Clairemont Times October 2014 by Clairemont Times

The

Celebrating Three Years October 2014

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

V4.E10

OCTOBER 2014

News of the Neighborhoods

New California Bike Law Is in Effect “Give Bicyclists 3 Feet” by Chris O’Connell

Recently the California Bike Law went into effect, otherwise known as the Three Feet for Safety Act. Drivers passing cyclists from behind must keep 3 feet away. If traffic conditions are busy drivers must slow to a reasonable speed and pass when the cyclist is no longer in danger. VIOLATIONS According to the California Bicycle Coalition, the base fine is $35 if there is no injury, however, when you factor in court and administrative fees the $35 fine jumps to $233. If there is a collision involving an injury to the bicyclist, the basic fine is $220. Once you factor in the above fees the fine jumps to $959.

GOOD BIKING HABITS INCLUDE Obey traffic laws. Stopping at red lights and stop signs. Yield to pedestrians. Use hand signals for turning to alert motorists. Wear bright colored clothing, have proper reflectors installed on your bike and most importantly for nighttime riding white headlights and red lights on the back. Be aware of parked cars and the possibility of doors opening. Lastly, for bicyclists refrain from bike rage and motorists refrain from road rage. After all, we all are trying to get somewhere by our preferred method of transportation.

The First Annual LiveWell 5K has been Rescheduled

CT File Photo May 24, 2013 Newly painted Bike Lane Southbound Genesee Approaching Balboa.

Please note the “Steps for Seniors” Livewell 5k originally scheduled for October 4th has been rescheduled to Saturday, December 6th. All proceeds benefit the Adult Day Care designed to care for seniors struggling with Alzheimer’s Disease

and Dementia. Location: Road Runner Sports 5553 Copley Drive, San Diego 92111 Registration begins at 8am To register or donate please visit www.roadrunnersports.fundly.com/li vewell5k

Clairemont Act One Community Theatre is proud to present their ninth production, Crimes of the Heart by Beth Henley, which opens their fourth season on October 17th. See Page 12 for more details

2 â&#x20AC;˘ The Clairemont Times â&#x20AC;˘ October 2014

Celebrating 3 years and 36 Editions It is hard to believe how fast time goes by here we are in the 36th edition of the Clairemont Times. I have said it time and again I cannot begin to thank the many local people it takes to put together just one edition. I am eternally grateful for the help and support of many in the neighborhoods throughout the past three years. I have had the privilege of meeting many great people along the way and am excited to meet many more. This particular edition is exciting as we introduce a new contributor to the team, Michael Baehr or the Clairemont Chowhound. Some may

recognize the name from his previously published works. Welcome Michael. This edition, I hope, has a lot of local information you the readers will enjoy. From 5k races to a water line project on and around Moraga Ave next year. There is a lot more useful information in the pages ahead, I hope you enjoy. Lastly, please utilize and frequent the advertisers in the paper they are the ones who make it happen. Sincerely,

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

619 527 7500

www.clairemonttimes.com

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Fall Fairs Deliver Discounts on LowWater-Use Plants Metropolitan Water District of The San Diego County Water Southern California to offer the Authority and 10 member agencies California Friendly Landscape Training have teamed with The Home Depot courses, which introduce a holistic again this fall to offer significant savapproach to landscape ings on water-effidesign and maintecient plants at San nance that emphasizes Diego County Mandatory water-use Garden Friendly restrictions are in effect across water-use efficiency. The three-hour Plant Fairs. seminars are fastOutdoor water-use San Diego County to save as paced and informaefficiency is a major much water as possible in tive, and they offer regional and case serious drought condisolutions to common statewide goal after tions continue into 2015. landscape problems. three dry years Class topics include because more than how to make the best half of the water use of the region’s limited rainfall, irriused in a typical home is used outgate efficiently and choose the best doors. Mandatory water-use restricplants for each yard. In addition, they tions are in effect across San Diego will learn how to design landscapes County to save as much water as posthat are sustainable in the San Diego sible in case serious drought condiclimate. Space is limited and pre-registions continue into 2015. For more information about drought conditions, tration is required. In addition, the Water Authority and go to www.whenindrought.org During the events, specially marked MWD offer separate rebates for eligible projects that can be combined for containers of low-water-use plants such as lavender, bougainvillea, society up to $3.50 per square foot for residents and businesses who replace turf garlic and rosemary will be discountgrass. Details about the WaterSmart ed at select The Home Depot stores. Turf Replacement Program, the plant Industry experts will attend the plant fairs and the landscaping classes at fairs to provide information about www.WaterSmartSD.org water-efficient irrigation supplies and how to select and grow low-water-use plants.The Home Depot certified nursery consultants will host how-to workTwo Local shops, and local retail water agency Home Depot Plant Fairs In staff will be on-hand with information October about water conservation programs and services. In addition, San Diego October 18th Gas & Electric (SDG&E) representa3555 Sports Arena Blvd tives will be at the events to highlight programs, services and tools that help October 25th save energy and money. 4255 Genesee Ave The Water Authority and its member agencies are partnering with the

Live at:

Blackthorn Pub Saturday Night October 18th 8:30-11:30 3010 Clairemont Dr. 92117

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Counteroffer Strategies There are many reasons to negotiate counteroffers, but if you have already bought another house, then you may want to minimize negotiations in order to speed up the transaction. On the other hand, if you have one or more nonnegotiable requirements, then we will continue presenting counteroffers to the buyers until you are satisfied. As your real estate professional team, our goal is to be of service to you for any issues pertaining to your housing needs. Call us anytime for the help with the sale or purchase of a home. DRE #01432238

When you receive a written offer from potential buyers, it will declare how much they are willing to pay for your home. It will also include such details as how their purchase will be financed, their preferred closing date, when they wish to take possession of your property, and the amount of their deposit (earnest money). Once you have reviewed the buyer’s conditions, you may choose to submit a counteroffer. In some instances, an entirely new contract can be drawn up. This counteroffer will include your modifications as well as the original terms proposed by the buyers to which you agree. The buyers will then have a set time-frame in which to respond. Buyers may or may not agree with your modifications, so there can be counteroffers back and forth before you both agree on the terms of the sale.

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New extended hours Monday-Thursday 7am-7pm For more news and information visit: www.clairemonttimes.com

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OCTOBER LIBRARY EVENTS NORTH CLAIREMONT BRANCH 4616 CLAIREMONT DRIVE, 92117

CLAIREMONT BRANCH 2920 BURGENER BLVD., 92110

BALBOA BRANCH 4255 MT.ABERNATHY AVE, 92117

SPECIAL EVENTS • Live Music: Zzymzzy Quartet 10/7 6:30pm Unamplified, melodic, swinging, dreamy & full of sly surprise • NC Book Club: 10/8 6:30pm - Members will discuss Maya’s Notebook by Isabel Allende • Tales for Tails/Reading Practice for Children 4+ 10/9 4pm - Children can practice reading to rabbits, guinea pigs, mice or dogs. Animals love to hear children reading. • Friends of the Library Bok Sale 10/11 9:30-1pm Find gently used books, movies & music. Great deals. • EReader Clinic 10/16 1pm - Monthly clinic to get assistance on how to borrow Ebooks. • Halloween Craft: 10/22 4pm - Create a frightful mask to complete your costume sweet treats too. RECURRING EVENTS • Mondays: Sign A Story Circle Time 10am American Sign Language for babies and prechoolers Songs & Stories with props • Tuedays:Tiny Tots Stories 12:45 - Storytime for babies and toddlers using books, songs, rhymes, fingerplays, and simple games. • Wednesdays: Homework Help Wednesdays 6:308pm - College educated volunteers can help students with their homework or writing practice. • Fridays:Toddler & Preschool Storytime 10:30am • Saturdays: Sign Language Storytime 11:30am 10/4 & 10/18 • Toddler & Preschool Storytime Fridays 10:30 - A fun, interactive Storytime: books, songs, rhymes, movement & bubble time with Miss Karina! • Sign Language Storytime Saturdays 10:30 - Ms. Jennifer uses the excitement and fun of signing to enhance the reading of well-loved children's picture books, sing-alongs and bubble time.

SPECIAL EVENTS • Adult Book Club 10/1 6pm - Members will discuss Evensong by Gail Godwin • “Tales for Tails” 10/11 10am - Children can practice reading to rabbits, guinea pigs, mice or dogs. Animals love to hear children reading. • Owls Presentation 10/16 4 pm By Tecolote Canyon Volunteers • Native American storyteller-comedian-historian Abel Silvas/Running Grunion, 9/18 4 pm - Join us for this interactive program to learn what life was like in San Diego during different eras in California history and how California Indians adapted throughout these periods. • Free concert by Second Avenue Klezmer 10/29 6pm - Please join us for this fabulous evening of music featuring flute, harp and violin! RECURRING EVENTS • The Friends of the Library Monthly Meeting 10/15 4pm • Art Class for Children 10/4 4pm - The class is led by Robert Gulli. • Craft Time Tuesdays 5:30pm - For children and their families with our Youth Services Librarian, Karina. • Homework Help Tuesdays 6:30 p.m. - Free Homework Help for students in grades K-12.Tutors are adult volunteers • On the 1st and 3rd Thursday 10:30 am “BabySign Storytime”, a storytime with sign language for children ages 0-2 and their caregivers • On the 2nd, 4th and 5th 10:30 am - Storytime with our Youth Services Librarian, Karina. • Fridays10:30 am Preschool Storytime with Miss Fran.

SPECIAL EVENTS • Candy Corn Guess at the Library.Visit us during the month of October and fill out a raffle with your best guess.Winner will be announced October 31, 2014. Good Luck! • Balboa Book Club 10/14 12:30pm - Members will discuss The Time Traveler’s Wife by Audrey Niffenegger • Literature Comes to Life - Halloween Library Program 10/28 4pm - Featuring: The Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid of Anything • Come join in the fun and help create a Jack O’ Lantern Scarecrow! Lively, interactive, hands-on audience participation! RECURRING EVENTS • Mondays: Lego Club 4pm • Wednesdays:“Stories with Susan” 6pm • Thursdays:“Preschool Activity Hour” 10am • Fridays:“Wee Reads” Baby & Toddler Storytime 10:30am • Saturdays:“Kids Krafternoons 1pm • Balboa Library Book Club 4/15 12:30 pm - The Book Club will be discussing Lots of Candles, Plenty of Cake by Anna Quindlen. • Paws to Read 10/7 & 10/21 6:00 pm - Therapy dogs provide a positive and fun environment for children to practice reading. Brought to you by Love on a Leash

San Diego Stock Watch: A look at how some local companies are performing Company

Symbol

YTD High

YTD Low

BIOC

Close as of 9/23/2014 3.33

Biocept Inc Bridgepoint Educaton Callaway Golf Conatus Pharm Glacier Water SVCS INC Jack In The Box Kratos Defense & Sec Solu Novatel Wireless Inc Pricesmart Qualcomm Inc Royale Energy Sempra Energy Viasat Inc. WD 49 Co

10.02

2.92

BPI ELY CNAT

11.14 7.30 6.12

20.33 10.35 15.67

11.12 6.95 5.06

GWSV JACK

21.00 63.08

25.20 64.21

18.50 38.53

KTOS NVTL PSMT QCOM ROYL SRE VSAT WDFC

6.84 3.17 86.25 75.83 2.69 104.15 55.55 67.98

9.18 3.46 126.64 81.97 4.95 107.81 74.78 9.31

6.32 1.51 78.63 65.47 2.46 84.55 51.50 60.76

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Clairemont Women’s Club Welcomes Guest Speakers At the September Meeting of Clairemont Women’s Club we welcomed “Just in Time” as our program speaker. This is a non-profit organization helping youths that have aged out of our welfare system.The information focused on the mountain of challenges these youth face and the ways that we might be able to help. If you’d like to know more please check out their website at www.jitfosteryouth.org or call 619-6583-9340. This month we are welcoming Judy Sexton from the Warrior Foundation Freedom Station, www.warriorfoundation.org here in San Diego. This promises to be another informative pro-

gram. Are you interested in learning more about the work they do? Please consider coming to our October 1st meeting as a guest. We are always seeking new members to help continue the legacy of contributions to our community and as our guest you will have the opportunity to get to know a little about our organization and the work we enjoy doing. We meet on the first Wednesday of each month, September through June, at 1:00 at Balboa Community Church, 6555 Balboa Avenue, San Diego, CA. For more information please call Evelyn at (858) 279-4367 or Jude at (858)412-5609.

Religious Directory Atonement Lutheran Church www.atonementlutheranchurchsd.com 7250 Eckstrom St (Balboa & 805) San Diego, CA 92111 Phone (858) 278-5556 Sunday Worship Time 9 am, Bible Study 10:30 am Clairemont Lutheran Church www.clairemontlc.org 4271 Clairemont Mesa Blvd, San Diego, CA 92117 Sunday Worship Times 8:30, 10:00 (English) & 11:30 am (Spanish) Sunday School for kids 9:45am Holy Cross Lutheran Church www.holycrossword.com 3450 Clairemont Drive, San Diego, CA 92117 Church (858) 273-2886 Sunday Worship 9:00 am Northminster Presbyterian Church www.northminstersandiego.com 4324 Clairemont Mesa Blvd., San Diego, CA 92117 Phone (858) 490-3995 Worship Service and Sunday School Nursery thru 6th Grade at 10am “A Community of Faith, Grace and Service – Making a Difference for Christ” Pathway Christian Fellowship www.pathwayonline.org 3811 Mount Acadia Blvd, San Diego, CA 92111 Phone (858) 277-3027 Join us Sundays at 10 am

Joyful Living Spiritual Center www.joyfullivingsandiego.org Services and classes at the LiveWell Center 4425 Bannock Avenue, San Diego 92117 Sunday services and Junior Church at 10 am Are you ready for a happier, healthier and more abundant life? St. David’s Episcopal Church & Preschool www.saintdavidschurch.com 5050 Milton Street, San Diego CA 92110 Sunday Worship Times: 8:00 am Traditional • 10:30am Contemporary For information on promoting your place of worship in the Religious Directory please call or email Chris O’Connell, Publisher (858) 752-9779 chris@clairemonttimes.com

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

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Regular Price $8.99 With coupon only

8 • The Clairemont Times • October 2014

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Councilmemember Ed Harris

More Pothole Repairs in Linda Vista

by Ed Harris

Last month I was outside the Trader Joe’s at Liberty Station where I met Pete. Pete’s from Los Angeles and came down to San Diego to obtain signatures to oppose the minimum wage ordinance. I listened to him talking to a woman about the ordinance, and since Pete wasn’t completely forthcoming with his information, I felt compelled to intervene. I introduced myself as one of the San Diego City Council members who voted in favor of the ordinance. I then asked the woman if she knew what she was signing. “Not really,” she said. When I asked Pete why he was gathering signatures he told me, “Hey, I’m just trying to make a living.” (People collecting signatures in opposition to the minimum wage ordinance made up to $10 and $12 per signature.) I supported an increase in the minimum wage because an additional $1.50 over three years is a fair compromise. That pencils out to $12 a day more for minimum wage workers. I couldn’t support the figures of $13.09 or $15.00 an hour that had been on the bargaining table. As a Marine veteran it concerns me that in San Diego we have over 10,000 veterans currently making the minimum wage. For over 200 years, our service

men and women have not let us down. Yet, as a nation we frequently fail our veterans. Why would we want to fail them again? Shortly after the Trader Joe’s incident, a friend called to tell me a local radio host was on the air talking about the minimum wage ordinance and was speaking about me in less than flattering terms. The radio host also told his listeners that if you’re 25 years old and making minimum wage you have failed in life. I quickly jumped on the phone and called into the station. It’s amazing to me how divisive this issue has become, and being called “a villain” on the radio was certainly a first. Other cities like San Jose and Seattle have successfully passed minimum wage ordinances to help keep their residents out of poverty, and small businesses didn’t close their doors because of it. Why wouldn’t we want to give a modest wage increase to our neighbors? I supported a modest increase in the minimum wage because it was the smart and right thing to do. Putting a few extra dollars into the pockets of working people can make a world of difference for them and their families, and I believe our community and our country are stronger when we help each other, and weaker when we undermine each other. It’s ironic that Pete had to resort to collecting signatures opposing a measure that supports his own interests. But then again Pete, like his neighbors in San Diego, is just trying to make a living.

Community Meetings Open to the Public CLAIREMONT TOWN COUNCIL 10/2/14 (1st Thurs. of the month) 6:30 PM Cadman Elementary Auditorium 4370 Kamloop Ave, 92117 CLAIREMONT COMMUNITY PLANNING GROUP 10/21/14 (3rd Tues. of the month) 6:30 PM Cadman Elementary Auditorium 4370 Kamloop Ave, 92117 LINDA VISTA TOWN COUNCIL 10/16/14 (3rd Thurs. of the month) 6:30 PM Baha’i Faith Center 6545 Alcala Knolls Drive, 92111 LINDA VISTA PLANNING GROUP 10/27/14 (4th Mon. of the month) 5:30 PM Linda Vista Public Library 2160 Ulric St, 92111 MARIAN BEAR REC COUNCIL 10/8/14 (2nd Wed.of the month) 6:30PM LiveWell Senior Center 4425 Bannock Ave, 92117

by Scott Sherman

Thanks to increased street funding in Mayor Faulconer’s FY 2015 budget and reorganizations to pothole repair crews, more pothole repairs are happening in the Linda Vista community. In the recently approved budget, 16 additional full-time city workers have been hired to focus solely on pothole repairs.These new workers are expected to double the amount of asphalt repairs annually in the City. In the past, road-crews responded to pothole complaints as they came in.This means that a repair crew could fix a pothole in Linda Vista and drive across town to fix another pothole even if the next street over in needed repairs. As a result of an Audit Committee

recommendation, the old way has been changed to a more effective and efficient way of fixing potholes. Pothole repair crews now stay in one district the whole day fixing reported pothole problems in the district. For this new measure to work effectively, it is important for Linda Vista residents to report potholes right away.To report potholes online, please visit the website here: http://apps.sandiego.gov/streetdiv/. Residents can also call and report a pothole at (619) 527-7500. Of course residents can also contact my office to report a pothole or any other issue affecting their neighborhood. Please contact my office at 619-236-6677 or email me at ScottSherman@SanDiego.Gov. As many Linda Vista residents know, our roads and infrastructure have been neglected for far too long. The new budget and street repair crew organization is a great start to getting our roads back on track.

Viewpoint

Clairemont Community Planning Group: A Vital Link to our Neighborhoods by Daniel J. Smiechowski

Have you ever wondered about that vacant lot or dilapidated building in your neighborhood? Many local residents are often curious about various land use issues and feel helpless on where to seek answers.The Clairemont Community Planning Group (CCPG) meets once a month (3rd Tuesday of the month) at Cadman Elementary School and welcomes all visitors. Most residents have some concerns with regard to traffic issues, abandoned vehicles, vacated and possibly dangerous buildings, long standing empty lots, change in building codes, high density housing and even the upcoming arrival of the Trolley along Morena Blvd. But have we considered the urban planning tilt toward alternative transportation specifically the use of bicycles and foot traffic in municipalities across America? As Clairemont goes, the city planners are ahead of the curve in their noble quest to increase bike lanes and make our good community more pedestrian friendly. Personally, I don’t see it happening in my lifetime.The freshly painted and new bike lanes along Clairemont Mesa Blvd. are seldom used compared to the Rose Canyon bike path. Our neighborhoods are just too mired in the past and as former Mayoral candidate Peter Navarro once lamented,“Clairemont is still stuck in the Plant 19 mentality,” referring to the crusty men who once worked at Convair General Dynamics and mostly settled in our area, my Father included. So, demographics prove the

game changer and like bringing Le Moulin Rouge to the Clairemont Square, it isn’t happening folks. The irony is that we have the local climate conducive to these outdoor activities, yet in our particular steak and potato neighborhoods lack the vision for change. It’s all about demographics hence the food choices at our local markets vs. those in Pacific Beach or La Jolla. Attendance at the CCPG meetings ought to be mandatory for civically minded citizens and both private and public school students interested in government and community affairs. I believe there ought to be one member of the Planning Board represented by a local high school student. It should be noted that elected members of the “Board”are volunteers and devoted citizens wanting for a better community. These folks deserve our respect in a job well done. The next meeting of the CCPG will be held in October and everyone is welcome. Please bring your ideas, suggestions, comments, and yes, even criticisms where everyone’s opinion is valued. For further information on meeting times, please review The Clairemont Times. Be nice, do good deeds and don’t be a stranger as we at The Clairemont Times value your participation. Daniel J. Smiechowski has been a resident of Clairemont since 1967 and can be reached at smiechowskid@aol.com or 858.220.4613

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Help Improve Walking and Biking in Linda Vista! The Linda Vista Comprehensive Active Transportation Strategy (CATS) plan is targeted to identify improvements towards creating better pedestrian and bicycle connections throughout Linda Vista with an emphasis on community input. We invite all members of the community to be active participants in the outreach activities to help determine what improvements are most needed. The project includes two workshops, the first is scheduled for October 9th. The second workshop will be sometime in early 2015. Attached is the workshop flyer. In addition to the workshops, we will be hosting walk/bike audit tours

immediately following the workshop. The upcoming activities are: • Thursday, Oct. 9th Public Workshop #1 Linda Vista Library 6 -7:30 p.m. • Friday, October 10th Walk Audit Meet at the Linda Vista Library 4:00 p.m. • Saturday, October 11th Bike Audit Meet at Kearny High 11:00 a.m. For more information, please visit the project website: http://www.sandiego.gov/planning/co mmunity/profiles/lindavista/cats.shtml

New Natural History Program Connects Viewers To The Plight of Local Native Wildlife A natural history program in production for the local PBS affiliate here will follow the stories of rescued wild animals as a way to raise awareness about our relationship to the natural world. Conservationist Joan Embery narrates the series, entitled Animal R&R. Explaining the series’ concept, producer Elliott Kennerson, a San Diego native says,“A lot of natural history on TV is about distant lands and exotic creatures.”Those forms of entertainment can do a good job of making people admire nature, he emphasizes, “but they also allow people to disconnect from the nature they live with every day.” The “R&R” of the title stands for “rehabilitation and release,” not “rest and relaxation,” according to Kennerson.“The irony in the show’s title is intentional,” he explains.The animals and the people depicted on Animal R&R, he points out, are not on vacation.“It’s about the struggle to survive,” Kennerson says. Kennerson is filming with two San Diego rehabilitation groups,The Fund for Animals and Project Wildlife.The animal stars of Animal R&R so far have

included a skunk, two opossums (a non-native species in San Diego, Kennerson is quick to add), an Anna’s hummingbird, a red-tailed and a redshouldered hawk, burrowing owls, and screech owls.The next installment will include coyotes, bats, osprey, and a black bear cub, the first bear to undergo rehabilitation in San Diego by The Fund for Animals, an affiliate of The Humane Society of the United States. Interested members of the public can support Animal R&R before the October 6 deadline by visiting this link to Kickstarter: http://bit.ly/AnimalRR or by searching for “rehabilitation” on the site.Animal R&R is also on Facebook (AnimalRehabTV) and Twitter (@AnimalRehabTV).

Congratulations to Blaine Stratton!!! Winner of the Autographed Grind for Life Deck from Clash at Clairemont 8 Thank you to all who purchased tickets 50% of the raffle proceeds went to Grind for Life (www.GrindForLife.org) & the other 50% went right back into your local Clairemont Skate Park. Thank you to everyone at Grind for Life for help making this possible and to everyone at the Clairemont Skate Park for promoting and selling raffle tickets.

Canyon Creatures in the Dark… by Tina Rysedorph

It’s that time of year when many of us start thinking about spooky things … and spooky creatures are often at the top of the list. Things like snakes and spiders … and those that sleep during the day and come out at night! Creatures that are active in the dark may seem scary, but just like the snakes and poison oak discussed in previous TCIG articles, they are an essential part of our ecosystem. What kinds of critters do you think are nocturnal (or crepuscular - active during twilight hours) in San Diego? You have probably heard at least a few, even if you haven’t seen them! Have you heard a coyote’s eerie howl or an owl’s soft hoot? Apex predators like coyotes and great horned owls are usually active in our canyons from dusk until dawn, although coyotes are sometimes out and about in the daytime as well. Another very cool canyon predator active at night is the bobcat. All that may sound scary, but these predators help us by controlling populations of smaller animals such as rodents, and almost never pose a threat to people. Other canyon creatures that like

the dark are bats, barn owls, foxes, insects such as crickets and moths, raccoons, opossums, skunks, woodrats, certain kinds of spiders and some snakes on warm evenings. As they move around our canyons (and sometimes backyards) these critters may cause a few problems, such as overturned trash bins and a stinky predicament for our canine friends, but most of the time they are not doing us any harm and are often beneficial. Predators control populations of smaller animals. Bats may eat thousands of insects in one night. Moths are important pollinators. We really could not get along without them. So go ahead and enjoy this spooky season, but don’t creep yourself out too much when thinking about those canyon creatures – because they’re not nighttime monsters, they’re nocturnal heroes!

10 • The Clairemont Times • October 2014

Don’t Sweat—There’s a Burger Just For You Somewhere Nearby

By Michael Baehr

If the hot weather is getting to you, don’t fret. With so many new eateries popping up around town, you really don’t need to cook up a sweat in the kitchen… at least not in Clairemont. There’s a bevy of new eateries popping up all over town, and this Chowhound has trotted through several neighborhoods to sample some of the burger joints—old and new—to see what’s out there. Here’s what I found:

The Habit Burger Grill (Clairemont)

The latest Burger joint on the Clairemont scene is The Habit. Their signature burger is the “Santa Barbara Style” double burger wedged between two buttery pieces of grilled sourdough and served with avocado. It’s more than a meal should be for one person.The ‘charburgers’ here are also tasty and satisfying as far as chain-style burgers go, and the fries passed the “fry test.” As a side note, this Chowhound is not the biggest fan of onions, but the onion rings here are

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super crunchy and tasty. That’s sayin’ something!

Five Guys Burgers and Fries (Clairemont) Not so new, but still considered a freshman on the Clairemont scene is Five Guys. This mega-chain burger joint is usually noisy and bustling with activity. Burger orders are (literally) screamed at the cook, and you can count on an 8-10 minute wait for every order. Feeling antsy? Be sure to munch on the free peanuts while you wait. The burgers here are basic, but they certainly do the trick. Most burgers are typically served with double patties, so be sure to order a “Jr.” if you’re not starving. As a bonus, you have the option of customizing your burger with a range of toppings at no extra charge. ‘Skin-on’ fries are generously served in an overflowing cup. Unfortunately, the heap of fries can backfire, making them soggy if not eaten immediately.

Anny’s Fine Burgers (Kearny Mesa) To my surprise, there’s a burger joint that’s been around for a long time on the Kearny Mesa/Clairemont

Baskets & Botany 2014 This year’s event is dedicated in memory of our friend and Kumeyaay Tribal Elder, Jane Dumas Join us on Saturday, October 11th from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. for this 15th annual free family event. We’ll be celebrating the Traditions of Southern California Native Americans as well as Bay Park’s best kept secret, Tecolote Canyon and Nature Center! Enjoy the Soaring Eagles Native American Youth Dancers, Nyemii Wildcat Singers, Ms. Smarty-Plants™, Sky Hunters, Raptor Institute, a children’s craft area, and more! Don’t miss the authentic Indian Fry Bread and Hand-woven Baskets available for sale all day!

For information, call (858) 581-9944 or visit Tecolote Nature Center 5180 Tecolote Road, San Diego, CA. 92110 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS* *Schedule is tentative and subject to change* • 8:30 a.m. Ethnobotany Walk Discover which plants are used in Kumeyaay culture for food, medicine, and daily life Lead by the Tecolote Canyon Interpretive Group (large scout groups please call ahead) • 10:00 a.m. Opening Ceremony

border called “Anny’s.” This place is a dimly lit pub-style burger and wing joint that has ample seating inside and a large patio. There are about 35 specialty burgers, including one for a hangover! I stuck with the _ lb. classic burger and fries. The fries were awesome— seasoned and crispy style, my favorite. The burger was cooked a little too well for my liking and I wasn’t crazy about the sweet bun. That said, with so many burgers to choose from, I’ll be back for more... or at least for more fries!

Other Chowhound Notables: • Islands Burgers (Kearny Mesa) – One of my guilty pleasures is the Kilauea burger, served with jalapeno, black pepper, pepper jack cheese and chipotle aioli. Just enough spice, fulfilling and oh-so-delicious--paired with an ice-cold beer and this Chowhound is in heaven! • Rocky’s Crown Pub (Pacific Beach) – Perhaps my all-time favorite classic burger… just enough greasy goodness. While there are other satisfying burger joints to rave about, this one is about simplicity. Choose from two different sizes, with cheese or without, fries or not—that’s it. This

A few words from the Friends of Tecolote Canyon • 10:15 a.m.The Raptor Institute Learn about local birds of prey & see live demonstrations • 11:00 a.m. Nyemii Wildcat Singers Our Native American friends share traditional songs • 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Project Wildlife Visit their wildlife information booth and meet a live critter • 12:00 p.m. Soaring Eagles Native American Youth Dancers • 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. Sky Hunters Raptor Education Learn about our local owls and raptors and see them live and up close • 1:30 p.m. Ms. Smarty-PlantsTM Become an "Earth Hero" with Ms. Smarty-Plants™ as she takes you on a magical jour-

cash-only pub is worth the wait, every time. As this Chowhound has discovered, people have a definite opinion about their “best burger,” and I’m realizing it would be an impossible task to bestow this title on any one place. There are too many factors that come into play and it all depends on what kind of burger strikes your fancy at any given moment. That said, Clairemont and the surrounding area seems to have a burger place for just about every taste you can imagine. ABOUT CLAIREMONT’S CHOWHOUND Clairemont Chowhound Michael Baehr is a home cook and self-proclaimed foodie. He loves sampling new eateries and welcomes your suggestions for local restaurants, fast food and specialty markets to review. ClairemontChowhound@ClairemontTimes.com

“Santa Barbara Style" burger from the The Habit

ney to learn about saving the Earth! • 3:00 p.m. Snakes of Tecolote Canyon Meet our resident snakes and learn why snakes are the “good guys” All Day Free Activities Include: Make a variety of Native American crafts in the Children’s Craft Area, Create a clay pot with Juaneño clay artist, Sylvia Mejia, Learn about native plants from the California Native Plant Society, Enjoy traditional Kumeyaay games, storytelling, basket weaving & artifacts on display , Explore the exhibit presented by the Jamul Indian Village,Take a leisurely hike and discover all that your local Canyon has to offer. A variety of sweet & savory Indian Fry Bread and Cold Drinks for Sale

The Clairemont Times • October 2014 • 11

Neighborhood Beat “The Search” by Gary Hyde

I want to tell everyone about the great response we have received so far in The Search We are looking forward to more and more singers, bands, and producers taking advantage of what we think is a great opportunity.There is a total of 41 songs up on the Pacific Records Search site right now, with more songs to be added.We have been getting great comments from people here in San Diego. Plus, we have gotten interest from other California cities, other states, and as far away as Liverpool England. It doesn’t matter what kind of music you play, pick a song and show us what you can do. Pacific records in conjunction with Gary Hyde Music, and The Clairemont Times newspaper present “The Search”We are looking for some great new recording artists, to participate in

Sponsored By

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“The Search” CD project, which will be released and promoted worldwide by Pacific Records.All artists selected for “The Search” CD will receive a standard recording royalty. Here’s what you do. Go to Pacific records.com, click on the A&R tab.There you will be able to listen to song demo’s of the tunes available for you to record (new songs will be added weekly) When all of the songs have been put on the site you will have between 50-100 songs to choose from. Remember these are song demo’s.This Search is all about you or your band transforming great songs into magnificent recordings worthy of national release. Great songs can be put into almost any genre of music, so don’t let categories stop you from showing off your artistry. Once you have finished recording your song, submit it to Pacific records. How to do that will be on the site (submitting process will begin in October) Hopefully you will be one of 10-12 artist’s chosen for the CD project.

What Happened to All the Local Live Music Venues? by Gary Hyde

Recently I was thinking about trying to book my two man group Gary & Gary into a club in the Clairemont area.As I started to look around for places to play I realized just how few venues there are left in Clairemont, Kearny Mesa, Linda Vista and Bay Park. When I was young it seemed like there were lots of places in the area for bands to play.Then, if you take into account the fact that we play mostly original material, there is almost nowhere to play.This is not a good scenario for young original bands and artists, but it is where we are at in 2014.Also, I believe the music business itself has changed….. for the worse in many ways. So what do we do now? Quit playing, singing, writing, I don’t think so! As musicians, singers and writers, we need to try and find new ways to market our music in this current climate. If you are trying to play original material live, first play anywhere and everywhere you can.Then, as you get better and hopefully have a following,

try to get clubs that normally wouldn’t use original groups, to take a chance on you.This could be a different approach that might set you apart from other artist and maybe make you some money.There are very few original venues in town where you can make anything.As far as recorded music not too many people want to buy it anymore. So you may need to look into commercials, licensing for tv and movies, and pitching your tunes as a writer to other artists.You also might try “The Search” which I have been promoting here in The Clairemont Times. The best case scenario would be to hit the lottery and then just play your music anyway and anywhere you want. On that note if you want to hear Gary & Gary play come on out to the Blackthorn pub on Clairemont Drive Oct. 18 between 8:30 and 11:30. I might have some guests sitting in and I’d love to talk to local musicians, singers and writers.Talk to you next month.Want to talk sooner? Email me at gary@clairemonttimes.com

Some other great opportunities and events will be associated with “The Search” so keep checking PacificRecords.com and ClairemontTimes.com as well as their

Facebook pages and blogs for more details. Good luck! “The Search – for something new – starts here – it might be you.”

12 • The Clairemont Times • October 2014

Police Blotter Residential Burglary 6400 Grace Ct. Petty Theft 5900 Balboa Ave.

The Clairemont Times PO Box 17671 San Diego, CA 92177 (858) 752-9779 Founding Publisher: Chris O’Connell

Vehicle Break-In 4100 Ute Dr. Vehicle Break-In 5000 Capehart St. Vehicle Break-In 3500 Del Rey St. Commercial Burglary 3000 Clairemont Dr.

Graphic Designer: Elaine Hall

Battery 4200 Genesee Ave.

Contributors: Mike Baehr Kevin Casillo Shauna Fisher Gary Hyde Nicole C. Rohde Daniel J. Smiechowski Bartley Stratton Rob Stone

Battery 3700 Southview Dr.

The Clairemont Times is a free publication published each month and circulated throughout the neighborhoods of Clairemont, Linda Vista, Bay Park & Kearny Mesa. Story ideas, advertising & editorial questions can be sent to The Clairemont Times P.O. Box 17671, San Diego, CA 92177 or chris@clairemonttimes.com Copyright ©2011-14 The Clairemont Times/McSierra Publishing. Reuse of material from this edition or past editions is strictly prohibited without permission from the publisher. The opinions in this publication do not necessarily reflect those of The Clairemont Times/McSierra Publishing but instead, of each individual author/contributor. The Clairemont Times is proud to partner and contribute with:

Vehicle Break-In 7700 Linda Vista Rd. Petty Theft 6100 Balboa Ave. Fraud 4200 Clairemont Mesa Blvd. Fraud 4700 Mt. St. Helens Ct. Battery 4600 Pocahontas Ave. Abuse

www.clairemonttimes.com 8000 Frost St. Battery 4500 Gila Ave. Vehicle Break-In 4100 Moraga Ave. Fraud 3200 Mt. Carol Dr. Vandalism 4400 Limerick Way Petty Theft 3800 Mt.Acadia Blvd. Fraud 4900 Jumano Ave. Vandalism 3100 Afton Rd. Residential Burglary 4600 Derrick Dr. Residential Burglary 4500 Chateau Dr. Residential Burglary 2200 Crandall Dr. Assault 3800 Clairemont Mesa Blvd. Commercial Robbery 4000 Genesee Ave. Residential Burglary 3200 Clairemont Dr. Residential Burglary 4200 Samoset Ave.

Crimes of the Heart Crimes of the Heart is about three eccentric, disaster-prone Southern sisters. Set in Hazelhurst, Mississippi in 1974, this dark comedy tells the story of sisters reunited in the wake of a bizarre crime. Joy at their reunion soon fades as each sister is forced to face her past in order to save her future. Will Babe go to jail? Will Meg get back her singing voice? Will Lenny's shrunken ovary stand in the way of true love? Follow these women on a hilarious journey as they try to find their way back to themselves. (Not recommended for children under 16.) Crimes of the Heart premieres Friday, October 17 at the Northminster Community Hall, 4324 Clairemont Mesa Blvd, San Diego, CA 92117.There will be three performances, Friday the 17th and Saturday the 18th at 7:00PM, and Saturday the 18th at 1:00PM. Tickets are $10 with a senior price of $7 available for the matinee performance for only.Tickets can be purchased online at http://actonetickets.ticketleap.com/crimes/ or at the box office the day of the performance.

Residential Burglary 4500 Pocahontas Ave. Fraud 4000 Mt.Acadia Blvd. Residential Burglary 2000 Cardinal Dr. Petty Theft 8000 Othello Ave. Robbery 3000 Clairemont Dr. Vandalism 6600 Thornwood St. Residential Burglary 3200 Clairemont Dr. Residential Burglary 7700 Macaw Ln. Residential Burglary 2600 Comstock St. Battery 4600 Berwick Dr. Vehicle Break-In 3400 Mt.Acadia Blvd. Vehicle Theft 4200 Clairemnt Dr. Vandalism 3500 Luna Ave. Assault 5200 Jamestown Rd. Commercial Burglary

4400 Morena Blvd. Residential Burglary 4300 Mt.Abernathy Ave. Residential Burglary 8300 Larkdale Ave. Vehicle Theft 3200 Berger Ave. Vehicle Theft 3500 Angelucci St. Battery 4 400 Mt. Castle Ave. Vehicle Break-In 4800 Mt. La Platta Dr. Battery 5300 Clairemont Mesa Blvd. Fraud Clairemont Mesa Blvd. Vehicle Theft 3600 Baker St. Commercial Burglary 5500 Balboa Ave. Fraud 3500 Mt.Ariane Dr. Fraud 4100 Mt.Alifan Pl. Vehicle Theft 3400 Kearney Villa Ln. Battery 6400 Quillan St.

The Clairemont Times • October 2014 • 13

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SCHOOL NEWS THE ROB STONE SPORTS SCOUTING REPORT: USD Toreros Dodge Mustangs & Tame Princeton Tigers Horizon Alum Darren Carrington Helps Oregon Ducks off to a 3-0 Start For More Detailed Analysis of the Games visit www.clairemonttimes.com Sports by Rob Stone

Quarterback Keith Williams proved to be a dynamic dual threat on offense in making his first career start for the University of San Diego as USD dodged the Western New Mexico Mustangs 23-17 in a non-conference game at Torero Stadium on Sept. 6. Jacksonville Dolphins 35, USD 18 USD 39, Princeton Tigers 29 Horizon Alum Darren Carrington A Freshman Wide Receiver for the Oregon Ducks thus far has 9 receptions on the year for 172 yards averaging an impressive 19.1 yards per catch.

NON-LEAGUE HIGH SCHOOL ROUNDUP Just down the street from USD, the Francis Parker Lancers shipwrecked the Radford Rams (Honolulu, Hawaii) 22-20 on Aug. 29. On Sept. 5,The Lancers suffered a tough 26-0 loss to the Hoover Cardinals, before a 33-13 victory over the Marian Catholic Crusaders on Sept. 12. The El Capitan Vaqueros vanquished the Madison Warhawks 35-7 on Aug. 29.

On Sept. 5, Madison was clawed 3629 by the St.Augustine Saints. The Horizon Christian Academy Panthers were pounced on 56-6 by the Del Norte Nighthawks on Aug. 29. On Sept. 5, the Panthers were swashbuckled 34-24 by the Mission Bay Buccaneers. The Panthers defeated the Palo Verde Valley Yellow Jackets 41-7 on Sept. 12. The Kearny Komets suffered a tough 30-6 loss to the Mater Dei Catholic Crusaders on Aug. 29. On Sept. 5, the Santana Sultans shutout the Komets 30-0. Kearny suffered another tough defeat on Sept. 12, this time 34-8 to the University City Centurions. The Clairemont Chieftans were crowned by The Bishop’s School Knights (34-0) and Mar Vista Mariners (30-0) on Aug. 29 and Sept. 5, respectively, before scalping the Montgomery Aztecs 35-21 on Sept. 12.

SEPT. 19 SCORES: Francis Parker 28, Santana 14 Eastlake 32, Madison 20 Horizon 58,Army-Navy 6 Castle Park 31, Clairemont 17 Rob Stone is a lifelong resident of the Clairemont Mesa/Kearny Mesa area and is also a certified talent scout through Sports Management Worldwide. If you would like a professional scouting report on your budding son or daughter’s sports talent, feel free to contact me directly., rstone@smww.com, Sportsguyrob@att.net, or 1 (619) 241-6516. www.rsscouting.blogspot.com & www.smwwscout.com/rob-stone

Bay Park Elementary's Annual Halloween Carnival Saturday, October 25th from 2:30pm - 5:30pm It's that time of year again! Time to join the goblins and ghouls at the Annual Bay Park Elementary

Halloween Carnival.This event is open to the public and provides hours of jam packed fun for kids of all ages. Come join us for games, magic shows, pumpkin carving contest, silent cake auction, food and …the Haunted Hallway!.Yikes …. that's right the Haunted Hallway is a Bay Park favorite and it, just like Frankenstein, has been resurrected.

Also soak in the art on display at the Reflections Art Gallery open from 2:00pm to 5:30pm. On exhibit are original works of art created by Bay Park students as part of our Reflections Art Contest.

Tickets are on sale at the carnival and can be used for food or games. Free attractions include two magic shows, balloon artists, Reflections Art Gallery and more. You won't want to miss out on the event of the season. Scare you there! Visit www.bayparkpta.org/halloween-carnival Like us on FB - bayparkelementarypta

Clairemont Chieftain Cheer Needs Your Help The cheerleaders are inviting you to get behind the wheel of a new Ford vehicle. For every test-drive taken, Ford Motor Company will donate $20 to Clairemont High School, for a total of $6,000 per event. Come out on Saturday, October 18 from 10am – 2pm at Clairemont High School, 4150

Ute Dr., San Diego, CA 92117. Cars will include: Fiesta, Focus, Fusion, Fushion Hybrid, Escape, Edge, Explorer, and Mustang. Please RSVP with Taletha Suitts at clmtchieftaincheer@gmail.com *18 years and over with a valid driver’s license. One driver per address. **No pressure sales.

Field Elementary PTA Presents the 2nd Annual Fall Festival on October 29th Please join the students, staff, and community members in the Field Elementary School parking lot from 4:00pm to 6:00pm, located at 4375 Bannock Ave, adjacent to the North Clairemont Recreation Center. There will be food, games, music, booths, contests, and much more. Come

in costume and enter the costume contest or come get your face painted at the festival. All games, contests, and booths are free with $1 paid admission. Food items include hot dogs, nachos, popcorn, and watermelon. For more information contact Field principal,Amy Griffiths, at (858) 800-5900 or visit the school website at www.sandi.net/field.

36th Annual Holiday Craft Fair at Curie Elementary Mark your calendar for some great shopping! Curie Elementary PTA will be holding their 36th Annual Holiday Craft Fair & Pumpkin Chuckin on Saturday, November 1, 2014 from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Our Holiday Craft Fair is extremely popular with over 100 booths of homemade arts and craft items. In addition, there will be plenty of exciting events for the whole family: free

entertainment, food booth, bake sale, cake walk, a not so silent class basket auction, and Pumpkin Chuckin. Kid’s Corner with games and crafts sponsored by Gizmo & Gadgets Kids Lab. Come join the fun at 4080 Governor Drive, San Diego, CA 92122. Please visit our website for more information, http://www.curiepta.org/curie-craftfaire/.

14 • The Clairemont Times • October 2014

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The Clairemont Times • October 2014 • 15

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