Clairemont Times July 2014 by Clairemont Times

The

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

V4.E7

News of the Neighborhoods

Reverse Mortgages: Intelligent Retirement Planning Tool by Josh Schwartz

With the baby boomer generation coming of retirement age, reverse mortgages are rapidly becoming a household name among senior homeowners across the country. For most Americans, their home is the single largest asset they own. In fact, nearly half of homeowners age 62 and older have at least 55% of their net worth tied up in home equity. The problem is that most seniors today don’t have the financial means to comfortably retire without having to seriously consider selling their home, or taking out additional loans. Depleted savings, rising medical costs and unanticipated family crises are placing seniors on the brink of financial ruin at a time in their lives where relaxation and family should be the dominant themes. Additionally, Social Security benefits and retirement incomes are no longer sufficient to cover the increasing daily expenses of retirement, leaving millions of seniors being forced to return to the workplace for very little wages. The sacrifice of returning to work results in less time for travel, enjoyment and family, and the increased likelihood of stress related medical problems. According to William Teed, CoDirector of Reverse Mortgages at local SEE Reverse Mortgage, page 5

JULY 2014

San Diego’s Trees Provide Many Benefits The City of San Diego received a CalFire planning grant to develop an Urban Forest Management Plan. City staff, along with consulting urban foresters, key stakeholders and the Community Forest Advisory Board are in the process of developing the plan.A draft plan is expected in early 2015. Public Stakeholder Meetings will be held from 6PM to 8PM on September 22, 2014 (to review objectives and potential actions) and January 26, 2015(review draft plan) at Forum Hall4315 La Jolla Village Drive. A second set of meetings with the same content will be held at Balboa Park-War Memorial Building on September 29, 2014 and February 2, 2015. Urban forest management plans are developed through the collabo-

rative efforts of many people.An important part of developing the plan is understanding the needs

and views of various stakeholders and interested parties through public input.The desires, attitudes, and perceptions of stakeholders, including the public, and decision–makers will have a large impact on the urban forest plan. The City has developed an online survey at https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/CXS5KXC You are urged to take the survey and attend the Public Stakeholder Meetings. Urban forests contribute greatly to San Diegans’ quality of life. Healthy trees, produce benefits that far exceed the cost of planting and care during the tree’s lifetime.A vigorous and engaged urban forestry program is critical to meeting San Diego’s commitment to climate change, carbon sequestration, stormwater reduction, and water conservation.With these goals in mind, the city has will develop a long-range urban forest management plan to guide the city’s SEE Trees, page 2

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www.clairemonttimes.com Op-Ed Letter to the Publisher

A Wake up for Realtors and “Courtesy” American Flags I am a retired Navy veteran with 5 years of service in Vietnam and live in the Mount Streets neighborhood. I don’t understand this annual obsession with realtors that go around the neighborhood, a week before the Fourth of July, and put those 11 x 16 inch flags in front of the houses. Recently, there was a person making the rounds here, putting in flags and a courtesy (advertising) pad at the doors. Walking the dogs this morning, I, again, came across numerous flags that were already blown or knocked down, lying in the grass or dirt, or worse in the gutters, with sprinklers wetting them down. Over the years, some of these flags could be found days and even weeks later, in these deplorable conditions.At my discretion, I do recover many of these flags and dispose of them prop-

Trees Continued from page 1

urban forest into the future. HEALTHY TREES mean healthy people.Trees remove many pollutants from the atmosphere, including nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, ozone, carbon monoxide, and particulate matter. Each year, 100 large, mature trees have the potential to remove 300 pounds of pollutants and seven tons of carbon dioxide. HEALTHY TREES mean healthy communities. Studies show that tree-filled neighborhoods are safer and more sociable, and help to reduce body and mind stress. Trees provide shelter and food for many birds and small animals. HEALTHY TREES mean better business. In tree-lined business districts, shoppers report more frequent shopping, longer shopping trips, and a willingness to pay more for parking. HEALTHY TREES mean homeowner savings.Trees conserve energy by

shading buildings and reduce energy costs for homeowners. Property values of houses with trees are usually higher than those without trees. HEALTHY TREES mean cooler cities. The urban forest reduces the “urban heat island effect.”This occurs in neighborhoods where shade trees prevent sunlight from reaching and warming concrete, asphalt and buildings. It is important to keep San Diego’s urban forest thriving.When more trees are removed than planted, the canopy cover is reduced and the benefits we enjoy from trees decline. Environmental and aesthetic benefits, such as energy savings, stormwater runoff reduction, cleaner air, and higher property values, are consistently many times greater than tree care costs. For additional information regarding the Urban Forest Management Plan, please contact Melissa Garcia, Senior Planner at (619) 236-6173 or magarcia@sandiego.gov.

erly. This, to me, and others, is a disgrace and disrespect towards our flag and its symbolism. I am sure this was done with no malice intended, and no thought of the long term effects, but the results warrant some action to cease this commercialization. I’ve unsuccessfully tried to find if there was a realtor association in this area, and present this to them as a group. It seems the past few years I’ve wound up contacting the individual realtors, as this takes place. My intent is not to discourage promoting your business, but please do not do it at the expense of our American Flag. Submitted with respect, United States Navy Veteran

4701 Ruffin Rd., San Diego, CA 92123

Want to make some extra $$$? Have stuff you want to sell? Looking for that great deal?

FREE Neighborhood Flea Market Saturday, July 26th • 8am-12noon Pathway Church

3811 Mount Acadia Blvd. Sellers must email for guidelines— pathwayevent@gmail.com

FREE TO BUYERS AND SELLERS

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25th Annual Clairemont Family Day - August 2nd An annual favorite, the Clairemont Family Day celebration will mark the 25th year of this family fun, food and local vendor day.The theme is Memories and there will be photographs of previous family days through the years and a designated place where participants can leave their memories on a special chalk board. It all takes place on Saturday,August 2, 2014 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m at the South Clairemont Park on Clairemont Drive and is sponsored by the South Clairemont Park and Recreation Council. Clairemont Drive is one of the most historic streets in the Clairemont area. According to the Save Our Heritage Organization in the mid-century of the 50’s and 60’s Clairemont Drive was a main street.What better place to celebrate local history than at the Clairemont Family Day. Families can enjoy local “fair” food, swim for free, shop for gifts and watch the entertainment from dance studios, singers, local cheerleaders and bands. Activities include the Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast from 8 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. which includes intergenerational and special needs volunteers working side by side with the Clairemont Hills Kiwanis.The Greatest Show on Turf Car Show from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. will display those much loved vintage cars. Free

swimming for the whole family at the open pool is from 12 noon to 4 p.m. Local artists and performers will be entertaining on the stage and other attractions include pony and carnival rides, local vendors and food. Civic groups and organizations, local community leaders and representatives, artists and craftsmen, and others will line the park with their wares and materials in booths. Demonstrations include CorePower Yoga and Tai Chi. Fifth generation Tai Chi Master Henry Cheng will demonstrate Wu Style Pushing Hands using a gentle touch with his students from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. His students will perform the ancient swords and sabers as well as the Tai Chi flow where the public is invited to participate. Opening ceremonies include the Color Guard, national anthem and award for a community leader. Booths are still available to rent for the day and forms are available at www.clairemontfamilyday.com. Businesses, Non-profits and Arts and Crafts persons can sign up for a fee. Sponsorships are always welcome and those interested can contact Clairemont Family Day Chair Chris Pierce at 858 427-4843 or christopherpierce@gmail.com.

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REPURPOSING 101 Once a Spoon Rack Now a Jewlery Holder Retail Shop 4112 Napier St., San Diego, CA 92110

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EMERGENCY NUMBERS LOCAL USEFUL PHONE NUMBERS Sponsored by

EMERITUS at CLAIREMONT SAFETY Police 911 Fire 911

Non emerg 619.531.2000 Non emerg 619.533.4300

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Reverse Mortgage Continued from page 1

San Diego based Global Equity Finance, Inc,“Reverse Mortgages have the potential to become a much more prominent part of the financial landscape in the coming decades.” The baby boom generation (50-68 year olds in 2014) includes more than 43 million households, of which about 32 million are homeowners. Over the past five years, more than 500,000 seniors have taken advantage of reverse mortgages. According to a recent report published by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, satisfaction ratings by seniors who have reverse mortgages are extremely high (over 93%). Teed commented,“The empirical research demonstrates unequivocally that Reverse Mortgages are here to stay. They are extremely effective retirement planning tools not only for individuals who are financially strained, but also for high net worth retirees because of the higher rate of return line of credit feature.” Teed is extremely passionate about reverse mortgages and hopes to educate as many seniors as possible.“We are offering free educational seminars as well as have a team of professional reverse mortgage consultants available for anyone interested in learning more. Our team of specialists are the most knowledgeable, professional and caring group of people I have ever worked with.” Reverse Mortgages were created to enable senior homeowners aged 62 and older to access a portion of their equity (tax free) for a more comfortable retire-

858.273.0558 858.483.5100 619.641.7020 800.400.4222 858.552.8585 800.772.1213 800.541.5555 800.272.3900 ment, without ever having to make a payment while living in the home. President Ronald Reagan enacted the legislation in 1988 which made reverse mortgages insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA). The Home Equity Conversion Mortgage or HECM accounts for more than 99% of all annual reverse mortgage fundings because of the secure FHA insurance feature and very low interest rates. Currently, there are no eligibility requirements to qualify for a HECM other than you must be at least 62 and have sufficient equity (at least 50%) in your home. Traditional underwriting factors such as credit scores and income ratios are not used to determine eligibility for reverse mortgages. Additionally, the HECM is extremely flexible and adaptive as it has numerous payout distribution options depending on the individual circumstances. A homeowner may elect a lump sum, monthly payment for term, monthly payment for life, line of credit or a combination of any. Additionally, there are both fixed and adjustable rate options available. San Diego based Global Equity Finance, Inc., Reverse Mortgage Division proudly claims it is not endorsed by paid celebrities and does not advertise on television. Rather than big budget fancy advertising, Global Equity Finance, Reverse Mortgage Division guarantees the lowest rates, lowest fees and the fastest service in the industry. For more information about reverse mortgages, see testimonials and informational videos at www.GEReverse.com, or call Jake Bair at 858-952-7781 to schedule a free consultation.

Read our reviews and see why 99.4% of our patients refer family and friends. 4690 Genesee Ave, San Diego, CA 92117 858-560-9696 • www.HurstDentalCare.com

New extended spring/summer hours Monday-Thursday 7am-7pm Have a hot news tip? An idea for a story? Call or email 858 752 9779 • info@clairemonttimes.com

6 • The Clairemont Times • July 2014

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JULY LIBRARY EVENTS CLAIREMONT BRANCH 2920 BURGENER BLVD, 92110 858-581-9935

BALBOA BRANCH 4255 MT.ABERNATHY AVE, 92117 858-573-1390

SPECIAL EVENTS Summer Reading Program performers Tuesdays 4:00: 7/1 Full Spectrum Science Show 7/8 Literature Comes to Life 7/15 Alakazam Magic Show 7/22 Circus Lindley 7/29 Scooby Doo Party

Friends of the Library Bok Sale 7/12 9:30-1pm Find gently used books, movies & music. Great deals.

SPECIAL EVENTS

Preparing for a New Pet 7/16 6:30pm Animal care expert Elkie Willis will talk about the important factors to consider before inviting a new pet into your home. If you are thinking about adopting a pet, this class is for you.

Summer Reading Events: Thursdays 10 am 7/3 Mad Science 7/10 Sparkles the Clown 7/17 Craig Newton:Musician 7/24 Amazing Dana 7/31 Krypton Yvonne

Couponing Made Easy 7/22 6:30pm California Coupon Diva will share the secrets of couponing.You’ll learn tips and tricks on saving money in this 90 minute class.

Adult Book Club 7/2 6pm The Book Club will be discussing The Girls of Atomic City by Denise Kiernan Tales for Tails 7/12 10am A free interactive animal program with the San Diego Humane Society’s Pet-Assisted Therapy Program.This monthly program helps children improve their reading skills by reading to animals in a fun and relaxing environment.The animals may include guinea pigs, rabbits, rats, and sometimes dogs and cats.This program is appropriate for grades 1-6, and no sign-up is required. Free Concert: SilverWood 7/30 6:00pm Please join us for this fabulous evening of music featuring flute, harp and violin! All are welcome, and no sign-up is required.

7/8 6:30 pm. Historian Nancy Carol Carter will discuss and answer questions about the park’s history from its establishment in 1868 up to the Exposition and recount stories of several prominent figures in the park’s history.

RECURRING EVENTS RECURRING EVENTS Mondays: Lego Club 4:00 Calling all budding builders to get creative! LEGO Club is geared for children grades K-5. Parent supervision requested with younger children as LEGOs contain many small parts.

Tiny Tots Stories Tuesdays 12:45 (Begins July 8th) Miss Marika hosts a special storytime for babies and toddlers using books, songs, rhymes, fingerplays, and simple games. Explore language with tots in an engaging way.

RECURRING EVENTS Art Class by Robert 7/2 4pm Free art class for children ages 6-12 Friends of the Library Meeting 7/16 4 pm Story Times • Tuesdays Craft Time 5:30 for children and their families • 1st & 3rd Thursdays BabySign Storytime 10:30 • 2nd 4th & 5th Thursdays Storytime 10:30 • Fridays Preschool Storytime 10:30

Wednesdays: Stories with Susan 6:00 Miss Susan reads well-loved children’s stories. Come hear your favorites, or discover something new! Fridays:“Wee Reads” Baby & Toddler Storytime 10:30 Storytime for our youngest patrons! Plenty of adult/child interaction, songs, stories and fingerplays. Stay for Free Play time! Kids Krafternoons Saturdays 1:00 pm Let your creativity run wild with a fun craft activity! Children under 8 welcome with an adult or older sibling.

NORTH CLAIREMONT BRANCH 4616 CLAIREMONT DRIVE, 92117 SPECIAL EVENTS Live Music: Patty Hall: Native Daughter of the Golden West 7/1 6:30pm A folk music program for families. *NCL Hosts a concert every 1st Tuesday of the month at 6:30 1915: A History of Balboa Park.

Toddler & Preschool Storytime Fridays 10:30 A fun, interactive Storytime: books, songs, rhymes, movement & bubble time with Miss Karina! Sign Language Storytime Saturdays 10:30 Ms. Jennifer uses the excitement and fun of signing to enhance the reading of well-loved children’s picture books, sing-alongs and bubble time.

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Volunteers Needed Volunteers needed to escort elderly to non-emergency medical doctor’s appointment, grocery store, pharmacy, etc., in the Linda Vista and surrounding areas 2 times per week. Must be proficient in English, high need for Spanish and Vietnamese speaker. Must undergo training beforehand, a small stipend and mileage offered. If interested, please call Stella at (858) 2780771, ext. 3023.

Senior Transportation Vietnamese and Spanish speaking seniors need a ride to the doctor and help with understanding Doctor’s instructions? If interested in either of these opportunities, please call Stella at (858) 278-0771ext. 3023. Or visit www.baysidecc.org

Chapman Chatter

Buying or Selling? Relax! thing or have any concerns, be sure to get answers. • Make informed decisions. There are many factors to consider when buying and/or selling a home, including price, market value, negotiable items and financing – just to name a few. When making decisions, compose a list of your priorities along with the pros and cons. • Most importantly, work with a knowledgeable real estate professional like us. We’re here to help you, so please contact us for all of your home buying and/or selling needs.

DRE #01432238

Whether you are a seasoned player in the real estate game or a rookie, there are many decisions you will need to make before buying and/or selling a home. To avoid stress and to make the home buying and selling experience as smooth as possible, consider the following tips. • Do your homework and be organized.The more preparation and planning you do, the easier the process is likely to be. It is important to keep your paperwork together, so set up a special file to hold everything. This will include documents from your real estate professional, your lender, your insurance company, and other items such as literature from moving companies that you may have started gathering. • Ask lots of questions.You can never ask your real estate agent too many questions. That’s what we are here for! If you are uncertain of any-

Religious Directory Atonement Lutheran Church www.atonementlutheranchurchsd.com 7250 Eckstrom St (Balboa & 805) San Diego, CA 92111 Phone (858) 278-5556 Sunday Worship Time 9 am, Bible Study 10:30 am Clairemont Lutheran Church www.clairemontlc.org 4271 Clairemont Mesa Blvd, San Diego, CA 92117 Sunday Worship Times 8:30, 10:00 (English) & 11:30 am (Spanish) Sunday School for kids 9:45am Holy Cross Lutheran Church & Preschool www.holycrossword.com 3450 Clairemont Drive, San Diego, CA 92117 Church (858) 273-2886 Preschool (858) 273-7768 Sunday Worship 9:00 am Pathway Christian Fellowship www.pathwayonline.org 3811 Mount Acadia Blvd, San Diego, CA 92111 Phone (858) 277-3027 Join us Sundays at 10 am

For more info: Bobbie, Diana or Amory Chapman Team 3 Generations (858) 344-3358 or (619) 208-9430

Joyful Living Spiritual Center www.joyfullivingsandiego.org Services and classes at the LiveWell Center 4425 Bannock Avenue, San Diego 92117 Sunday services and Junior Church at 10 am Are you ready for a happier, healthier and more abundant life?

Clairemont Car Wash 3030 Clairemont Drive Soft Cleaning • Vacuuming Hand Dry Finish Windows Cleaned Inside & Out

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St. David’s Episcopal Church & Preschool www.saintdavidschurch.com 5050 Milton Street, San Diego CA 92110 Sunday Worship Times: 8:00 am Traditional • 10:30am Contemporary For information on promoting your place of worship in the Religious Directory please call or email Chris O’Connell, Publisher (858) 752-9779 chris@clairemonttimes.com

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Viewpoint

Clairemont Streets Plagued by Inconsiderate Drivers Recent community forum seeks solution to unruly motorists. by Daniel J. Smiechowski

solution to our driving woes lies in the quality of aesthetics or put simply On Monday, June 23 at Cadman what we value in our lives. Elementary School a group of conSeveral years ago while waiting in cerned neighbors met to discuss traftraffic for the lead runners of the San fic calming solutions along the notori- Diego Rock and Roll Marathon to ous Moraga Avenue. Quite frankly, pass, an obese middle aged man in a most of the proposals to make this Mercedes began to spew out more roadway safer epithets than books amounted to reinin the Library of venting the wheel. Congress. Since Henry Ford Presumably, he was It appears that one’s first produced the on his way to Model T automobile Kreme emotional intelligence Krispy in 1908 and the preDoughnuts for some ceding years, socicomfort food.As the is abandoned at the eties have sang the Pogo comic strip same old song, that character once wayside while being, how to regulamented,“We have late human behavior. operating a vehicle on met the enemy and Having logged he is us.” our streets. over a half million As far as I’m conmiles on America’s cerned the San roadways both as a Diego Police motorist and triathlete, my view is Department has no dog in this fight. that there exists some fundamental We the general public and residents cultural and societal predictors which of this community need to figure it transcend personal driving behavior. out ourselves without reinventing the As driving goes, I have been behind wheel.The problem remains, most the wheel in thirty-two states, France folks think within the box much and Africa and have seldom witnessed unlike the insertion of a square peg in such egotistical motorists as in our a round hole.As far as I’m concerned, community of Clairemont. there exists one sure remedy that has It appears that one’s emotional stood the test of time and that is intelligence is abandoned at the wayshame.The mere mention of being side while operating a vehicle on our viewed as an outcast would suffice in streets. Drivers become impulsive and arresting the incivility of these misseem to comport themselves within creants. some protected refuge, encapsulated Be nice, do good deeds and don’t

Community Meetings Open to the Public CLAIREMONT TOWN COUNCIL 7/10/14 (1st Thurs. of the month) 7:00 PM Cadman Elementary Auditorium 4370 Kamloop Ave, 92117 CLAIREMONT COMMUNITY PLANNING GROUP 7/15/14 (3rd Tues. of the month) 6:30 PM Cadman Elementary Auditorium 4370 Kamloop Ave, 92117 LINDA VISTA TOWN COUNCIL 7/17/14 (3rd Thurs. of the month) 6:30 PM Baha’i Faith Center 6545 Alcala Knolls Drive, 92111 LINDA VISTA PLANNING GROUP 7/28/14 (4th Mon. of the month) 5:30 PM Linda Vista Public Library 2160 Ulric St, 92111

in a sheet of steel; they remain a fetus in the mother’s womb with only the placenta as their shield. Looking deeper into a philosophical and psychological sense, I would postulate that the

be a stranger as we at the Clairemont Times value your participation. Daniel J. Smiechowski has been a resident of Clairemont since 1967 and can be reached at smiechowskid@aol.com or 858.220.4613

MARIAN BEAR REC COUNCIL 7/9/14 (2nd Wed.of the month) 6:30PM LiveWell Senior Center 4425 Bannock Ave, 92117

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LiveWell San Diego Receives Funds for Senior Programs and Plans for a Busy July LiveWell San Diego, Clairemont’s full service Senior Center, has recently received two special grants. The first from Bay Mesa Realty group for $1000 will be used to expand general programming for seniors. The second, from the Clairemont Town Council for $500, will go towards art supplies for the new Memories in the Making art program to be added to the Adult Social Day Care. LiveWell San Diego’s Day Care provides a supervised enrichment program for seniors in the early to mid-stages of Alzheimer’s and dementia. The new art program, Memories in the Making, uses an innovative approach designed by the Alzheimer’s Association to help participants express memories that are no longer verbally accessible. Even though the centers of the brain that deal with speech may be impaired, they are finding that memories can still be expressed visually. Using the Memories in the Making program people with little or no artistic background are able to produce surprisingly powerful and evocative artwork. LiveWell San Diego is excited to be affiliating with the Alzheimer’s Association to offer this program to their Day Care participants. LiveWell San Diego also has a full calendar of activities in July for active sen-

iors. To start the month off on a high note, seniors in the community are invited to come celebrate Independence Day with a festive luncheon on Wednesday, July 2, at the Senior Center. The Center’s theme luncheon parties are always major events with generally well over a hundred seniors in attendance. The Center is planning to start a Line Dancing class which will offer dances set to a variety of music styles including Country Western. Line dancing provides a fun way of getting your exercise. For more information call the Center, (858) 483-5100, ext. 304. There are a number of volunteer opportunities available at the Center. Anyone wishing to help who has writing or newsletter experience would be most welcome. Also the Day Care is looking for help with the art and music programs. Volunteers are the life blood of the community center. It is a great way to meet new friends and make a difference. LiveWell San Diego is an independent non-profit senior community center located in North Clairemont at 4425 Bannock Avenue, and can be reached at (858) 483-5100. For up-to-date information visit and like LiveWell’s Facebook page “LiveWell San Diego”.

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Tempting Toledo! by Kevin Casillo

Tempting Toledo! (Spain that is) Madrid, is located on the Manzanares River in the center of both the country and the Community of Madrid; bordered by Castile and León and Castile-La Mancha. Madrid is the capital city of Spain, and residence of the Spanish monarch and is considered the cultur-

I would suggest two days in Madrid and move onto to a place less visited than most,Toledo. Just hop a bus for about an hour ride outside of Madrid and you will find yourself in one of the most beautiful towns in Spain. Toledo sits high above the Tagus River and dates back to 192BC. Once ruled by the (surprise) Romans, the ruins from the Roman Circus still stand and can be seen today just outside the walls of the old city.Toledo, once the capital city is densely packed

Buen Retiro Park – Madrid

al hub of Spain. Madrid is an amazing city, it’s busy, hectic and traffic is everywhere. Make a point to visit the spectacular 350 Acre Buen Retiro Park. Located in the center of Madrid it boasts sculpted gardens and a manmade lake which is a welcome refuge from the heat of the city.

Buen Retiro Park – Madrid

with old stone houses seemingly built atop of each other. If you catch the right breeze you can hear the rush of the Tagus River that sits just below. Red tile roofs and quaint cobblestone streets lined with coffee shops, small boutiques offering samples of cheese, olives small cakes and espresso. Just

when you think it can’t get any better, you come across another shop offering 8oz coffee mugs filled with rich sinful calorie laden hot chocolate. Not like the one we know, this one is actual bars of deep dark near black chocolate, melted to sheer perfection poured from copper tins into your mug for a mouth watering feast. Just writing about it makes me want to fly back and grab another mug full. But it is holiday time, so go ahead, besides, with all the walking you’ll do the calories will just melt away (sort of). For one of the best views, take the side streets (walking is best) go up along the opposite side of the town for one of the most spectacular views of the town. On the right you will see The Alcázar of Toledo which is an old stone fortification locatToledo ed at the highest part of the town and during the 3rd century was used as the Roman Palace. To the right is the Roman Catholic Cathedral of Saint Mary of Toledo. It was begun in 1226 under the rule of Ferdinand III and the last Gothic contributions were made in the 15th century when, in 1493, the vaults of the central nave were finished during the time of the Catholic Monarchs. I am always taken by the size of these centuries old Cathedrals. They are massive in volume and space. Just the fact they remain unscathed by human hands and bombs for centuries upon centuries is cause for celebration. I don’t know how the rest of you feel, but we are constantly repairing something in our small ranch houses here in San Diego yet these structures remain for all of us to enjoy today. I know you’ve heard me say it time and time again, get out there. It’s a

Toldeo – Stone Fortification

(Spain that is)

very small planet and we can fly just about anywhere in just a few hours. I have often joked,“Breakfast in California, lunch in New York and dinner in Athens”. Summer is here and we only come this way once, unless you believe otherwise, and even then I want proof. Take advantage of the opportunities we all have and go see the world, it’s just there over the hill or across the pond waiting for you. Spain is on the Euro and as I write this the Euro is at 1.36 to the dollar. Which translates to every dollar has a spending value of .64 cents. But honestly folks, spend it and enjoy, it’s your holiday.Amazing sites await and you are only limited by your imagination. Want more photos, visit www.hotshots360.smugmug.com

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Popular WaterSmart Plant Checklist Updated, Released Across San Diego County The ‘Nifty 50’ plant brochure is free and tailored to the region’s semi-arid climate Looking for the perfect groundcover? Need to replace a shrub or tree? The new Nifty 50 brochure has you covered. One of the region’s most popular WaterSmart plant guides, Nifty 50 has been updated and distributed to local water agencies and conservation gardens by the San Diego County Water Authority as part of the agency’s long-running efforts to promote water-use efficiency. It includes 50 plants selected because they are attractive, readily available in retail nurseries, non-invasive and easy to maintain. Highlighted plants typically last for years, fit the scale of residential landscapes and – once established – tolerate drought. “There are lots of opportunities to trim water use in and around the home,” said Jeff Stephenson, a principal water resources specialist at the Water Authority.“One important strategy is replacing water-loving plants with varieties that don’t require as much irrigation.The Nifty 50 brochure eases that process by offering a variety of attractive plants that thrive in San Diego County’s semi-arid climate.” The Nifty 50 brochure is periodically updated to reflect changing plant preferences.The latest version includes perennials such as French lavender, groundcover such as trailing lantana, and trees such as sweet bay. The pamphlet also offers tips for reducing the amount of water used on landscapes, whether they are filled with conventional plants or droughttolerant varieties.

Copies of the guide – complete with full-color photos of each plant – are free at the Water Authority’s headquarters in Kearny Mesa and at the offices of its 24 member agencies. They also are available at the San Diego Botanic Garden in Encinitas and the Water Conservation Garden in El Cajon, both of which display several of the highlighted plants. For an electronic version of the guide, go to WaterSmartSD.org, the Water Authority’s web portal for promoting water-use efficiency. Click on the news item about the guide and then on the image of the Nifty 50 brochure. The website offers several other options for increasing water conservation at homes, businesses, homeowner associations and public agencies. Resources include rebates for purchasing water-efficient appliances and devices, incentives for replacing lawns with low-water landscapes, WaterSmart landscape makeover classes, tips for trimming water use indoors and outdoors, and inspirational ideas for other water-wise improvements. Water-saving actions are more important than ever because of statewide drought conditions. Gov. Jerry Brown declared a drought-related state of emergency Jan. 17 and asked for voluntary water conservation statewide after two consecutive dry years and the start of a third. May 1 figures from the final manual snow survey of the season by the Department of Water Resources showed the statewide snowpack water content was just 18 percent of the historical average, and the State Water Project is projected to meet just 5 percent of requested deliveries in 2014. In February, the Water Authority’s

Annual Percentage Yield as of June 1, 2014. No minimum balance is required to earn the stated annual percentage yield. Minimum balance to open is $100. Minimum daily balance of $2500/Business Account, or $500/Personal Account is necessary to avoid the monthly service charge. Deposited funds must be new to Home Bank of California and may not be transferred from existing Home Bank of California accounts. Rates are subject to change without notice. Fees may reduce earnings.

Board formally activated the agency’s Water Shortage and Drought Response Plan and approved notifying the Water Authority’s 24 member agencies that the region is at Level 1 Drought Watch of the region’s Model Drought Response Ordinance.As part of the drought response plan, the Water Authority launched its “When in Drought” campaign in April to encourage increased conservation across the region. Details are at whenindrought.org. The Water Authority is not anticipating cutbacks to its imported water supplies this year that would trigger mandatory supply cutbacks to its member agencies.The region’s improved water supply reliability is the result of adequate reservoir storage in Southern California, strong regional water conservation practices and two decades of investments by the San Diego region to diversify its water supply sources. Diversification measures include securing water transfers that are part of the historic 2003 Colorado River Quantification Settlement Agreement. The Water Authority-Imperial Irrigation District water conservationand-transfer agreement and related canal-lining projects will provide

180,000 acre-feet of highly reliable supplies to the San Diego region this year, more than double the amount they provided at the start of the last drought in 2007. (An acre-foot is about 325,900 gallons, enough to meet the needs of two average singlefamily households of four people for a year.) In addition, the Water Authority has invested $2 billion over the past decade in new, large-scale water infrastructure projects that are contributing to a more reliable water supply. The Carlsbad Desalination Project, now under construction, is another important element of the Water Authority’s long-term strategy to improve the San Diego region’s water supply reliability. Starting as early as fall 2015, the project is expected to deliver up to 56,000 acre-feet of drought-proof, highly reliable water each year, enough for about 112,000 households. Potable water use in San Diego County has decreased significantly since 2007, and local cities and water districts are on pace to meet their state-mandated water-efficiency targets for 2020.

12 • The Clairemont Times • July 2014

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Police Blotter

The Clairemont Times PO Box 17671 San Diego, CA 92177 (858) 752-9779 Founding Publisher: Chris O’Connell Graphic Designer: Elaine Hall Contributors: Kevin Casillo Shauna Fisher Nicole C. Rohde Daniel J. Smiechowski Bartley Stratton Rob Stone The Clairemont Times is a free publication published each month and circulated throughout the neighborhoods of Clairemont, Linda Vista, Bay Park & Kearny Mesa. Story ideas, advertising & editorial questions can be sent to The Clairemont Times P.O. Box 17671, San Diego, CA 92177 or chris@clairemonttimes.com Copyright ©2011-14 The Clairemont Times/McSierra Publishing. Reuse of material from this edition or past editions is strictly prohibited without permission from the publisher. 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:

Vehicle Break-In 3000 Glendora St. Petty Theft 4200 Genesee Ave. Petty Theft 5600 Balboa Ave. Residential Robbery 5400 Balboa Arms Dr. Battery 3600 Argonne St. Fraud 3500 Hatteras Ave. Residential Robbery 3600 Argonne St. Vehicle Theft Balboa Arms Dr. /Mt.Abernathy Vandalism 4800 Conrad Ave. Battery 4600 Clairemont Mesa Blvd. Vehicle Theft 5700 Chateau Dr. Vehicle Theft 5200 Clairemont Mesa Blvd. Battery 5000 Clairemont Dr. Vehicle Break- In 3300 Lloyd St. Vehicle Theft 8500 Gibbs Dr. Vandalism 3100 Armstrong St. Fraud 4800 Clairemont Dr. Vehicle Break-In

5400 Clairemont Mesa Blvd. Commercial Burglary 4200 Balboa Ave. Vandalism 5100 Bellvale Ave. Vehicle Break-In 7000 Rock Glen Ave. Vehicle Theft 7600 Hornbill Ave. Assault 4000 Marlesta Dr. Vehicle Theft 5100 Balboa Arms Dr. Residential Burglary 5000 Mt. Frissell Dr. Fraud 3400 Conrad Ave. Battery 7500 Fulton St. Commercial Burglary 5400 Clairemont Mesa Blvd. Vandalism 4800 Bella Pacific Row Commercial Burglary 5600 Balboa Ave. Battery 7700 Starling Dr. Commercial Burglary 4400 Clairemont Mesa Blvd. Vehicle Break-In 4700 Mt. Bigelow Dr. Vehicle Break-In 3200 Greyling Dr. Assault 6800 Osler St. Battery 4600 Clairemont Mesa Blvd.

Vehicle Theft 4000 Clairemont Dr. Vandalism 3400 Cowley Way Fraud 3200 Old Kettle Rd. Commercial Burglary 4100 Ute Dr. Battery 4200 Clairemont Mesa Blvd. Vehicle Break-In 6700 Salizar St. Commercial Burglary 4200 Genesee Ave. Battery 3800 Genesee Ave. Vehicle Theft 4000 Avati Dr. Residential Burglary 4000 Avati Dr. Residential Burglary 2900 Aber St. Residential Burglary 4500 Lyric Lane Fraud 5500 Genesee Ave. Vandalism 3800 Mt. Everest Blvd. Vandalism 3300 Morena Blvd. Commercial Burglary 4800 Genesee Ave. Vehicle Break-In 5000 Pacifica Dr. Vehicle Break-In 3400 Jemez Dr. Residential Burglary 3100 Cowley Way

The Neuropathy Support Group The Neuropathy Support Group will have a sharing session on Monday, July 14. Attendees who volunteer to share their neuropathy experience will tell what they’ve found that helps and what doesn’t. The meeting is at Clairemont Lutheran Church, 4271 Clairemont Mesa Blvd., at 1:00 p.m. A $1 donation is requested. Info: 858-279-7728

Potholes in your Neighborhood? Report the Street & Cross Street to City of San Diego Streets & Potholes Division

619 527 7500

C-46 License 978493

Your Neighborhood Solar Provider FOR RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL ROOFTOPS

$500 GIFT CARD FROM HOME DEPOT AFTER INSTALL for Residents of Clairemont & Surrounding Communities Financing Available Free Design Consultation Call 858-349-5332 for Appointment www.uniquesolar.net

Professional Child Visitation Monitor I enable your child, or your client’s child, to have a high quality visit with the non-custodial parent while strictly adhering to the rules set by the court or mediator. I will treat all parties with respect and will strive to keep the entire environment as stress-free as possible. • Fully compliant with AB 1674, Uniform Standards 5.20 and Family Code 3200

• Certified in CPR, basic first aid, and AED usage • LiveScan/TrustLine Registered • Self-identified to SD Superior Court • Ethical, Neutral, Reliable and Professional “Also providing conservator and estate management services to San Diego Trust & Probate Attorneys.”

ronn.rohe@gmail.com • 858/779-4531

The Clairemont Times • July 2014 • 13

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The Epidemic of Cyberbullying by Shauna Fisher

“Sticks and Stones may break your bones, but words will never hurt you”. This saying could not be further from the truth, as emotional or verbal abuse can be just as, if not more damaging than physical abuse.We have come a long way from your typical playground fight. Nowadays, most of these acts of bullying are done electronically. And as we know, electronic media is quite inescapable, which leads us to the growing epidemic of cyber bullying. What exactly is cyber bullying? Cyber bullying is when a person, known or unknown sends lewd or disparaging comments and/or threats to

another via electronic means such as emails, texts, or instant messages. The bullying often increases in frequency and severity and others not initially involved may also join in. It is a destructive parasite that erodes our children’s esteem and sense of safety. It can have such devastating effects that suicide seems to be the only way out. Sadly, this has happened too many times. So what type of kid engages in such behavior, and why? Most of the research points to kids who have deep-seeded anger and/or the desire for revenge and power, as well as those who are simply displeased and bored with their lives. Others do it to belong. Some are ‘recruited’ by those with promises of increased popularity.

THE ROB STONE SPORTS SCOUTING REPORT: by Rob Stone

Ex-Torero and Current Cubs Prospect Kris Bryant Wins Home Run Derby Former University of San Diego (USD) Toreros third baseman and current Chicago Cubs minor league prospect Kris Bryant was recently named to the Southern League all-star team and won their annual home run hitting competition while representing the Double-A Tennessee Smokies on Monday evening, June 16. The six-foot-five-inch, 215-pound Bryant added to an already memorable season that includes a first half in which he paced the Southern League in all three triple crown categories with a .355 batting average, 22 homers, and 58 runs driven home in 68 games. Bryant received a $6.71 million signing bonus from Chicago last summer, an organizational record, and entered this season rated by the magazine and web page: http://www.baseballamerica.com/ as the Cubs second-ranked prospect. A year ago, Bryant was hitting in batting cages with his father in Las Vegas and had yet to sign with Chicago, who made him their first selection and number two pick overall last June at the 2013 Major League Baseball (MLB) First-Year Player Draft.

FRANCIS PARKER HIGH LANCERS WIN C.I.F. CHAMPIONSHIP The Francis Parker High Lancers baseball team traveled down the street to Fowler Park at Cunningham Field on the campus of USD in Linda Vista to defeat the Mt. Carmel High Sundevils

by a final score of 6-4 in a matchup that lasted ten innings to win the C.I.F. San Diego Section Division III title on Friday afternoon, June 6. The most recent championship for Francis Parker on the diamond came back in their 2007 campaign when the Lancers were seeded as a part of the C.I.F. Division IV bracket. Despite the fact that only one of their runs were earned, Mt. Carmel still jumped out to an early 3-1 advantage over Francis Parker in the bottom half of the second inning. The Lancers answered back with two runs of their own in the top of the fifth, knotting the ballgame up at 3-3. In the top half of the tenth inning, 5foot-11-inch, 150-pound sophomore Hayden Hastings singled to drive in sixfoot, 165-pound sophomore Austin Rogers and six-foot-one-inch, 190pound senior Jonathan Vizcaino tripled to score Hastings and 5-foot-10-inch, 175-pound senior Nate Glasser, giving Francis Parker a 6-3 cushion. Vizcaino, the son of former MLB utility infielder Jose Vizcaino, came on in relief for six-foot, 225-pound junior starting pitcher Grant Shives to notch the save for the Lancers in the bottom of the tenth. Francis Parker’s Shives, a crafty lefthander, tossed a strong nine innings, allowing only one earned run in improving his record to 9-1 on the year. Hastings (two hits in two at-bats, as well as three runs batted in),Vizcaino (one triple in one at-bat and two runs batted in), Rogers (two hits in two atbats), and five-foot-eight-inch, 140pound freshman Nick Allen (two hits in two at bats, as well as two runs

There are a myriad of symptoms associated with being the victim of cyber-bullying. Kids often experience anxiety, depression, insomnia and loneliness.They have chronic low-selfesteem and anger. They feel ashamed, humiliated, powerless and vulnerable. Oftentimes, they feel extremely isolated and attempt to conceal the bullying. Parents and school officials may also notice a drop in grades and a drop in activity/sport participation. What can kids and parents do about cyber-bullying? Kids often hide the bullying from their parents for fear they may in turn overreact and make things worse by alerting school officials. However, you must insist the school be alerted so that they can be on the lookout, monitoring and intervening in the situation. More tips for parents include: Keep the computer in a busy, common area; know your kids’ screen names, do not post any personal information or give out their passwords and do not open unrecognized emails. Advise them that if they do receive a threat or inappropriate comments, tell not to respond directly.

Assure them that you are here to listen and support them. If the threats are direct and/or the lewd comments are escalating, contact your local police department. Cyber Bullying is an epidemic in this country and it has a direct impact on our society as a whole. The children truly are our future and sadly, electronic media has evolved into a potentially dangerous environment. We must protect our children and provide them with a sense of safety and security. Even if your child has never been bullied, it is still vital to have a conversation with them, and teach them how to protect themselves and how to stand up for others. Help curb this epidemic by breaking the silence and refusing to allow one more life to be lost to this senseless abuse.

scored) were the hitting stars on this day for the Lancers. With the victory, Francis Parker closes out their championship season with an overall record of 22-9. Other local ballclubs that also saw their campaigns come to a conclusion on the baseball diamond included the Madison High Warhawks (17-13), Horizon Christian Academy Panthers (16-13), Clairemont High Chieftans (621), and Kearny High Komets (10-17). After being ranked as high as the fourth-best squad in all of San Diego County by certain publications in the preseason, No.12-seeded Madison was clawed 7-1 by the No.5-seeded Valhalla High Norsemen in one of the play-in contests of the C.I.F. San Diego Section Division I Playoffs on the campus of Valhalla High School in El Cajon, California. Six-foot-two-inch, 210-pound senior Carson Hermosillo (one hit in two atbats, as well as scoring one run) was named as the Warhawks Player of the Game by the web page: http://www.maxpreps.com/. Hermosillo (.298 avg.),Andrew Shebloski (.455 avg.),Trevor Halsema (.384 avg.), Jacob Vermillion (.355 avg.),Anthony Pozo (.353 avg.), Sam Vermillion (.337 avg.), Zak Kolek (.333 avg.), Matt Myron (.333 avg.), Ruben Valdez (.300 avg.), and Ryan Hartin (.296 avg.) did the majority of Madison’s mashing from the batters box this year. Meanwhile, Pozo (3-1, 1.86 E.R.A.), Hermosillo (3-3, 2.87 E.R.A.), Sam Vermillion (5-3, 2.75 E.R.A.), Shawn Little (2-1, 1.03 E.R.A.), and Imani Abdullah (3-4, 3.27 E.R.A) were warriors on the mound for the Warhawks. No.11-seeded Horizon Christian Academy was shipwrecked 6-0 by the

No.6-seeded Coronado Islanders in a C.I.F. Division III play-in matchup played on the campus of Coronado High School on the island of Coronado. Carter Watson (.417 avg.), Ronald Stokes (.397 avg.), Lane O’Dea (.344 avg.), Christian Arlington (.330 avg.), Tommy Lee (.324 avg.),Anthony Pizzo (.296 avg.), and Kalani Nakamura (.271 avg.) all took an interest in pounding opposing pitchers while standing at home plate for the Panthers this season. Meanwhile, O’Dea (6-3, 1.38 E.R.A.), Pizzo (1-0, 1.98 E.R.A.), Lee (4-5, 3.32 E.R.A.), and Matthew Taylor (4-4, 2.00 E.R.A.) were the top hurlers on the hill for Horizon Christian Academy. The Chieftans were scalped 8-4 by the Christian High Patriots to close out their Central League campaign in a ballgame played on the campus of Clairemont High School in Clairemont. Zack Thorold, Ross Milo,Alex Beaubien, Michael Cortez, Joe Risi, and Austin Medina were the hitting stars on the year for the Chieftans. The Komets fell to the Hoover High Cardinals in their final City League contest of the season by a score of 11-9 in a game played on the campus of Hoover High School in El Cajon, California.

Shauna Fisher holds a Master’s degree in Social Work from Rutgers University. Working in the field for over 10 years with children, families and adults, she is an accomplished social worker with experience ranging from direct clinical care to case management services and much more. Shauna may be reached at: Shauna53@yahoo.com

Rob Stone is a life-long resident of the Clairemont Mesa/Kearny Mesa area and is also a certified talent scout through Sports Management Worldwide. If you would like a professional scouting report written up on your favorite athlete, you can feel free to contact him directly. He may be reached at http://www.highvoltigesports.blogspot.com, http://www.smwwscout.com/rob-stone, rstone@smww.com, Sportsguyrob@att.net, or 1 (619) 241-6516.

14 • The Clairemont Times • July 2014

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