The Clairemont Times June 2019 by Clairemont Times

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The

Clairemont Times Serving Clairemont, Bay Park, Linda Vista & Kearny Mesa V9.E6

News of the Neighborhoods

Founded in 2011 JUNE 2019

Portion of a Gravel Lot on West Morena Blvd a Potential Housing Option According to Mayor Faulconer As part of his effort to create more housing for the City’s most vulnerable residents, Mayor Kevin

L. Faulconer last month announced he will make eight City-owned properties available to developers with the goal of building nearly 200 permanent supportive housing (PSH) units. The City’s Real Estate Assets Department

LOCAL POSTAL CUSTOMER ECRWSS

(READ) evaluated dozens of City-owned properties, including sites recommended by City

Council offices, for housing potential. Other properties that weren’t in use but are currently zoned for residential and PSH were also assessed. SEE West Morena Blvd, page 5

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Major Improvements Scheduled for Olive Grove Community Park by Chris O’Connell

Last month the community representative from San Diego City Councilmember Chris Cate’s office, Maddy Garrett provided details regarding major planned improvements for Olive Grove Community Park at the monthly Clairemont Community Planning Group meeting. According to documents the Scope of Work is vast including: • Upgrade ADA path of travel from Printwood Way to the parking lot including existing curb ramps at the driveway. • Upgrade path of travel to be ADA compliant path of travel from the parking lot to the playground, ball fields and comfort station • Upgrade existing non-compliant accessible parking spaces and signage in the parking lot to be ADA compliant • Redesign the existing Comfort Station to provide for four individual toilet rooms, sinks outside of the toilet rooms. Demolition, and alterations for toilet rooms, building interior and the exterior. Addition of decomposed granite in front of existing comfort station. • A new trash enclosure • Provide universal accessibility to play structures and swings • Remove and replace rubberized surfacing. Add surfacing to provide full access to existing SEE Olive Grove Community Park, page 3

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2 • The Clairemont Times • June 2019

San Diego Mesa College 2019 Commencement Featured Bachelor’s Degrees, Promise Students

From the Publisher by Chris O’Connell

Lot of information in this edition. Movies. Movies. Movies. There is a partial list of free movies being shown throughout the City and County summer (p10), in addition LoloLoves Films wrote about some upcoming summer releases (p12). Susan Lewitt provided us with a piece on native plants and fire safety (p15). In addition, my go to website lately (thank you Susan) is www.CalScape.org It is so simple: type in your zip code or town and bingo a huge planting list for your specific area. Plus, a lot more information on the following pages. If you want to keep up to date from now until the next edition sign up for the email newsletter at www.ClairemontTimes.com stuff happens in between printings and that is the purpose of the once a week email called “The Clairemont Times Newsletter”.

Happy Father’s Day to all the men out there. When I think back to gifting my Dad Brut by Faberge year after year, he never complained with such a crappy gift. Father’s Day is a bittersweet day for sure. Finally, I thought I would have a little fun this month with the word search. Next month we are heading back East to visit my Mom as she will be celebrating her 90th birthday and we’ll be seeing the entire family so it will be great chaos. Thankfully, since I have been on the West Coast for so long, I have lost my accent, so I thought you too could sound out and search for some not so normal pronounced words. Enjoy. Thank you for reading. chris@clairemonttimes.com

Chris O’Connell, Publisher

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On Saturday, May 18, San Diego Mesa College awarded 1,789 academic degrees and 411 certificates, a 3% percent increase in degrees over 2018. Among them are the second set of students receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in Health Information Management (HIM), as well as the second set of San Diego Promise students, who participated in the San Diego Community College District’s free-tuition program. Over 200 students graduated with more than one degree, and the Class of 2019 boasts 22 valedictorians and close to 500 students who are graduating with Honors. Mesa’s youngest graduate is 17, and the oldest is 71. “This is a fabulous year for Mesa College,” stated San Diego Mesa College President Dr. Pamela T. Luster. “We will

award the second set of Bachelor’s degrees in Health Information Management, our Promise students are excelling, our associate degree students are transferring to excellent colleges and universities, and our Career Education students are getting job offers before they have even finished the semester.” The 2019 speakers included student Paulina Solis Ibarra, who served as president of Movimiento Estudiantil Chicanx de Aztlán (M.E.Ch.A.), and the 2019 Distinguished Alumnus, Dr. George Dionisopoulos, a professor emeritus in the School of Communication at San Diego State University, who has taught thousands of Mesa College transfer students and faculty.

Mesa College Grad Sees Promising Future Thanks to the San Diego Promise In his two years at San Diego Mesa College, Harley Sobreo has traveled to Madrid and Costa Rica via the Study Abroad program, secured an internship with a local congressman, been an active member of the Mesa College Honors Club, and earned nothing but A’s in all his classes. Graduating with two associate degrees and a certificate of achievement on May 18, Sobreo has already been accepted to several universities. He is waiting to hear back from UC Berkeley and UC Davis – the former being his first choice to pursue a bachelor’s degree in international relations and French. Perhaps none of it may have happened had it not been for the tuition-free San Diego Promise program. “If I didn’t have the Promise, I would have tried to make it work, but the Promise definitely ameliorated my college experience,” Sobreo said. “It not only covered my tuition and paid for books, it also opened up a lot of opportunities.” Sobreo is among the more than 50 San Diego Promise students in the program’s second cohort who are graduated this spring and whose futures are being transformed. A native of the Philippines who moved to San Diego when he was 5, Sobreo grew up in Lincoln Park and graduated from Serra High School in Tierrasanta. It was at Serra that Sobreo heard about the San Diego Promise. “It was too expensive to go to SDSU, it was pretty much impossible,” he said. “The Promise program provided me with

Photo Caption. San Diego Mesa College student Harley Sobreo (SDCCD courtesy photo)

an exceptional alternative.” Once in the San Diego Promise, Sobreo signed up for the Mesa College Summer CRUISE (Creating Rich Unique Intellectual Student Experiences), a program which engages new students with three days of connecting with counselors, campus services, and other students. “I felt a connection with Mesa, and I thought the campus was beautiful,” Sobreo said. “I just felt I belonged here.” He also resolved to challenge himself through the Honors Program at Mesa College. “The Honors Program helped connect me with like-minded students who are pretty serious about their education, and the rigor of the courses has allowed me to dig a little deeper into my more creative side,” Sobreo said.

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Olive Grove Comm.Park Continued from page 1

play structures and swings. Replace existing drinking fountain near comfort station, and create an accessible path to location. Add accessible furnishings including: • One picnic table • 7 trash receptacles • One combined grill and hot coal receptacle Ballfields • Replace access gates with ADA compliant chain link gates • Relocate dugout fence to meet ADA requirements • Install one set of ADA compliant bleachers at each side of the backstop at the north field and replace existing bleachers with ADA compliant bleachers at the south field Playground • Remove and replace existing playground equipment and play surfacing • New playground design will be provided with the existing playground footprint

The Clairemont Times • June 2019 • 3

• Existing sand and rubber surfacing will be removed and replaced with rubber surfacing throughout the entire play area Repaving of the basketball courts and parking lot (overlay). Replace chain link gate at the basketball court, south side, with an ADA compliant galvanized chain link gate Replace chain link gate at the fence between Olive Grove Park and Lafayette Elementary School with an ADA compliant galvanized chain link gate Concrete sidewalk leading from park to shared gate shall be surveyed and replaced if not compliant with current ADA standards Relocate accessible parking stalls to existing asphalt paving east of existing parking lot, create drop-off/turn around area Replace main entrance driveway The total project cost is $1,617,849 of which $1,230,000 is construction costs. The schedule listed is a design end date of August 2019. The advertising and award start/end date for the project is scheduled for September 2019/March 2019. Construction is scheduled to begin April 2020 and end March 2021.

For more news and information visit: www.clairemonttimes.com

“Wild Clairemont” by Bill Swank

The public was invited to “discover nature right in our Clairemont backyard” during the May 2, 2019 meeting of the Clairemont Town Council at Clairemont High School. “Wild Clairemont” speakers included Tecolote Canyon Park ranger Steven Smith, Marian Bear’s grandson Deron Bear, Eloise Battle with Friend of Tecolote Canyon, Debby Knight with Friends of Rose Canyon and Karin Zirk, founder of Friends of The Tecolote Canyon Twins: Eloise Battle and Sherlie Miller (photo Bill Swank) Rose Creek. Wild Clairemont can be Visitors Center. At the Town Council accessed using 6-1/2 miles of trails in meeting, the audience was told that 95% Tecolote Canyon, a six mile roundtrip of our natural habitat has been destroyed. trail in Marian Bear Memorial Park (San Eloise specifically warned about the Clemente Canyon) and an 8.8 mile trail dangers of invasive, non-native plants in loop in Rose Canyon that extends to our community: ice plant, Mexican fan Genesee Avenue in University City. (Line palms and Pampas grass. Dancing classes at the North Clairemont Many residents think these plants are Senior Center were not included as part of indigenous, but they are as welcome in the “Wild Clairemont” presentation.) Clairemont as penniless tourists, dockless Energetic Eloise Battle, who turned 90 scooters on Balboa Avenue and Friends of on May 20, 2019, is still educating and sharing stories about her beloved 30-Story Apartment Buildings on Morena wilderness at the Tecolote Canyon Park Boulevard.

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4 â&#x20AC;˘ The Clairemont Times â&#x20AC;˘ June 2019

More Meetings & a March Mt Etna Crime Lab Property Meeting & Clairemont Community Plan Update Meetings

Community Meetings Open to the Public (Locations & Times Subject to Change)

Clairemont Town Council 6/6/19 (1st Thursday) 6:30pm Clairemont High School 4150 Ute Dr. 92117 Clairemont Community Planning Group 6/18/19 (3rd Tuesday) 6:00pm Alcott Elementary 4680 Hidalgo Ave. 92117

If you are interested in the future of the Mt Etna Crime lab property you are invited to attend and bring ideas/input/constructive criticism about the project to the monthly meeting. June 4th 6-8 pm Alcott Elementary in Clairemont Clairemont Community Plan Update Monthly Meeting June 11th 6-8 pm Alcott Elementary in Clairemont visit www.clairemontplan.org for more information.

University Community Plan Update Survey The City of San Diego needs your feedback! Help us shape the future of the University Community. The survey will

take approximately 20 minutes to complete and is a chance for people who live or work in the community to provide early input to help guide the community plan update. The survey will be open through June 19, 2019. To take the survey,visit: https://www.sandiego.gov/planning/comm unity/cpu/university

Raise the Balloon March on 6/8/19 The folks from Raise the Balloon will be marching with their balloon along Balboa Ave beginning at 10am at Ashford St. heading west towards to Genesee to the Mt Etna Dr Crime Lab Property. From there the march will resume at Modoc St (Clairemont HS) marching down Clairemont Dr. to De Anza Cove. Expect possible delays in these areas from 10am-3pm For more information visit www.RaisetheBalloon.com

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Linda Vista Town Council 6/20/19 (3rd Thursday) 6:00pm Revere Center 6735 Gifford Way, 92111

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Linda Vista Planning Group 6/24/19 (4th Monday) 5:30pm Linda Vista Library 2160 Ulric St. 92111

For more news and information visit: www.clairemonttimes.com

Useful Local Project Websites City of San Diego www.SanDiego.gov For Updates/Documents & General Information on Morena Blvd/Balboa Area www.BalboaStationPlan.org 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

DIRECTORY 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

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The Clairemont Times • June 2019 • 5

Learn More about Alzheimer’s Disease in University City

March and Ash, San Diego-Based Dispensary, Setting the Standard for High-End Cannabis Shopping

There are more than 60,000 people living with Alzheimer’s Disease or related dementia in San Diego and Imperial Counties. Add to that the number of family members and other caregivers who face the daily challenges of helping those with the disease, and the number surpasses 180,000. These are the people the Alzheimer’s Association San Diego /Imperial Chapter serves, but not only them. For the thousands of people who have or will have Alzheimer’s but have yet to show symptoms, the Association’s services will be critical to enhancing their quality of life, and if we are successful, have contributed to the ultimate goal of finding a cure. The services offered by the Alzheimer’s Association encompass a wide range of activities in our community, including in-person care consultations, support groups, both in-person and by telephone, safety programs, and education programs in both English and Spanish, both online and in person, on topics such as diagnosis, warning signs, communication, living with Alzheimer’s Disease, and caregiving techniques. Outreach to diverse communities includes the Promotora program focusing on Latino families and individual that may be unaware of our services, as well as special programs and education in the LGBT community. As we are living longer and witnessing the rise in cases of Alzheimer’s Disease and

related dementia, Alzheimer’s has joined cancer atop a list of top medical concerns among all Americans. With no known cure, research becomes a critical component of the national focus of the Alzheimer’s Association. At the forefront of research into Alzheimer’s Disease, our region receives more funds in the effort to find a cure than any other region in the country. $12.3 million of current funding from the Alzheimer’s Association has made San Diego a pivotal center of activity. The Alzheimer’s Association also recruits advocates in the community so that the need for Alzheimer’s care, education and research is heard at every level of government. This has helped to pass landmark legislation, and ultimately, funding. Though the Alzheimer’s Association San Diego/Imperial Chapter’s purview covers 9000 square miles, the office is right here, within a few minutes’ drive of most of our readers. If you have any questions about Alzheimer’s, visit the Association’s web site, www.alz.org/sandiego, call the 24/7 telephone help line (800-272-3900), or just stop by weekdays at the chapter office here in University City. Your participation is appreciated!

by Cassidy Bartolomei

West Morena Blvd

“There’s a big need for permanent supportive housing that provides on-site assistance to seniors, veterans and others who would otherwise struggle trying to live on their own. We’ve also identified

Continued from page 1

To view a Map of City Owned Land visit: https://clmttimes.news/cityre (in the search bar type P318PM to view the West Morena Parcel) “We must build more housing that San Diegans can actually afford and that is especially true for those who need more than just a roof over their head,” Mayor Faulconer said.

Alzheimer’s Association San Diego/Imperial Chapter 5075 Shoreham Place, Suite 240 (just West of the 805 off Governor Dr) San Diego, 92122

With millions of people turning to cannabis every year to relieve pain, spasticity, nausea and anxiety, any stigma surrounding cannabis use is diminishing as the industry continues to blossom. Since opening its doors in September, March and Ash have swiftly established itself as a different kind of cannabis dispensary. They call it “cannabis refined,” offering top-shelf service and products unlike any other in the county. With the aesthetics of a Neiman Marcus, a staff as welcoming and knowledgeable as at the Genius Bar, a selection any Costco would envy, and the convenience of Amazon, this licensed dispensary is next level in every way. March and Ash are setting the standard for what a high-end shopping experience should be. “We carry thousands of products that are all state regulated and tested,” Blake Marchand, March and Ash CEO, said. “Our staff is educated and experienced and we are very customer-focused. We want all of our customers to be informed and comfortable. With proper education and respect, cannabis can serve its positive and productive purpose: to improve everyday lives.” In line with its customer-focused mission, March and Ash offer three ways to browse and purchase products: online, in-store and by phone. If customers choose to order online or by phone, March and Ash will deliver anywhere in San Diego County. They have a fleet of trustworthy and licensed drivers who bring the products right to your door. March and Ash’s hallmark values of transparency and respect are built right into their storefronts and website, which are comprehensive and welcoming. Customers at the store are greeted by a cannabis concierge, who helps them navigate the vast selection based on their sites in neighborhoods across the city to make sure every community is doing its fair share to address the housing crisis.” The City identified eight properties – located in six of the nine City Council districts – that have the potential to allow for construction of up to 198 PSH units, including two sites in District 8 that will be focused on serving seniors. A request for proposals (RFP) is expected to be issued in June to lease five of properties. A subsequent RFP will be issued to sell the remaining properties to builders. Winning proposals will be presented to the City Council this fall. Permanent supportive housing is housing with no limit on length of stay that is linked to on-site or off-site supportive services that assist residents in retaining housing, improving one’s health

needs. “Whether you use cannabis for medicinal, therapeutic or recreational purposes, are new to the market or are a longtime consumer, we can help you find what you are looking for,” Marchand said. March and Ash’s product line are highly diverse. “We have a dedicated CBD room, a flower bar and a clone wall,” he said. “Our selection includes flower, pre-rolls, vapes, cartridges, edibles and more. We carry everything you can think of from concentrates and THC-infused wine to CBD-infused bath bombs and pet products. We really do have something for everyone.” March and Ash understands that the effects of cannabis are wide-ranging and that each person’s experiences are unique, which is why they recommend consulting a healthcare professional when using for medicinal purposes. Both doctors and patients have had high praise for March and Ash. One doctor called it the “Gold Standard for cannabis products” while citing the staff ’s professionalism and knowledgeable service. March and Ash are now offering 20% OFF orders for Clairemont Times readers. You can redeem this offer in-store or online. If you are looking for fast and convenient delivery, simply browse the selection at marchandash.com and add your favorite products to your shopping cart. Proceed to checkout and apply coupon code CLAIREMONTTIMES to save 20%. Once your order is confirmed, kick back and wait for your delivery. Alternatively, visit March and Ash in Mission Valley and shop in-store. Show this offer to receive your 20% off! March and Ash is located at 2835 Camino Del Rio South in San Diego and is opening several new locations throughout Southern California. For more information and locations, call (619) 31-GREEN or visit marchandash.com See our ad on page 9 status, and maximizing one’s ability to live and, when possible, work in the community. Since 2014, the City of San Diego has helped more than 7,500 people find a permanent or long-term home with assistance programs, including rapid rehousing, family reunification, housing vouchers and landlord engagement. Interim programs, such as the Safe Parking Program and the City’s three Bridge Shelters, help people stabilize their situation while they access resources critical to getting them ready for long-term housing. The eight City-owned properties that will be included in the RFPs see graphic Google Earth Image: Sea World Dr./Tecolote Rd (l-r). The pinpoint is the proposed site for housing West Morena Blvd & Vega St.

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6 • The Clairemont Times • June 2019

Atkins on Wildfire Risks: ‘Inaction is Not an Option’

Bike to Work Day Recap by Chris O’Connell

We had a fun morning on May 16th from 6-9 am at our 7th annual pit stop on Santa Fe St at the Rose Canyon Bike path. For the 3rd year we co-hosted with MCTC the construction company of the Mid-Coast Trolley. This year was the 29th Annual Bike to Work Day here in San Diego. Our pit stop was once again busy with 173 bikers stopping and 171 drive by.

including cuties, oranges, bananas and apples as well as boxes of protein bars and promotional giveaways. In addition, water refills and coffee for those who were feeling a bit chilly. There were plenty of questions about the trolley as well as the Rose Creek bike path and riders seemed genuinely excited about the projects. It was great seeing familiar faces from years past as well as talking with first time commuters. The infrastructure of the trolley along

The overall numbers of bikers were down from 2018 throughout the county more than likely caused by the threat of rain however, a record number of riders (7,593) registered for the event. We gave away 30+ lbs of fruit,

Santa Fe St, behind Karl Strauss, is something to see and I would encourage you all to head down and have a look. For more information on the Blue Line Mid-Coast Trolley visit www.KeepSanDiegoMoving.com/Midcoast

California Senate Leader Toni Atkins (D-San Diego) says the time is now to reform state policies surrounding the confluence of wildfire, climate change and energy, and she urges residents in San Diego and throughout California to educate themselves about wildfire risks where they live. “Inaction is not an option,” Atkins said. “Climate change is here, and it’s threatening our communities, our energy systems, our economy and our way of life. With wildfires increasing in frequency and intensity, we’ve seen what can happen if we don’t act. The costs to human life and wellbeing are unacceptable.” Fire season is now a year-round phenomenon, and the fires are growing ever more ferocious. Six of the 10 most destructive wildfires in California history have raged within the past two years, including the worst one – last year’s Camp Fire, which killed 85 people and destroyed more than 18,000 structures, including most of the town of Paradise, as it torched more than 150,000 acres. San Diego County experienced the front end of what could be called the modern wildfire plague in California. The Cedar Fire of 2003 and the Witch and Harris fires of 2007 – respectively the fourth, sixth and nineteenth most destructive fires in our state’s history – destroyed a combined 5,018 structures and killed 25 people. In response to those blazes, San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) invested more than $1.5 billion on wildfire mitigation and grid resiliency. SDG&E, one of three investor-owned utilities that supply energy to California homes and businesses, is now

considered a national industry leader in recognizing the presence of conditions that create wildfire danger and neutralizing the threat. Despite that, two leading credit agencies have recently downgrading the utility’s rating, each citing catastrophic wildfire risks. “I applaud SDG&E’s innovative efforts,” Atkins said. “Still, it’s clear that we need comprehensive reforms to better manage growing fire risks.” Meanwhile, Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E), the state’s largest investor-owned utility, serving more than 16 million ratepayers across Northern and Central California, has entered bankruptcy, due to costs incurred from its role in numerous recent wildfires. Southern California Edison and SDG&E have warned that they could be just one fire away from joining PG&E in Chapter 11. In April, Gov. Gavin Newsom released a comprehensive report on the danger that wildfires create for California’s economy, energy infrastructure and public safety amid advancing climate change. Atkins says the Senate is currently digging into the details of the Governor’s report in advance of proposing policy changes. “The priority of Senate Democrats will be protecting ratepayers, fire victims and the reliability of electric and gas service to California’s consumers,” she said. “While we continue our recovery and rebuilding efforts in the communities devastated by recent wildfires, we also have to decide how we will respond to future disasters. We must take proactive steps to limit the damage.”

Ocean Beach Pier Reopens Following a series of unusually strong storms that ravaged the Ocean Beach pier and caused its temporary closure, Mayor Kevin L. Faulconer last month made good on his pledge to fix and reopen the waterfront landmark ahead of the Memorial Day weekend. In January, the pier was closed to the public for safety and repair. An assessment by City staff determined more than 2,200 feet of guard rail, electric, water and sewer lines needed serious repair or replacement. Renovation work began in March and was completed on time and under budget for about $309,000 – $121,000 less than initially estimated. At more than 50 years old, the Ocean Beach Pier is need of permanent repair. City staff is in the process of conducting a long-term rehabilitation plan to evaluate the condition of the pier and ensure this community asset is around for many years

to come. The report, due for publication later this year, will include a detailed structural evaluation, construction recommendations and cost estimates. “San Diego Fire-Rescue lifeguards provide exceptional service to everyone who visits our beaches,” said Lifeguard Chief James Gartland. “When the wind kicks up and the surf becomes dangerous, lifeguards are responsible for closing the Ocean Beach Pier to prevent injuries. We are pleased that this very popular destination has reopened in time for the Memorial Day weekend. There will be plenty of lifeguards staffing the beaches so everyone has a memorable, fun and safe experience.” Spanning more than 1,970 feet, the Ocean Beach Pier is the second longest on the West Coast and the longest concrete pier in the world. The pier opened in 1966 and more than 500,000 people visit every year.

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The Clairemont Times • June 2019 • 7

Religious Directory 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

Celebrating our 11th Year Together! • • • •

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858-490-0360

Holy Cross Lutheran Church www.holycrossword.org 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 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

Clairemont Woman’s Club by Marge Weber

We are proud of our accomplishment for the past fiscal year of 2018-2019. We had interesting speakers from RSVP, Voices for children, Women Encouraging Living Donations, former Council member Lorie Zapf and our own district president Denise Berrian. Our main fundraiser totaled $4000 plus for Scholarships. We helped pack food at a local agency, provided monthly donations of food and clothing and collected eyeglasses worth $5700 in kind donations. Two $1000 scholarships were given at Clairemont and Madison High Schools. We also gave donations to Heifer International, Penny Pines, March of Dimes, the Storefront and to the Camp Fire victims. We collected Wands for Wildlife and Boxtops for Education and made Christmas card trees for Meals on Wheels holiday trays.

We worked hard but also enjoyed social activities: Daytime Gourmet, a book club, Out and About, a creative writing group, a trip to Barona, a membership tea, three luncheons and are ending with a President’s Tea. Our theme was: A Community Jewel...Let’s Sparkle and we did! Soon it will be summer and hopefully no June Gloom like this May Gray we have been having. Our club is dark in July and August. Have a great San Diego summer and see you on September 4th. Put us on your calendar. 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. Please park around the corner on Mt. Albertine in the church parking lot. Entrance to meeting is under the stairwell.

Clairemont Times Weekly Newsletter Sent to Your Email Inbox The Clairemont Times Weekly Newsletter launched in April. Sign up for the Clairemont Times Newsletter to be delivered to your inbox every Sunday Night. Visit www.ClairemontTimes.com

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.

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

8 • The Clairemont Times • June 2019

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to rob me.’” (The would-be robber survived the pellets in his posterior.) Squaremont Chuck laughed. “My mother was feisty and eccentric and she didn’t By Bill Swank take **** off of people. My father was different. He was calm and strong. When people tried to rob him, he’d just disarm them and call the police.” “My dad was a member of the Pictured: Bill Swank outside the Buena Vista Elks and Lions. He taught us to help Garden Apartments on Cowley Way in 1955, others. He helped form the with East Clairemont off in the distance. Mexican-American Association in Brawley. The braceros (legal Mexican farm workers) trusted him, because he didn’t cheat them.” “During the summer of my junior year in high school, my dad took me to Lebanon and told me that I couldn’t come home without a wife. I Chuck Adbelnour, his mother Mary, sister Rachel, father Gabriel and brother Mike outside their told him that I was the quarterback Brawley home in the late 1950s. (C. Abdelnour collection) by Bill Swank of the football team, so I had to return to America before the school Longtime Bay Ho resident Chuck year started.” War. His family were faithful members of Abdelnour’s son?” Abdelnour served 28-1/2 years as San That fall, with young Abdelnour calling the Antiochian Church, considered to be The stranger disclosed how his family Diego City Clerk under a multifarious signals for the Wildcats, Brawley High the first church of Christianity. moved to School won the 1955 Southern California “Turks were killing Christians, so my Brawley, small schools championship. California from father’s family fled to the Western Gabriel and Mary Abdelnour sent their hemisphere. Some ended up in South the Dust Bowl children, Chuck, Rachel and Mike, to America. My father was happy to be alive in Oklahoma. and in a land of opportunity,” said Chuck. college. All three earned postgraduate “We were master’s degrees and Chuck continued to “He sold clothes and shoes to farm starving and get a doctor of jurisprudence. It was the workers out of the back of his car during your father fulfillment of the American dream for the Great Depression. Then he was a gave us food,” their immigrant parents. milkman and saved his money to buy a the man said. Chuck should also have a degree in store on the east side of Brawley. It was “We had comedy. thirteen kids in named Victory Food Market. He opened “One of the funniest things that our family and two restaurants, a Spanish kitchen, a happened to me was at a YMCA bakery, dry good store and a soda he bought us fundraiser to end domestic violence,” he fountain. He was a strong and generous shoes. We began. “I was supposed to be a speaker and loving man. He built a chapel behind never would and everybody in the audience was our house and I remember seeing him have survived wearing those glasses with a big plastic down on his knees praying. He started without the nose and mustache. I’ve got another with nothing. I think he was generous, kindness of picture somewhere of me and Pete Wilson because he grew up in poverty and war. your father. and he was wearing a pair of those The least I can He knew how it felt to be poor and San Diego Mayor Pete Wilson presents City Clerk Chuck Abdelnour with a glasses.” hungry.” do is buy your proclamation in the 1980s Most agree that Chuck Abdelnour is a “My Lebanese mother was only five breakfast.” (C. Abdelnour collection) genuinely funny guy. “My mother was feet tall and a hundred pounds, but she Gabriel was feisty. One time a guy tried to rob the beautiful, my dad was strong, but I ended George variety of mayors: Pete Wilson, Roger market. He reached over the counter and Abdelnour immigrated to America Hedgecock, Maureen O’Connor, Susan tried to choke her. She said, ‘Charlie, you through Ellis Island as a Lebanese refugee Golding, Dick Murphy and Jerry Sanders. would have been proud of me. I got away following the collapse of the Ottoman Perhaps his greatest talent for survival and grabbed the shotgun and chased him Empire and the end of the First World at City Hall was a sense of humor. out of the store. As Father’s Day draws near, Abdelnour He was running reflected on his accomplishments and down Main humbly stated, “The highest goal in my Street and I shot life was to make my parents proud.” him in the ass.’” Then, with emotion cracking in his She voice, Chuck told about eating breakfast continued, “The one morning at Hob Nob Hill (formerly police chief said, named Dorothy’s Oven), a fixture on ‘Mary, Mary, Banker’s Hill where San Diego’s movers you can’t do and shakers have dined for over 70 years. that. You can’t Groucho glasses or Chuck glasses? He asked the waitress for his bill, but she take the law (C. Abdelnour collection) said it had already been paid. into your own He explained that as a city employee, hands,’ but she he could not accept gifts and asked her to up looking like Groucho Marx,” he joked. said, ‘It took thank the individual who offered to pay. Then he switched gears (which he often you 20 minutes A few days later, the same thing happened to get here and I does) and added, “My dad was my hero. again. This time, the waitress pointed at I’ve tried to be a good and gentle father needed to the man who wanted to pay. like he was.” protect myself. Chuck approached to say thanks and I’ll do that Gabriel Abdelnour with his youngest son, Michael, outside the family’s clarify why he couldn’t accept his Email: Bill@ClairemontTimes.com Victory Food Market (Brawley, California) in the early 1950s. The signs read: every time generosity, but the man cut him off. He To read all the Squaremont columns, visit: somebody tries “3¢ a pound for Watermelon” and “Best Prices in Town.” http://clairemonttimes.com/category/squaremont/ abruptly asked, “Are you Gabriel George (C. Abdelnour collection)

Making a Father Proud

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The Clairemont Times • June 2019 • 9

Water Authority Recommends $1.7 Billion Two-Year Budget Agency staff proposes water rate increases to cover increasing costs of supply reliability Last month the San Diego County Water Authority’s Acting General Manager recommended to the Board of Directors a $1.7 billion budget for fiscal years 2020 and 2021, up 5 percent from the current two-year budget, due largely to increasing costs for water supply, supply reliability and infrastructure improvements. Water Authority staff also proposed increasing rates and charges for member agencies by 4.3 percent for treated water and 4.8 percent for untreated water in calendar year 2020, attributable to rate increases by the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, continued investments in supply reliability, and reduced water sales that lower demand and mean fixed costs must be spread over fewer gallons. Although the Water Authority’s budget spans two fiscal years, the agency sets rates annually to more effectively manage changing conditions. The Board is expected to vote on rates for next year and the two-year budget at its regular meeting on June 27, following budget workshops

on June 11 and 13. “As we approach our 75th anniversary in June, our budget and rate proposals highlight the Water Authority’s historic commitment to innovation and leadership locally, statewide and across the Southwest,” said Acting General Manager Sandra Kerl. “We are well-positioned to make strategic, cost-effective investments that will both maintain our existing assets and allow us to prepare for new challenges tomorrow will bring.” As usual, more than 92 percent of the Water Authority’s recommended budget is associated with purchasing and treating water or building and financing infrastructure, a result of the agency’s highly successful long-term strategy to invest in supply reliability to meet current and future needs for 3.3 million people and a $231 billion regional economy. The biggest driver of the recommended budget is an increase of $48.92 million, or 5 percent, for the purchase and treatment of water. The increase reflects continuing investments in the San Diego region’s water supply reliability portfolio – in line with Gov. Gavin Newsom’s recent executive order on water resilience – and the costs of transporting water from the SEE Water Authority, page 20

The Old Trieste Restaurant on Morena Blvd Closes its Doors According to an Instagram post on May 24th, the restaurant announced they will be closing their doors. The social media post read: The rumors are true! After 56 years of serving San Diego, owners Larry and Victoria Tomicich and long time staff of Old Trieste Restaurant will be retiring. Although

the property will be sold, the business will remain with the family and will not re-open. The last day of service will be May 30, 2019. An Old Trieste Restaurant Cookbook will be published in the coming weeks that will include all of the family recipes, including the Signature Fried Zucchini. Stay tuned for more information. Follow on Instagram @Oldtrieste

NO.

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10 • The Clairemont Times • June 2019

A Padres Column by Major Garrett

Padres Fans ….. Stop Bitching by Major Garrett

Last month I wrote about chirping. This month’s topic is bitching. Yours. End it. Andy Green should be fired. A.J. Preller has to go. Where’s Bruce Bochy? Keel-haul Kinsler (fans, please, eff-bomb Ian is not worth the angst – see my May 20 Tweet). Can’t you see how amazing this season has been already? After 50 games the Friars are two games above .500 and in second place in the NL West. Who among us in January would not have taken that as a gift from the faceless, historically indifferent baseball Gods? Yes, the Padres have lost too many games to the hated Dodgers. One loss is too many. Face it. The Dodgers are damn good. What we know is we have pushed the Dodgers in every game. The home series sounded and felt like the playoffs. Have you forgotten that already? Have you forgotten Hunter Renfroe’s walk-off bomb with the bases loaded? Wicked amperage is now part of the ticket price. Have you already taken this precious rarity for granted? Do you not appreciate how tough the Padres have been without Fernando Tatis Jr.? Tatis suffered a severe hamstring injury April 28 and the Padres have been without his glove, bat, speed, hustle and verve for nearly a month – and faltered only slightly. Tatis Jr. is an amazing talent with an infectious joy for the game and uncommon youthful confidence. A loss of that magnitude would crater most teams as young as the Padres. That it hasn’t is a testament to Manny Machado, Eric Hosmer, Wil Myers and Andy Green –

stalwarts who know this team has unappreciated depth, talent and more moxie than a Padre club in a decade. Can you believe Kirby Yates? People, Yates had 20 saves through 50 games, a first in franchise history. Yates had 20 saves before the end of May – also a Padres first (the March beginning of the season creates a bit of an asterisk here). Let me remind you…… the Padres claimed Yates OFF OF WAIVERS on April 26, 2017. Waivers. That means he was literally plucked from the scrap heap. A scrub. Ballast. But wait….. Yates studied under Brad Hand and has become this season’s elite closer and All-Star lock. C’mon!! How great is that? The Padres are the youngest team in the NL. The average age of Padres batters through 50 games this year is 26.6. The league average is 28.5. The average age of Padres pitchers is 26.9, the second youngest in the NL (the league average is 28.6.) This youthful team leads the NL in comeback wins with 13. The Friars also have a record of 13-6 in one-run games, staggering for a club this young. The staff ERA is 3.86 through 50 games, fourth best in the NL. The NL ERA average is 4.19. If, before Opening Day, you projected this club would have a team ERA this much below the league average YOU… ARE… A… LIAR. It is almost inconceivable a team with arms as young as this would be this competitive. I must tell you, I was terrified of the month of May. I feared by then scouting reports would have made the rounds and our roster of newbie starters would be exposed for their youthful flaws and batters would feast. Some of that happened. But our starters have, for the most part, held it together and made adjustments. In San Diego, Chris Paddack is a borderline star with his own T-shirt (in the proper color, by the way). Offensively, the Padres have been a bit underwhelming, but also very clutch. Our team numbers are pretty flat – Batting average .225; On-base percentage .287; Slugging percentage .403 and On-base plus slugging percentage .691. Ho-hum. Even worse, the Padres strikeout (483) the most and walk (124) the least in the NL. We don’t steal very much – 16 bases – and we get thrown out a lot – 10 times. The Padres have also grounded into 40 double plays – second highest in the NL. And

Let me remind you ... the Padres claimed Yates OFF OF WAIVERS on April 26, 2017.

yet, the Padres have left only 273 runners on base – the lowest in the NL. Clutch hitting plates runners and the Padres have been clutch enough to go 26-24 while scoring 188 runs and giving up 207. The Friars have a negative run differential of 22 or -0.4 per game (the Dodgers run differential is plus 62 or +1.2). That the Friars are only six games back with this disparity is encroaching on miraculous. Watching is fun. Listening is fun. Going to Petco is electrifying. We sit on the edge of our seats. The energy is contagious. The sense of possibility palpable. The gloom is gone. No more slouching. We no longer assume the

worst. Have you forgotten that hopeless default mindset? This is baseball. We are winning. The team is young. Statistically, the Friars are defying gravity. And…. It’s San Diego. STOP BITCHING! 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.”

Free Movies in the Park Mark the dates on your calendar by Chris O’Connell

Bring your chair, blanket, snacks and enjoy a movie under the stars. All the movies start at dusk. This list is a very small portion of local movies, the full schedule throughout the city and county can be found along with more information on the website listed below. Bay Park 8/2 Tecolote Community Park: Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (PG-13) Bay Ho 8/10 Cadman Community Park: The Sandlot (PG) Clairemont 7/20 North Clairemont Community Park: Finding Nemo (G) 9/6 South Clairemont Community Park: Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation (PG) Downtown 7/12 USS Midway Museum, Downtown SD: Aquaman (PG-13) 8/17 USS Midway Museum, Downtown SD: The Little Mermaid (G) Mira Mesa 7/27 Hourglass Field Community Park: Poppins Returns (PG) Mission Bay 10/5 Santa Clara Point, Mission Bay: Nightmare Before Christmas (PG)

Ocean Beach 7/12 Dusty Rhodes Community Park: Mary Poppins Returns (PG) 8/16 Robb Field: How to Train Your Dragon (PG) Pacific Beach 7/20 Pacific Beach/Taylor Library: Spider-Man: Into the Spiderverse (PG) 8/3 Kate O. Sessions Neighborhood Park: Finding Dory (PG) Serra Mesa 7/13 Cabrillo Heights Neighborhood Park: Rookie of the Year (PG) 8/24 Cabrillo Heights Neighborhood Park: Space Jam (PG) Tierrasanta 7/19 Tierrasanta Community Park: Star Wars: The Force Awakens (PG-13) University City 6/1 Standley Community Park: Everyone’s Hero (G) 6/7 Nobel Community Park: Jumanji: Welcome to The Jungle (PG-13) 6/14 Doyle Community Park: How To Train Your Dragon (PG) 8/9 Nobel Community Park: How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World (PG) 8/16 Doyle Community Park: Jungle Book (2016) (PG)

To view the complete list of movies throughout the City of San Diego and the County visit: http://www.summermoviesinthepark.com

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The Clairemont Times • June 2019 • 11

UCCA Opens the Discussion For an Emergency Vehicle, Bike and Pedestrian Only Regents Road Bridge Commentary Louis Rodolico

An Emergency Vehicle, Bike and Pedestrian only version of the Regents Road Bridge was put on the May 8th University City Community Association (UCCA) Agenda. A member of the audience pointed out that this version of the Regents Road Bridge was not presented to city council when they voted not to build the bridge in 2016. This bridge version would serve ambulances as well as fire trucks and other emergency vehicles. It would also accommodate bikes and pedestrians. See Illustration. Personal vehicles would be restricted, except during a conflagration when the bike lanes would be utilized for vehicles exiting the community, keeping the emergency lane open. The original design of the Regents Road Bridge was to consist of two parallel but separate spans. This proposal would be one of those two spans. Building a limited emergency vehicle bridge would dramatically improve ambulance service times south of the bridge. However, it would not reduce traffic volume on Genesee so this proposal would have little value for the eastern half of UC. At the meeting UCCA did not vote for or against an emergency only bridge, but approved a diplomatically correct guarded response. The Friends of Rose Canyon (FORC) president Debbie Knight spoke out against an emergency vehicle bridge claiming that city council has already decided not to

build the bridge in 2016 so: “The Regents Road Bridge Issue Is Closed”. However, in 2006 when city council voted to build the bridge FORC sued the city to try and overturn council’s vote, which exposes Knight’s hypocrisy. In 2006 Westfield Mall did not get signatures to get it on the ballot since most residents want the full bridge. Instead Westfield Mall paid half a million for a new EIR that did not include ambulance service data. That incomplete

EIR was put before council in 2016 when council reversed their 2006 decision. Councils overturn the decisions of their predecessors all the time. So it is hypocritical to say that once city council votes on something that’s the final word. A future council could reverse once again and vote to build the bridge. For example: 15 years ago the Murphy administration considered companion units to be undesirable low income housing, but city council recently reversed that thinking and companion units are all the rage today. Based on surveys, most residents want the full four lane Regents Road Bridge. They ask; should taxpayers bear the cost of this emergency only bridge if it does not allow vehicular traffic? Most residents in North Clairemont, Bay Ho, West and Central UC will accept a bridge of any description; they know all too well how extended ambulance service times have impacted their families and their community. They are left hoping that politicians will uphold their oaths and the city comes to its senses. But they will have to fight self-centered residents along Rose Canyon who do not want roads in their neighborhood much like parents who do not want to vaccinate their own children. Putting all of us at higher risk. They will also need to fight the Friends of Rose Canyon, which is the most influential registered lobbying firm in the region. Always ready to sue The Friends of Rose Canyon has elevated Rose Canyon to a deity making it a sacrilege to place

anything in the canyon regardless of the health and safety benefits to the community. Some background: In May of 2008 UCPG rejected Westfield’s Expansion. Seeing an opening FORC meets later that year with Westfield Mall. Under the guise of a lawsuit they keep their discussions confidential, an end run around the Brown Act and lobbying recording requirements. With its deep pockets

Westfield pays half a million dollars for an EIR that somehow does not contain ambulance service times with or without the bridge. FORC whips votes and gets control of UCPG board membership. Westfield’s expansion goes forward. The 35 million dollars of Development Impact Fees (DIF), that were collected for the bridge, must now be returned to developers, Westfield should see 10 to 20 million. The FORC claim that they are not a lobbyist for Westfield is a distinction without a difference. Westfield Mall, FORC, Politicians and even the Judiciary show no interest in putting the bridge on the ballot, providing another warning of how fast our democracy is falling to big money. The 2016 bridge costs were inflated by engineers to make the bridge less desirable to council. The city needs a disinterested third party verifying all project costs. Recently Pure Water lowballed its costs to get council approval. The Fast Response Squad is not an ambulance and cannot transport critical patients to the hospital. The city will not release its ambulance service data but based on county data not having the

Regents Road Bridge results in 7 residents not making it to the emergency room in time for responders to save their lives. Residents who have seen this first hand have openly asked FORC, Westfield Mall and their confederates how they could they be so heartless. The answer is money. Westfield Mall is looking at a big DIF refund and wants all traffic funneled up Genesee to their stores. Since 2004 FORC has found a profitable fund raising model that finances the salary (currently $60,000) of its president. See FORC tax link. Whipping up resident infighting keeps the spotlight off; politicians the mall and FORC. UCCA attempted to draw attention to public safety. However, anti-bridge advocates want any discussion of a bridge closed, along with 7 additional caskets each year. Louis Rodolico has been a resident of University City since 2001 and is a candidate for District 1 City Council. louisrodolico.com FORC Meets Privately With Westfield https://www.voiceofsandiego.org/topics/government/thirty-so mething-brother-and-sister-and-atop-san-diego-politics/ Westfield Half Million EIR http://www.louisrodolico.com/uploads/7/5/2/2/75221087/dif_ex hibits.pdf FORC Registered Lobbyists Link https://netfile.com/SDLobbyist/api/image/filing/178443165 FORC Tax Link http://www.louisrodolico.com/uploads/7/5/2/2/75221087/forc_2 017_tax.pdf Cardiac Link https://75221087-734903332177383633.preview.editmysite.co m/uploads/7/5/2/2/75221087/cardiac-calculation-rrb_orig.gif

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12 • The Clairemont Times • June 2019

LoloLovesFilms This Month:

The Clairemont Times PO Box 17671 San Diego, CA 92177 (858) 752-9779

Most Anticipated Movies of Summer 2019 by Lolo & Big J

Founding Publisher: Chris O’Connell Advertising (858) 752-9779 Graphic Designer: Elaine Hall Contributors: Major Garrett Susan Lewitt Lauren & Josh Rains Louis Rodolico Robert Ross Tanya Sawhney Bill Swank Marge Weber 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 ©2011-19 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:

This month, we wanted to share a list of films that we’re looking forward to for the upcoming “summer” quarter (June – August 2019)! “Men in Black: International” (release date: June 14) We loved the original “Men in Black,” but its two sequels left a lot to be desired, so you might think we’d be a little trepidatious about this spin-off. This film stars Chris Hemsworth and Tessa Thompson, who were excellent together in “Thor: Ragnarok,” so we can’t wait to see this dynamic duo team up once more. “Shaft” (release date: June 14) That Shaft is one bad m...shut your mouth! We’re not just talking about one Shaft, oh no. We’re talking one, two, count ‘em three generations of Shafts! With Richard Rountree and Samuel L. Jackson back in their titular roles, we can certainly dig it. “The Dead Don’t Die” (release date: June 14) Jim Jarmusch’s zombie horror comedy with an all-star cast including Adam Driver, Bill Murray, Tilda Swinton, Steve Buscemi, and Iggy Pop is sure to be a strange-but-dark-and-wacky offering. “Yesterday” (release date: June 28) Imagine a world where The Beatles never existed, but you happen to still know all their songs. That’s the fantastical scenario presented in “Yesterday,” and as lovers of both the Beatles’ music and of Danny Boyle as a director, we’re really looking forward to this one. “Midsommar” (release date: July 3) Writer/director Ari Aster really knocked it out of the park with his feature film debut “Hereditary,” so you can be sure we’ll be two of the first people in line for his next offering. “Spider-Man: Far from Home” (release date: July 3) Tom Holland has found a way to truly embody the spirit of both Peter Parker and Spider-Man. Marvel has yet to disappoint us, and coming off the heels of the iconic “Avengers: Endgame” that we loved 3000, you can bet we’re excited to see where the MCU goes from here. “The Farewell” (release date: July 12) “The Farewell” looks to be right up A24’s alley: a dramedy about family, secrets, and love. We’re all in! “The Lion King” (release date: July 19) 1994’s “The Lion King” is one of our favorite Disney films. We fully admit that we haven’t been thrilled with each of their ‘live-action’ remakes, but we loved director

Jon Favreau’s take on “The Jungle Book,” so we’re optimistic about what he’ll do with this classic feline tale. “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood” (release date: July 26) We love Quentin Tarantino’s sharp writing and slick directorial style. He has made some of our favorite films of all time, so we always rush to the theater whenever he delivers a new picture. Throw in the on-screen talent of Leonardo DiCaprio, Margot Robbie, and Brad Pitt, and this is sure to be a winner. “Hobbs and Shaw” (release date: August 2) The movies in the “Fast and Furious” franchise have been hit or miss with us, but it’s hard to deny that the series got a much-needed shot of adrenaline when Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson was added to the cast. The franchise got another boost when Jason Statham came a-knockin’. Now, this muscle-bound duo will team up for a friendly rivalry in what looks to be an automotive-centric superhero action flick that’s sure to be all sorts of implausible and

dumb, but will probably a lot of fun, too. “Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark” (release date: August 2) Producer Guillermo del Toro has tapped independent horror direct André Øvredal to adapt this terrifyingly illustrated children’s horror series to the big screen for the first time ever. We couldn’t be more ecstatic to see what Øvredal and del Toro deliver to audiences later this year. “Good Boys” (release date: August 16, 2019) Think “Superbad”, but with slighter younger kids. This film looks to shock and possibly offend with what seems to be some outrageous, raunchy comedy while trying to capture what it’s like to grow up in the technological age. This movie may not be for everyone, but from what we’ve seen about it thus far, it is definitely for us. Definitely for us. Visit our blog at www.lololovesfilms.com for more reviews, and follow us @lololovesfilms on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat for extra content! For inquiries or comments, please email: lololovesfilms@gmail.com.

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The Clairemont Times • June 2019 • 13

Transferring Your Brokerage (Securities) Account into Your Trust by Dick McEntyre and Chris von der Lieth, Attorneys at Law

Recently, we wrote an article entitled, “Transferring your Bank and Credit Union Accounts into Your Trust,” in which we stated that creating a revocable living trust for yourself can be an important first step in avoiding an expensive and lengthy court administration (“probate”) of your estate following your death. As for the next step in the probate avoidance process, we emphasized that you still need to transfer ownership of those of your assets you desire to be held in your trust, into your trust. In this connection, we explained how to transfer your bank and credit union accounts into your trust. In this article we will discuss the process for transferring any brokerage (securities) accounts you may own into your trust. However, for the purpose of this article, we are not referring to any retirement type plans (for example, 401(k)s, IRAs, etc.) which may be included in such brokerage accounts. The reason for this is that most retirement plans are typically not owned by trusts, and trusts are not normally made the beneficiaries of these plans due to negative income tax ramifications. If you do own any non-retirement brokerage accounts totaling an amount in excess of a certain monetary limit, and you do not transfer ownership of them into your trust, you risk having those accounts go through a probate following your death before they can pass to your intended beneficiary(ies). Fortunately, the process for transferring such brokerage accounts into your trust is like the approach we outlined for transferring your bank and credit union accounts. The primary distinction is that companies managing brokerage accounts typically do not have “brick and mortar” locations with the consequence being that, often, you cannot go to a branch office and meet with a representative. However, if your brokerage company does have a branch office, then you should go to it, meet with a representative, and follow the steps for transferring your bank and credit union accounts which we outlined in our previous article. In the case your brokerage company does not have a branch office, you should call the company and request that a

representative help you transfer ownership of your accounts with it into your trust. We also recommend that you visit the company’s website at the same time you are making the call. Typically, the representative will either mail you the forms necessary to accomplish the transfer or direct you where to go on the company’s website to download them. Regardless of how you obtain the forms, make sure you complete them in accordance with the accompanying instructions. As for completing the forms, you should review your declaration of trust (or trust agreement) to determine if there is a section providing how you should take title to an asset that is to be held in your trust (that is, the title vesting). If you cannot find such a section, look for any instruction letter an attorney may have provided to you with your declaration—the manner of holding title should be in there. A typical title vesting will include the name of the trustee, followed by the name of trust, the document the trust was created under, and the date of the document. For example, a title vesting could read: “Jane Rogers, Trustee of The Jane Rogers Trust under Declaration of Trust dated May 1, 2019.” Once you have completed the forms, you will need to sign them, sometimes in front of a notary public (again, read the instructions). When you are finished, return the forms to the company in accordance with its instructions. Upon your brokerage company’s receiving the forms, the company may take a week or two before it can process them and complete the transfer. To confirm that the transfer has been completed, you can call the company; sign in to your account online; or wait to receive your next written brokerage statement. The above statements are generalizations only and are not to be taken as legal advice for the reader’s particular situation. Richard F. McEntyre is a lawyer practicing law in the areas 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 5 years. House calls are available. Dick’s office is located at 3156 Sports Arena Boulevard, Suite 102 (Telephone (619) 221-0279), www.richardfmcentyre.com.

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

619 527 7500

Free Tree SD San Diegans can get a new tree, free of charge - all you have to do is identify a space in the public right-of-way that could benefit from a new tree and fill out the online form. City horticulturists will evaluate the space and determine an appropriate tree selection. To receive a FREE TREE for your parkway (the area between your sidewalk and street curb), please review the conditions of agreement • Location of property must be within City of San Diego limits

• Resident/property owner agrees to water the tree for three years to get tree’s life started per the recommended watering schedule noted below • The City’s horticulturist will review your parkway to determine an appropriate tree species • Resident/property owner understands that driveways, street corners, fire hydrants and other objects may limit where tree(s) can be planted To begin the process, fill out the online form on the City of San Diego Website: www.sandiego.gov/blog/free-tree-sd

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14 • The Clairemont Times • June 2019

HEALTH & WELLNESS

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The Clairemont Times • June 2019 • 15

Random Acts Of Greenness: Native Plants For Fire Safety ground which makes them more flammable. Their resin is also a fuel source. Pine trees should be kept hydrated The question: “Should you be through the drier months and needle concerned about your landscape thatch should be removed and possibly flammability and what is the best way to composted. In natural forest areas, Chaparral has been masticated allowing invasive flammable weeds, including grasses, to take over. “What scientists are learning is that it is the loss of chaparral that creates greater risk for wildfires” (The USGS Southern California Wildfire Risk Project”). In a way, this is what occurs in home nonnative gardens. We Native Residential Landscape in North Clairemont replaced the native by Susan Lewitt

keep your home fire safe?” The surprising answer: There are lists out there of flammable plants to avoid, and some of them include native plants, but under the right conditions even well hydrated exotic plants will burn up, while the native plants survive. You would think that ice plant, and Eucalyptus are fire safe, but they are just the opposite. Eucalyptus, as well as pine, is mentioned as fire After the 2007 Witch Creek Fire, the native buckwheat is hazards on the DVD, The ready for a comeback, adjacent to a black smudge that was USGS Southern California ground cover rosemary. Both got equal amounts of water. Photo by Greg Rubin Wildfire Risk Project. Ice plant builds up dry woody plants with exotics and end up with growth that will easily burn. Eucalyptus invasive grasses and weeds that are more trees have oils that release flammable gas flammable and should be removed to keep when heated, causing a potential fireball our homes fire safe. These invaders can and sparks. Eucalyptus trees, due to their also spread to nearby natural areas causing flammability and because they are a those areas to be more fire prone, again nonnative invasive species, should be replaced by native trees. Pines tend to dry putting our homes at risk. Protecting your home in a fire storm is out and get a build up of needles on the not certain and there is no guarantee that your home will not burn. Many conditions may cause almost anything to burn, such as Santa Ana Winds and May through November dryness. This is one very important reason to consider changing your landscaping

Desert Museum Palo Verdi in residential landscape

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

Saturday, June 1 10:00 -2:00 Tecolote Family Day Stop by for our free wildlife and nature themed family event! So much fun to explore, create, learn and enjoy your canyon and nature center. Parking is limited so carpool, walk, ride a bike, etc. Pack a picnic and stay a while. Sunday, June 2 Nature center closed due to road closures for the Rock and Roll Marathon Sorry, Sunday in the garden is canceled this month. Saturday, June 15 9:00-11:00 Weed Warriors Volunteer with the Park Rangers to make your canyon awesome! Help is needed in the restoration and revegetation areas. Gloves and tools provided. 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. Wednesday, June 19 1:30-3:00 Art & Activities for Kids- Free! Get crafty and have fun! Nature themed arts and crafts. *Many volunteer opportunities available! 858-581-9959 www.sandiego.gov/volunteer-program 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

listed are easy to grow natives, damp soil, from Mediterranean and exotics to San Diego native plants that belong here and low water, and very low water natives, as are needed to maintain our wonderful well as deer resistant, bank stabilizing, biodiversity, as well as increased fire safety. shade, part shade, and sun loving natives. “A lightly hydrated native landscape is as, With some planning, you can have a yard or more, fire resistant than many other that is green and in bloom all year round. types of landscapes. … An established Under the right conditions of just enough native landscape … (deeply) watered once water during the dry months, your home every couple weeks … (may) singe ... will be more fire safe with these natives rather than burn ... even when traditional then with their exotic counterparts. Want drought tolerant plants such as rosemary Help? CNPS meeting occurs 3rd Tuesday, have burnt to a crisp on the same amount monthly, except August, 6:30 pm Casa of water.” (The Drought Defying Del Prado, Room 101, Balboa Park. California Garden by Greg Rubin and Lucy Warren, page 14) I understand that our California Native Plant Society (CNPS) landscapers haven’t lost a single native landscaped house to fire. For native plant suggestions, go to Calscape (https://www.calscape.org/) and enter your zip code or your town name. You will see several lists of plants that will be great for your yard, including trees, shrubs, ferns, perennials, annuals, succulents, vines, ground covers, hedges, and grasses. Also Dudleya

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16 • The Clairemont Times • June 2019

LIBRARY EVENTS Game Time Thursdays at 3pm Break out the board games for a little tabletop fun! Kids Craft Club Thursdays at 4pm. Craft time has something new every time! Button Making Saturdays at 10:30am Express yourself by making your own buttons to decorate your backpack or clothes! Bring your own pictures or use some of ours! Materials are free! CLAIREMONT BRANCH 2920 BURGENER BLVD, 92110 (858) 581-9935

Summer Reading Programs Special Events Summer Reading Program is here! Kids and adults can sign up at sandiego.gov/SummerReading starting June 1st and take part in our annual celebration! Kids read ten books and teens and adults read for ten hours and they can earn a goodie bag filled with coupons for free food from local restaurants and free admission to museums! Every Tuesday at 4pm in June, July and August, the Clairemont Library will have a unique program for kids! Check out these great events! • June 4—The kid-friendly folk music of Hullabaloo! • June 11—See live animals with Wild Wonders! • June 18—It’s a dance party! Get up and shake your booty with Dance to Evolve! • June 25—Michael Rayner will astound and amaze with remarkable juggling and balancing! This popular favorite is back!

Adults Literary Book Club 6/5 6pm The Book Club will be discussing, “Lincoln in the Bardo” by George Saunders Make Your Own Book! 6/25 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. Music from We Kinda Music! 6/26 6pm This free concert is presented by the Friends of the Clairemont Library. This month we feature steel drum island rhythms of Patrick J. Burke. All Ages 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.

Little Ones Pajama Sign Language Storytime 6/4 6pm Jennifer Duncan returns with a fun evening storytime featuring sign language stories and songs just right for getting little ones ready for bed! Sign Language Storytime Thursdays, 6/6 & 6/20 10:30am Children and their caregivers can learn ASL sign language while hearing great stories! Presented by Jennifer Duncan. Baby & Toddler Storytime with Stay & Play 6/13 & 6/27 10:30am Joyce leads a fun storytime with stories, songs and play! Preschool Storytime with Miss Fran! Fridays at 10:30am. Join Miss Fran as she reads fun picture books and sings songs! Kids & Teens

NORTH CLAIREMONT BRANCH 4616 CLAIREMONT DR. 92117 (858) 581-9931

Play Scrabble: Tuesdays 6/4 & 6/25 5pm & Thursdays 6/6 & 6/13 1pm Enjoy the game of Scrabble in a fun, social environment. Summer Reading Program: Wednesdays 4pm Fun performances at the library! This month you will enjoy “Ruth and Emilia”, “Literature Comes to Life”, “Craig Newton and Mad Science”! Beginning Chess Club: Wednesdays 4:30pm Learn the game and some strategy The Book Sale 6/8 9:30am-1pm Remember, your generous purchases at the book sale supports this library. Thank you! The Second Tuesday Concert Series features the classical guitar of Eric

Dickerson 6/11 6:30pm The NC Book Club 6/18 6:30pm We’ll discuss “Middlesex” by Jeffrey Eugenides. Copies are available now at the front desk. Please ask for your copy. Zentangle returns 6/20 1pm Explore your creativity through the use of patterns in a relaxing environment. Genealogy Workshop 6/27 1pm Learn how the library can help you discover your heritage. Call or come in to sign up. BALBOA BRANCH 4255 MT. ABERNATHY AVE, 92117 (858) 573-1390

Lights, Camera, Action! Put books center stage this summer and join the Summer Reading Program: “It’s Showtime at Your Library!” San Diego residents of all ages are encouraged to sign up for this annual event that is sure to deliver action and adventure through reading. Butter your popcorn and grab your candy stash…. It’s Showtime! Sign up begins June 1st and the program will last through August 31st. Earn prizes and experience fun and educational programs for all ages. We look forward to seeing you! Summer Reading Program Events: Thursdays, June 6 – August 8 @ 10:00 a.m. 6/6: Drumming with Chazz 6/13: Pacific Animal Productions 6/20: Dance to EvoLve 6/27: Literature Comes to Life Stay tuned for July and August…… Ongoing: 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten! Yes, this is possible to accomplish by reading one book a day to be finished in 3 years! Contact library staff for more information. Children and Teen Programs: Lego Club Mondays 4-5pm Build your LEGO masterpiece. [Pre-K - 6th grade] Paws to Read 6/11 6pm Practice reading out loud to patient therapy dogs. [Pre-K – 6th grade] Pajama Signing Storytime w/ Miss Jennifer 6/11 & 6/25 6pm Learn signing while enjoying storytime in your comfy pajamas. [Birth– 5 yrs.] Homework Help 6/4 4-5pm 6/5 & 6/6 3:30-5:30 Bring in your homework questions and our tutor can assist you. [K – 8th grade] Home work help will return in September Great Read-Aloud w/ Miss Terri Wednesdays, 6pm Listen to entertaining stories while practicing listening skills. [Kinder - 2nd grade] Make a Project @ the Library:

Rainbow in a Glass 6/19 3:30-4:30pm Do this “60 Second Challenge” experiment with different colored Skittle candies. All supplies provided. Sign-up required. [3rd-6th grade] Preschool Storytime and Craft will return in September Signing Storytime w/ Miss Jennifer will return in September Meanwhile come to the Pajama Signing Storytime at 6:00p.m. on Tuesday 6/11 & 6/25! Wee Reads for Baby & Toddler Fridays 6/7, 6/14 & 6/21 10:30am Enjoy stories, music, and rhymes. [Babies- 5 yrs.] Drop in & Play 6/28 10:30am Enjoy playtime with babies and toddlers while getting to know other families in the community. [Babies- 5 yrs.] Youth Book Discussion & Children’s Book Discussion will return in September. Read a different book selection every month and then join us on the patio for a very lively book discussion! Meanwhile, have a wonderful summer and be sure to participate in our Summer Reading Program! We look forward to seeing you! Kids’ Krafternoon Saturdays, 1-2pm Create a fun craft at the library to take home. [Kinder - 4th grade] Adult Programs: Healthy & Fit Adults 6/3 & 6/10 11:15am-12 Join us for this educational fitness program presented by Lois Schenker. ESL - Adult Beginning English Tuesdays, 12-2pm Geared toward newcomers learning English. Stitching Circle 6/4 & 6/11 2-3:30pm Bring your knitting, crocheting, and other stitching projects to the library. Instruction may be included. Balboa Book Discussion Club 6/18 11:45-12:45 “The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency” by Alexander McCall Smith and then join us for a lively and thoughtful book discussion. Copies available for checkout. Adult Craft 6/12 6pm Join Remi and learn how to make a creative watermelon carving. All supplies provided. SIGN-UP REQUIRED

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The Clairemont Times • June 2019 • 17

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Port of San Diego Announces Community Discussion Series on the Future of San Diego Bay Public Events Offer Opportunities to Review the Discussion Draft of the Port Master Plan Update with Port Staff The Port of San Diego invites the public to a series of Community Discussions regarding the future of San Diego Bay and the surrounding waterfront. The events, all to be held in June at four locations throughout San Diego County, offer an opportunity to San Diego-area residents who enjoy the bayfront to learn about the Discussion Draft of the Port Master Plan Update (PMPU) and the process for providing input. The Discussion Draft of the PMPU is a major milestone for the Integrated Planning effort and is now available for public review. It includes and addresses allowable uses and activities, future development, and management of water and land within the Port’s jurisdiction on San Diego Bay by providing a mix of goals, policies and standards supported by written narratives, figures and tables. The goals and policy concepts in the document were drafted with review and input by the public, stakeholders and Board of Port Commissioners. To view the Discussion Draft online, visit portofsandiego.org/pmpu The Community Discussions are part of

a 90-day public review period that ends July 31, 2019. The events, titled - “The Future of San Diego Bay: A Community Discussion” will all begin at 5:30 p.m. with a presentation on the process of drafting the Port Master Plan Update and an overview of the Discussion Draft. Attendees will then be able to ask questions of the Port’s planning staff to help understand and navigate the Discussion Draft’s contents and how to provide written comment. “The Future of San Diego Bay: A Community Discussion” event schedule (all to be held from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.): • June 6: Port of San Diego Administration Building, 3165 Pacific Highway, San Diego, CA 92101 • June 12: La Mesa Community Center, 4975 Memorial Drive, La Mesa, CA 91942 • June 20: Palomar College Rancho Bernardo Education Center, 11111 Rancho Bernardo Road, San Diego, CA 92127 • June 27: Tijuana River National Estuarine Research Reserve, 301 Caspian Way, Imperial Beach, CA 91932 Light refreshments will be provided. For a full schedule of events with detailed information and to learn how to provide written comment on the PMPU Discussion Draft, visit portofsandiego.org/pmpu

See the Harbor Police in Action Public Invited to Live Training Demonstration The Port of San Diego Harbor Police Department invites the public to a live training demonstration on San Diego Bay on Thursday, June 13, 2019. The demo will include a SWAT team intervention, coordinated vessel firefighting and a simulated dive team rescue – all taking place on a training vessel secured to Broadway Pier. Event details: • Date: Thursday, June 13, 2019 • Time: 9 – 11 a.m. • Location: Port Pavilion on Broadway Pier, 1000 North Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92101 “This is a chance for the public to get a firsthand look at the specialized training and skills of our Harbor Police officers,” said Chief Mark Stainbrook, Port of San Diego Harbor Police Department. “You’ll get to see how we fight fires on the water, how our dive team operates, how our SWAT team solves tactical problems on vessels, and more. Bring your friends and family to experience this rare event.” For the best views of the action, public

seating will be available on the Broadway Pier View Court, which is located on the west side of the Port Pavilion. In addition to the live action demonstration, there will also be a live K9 presentation, Vehicle Command Center tours and a Harbor Police recruit information booth. This event is being held in coordination with the San Diego Harbor Police Foundation. (www.sdharborpolicefoundation.org)For more details about the June 13 live Harbor Police training demonstration, go to portofsandiego.org/harborpolice. The Port of San Diego Harbor Police Department provides for the public safety of our communities and resources along San Diego Bay and at the San Diego International Airport.

Clairemont Times Weekly Newsletter Sent to Your Email Inbox The Clairemont Times Weekly Newsletter launched in April Sign up for the Clairemont Times Newsletter to be delivered to your inbox every Sunday Night. Visit www.ClairemontTimes.com

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18 • The Clairemont Times • June 2019

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The Clairemont Times • June 2019 • 19

We Protect Tax Dollars Like It’s Our Own Money by City Attorney Mara W. Elliott

San Diego welcomes visitors from all over the world, and we hope they leave our beautiful city with great memories and maybe a few souvenirs. Occasionally we get visitors who want something more – like millions of your tax dollars. That’s when the litigators in the City Attorney’s Office go into action. Recently we defended the City against lawsuits filed by two visitors who hoped to win million-dollar jury awards. Both went away disappointed. The first was an actress from Los Angeles who was in a low-speed collision with a City dump truck and thought that warranted more than $2 million in damages. The second, a visitor from Monterey, broke his neck while surfing at Mission Beach. He blamed the accident on a City lifeguard who was nearby, and sued the City for damages, medical costs, and lifetime medical expenses. As your City Attorney, one of my most important responsibilities is safeguarding taxpayer dollars that can be used to pay for things that matter most to us: our safety, and public amenities such as streets, sidewalks, libraries, and parks, to name a few. San Diego gets sued hundreds of times each year – as all big cities do – and our litigators carefully analyze each case with an eye to protecting the public pocketbook. When the City bears some responsibility, we will settle a lawsuit for

an appropriate sum. When it doesn’t, we go to trial. We often deal with plaintiffs who dream of undeserved windfalls. They figure: What’s a few million dollars to a city like San Diego? But in the City Attorney’s Office, we protect every tax dollar like it’s our own money. In the case of the actress’s fender bender, we hired an accident reconstruction expert to conduct a post-accident inspection of her car to see if the collision could have really caused the injuries she claimed. She brought a damaged car to the inspection, but not the same car that was in the accident. That didn’t sit well with the jury. She was awarded $2,281 for estimated damages to her car – about 1 percent of what she wanted. The surfer suffered greatly from his accident, but the question was always who bore responsibility. He tried to blame his decision to dive off his surfboard on a lifeguard who was in the water on a jet ski, responding to a nearby emergency. The jury did not buy his account of what happened in the water that day, or why he dove off his surfboard and hit his head on the ocean floor. His lawyers asked the jury to award him over 5 million dollars. Instead, the jury found the City was not at fault and awarded him nothing at all. I’m proud of our litigators. They work hard every day to defend the City, resulting in tens of millions of dollars saved every year -- tax dollars that are needed to keep us safe, improve our neighborhoods, and preserve the resources and beauty of this great city. I’m also impressed by San Diego’s juries. They take their responsibilities as jurists seriously and spend countless hours sifting through the facts to arrive at the truth. I hope that each of you, if called to jury service, takes the time to fulfill this important civic duty.

POLICE BLOTTER VEHICLE BREAK IN 4800 Epinette Ave. 4500 Moraga Ave. 4300 Kamloop Ave. 4600 Cobb Dr. 4600 Firestone St. 5400 Winthrop St. 5300 Aberdeen St. 4800 Mt. Hay Dr. 4800 Mt. Durban Dr. 6100 Balboa Ave. 6900 Beagle St. 2900 Clairemont Dr. 4200 Gesner St. 3200 Old Bridgeport Way 3200 Fox Run Row ASSAULT 5000 Clairemont Dr. 4700 Kleefeld Ave. 6200 Camto Araya

4600 Clairemont Mesa Blvd 5200 Dante St. 5900 Printwood Way 7700 Copley Park Pl. 7700 Balboa Ave. 3900 Broadlawn St. 3800 Camto Aguilar 7000 Wheatly St. 2700 Comstock St. 2700 Erie St. VEHICLE THEFT 4400 Piute Pl. 5000 Santa Fe St. 5100 Clairemont Mesa Blvd. 5400 Clairemont Mesa Blvd. 5100 Chateau Dr. 5800 Camber Dr. 5900 Balboa Ave. 6400 Mt. Ada Rd. 6800 Tanglewood Rd.

2200 Hartford St. 5900 Linda Vista Rd. FRAUD 3200 Jemez Dr. 4400 Verley Ct. 5200 Balboa Ave. 4500 Mt. Alifan 2800 Erie St. RESIDENTIAL BURGLARY 4200 Feather St. 4500 Derrick Dr. 4000 Mt. Acadia Blvd. 3400 Old Meadow Rd. 5900 Linda Vista Rd. VANDALISM 4800 Conrad Ave. 4200 Genesee Ave. 3100 Cowley Way

“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

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20 • The Clairemont Times • June 2019

Water Authority Continued from page 9

Colorado River and to purchase water from MWD. About 6 percent of the recommended budget is for the Water Authority’s Operating Departments. Spending for those departments would rise by 5 percent compared to the current budget, primarily due to the Water Authority’s increasing maintenance costs at shared facilities at Lake Hodges and San Vicente Reservoir. Key initiatives the Water Authority plans to pursue during the next two-year budget cycle include: • Long-Term Planning – The Water Authority’s 2020 Urban Water Management Plan, Climate Action Plan, 2020 Long-Range Financing Plan, and Water Shortage Contingency Plan will be drafted, updated or completed. • Strategic Studies – Research will continue into important new or developing opportunities – including a potential San Vicente Energy Storage Facility. In addition, staff will update condition assessments of the agency’s infrastructure, using expanded criteria and technical analysis to prioritize projects and establish new long-term projections for future budgets in light of rising construction costs nationwide. • Capital Improvements – Several smaller-scale capital projects will be developed, including new seawater intake-discharge facilities at the Claude

“Bud” Lewis Carlsbad Desalination Plant, to meet state requirements. In addition, the agency will continue to renovate the First Aqueduct to improve operations of its first two large-diameter pipelines for decades to come. • Visionary Initiatives – Developing water storage capacity in Lake Mead to provide additional drought resilience for San Diego and other parts of the Colorado River Basin will be a priority as part of the agency’s “Solutions for San Diego and the Southwest” initiative. In addition, staff will assess the costs and benefits of a potential new pipeline-tunnel system to move the Water Authority’s independent Colorado River supplies from the Imperial Valley to San Diego County. To support the recommended budget, the Water Authority developed its 2020 rate proposal in conjunction with an independent cost-of-service study to ensure rates and charges comply with state law, legal requirements, cost-of-service standards and Board policies. The Water Authority also worked closely with its member agencies to keep the proposed rates and charges at the low end of earlier projections. In 2020, the Water Authority proposes charging its 24 member agencies an all-in rate of $1,406 per acre-foot for untreated water, or $65 more per acre-foot than they currently pay. Charges would be $1,686 per acre-foot for treated water, or $69 more per acre-foot than in 2019. Actual figures will vary by member

agency, and each member agency will incorporate costs from the Water Authority into the retail rates it charges to residents, businesses and institutions. (Note: An acre-foot is about 325,900 gallons, enough to serve the annual needs of 2.5 typical four-person households in San Diego County.) The Water Authority’s overall rate increase is driven by multiple factors, including rising costs from MWD, which increased its base supply rates and charges and the amount it charges to transport the Water Authority’s independent Colorado River supplies. “Thanks to prudent financial planning and debt management, we are able to keep the proposed rates at the low end of our projections,” said Water Authority Finance Director Lisa Marie Harris. “We’ve worked hard to control rate increases while maintaining a complex water production, treatment and delivery system that will continue to support the region’s economy and quality of life for generations.” The Water Authority will purchase an additional 32,500 acre-feet of water in 2020 via its long-term water conservation-and-transfer agreement with the Imperial Irrigation District. Those independent Colorado River supplies are more reliable and less expensive than MWD supplies, which have been reduced by drought conditions in years past and are subject to cutbacks. The Water Authority also faces

increased costs for its highly reliable, high-quality water supplies from the Claude “Bud” Lewis Carlsbad Desalination Plant, due to costs related to the transition to new seawater intake-discharge facilities that comply with updated environmental standards. To reduce 2020 rate increases by approximately $90 per acre-foot, the Water Authority plans to draw $38 million from the agency’s Rate Stabilization Fund. The fund was created in 1990 to help avoid rate spikes, especially those driven by reduced water sales. Water sales in the region are currently 10 percent below initial projections for fiscal year 2019. The 2020 rate proposal ensures debt-coverage ratios that maintain the Water Authority’s strong credit ratings and minimize the cost of borrowing money for construction projects, an approach that saves ratepayers money over the long run. The Water Authority has senior lien credit ratings of AAA from Standard & Poor’s, AA+ from Fitch ratings and Aa2 from Moody’s. All three ratings agencies rated the Water Authority’s credit outlook as stable.

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