart of Jesus, pray for us. St. Jude, worker of miracles, pray for us. St. Jude, helper of the hopeless, pray for us.
(state intention) Pray this novena sincerely nine times a day for eight consecutive days, and promise to publish it or otherwise distribute it to others. It has never been known to fail.
Religious Directory
Sundays: Bible Classes 9:00 am Worship 10:00 am Wednesdays: 6:00 pm Dinner 6:30 pm Bible study (all ages)
4292 Balboa Ave., San Diego CA 92117 • (858) 273-5140 www.canyonview.org • www.facebook.com/canyonviewchurch
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 3450 Clairemont Drive, San Diego, CA 92117 Church (858) 273-2886 Visit our website www.holycrossword.org for additional worship times and special events. Sunday Worship 9:00 am Word and Sacrament Wednesday 7:00pm Northminster Presbyterian Church Sunday Worship Time 10:00a.m. 4324 Clairemont Mesa Blvd. San Diego, CA 92117 www.northminstersandiego.com 858 490-3995 Northminster Preschool 858 270-3760
St. Catherine Labouré Catholic Church www.stcatherinelaboure.net 4124 Mt. Abraham Ave., San Diego, CA 92111 Phone (858) 277-3133 Weekend Mass Times Saturday 5:30pm Sunday 8:00, 9:30, 11:00am, 1pm/Spanish St. David’s Episcopal Church & Preschool www.saintdavidschurch.com 5050 Milton Street, San Diego CA 92110 Sunday Worship Times: 8:00am Holy Communion Rite I (Traditional) 10:30am Holy Communion Rite II (Contemporary) Weekday Worship: 12 p.m. Tues: Holy Eucharist: Rite II (Public Service of Healing) Last Sat of the month at 6:00 p.m. Alive at St. David’s: Non-Traditional, Contemporary Worship Experience St. Mark’s United Methodist Church www.stmarksumcsd.org 3502 Clairemont Drive, San Diego, CA 92117 Phone: (858) 273-1480 Sunday worship: 9:30 a.m. 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
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8 • The Clairemont Times • January 2020
mont By Bill Swank
Pictured: Bill Swank outside the Buena Vista Garden Apartments on Cowley Way in 1955, with East Clairemont off in the distance.
Who’s Who in Clairemont: 2020 by Bill Swank
It’s 2020! How did this happen so fast? Before you know it, it will be 2100. Thanks to the following readers who sent e-mails to “Squaremont” during 2019. In a tradition dating back to 2016, you have been selected for inclusion in “Who’s Who in Clairemont: 2020.” Monta Gardner shared memories of living in Clairemont since 1965. She was 12-years-old and her dad was in the Navy. San Diego was his last duty station. She remembers his stories about the Moonglo Cocktail Lounge and the “West Pac Widows.” Monta worked at the Clairemont Theatre as it transitioned into its “99¢ admission” swan-song. Her son played Little League at Hickman Field. “I used to tell people that Clairemont had no social redeeming value; that it is a bedroom community; a real L-7; totally square.” (I don’t have a cellphone, so I don’t understand texting symbols and abbreviations. When I figured it out, you’ll notice that Monta’s “L-7” was used for the masthead of this month’s Squaremont column.) Monta signed off with, “Clairemont, my home, sweet home.” Christine Brun’s family moved into a Del Webb home in North Clairemont in 1958. She remembers “tarantulas and rattlesnakes” in the newly developed neighborhood. Their home cost $12,500. A vivid memory remains from when her five-year-old brother and his friend wandered off. She rode through Clairemont in a police car to assist in identification of the missing kids. There were many five-year-old explorers in Clairemont back in the 1950s. The police couldn’t find Christine’s brother and his friend, but at the end of the day, “The little adventurers emerged from the canyon where they had enjoyed total freedom!” Christine noted, “Our great adventure as kids was walking to the library on Clairemont Drive. After checking out books, we crossed the street to the brand new Jack-in-the-Box and could buy our lunch for under a $1.00 as I recall. The Square was a major destination and held so much fascination for a kid.” Beverly Downing sent a very lengthy perspective about growing up in Clairemont. “I enjoy your columns on the
life and times of Squaremont. I, too, have lived in Clairemont since the mid-1950’s. I am torn regarding the development of Clairemont. My parents and the families around us were solidly and proudly lower middle class. All the men in the neighborhood were either in the Navy or Marines, or worked for Convair, Solar, Rohr or Ryan. Mom’s mostly stayed home and took care of house and home. Those Moms who did work, tended to be nurses, secretaries, retail clerks and waitresses. My parents explained to me that our part of Clairemont was built as, what we would call today, low-income housing. Our development was built entirely of rental housing. There were no fences (which made the fields behind the houses a grand place to play). The developer would rent the houses for a certain period of time, and then offer the houses for sale to those living in them. We (the kids) were very proud to walk our monthly rent - and later - mortgage payment in the little brown envelope over to the duplex on the northwest corner of Clairemont Mesa Blvd and Pocahontas. The kind lady who took our checks or cash knew each of us by name. At first there were no phones - just a phonebooth on the corner of Jemez Dr and Pocahontas. Some kids started school in garages rather than school buildings. The neighborhood school was the afterschool and weekend “hang-out” for elementary school kids. Every school had an afterschool “coach” who checked out balls and jump ropes and carom boards and was willing to listen to our problems and head off any arguments. Clairemont was a grand place for the growing middle class family to get a firm foot on the ladder of opportunity that would lead to fulfilling the “Great American Dream.” (Sorry, Beverly, but there isn’t room for the rest of your letter.) In response to “Captain Schlack’s One-Man War with the “Surf Riders,” three e-mails were received from former Carl A. Schlack Award recipients who appreciated the profile of Schlack, because they previously knew nothing about him. Dan Whelen sent supportive e-mail about my futile attempts to get the traffic signals fixed at Morena Boulevard and Avati Drive. He described similar problems dealing with the City of San Diego. (The traffic signals at Morena and Avati are still not functioning properly.) He also suggested that I should write about well-liked, former police officers who lived in Clairemont. Thank you, Marge Suess, for a valuable spelling lesson. She wrote, “I have lived in San Diego since 1962 so I especially enjoy reading your columns in The Clairemont Times. In your May issue you refer to ‘Dr. Suess.’ I believe you meant ‘Dr. Seuss.’ In the old days when I used to write checks at the grocery store and other retail places, I was frequently asked if I was related to Dr. Seuss. Also, when we made reservations on the phone for dinner, it was often a question.” (If anybody would know how to correctly spell “Seuss,” it would be Marge
Hernandez who was the only Padres player killed in action during WWII. I took Kevin to the Veterans Memorial in Chicano Park that honors the Mexican-Americans who gave their lives for our country. I believe their sacrifice should be an important chapter in his border story. Tom Rey is a retired SDPD detective. He liked the column about good citizenship. I haven’t seen Tom for 40 years when he was in SDPD’s juvenile division and I was a probation officer on Kearny Mesa. I liked this line from his e-mail, “Having worked juvenile for 21 of my 30-year career, I just shake my head sometimes at the difference between now and then.” When Tom retired, he was the senior officer in the juvenile division. We’ve seen a lot of change, haven’t we, Tom. Lena Miller wrote, “Loved the article and photo of your first day in First Grade. Interesting commentary on behavior and citizenship, too.” Lou Rodolico shared grade school memories, including an incident about getting “wrapped on the knuckles with a ruler by a nun for doing homework before it was assigned.” He also recalled penmanship with “pages of coils and pages of specific vertical zig Filming 1994 episode of “Silk Stockings” at Sunset Bowl zags.” in Clairemont (photo: Michael Prine) Harry Cummins loved the PCL Padres at Lane Field as a kid. He sent a link to an article he wrote about (well, Sunset Bowl if we’re being them for the San Diego Community News particular) and the Volcano Club. Group. I’m surprised by how many e-mails Don Geelan enjoyed “Where is Bay about baseball that come to my Park?” His family moved to Deerpark Clairemont Times account. Drive in 1951. Don attended Longfellow, Kismet “Kitty” Henderson sent an Marston and Clairemont High School. He e-mail from Office Depot. The manager worked at Hal’s Bike and Stanley Andrews would not allow her to make copies of the in The Quad. He suggested visiting October 2019 article I wrote about her. I Dualtone Automotive on Mission Bay called the manager to give permission, but Drive to study “photos of early Bay Park he required permission be sent by e-mail. around the railroad right of way and the Technically, he is correct, but how many reformation of Mission Bay” on the walls. Jerry Hermann approached me at the June funeral for beloved St. Augustine baseball coach Bill Whittaker. He saw my name tag and said that he enjoyed Squaremont. I told him about Jack Carpenter and his proposed Mid-Century Modern architectural tour of Clairemont. Jerry asked if he could join us. Unfortunately, he was unable to make the tour, but it was nice to meet a fan of the column. 1913 Southern California League Class D San Diego Bears baseball team (photo: Sandy O’Toole) Kevin Lees, a Washington, D.C. attorney, is writing a book about times have you copied newspaper articles history and culture along the at a retail store that offers copy service U.S./Mexican border from San Diego to without having a problem? How many of Brownsville, Texas on the Gulf of Mexico. you are African-American? He found “Squaremont” online and was Sandy O’Toole of the San Diego interested in the early history of the Pacific Padres sent a photo of an early San Diego Coast League Padres and subsequent baseball team. I identified the team as the growth of San Diego during that time period. We got together twice. SEE Who’s Who, page 9 I shared the story of Manuel “Nay” Suess.) Michael Prine was searching for baseball history and slid into Squaremont. “Your article about the Clairemont Bowl (May 2018) sparked many wonderful memories. Seeing the photo in which the woman is riding a triceratops (haha) reminded me of a specific memory. When I was 13, my friends and I were riding in the parking lot of the newly named Sunset Bowl and came across a film crew. Turns out they were filming an episode of Silk Stalkings, and this episode happened to feature actor Gilbert Gottfried. Here is the link to the episode https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_a2YX pmFWsE (The Mud-Queen Murders), with the opening scene (photo below) featuring our beloved Clairemont Bowl
www.clairemonttimes.com Who’s Who Continued from page 8
The Clairemont Times • January 2020 • 9 Boyd Canyon, I met Ruth Yancey who recognized my name from the Squaremont column. Then she told me that I was older than she expected. Jack Carpenter e-mailed to inquire, “Was that you in this morning’s UT.” Diane Bell’s December 10, 2019 column was headlined, “Santa feels different vibe at Balboa Park’s 2019 December Nights.” That was because something surreal happened this year. There is always a long line of kids waiting to see Santa in the east wing of the Organ Pavilion, but at 7:00 PM on Saturday, The Village People gave a free concert onstage at the Organ Pavilion ... and, instantly, there was nobody in line to see Santa! Ho! Ho! Ho! Happy New Year, Clairemont.
1913 San Diego Bears of the Class D Southern California League. The Bears were San Diego’s first professional baseball team. Jack Gladstone enjoyed “Floyd Smith shares P.B. Point Surfing History” (March 2019). Jack is an old friend of the surfing legend. Contact information was sent to Floyd and he was glad to reconnect with Gladstone. William Blakeslee sent an e-mail to publisher Chris O’Connell about “Why rename Lindbergh Schweitzer Elementary School” (December 2019). He attended Lindbergh and Lafayette schools. Because of his own hearing disability, Will has fond memories of the original Sunshine School which drew disabled students from all parts of the city. He remembers Lindbergh played a softball game against their next-door neighbor Sunshine School and Sunshine won. Will hit a triple, but it wasn’t enough to change the outcome of the game. He does not believe Lindbergh Schweitzer should be renamed. Perplexed Santa asks, “Where are the kids?” at Spreckels Organ Ruth Yancey: While Pavilion during 2019 December Nights in the Park (photo: Jeri Lynne Swank) doing research about
Living and Fresh-Cut Christmas Trees Are Better for the Environment: Compost Them After the Holidays to Avoid Fire Hazard and Reduce Waste I Love A Clean San Diego and WasteFreeSD.org show County residents how and where to recycle their trees. A living or fresh-cut Christmas tree is one of the best options in terms of the environment. Living trees can be planted after the holidays and can even be rented and returned to continue growing. If you choose a fresh-cut tree, try and support tree farms within your local area. After the holidays, remember to compost the tree and help close the loop, returning the tree to the earth as mulch. In addition, composting a tree soon after the holidays also prevents the fire danger associated with a dry tree. Prevent Fire Danger After the holidays, County of San Diego residents are encouraged to recycle their Christmas trees as soon as possible to reduce fire danger and minimize the amount of holiday waste sent to the landfill. Dried-out trees are highly flammable and should not be left in a house, garage, or placed against any structure. “The longer you keep a Christmas tree in your home, the more of a fire hazard it becomes,” said Lorraine Carli, Vice
President of Outreach and Advocacy for the National Fire Protection Association. The San Diego County Fire Authority also advises residents not put tree branches or needles in a fireplace or wood-burning stove. How to Compost Your Tree Beyond the fire danger dried-out trees pose, they can also contribute to the increase in waste sent to landfills during the holiday season. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, organic materials like Christmas trees, food, and green waste are the number one material sent to landfills, composing two-thirds of the solid waste stream. Composting these materials preserves space in local landfills, reduces greenhouse gas generation, creates beneficial compost and mulch and removes a potential fire hazard from your property. Many local waste haulers offer curbside pick-up of Christmas trees and wreaths, in addition to dozens of community drop-off sites. The Christmas trees are ground into mulch, which is then used to improve soil health at public parks, local farms, as well as home and garden landscapes. Find Pick-up, Drop-off Locations The partnership between I Love A
Clean San Diego and the County of San Diego takes the hassle out of recycling your holiday tree by gathering all your tree-cycling’ options into one list. Most waste haulers pick up Christmas trees in their green waste bins during normal curbside collection days for a few weeks following the holiday. Visit WasteFreeSD.org or call 1-877-R-1-EARTH (1-877-713-2784) for more information or to find a local company that offers pick-up. In addition to curbside pick-up, Christmas tree drop-off sites are located in the following communities: Bonsall | Carlsbad | Coronado | Del Mar | El Cajon | Escondido |Imperial Beach | La Mesa | Lemon Grove | National City | Oceanside | Ramona | San Diego | San Marcos | Solana Beach | Valley Center | Vista A complete list of tree recycling locations is also available at WasteFreeSD.org or by calling 1-877-R-1-EARTH. Christmas Tree-cycling Tips Before recycling your Christmas tree, review these tips to ensure your tree is recycled properly: • For curbside recycling, trees taller than four feet should be cut in half. Most waste haulers will not accept tree pieces larger than four feet. • Trees do not need to be cut if recycled at an approved drop-off location. • Remove any tinsel, ornaments,
garland, lights, nails, tree bags, and tree stands (metal or plastic) before recycling. • Don’t Flock trees or check with your local hauler to see if they accept flocked trees (fake snow). • Reuse or donate artificial trees that are in good condition. Avoid Plastic Trees Artificial Christmas trees are made of non-recyclable plastic and other materials that do not biodegrade. Greenhouse gas emissions from their production, packing and shipping generates more waste and exceeds that of the energy required to grow and/or transport a tree from a tree farm. Whenever possible, shop local for a live or fresh-cut tree and avoid the purchase of a new artificial Christmas trees. If you already own an artificial tree, it’s recommended to use the tree for as long as possible and then donate any trees in good condition to avoid sending them to the landfill. I Love A Clean San Diego operates San Diego County’s official recycling and household waste database, WasteFreeSD.org From Christmas trees to food donations and appliances to cooking oil, I Love A Clean San Diego makes waste diversion quick and convenient through this helpful database. San Diego County residents are encouraged to visit WasteFreeSD.org or call 1-877-R-1-EARTH to learn how to recycle Christmas trees as well as hundreds of other items.
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10 • The Clairemont Times • January 2020
A Padres Column by Major Garrett
What I Learned at the World Series by Major Garrett
When the Washington Nationals arrived in 2005, I released my three children from the psychological confinement of Padres Nation. It may have been the most humane gesture of their youth. My reasoning was simple. Baseball is intimate. It is about coming home and being home. No sport is more central to the consciousness of place: where is the ball, where is the runner, where is the fielder…. where will geometry and physics render their judgment? Where, indeed, will barometric pressure, humidity and wind speed settle the subtle differences they leave unresolved? Where will space, time and the glorious arc of the batted ball intermingle within the lush green diamond and, ultimately, where will our home team find itself when the last out is recorded? Where is home? Can we get there…and can we get there more frequently than our rival? Home. A destiny. A place. A bottomless reservoir of nostalgia, reverie, music, pain, regret and joy. Baseball. As infinite as the sky, as confined as the pitcher’s mound. We attended the Nationals very first home opener. I pulled the kids out of school. It was our own national holiday. My children have been Nationals fans ever since. My children have the spirit of Californians. But they were born and raised in Washington, D.C., not the surrounding suburbs of Virginia or Maryland. When my children travel and mention they are from Washington, D.C., there is often a moment of hesitation. Wait. You were born there? You live in
that political cesspool? You grew up, what, near the Capitol and those monuments? It’s not just a tourist destination with tiresome, argumentative pols? For Washingtonians, D.C. is a place as homey and beloved as any other. That the country recoils from it or suspects there is something perpetually venal, corrupt, indolent or just annoying about it does not discourage those born and raised here. It comes with the territory. When baseball came here, home got even better. Early spring games were played in the loosening clutches of winter. Late spring games had a heavenly warmth and brilliance. Deep summer games carried a wet cloak of heat and humidity. Fall games heralded earlier sunsets – and sometimes the playoffs. Until 2019, last year, when the World Series came. The World Series, I can now say, is sublime. Electricity crackles with each pitch. Every fan becomes a bellow of emotions – taking in and expelling air in disappointment and elation as each play unfolds. It is a collective experience, a stadium-wide psychic recording where anticipation takes on the audible hum of giant stereo speakers; where agony has one circular groan and exhilaration’s volcano rends the air. I learned this at the World Series – even though the home team never won a game and never even lead for so much as a half-inning. When the World Series left and the Nationals returned to Houston trailing three games two, I was still in a daze of childlike wonder. Such is the power of the pinnacle. You know what else I learned at the World Series? Pitching. You need killer STARTING PITCHING. Nothing matters more. Nothing. Clutch hitting is only clutch if the game is close. The game is close because starting pitchers keep it that way. You can’t “Hang a Star” unless the ball is in the field of play. Starting pitchers keep it there – or nestled deep in the leathery bosom of the catcher’s mitt after a strikeout. Fact: The Nationals were 10-0 in playoff games started by Max Scherzer or Stephen Strasburg. Strasburg playoff stats: Record 5-0; Innings Pitched 36.1; Strikeouts per 9 Innings (K/9) 11.6; Walks Plus Hits per Inning (WHIP) 0.94; Earned Run Average (ERA) 1.98. Scherzer playoff stats: Record 3-0; Innings Pitched 30.0; Strikeouts per 9 Innings (K/9) 11.1; Walks Plus Hits per Inning (WHIP) 1.20; Earned Run Average (ERA) 2.40. Fact: The most important comeback victories for the Nationals during their
playoff and World Series run occurred when the games were still tantalizingly close. The Nats trailed the Milwaukee Brewers 3-1 in the eighth inning of the Wild Card game; they trailed the Los Angeles Dodgers 3-1 in the eighth inning of Game 5 of the National League Division Series; and the Nats trailed the Astros (107 wins and 60 at Minute Maid Park) 2-0 after six innings in Game 7 of the World Series. Games that are close and low scoring provide hope. Everyone on the bench knows a big hit is out there -- which isn’t the case if the score is 9-6 and big hits have come and gone and the score is still lopsided. Stellar starting pitching takes the pressure off the bullpen. Relievers don’t start fretting and getting itchy feet in the fourth inning. Needless warmups are less frequent. Roles are defined; specialization situations evolve before a right-hander or left-hander’s eyes. Managers seek the best situations for success. Dominant starting pitchers create them for relievers. Bulldog starters can also create a halo effect – improving the inning-eating potential of rotation arms not as blessed with talent and grit. Scherzer and Strasburg made Nats starters Anibal Sanchez and Patrick Corbin better and more resilient through the regular season and playoffs. More importantly, brilliant starting pitching can make a lost season come up found. On May 24, the Nationals were 19-31 and ten games behind the Bryce Harper-led Philadelphia Phillies and General Manager Mike Rizzo was being grilled about his likeable but seemingly inept skipper Dave Martinez. Two days before that, Washington’s Svengali of baseball writing, Thomas Boswell, posed the lurking question: “…if I were asked whether the Nats should fire Martinez, I would, unhappily and with a sincere desire to be proved wrong, say, ‘Probably.’” The Nats didn’t fire Martinez. The team went 74-38 for the remainder of the season and I am now writing a column about their insanely improbable World Series run. The team found its dugout groove, adopted “Baby Shark” and banked on the most bankable of all baseball assets – starting pitching. Hey, Major! This column is about the Padres, right? This column HAS been about the Padres. To describe the World Series and the Nats’ dominant starting pitching is to describe exactly what the Padres lack. Now that I have been to the World Series, I know what we are missing. Having seen
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the unbridled joy in the eyes of my daughter (who joined me at Games 4 and 5), I know what San Diego can enjoy. I have heard the roar. I have felt the taut and tingling sensation of watching a grounder become an inning-ending double play. I know what it means to go five hours without food and beer – it means you’re at the World Series! I want this so badly for San Diego. I want my hometown to know what I now know. I can taste it like salt in the surf. We are not close. Jurickson Profar doesn’t get us closer. Neither does Tommy Pham. Decent additions, yes, but far from decisive. What has the club done to address its potential-rich/performance-thin starting rotation? Kyle Barraclough. Chih-Wei Hu. Jimmy Yacabonis. Pierce Johnson. Unless and until something else happens, these ditherings are not meaningful enough to criticize. The Padres’ rotation needs horses. So far, this hot stove season has produced nothing but steamy horse dung. Don’t tell me Chris Paddack, Garrett Richards and Zach Davies will ride to the rescue. They can’t and won’t. Paddack is the best of the lot but he was 9-7 last year (3.33 ERA and 0.98). In his mediocre career, Richards has won six more games than he’s lost (3.60 ERA and 1.26 WHIP). Davies has won eleven more games than he’s lost (3.91 ERA and 1.30 WHIP). Taken together they put the “lite” in “Elite.” Great pitching solves everything – EVERYTHING. It doesn’t remove the randomness of baseball. It doesn’t erase bad-hop grounders. It doesn’t solve batting slumps. It doesn’t compensate for bad umpires, nasty weather or lineup busting injuries. But it makes all of those problems/realities manageable. Starting pitching can save a foundering season. Starting pitching can give you the edge in every playoff game. Starting pitching can win a World Series – even when you lose every home game. That’s what I learned at the World Series. *Editor Note: Major Garrett hyperlinked further reading in his column, read this same column with the links at www.ClairemontTimes.com Major Garrett was born and raised in Clairemont, is Chief White House Correspondent for CBS News, host of “The Takeout” podcast and author of the book “Mr. Trump’s Wild Ride: The Thrills, Chills, Screams and Occasional Blackouts of His Extraordinary First Year in Office.” Note: Major included a number of YouTube clips from the movie. Visit www.ClairemontTimes.com for the extended version of this article.
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The Clairemont Times • January 2020 • 11
Insulation from Constructive Criticism Is a Prerequisite for Failure Are Only the Rich Welcome in California? Commentary Louis Rodolico
How many times have you seen an
individual or organization stubbornly refuse to listen to those around them? Sincere people telling them flat out what they are doing wrong. Only to witness with dull surprise as that individual or organization fails. Many, if not most of us, have been saying for some time that we are not building enough affordable and low-income housing. Vacancies are at an historical low, see: https://journal.firsttuesday.us/nobodys-ho me-california-residential-vacancy-rates/709 4/ Who wants to work in a state where you have to live in your car or in a box? Individuals with earning power, but not enough to qualify for the small amount of low-cost housing available are leaving California. Over 15,000 are leaving California each month. California is set to lose a congressional seat after the 2020 census. Census Link: https://www.census.gov/data/tables/time-s eries/demo/geographic-mobility/state-to-st ate-migration.html So that does not add up, people leaving, but a shortage of housing? The controversy over the citizen census question drove immigrants to blue states like California therefore putting pressure on the availability of low-cost housing. Red states may boast their Christian values, but they support politicians who drive immigrants out. Immigrants have always invigorated America and progressive states like California will invariably reap the benefits. But for now we need to add low cost housing (also known as inclusionary housing, which includes affordable
housing and low income housing). Unfortunately, the government continues to provide paths for developers to build an excess of luxury housing. California put in the requirement that 10% of all new housing needs to be inclusionary.
However, there is a back door where developers can pay a low In-Lieu fee to sidestep this requirement. Housing construction costs about $250 per square foot. So, you would think that when a developer ops out of inclusionary housing then the In-Lieu fee should be around $250 per square foot, or greater if you include the cost of land. In the city of San Diego, it is $12 per square foot and developers routinely opt out. This has resulted in ½% of inclusionary housing being built with the current In-Lieu fees, not 10%, see graphic. It is not just the City of San Diego that does this. Other California cities do as well and each city has its own unique set of legislative requirements which makes it almost impossible to compare them. The state can level the field by setting minimum In-Lieu fees at about $250 per square foot, thereby not leaving it to the discretion of local governing authorities. Further; In-Lieu fees should be indexed to inflation and be adjusted to reflect local construction and land costs. I for one do not espouse to a society where we live in luxury or in a box. By not providing low cost housing we harm the most vulnerable among us and we will continue to erode California’s future middle class. We are wealthy enough to resolve this failure. We should give our elected representatives more leeway to resolve this issue. We need to override the excessive influence of lobbyists and big money here in San Diego. Louis Rodolico is a Candidate for District 1 City Council louisrodolico.com
Fire Safe Council Starting Up in University City South Louis Rodolico
Fire Safe Councils (FSC) are set up by the county of San Diego. Each council addresses the needs of the community they serve. They foster fire prevention and safety throughout the county, while encouraging community involvement. You can visit the county website at: http://firesafesdcounty.org/ The Fire Safe Council of University City South (FSCUCS) border will be; I-5, Rose Canyon, I-805 and Route 52. There was discussion about including North University City which is North of Rose Canyon, but that was rejected for now. However, as the FSCUCS organization grows, it could be included later, or North UC may start an FSC which would be specific to that area of the city. At the December FSCUCS meeting one attendee gave a comprehensive analysis of evacuation routes and recommended a video titled; “Fire in Paradise”. Another attendee brought a pyramid graphic prioritizing what residents need to know and do. A retired fire official educated us about some of the things we did not know, such as how the time of day of a fire can affect planning.
Residents who have emergency and fire expertise will have much to offer any Fire Safety Council. The unfinished road system in South UC will make it difficult to exit the community in a conflagration. So, it is important to start the process of identifying all the Class A Fire Resistant buildings in South UC so residents can ride out a conflagration within their community. We will eventually need to identify those who need assistance and make arrangements for issues like; positioning gasoline vehicles a safe distance from structures used for areas of refuge during a conflagration. This South UC group is in its infancy. If you are interested in supporting or joining The Fire Safe Council of University City South contact; Jemma Samala: jemmasamala@gmail.com or Diane Ahern: ahern.diane@gmail.com If you want to find a Fire Safe Council in your area, or would like to know more about starting one up contact: Fire Safe Council of San Diego County, 11769 Waterhill Road Lakeside, CA 92040 Email: info@rcdsandiego.org Tel: 619-562-0096
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12 • The Clairemont Times • January 2020
Home Bank of California Announces New Business Banking Segment Expertise you want, Service you deserve The Clairemont Times PO Box 17671 San Diego, CA 92177 (858) 752-9779 Founding Publisher: Chris O’Connell Advertising (858) 752-9779 Graphic Designer: Elaine Hall Contributors: Allura Garis Major Garrett Susan Lewitt Owen Megura Lauren & Josh Rains Louis Rodolico Robert Ross Tanya Sawhney Bill Swank Marge Weber Intern: Owen Megura 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 ©2011-20 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:
Home Bank of California, a locally owned and managed community bank since 1981, is run by President and CEO Bob Bray. Mr. Bray has been with the bank for 38 years working his way up from a branch manager to CEO and President. Prior to Home Bank of California, which he joined in 1982, Mr. Bray had a successful career with finance companies prior to which he serviced his country in the Navy as an airplane mechanic. Mr. Bray was instrumental in the overall growth and success of the bank that it continues to enjoy today. Under Mr. Bray’s leadership, the decision was made to launch a new segment of the already successful bank offerings. Home Bank of California will leverage its long running success as a Commercial Real Estate expert by establishing a Business Banking segment. This segment will be supported by the same advantages of local decision making, convenience and flexibility to meet the needs of local businesses. “We have been planning this for some time and are excited to support our local businesses. San Diego businesses want and deserve a bank that works with them daily to provide what they need to be successful, not a large corporate bank that is headquartered in other cities or States without local authority.” said Bob Bray, President and CEO of Home Bank of California. To run this new division, Mr. Bray hired Christy Schmitt, a native San Diegan and veteran Business Bank Manager with
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40 years business banking experience. With Christy’s strong management, Home Bank of California will continue with its stable growth and hometown service. “Home Bank of California is known for its seasoned real estate lenders with a deep understanding of the San Diego market. Now our staff is positioned to provide all
products and services to support all our client’s business needs.” Many customers have already enjoyed the banks high yield interest rates on savings deposits. In addition, many have benefited with commercial real estate financing flexibility that allows mixed and alternative collateral options. With property values at an all-time high, it gives younger businesses more borrowing power. In celebration of this new banking segment, HBC will be offering a special cash bonus offer up to $500 to all new businesses who open a checking account, interested businesses can call the bank for
details. Mr. Byron Webb, Chairman and Owner, emphasis’ “since 1981, Home Bank of California has been serving the San Diego community. From our headquarters in Kearny Mesa we provide expertise you want, service you deserve. We offer a wide array of deposit and lending products to business customers. Home Bank of California provides business banking services to meet your every business need. We are a seasoned real estate lender with a deep understanding of the San Diego market.”
Businesses are tired of being treated like a number. Mr. Bray and Ms. Schmitt feel it is time for a bank to focus on its community and support those businesses within it with the service and respect they deserve. The staff at the bank has the experience and knowledge of what it takes to grow a business and the value that hard work provides here in San Diego. Founded in 1981, Home Bank of California is located at: 4493 Ruffin Road, San Diego CA 92123 Hours of Operation: Monday-Thursday 9-5pm Friday 9-6 pm Saturday/Sunday -Closed Website: www.hbc.bank
Navy Old Town Campus (OTC) Revitalization The Navy has activated a new website to share information about ongoing plans to revitalize 70.5 acres of Navy-owned property at their Old Town Campus (OTC) to support the development of modern, state-of-the-art facilities for the Naval Information Warfare Systems Command (NAVWAR). The Navy is committed to robust
public outreach and encourages all members of the public to participate in this project. Our new website is just the first step in that effort. More information about the Navy OTC Revitalization project can be found by visiting the project website: www.NAVWAR-Revitalization.com
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The Clairemont Times • January 2020 • 13
Very Easy to Grow Groundcovers: Sages by Susan Lewitt
Hyacinth, Chamise, Penstemon species and many wildflowers. Black sage grows with As a biodiversity hot spot, it isn’t Coast Live Oak, Scrub Oak, Wooly Blue surprising how many native plants, Curls, Climbing Penstemon, Coastal including ground covers, occur in San Sagebrush, Holly Leaf Redberry, and Diego. With all the Manzanita. exotic species that These plants have have been been very useful to introduced, the Native Americans. richness of our Every part of Black native biodiversity is Sage can be used. It endangered. To has a strong aroma support San Diego’s and many medicinal rich native qualities. Sages are biodiversity, plant anti-inflammatory, native plants in your relieve pain and garden, and why have been infused not start with native into baths to relieve ground covers? arthritis. They help ease colic, coughs and Many Sages (Salvia spp) occur in San irritated throats as a tea along with white Diego, such as Cleveland Sage, Chia, sage and honey. Black sage has also been Thistle Sage, and Purple Sage. Two species used to calm irritations canker sores, and that grow effortlessly are White Sage (Salvia mouth ulcers, plus fight infections. apiana) and Black Sage (Salvia mellifera), This amazing plant is antibacterial, both mounding antimicrobial, an shrubs. White Sage astringent and nerve reaches up to 5 ft relaxer. The bitter tall and 6 ft wide, leaves help with Black Sage gets a bit digestive issues bigger. Black sage including may be evergreen, constipation. but both are Processing fats and considered summer oils are aided by use semi deciduous, in cooking such as blooming from in this recipe called winter to summer. Photos of Black and White Sage courtesy of Calscape “Mama Maiz Black Both sages have white Sage Dressing” made flowers, but Black sage has flowers with blue up of a pinch each of salt and pepper, 1 full and lavender. They grow in full sun, and a garlic clove finely chopped, 3-4 Black Sage variety of soils with fast to medium leaves, ground up together and mixed into drainage. Black sage does well in sandstone, olive oil with half a lime and optional shale, granite, serpentinite, and gabbro or amino acids. basalt. After they are Sages also help established, White with menopausal sage can take once and menstrual monthly summer symptoms, but watering and Black shouldn’t be used if sage twice monthly you’re pregnant or summer watering. nursing as it slows They’re used for milk production. bank stabilization, White sage, sacred groundcovers, to Native hedges, bee, Americans, tied up butterfly and bird in a bundle and gardens including burned like incense, hummingbirds. has been used for Both are deer smudging, a resistant. These plants draw in Alfalfa ceremonial process which rids people, places Looper Moths and Bilobed Looper Moths. and objects of negative energy. White sage is liked by the Wavy Emerald Moth and Hawaiian Beet Worm Moth, as Learn more at CNPS Native Plant well as attracting Carpenter Bees and Society’s workshop: Bumble Bees. Black Sage attracts many Integrating Sustainable Practices into other native insects to your garden, Your Native Garden especially bees, and butterflies. Quail and Saturday, January 25, 2020, 9:00 AM to Towhees are attracted to the Black Sage 3:00 PM Museum of Photographic Arts, seed. Balboa Park, These sages make good companions for Registration: General Online: $50, Door each other. Other natives that work with Tickets (if available): $50. them include California buckwheat, The 200 available tickets will sell out, so California Encelia, cactus species, and Yucca buy them now! More Native Plant species. Plants that work with White Sage Information: include California Sage Brush, Wild Calscape (https://www.calscape.org/).
Tecolote Nature Center
5180 Tecolote Road San Diego, CA 92110 • 858-581-9944 Park Ranger Office 858-581-9961 Monday – Closed, Tuesday –Saturday 9:00-4:00, Sunday 9:00-2:00
Wednesday, December 18 9:00-11:00 Marian Bear Park Walk Sunday, January 12 8:00 AM Fitness Hike with Cali 4 Fitness -FREE! Stay motivated and keep your New Year’s resolution! Enjoy a fun fitness hike with our neighbors and friends from Cali 4 Fitness. Meet at the Tecolote Nature Center. Bring water and sun protection. Wednesday, January 15 1:30-3:00 Art & Activities for Kids- Free! Make nature friends. Get crafty and creative! Saturday, January 18 9:00-11:00 Weed Warriors Help is needed in the restoration and revegetation areas. Wear long pants and sturdy shoes. No flip flops please. Bring sun protection and a refillable water bottle. * Arrive early to get a good parking spot. Saturday, January 25 8:00 am Audubon Society Birding Walk All skill levels welcome! Audubon volunteers on hand to guide you. Canyon Compadres Volunteer Group 9:00 am – 11:00 Every other Wednesday Call Ranger Cameron for dates and locations. 858-581-9961 *The nature center will be closed on January 1st * Inclement weather may cancel activities Activities are posted at www.meetup.com/Friends of Tecolote Canyon Natural Park and Nature Center. Like us on Facebook/Friends of Tecolote Canyon www.friendsoftecolotecanyon.org
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14 • The Clairemont Times • January 2020
HEALTH & WELLNESS ADVANCED PODIATRY WITH A PERSONAL TOUCH Walter Jolley, D.P.M 5222 Balboa Avenue, Suite 41 San Diego, CA 92117 858-560-0390 • Board Certified Foot and Ankle Surgery • Serving Clairemont for 30 Years • Treating all Painful Foot Conditions • Toenails to Major Deformities
Estate Planning for Safe Deposit Boxes
by Dick McEntyre and Chris von der Lieth, Attorneys at Law
Safe deposit boxes, which are located in a financial institution’s vault, are typically used by individuals to store important items, such as jewelry, coins, and certain documents like a title to a car, will, or declaration of trust. Most people do not fully understand the nature of the agreement between the institution and themselves for use of the box or the ramifications of naming themselves and/or additional people on it. A safe deposit box is rented under a lease agreement with a financial institution. So, although you might say informally that you have, or own, a safe deposit box, you are really just renting it—usually for an
annual fee—from the institution. Typically, the number of named renters under a rental agreement is limited to four, and a maximum of two keys will be provided regardless of how many renters are listed. Under the simplest scenario, you would rent a box in solely your name. So long as you are alive, this is satisfactory, because as the sole renter, you would be the only one with access to the box and its contents. However, if you die, the executor of your estate will have to either petition the local court for a probate administration to obtain letters testamentary to gain access to your box – very expensive and time-consuming – or will have to furnish a small estate affidavit where the contents of your box, together with any other assets in your estate, are worth less than a total of $150,000. Where it is unknown if a deceased renter of a safe deposit box had left a will or a trust, there is a special “access rule” under California Probate Code Section 331 which allows an individual to search the contents of the box for a will or declaration of trust. The search must be performed under the supervision of the financial
How to Help Avoid the Flu by Dr. John Chang
A sore throat. A headache. Body aches. A persistent cough. We’ve all had those symptoms and it’s easy to immediately chalk it up to a common cold. But what if it’s a more serious virus, like the flu? Last year’s widespread influenza season was the longest in 10 years, lasting 21 weeks and infecting more than 37 million Americans. Preliminary results estimate the flu killed between 36,400 and 61,200 people, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). It also resulted in nearly 650,000 hospitalizations. Consider these tips on how to help yourself and those around you manage the flu season. 1. Don’t wait. Get vaccinated. Flu season continues through the winter and well into spring. Getting a flu
shot right away is a good step to help protect yourself, your family and those around you. To find a list of flu vaccine providers near you, visit the CDC’s Flu Vaccine Finder (https://www.cdc.gov/flu/freeresources/flufinder-widget.html). Keep in mind that it will take your body about two weeks after vaccination to develop protection against flu. 2. Avoid spreading germs. To help avoid spreading germs, wash your hands regularly and cover your mouth (with the inside of your elbow, not your hands) when you cough or sneeze. A sneeze ejects 100,000 viral particles into the air that can travel 200 feet. 3. Feeling symptoms? Check it out. If you think you might have the flu, even if you received a flu shot, call your primary care physician, visit a convenience
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institution’s employee, and the individual must provide the institution with identification, a death certificate for the decedent, and a key for the box. If there is a will or a declaration of trust, the institution can make a photocopy of it, and have you put the copy in the box and keep the original (in the case of a will, the original must be deposited with the local superior court). No other contents of the box can be removed under this procedure. Perhaps by your will you have left your estate to your three children, but you named only one of them as a renter on the box along with yourself in order to provide that child access should you die or become unable to get into the box. This could result in some unfortunate consequences. Your child would have unfettered access to the box and could remove all its contents, claiming falsely that you intended the contents were his alone. One remedy providing for both uninterrupted access to the box and assuring that the contents will pass on your death to your intended beneficiaries is to make sure you have set up a living trust for yourself, and specify therein who is/are to receive the contents of the box on your death. In the rental agreement you would designate as the renter yourself in your care retail clinic or urgent care clinic, or schedule a virtual visit. Treatment for any viral illness starts with lots of rest, liquids and acetaminophen or aspirin (though aspirin should not be given to children). People who are very sick or at high risk for serious flu complications may be treated with antiviral drugs such as oseltamivir, commonly known by the brand name Tamiflu. Your primary care physician can assess whether an antiviral medication is right for you. 4. If you’re sick, stay home. If you suspect you have the flu, stay home to prevent spreading it to others. Most healthy adults may be able to infect others one day before symptoms appear and up to seven days after becoming sick. 5. Know your risk level. The flu is of greatest concern for the very young, the very old or those with co-existing medical conditions. Here are some examples of groups at risk and the
capacity as trustee of your trust. This way, only you would have access to the box during your life. When you die, your successor trustee could then go to the financial institution with the appropriate paperwork – a death certificate for you and a copy of your declaration of trust – and become the new renter of the box as your successor trustee. Since your trustee has fiduciary responsibilities to carry out the terms of your trust, and the trust directs the disposition of the contents of your box, your successor trustee should carry out your disposition objectives without hesitation. The above statements are not to be taken as legal advice for the reader’s particular situation Happy New Year! Now would be a great time to review your existing estate planning documents and make necessary or desired changes, or to create estate planning documents for the first time. Richard F. McEntyre practices law in the area of estate planning and administration, having served the San Diego community as a lawyer for over 40 years. Chris von der Lieth is Dick’s associate lawyer, having worked with Dick for over 6 years. Affordable rates. Highest quality services. House calls available. Our office is conveniently located at 2615 Camino Del Rio South, Suite 101 (Telephone (619) 221-0279); www.richardfmcentyre.com.
steps they should consider taking when symptoms begin: • Pregnant women should contact their obstetricians to report their symptoms. • People with diabetes, particularly those using insulin who develop difficult-to-control glucose levels, should contact their physician at first symptoms of the flu. • Those with weakened immune systems should alert their physician of their flu symptoms. • Those experiencing an increasing shortness of breath, especially people with chronic asthma or heart failure, should go to an emergency room for treatment. Symptoms of a cold are often similar to the flu. Make sure you know what to look for and when it’s time to see a doctor or go to an urgent care clinic before it becomes serious. Dr. John Chang is a senior medical director for UnitedHealthcare
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The Clairemont Times • January 2020 • 15
Community Meetings Open to the Public (Locations & Times Subject to Change)
Clairemont Town Council (1st Thursday) 6:30pm Clairemont High School 4150 Ute Dr. 92117
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Clairemont Community Planning Group 1/21/20 (3rd Tuesday) 6:00pm Alcott Elementary 4680 Hidalgo Ave. 92117 Linda Vista Town Council 1/16/20 (3rd Thursday) 6:00pm Revere Center 6735 Gifford Way, 92111 Linda Vista Planning Group 1/27/20 (4th Monday) 5:30pm Linda Vista Library 2160 Ulric St. 92111
Useful Local Project Websites
Advertising Sales Person(s) Wanted If you or someone you know is looking for a p/t or f/t job we are looking to hire ad sales reps. The ideal candidate is someone who is outgoing and ambitious and looking to supplement their income. The hours are very flexible. Sales experience is preferred.
Please feel free to call or email Chris O’Connell at (858) 752-9779 or Chris@ClairemontTimes.com. This is a heavy commission sales position.
City of San Diego www.SanDiego.gov For Updates/Documents & General Information on Morena Blvd/Balboa Area www.BalboaStationPlan.org
DIRECTORY
For Updates on the Future Sherriff Crime Lab Property www.SDHCD.org For Updates on the Clairemont Community Plan Update www.ClairemontPlan.org For Updates on the MidCoast Trolley www.SANDAG.org/MidCoast For updates on Transportation & Infrastructure Projects in UTC/Golden Triangle www.ShiftSanDiego.com PureWater Projects Updates/Construction Notices www.PureWaterSD.com
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Police 911
Non-Emergency (619) 531-2000
Fire 911
Non-Emergency (619) 533-4300
Mayor Faulconer
(619) 236-6330
District 2 Councilmember Dr. Jen Campbell
(619) 236-6622
District 6 Councilmember Chris Cate
(619) 236-6616
District 7 Councilmember Scott Sherman
(619) 236-6677
City of SD Pothole & Graffiti Hotline
(619) 527-7500
Trash Collection Environmental Services
(858) 694-7000
SD County Animal Services (24 hour hotline)
(619) 236-2341
SDG&E
(800) 411-7343
SD County Water Authority
(858) 522-6600
Metropolitan Transit System
(619) 231-1466
Cathy Hopper Friendship Senior Center
(858) 483-4005
Clairemont Times Newspaper
(858) 752-9779
www.ClairemontTimes.com
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16 • The Clairemont Times • January 2020
LIBRARY EVENTS All San Diego Public Library Branches Closed: New Year’s Day & January 20th for Martin Luther King Jr. Day NORTH CLAIREMONT BRANCH 4616 CLAIREMONT DR. 92117 (858) 581-9931
Adult Programs Beginning Chess Club Tuesdays 3:30pm Practice your chess skills or learn to play the game Play Scrabble 1/7, 1/14 & 1/28 5pm 1/9 & 1/30 1pm Meditation Class 1/8 1:30pm Relax after the holidays. Every 2nd Wednesday in the months to come. Friends of the Library Book 1/11 9:30-1pm Celebrates the New Year with a gigantic inventory sale this month. Find affordable books and movies of all sorts and for all ages. Proceeds support library programs and facilities. Thank you! Book Chat Third Tuesday at 1 p.m. Zentangle Workshop: Snowflake Project 1/16 1pm Enjoy some more relaxing, “you” time at our workshop while creating. Explore your creativity through the use of patterns in a fun environment. Murder Mysteries: All About the Genre 1/23 1pm The game is afoot. Children’s Programs Sign Language Story Time (recommended for ages 0-5 years) – Mondays at 10am Story Time (recommended for ages 0-5 years) – Mondays at 11am Pajama Story Time (recommended for ages 0-5 years) – Wednesdays at 6:30pm Beginning Chess Club (ages 7 years-adult) - Tuesdays 3:30pm Lego Builders’ Club (ages 3-8 years) Saturdays 11-3pm Love on a Leash (ages 3-8 years) – Second Saturdays at 10:30am Do Your Homework at the Library (grades 3-8) Mondays through Thursdays begins at 3pm BALBOA BRANCH 4255 MT. ABERNATHY AVE, 92117 (858) 573-1390
Happy New Year! Start off the new year and new decade with Balboa Branch Library! We will continue to offer our usual wonderful selection of events for the community. Experience fun and educational programs for all ages. We look forward to seeing you! Ongoing 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten! A Literacy Program for Pre-readers! Yes, this is possible to accomplish by reading one book a day to be finished in 3 years!
Keep a log and earn rewards! Contact library staff for more information. Special Programs Litera-SEA Winter Reading Challenge: January 1st – January 31st, 2020 Cast off for San Diego Public Library’s first ever Litera-SEA Winter Reading Challenge! For readers of all ages – including adults! Anchors Aweigh! Read 5 books or 5 hours to claim your prizes. Sail away into a great book! Online sign-up begins January 1st. Winter Wildlife Park Ranger Presentation & Craft at the Library 1/25 1pm Calling all nature explorers! Join us for a special program with Park Ranger James Ibelle from the Open Space Canyons. Learn about local wildlife that can be encountered during the winter. All welcome! Children’s and Teen’s Programs Lego Club: Mondays 4-5pm (except 1/20) Build your LEGO masterpiece. We supply the LEGO’s and you supply the imagination! [Pre-K - 6th grade] Homework Help Wednesdays, except 1/1 1:30-3pm Bring in your homework questions and our tutor can assist you. [K – 8th grade] Great Read-Aloud w/ Miss Chris Wednesdays, except 1/1, 6pm Enjoy listening to entertaining stories while practicing listening skills and celebrating the love of reading. (K – 2nd grade) Wee Reads for Baby & Toddler: Fridays 1/3, 1/10 & 1/17 10:30am Enjoy stories, rhymes, music, and playtime. (Birth – 5 yrs.) Kids’ Krafternoon Saturdays, except 1/25, 1-2pm. Create your own fun craft at the library to take home and enjoy. (K – 4th grade) Preschool Storytime and Craft: Jan 1 & 1/16 10am Listen to a terrific story and then make a story-based craft. Geared toward preparing preschoolers for Kindergarten success. (Preschool – 5 yrs.) Signing Storytime With Miss Jennifer 1/9 & 1/23 10am Miss Jennifer uses sign language to enhance the reading of beloved children’s picture books. Includes sing-a-longs and bubble time too! (Birth – 5 yrs.) Youth Book Discussion 1/10 3:45-4:45 Read “The Leaving” by Tara Altebrando and then join us for a lively book discussion. Copies available for checkout. Sign up required. (7th – 9th grade) Paws to Read 1/14 6pm Children are invited to read stories to adorable Love on a Leash therapy dogs. They love listening to stories - read by You! [Pre-K – 4th grade] Make a Project at the Library: Photo Flip Calendar with Miss Parween 1/15 3:30-4:30pm All supplies provided. Sign up required.
(3rd – 5th grade) Drop in and Play 1/24 & 1/31 10:30-11:30am Enjoy playtime with babies and toddlers in a relaxed atmosphere while getting to know other families in the community. (Birth – 5 yrs.) Children’s Book Discussion 1/24 3:45-4:45 Read “The Wild Robot” by Peter Brown and then join us for a lively book discussion. Copies available for checkout. Sign up required. (3rd – 6th grade) Pajama Signing Storytime with Miss Jennifer 1/28 6pm Visit the library in your comfy pajamas while Miss Jennifer uses and teaches sign language to enhance the reading of beloved children’s picture books. Includes bubble time too! (Birth – 5 yrs.) Adults’ Programs ESL - Adult Beginning English: Wednesdays except 1/1 12-2pm Geared toward newcomers learning English. Adult Writers Group: Thursdays, except 1/2, 1:45 – 2:45pm Participate in writing exercises designed to help call forth your talents. Tech Tutoring: Saturdays, 12:30-1:30 One-on-One appointments for tech assistance now available every Saturday. Bring your own device. Sign-up required – call or come in. Healthy & Fit Adults 1/6 & 1/13 11:15-noon Join us for this educational and relaxing fitness program presented by Lois Schenker. Stitching Circle 1/7 & 1/14 2-3:30pm Bring your knitting, crocheting, and other stitching projects to the library. Instruction may be included. Balboa Book Discussion Club 1/21 11:45-12:45 Read “Closed Casket” by Sophie Hannah, the new Agatha Christie murder mystery featuring famed detective Hercule Poirot, and then join us for a lively and thought-provoking book discussion. Copies available for checkout. CLAIREMONT BRANCH 2920 BURGENER BLVD, 92110 (858) 581-9935
Little Ones Preschool Storytime Tuesdays 11:30am & Fridays 10:30am Fun preschool stories &with Miss Joyce with simple craft afterwards. NEW: Fridays at 10:30am. Join us for songs, games, and stories. Children and their chaperones are invited to stay and play after story time! Sunset Storytime Wednesdays 1/8, 1/15 & 1/22 6:30pm Join us for Sunset Storytime! Bring a blanket and settle into the evening with songs, games, and stories at our outdoor (as weather permits) Sunset Storytime. All
families are encouraged to attend! Sign Language Storytime Thursdays 1/16 10:30 Children and their caregivers can learn ASL sign language while hearing great stories! Presented by Jennifer Duncan. Baby & Toddler Storytime with Stay & Play Jan 2, 9, 23 & 30 10:30am Miss Joyce leads a fun story time with stories, songs and play! Kids & Teens Game Time Thursdays 3pm Break out the board games for a little tabletop fun! Kids Craft Club Thursdays 4pm Craft time has something new every time! Adults Literary Book Club 1/8 6pm The Book Club will be discussing, “Great Believers” by Rebecca Makkai. Make Your Own Book! 1/28 6pm Now is your chance to learn simple binding techniques and make a book of your own. Make one for yourself or create a unique gift for someone else! Space is limited so contact the library to reserve your place. Friends Free Concert Series: Jimmy & Enrique 1/29 6pm The Friends of the Clairemont Library present a monthly free concert featuring talented local musicians. Their music can be described as having an international flair as they incorporate flamenco, middle-eastern, salsa, calypso, Brazilian, and other world rhythms into their compositions and arrangements. Jimmy Patton, a nationally acclaimed guitarist claimed the title of “Best Unsigned Guitarist in the Nation” in 2001, defeating over 3,000 guitarists across the entire United States in “Guitarmageddon”, a Guitar Center sponsored competition. He is renowned for his ability to play two separate guitars at the same time, playing both melody and accompaniment parts simultaneously. Enrique Platas, is an independent drummer and percussionist originally from Mexico City who now resides in San Diego. As a graduate of the Tech of Monterrey in Querétaro, Enrique has become an accomplished session and touring drummer in both the United States and Mexico. All Ages Chinese New Year Celebration 1/24 10:30am Come to celebrate Chinese New Year with a special Lion Dance (Dancing Dragon) 3D Printer—Clairemont Library’s own 3D printer is available for use by interested young people and adults. We have yet to set up regular open times but those interested in printing something can talk to library staff for details. Designs should be saved as .STL files. To see thousands of pre-made designs go to www.thingiverse.com. Prints should take less than two hours.
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The Clairemont Times • January 2020 • 17
Election Voting Procedures for the Presidential Primary – March 3, 2020 by Michael Dwyer
Next year we will have a Primary election on Tuesday, March 3, 2020. It is also a Presidential Primary, meaning we have an additional section on the ballot to vote. You may recall that the 2016 Presidential primary was held in June that year. Since then the California legislature decided that California should participate in a Super Tuesday election such as year 2020 where 15 states are voting on the same day. Thus the earlier voting date for the California primary. This article is not going to review the Presidential (or other candidates) or preview the few propositions that will appear on the single sheet March ballot. The procedures for voting the regular part of the primary ballot are the same as usual - highest two candidates move on to the General election in November. Every voter votes all sections of the ballot, except for President. Voters vote by mail, at a polling location, at the Registrar of Voters offices, or at one of four new satellite voting locations. For the Presidential vote, there are different, but not new, procedures. Basically, voting for the President is by party, where voters can only select among candidates of the party they are registered with. There are six official parties – American Independent Party, Democrat, Libertarian, Green, Peace & Freedom and Republican. So, if you are registered with one of these, that party’s candidates are the only candidates you can vote for. If you would like to vote for another party’s candidate, you’ll have to re-register with that party. You can do that by visiting https://registertovote.ca.gov/ at the office of Secretary of State. Click “Register to Vote Now”. You’ll need your California Driver’s License number and other personal data to continue. For these ballots, you can also vote all other candidates and propositions on the rest of the ballot. If you are registered non-partisan, decline to state, etc. and do not request a crossover ballot, your non-partisan ballot will not have Presidential candidates. For this type of ballot, you can vote all other candidates and propositions on the rest of the ballot. If you are registered as non-partisan and wish to vote the Presidential ballot for the Green, Peace & Freedom or Republican party, you’ll need to re-register with that specific party as above. However, three of the official parties allow non-partisan voters to ‘crossover’ and temporarily vote their party candidates. They are the American Independent Party, Democrat and Libertarian parties. For these ballots, you can also vote all other candidates and propositions on the rest of the ballot.
Note that if you are a non-partisan voter and select to crossover to the Democrat party to vote their ballot, you will receive a special, shorter ballot, one that does not contain Democrat Central Committee candidates. In preparation for the March Primary, there are some deadlines and ACTION items for voters to know. ACTION: All voters should check and confirm they are registered properly with the correct address (in case you moved in 2019) and correct party. If you’ve read the news, you know that the DMV mis-registered tens of thousands of voter registrations. Recently our Registrar of Voters (ROV) sent all voters a postcard listing the information on file (name, address, party) so voters could check to see that it was correct. If the record needs to be updated, the voter needs to re-register with the Secretary of State as above. If you have misplaced or trashed the postcard, you can check your record at https://www.sdvote.com/ and select “Check Your Voter Registration” on the right side. Enter a few personal items and view your record on file. Or you can call the ROV at 1-858-565-5800. If the record is not correct, the voter will need to re-register with the Secretary of State as above. If you are a non-partisan voter and wish to receive a ‘crossover’ ballot in the mail and vote temporarily for candidates from either the American Independent, Democrat or Libertarian party, there is a DEADLINE of January 6, 2020. You can either return the above postcard with your ballot selection (choose one from non-partisan, American Independent Party, Democrat or Libertarian), or call the Registrar of Voters (1-858-565-5800) on January 2, 3 or 6 to submit your selection of ballot to receive in the mail. This date allows the Registrar to make the necessary entries in their system in time for you to receive the correct ballot in the mail a few days later. As a non-partisan vote-by-mail voter, if you miss the January 6 deadline and receive an incorrect ballot in the mail, just take that ballot to your assigned polling station on election day and exchange it for one you would like to vote. You can also exchange it at a satellite voting location or the Registrar of Voters office starting a few days prior to and including election day. As a non-partisan vote-in-person voter, when you arrive at your assigned polling location, tell the poll worker at check-in which ballot you would like to vote. Watch for more articles next month for such items as how the Registrar of Voters is making it easier for voters to vote. Compiled from web sources of the San Diego Registrar of Voters (sdvote.com), California Secretary of State (https://registertovote.ca.gov/) and Voters Edge (https://votersedge.org/ca with the grateful assistance of Michael Vu, Registrar of Voters, and his staff.
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Advertising Sales Person(s) Wanted If you or someone you know is looking for a p/t or f/t job we are looking to hire ad sales reps. The ideal candidate is someone who is outgoing and ambitious and looking to supplement their income. The hours are very flexible. Sales experience is preferred. Please feel free to call or email Chris O’Connell at (858) 752-9779 or Chris@ClairemontTimes.com. This is a heavy commission sales position.
If you are interested in advertising in the
Clairemont Times CALL Chris O’Connell (858) 752-9779 or Email chris@ClairemontTimes.com
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18 • The Clairemont Times • January 2020
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The Clairemont Times • January 2020 • 19
Garden Fresh Restaurants Names Serra Mesa Resident VP of Supply Chain Operations & Development Garden Fresh Restaurants LLC, known for its 97 Souplantation and Sweet Tomatoes restaurants nationwide, has named Serra Mesa resident Victor Phan as its first-ever Vice President of Supply Chain Operations and Development. As a key member of the executive team, Phan will be in charge of evolving and directing all aspects of the company’s network of 12 food production and commissary kitchen facilities along with nationwide distribution and purchasing. Most recently Phan was Vice President of Supply Chain Operations for Bumble Bee Foods, the largest branded shelf stable seafood company in North America with sales of approximately $1 billion. In his latest role at Bumble Bee Foods he was
responsible for managing the company’s Supply Chain, Operations, Procurement and Data Analytics teams. Prior to joining Bumble Bee Foods in 2009, Phan was a Senior Consultant with KPMG providing M&A advisory services which included performing business valuations, developing strategic plans to support financing, evaluation of goodwill impairment and transfer pricing. Before joining KPMG Phan was a Project Manager with the Department of Defense managing approximately $1 billion in contracts. Phan obtained his MBA from Arizona State University and his B.S. in Computer Engineering from San Diego State University. Garden Fresh Restaurants, operator of 97 restaurants in nine states, serves more than 25 million guests each year and is known for its 50-ft. salad bar, made from scratch soups, hot pastas, freshly baked focaccia pizzas, muffins and desserts. The company is based in San Diego, CA and operates under two brand names: Souplantation and Sweet Tomatoes. For more information, visit www.souplantation.com or www.sweettomatoes.com.
This Clairemont Resident Goes from Meditation Skeptic to Believer - Part II by Robert Ross
In April, I participated in a ten-day Vipassana meditation retreat near Twentynine Palms, California. They feed you, house you, and teach you. And best of all, it’s free, although, you’re encouraged to donate after the ten days. The cuisine is vegetarian. The last hearty meal of the day is at noon. Dinner at 5:00 is fruit and tea. The facility has separate rooms and dorms for approximately ninety participants, divided evenly between men and women. The genders are separated and out of sight of each other. The rules: no talking for ten days—referred to as “Noble Silence.” No smiles as we pass, no waves, or comments on the food. No computers, phones, radios, reading, or writing. Ten days of solitude. The facilities are clean and well-kept. One story buildings painted in desert tones blend into the terrain. My private room was small but adequate with a bathroom, shower, single bed, and a small dresser. We met in the late afternoon, where ground rules were spelled out. First meditation at 4:30 a.m., the days end at 9 p.m. We’re to take part in all meditations. Throughout the discourses, it’s stressed: “You’re here to work.” If you can’t abide by the rules, you’ll be asked to leave. At 6 p.m., the sound of a gong wove its
way through the desert chaparral. It was time for the evening meditation, time to… go to work. Walking to the meditation hall, I noticed most of the participants were in their twenties and thirties. But, there were a handful of older students. In the hall, the majority of the meditators sat on the floor with cushions. Some, like myself, requested a chair. Twenty-five hundred years ago, Siddhartha Gautama, at age twenty-nine, began his quest for enlightenment. Not until age thirty-five did he succeed through meditation. For the next forty-five years, Gautama—The Buddha— taught Vipassana meditation as the path to inner peace. Our teacher for this course, via video recordings, was Satya Narayan Goanka. Before his death in 2013, Goanka had trained thirteen-hundred teachers to conduct Vipassana meditation courses in India, and around the globe. In the evening sessions, we meditated and watched video recordings of Goanka, who, at the time of the recording, appeared to be in his mid-sixties, clean-shaven with golden brown skin, well-groomed silver hair, and a warm smile. For me, the days moved painfully slow—meditate, eat, sleep. Meditate, eat, sleep. All the while, my impatience grew. Thoughts swirled like a desert sandstorm,
City of Encinitas Offers Free Financial Health Workshops by Chris O’Connell
Throughout the course of the month I receive a lot of press releases ... a lot. This one came across and I wondered well this must be for Encinitas residents only. I reached out and confirmed this is for anyone. There may be other workshops closer to Clairemont however, this one came across it is free and there are no obligations. Each of the one-hour workshops will be held from 6-7pm on the third Wednesday of January, February and March at the Encinitas Community Center, 1140 Oakcrest Park Drive, Encinitas. The workshops will educate attendees about topics crucial to personal and family financial health. No strings attached and no pressure, just great information and tools to help you and your family thrive. Light refreshments I don’t want to be here. I want my life back, emails, the news, to come and go as I please. Finally, on the last morning, we met for meditation and to listen to Goanka one last time. After breakfast, I tossed my clothes into luggage, retrieved my phone from the office, dropped a check into in the donation box and made a beeline for the parking lot. At my car, a fellow student loading the car next to me asked, “Well, what do you think? How’d you like it?” “I didn’t want to be here for ten days. In many ways, it was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. But, I think the experience was beneficial. Just can’t put it into words yet.” “This is my second time,” he said. “If I can get in, I’ll be back in October for another one.” After taking a deep breath, I exhaled slowly, “Well, I just might see you here.” At home, as the days unfolded, I noticed that I was doing more house projects, getting things done that had been bugging me for quite a while. I wasn’t necessarily more energetic or enthusiastic, I was just doing more. At the end of the Vipassana course, Goanka recommended that we meditate an hour in the morning and an hour in the evening. Realizing this wasn’t practical, I contemplated my options. Serendipitously, Scripps hospital was offering an eight-week Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction program—three hours, once a week. I signed up, hoping to learn some shorter daily meditations. The Mindfulness course, based on the work of Jon Kabat-Zinn, combined
will be served. The January 15 workshop topic is Cyber Security. Learn to spot social engineering attempts, safer ways to interact through social media, and how to minimize your online risk both at work and at home. The February 19 Behavioral Science and the Concept of S&P Envy presentation will examine the risks that may have an impact on your portfolio objectives and how to mitigate those risks in downside markets. The March 18 workshop topic is Long-Term Care. In this interactive workshop, you’ll learn about your options and how to save money with long-term care discounted plans. Attend all three, or any one of the workshops. For additional information or to RSVP to attend, email encinitasparksandrec@encinitasca.gov or call (760) 633-2740. meditation techniques and lifestyle changes to achieve relief from physical and psychological symptoms, improve energy levels, sleeping patterns, and increase acceptance and compassion for oneself and others. We learned and practiced mindful eating, walking, and an array of meditations from a ten-minute Loving Kindness to a forty-minute Body Scan meditation. After completing both the Vipassana and Mindfulness courses, the benefits were taking hold. I was okay with standing in long grocery lines, felt less impatient, had better sleep and felt more content, happier. And, as my blood pressure went down, I also didn’t berate myself for various screw-ups. On one of the Scripps’s handouts was a quote from Dorothy Hunt, “… Peace is the moment without thinking it should be some other way, that you should feel some other way. That life should unfold according to your plans…” After reading the quote, I knew I had to go back to Twentynine Palms, had to stop resisting and accept the course as it was, surrender to the experience. So, I registered for an upcoming retreat, eager to go with the flow, and prepared to say after ten days that the experience was… well, to say: “it was what it was.” Of course, I’d like it to be pure bliss, but..., it’s going to be what it’s going to be and accepting this fact is what Dorothy Hunt called, Peace. Part I appeared in the July 2019 Clairemont Times Robert Ross can be reached at SanDiegoRoss@Yahoo.com
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619 527 7500
20 • The Clairemont Times • January 2020
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