The Clairemont Times September 2019 by Clairemont Times

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Clairemont Times Serving Clairemont, Bay Park, Linda Vista & Kearny Mesa V9.E9

News of the Neighborhoods

Founded in 2011

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SEPTEMBER 2019

San Diego Native Plant Garden Invitation by Sree Kandhadai

Are you tired of maintaining a perfectly manicured yard and paying expensive water bills? Are you on the look-out for alternative ideas for a yard that is not just attractive to people and wildlife, but is also easy on your wallet? On September 15th, the San Diego Audubon Society invites the community to participate in the planting of a native plant demonstration garden at San Diego Mesa College. The event will run from 9:30 am - 12:30 pm and is an opportunity for residents of San Diego to learn how to landscape your yard (or patio, balcony, or other outdoor space) so that it incorporates native plants. The San Diego Audubon Society aims to support and restore native habitats, while also shining a light on the issue of invasive plants - i.e. plants that are not naturally found here. Invasive plants reduce habitat

for pollinators such as butterflies, hummingbirds, bees, and other animals that are important to San Diego, and typically require much more water and maintenance. This

demonstration garden is meant to spread awareness of the importance of native plants and also provide ideas for native plant gardens in homes, schools, and workplaces. This is a hands-on experience and all volunteers can take part in the planting and even take some seeds home! While many nurseries and websites offer advice on drought-tolerant or pollinator-friendly plants, it is still quite a challenge to find the plants that are native to San Diego. This

event will have experts from CNPS on hand who can help answer questions and guide the selection of the right plants that are easily available and best suited for San Diego. With their help, your native plant garden will be able to bloom, creating a lovely space for pollinators and backyard birds. This project would not be possible without the help of the California Native Plant Society (CNPS), Audubon California, Terra Mesa, and the faculty of San Diego Mesa College. We extend our appreciation to Mesa College for the land that they have provided and the preparatory work that went into getting the space ready for the event, and we are indebted to the California Native Plant Society for their donation of plants and seeds. Interested in getting involved? Contact San Diego Audubon’s staff at conservation@sandiegoaudubon.org. By donating your time, you are helping this garden take root.

For the first time in nearly a decade, MTS will have a fare change, effective September 1, 2019. As operational costs increased 25% over the past ten years, expenses exceeded revenues by almost $10 million. It’s never an easy decision, but to balance the budget, MTS leadership determined changes to the current fare structure were a better alternative to reducing service (this was shaped in part by a survey of more than 4,000 riders, 65% of whom indicated they preferred higher fares over reduced service). Some changes include: • New reduced $23 Youth Monthly Pass (down from $36): Available for ages 6 - 18. • The Senior, Disabled, Medicare (SDM) Monthly Pass will also be $23 (combined with Youth Pass price, up from $18). • The senior eligibility rate will go up to 65+. (People who were born on or before September 1, 1959 will still be eligible for the reduced senior fare.) • New reduced fare (Youth and SDM) $3 Day Pass. • Adult Day Pass will increase from $5 to $6. • Elimination of multi-day passes. • Most bus one-way fares will be $2.50 for Adults and Youth ($1.25 for SDM one-way fares). • Elimination of one-way transfers between Trolley lines. For more information visit www.SDMTS.com or call MTS Customer Service: (619) 557-4555

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2 • The Clairemont Times • September 2019

From the Publisher by Chris O’Connell

Summer is over hopefully everyone had an enjoyable season! Outdoors is a bit of a theme this edition. We have a native plant class as you saw on Page 1. On page 14 read about some cool new tools our local park rangers have to make maintaining and planting in the canyons a lot easier. Of course, as always page 15 is a list of events happening at the Tecolote Nature Center. There are plenty of outdoor activities in our local canyons this month, including a guided hike at the end of the month. Our outdoor contributor Susan Lewitt also has some information on planting natives as groundcover around your property also on page 15. Bill Swank pulled double duty this month with his writing contributions. Now that school is in session Mr. Swank reminisced about his own school days and even shared a report card! Adding to his writing repertoire of writing about

Clairemont and baseball, he also provides us with a restaurant review about the newest burger joint in town Burger N Cheese in Clairemont Square. There is a lot more information in the following pages which I hope you will find helpful, useful & informative. Thank you as always to you, the readers and to the advertisers who make this paper happen each and every month. Support the advertisers when you can! Feel free to reach out via email or call (chris@clairemonttimes.com or (858) 752-9779) and also do not forget to sign up for our weekly newsletter, at www.ClairemontTimes.com, delivered on Sunday evenings to stay informed. Enjoy this edition.

Chris O’Connell, Publisher

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Be the Biggest Change in a Pet’s Life. Rescue by Owen Megura

the proper measures aren’t taken for reproduction. A recent article regarding California pet stores from the New York Times states that California is limiting the selection of

When recognizing the sheer happiness pets bring to the many families that have them, it is hard to think of the many pets that are neglected by people who skip over them for a purebred puppy from a breeder or a pet store. There are millions of lives that are ignored every year, millions of lives that are waiting for a loving family to adopt them at rescue shelters across the globe. According to The Humane Society, approximately 2.7 million adoptable pets are euthanized in the United States per year alone. This tragic statistic is primarily due to the shortage of people who consider adopting their pet from a shelter. By buying an animal from a breeder, animal lovers are Dog rescuer Tina Barker and Henry. neglecting another pet that, not only will cherish his or her rescue, but will prove to be a pets from pet stores and restricting stores welcome member to the family. from getting their pets from a breeder. One of the Humane Society’s purposes California law is taking a step forward to is to work against “puppy mills,” or large reduce the animal cruelty found in breeding facilities that mass produce and unsanitary puppy mills. Luckily, many breed puppies in cruel locations and other states and cities in the United States under immoral and distasteful conditions. have also been taking measures to ensure People often unknowingly buy their dogs that puppy mills are taken care of. through organizations that benefit puppy As a Communications Specialist for the mills, which still keeps these terrible places San Diego Humane Society, Dariel Walker in business. If you rescue a dog instead of thanks all of the volunteers of the buying them, you will also be freeing up Humane Society for spreading awareness space for other pets that need to be placed for animals in need and for helping the in a safe facility. organization grow to what it is today. “We According to Scientific American, are here to support pet owners well though purebred dogs are unfortunately beyond the point of adoption,” Walker the more appealing alternative when explains, “Adoption is a much more getting a pet, they can grow up with many affordable option, and you know you’re health issues. The higher in demand the getting an animal who has been assessed specific pet species is, the more likely the behaviorally and medically,” Walker pet will develop with some health issues. elaborates. One example is a popular dog breed called Walker believes that pets of all ages can the Cavalier King Charles spaniel, which, be adopted, and that there are many during the first several years of its life, benefits to adopting an older pet from the develops an assortment of health issues shelter. “Typically, senior pets are already that affect the animal’s heart and brain, trained and, even if they’re not, they tend ultimately giving the pet a painful life. to catch on faster and have an easier time Some breeders breed dogs with certain focusing than their juvenile counterparts,” characteristics like a different shaped Walker says, “Additionally, more mature snout or a shorter tail. They breed the animals usually have less energy, which dogs in a process known as line breeding, makes them great companions for mellow, which means that dogs are bred with relaxed households that are looking for a direct relatives. While this atrocious cozy companion,” Walker points out. process leaves the desired results, it Dog Rescuer Tina Barker rescued her ultimately leaves the dogs in an unhealthy dog, Henry, during an adoption event state with many more health problems held by The Rescued Dog organization, that come from the change in physical and often thinks about how she has appearance. In some instances, some species like the bulldog can go extinct if SEE Pet Rescue, page 17

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Keep Bay Park’s Unique Character As a 30-year resident of Bay Park, and son of a former San Diego City Council member, it is extremely disappointing to know that the City Council just approved the Morena Corridor Specific Plan without ever acknowledging the community’s united voice for maintaining the 30 to 45-foot height limit for development along the corridor and Mid-Coast Trolley extension. The guiding principles of the Specific Plan are to protect and enhance the neighborhood character and to preserve views. However, under the proposed plan, those principles will soon be tossed aside like yesterday’s trash. Throughout this process, city planners, under direction of the Mayor and Council, have given cursory nods and smiles to the community while moving forward with plans to maximize density along the corridor – with thousands of new units clustered around trolley stops. Some areas will permit 60 to 90-foot

The Clairemont Times • September 2019 • 3 height limits that are sure to block views and destroy the character Bay Park – not to mention the added traffic congestion which is only exacerbated by removing the 4th collector lane of traffic. To be clear, our community supports the City’s climate action plan and the benefits of transit-oriented development. And, we are willing to absorb additional housing density - including affordable housing opportunities - that comes with it. But the density called for in this case needs to measured, thoughtful and respectful to this mature, built-out community and level of infrastructure that is already over-burdened. The staff and planning department has heaped unreasonable growth and density into this corridor while ignoring the cries for infrastructure, stronger environmental review and sensitive growth. Much of the proposed development is a stone’s throw from the waters of Mission Bay – and really belongs in the coastal zone overlay. Again, residents of Bay Park are happy to see reasonable growth and density with dignity in this part of the transit corridor, but save the high-density developments for large employment hubs along the public transit lines. Marc W. - Bay Park

Internal Revenue Service Information by Robert Berg EA Berg Taxes - Clairemont

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is warning taxpayers about a new IRS impersonation scam that is spreading nationally on email. The new email scam is using dozens of websites and web addresses that pose as IRS.gov. Possible subject lines might be “Automatic Income Tax Reminder” or “Electronic Tax Return Reminder” that appear to come from the IRS. The IRS is reminding taxpayers that just like phone calls, they also so not send emails about the status of a taxpayers

account or expected tax refund. The IRS emphasized that it doesn’t initiate contact with taxpayers via email, text messages or social media to ask for personal or financial information. That includes requests for PIN numbers, passwords or other access information for credit cards, banks or other financial accounts. The IRS also doesn’t call taxpayers to demand immediate payment using a specific payment method such as a prepaid debit card or wire transfer. Any IRS balance due notification will be by the U.S. mail.

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Re-Route to Friars Rd Off Ramp from the 163 North Believe it or not Caltrans is in the home stretch of this project. As the completion date nears, major traffic changes are on the horizon. • On Tuesday, August 19th the northbound State Route 163 (SR-163) to eastbound Friars Road off-ramp permanently closed. All motorists will use the current westbound Friars Road off-ramp. The off-ramp has been upgraded to four lanes. Two lanes for westbound Friars Road motorists and two lanes for eastbound Friars Road motorists. The upgraded off-ramp also includes a new traffic signal. • Eastbound and westbound motorists can only access Friars Road on a green traffic signal. The free right turn to westbound Friars Road has been eliminated. The new traffic signal requires motorists on eastbound Friars Road to

stop. The purpose of these changes is to improve access for all motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians. It is designed to reduce

the weaving on northbound SR-163 prior to the Friars Road off-ramps and will reduce the weaving issues for motorists exiting the freeway to eastbound Friars Road. Motorists will no longer have to cross five lanes of traffic to access northbound Frazee Road. Eastbound Friars Road pedestrians and bicycles will no longer have to cross the roadway with vehicles merging from the eastbound off-ramp at freeway speeds.

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4 • The Clairemont Times • September 2019

SPECIALS

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

Clairemont Town Council 9/5/19 (1st Thursday) 6:30pm Clairemont High School 4150 Ute Dr. 92117 Clairemont Community Planning Group 9/17/19 (3rd Tuesday) 6:00pm Alcott Elementary 4680 Hidalgo Ave. 92117 Linda Vista Town Council 9/19/19 (3rd Thursday) 6:00pm Revere Center 6735 Gifford Way, 92111 Linda Vista Planning Group 9/23/19 (4th Monday) 5:30pm Linda Vista Library 2160 Ulric St. 92111

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GOOD THROUGH SEPTEMBER 30TH, 2019 OR WHILE SUPPLIES LAST!

For Updates/Documents & General Information on Morena Blvd/Balboa Area www.BalboaStationPlan.org

DIRECTORY

For Updates on the Future Sherriff Crime Lab Property www.SDHCD.org For Updates on the Clairemont Community Plan Update www.ClairemontPlan.org For Updates on the MidCoast Trolley www.SANDAG.org/MidCoast For updates on Transportation & Infrastructure Projects in UTC/Golden Triangle www.ShiftSanDiego.com PureWater Projects Updates/Construction Notices www.PureWaterSD.com

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

Police 911

Non-Emergency (619) 531-2000

Fire 911

Non-Emergency (619) 533-4300

Mayor Faulconer

(619) 236-6330

District 2 Councilmember Dr. Jen Campbell

(619) 236-6622

District 6 Councilmember Chris Cate

(619) 236-6616

District 7 Councilmember Scott Sherman

(619) 236-6677

City of SD Pothole & Graffiti Hotline

(619) 527-7500

Trash Collection Environmental Services

(858) 694-7000

SD County Animal Services (24 hour hotline)

(619) 236-2341

SDG&E

(800) 411-7343

SD County Water Authority

(858) 522-6600

Metropolitan Transit System

(619) 231-1466

Cathy Hopper Friendship Senior Center

(858) 483-4005

Clairemont Times Newspaper

(858) 752-9779

www.ClairemontTimes.com

www.clairemonttimes.com

Pacific Beach Town Council to Host Mayoral Candidate Forum Wednesday, September 18th • 6-8pm Mission Bay High School Auditorium 2475 Grand Ave, PB 92109 For more information visit: pbtowncouncil.org

Free College Program Expands to 3,100 Students for New Academic Year Enrollment has increased again for the San Diego Promise, the San Diego Community College District’s free college program. Approximately 3,100 San Diego Promise students are expected at San Diego City, Mesa, and Miramar colleges when classes begin August 19. This is a 48 percent increase over the 2018-19

City College Promise student Melanie Angulo will be entering her second year in the two-year program. Enrollment in the program has increased from 186 students in 2016-17 to 3,100 this coming academic year.

academic year, when about 2,100 enrolled. It also makes the San Diego Promise one of the largest free community college programs in California. The San Diego Promise provides two years of free tuition and book grants to all first-time students who enroll full-time. The SDCCD launched the program three years ago with just 186 students. Since then, it has increased exponentially and is now attracting students from across the state. In fact, students from 122 high schools outside of San Diego County have enrolled for upcoming academic year.

“The success of the San Diego Promise is good news for San Diego, especially our local workforce since Promise students tend to finish their academic programs faster and with less student debt,” said Lynn Neault, SDCCD Vice Chancellor of Student Services. “A remarkable 98 percent of these graduates will stay in San Diego after completing their academic programs.” To further boost student completion, and thanks to the generosity of donors, the San Diego Promise will for the first time enroll a limited number of part-time students who meet specific criteria. These include Promise students from the past academic year who cannot continue to attend full-time due to work or family commitments. Accommodations are also being made for more Continuing Education students, foster youth, veterans, and formerly incarcerated students who would otherwise not qualify for the program. Neault says the SDCCD is able to expand the program as a result of increased state funding as well as continuing philanthropic support, which has exceeded $1 million in donations from local individuals and corporations. “Dollar for dollar,” said Neault. “This is the best investment we can make in the future of our community.” In addition to financial assistance, the San Diego Promise program provides counseling and hands-on support to help students develop and stick to a plan to meet their educational and career goals. Eighty-four percent of last year’s Promise participants are students of color who saw higher success rates than their non-Promise peers.

Thieves Posing as City Employees Rob Elderly La Jolla Woman & SDPD Reminder The two suspects pictured claimed to be from the water department and under the guise of conducting a water test, entered the home of an elderly victim. The suspects stole jewelry and cash. On August 9, 2019 at 3:30 p.m., two males knocked on the door of a residence in the La Jolla community. The elderly victim answered the door and the males identified themselves as being from the “water department” and said they were there to conduct a water test at the residence. The victim allowed the two men to enter

and once inside, the suspects distracted the victim by turning on various facets inside and outside the home while they took turns going into different rooms. The two suspects stole jewelry and cash and at this time, the exact loss is still being determined. The victim was unharmed during this encounter. Suspect #1 is described as a dark skin male, approximately 30 years old, 5’6, 160lbs, with a well-manicured beard. Suspect #2 is described as a dark skin male, approximately 40 years old, 6’0, 210lbs, heavier set, with no facial hair.

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Clairemont Woman’s Club by Marge Weber

Hi Everybody...we’re back and raring to go. Our next meeting is Wednesday, Sept. 4 at 1 p.m. at the Balboa Community Church. {Directions below} We are fortunate to have Eleanor Slaughter of The Clairemont Senior Citizen Center on Bannock Ave to speak to us about what the Center, aptly called the Jewel of Clairemont, has to offer the community. Come find out what the Center can do for you or a senior you know. Refreshments will be served. Every year one of our main projects is a scholarship to a senior girl at Clairemont HS and Madison HS. Other projects will be announced later. Our club objectives are the promotion of social concerns, civic interests and educational activities for the members for the community at large. These are accomplished by having speakers enlighten us, raising monies for the March of Dimes, the Heifer Project

These suspects are also wanted for questioning in a similar case which occurred on August 1, 2019 in the community of Bird Rock. In that case, a person matching the description of suspect #1 used the same ruse and stole jewelry from another elderly victim. Anyone with information is asked to call the SDPD’s Elder Abuse Unit at (619) 446-1070 or the Crime Stoppers anonymous tip line at (888) 580-8477. The San Diego Police Department would like to remind community members that this tactic is a common ruse for criminals. Be cautious when unknown persons are asking to come into your home under the pretense they work for city departments, utility companies or construction companies. It is best to always ask for a

Pennies for Pines, etc. and by giving of our time to various venues such as the Clairemont Community Services Assoc., Meals on Wheels, Boxtops for Education and collecting eyeglasses for the Lion’s Club. But we are not all work and no play. Our social activities include a trip to Viejas Casino, a monthly book club, a book exchange, Daytime Gourmets to various restaurants, luncheons, a tea, and get togethers in our homes. Want to join us and help give back? Come and introduce yourself on Sept. 4th. We welcome you. For more information about CWC, visit our website at www.ClairemontWomansClub.com or “like” us on Facebook. You may also call Jackie at (858) 273-7664. Directions: Balboa Community Church at 6555 Balboa Ave. 92111. Please park around the corner in the church parking lot off Mt. Albertine. Entrance to our meeting is under the stairwell.

picture identification from the individual and deny access to your home if you cannot confirm they are there for a legitimate reason. City of San Diego Pubic Utilities Department workers will never go into a residence unless an appointment has been made by the resident. Workers will always arrive in a city vehicle marked with the City of San Diego logo. If a City of San Diego resident is approached by someone who identifies themselves as being from the water department, the resident can always call the Public Utilities Department directly at 619-515-3525. The operator can verify the employment status of any employee and can also verify if work is scheduled to be completed

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6 • The Clairemont Times • September 2019

Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Enforcement Operations Conducted by San Diego Police The San Diego Police Department conducts bicycle and pedestrian safety enforcement operations routinely with focused enforcement on collision causing factors involving motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians. Targeted patrols crackdown on drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists, who violate traffic laws meant to protect all roadway users. The Department has mapped out locations over the past 3 years where pedestrian and bicycle involved collisions have occurred, along with the violations that led to those crashes. Officers look for traffic offenses committed by drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians alike, which can lead to life changing injuries. Special attention is directed toward drivers speeding, making illegal turns, failing to stop for signs and signals, failing to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks, or any other dangerous violations. Additionally, enforcement is taken for observed violations when pedestrians cross the street illegally, or fail to yield to drivers who have the right of way. Pedestrians should cross the street only in marked crosswalks or at intersections. Pedestrian fatalities are rising in California as more people use non-motorized means of transportation. Locally, the San Diego Police Department has investigated several collisions involving bicyclists and pedestrians during the past three (3) years. In 2013, California witnessed 701 pedestrian deaths, accounting for over 23 percent of all roadway fatalities; which, is much higher than the national average of 15 percent. A national study reveals that pedestrians and drivers do not obey laws and signals consistently, and many often use cell phones, text, and listen to music while walking or driving. Only 60 percent of pedestrians said they expected drivers to stop when they were in crosswalks, even though they have the right-of-way. The following safety tips can save lives, and stop this tragedy witnessed far too often in San Diego. Drivers can; - Look out for bicyclists, pedestrians and scooter riders, especially during hard-to-see conditions such as at night or in bad weather. - Slow down and be prepared to stop when turning or entering a crosswalk where pedestrians are likely to be. - Stop at the crosswalk stop line to give drivers in other lanes an opportunity to see, and yield to the pedestrians too. - Be cautious when backing up – pedestrians, especially young children, can move across your path. - ‘Share the road’ with bicyclists. - Be courteous; California law now mandates at least three feet of clearance when passing a bike rider. - Look for cyclists before opening a car

door or pulling out from a parking space. - Yield to cyclists at intersections and as directed by signs and signals. - Be especially watchful for riders when making turns, either left or right. Bicyclists can: - Wear properly fitted bicycle helmets every time they ride. If under 18 years of age, it’s the law. - A helmet is the single most effective way to prevent head injury resulting from a bicycle crash. - Riders are considered vehicle operators; they are required to obey the same rules of the road as other vehicle operators, including obeying traffic signs, signals, and lane markings. - When cycling in the street, cyclists must ride in the same direction as traffic. - Bicyclists should increase their visibility to drivers by wearing fluorescent or brightly colored clothing during the day, and at dawn and dusk. - To be noticed when riding at night, the law requires a front light and a red reflector to the rear. - For additional safety, use a flashing rear light, and use retro-reflective tape or markings on equipment or clothing.

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Pedestrians can: - Be predictable. Follow the rules of the road, cross at crosswalks or intersections, and obey signs and signals. - Walk facing traffic and as far from traffic as possible if there is no sidewalk. - Pay attention to the traffic moving around you. This is not the time to be texting or talking on a cell phone. - Make eye contact with drivers as they approach. Never assume a driver sees you. - Wear bright clothing during the day and reflective materials (or use a flashlight) at night. - Look left-right-left before crossing a street. Scooter Riders can: - Wear properly fitted helmets every time they ride. - A helmet is the single most effective way to prevent head injury resulting from a scooter crash. - Riders are considered vehicle operators; they are required to obey the same rules of the road as other vehicle operators, including obeying traffic signs, signals, and lane markings. - When scootering in the street, scooter riders must ride in the same direction as traffic. - Scooter operators should increase their visibility to drivers by wearing fluorescent or brightly colored clothing during the day, and at dawn and dusk. - To be noticed when riding at night, the law requires a front light and a red reflector to the rear - No passengers are allowed on any

For more news and information visit: www.clairemonttimes.com scooter, the driver is the only person allowed on the scooter. - All operators are required to be 15 and ½ years of age, and possess a valid driver’s permit.

Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

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The Clairemont Times • September 2019 • 7

Religious Directory

Sundays: Bible Classes 9:00 am Worship 10:00 am Wednesdays: 6:00 pm Dinner 6:30 pm Bible study (all ages)

4292 Balboa Ave., San Diego CA 92117 • (858) 273-5140 www.canyonview.org • www.facebook.com/canyonviewchurch

Celebrating our 11th Year Together! • • • •

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Clairemont Lutheran Church www.clairemontlc.org 4271 Clairemont Mesa Blvd, San Diego, CA 92117 Sunday Worship Times 8:30, 10:00 (English) & 11:30 am (Spanish) Sunday School for kids 9:45am Holy Cross Lutheran Church 3450 Clairemont Drive, San Diego, CA 92117 Church (858) 273-2886 Visit our website www.holycrossword.org for additional worship times and special events. Sunday Worship 9:00 am Word and Sacrament Wednesday 7:00pm Northminster Presbyterian Church Sunday Worship Time 10:00a.m. 4324 Clairemont Mesa Blvd. San Diego, CA 92117 www.northminstersandiego.com 858 490-3995 Northminster Preschool 858 270-3760

St. Catherine Labouré Catholic Church www.stcatherinelaboure.net 4124 Mt. Abraham Ave., San Diego, CA 92111 Phone (858) 277-3133 Weekend Mass Times Saturday 5:30pm Sunday 8:00, 9:30, 11:00am, 1pm/Spanish St. David’s Episcopal Church & Preschool www.saintdavidschurch.com 5050 Milton Street, San Diego CA 92110 Sunday Worship Times: 8:00am Holy Communion Rite I (Traditional) 10:30am Holy Communion Rite II (Contemporary) Weekday Worship: 12 p.m. Tues: Holy Eucharist: Rite II (Public Service of Healing) Last Sat of the month at 6:00 p.m. Alive at St. David’s: Non-Traditional, Contemporary Worship Experience

St. 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. Mark’s United Methodist Church www.stmarksumcsd.org 3502 Clairemont Drive, San Diego, CA 92117 Phone: (858) 273-1480 Sunday worship: 9:30 a.m. For information on advertising your place of worship in the Religious Directory please call or email Chris O’Connell, Publisher (858) 752-9779 chris@clairemonttimes.com

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8 • The Clairemont Times • September 2019

Squaremont By Bill Swank

Pictured: Bill Swank outside the Buena Vista Garden Apartments on Cowley Way in 1955, with East Clairemont off in the distance.

What happened to Good Citizenship? With the start of a new school year, I reflect on my own early education. My first day as a first grader at William Tecumseh Sherman Primary School in Milwaukee, Wisconsin remains an indelible memory. It was September 4, 1946. I was unhappy... very unhappy. My mother made me wear a suit coat and tie for this momentous occasion. My brother was in kindergarten, so he didn’t have to get all dressed up like it was Sunday. Back in the 1940s, kids didn’t know how to read when they entered first grade. My mother was comfortable sending me to school to be educated by real teachers. In those days, first graders could walk five blocks to school in a big city… alone. (Another thing, almost all of my

Mr. Elmer Hendrickson, mathematic (Bill Swank collection) misanthrope

elementary school teachers had the same first name: Miss.) On that first day, I remember Miss Olive Palmer at the blackboard. She carefully drew four perfectly formed letters in chalk: L-O-O-K. She explained L-O-O-K meant “look.” We repeated aloud, “L-O-O-K, look, L-O-O-K, look, L-O-O-K, look,” over and over. The spelling of L-O-O-K was

drilled into our heads. I couldn’t wait to go home to tell my mother that I learned how to read. Miss Palmer was going to teach us another word the next day. I couldn’t wait to get back to school. By the way, I never had to wear a coat and tie to school again. I recently looked at my elementary school report cards and was very surprised by what I learned. There were many more grade headings for behavior than for academics! Good citizenship was a very important element of Milwaukee’s “progressive” education system. There were no academic grades on the report card. Reading progress was simply recorded by the date of completion. The only grades were for comportment. Social progress was noted in four categories: Being courteous and kind, Playing fair; Caring for school and other property; Wanting to do good work; Keeping hands from face, nose and mouth, Using a handkerchief properly, Cleanliness, Good posture. I received “S’s” for “Satisfactory” behavior, but, if memory serves correctly, I flunked “naps” in kindergarten. In my young mind, I didn’t go to school to sleep. My family moved to Columbia City, Indiana in the middle of my third grade. Priorities were different. In the Hoosier State, arithmetic was more important than reading. School work was expected to be completed with dispatch. “Comes poorly prepared” was noted on my first report card. It took until the fifth grade for me to consistently get “B’s” in Arithmetic. When time was called, tests were handed in for grading. Unanswered questions were, of course, wrong. Speed was more important than learning. Most of the report card was headed, “Attitude Toward School Work.” There were 22 categories that included: Indolent (which means lazy); Wastes time; Work carelessly done; Copies, gets too much help: Gives up too easily; Comes poorly prepared; Inattentive; Promotion in danger; Restless; Inclined to mischief; Rude, discourteous; Annoys others; Whispers too much. Among the other categories were a few positive attributes: Very good; Satisfactory; Very good (that is not a misprint; it appeared twice). Looking back, it is interesting to realize that Indiana teachers were fixated on bad behavior and poor performance. “Self-esteem” had not yet been invented in the 1950s. There was “zero tolerance” for fragile egos. It was not unusual for a teacher to hurt a student’s feelings... and posterior with “the board of education.” How many remember, “Readin,’ writin,’ and ‘rithmetic, all to the tune of the hickory stick?” I got hit once. The classroom was completely silent during a test. Our skeletal sixth grade mathematics teacher, Mr. Elmer Hendrickson, was skulking between the rows of prehistoric Anna Breadin desks. I was concentrating on the test and didn’t realize this sadist was

Palmer Method penmanship work sheet

directly behind me when I was struck hard across my back with his dreaded square yardstick.

1946 - Unhappy First Grader on First Day of school (Bill Swank collection)

Startled, I asked what I had done wrong. “Your foot was in the aisle,” he said. This Ichabod Crane lookalike was born on January 28, 1889 in Jefferson Township outside Columbia City. He graduated from Columbia City High School in 1907 and died in Columbia City in 1958. I suspect this narrow-minded misanthrope never smiled a day in his life or ventured further than Fort Wayne. I told my mother, but that was in the days before parents complained about teachers. She understood unreasonable teachers prepared students for the real world and

(Bill Swank collection)

unreasonable bosses. Students had to learn to make adjustments, because the world wouldn’t make adjustments for us. The current San Diego Unified School District progress report for elementary students measures 21 categories of academic achievement. There are only four headings under Social, Citizenship and Learning Skills and three of them involve academics: Respects People, rights, feelings, perspectives, and property; Engages actively in learning and contributes to the learning community; Demonstrates critical thinking, reasoning, and problem solving; Takes responsibility for and perseveres in learning. I am not an educator, sociologist or statistician, but the focus of old report cards in Columbia City and current report cards in San Diego is dramatically and diametrically reversed. 22 behaviors were graded in the early 1950s. Today, it is impressive that San Diego teachers grade 21 aspects of academic achievement, but, surprising, only one grade addresses good citizenship. What happened to indolent children? Don’t some kids still waste time, work carelessly and require too much help? Do they quit and give up too easily? Are they poorly prepared, inattentive and restless? Are youths no longer inclined to mischief? Are they rude, discourteous and annoy others? Do kids today even know how to use a handkerchief? Or have strict teachers and disciplinarians been forced to wave the white handkerchief? Email: Bill@ClairemontTimes.com To read all the Squaremont columns, visit: http://clairemonttimes.com/category/squaremont/

1947 report card from Milwaukee Public Schools

(Bill Swank collection)

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The Clairemont Times • September 2019 • 9

It’s Crazy Spider Dance Time; Orb Weaver Season is Back! by Gig Conaughton, County of San Diego CO

They’re big. They’re scary looking. And they spin enormous, circular webs that can stretch between trees, from a tree to your house, or your house to your car. It’s orb weaver spider time again in San Diego County—and this year could yield

Image from: SanDiegoCounty.gov

a bumper crop. Stumbling into an orb weaver web is an unmistakably creepy feeling. You could be hiking around the neighborhood, working in the yard, or walking out to the car. Suddenly, you’re smacked right in the face, your hair, your arm or other exposed bit of skin by a large, sticky strand of web! Your spider-senses scream. You flail, stumble, try to peel the web away, and as passersby stare you’re doing what County supervising vector ecologist Chris Conlan calls “the crazy spider dance.” Conlan, who has loved insects, spiders and critters since he was a kid, has been the County’s most visible “bug guy” for years as part of the County’s Vector Control Program. Conlan said that county residents could see more orb weavers this year than they have in years. He said that’s because spiders—including orb weavers— have more little bugs to eat this year because we had a lot of rain, which created more vegetation and insects overall. “So, you’re probably going to be running into a lot of spider webs very soon, if you haven’t already,” Conlan said. Fortunately, Conlan said, orb weaver spiders are generally harmless to people. He said orb weaver spiders, like many spiders and insects, can bite, but they generally only do if they feel very threatened—even if they look scary. “A well-fed female can be a pretty imposing spider,” Conlan said. “But they’re generally nothing to be worried about. In all honesty, if you run into their

web, their general reaction is to bail off quick. They don’t like to hang around once something that’s big enough to smash through their web hits it. They know it’s not anything they want to tackle and wrap up to eat.” Orb weaver’s webs are one of their most fascinating features. In fact, orb weaver spiders are not a singular species. They’re a family of spiders, classified by their web spinning, that come in various sizes and colors. Conlan said many spiders spin small, undistinctive strands of webs tucked into corners to catch prey. But orb weaver spiders spin large, circular, often beautiful webs, the classic kind Conlan said that we often see depicted in “kid’s books and children’s stories.” Orb weaver spider webs are often so big they seem to defy logic. They can literally stretch from one tree to another, or between large objects like houses and cars. “It’s pretty amazing,” Conlan said. “They have a few ways of doing that. They can just walk down one tree and to another. Typically, they’ll spin a single strand of silk and a gust of wind will blow it to another branch or object. It will stick and the spider can now walk back and forth on that strand that’s now attached to the far-away object.” Beauty aside, not many people are thrilled to run into an orb weaver spider web. The general reaction is revulsion, even for bug lovers like Conlan. “Of course!” Conlan said. “I mean, you can’t help it, it’s only natural.” So what can people do to dodge the orb weaver webs? Conlan said this is the time of the year he risks looking “like a weirdo” around his house by walking everywhere with his hand out in front of him. “You can either try to limit the number of objects you walk between that they can use as anchor points,” Conlan said, “or you just need to get used to walking either with a hand out in front of you, or a stick out in front of you, to clear them out of the way. You’re not hurting the spider by knocking the web out of the way.” And it’s better than doing the crazy spider dance. For more information about the County’s Vector Control Program, spiders and other vectors and critters, go to the County’s Department of Environmental Health’s website: https://www.sandiegocounty.gov/content/s dc/deh.html

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What I Wish My Parents Knew by San Diego Military Family Collaborative

The SDMFC- Community Prevention & Safety Alliance (CPSA) is hosting their first, “What I Wish My Parents Knew” forum of 2019-2020 school year! This forum will take place on Tuesday, September 10th, 2019 from 5:30pm-8:00pm at Serra High. This event is organized by CPSA and their many partners seeking to empower and inform the local community. The forum is modeled off of Poway Unified School District’s successful program offering so please join us to get better connected to our youth. The event is intended for parents and youth (middle and high school students) who attend schools in the San Diego

Unified School District or to families who may reside in the 92123 or 92124 zip codes in order to better understand the issues teenagers are facing through interactive break-out sessions facilitated and led by youth. Focus topics will include: Stress, building relationships, social media, military life, and substance abuse, to name a few. We aim to support families believing that healthy homes produce healthy teens which produce healthier communities. Childcare, dinner, and community resources provided!!! We look forward to seeing you there and if you have any further questions, please email cpsa.sdmfc@gmail.com.

GI Film Festival San Diego Returns for Fifth Season National festival dedicated to military-related films is Sept. 24-29, 2019 The nation’s premier festival to exclusively feature military-themed films

returns to San Diego this fall. The GI Film Festival San Diego celebrates its fifth anniversary this year with screenings and

events planned for Sept. 24-29, 2019 at various San Diego venues. The films selected for the GI Film Festival San Diego reveal the struggles, triumphs, and experiences of service members and veterans through compelling and authentic storytelling. All major film genres – documentaries, shorts, and personal narratives – will be featured. For more information on the 2019 GI Film Festival San Diego, visit www.GIFilmFestivalSD.org

Free Movies in the Park CLAIREMONT 9/6 South Clairemont Community Park: Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation (PG)

MISSION BAY 10/5 Santa Clara Point, Mission Bay: Nightmare Before Christmas (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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10 • The Clairemont Times • September 2019

A Padres Column by Major Garrett

A Whiff of Tatis by Major Garrett

The Padres once-promising season cratered after the All-Star break. The injury to rookie phenom Fernando Tatis Jr. was literally the back-breaker.

Fernando Tatis Jr

Management shut Tatis down for the season with a lower back injury in mid-August. Tatis and the organization might have pushed for rehab and a quick return to the field if the Padres were playing meaningful baseball in September or, even better, heading to the playoffs. But they weren’t and aren’t so Tatis will recuperate and, we can hope, ruminate (link: https://www.mlb.com/news/fernando-tatisjr-on-injuries) on the depressing fact that he’s suffered three significant, game-nullifying injuries in 14 months (broken finger in the minors last year and this year’s hamstring and back ailments). For those of us still watching the Padres, the team appears listless without Tatis. The rookie added electricity on the field, at bat and on the bases. He became the centerpiece of every game, a thrilling, smiling, awe-inspiring highlight reel (link: https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/fe rnando-tatis-jr-injury-a-look-back-on-the-h ighlights-of-incredibly-fun-rookie-year/) Tatis personified the promise of our still-unrealized future, the potential of pipeline phenoms, winning streaks, walk-offs and playoffs to come. Oh, our aching back. We miss all that. And to my mind that illuminates a

serious problem. Tatis was too much. The team was depending on him more than it should - for boyish verve, for marketing gold, for stolen bases, doubles, home runs, runs scored, for dazzle and daring, for full-extension catches and jaw-dropping lasers hurled from five-hole no-man’s land. Excuse me. That was supposed to be the Manny Machado account. You know, the one that checks in at $300 million. I have a long history with the Padres marketing department latching onto one star and begging the fans to overlook every other weed in the garden to behold the lone, dew-speckled rose. I was beginning to get that whiff around Tatis. It smelled rotten. Not because Tatis isn’t a stat but because he is. The Padres, we are told, will be a team of stars. Then it better start acting like one — on the field and in the front office. Why have Machado and Eric Homer receded to the status of also-rans? They are and should be game-changing players. They are commanding salaries of difference-makers yet in the team’s current configuration both hover dangerously close to indifference makers. Machado has performed notably but has not been (Photo by Major Garrett) the transformative presence I hoped or in this very space predicted (link: https://clairemonttimes.com/lets-go-to-war -with-manny/). His stats are respectable but beneath career norms. Consider. Machado’s WAR (win-above-replacement) from 2015-2018 was 5.8. For a refresher on WAR read this: (link: https://library.fangraphs.com/misc/war/) Through 127 games this year, Machado’s WAR is 2.9. I never progressed beyond basic algebra at Madison High School and earned two bachelor’s degrees without taking a single math class (YES!), but even I can figure out Machado is statistically half the player he has been for the past three years. Machado just turned 27 and should be but isn’t at the top of his game. I’m still waiting for that stretch of 10 or 20 games when Ted Leitner, Don Orsillo or Mudcat Grant can authoritatively say “Manny put this team on his back and carried it.” Superstars do such things. Often when it matters most — say, after an All-Star break when a young team is playing .500 ball and is surprisingly part of the Wild Card conversation; or after another great player on the team - yes, Tatis would qualify - goes down to injury and the clubhouse is in dire need of

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direction, passion and performance. We all know this has not happened. As for Hosmer, his season WAR is 0.6, which is better than last season’s -0.1 horror show, but well below his 2015-2017 average of 2.6. Hosmer and Machado are seasoned pros with proven talent. Yet they under-perform at Petco. Both came up with small market teams (Machado with the Baltimore Orioles; Hosmer with the Kansas City Royals) with small budgets, light-touch local media and long-suffering but stubbornly loyal fans. What gives? I don’t know. But Tatis’ injury has exposed this conspicuous under-performance. That is a good thing. It will force the organization to ask unpleasant questions about Machado and Hosmer. Both have long contracts. What is the tone of the conversation? Is it about hustle, commitment or lineup help? Does it turn from these on-field fundamentals to manager Andy Green? Something is wrong. It must be addressed and fixed. With Tatis gone the organization can’t kid itself or try to fool us with catchy Tatis tweets. Without Tatis the Padres will finally take stock of Luis Urias and see his day-to-day potential at shortstop and second base (perhaps evaluation will be given to moving Tatis to second base, a less taxing position). Pitchers will have to pitch to contact and do so knowing they do not have a miracle worker at shortstop — that Tatis is not there to perpetually bail them out. That will force them to pitch smarter, more aggressively and with more deception. Or fail. We have seen more of the latter than the former. Without Tatis, there is more pressure on Manuel Margot and Hunter Renfroe. Margot has performed well this season and his 1.6 WAR is a welcome sign he’s becoming a true major leaguer. If Taylor Trammell (link: http://www.milb.com/player/index.jsp?play er_id=666211#/career/R/hitting/2019/ALL ) is the real deal (a big question considering

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his under-whelming stats in Amarillo) Margot could shift to left, giving the team two speedy outfielders with plus speed and skills. Would be nice. Renfroe was on fire in the first half and has fallen into an ice pond since the All-Star break (as of this writing (link: https://www.mlb.com/player/hunter-renfro e-592669 ) he was hitting an anemic .184 with a .254 on-base percentage and .350 slugging percentage over his last 30 games). Still, his 3.1 WAR is tops on the club now that Tatis is out. Perhaps his slump was inevitable, but it’s more glaring now. Tatis is a truly amazing player. He is worth the price of admission. Just as Dave Winfield and Ozzie Smith were in the 1970s; as Tony Gwynn and Ken Caminiti were in the 1980s and 1990s. I invite you to nominate the pre-Tatis electrifying Padre of the 2000s. I can’t either (sorry Adrian Gonzalez). That’s the point. The Padres have a player of generational significance. Winfield and Smith won a World Series with teams not named the Padres. Gwynn and Caminiti led the Padres to a World Series. What will the Padres do with Tatis? That question is now squarely before all concerned. It is more visible and more urgent now that everyone can see the holes in this roster, this clubhouse and, possibly, in this manager without Tatis as a highlight reel distraction. A whiff of Tatis is not enough. Tatis needs and deserves a team worthy of his talent. Where are you Machado, Hosmer, Margot and Renfroe? The time to answer is now. 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.”

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The Clairemont Times • September 2019 • 11

Community Planning Groups Under Audit Commentary by Louis Rodolico

There have been numerous San Diego City Planning Group abuses. Originally intended to give voice to the community some Planning Groups have been hijacked by lobbyist’s intent on using the Planning Group to forward the agenda of their clients. Other Planning Groups delay hearing projects to and/or restrict growth in their communities. You can review the audit at: https://www.sandiego.gov/sites/default/file s/19-013_community_planning_groups.p df There is a synopsis on the last three pages. One issue is that of Unenforceable Recommendations: Audit Abstract: To ensure that Community Planning Groups (CPGs) do not make unenforceable recommendations, we recommend the following: The Planning Department in conjunction with relevant City departments should provide a more comprehensive training program that includes: 1) A mandatory training segment focused entirely on project development reviews; and 2) Sessions open to both CPG members and the public to increase understanding of the review process and roles and responsibilities. An example of an unenforceable recommendation would be when members of the University Community Planning Group (UCPG) tried to extort a million dollars from Alexandria, promising to deliver UCPG votes in support of an Alexandria project. They did this in open session, which begs the question of what they are doing in private. The audience cried extortion and the board members and their lobbyist were forced to abandon the strategy, at least in public anyway. UCPG has many ethic issues, extortion being one and elections another. For the past 10-15 years UCPG has been controlled by a small group of citizens’ intent on not building the Regents Road Bridge. The two thirds of the community that want the bridge built are systematically excluded from board membership. Elections are in the total control of UCPG board members and paid lobbyists. Given there is so much time and effort spent excluding two thirds of the community, the word community should be stricken from the UCPG acronym. Another questionable election was for the University Plan Update Committee. The city planner had a box with 22 names, on pink folded Post-Its. The planner handed each drawn folded Post-It to the UCPG chair who unfolded the notes behind a stack of papers which totally obscured any audience view. The chair could easily have substituted any name he wanted. He then read from Post-Its which clearly had not been folded before. It was a sleazy way to run an

election and flies in the face of the training course I took. UCPG board members all supported Westfield Malls goal of not building the Regents Road Bridge. The UCPG board, NIMBYs, government workers and lobbyists figured out they could enrich themselves by removing key roads in order to funnel; traffic, customers and therefore money to a wealthy Westfield Mall. Mall lobbyists fanned hate in the community, pitting neighbor against neighbor, thereby keeping the spotlight off themselves. The local UCCA paper, funded by Westfield, still refuses to publish articles analyzing the public safety advantages of the bridge. Westfield Mall paid a half million dollars for an Environmental Impact Report (EIR), to remove the Regents Road Bridge, an EIR that somehow did not consider ambulance service times. With the bridge no longer on the city plan, 35 million dollars in Development Impact Fees must now be refunded to the Mall and other developers. To date only one of Universities 3 main roads has been completed. According to county statistics not having finished these key roads in University results in 7 citizens not making it alive to the emergency room each year, but why would a foreign owned mall like Westfield care about that? Several times I have requested ambulance and FRS-56 statistics from the city, no response, are there more than 7 deaths per year? Since the UCPG membership systematically excludes certain residents the current board should be disbanded. The UCPG community boundaries should be further partitioned to allow members from all of UC. It’s been ten years since someone from the east has been on the UCPG board. In contrast to UCPG, the Clairemont Community Planning Group (CCPG) is always looking for new members and unlike UCPG the Clairemont group consistently issues informative minutes and they do not obscure important community business with undocumented Ad-Hoc meetings. There is some debate as to what a Planning Group is supposed to be: Audit Abstract: The City of San Diego (Management) acknowledges the Office of the City Auditor Performance Audit of Community Planning Groups (Audit). Management has a fundamental disagreement with the basis of the Auditor’s recommendations that Community Planning Groups (CPGs) are “Service Organizations” and as such, the City delegates certain responsibilities to them. CPGs are independent self-governing organizations which are voluntarily created and maintained by members of communities to provide a forum for members of the public to make land use recommendations to the City. While Management is in disagreement as to the basis in which the Auditors arrived at their conclusions, Management is in agreement that City Council Policy 600-24 should be amended to address each of the

recommendations in the Audit. So CPG’s are independent self-governing organizations. I guess like AAA or maybe a Newspaper? So they make their own rules and may exclude specific groups. But how could the city then accept them as a voice of the entire community? Confused? Well, welcome to the club. There have been other complaints: 2017/2018 San Diego County Grand Jury, link: https://www.sandiegocounty.gov/conten t/dam/sdc/grandjury/reports/2017-2018/S

anDiegoCommunityPlanningGroups.pdf The goal is that by December 2019 City Management will develop a proposal for City Council to consider revisions to City Council Policy 600-24 and the Administrative Guidelines. A strong promise, but one that will be tempered by a record of Planning Group activities that could bring considerable liabilities. Louis Rodolico has been a resident of University City since 2001 and is a candidate for District 1 City Council louisrodolico.com

Linda Vista Intergenerational Community Clean Up Sun, September 8, 2019 • 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM PDT Bayside Community Center 2202 Comstock St., San Diego, CA 92111 Join us in Linda Vista for a fun and environmentally friendly community cleanup with your family, friends, and neighbors!

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12 • The Clairemont Times • September 2019

LoloLovesFilms This Month:

The Clairemont Times PO Box 17671 San Diego, CA 92177 (858) 752-9779 Founding Publisher: Chris O’Connell Advertising (858) 752-9779 Graphic Designer: Elaine Hall Contributors: Allura Garis Major Garrett Susan Lewitt Owen Megura Lauren & Josh Rains Louis Rodolico Robert Ross Tanya Sawhney Bill Swank Marge Weber Intern: Owen Megura The Clairemont Times is a free publication published each month and circulated throughout the neighborhoods of Clairemont, Linda Vista, Bay Park & Kearny Mesa. Story ideas, advertising & editorial questions can be sent to The Clairemont Times P.O. Box 17671, San Diego, CA 92177 or chris@clairemonttimes.com Copyright ©2011-19 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:

“The Angry Birds Movie 2” Movie Review by Lolo & Big J

When “The Angry Birds Movie” was released in 2016, we never dreamed it would be a decent movie, but Sony Animation Pictures proved us wrong. Sony smelled that they had a successful franchise at their fingertips, so they greenlit a sequel almost immediately. Are they milking the property for all it’s worth? Sure, but as long as they keep pumping out content that make us laugh, we’ll probably continue to see their films. “The Angry Birds Movie 2” is directed by Thurop Van Orman and John Rice. It continues the story of Red (Jason Sudeikis), who was once shunned by those around him. Now, he is the hero of Bird Island, and boy does he love the adulation. He spends his days with his buddies Chuck (Josh Gad) and Bomb (Danny McBride) as they protect Bird Island from the pranks that come from the neighboring Pig Island and its leader Leonard (Bill Hader). When a new danger arises that threatens both islands, these former enemies must team up to battle their mutual foe, an eagle named Zeta (Leslie Jones). Red, who still thinks he’s the only hero in town, believes he has to lead the charge into battle and carry the brunt of the burden. Red must learn to put his ego aside, work together with his teammates, and follow the lead of someone more qualified to get the job done. From conception to marketing, the first “The Angry Birds Movie” looked like it was going to be terrible. When we saw it, however, we wound up enjoying it for what it was. We had slightly higher hopes for the sequel, but still had a lingering feeling of doubt knowing that the concept had run its course. Making a sequel felt like Sony was beating a dead horse into the ground. Luckily, we once again left the theater mostly pleased with what we saw in “The Angry Birds Movie 2.” It is brilliantly animated and has terrific voiceover work. It is surprisingly well crafted and does a good job continuing Red’s character arc as he learns that he doesn’t have to try to do everything on his own. The story also deals with important themes like emphasizing the importance of teamwork. It wants people to understand that not every person is the best person for every given task. The film also deals with a theme that has been prevalent in family films this year, and that is finding common ground with

individuals who are the perceived “other” or “enemy.” It stresses the importance of communication and the value of showing emotions. All of these messages are served right alongside a hefty helping of crude humor, meta jokes, sight gags, and silly nonsense that ventures into risque territory more than once (which is why it is rated PG). They know the target audience. The narrative is pretty straightforward, but it can be a little thin. Similar to “The Secret Life of Pets 2” from earlier this year, “The Angry Birds Movie 2” has a side-plot involving three baby hatchlings chasing some lost eggs that feels more like a separate animated short that has been woven in and around the larger storyline simply to elongate its

runtime. Don’t get us wrong, the hatchlings are adorable, and their adventure contains a lot of self-aware comedy, but they are mostly just fluffy filler loosely tied to the main plot in a clever-but-unnecessary way. “The Angry Birds Movie 2”; may not be the best kids movie of 2019, but it’s certainly worth seeing, if only to escape the summer heat. It has a lot of funny moments and several valuable lessons for kids. If you and your family enjoyed the first installment in this franchise, check this one out! OUR RATING: 3.5/5 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 • September 2019 • 13

Safe Gun Storage Protects Our Kids by Mara W. Elliott, San Diego City Attorney

Gun violence often begins at home. Firearms are a leading cause of injury-related deaths among children, second only to motor vehicle injury deaths. Most of the 7,000 children killed and injured each year are shot are in their own homes. Most of these deaths happen when a child is playing with a gun, mistakenly thinking it was a toy, or was unloaded or locked. Studies show that 46 percent of gun owners with children at home do not secure their firearms. Among children 9 and under, 73 percent know the location of their parents’ firearms, and 36 percent admit they’ve handled the weapons. Protecting children from these horrific accidents is why I proposed the Safe Storage of Firearms Ordinance. It requires that firearms in a residence be stored in a locked container, or disabled by a trigger lock, unless they are carried on the body or are in the immediate control of an authorized user. Fifteen other California cities (including Los Angeles, San Jose, and San Francisco) have adopted Safe Storage Laws because studies show they are highly effective at saving lives. The Safe Storage of Firearms Ordinance is easy to follow and does not infringe on a gunowner’s rights to carry weapons or to use the weapon for self-defense. Firearms need not be locked if they are being carried by, or are within the immediate control of, a person who is legally authorized to use or possess the firearm. Importantly, safe storage does not prevent quick access. More than 1,700 devices are available to stop unauthorized users from accessing guns, and owners can choose one that best suits their needs. A biometric safe that uses fingerprint technology can be placed near a

bed and opened within seconds -- as quickly as a nightstand drawer. Cable locks may be preferred by hunters who stow their rifles when it isn’t hunting season. Like other common-sense safety measures, such as seat belt laws and child-proof caps on prescription drug containers, safe storage practices prevent tragedies from occurring. California’s 1986 seat belt law illustrates how law-abiding citizens respond to a safety law. Before the law was enacted, only 20 percent of Californians wore seat belts, even though they were effective in saving lives. After the law was enacted, seatbelt use doubled. After 25 years, 96 percent of California motorists and passengers were wearing seatbelts, making all of us safer. As a mother, and as your City Attorney, I want to make sure no one endures the heartbreak of an accidental shooting like the one that happened in my own community of Scripps Ranch a few years ago. Lives were shattered when a 10-year-old boy found an unlocked gun in a friend’s garage, a place known as a hangout for the neighborhood kids. The boy accidentally shot himself in the chest and died. Scenarios like this one are all too familiar, which may be one of the reasons that even the National Rifle Association recommends the safe storage of firearms. Common-sense precautions like safe storage can avert these tragedies and protect families from ever experiencing a devastating firearm-related loss. The Safe Storage of Firearms Ordinance will prevent life-altering accidental shootings by reminding gun owners that they are responsible for securely storing their guns for the protection of those around them. For more information about available safe storage devices, please see the California State Attorney General’s website: https://oag.ca.gov/firearms/fsdcertlist. For additional information and tips on safe gun storage, visit: http://besmartforkids.org/ or http://askingsaveskids.org/.

Some Estate Planning Reminders by Dick McEntyre, Attorney at Law

To avoid probate (a court-supervised administration of your estate), be sure your home and any other real estate you own is in your trust (not your will in which case a probate would be required), or in joint tenancy with your spouse, or will pass when you die under a “revocable transfer on death deed” recorded with the county recorder. Probate is very expensive and takes about a year to conclude, before your beneficiaries/ heirs will receive anything. Also to avoid probate, be sure that your bank and brokerage accounts are in your trust, or that you have designated beneficiaries to receive your accounts when

you die. If you have not done so, these accounts, plus any California real estate you have and any other personal property you own—exceeding $150,000—will require probate. To give your intended beneficiaries who are to receive your IRA’s, 401(k) accounts, any other types of your retirement accounts, and annuities, maximum potential income tax benefits, designate individual persons—not your trust—as the direct beneficiaries of each such account. Also, check with the custodian (or your broker therefor) of any such account to be sure that you (or the custodian) have not left out a desired beneficiary. If you have created a trust to pass on

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

your property, be sure you have transferred into it the property you had intended to transfer into it. This means that as to properties which have legal titles (such as real estate, bank, and brokerage accounts), the title itself must be transferred into your trust. It is not enough just to list such property on a “Schedule of Trust Property,” as this merely indicates your intent and does not constitute the transfer itself. If you never create a trust or a will, your property (with some exceptions) will pass to your closest heirs by the laws of “intestate succession.” The result: you may

have wished some person who is not your heir to receive your property, but under this law, he or she will never receive it! The above “Reminders” 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. House calls are available. Dick’s office is located at 2615 Camino Del Rio South, Suite 101 (Telephone (619) 221-0279), www.richardfmcentyre.com.

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14 • The Clairemont Times • September 2019

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The Water Buffalo Has Arrived by Steven Smith, Sr. Park Ranger, City of San Diego

Each year Tri-Canyon staff has been upping their restoration efforts in Tecolote Canyon. What started out as removing a small amount of non-native plants and planting a handful of native plants near the beginning of the Battle Trail has grown into an expanding effort of clearing larger swaths of non-natives and planting larger amounts of natives. It is a task that requires effort throughout the entire year. Staff and a growing number of volunteers must work to plant and weed with the appropriate season. Ideally planting starts in the fall just before the rains come in order to allow for new plants to get as much rain as possible during the winter months. Then when spring comes and the seed stock of decades of non-natives freshly rained on feel the longer days and warmer temps they all begin to grow. This is the time staff and volunteers need to put in the effort to remove all the non-native growth before they flower, go to seed and deposit another years’ worth of non-native seed bank into the soil. Finally, as summer arrives, the rains have all ended, and the ground becomes a hard pack of dirt, staff

and volunteers then need to give water to the natives they planted in the fall about once a month in order to keep them alive their first year as they don’t have a lot of the water preserving shaded ground cover that a fully functioning habitat provides. As you can see this is a lot of work. A lot of work that has grown in size and effort each year. So new tools were needed in order to keep up with the work load and expansion rates. Fortunately for staff and volunteers, when former San Diego City Councilmember Lorie Zapf left office she donated enough funds for the Tri-Canyon Parks staff to purchase a Water Buffalo that is street legal, has a gas-powered pump and holds 535 gallons of water. We also purchased a single person Earth Auger with a bit that easily and quickly drills 1-gallon sized plant holes for us to plant more plants faster and with less effort. Our hope is to pre-drill holes and have volunteers plant more plants giving them a stronger connection to the canyon and their efforts throughout the years. June 15th, 2019 was our first chance to put the Water Buffalo to work during our monthly Weed Warriors event. Previously

we used a gravity fed water buffalo that held 100 gallons. It took us the entire 2 hours to empty the old tank and was very inefficient. Today we emptied 200 gallons in 1.5 hours getting water to almost all the plants we planted last fall and winter. Everything worked out great and we look forward to expanding our ecosystem rehabilitation efforts in Tecolote and the Tri-Canyon Parks. We would like to thank all those that have contributed and helped in this effort.

The places we have restored were once a monoculture of annual non-natives that then became a near dead space during the hot dry summer months in Tecolote Canyon. Now you can go to these same places and see native plants blooming at all different times of the year, providing food, shelter and habitat for a growing number of native animals and insects. Where there was once minimal noise of life to be heard, you can now hear bird songs and brush scratching, see insects pollinating flowers, watch lizards scurrying about and see evidence of mammals eating and utilizing space again. It is a long-term effort, but we feel more ambitious than ever with our new tools to aid our big dreams of restoring Tecolote’s native habitat. For more information about Tecolote Canyon as well as other canyons in Clairemont and beyond stop by the Tecolote Nature Center at 5180 Tecolote Rd. 92110 and on the web at www.sandiego.gov/park-and-recreation/parks/ osp/tecolote and/or www.FriendsOfTecoloteCanyon.org. Additionally, see page 15 for a list of events happening at the Nature Center this month.

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The Clairemont Times • September 2019 • 15

Series Introduction:

Very Easy to Grow Native Covers for Your Yard by Susan Lewitt

When I looked for ground covers for San Diego, I saw many suggestions, none of which I would consider. They included

Mixed Native Ground Covers

Asiatic Jasmine, Stone Crop, Creeping Thyme, Mini clover, Vinca Major, and English Ivy. Many of these, typically grown in monocultures, tend to be invasive and restrict biodiversity. Other ground covers that people are using include artificial turf and rocks. Both are a problem because they add heat to the area, especially Dudleyas in the summer, are more likely to cause injuries when children play on them, don’t support the soil organisms which

Yarrow

sequester carbon, and don’t give back oxygen or anything useful. Instead, consider some of the more than 70 native ground covers listed for Clairemont on the Calscape website (www.Calscape.org). Approximately 30 of them are very easy to grow, including 11 of the very easy to grow grasses from the May and July 2019 articles in this newspaper. Ground cover is usually planted for several reasons. Erosion control is achieved by spreading plants such as Thingrass, California Golden Rod and California Sagebrush. Ground covers also serve to prevent weed growth and replace nonnative grasses. You can use them to add seasonal color to your yard with choices such as Blue-Eyed Grass. Low growing ground covers can add to the

beauty of pathways, borders and other structures. Many think of ground covers as low to the ground, a few inches to even 1 ft tall but ground cover contenders vary in height. To keep them as low ground covers, some of these taller specimens may be pruned, which will help keep them denser, discouraging invasive weeds. There are plenty of shorter ones to choose from, if you prefer to keep your pruners in the shed. Future articles will give specific information on these ground covers, but for now, here is an overview by height. Several choices growing a few inches to about 3 feet tall include Thingrass, Purple Needle Grass, Cluster

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, September 7 and 21 • 9:00 a.m. Seed Sorting Join California Native Plant Society volunteers to clean and sort native seeds. No experience necessary and new volunteers are welcome! For more information cnpssd.seeds@gmail.com Wednesday, September 18 • 1:30-3:00 Art & Activities for Kids- Free! Get crafty and have fun! Crustaceous Canyon Creatures! Nature crafts and activities for kids. Saturday, September 21 • 9:00-11:00 Weed Warriors 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.

Field Sedge, Small Flowered Needle Grass, Island Morning Glory, Interior California Buckwheat, Sea Cliff Buckwheat, Common Yarrow, California Fuchsia, Blue Eyed Grass, Catalina Currant, Menzies’s Golden Bush, California Goldenrod, Threenerve Goldenrod, Fingertips, Coast Dudleya and Blue-Eyed Grass. Some that reach up to 6 feet tall include Deer Grass, Giant Wildrye, Spiny Rush, California Buckwheat, Eastern Mohave Buckwheat, White Sage, Black Sage, Pacific Blackberry and Bush Sunflower. Several can go above 6 feet, including Desert Wild Grape, Coffee Berry and ‘Pigeon Point’ Coyote Bush. More information on each species may be obtained from Calscape. To learn more about gardening with native plants, please attend the California Native Plant Society’s workshop, “the Resilient California Native Garden”, September 14 from 9 am to 3:30 pm. For more details go to: https://www.cnpssd.org/events/fallworksh op2019. Tickets are $55 and include lunch, coffee and muffins. The ticket website is: https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event /4296832. CNPS meetings are held the 3rd Tuesday of each month, in Casa Del Prado room 101, 6:30 pm, but check our website for specific information: https://www.cnpssd.org/

Wednesday, September 25 6:30 PM Kumeyaay Ethnobotany Lecture and Book Signing Join us for a presentation by anthropologist Michael Wilken-Robertson *Space is limited and pre -registration is required* Contact the Tecolote Nature Center for registration details 858-581-9944 Sunday, September 29 • 9:00 – 10:30 A.M Park Ranger Hike Marian Bear Park – Meet at 5233 Regents Road /East parking lot Start your Sunday off with a fun walk and talk with your Tri-Canyon Park Rangers. *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

Free Ride Day Announced for San Diego Transit Systems Free Ride Day will be celebrated region-wide on Oct. 2 The San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) and North County Transit District (NCTD) announced today that the agencies will hold the region’s second “Free Ride Day” on Wednesday, Oct. 2. Fixed-route bus and rail services will be free for everyone to use. Free Ride Day is being held in conjunction with California Clean Air Day also on Oct. 2, and SANDAG iCommute efforts to promote Rideshare

Week, September 30 – October 4, to educate people about the sustainable transportation choices available in the San Diego region. Free Ride Day will be supported by all cities in the region, the County of San Diego, and other major employers. Everyone is using the day to encourage the increased use of transit. To plan a trip on transit, visit the www.SDMTS.com and enter your starting and end points. It will display a series of travel options. For Free Ride Day, just get on board, sit down and relax.

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16 • The Clairemont Times • September 2019

LIBRARY EVENTS BALBOA BRANCH 4255 MT. ABERNATHY AVE, 92117 (858) 573-1390

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 2ND: SAN DIEGO PUBLIC LIBRARY BRANCHES CLOSED FOR THE LABOR DAY HOLIDAY Thank you for joining us this summer for all our programs at the Balboa Branch Library! We enjoyed your company very much! Love, the Balboa Library staff. And now the fall season fun has just begun! Join us at the Balboa Library to enjoy entertaining and educational programs! Reminder for September: Library Card Sign-Up Month, Hispanic Heritage Month, and Banned Books Week! 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. Check Out Nature Backpacks! “Check Out Nature Backpacks” are a jump-start to getting into nearby nature. The packs can be borrowed at participating branches or by placing a reserve request to have one delivered to another San Diego Public Library branch location. The packs are borrowed just like a book and include several nature exploration items such as field guides, activity books, binoculars, bug kits, a first aid kit, compass, and more. https://www.sandiego.gov/public-library/c heck-out-nature Children and Teen Programs: Lego Club Mondays 4-5pm Build your LEGO masterpiece. [Pre-K - 6th grade] Homework Help Wednesdays & Thursdays 1:30-3pm Bring in your homework questions and our tutor can assist you. [K – 8th grade] Great Read-Aloud w/ Miss Terri Wednesdays 6pm Enjoy listening to entertaining stories while practicing listening skills and celebrating the love of reading.[Kinder 2nd grade) Wee Reads for Baby & Toddler Fridays 9/6, 9/13 & 9/20 10:30am Enjoy stories, music, and rhymes. [Babies- 5 yrs.] Kids’ Krafternoon Saturdays, 1-2pm Create a fun craft at the library to take home. [Kinder - 4th grade]

Preschool Storytime and Craft 9/5 10am Listen to a terrific story and make a story-based craft. [Preschool – 5 yrs.] Youth Book Discussion 9/6 3:45-4:45 Read “The Book Thief ” by Markus Zusak and then join us for a lively book discussion. Copies available for checkout. Sign up required. [7th – 9th grade] Paws to Read 9/10 6pm Practice reading out loud to patient therapy dogs. [Pre-K – 6th grade] Signing Storytime w/ Miss Jennifer 9/12 & 9/26 10am Miss Jennifer uses sign language to enhance the reading of beloved children’s picture books. Includes sing-a-longs and bubble time too! [Birth – 5 yrs.] Make a Project @ the Library: Tiny Garden 9/18 3:30-4:30pm Create a succulent planter using a hollowed-out cork with a magnet attached to hang it on your fridge. All supplies provided. SIGN-UP REQUIRED. [3rd – 6th grade] Children’s Book Discussion 9/20 3:45-4:45 Read “Tuck Everlasting” by Natalie Babbitt and then join us for a lively book discussion. Copies available for checkout. Sign up required. [3rd – 6th grade] Pajama Signing Storytime w/ Miss Jennifer 9/24 6pm Visit the library in your comfy pajamas while Miss Jennifer uses sign language to enhance the reading of beloved children’s picture books. Includes bubble time too! [Birth– 5 yrs.] Drop in & Play 9/27 10:30am Enjoy playtime with babies and toddlers while getting to know other families in the community. [Babies- 5 yrs.] Adult Programs: ESL - Adult Beginning English Tuesdays 1-3pm & Wednesdays 12-2pm Geared toward newcomers learning English Adult Writing Group Thursdays: 1:45-2:45

Participate in writing exercises designed to help call forth your talents.

about other books they might want to read.

Stitching Circle 9/3 & 9/10 2-3:30pm Bring your knitting, crocheting, and other stitching projects to the library. Instruction may be included.

Game Time! Thursdays 3-4pm Play board games like: Candyland, Chutes & Ladders, Battleship, Monopoly, Yahtzee, Jigsaw puzzles, and more. Kids Craft Club Thursdays 4-5pm Volunteer Rod leads a weekly craft project that is different and new every time! Fun crafts for the whole family. All ages welcome. Younger children may need assistance from parents. Button Making Saturdays10:30-11:30 am Bring your own printed or drawn image or use one of ours! We have 2 ½ inch buttons. All ages welcome. Express yourself @ the Library!

Healthy & Fit Adults 9/9 & 9/16 11:15-12 Join us for this educational and relaxing fitness program presented by Lois Schenker. Balboa Book Discussion Club 9/17 11:45-12:45 Read “The Giver” by Lois Lowry and then join us for a lively and thoughtful book discussion. Copies available for checkout. Fall Craft for Adults 9/25 6pm Halloween is just around the corner. Be the first among your neighbors to put up a festive door decoration to welcome the season. Join Remi and learn how to make a Halloween door wreath you can use year after year. All supplies provided. Sign up required – limited seats available. Call or come in to sign up. CLAIREMONT BRANCH 2920 BURGENER BLVD, 92110 (858) 581-9935

Little Ones Sign Language Storytime 9/5 & 9/19 10:30-11:30am Join Jennifer Duncan as she leads a special sign language story time using the excitement and fun of signing American Sign Language (ASL) to enhance the reading of well-loved children’s picture books! This interactive 45 minute presentation includes sing-a-longs and bubble time. Baby & Toddler Storytime 9/12 & 9/26 10:30-11:30am Fun toddler stories and songs with Miss Joyce along with play time afterward! Kids & Teens Youth Book Club 9/24 4:30-5:30pm Run by youths for youths, the Youth Book Club gives young people a chance to get together and read and appreciate literature. The club provides a place for middle grade readers to get together and discuss great books they’ve read and learn

Adults Literary Book Club 9/4 6-7pm This month the Club will be discussing “Little Fires Everywhere” by Celeste Ng. The group chooses one book per month to read and talk about. Next month the group will discuss “Bad Blood” by John Carryrou. Please contact the Clairemont Library for more information. Make Your Own Book 9/24 6-7pm Now you can make a book of your own in this fun and creative class. Designed for the adult crafter, you can learn basic book binding techniques and create an artistic book project or a unique gift! This is a free class and all supplies are included. Space is limited. Please contact the library to reserve your place. Friends Free Concert 9/25 6-7pm This month we have the opportunity to hear Quartet Luminoso. The Friends of the Clairemont Library present a free concert featuring talented local musicians each month. Next month will feature Second Avenue Klezmer. 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.

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The Clairemont Times • September 2019 • 17

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Advertise Your Business on www.ClairemontTimes.com We have dozens of digital ad formats including: Social Media Integrated Ads, Rotating Cube Ads, Real Estate Showcase Ads, Post It Note Ads, Flipper Ads, Video Ads & More Call (858) 752-9779 or email: Chris@ClairemontTimes.com

Pet Rescue Continued from page 2

changed her pet’s life since he was adopted. “My heart opens up more to rescue pets because I constantly think of what my pet’s life would’ve been like if I hadn’t rescued him.” Barker explains, “It’s even more rewarding knowing that you saved a life and that you have a good relationship with your dog and I hope that he knows that too.” Barker believes that people tend to avoid shelters because some pets have unpredictable histories and behaviors. “Some people are worried about getting a dog with personality, separation, or anxiety issues, so there is sometimes more work involved when rescuing a pet from a shelter because shelter pets are so unpredictable,” Barker states, “If rescuing a pet is something we can do to avoid euthanization, then I think that’s the best way to go when considering adoption,” Barker concludes. The well-known saying that a dog is a “man’s best friend” is nothing short of impactful, as all pets have a lasting effect on a family, one that’s sure to brew happiness and produce a multitude of memories. There are millions of new members that are looking for a home of all shapes and sizes. Rescuing a pet is not only a better alternative for the family, but a better alternative for the pet itself. Pets are not only in some cases healthier, but by rescuing a pet you are preventing

euthanization and providing more room in the shelters for other animals who need the love and care they deserve. Animal Shelters/Rescues: The Humane Society Address: 5500 Gaines St, San Diego, CA 92110 Phone: (619) 299-7012 The Barking Lot Address: 486 Raleigh Ave, El Cajon, CA 92020 Phone: (619) 354-4825 The Rescued Dog Phone: (619) 356-3390 Second Chance Dog Rescue Address: 4284 Cass St, San Diego, CA 92109 Phone: (619) 721-3647 Owen Megura is an upcoming senior high school student who aspires to be a journalist. He plans on majoring in Journalism and minoring in Photography in order to become a travelling photo journalist in the future.

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18 • The Clairemont Times • September 2019

BUSINESS/SERVICE DIRECTORY ELECTRONIC REPAIR

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San Diego Sailor Exemplifies “We Build, We Fight” Legacy of U.S. Navy Seabees by Alvin Plexico, Navy Office of Community Outreach

“We Build, We Fight” has been the motto of the U. S. Navy’s Construction Force, known as the “Seabees,” for more than 75 years. Petty Officer 3rd Class Laxman Dixitchhetri, a former resident of San Diego, builds and fights around the world as a member of naval construction battalion center located in Gulfport, Mississippi. Dixitchhetri is serving as a Navy builder, who is responsible for learning how to be a Seabee in the Navy. “I have a degree in civil engineering, so this career field is a good job for me,” said Dixitchhetri. Although Dixitchhetri lived in San Diego and considers it his American hometown, he credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned growing up in Nepal, India. “Growing up in Nepal, my father was retired from the Army in India, and he taught me discipline I needed to succeed

in the U.S. Navy,” said Dixitchhetri. Building in austere environments can be a challenge. Fighting in harsh conditions can also be a challenge. Building in austere environments while fighting in harsh conditions takes a special kind of person with a great deal of perseverance and determination. These are the kinds of people serving here at Gulfport, the home of the Atlantic Fleet Seabees. These are the people who provide crucial support to Seabee units deployed around the world. The jobs of many of today’s Seabees remained unchanged since World War II, when the Seabees paved the 10,000-mile road to victory for the allies in the Pacific and in Europe, according to Lara Godbille, director of the U. S. Navy Seabee Museum.

For more than 75 years Seabees have served in all American conflicts. They have also supported humanitarian efforts using their construction skills to help communities around the world. They aid following earthquakes, hurricanes and other natural disasters. Dixitchhetri is playing an important part in America’s focus on rebuilding military readiness, strengthening alliances and reforming business practices in support of the National Defense Strategy. A key element of the Navy the Nation needs is tied to the fact that America is a maritime nation, according to Navy officials, and that the nation’s prosperity is tied to the ability to operate freely on the world’s oceans. More than 70 percent of the Earth’s surface is covered by water; 80 percent of the world’s population lives close to a coast; and 90 percent of all global trade by volume travels by sea. “Our priorities center on people, capabilities and processes, and will be achieved by our focus on speed, value, results and partnerships,” said Secretary of

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the Navy Richard V. Spencer. “Readiness, lethality and modernization are the requirements driving these priorities.” Though there are many ways for sailors to earn distinction in their command, community and career, Dixitchhetri is most proud of starting a new career in the Navy as a Seabee. “I was a machinist’s mate in the Navy before, serving aboard the destroyer, USS Roosevelt,” said Dixitchhetri. Serving in the Navy is a continuing tradition of military service for Dixitchhetri, who has military ties with family members who have previously served. Dixitchhetri is honored to carry on that family tradition. “My father and brother both served in the Indian Army,” said Dixitchhetri. As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Dixitchhetri and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes providing the Navy the nation needs. “I really like the instruction we learn here because we’re able to apply what we learn based on the experiences of others,” said Dixitchhetri. “It’s an honor to defend our country and our constitution, while building a personal life and future as well.”

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The Clairemont Times • September 2019 • 19

San Diego Gulls Announce 2019-2020 Promotional Schedule 10/18 11/1 11/2 11/16 11/23 12/7 12/21 1/4/20 1/11/20

Home Opener/Gulls Rally Towel Military Weekend/Camo Hat/Specialty Jersey Military Weekend/Specialty Jersey Star Wars Night/Specialty Jersey Hockey Fights Cancer/Specialty Jersey Lucha Libre Wrestling Night/Bobblehead Winter Wonderland/Snowglobe Giveaway Community Night 80’s Night/Fanny Pack Giveaway

2/1/20 2/9/20 2/22/20 3/13/20 3/21/20

Pink in the Rink/Specialty Jersey Family Day Country Night/Cowboy Hat Giveaway Friday the 13th Marvel Super Hero Night/Group Ticket Bobblehead 4/3/20 Fan Appreciation Night www.SanDiegoGulls.com

POLICE BLOTTER VEHICLE BREAK-IN 4800 Clairemont Mesa Blvd. 4700 Limerick Ave. 2900 Cowley Way 4900 Shawline St. 5900 Charing St. 7700 Balboa Ave. 4400 Mt. Herbert 4600 Knapp St. 4400 Hedionda Ct. 3500 Princeton Ave. 2600 Penrose St. VEHICLE THEFT 3100 Clairemont Dr. 7900 Frost St. 4900 Whitehaven Way 3700 Merrimac Ave.

5000 Kesling St. 3500 Monair Dr. 4000 Cadden Way 4000 Camino Calma 4500 Hidalgo Ave. 5200 Genesee Cove ASSAULT 4600 Pavlov Ave. 4500 Clairemont Dr. 5400 Clairemont Mesa Blvd. 7100 Convoy Ct 4800 Shawline St. 2500 Clairemont Dr. 2600 Galveston St. 7200 Linda Vista Rd. RESIDENTIAL BURGLARY 6600 Beadnell Way 3200 Armstrong St. 7300 Clairemont Mesa Blvd. 8000 Raytheon Rd.

4600 Convoy St. 8900 University Center Ln 1100 Fresno St. 2100 Crandall Dr. VANDALISM 3000 Jemez Dr. 4100 Clairemont Mesa Blvd. 3100 Carnegie Pl. 5000 Caywood St. 3800 Caminito Aguilar 4500 Mount Henry Pl. 4400 Mercury St. 3700 Mount Abbey Ave. FRAUD 4800 Kesling Ct. 4200 Genesee Ave. 3400 Via Beltran 5100 Rebel Rd. 5100 Arlene Ct.

“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

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

619 527 7500

20 • The Clairemont Times • September 2019

The Butcher N Cheese: Home on the Range by Bill Swank

Connie McGrath grew It took 22 years for McDonald’s to turn up on a farm a profit with vegan burgers in India. near Gilmore Judging from the initial reaction to the City, Iowa. Her grand opening of The Butcher N Cheese, family raised customers immediately fell in love with Angus cattle Chef Zubin Kolah’s menu of gourmet and she played grass-fed six-on-six girls burgers and basketball in sides. high school. Colorful Giancarlo Fonseca and Macy Aalito This Two things loved the chicken burger (photo by Bill Swank) bright, new they love in the eatery with Corn State are girls a large wall basketball and beef. mural of “These burgers buffalo are wonderful,” she grazing on said. She and her the open husband brought range is their son and located a grandkids for Chef Zubin Kolah and Connie McGrath with few doors dinner. The kids sparkling kitchen and craft beer taps in east of his liked the seasoned (photo by Bill Swank) background popular fries. They got so Bombay Coast restaurant in the much food, they “From my Clairemont Town Square shopping center had to take some of experience near the Reading Cinemas. preparing The former Jerilynne Carol Haas enjoys a bison it home. burger (photo by Bill Swank) Carol and Rolf Haas of University City Indian food, Bessie in disguise behind Giancarlo an onion ring ordered a bison burger and a lamb burger. freshness is Fonseca and Macy (photo by Bill Swank) As long-time married couples often do, Aalito, a very very they cut them in half to share. colorful Clairemont couple, are regulars at important. I Rolf is from Munich, not Hamburg, Bombay Coast. Macy used to be a vegan, want to serve healthy food.” Germany and predicts the juicy lamb but ordered the chicken burger. The restaurant’s slogan is “Farm to burger with Greek feta cheese will become Table.” “It’s so moist,” she opined with a favorite. Zubin takes pride in his culinary skills. “Good chefs can prepare a variety of dishes. I’ve always wanted to open a gourmet hamburger restaurant using the finest meat and cheese.” he said.

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boundless enthusiasm. “Chicken burgers can be dry, but this is great.” Giancarlo had to have a bite of her chicken burger without realizing there was an egg inside the bun. Both laughed at the yellow drip art on his shirt that added to his already kaleidoscopic appearance. Inside seating is limited, but the outside tables were filled with smiling faces during our visit. Zubin Kolah is a most congenial host. He wants everything to be perfect for his customers including his selection of eight local draft beers. The menu does include a vegan patty with special Indian spices and how many hamburger joints offer a side of crab cakes? The Butcher N Cheese has a unique menu with many choices to please every palette, including “The Old Fashioned 80-20 Burger” with cheddar cheese. As the name implies, every burger comes with cheese. The Butcher N Cheese 4705 Clairemont Drive (Clairemont Town Square) San Diego, CA 92117 www.TheButcherNCheese.com The Clairemont Times columnist Bill Swank is a gourmet epicurean who has spent time in the kitchens of The Culinary Institute of America in St. Helena, the Grand del Mar in Del Mar and the former Barbecue Pit on Balboa Avenue. Email: Bill@ClairemontTimes.com