The
Clairemont Times Serving Clairemont, Bay Park, Linda Vista & Kearny Mesa
V5.E4
News of the Neighborhoods
16
APRIL 2015
19
Tecolote Canyon Clean-up Slated for Saturday, April 11th
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A Link to the Diamond by Chris O’Connell
Last month I attended the Opening Day Ceremonies of the Clairemont Hilltoppers 59th Little League Season, a member of the Hilltoppers Hall of Fame (2006) was the honorary guest to throw out the ceremonial first pitch. No shortcuts or warm ups the gentleman took to the rubber and fired a strike. The pitcher Link Lincavage.
Canyon Day 2014 Mesa College Students holding their Certificate of Participation.
San Diego Mesa College invites neighbors and friends to join in students, faculty and staff for Canyon Day, the annual spring clean-up of Tecolote Canyon led by San Diego Mesa College and its community partners.This year’s clean-up is scheduled for Saturday,April 11th. Organizers aim to break the previous record of removing a dozen shopping carts and several tons of trash, recyclables, and non-native plants from the branch of Tecolote Canyon adjacent to the college. Volunteers receive free Canyon Day teeshirts (while they last), certificates of community service, and enjoy impromptu canyon talks by Mesa College professors and canyon SEE Canyon Clean-Up, page 5
On any given Thursday if you happen to be around Bay Ho stop by the Cadman Little League Fields from around 10-noon, there is a good chance you will see a couple of the Lincavages. Frank plays shortstop cheering on the pitcher, his father Link Lincavage 92 years young. They both play in the Over 55 Senior New Coast Senior Softball League. A few days after that ceremonial first pitch I watched Link in a pitchers duel against the Red Team. The opposing pitcher 90 years young John Rawlings. They both pitched a complete game. The 55 Senior League is made up of retirees both male and female from all walks of life from age 62 to Link. Seeing these players SEE Link to the Diamond, page 17
8th Annual Taste of Morena Celebrates the Morena District The 8th Annual Taste of Morena, on Wednesday,April 22nd from 5:00pm – 9:00pm, features an evening of food and drink specials sponsored by the Morena Business Association. For only $25 attendees will enjoy a culinary tour, with a variety of cuisines, as they sample tastes from 18 restaurants and breweries in the Morena District, including Andres Restaurant, Baci’s, Bay Park Coffee, Bay Park Fish Company, Bull’s Smokin’ BBQ, Coronado Brewing Company Tasting Room, Dan Diegos, Fiji Yogurt, Home Brew Mart by Ballast Point, J & T Thai Street Food, JV’s Mexican Food, La Gran Terraza (USD), Luce Bar & Kitchen, NY Giant Pizza, Offshore Tavern & Grill, Sardina’s Italian Restaurant & Bar and zpizza. New this year is Urbane Café. “The community really comes out to support this event; it’s a fun and delicious night for friends to get together and enjoy the restaurants and craft breweries in the neighborhood,” said Nevin Kleege, President of the Morena Business Association, which sponsors the event.“Tickets typically sell out within a week or two so we encourage people to get their tickets early.” The Taste of Morena takes place in the up and coming Morena District along Morena Boulevard, W. Morena Boulevard, Linda Vista Road and the side streets around the Morena District. Complimentary Old Town Trolley shuttles will run a continuous loop to participating restaurants from 5 to 9:30 pm the night of the event.This year, attendees can opt to park in the Jerome’s Furniture parking lot and take the trolley from there. Tickets can be purchased at Jerome’s Furniture, Coles Fine Flooring and US Bank.
2 • The Clairemont Times • April 2015
From the Publisher,
Happy Spring! This is a busy month in the neighborhoods. The 8th Annual Taste of Morena is your chance to ride a trolley and sample 18 local restaurants and breweries. Mesa College Canyon Day Clean-Up is April 11th, volunteers are always welcome to do their part to help keep our canyons clean. Clairemont Day at the Bay, is another exciting event which gives back to our local schools.At the end of the
month head over to the 30th Annual Linda Vista Multi-Cultural Festival, an all day festival with food, fun, and games. Those are just the outdoor events, every month on Page 6 we publish events at our 3 local libraries, it is safe to say there is always something happening at the library! On a personal note it was a bittersweet month as we had to make the difficult decision to say goodbye to a 4 legged member of the Clairemont Times family, Buster. We adopted Buster as a senior dog at 10 y/o hoping to give him a forever home for many years. Everyday was a great with
www.clairemonttimes.com Buster as he almost made it two years with us. A big thank you to www.labsandmore.org for bringing Buster into our lives. Even bigger thanks to our vet Dr. Feinberg and his staff at Governor Animal Clinic in UC for making the difficult a little easier. Never forget, cherish and remember the good days and move forward. Enjoy this edition!
Born 9/19/02 Adopted 4/6/13 Passed On 3/11/15
Raise the Balloon Community Meeting Observations by Chris O’Connell
On March 12th the group known as Raise the Balloon or RTB held their kickoff meeting at Bay Park Elementary regarding Morena Blvd. In front of a crowd of about 130 James LaMattery, the spokesperson for RTB discussed the goals, the vision and what needs to be done by those in attendance and more importantly those not in attendance. It was a call to action to help spread the word, to be more involved, to “understand the plan”. LaMattery introduced the concept of a “Model Community” which is based off of the ten elements of the San Diego General Plan (Land Use/Community Planning, Mobility, Urban Design, Economic Prosperity,
Public Facilities/Services/Safety, Recreation, Conservation, Historic Preservation, Noise & Housing). The Model Community, in their eyes, is a fair and equal balance of the these ten elements. If there is a balance, in theory, it should be a win/win for all involved. There is no mistaking the fact change is coming to Morena Blvd, the tone of the meeting was clear; be informed, be involved, take the survey, do your research, and attend local meetings. RTB has two websites and are currently conducting an online survey to gain valuable data they can in turn present to the city. For information you can visit www.understandtheplan.info and www.raisetheballoon.com
Clairemont Community Planning Group Observations by Chris O’Connell
Fresh off the meeting of the Raise the Balloon Group, another solid crowd showed up for the CCPG meeting on 3/17. The majority in attendance to hear Michael Prinz from the City of San Diego regarding: Information Item 201 Morena Boulevard Specific Plan and EIR Status Update. The biggest update from Prinz was that beginning in early April (as of press time there was no specific date) there would be a new website along with more information regarding Morena Blvd with up to date information more accessible for the general public. He then introduced Brooke Peterson from PlaceWorks, a planning, design and environmental analysis firm hired by the City of San Diego. Peterson, informed the audience one of PlaceWorks many tasks is to conduct outreach at community events mentioning the possibilities of a table set up at Taste of Morena (April 22nd), a booth at Clairemont Day at the Bay (April 18th) as well as at the Linda Vista Multi-Cultural Fair (April 25th). With the addition of the new website, community outreach, there will
also be email notifications as well as an online forum for people to submit their ideas. The tone from Peterson was this is going to be a “very interactive conversational approach”. Of course, any time there are agenda items pertaining to Morena Blvd Peterson as well as Prinz assured the crowd they will be in attendance. Another interesting item was the proposal by Prinz to the CCPG about forming an Ad-Hoc Committee specific to Morena Blvd made up of members of the CCPG and members of the public. The finer details of the committee have not been planned, but it is possible action or at least information by the CCPG will be discussed at the next CCPG meeting on April 21st. A lot of information with Q&A between Prinz and the public which he answered, however the tone of the meeting was really to update the community about the public outreach campaigns. The future meetings over the roughly next 18 months is when plan specific ideas, etc. will be discussed/debated. Election Results - On a lighter note regarding the meeting, congratulations to the new members of the Clairemont Community Planning Group who were
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bobberg@bergtaxes.com 5252 Balboa Ave, Suite 501 San Diego, CA 92117 elected earlier in the evening for a record turnout of 111 voters. Congratulations to: Harry Backer, Cecilia Frank, Chad Gardner, Keith
(858) 279-1040 (office) (858) 335-0366 (cell) Hartz, Debra Howell, Richard Jensen, Michael Puente, Margie Schmidt, Daniel Smiechowski, Joel Smith & Troy Terpening.
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4 • The Clairemont Times • April 2015
COMMENTARY
Raise the Balloon Update
Attention: Smokers, Are you killing fish without knowing it? by Susan Lewitt
“Since filters trap the toxic stuff in cigarettes that causes cancer and other health problems, it is not surprising that research shows that they can be toxic to aquatic life.” (Sierra, Explore, Enjoy and Protect the Planet, “What about Butts?” page 9, Jan/Feb 2015) Smokers, if you are not containing your butts, from our streets, sewers and sidewalks, they end up in our streams, lakes and oceans. Even if the marine life ignores these things, the toxins leach out into the water.We can hold our breath for a moment or two, if we don’t want to inhale your second hand smoke, but the aquatic life can’t do that to avoid the toxins you have inadvertently added to the water. Maybe you think it is only 1 or 2 butts a day, but multiply that by hundreds of thousands of other smokers, just in San Diego alone. Did you real-
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ize that “the nicotine trapped inside 200 used filters may be sufficient to kill a 160 pound adult human - 30 to 60 milligrams.” (“Mother Earth is Not an Ashtray” http://whyquit.com/whyquit/A_Butts. html) Just imagine what that could do to a small fish. Not only do the filters contain toxins, but they are mostly made of Cellulose acetate which is not biodegradable. The question is then, how do we curb this uncontrolled use of our streets as ashtrays. Do we have to institute a citywide ban on smoking outdoors, including banning smoking in motorized vehicles? Or will smokers start showing respect for the only environment we have to live on (Planet Earth) and not flick their butts out of their car windows or toss them into the streets as they saunter by on foot or bicycle? IF YOU CAN’T QUIT, PLEASE CONTAIN YOUR BUTTS.
by James LaMattery, Spokesperson for Raise the Balloon
We had a great turnout for our March 12th RTB Kickoff meeting at Bay Park Elementary School! The city planning department will be working with PlaceWorks to engage public input for the Morena Study and finalization of the Morena Blvd Specific Plan and RTB will be hosting meetings prior to the workshops that PlaceWorks will hold. If you missed the meeting, our video of it is online at www.raisetheballoon.com. The RTB meetings will focus on the sequential development plans as presented by Place Works in their upcoming workshops in order to help residents understand the planning process and enable all those interested in asking the questions concerning the most important issues in the
City’s proposals. Thanks again to all of you who attended the March 17th Community Planning Group Meeting at Cadman Elementary School.The planning department has granted one of our wishes- that of an Ad Hoc advisory committee made up of RTB volunteers and members of the Clairemont Planning Group to advise on the City’s proposals. If you missed the meeting or have never been to a planning group meeting, we’ve posted the video online at www.raisetheballoon.com. RTB will be including a new online BLOG for more input from community residents on the proposals and on any ideas for achieving the best outcome when working with city planners and Place Works. Please visit us at www.raisetheballoon.com for more information.
Save the Date Bike to Work Day Friday, May 15th For the 3rd consecutive year The Clairemont Times will be hosting a Bike to Work Day Pit Stop. Roll into our pit stop at the northern end of Santa Fe St where the road meets the Rose Canyon Bike Path for refreshments, snacks, giveaways and more!
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The Clairemont Woman’s Club Spring has sprung and the Clairemont Woman’s Club sprang into action in March by raising $3000 plus for the Warrior Foundation Freedom Station, a local project that provides housing and help in transitioning to civilian life. We presented a delicious luncheon buffet and fashions by Chico’s...with champagne, piano entertainment, door prizes and fabulous raffle baskets. We invite you to attend our next meeting on Wednesday,April 1, no fooling! The meeting starts at 1 PM. Our program will feature Chris Cate, who is our District 6 councilman. He will talk about his position on any issues affecting Clairemont and take questions. Refreshments will be served. We meet at the Balboa Community
Church at 6555 Balboa Avenue. Please park around the corner on Mt.Albertine in the church parking lot. Other projects we support are scholarships for Clairemont and Madison High Schools, Storefront, CCSA, Box Tops for Education, Pennies for Pines and sending a student to a leadership seminar. For ourselves, we enjoy outings for lunch once a month, a book club, bus trips to Viejas and gatherings at each other’s homes. As you can see, we are a busy group. Want to join us and help give back? 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 or Evelyn at (858) 279-4367. Contact us or attend a meeting to learn more.
Canyon Clean-Up Continued from page 1
experts.The clean-up will be led by Park Ranger Janice Lavallee. Interested persons should show up at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday,April 11 at Parking Lot #1 off Marlesta Drive. RSVP to facebook.com/sandiegomesacollege events. Free parking is available. For more information, directions and required waiver forms for minors, go on-line to www.sdmesa.edu/canyonday. Mesa College has hosted Canyon Cleanup since 2008. Community partners include the Linda Vista Town Council, Clairemont Times, Bayside Community Center, San Diego Parks and Recreation,Tecolote Canyon Citizens Advisory Committee, and the Tecolote Nature Center.
Visit www.ClairemontTimes.com Community and read a piece by Scott Smith of ComForcare Home Care Linda Vista Town Council member Tom Kaye has been involved with Canyon Day since 2008.
For more news and information visit: www.clairemonttimes.com
How can I stay independent at home?
6 • The Clairemont Times • April 2015
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APRIL LIBRARY EVENTS Please join us for an evening of amazing percussion and Carnatic vocals! All are welcome
CLAIREMONT BRANCH 2920 BURGENER BLVD., 92110 (858) 581-9935 SPECIAL EVENTS Adult Book Club 4/1 6pm Members will discuss Lawrence in Arabia by Scott Anderson Local historical mystery author Ona Russell 4/7 6:30 pm Will discuss her third Sarah Kaufman novel, Rule of Capture. Set in Los Angeles in 1928, it is a rich, layered narrative that challenges simple assumptions of right and wrong. Farm Science! 4/9 1:30 pm In this STEAM activity, we’ll learn about some of our favorite farm animals such as cows, horses, and pigs, as well as local crops like oranges, avocados and apples! We’ll discover and learn some fun facts about local farms in San Diego County, complete an art project, and play a Guessing Game related to local agriculture! Create a Book 4/14 4 pm A “DOS-a-DOS” or “Two-by-Two”! Fill each half with memories from a fun, exciting activity you’ve had, or write about two of your favorite things! For 8 - 14 years old. Registration is limited – sign up today! 858-581-9935. Local author and lawyer Janet Sobel 4/15 6:00 pm Will discuss the difficulties encountered by ordinary people with our civil legal system. She will discuss the importance of choosing the right lawyer, attorney-client fee agreements, and choosing to represent yourself. Join Señor Jose for a Vegetarian and Vegan Cooking Show 4/18 1pm Learn about the benefits of these lifestyles. He will have food samples to try.You might feel better, look younger and live longer! Family Movie Night! 4/21 6pm A vengeful fairy is driven to curse an infant princess, only to discover that the child may be the one person who can restore peace to their troubled land. Rated PG, 97 min. Paint a Canvas in One Day 4/25 10am With local artist and art instructor Donna Davis. Matisse,Van Gogh or O’Keefe painting will be selected. For 13 years and older. Registration is limited – sign up today! 858-581-9935. Free Concert of Indian World Music by N. Scott Robinson and K.S. Resmi 4/29 6pm
RECURRING EVENTS Art Class for Children Ages 6-12 4/1 4pm The class is led by Robert Gulli. The Friends of the Library Monthly Meeting 3/15 4pm Tuesdays: Homework Help Tuesdays 6:30 p.m. Free Homework Help for students in grades K-12.Tutors are adult volunteers. Thursdays: Craft Time 4:00pm For children and their families with our Youth Services Librarian, Karina. Fridays 10:30 am Preschool Storytime with Miss Fran.
We supply the Legos, you supply the imagination Wednesday: “Stories with Ms. Terri” 6pm Come and listen to some terrific stories and to welcome Ms.Terri our new storyteller. For K-4th graders. Thursdays: “Preschool Activity” 4/2, 4/16, & 4/30 10am Fridays: “Wee Reads” Baby & Toddler Storytime First 3 Fridays of the month 10:30am Friday: Drop in & Play 4/24 10:30am Enjoy music and toys in a relaxed atmosphere and get to know other families in the community. Saturdays: “Kids Krafternoons” 1-2pm
BALBOA BRANCH 4255 MT. ABERNATHY AVE., 92117
NORTH CLAIREMONT BRANCH 4616 CLAIREMONT DRIVE, 92117
(858) 573-1390
(858) 581-9931
SPECIAL EVENTS Celebrate National Library Week at Balboa Library! Starting 4/13 through 4/18 when you check out a Children’s book at the Balboa Library you will receive a raffle ticket to enter the raffle to win a fabulous prize. Happy reading! Good luck. Calling all teens ... Earth Day 4/14 6-7pm Visit the Balboa Library and create a fabulous Earth Day themed bulletin board in the Young Adult section with your fellow teens. We supply the materials and you supply the imagination! For 7th -12th graders. Balboa Branch Library Book Club 4/21 at 11:45 Join us for a lively discussion of The Shipping News by Annie Proulx. Children’s Book Discussion 4/24 3:45-4:45 Sign up beginning Wednesday,April 1st and pick up your copy of Because of Winn Dixie by Kate DiCamillo to read and keep.Then join us for our third lively book discussion! We look forward to seeing you. For 3rd – 6th graders. New Program Extended Chair Yoga for Adults 4/6 & 4/13 11:15-12 Join us for this relaxing fitness program presented by Lois Schenker. Come and bring a friend. New Signing Storytime with Miss Jennifer 4/9 & 4/23 10am Miss Jennifer uses sign-language to enhance the reading of well-loved children’s picture books and includes sing a longs and bubble time too. For Birth – 5 years old with parent/caregiver
SPECIAL EVENTS Movie at the Library: 4/1 6pm A film about a teen deposited in a community of boys after his memory is erased. He learns they’re all trapped in a maze that will require him to join forces with fellow “runners” for a shot at escape. Rated PG-13 FREE Community Health Screening. 4/2 10am-2pm (In partnership with Sharp Health), we are offering free health screening. Each screening takes 15 minutes and will give you information about indicators that can help determine your risk of developing chronic health conditions. No appointment needed. Challenge Island Science Classes 4/2 & 4/28 3:45pm Sign up for our fun hands-on science and engineering class that promotes creative and critical thinking skills.Ages 8+ Dean Ratzman: Performing”Swinging with Dean Show.” 4/7 6:30pm Trained at Boston’s Berklee College of Music, Dean has performed across the United States as a solo musician and bandleader. His polished one-man show has been described as “a nonstop energy romp,” with Dean accompanying his Sinatra-like voice, trombone with background drum tracks. Tales for Tails 4/9 4pm Children practice reading to rabbits, guinea pigs, mice or dogs who love to hear children reading. Book Sale! 4/11 9:30-1:30 Check out the daily sale too! Scrabble Night 4/14 5-8pm Do you enjoy playing Scrabble? Join us for a game or two whether you are a casual player to the tournament
RECURRING EVENTS Mondays: Lego Club 4pm
pro! Chair Yoga 4/15 & 4/29 11:45am Chair Yoga promotes stretching, strengthening and improves balance, flexibility and mobility to increase circulation, enhances mental clarity and helps reduce stress, calms the nervous system and provides peace and relaxation.Wear comfortable clothes and bring water. iClinic-Friday 4/17 3pm Have questions about your iphone or ipad? Our iexpert will be glad to help. Kids Crafternoon: 4/20 4pm Hop in to Spring with a Bunny Paper Bag Craft! All materials are provided. Ages 3 and up. MTS - Book Club 4/21 6:45pm Do you enjoy discussing books? The “Read and Ride” book club is reading Plague of Doves by Louise Erdrich. Kendama 4/22 4pm Kendama is a popular game that consists of a wooden base with a string and ball.We will be practicing and learning new skills. Bring your own or borrow one of ours. All ages. RECURRING EVENTS Mondays:Sign-A-Story Circle Time 10 am Join us for a super fun performance that combines American Sign Language with songs, stories, and engaging toys and props! Suitable for all ages. Tuesdays: Rhythm & Rhyme for Tots 11:45am A special class for babies and toddlers with children’s songs, nursery rhymes, instruments, and books. For ages 2 and under. Fridays: Toddler & Preschool Storytime Class 10:30am A fun interactive storytime including books, songs, rhymes, movement & bubble time with Miss Karina! For ages 2+ Saturdays: Hopscotch Storytime 2pm Join us for a fun storytime that includes music and movement,and children’s art.
To see more library events, plus other local events, visit the online calendar at www.ClairemontTimes.com
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Religious Directory Atonement Lutheran Church www.atonementlutheranchurchsd.com 7250 Eckstrom St (Balboa & 805) San Diego, CA 92111 Phone (858) 278-5556 Sunday Worship Time 9 am, Bible Study 10:30 am Clairemont Lutheran Church www.clairemontlc.org 4271 Clairemont Mesa Blvd, San Diego, CA 92117 Sunday Worship Times 8:30, 10:00 (English) & 11:30 am (Spanish) Sunday School for kids 9:45am
What is the Tiny House Movement? The tiny house movement is more than just living in small spaces. It’s a lifestyle and a philosophy. Living small is a tool through which individuals re-evaluate their lives and make conscious choices to live more simply. They decide what’s most important to them and build their life (and their home) to focus on those priorities, eliminating timewasters and an “obligation”based lifestyle. The formal definition of a tiny house varies. Some claim anything under 1,000 sq.ft is a tiny house, while others strive for less than 500 sq.ft. Extreme tiny-house advocates set 200 sq.ft. as the maximum size. Compared with the average U.S. home size of
2,600 sq.ft., any of these definitions pose a vast contrast to the “norm.” While the tiny house movement has developed its own following and quirky cache, many aspects – from creative floor plans and innovative space- saving products to small-living mindsets – can readily be adopted by others who don’t consider themselves part of the tiny house movement, including seniors planning to downsize into any smaller dwelling. For more real estate information or if you have questions, call either Bobby, Diana or Amory. We are the Chapman Team at First Choice Properties (619) 208-9430.
Holy Cross Lutheran Church www.holycrossword.com 3450 Clairemont Drive, San Diego, CA 92117 Church (858) 273-2886 Sunday Worship 9:00 am Northminster Presbyterian Church www.northminstersandiego.com 4324 Clairemont Mesa Blvd., San Diego, CA 92117 Phone (858) 490-3995 Worship Service and Sunday School Nursery thru 6th Grade at 10am “A Community of Faith, Grace and Service – Making a Difference for Christ” Christian Science Church and Reading Room www.christianscience.com 3410 Clairemont Drive, San Diego, CA 92117 Phone (619) 276-5034 Sunday Worship Service and Sunday School: 10:00 am Wednesday Testimony Meetings: Noon
Joyful Living Spiritual Center www.joyfullivingsandiego.org Services and classes at the LiveWell Center 4425 Bannock Avenue, San Diego 92117 Sunday services and Junior Church at 10 am Are you ready for a happier, healthier and more abundant life? St. David’s Episcopal Church & Preschool www.saintdavidschurch.com 5050 Milton Street, San Diego CA 92110 Sunday Worship Times: 8:00 am Traditional • 10:30am Contemporary
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St. Mark’s United Methodist Church www.stmarksumcsd.org 3502 Clairemont Drive, San Diego, CA 92117 Church (858) 273-1480 Sunday School & Church Worship 9:30 am For information on promoting your place of worship in the Religious Directory please call or email Chris O’Connell, Publisher (858) 752-9779 chris@clairemonttimes.com
8 • The Clairemont Times • April 2015
Squaremont By Bill Swank
To all the fools in Clairemont, Happy April! Did you know the east side of Morena Boulevard has been rezoned for a trailer park from Balboa to Milton? DeFalco’s will build a new grocery store at the bottom of Clairemont Drive.The Padres are going to win the World Series. How many know about the biggest trick ever played in Clairemont? 22-year-old Cameron Crowe, disguised as Dave Cameron, attended Clairemont High School in the late 1970s and wrote a book,“Fast Times at Ridgemont High,” which became the classic coming-of-age movie for the Seventies. Who was Cameron? A counterfeit student? An aberration? A fraud? A narc? Why did he choose Clairemont High School to play his prank? He successfully pissed off a lot of his classmates and they don’t want to talk about him. He created a generation of Clairemont doper surfers who all claim to be the inspiration for Spicoli, the “Surf’s up, dude” underachiever, that launched Sean Penn’s career.The movie also introduced several other young and previously unknown actors to theater audiences. The Clairemont High School Library has a full collection of “Calumet” yearbooks and bound volumes of the school newspaper,“The Arrow.”A picture of graduating senior Lorraine Cameron appears on page 137 of the “1979 Calumet,” but there is no image of Dave Cameron. He reportedly was enrolled in Pam Ramsey’s journalism class, but his name doesn’t appear on any articles or among the students listed as “Arrow” staff. Something’s fishy. Librarian Marla O’Connell joked,“I have people who come looking for information about Hugh Hefner’s girlfriend, Kendra Wilkinson, but you’re the first looking for Cameron Crowe.” As an afterthought, she added,“Our track team wears Fast Times at Clairemont High t-shirts.” Jim Fletcher has taught at Clairemont for 29 years. He graduated from CHS in 1975 and did some student teaching at his alma mater in 1979. He didn’t know Dave Cameron, but does know Pam Ramsey, the retired journalism teacher.“She knew he was working on a book and so did
the principal, Bill Burrows. It would never happen today; too many liability issues and other problems.” Fletcher continued,“Although the movie gave the impression high school was all sex and drugs, it really was a period of great academic success and motivated teachers. Clairemont produced many students who went on to four year colleges and have led successful lives.” Although my search for Cameron Crowe may have been fruitless (and senseless), I did find a character with the same “CC” initials who is a hero at Clairemont High School. Disguised as school mascot Charlie Chieftain, this Charlie is a real person. His secret identity is Erik Jacobsen and he lives in Missouri. Like Jim Fletcher, he graduated from Clairemont in 1975. Jacobsen is one of those individuals who is the glue that keeps organizations from falling apart. He identifies himself as the “unofficial archivist” of Clairemont memorabilia. He operates a website known as clairemont-high-school-calumet-yearbooks.com that contains yearbooks and copies of “The Arrow.” He is also responsible for the “Clairemont High Memorials” Facebook page that provides short biographies of former CHS students and teachers who are deceased. On their website, the first C.H.S. graduation Class of 1960 expressed great appreciation to Mr. Jacobsen for his efforts to find lost classmates to attend their 50th reunion. It turns out the former “Arrow” reporter experienced several major health crises in 2008.Today, he is grateful to be alive to have the time and the ability to help others. Clairemont High School was a stepping stone for Cameron Crowe, but Erik Jacobsen treats Clairemont High School as an important link between friends. His unsung efforts are far more significant to our community than Cameron Crowe’s cameo crop dust over 35 years ago. In related news, the Clairemont Hills Kiwanis Club will sponsor their third annual “Fast Times 5K” race at DeAnza Cove on April 18, 2015. Proceeds from this event help fund the Clairemont Mesa Educational Foundation which provides financial support to the nineteen public schools in Clairemont. Squaremont salutes people like Erik Jacobsen and the Kiwanians who make a difference in Clairemont. Email: Bill@ClairemontTimes.com Pictured: Bill Swank outside the Buena Vista Garden Apartments on Cowley Way in 1955 with East Clairemont in the distance.
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Clairemont Republican Women’s Club Welcoming new members at our annual membership luncheon. It will be held at Tom Ham’s Lighthouse on April 18th. Membership is $30.00 yearly. If a guest joins our club at the luncheon her lunch will be paid for.
Our dynamic speaker will be Jason Roe, political advisor. Please join us! Call Candy Kish at 858 at 858-541-2460 or Shirley Gilbert at 858-576-1449.
Want to Learn Trade Secrets? Our Remodeling Pros Will Share Them With a 63-year history and serving San Diego families since 1973, Konstrukt Design and Remodel knows how important the first step is … and how beneficial it can be to get clear, helpful answers without the pressure of a sales pitch. Brothers, John and James Guerra have created a new kind of “get-acquainted” seminar that breaks the mold. It’s free flowing, stimulating to the creative juices, and all about you and your home. In short, it’s fun! Sit down with a relaxing cup of coffee as they answer your most challenging questions about home remodeling. Their team of master craftsmen, with expertise in flooring, tiling, plumbing and fixtures, cabinets and appliances will freely share from their wealth of
professional experience.They’ll give useful feedback to your thoughts and interests on any potential design and remodel of your kitchen, bath or room addition – even “whole home” project. Explore the exciting possibilities in this ever-evolving field, and learn how to avoid the pitfalls commonly encountered in home remodeling. Please visit www.konstruktdesignandremodel.com to RSVP for their next seminar. If you prefer, call the office at 858-453-6555 x 1 or email James@kd1952.com.The coffee will be fresh and hot, the conversation stimulating, and the ambience friendly and low-key.You’ll be glad you invested a relaxed morning talking with them.
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Meet Councilmember Sherman at Linda Vista Multi-Cultural Fair & Parade
100 Days by Chris Cate, District 6
by Scott Sherman, District 7 Councilmember
by Councilman Chris Cate (District 6)
My four years in office as the Councilmember for District 6 consists of a total of 1,460 days. Our office has tracked each day as it passes.We do this for two reasons: 1) to hold ourselves accountable when serving our residents; and 2) to remind ourselves that while we are fortunate to serve, each day is a blessing that could end in the blink of an eye. With that said, our goals have and will continue to be to promote partnerships with my colleagues to advance proposals that improve the quality of life in our neighborhoods and to maximize (the use/application/spending of) taxpayer dollars. Following our swearing-in, Councilman Scott Sherman and I jointly proposed that Mayor Kevin Faulconer implement a zero-base, “smart budgeting” pilot program consisting of one City department for the budget year beginning July 1, 2016.As opposed to traditional budgeting practices,“Zero-Base” budgeting requires City departments to begin with a zerodollar baseline and justify all of the expected expenses for the upcoming fiscal year.This smart budgeting method is a data-driven solution which will galvanize the efficiency and effectiveness of City services and encourage a transparent process for how we spend taxpayer dollars. During my campaign, I made no secret that public safety was one of my top priorities. Every day for the past 24 years, I watched my father put his life on the line for the safety of our community as a California Highway Patrolman.Therefore, I was proud to join the Mayor and my council colleagues to support a new agreement with the San Diego Police Officers Association.This is, without a doubt, a step in the right direction to addressing the recruitment and retention crisis our city faces on a daily basis. I believe that we must be a competitive employer and retain the best and brightest in public safety personnel, so our neighborhoods will be safe and secure. In the first week of my term as Councilmember, I was contacted by a constituent in Clairemont who expressed concerns about the lack of clarity regarding short-term vacation rentals. I immediately began researching relevant regulations and ordinances implemented by other municipalities within and outside the State of California.The ambiguity of San Diego’s regulations surrounding shortterm vacation rentals has become increasingly apparent in light of
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today’s sharing economy.As a result, my office has engaged community stakeholders, hosted platform companies and consulted with City Departments who will be affected by an ordinance change; developing a balanced proposal we will be presenting to the Smart Growth & Land Use Committee in April. While these accomplishments are noteworthy, there is still much more to do to improve the quality of life for residents in the Sixth District. I have been a staunch advocate for increasing civic and government engagement. The City of San Diego works more effectively, efficiently, and collaboratively when residents are connected, involved, and engaged.As such, we need more residents to empower themselves by volunteering to serve. Everything from joining a planning commission to being secretary of your local town council, time and talent do matter.This is how your voice gets heard. Small businesses and entrepreneurs are the backbone of our local economy.They bolster job creation and economic growth.Thirty-five percent of all craft breweries in San Diego call Council District 6 their home. Additionally, improving neighborhood infrastructure is vital to maintaining our City’s assets. I applaud Mayor Kevin Faulconer for releasing his plan to pave 1,000 miles of roads over the next five years. As promised, my team is accessible and exceptional.Working side-by-side with our communities, we are moving the needle on connecting all people in my district. In just 100 days, we resolved 135 neighborhood issues, attended 192 community events and recognized 644 constituents. I am looking ahead with a clear focus on improving the neighborhoods of Clairemont Mesa, Kearny Mesa, Mira Mesa, Miramar, Park Village and Sorrento Valley.Although there is more work to be done, I am extremely proud of what we have accomplished in just 100 days.The next 100 days we will focus our attention on increasing civic engagement, bolstering equal opportunity employment and adopting a new fiscal year budget.There’s no “I” in team and together we will achieve more. Email: chriscate@sandiego.gov • Phone: (619) 236-6616 Website: http://www.sandiego.gov/citycouncil/cd6/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/D6ChrisCate Twitter: https://twitter.com/chrisjcate Mailing Address: 202 C Street, 10th Floor, San Diego, CA 92101
San Diego is blessed to have several exciting and educational events that take place around the City. One of my favorite events is the Linda Vista Multi-Cultural Fair & Parade that will take place on Saturday, April 25th on Linda Vista Road. The Linda Vista Fair is a great family event that helps promote cultural awareness and understanding within the City of San Diego.The many cultural exhibits, delicious ethnic food, and artistic performances on the main stage have been eagerly anticipated by San Diego residents and visitors for the past 30 years. It also gives Linda Vista residents a chance to meet neighbors and celebrate their community together.
The event an important part of Linda Vista’s history, it also gives me an opportunity to meet with residents and listen to their ideas on improving their community. In order to be the best representative of Linda Vista, it is important to hear from you. Residents are usually the first to know about a problem, they also have the best ideas on how to fix them. For these reasons, my office will have a booth set-up at the event so residents can stop by and talk about concerns in their neighborhood. I will also be walking in the parade and participate as an emcee for the performances on the main stage. If you happen to see me, please stop by and say hello.Also, please stop by our booth to get an update on our efforts to improve the community and receive information about city services. The 30th annual event will take place between 10:00 am to 5:00 pm on Linda Vista Rd. I hope to see you there!
Community Meetings Open to the Public CLAIREMONT TOWN COUNCIL 4/2/15 • (1st Thurs. of the month) 6:30 PM Cadman Elementary Auditorium 4370 Kamloop Ave, 92117
LINDA VISTA TOWN COUNCIL 4/16/15 • (3rd Thurs. of the month) 6:30 PM Baha’i Faith Center 6545 Alcala Knolls Drive, 92111
CLAIREMONT COMMUNITY PLANNING GROUP 4/21/15 • (3rd Tues. of the month) 6:30 PM Cadman Elementary Auditorium 4370 Kamloop Ave, 92117
LINDA VISTA PLANNING GROUP 4/27/15 • (4th Mon. of the month)5:30 PM Linda Vista Public Library 2160 Ulric St, 92111
MARIAN BEAR REC COUNCIL 4/8/15 • (2nd Wed.of the month) 6:30PM LiveWell Senior Center 4425 Bannock Ave, 92117
The Clairemont Times • April 2015 • 11
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Viewpoint
Recent Conference on Civility Falls Short on Specifics by Daniel J. Smiechowsk
A few weeks ago, the fourth annual Community Conference on Restoring Civility to Civic Dialogue was held in Linda Vista at the Joan P. Kroc Institute for Peace and Justice on the USD campus. The event was attended and promoted by educators, civic leaders, politicians, students and concerned citizens in order to foster civil behavior in San Diego and presumably everywhere else in the world.While the intention of this gathering was decent and honorable, the scope of solutions, recommendations and historical context fell short of expectations. Perhaps the leaders of this forum ought to have enlisted the bountiful knowledge found in the academic disciplines of history, social-psychology, social philosophy and sociology.After all, it was during the Middle Ages when a citizen’s social status was linked to their behavior and civility. Today the opposite is true being that anyone of reverence may comport themselves through bad manners with social impunity. As far as I know, the conference failed to explore how personal psychology and emotional intelligence factor into the civility equation. There was scant mention of human feelings such as envy, jealousy and hopelessness and how these affective behaviors translate into incivility. I like to use the example of personal appearance upon civil life and the contradictions within our society. Everyone wants to stay fit and healthy with a great body, yet as we become older being in perfect form subjects one to hostility and disparaging remarks by way of the jealous and envious. How
counterintuitive have we become by striving for and attaining the very positive result society so desires and then being chastised for such an accomplishment? This is incivility. All behavior has consequences. Across the board, from the pulpit to the White House, we are all judged by others.A civil society recognizes the intent of sometimes aberrant behavior in terms of consequentiality. For example, a first generation American with a history of prejudice and discrimination in their family makes a conscientious decision while sitting on a local town council to support a politician of comparable upbringing. Unfortunately, this is against the rules and the offender is punished by banishment.This type of scenario falls under the philosophy of consequentialism. On a much broader scale, this is what occurred by the Catholic clergy in condoning the carpet bombing of Dresden during WWII. Simply stated, it is somewhat akin to the ends justify the means theory. When all is said and done, the lifeline to civility remains one’s emotional intelligence coupled by good parenting.And yes, public education also has a role, but some things will never change such as human emotions of envy and jealousy.Also, we ought to remember that when we become emotional and point out bad behavior and incivility, we are often the double victim as most folks resent being preached to unless by way of the divine. Be nice, do good deeds and don’t be a stranger as we at The Clairemont Times value your participation. Daniel J. Smiechowski has been a resident of Clairemont since 1967 and can be reached at smiechowskid@aol.com or 858.220.4613
Hey, Clairemont Times readers! Starting in April, tickets will go on sale for our 19th Annual Clairemont Garden Tour scheduled for May 2nd -- the first Saturday in May! This year’s tour will be enhanced with refreshments, art, music, a garden boutique, and educational demos on composting, rainwater harvesting, solar, and more.There will even be a hand-on planting activity for kids! Tickets are $15 in advance ($12 for Seniors 55+) by purchasing online at: gardentour.clairemontonline.com. On May 1st and 2nd however, tickets will increase to $20 ($15 for Seniors 55+), and will only be available to purchase at The UPS Store in Clairemont Town Square, or their Balboa Mesa Shopping Center location. Of course, kids 12 and
under are free! Get your tickets early, folks! Also, we are still looking for extra volunteers for this year’s tour.We usually need about 30 volunteers throughout the day to assist our homeowners and patrons by providing them a memorable experience. If you’d like to help volunteer for this year’s tour, please e-mail us GardenTour@ClairemontOnline.com. Special shout out to Coastal Solar who signed on as our flagship sponsor for this year’s Garden Tour! Other sponsors include: Big Frog, Elite Escrow, Chicago Title, the Bay Mesa Real Estate Association, Calsur Property Management, San Diego Hydroponics, Bay
Park Coffee,West Coast Electric, Maker Place & Reusable Finds, and the Clairemont Hills Kiwanis.We can’t thank our sponsors enough for their generous support for the Garden Tour and the Clairemont Town Council’s community grants. Our next Clairemont Town Council meeting will be held Thursday,April 2nd at 6:30pm. Our guest speakers will include County Treasurer Tax-Collector Dan McAllister, and the San Diego Police Officers’Association.Also, following up on last month’s presentation on the city’s recently proposed Climate Action Plan, we may consider an endorsement of that plan. Finally, we will be voting on two Bylaw proposals, which include an update to our Council’s Code of Conduct,
as well as a revision of our District Director boundaries. As always, given that we are a membership organization, we encourage participation as a member of our Clairemont Town Council. If you haven’t already updated, renewed, or joined the Clairemont Town Council, you’re always welcome! Membership starts at $10 for Seniors, Students, and Veterans, $20 for General Membership, $30 for NonProfits, and $50 for Businesses. For more information on joining and becoming a member, please visit ClairemontOnline.com/Join. Working for you, Clairemont! Ryan Trabuco President, Clairemont Town Council president@clairemontonline.com 858.480.9430
12 • The Clairemont Times • April 2015
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By Michael Baehr
Celebrate Spring … Or Any Reason, With Cake Photos by Michael Baehr, Clairemont Chowhound
The Clairemont Times PO Box 17671 San Diego, CA 92177 (858) 752-9779
Kona Kakes Specializes in Tropical Flavors
Founding Publisher: Chris O’Connell
Spring has sprung and that means one thing: time for cake! Actually, this Chowhound will look for any reason to trot down to Linda Vista for the guilty pleasure of a creamy slice of Hawaiian heaven from Kona Kakes. If
Graphic Designer: Elaine Hall
by Michael Baehr
Contributors: Mike Baehr Kevin Casillo Paul Fischer Gary Hyde Daniel J. Smiechowski Bartley Stratton Rob Stone Bill Swank 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 ©2011-15 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:
A Kona Kake decorated with tropical flowers
you haven’t yet discovered this gem, it’s time to find your own special excuse to eat cake. In business for sixteen years, owner Janice Kraft has been whipping up tropical-inspired cakes for birthdays, weddings, graduations and just about every other special occasion imaginable. Flavors range from the most pop-
ular caramel macadamia nut with hazelnut cream to pineapplemacadamia nut and chocolate passion fruit. Says Kraft,“the Polynesian community loves tropical fruit, so they tend to order flavors like strawberryguava or our ‘POG’ cake, which is passion fruit-orangeguava.” Cakes can Layers of heavenly hazelnut nut cream in the caramel be bought by the slice macadamia nut cake ($4) in the and Graduation. And if none of those store based on availability occasions are in your plans, then head or special ordered a minidown to Kona Kakes just because. mum of two days ahead. According to Kraft, the store’s success An eight inch round cake is $47, ten inch round is is due in large part to its loyal base of $57 and half-sheet rectanrepeat customers. I imagine once you gle cake is $98. All cakes give this place a try, you’ll become a can be customized with Kona fan yourself. special greetings and/or Kona Kakes is open 11-3 on decorated with tropical Mondays and Tuesdays, 11-6 flowers for an additional Wednesday thru Friday and 10-6 on cost. Saturdays. Closed Sundays. While cake is the primary specialty, Kona Kona Kakes Kakes also serves lunch. Specialties include mahi5401 Linda Vista Road #402 mahi, teriyaki beef and San Diego, CA 92110 kahlua pig combination plates ranging (619) 294-6676 in price from $7.99 to $11.99. A full www.KonaKakes.com range of sandwiches, burgers and other specialties are also available to ABOUT CLAIREMONT’S CHOWHOUND: take out or eat in the tiny seating area. Clairemont Chowhound Michael Baehr is a home cook and self-proclaimed foodie. He If you’re in search of a unique and loves sampling new eateries and welcomes delicious reason to have cake, look no your suggestions for local restaurants, fast further. Kona Kakes is a perfect solution for the upcoming holidays includ- food and specialty markets to review. Email: ClairemontChowhound@ClairemontTimes.com ing Easter, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day
The inside of Kona Kakes in Linda Vista, where slices of cake are sold or whole cakes can be pre-ordered
Slice of POG cake: passion fruit, orange and guava
The Clairemont Times • April 2015 • 13
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Mt. Carol Dr. Hike
Tecolote Nature Center 5180 Tecolote Road San Diego, CA. 92110 858-581-9959
by Trent Robertson
A large tributary of Tecolote Canyon runs west to east from the Tecolote Golf Course to Genesee Avenue. This canyon is wide enough to support mature stands of Coast Live Oak and Western Sycamore along the course of an intermittent stream. It is part of a 3 mile trail that connects the Tecolote Nature Center with Mt Carol Trail Genesee Avenue. On Saturday,April 25th at 9:00 am, the Tecolote Canyon Interpretive Group (TCIG) has scheduled a hike on a portion of this trail to introduce residents to some of the canyon’s lesser known access points.The trail is fairly wide and involves only gradual elevation changes. It meanders back and forth across Arroyo Lupine
*All activities start at the nature center except for the Mount Carol walk Thursday, April 2 8:30am Guided walk with a Park Ranger 10:00-11:30 am Spring nature crafts and activities Sunday, April 5 8:00 am California Native Plant Society Walk Join a CNPS member on a guided walk to learn about the plants that thrive in Tecolote Canyon Saturday, April 18 9:00-11:00 am Weed Warriors – Volunteer project Clean up the canyon with a Park Ranger.Wear sturdy shoes and long pants Gloves and tools provided
the stream course and much of it is under the shade of the Coast Live Oak trees.A number of native plants are currently in bloom as a result of the recent rains.These include Arroyo Lupine, Blue-eyed Grass, Monkey Flower and Johnston’s Honeysuckle. The wide canyon bottom with ample shade trees makes for a very pleasant hiking experience.The fact that this area is less well traveled also adds to its appeal.Volunteer trail guides will be on hand to identify native birds, plants, reptiles and insects.We invite you to participate in a relaxing and educational stroll through a very pretty section of Clairemont’s largest canyon. We will meet at the south end of Mt. Carol Drive by the signed entrance to Tecolote Canyon.Take Mt Acadia to Acworth to Mt Carol.There are no facilities at this neighborhood
Saturday, April 25 8:00 am - Audubon Society Birding Walk 9:00 am – Nature Walk – Mount Carol Entrance For more information call 858-581-9959.
Updated activities are posted at www.meetup.com/Friends of Tecolote Canyon Natural Park and Nature Center or Like us on Facebook – Friends of Tecolote Canyon.Activities are free of charge. Donations to the Friends of Tecolote Canyon are always appreciated! entrance and parking is on the street. Please bring water, sunscreen and sturdy hiking or walking shoes. For more information, contact the Tecolote Nature Center at 858-581-9959. Volunteers are always needed! Call us for information. Like us on Facebook/Friends of Tecolote Canyon Monkey Flower
Northminster Community Garden … 3 Years Later! by Veronica Doyle
In May of 2012, this newspaper covered the ground-breaking of a new community garden, situated on the church campus of Northminster
Presbyterian Church (NPC). Now three years later, it is hard to miss the burst of green and other vibrant colors as you pass by on busy Clairemont Mesa Blvd just east of Clairemont Square. Over 40 large garden beds (5’ x 10’) are tended by community members who share a passion for gardening.The beds are bisected by a concrete walkway and colorful, painted columns; a delightful mural beautifies one edge of the garden. On most days you will see a gaggle of gardeners tending their beds, all local community members. (You do not have to be a member of Northminster Church to be part of the garden.) As spring begins, the gardeners are busy putting in their new crops: tomatoes, basil, summer squash, cucumbers, peppers, eggplant.. and the list goes
on. The gardeners meet up informally on Saturdays at 9 to enjoy gardening fellowship, and regularly scheduled “work parties” ensure that the common areas are maintained and the composting of green materials continues. Classes about canning veggies and fruit as well as meetings with guest speakers give the gardeners opportunities to get to know each other and increase their gardening knowledge.They have potlucks as well to celebrate their harvests. This May the NPC Garden is excited and honored to be included in the Clairemont Garden Tour.The gardeners look forward to the opportunity to share their gardening successes with Clairemont vis-
itors. Stop by, ask questions, find out what we are up to! And if you are interested in joining our garden, we do have regular bed turnover, so add your name to our waiting list by visiting our website: northminstersandiego.com or by calling our church office @ 858490-3995. Happy gardening!
14 • The Clairemont Times • April 2015
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Journey through the Kingdom of Jordon by Kevin Casillo
Officially the Heshemite Kingdom of Jordan is located on the East Bank of the River Jordan and extending into the historic region of Palestine. Jordan borders Saudi Arabia to the south and east, Iraq and northeast to Syria to the North and Israel on the west sharing control of
Jerash
the Dead Sea with the latter.The desert kingdom emerged out of the post-World War I division of the Middle East by Britain and France. In 1946, Jordan became an independent sovereign state officially known as the Hashemite Kingdom of Transjordan. After capturing the West Bank area of CisJordan during the 1948 –1949 war with Israel. Modern Jordan is classified as a country of “medium human development” and has the third freest economy in West Asia and North Africa (32nd freest worldwide) Jordan is one of the driest places we have visited since spending time in Egypt in 1992. But it’s also one of the most interesting. Neither Bob nor I speak Arabic so before leaving the states we arranged for a private guide and car to tour us through Jordan and beyond. We could not have worked our way through Jordan without our trusted guide. It’s a dry sunny day, gentle winds blow grains of sand across the desert floor, changing colors as it drifts and forms new peaks and valleys. Off in the distance camel silhouettes resting in the sand, long eyelashes closed tightly to protect and soothe the eyes as they chew what little food they must have.We arrive on the back of a pick-up truck bouncing from left to right, which is driven by our driver wearing his traditional “Dish Dash”. Medium length jet black hair, missing a few teeth painfully thin and like all of us in the west, completely connected by his blackberry. Our first stop was Wadi Rum.Wadi Rum has been inhabited by many
human cultures since prehistoric times, with many cultures–including the Nabateans who left their mark in the form of rock paintings which can still be seen today. One of the rock formations named “The Seven Pillars of Wisdom” (after T. E. Lawrence’s book penned in the aftermath of the war, though the ‘Seven Pillars’) is the first site you see. We are directed by the driver’s outstretched arm and half genuine smile and a half “good luck” pointing to a mountain of drifting sand to hike. I said, how far do we go, his reply,“All the way, as far as you can go, I will be here waiting for you”. Well, enough said, have you ever tried to climb up drifting sand? I reached the point of no return, Bob went further I sat and enjoyed the view.There is more to this story, but space is limited, so it’s on to Jerash. Jerash is the capital and largest city and is located in the north of Jordan a strong earthquake in 749 AD destroyed large parts of Jerash, while subsequent earthquakes along with wars and turmoil contributed to additional destruction. Its destruction and ruins remained buried in the soil for hundreds of years until they were discovered in 1806. Jerash is one of the most unique places visited so far, known for the city of “one thousand columns” it does not disappoint. As you walk through the old Roman ruins you see the old market places, the huge Agora (meeting place) all with original stones and mosaics. Our guide introduced us to a form of engineering that was thought of thousands of years before we did, Jerash, prone to earthquakes, the Romans knew how to tame some of the destruction. They built these columns so that each of the one thousand columns swayed with the earth’s movement. As a test, we reluctantly placed our finger tips between the base stone and the ten 20 ton blocks that stood above, and just as was suggested, the column gently swayed over our fingers.As you walk the old streets you can imagine how life was for the people of this city, vibrant, active alive and most were probably well off. I could spend more time here but it was time for the visit we came for, PETRA! We’ve all heard about Petra, seen photos of the Treasury building and if
you’re like me, thought that’s all there was. What an amazing surprise.We stayed at a hotel overlooking the entire valley and mountain region. From the hotel dining room we were admiring the sun setting behind one of the tallest peaks and, its rugged landscape of red clay and rock. Little did we know we would soon be hiking the 4,000 feet to reach the top of that mountain for one the best views we’ve had. Petra should first be seen by night, the mile long walking path is illuminated by candles guiding you to the Treasury building. This is where the Pharaohs kept gold and valuables and has maintained all of its detail for over 3,000 years. Once we arrive at the Treasury Building we are presented with a glass of hot mint tea and hundreds of us are soon sitting in a “The Treasury Building” at Petra circle surrounding the façade of the Treasury. All from that, perhaps we have it all fall silent, candles still burning, while wrong. live music is played on traditional wind instruments.There is much more If you would like to see more, please visit my webto PETRA than I can write here, but it site: www.hotshots360.smugmug.com is a journey worth taking. PETRA is more than just the treasury building, there are cliff houses of stately men and women carved into the clay and rock still intact that should not be missed. Bedouins still live in the hillsides, and if you’re lucky enough, you’ll have an opportunity to meet with them, share a glass of tea and learn from each other. They are simple people, Wadi Rum “The Seven with simple needs, perhaps Pillars of Wisdom” we can learn
The Clairemont Times • April 2015 • 15
Neighborhood Beat
Sponsored By
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A Little Different Twist This Month by Gary Hyde
I recently had the opportunity to interview John Preston a musician on the Pacific Records Label. Because of the length of the interview excerpts are here, the full interview can be read at www.clairemonttimes.com Arts &
Entertainment. Tell me a little bit about your military service? I joined the Marine Corps in 2000 and served until 2004. I was one of four Marines in my family, including my father and my two older brothers. I was a Field Wireman with Second Battalion, Seventh Marines (2/7) of the First Marine Regiment. I served as an infantry squad leader for the 2/7 react team and guard force while on combat deployment in Iraq. (Cont.) How did you get into music? I signed my first record contract in 2004 with what was then Real 2 Reel Records. At the time I had signed that deal I was returning from Iraq and was
trying to show the world the good we were doing there through my music and single “Good Good America”.The contract was only six months and one single was released. It wasn’t our time. It is now ten years since I have been at war and I see the effect that it is taking on the veterans of my time. I had written “ Your War is Over” during the time my best friend battled PTSD and addiction. (Cont.) What goals are you trying to reach with your music? I can’t say this enough...... Awareness! Awareness! Awareness!!!! 22 veterans a day commit suicide and veterans all across the country are living with and daily battling PTSD. I intend for the whole country to hear “Your War is Over” and I am going to everything I can to assure that happens. I will fight my way to the top of the charts with the will, heart, and determination of our nations warriors. I want the world to have a better view of the American Veteran; our mind and our soul. Buy our Ep on iTunes and join the fight with us! Email:gary@clairemonttimes.com
Clairemont Act One Needs Your Help! Clairemont Act One is a community theatre group in operation since 2011. Our mission is to provide quality, affordable cultural events to the Clairemont area. We are in dire need of a place to rehearse. Until recently we rehearsed in a member’s large, open basement, but unfortunately the house needed to be sold. Our modest budget and the scarcity of affordable space have left us with very few options. If you or someone you know has an indoor, open-plan space that can accommodate approximately 20 people and is also available evenings and perhaps weekends, LET US KNOW! Our current production of
Neil Simon’s The Odd Couple (Female version) is in rehearsal from now until late April. Spaces that could work include: - Basements with open floor plans - Offices with an open space of 500 sq ft or more - Warehouses/large garages - Meeting rooms or social halls - Banquet rooms in restaurants We are a 501(c)3, all donations of money or space are TAX DEDUCTIBLE! For more information or to discuss donating the use of your space, email info@clairemontactone.org or call 619786-PLAY and leave a message.
16 • The Clairemont Times • April 2015
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The Rob Stone Basketball Scouting Report
Horizon Hoopers Claw Mt. Miguel Matadors, Win CIF Title; Kearny Komets Make State Playoffs Behind the all-around dominant performance of six-foot guard DiJonai Carrington (35 points, 25 rebounds, three assists, four steals, and three blocked shots) the second-seeded Horizon Christian Academy Lady Panthers defeated the fourth-seeded Mount Miguel Lady Matadors 66-59 to clinch the C.I.F. San Diego Section Division I girls basketball championship at the University of San Diego’s Jenny Craig Pavilion on Friday night, March 6. Horizon held a narrow 26-25 advantage as the two battling ballclubs headed off to their respective locker rooms at the intermission. Ten of Carrington’s points and rebounds came in the last five minutes of the ballgame as she paced the Lady Panthers to the triumph and was named the Player of the Game by http://www.maxpreps.com. Carrington, a junior captain, was followed in the Horizon statistical column by five-foot-nine-inch sophomore shooting guard Sierra Rains (10 points, one rebound, and one blocked shot), five-foot-five-inch senior guard Nyjeeiah Ganan (eight points, two rebounds, and two assists), and fivefoot-six-inch senior point guard Melanie Quijano (three points, five rebounds, five assists, and three steals). With the victory, the Lady Panthers won their third girls basketball title in school history (Horizon won Division V titles in 2011 and 2013) with an overall record of 23-9. Earlier in the season, the Lady Panthers pounced on the Lady Matadors by a final score of 45-41 in a non-league affair that was a part of the Dr. Martin Luther King Showcase Tournament played on the campus of Horizon Christian Academy in Clairemont Mesa on Monday evening, January 19. The Kearny High Lady Komets (227) made some noise this postseason as well by beating the Steele Canyon High Lady Cougars (45-35), Hilltop High Lady Lancers (34-26), and Patrick Henry High Lady Patriots (52-50) in the first round, quarterfinals, and semi-
finals of the C.I.F. San Diego Section Division III girls basketball playoffs, respectively, before bowing to the Rancho Bernardo High Lady Broncos (53-40) in the finals and the (Newport Beach) Corona del Mar High Lady Sea Kings (70-34) in the first round of the Division III state playoffs. The Lady Komets were led throughout the playoffs by the play of fivefoot-six-inch junior power forward Arshauna Candler (16 points and 17 rebounds against the Lady Cougars; 17 points and 10 rebounds against the Lady Patriots; 15 rebounds against the Lady Broncos), five-foot-six-inch senior wing Aitana A. Garland (11 points against the Lady Lancers; 11 points against the Lady Broncos), and fivefoot-six-inch sophomore wing Jennell Garland (12 points against the Lady Broncos). The Kearny High boys basketball team (23-9) made the Division II state playoffs, but the Komets came crashing back down to earth with a tough 98-65 loss to the (Anaheim) Canyon High Comanches on Wednesday night, March 11. MARCH MADNESS FINAL FOUR FORECAST BY THE NUMBERS: 4 teams in the NCAA Final Four bracket of Rick Steckel, bartender at Peter D’s, (Arizona Wildcats, Kentucky Wildcats, Gonzaga Bulldogs, and Michigan State Spartans), with Arizona bearing down on Kentucky! 4 teams in the NCAA Final Four bracket of Keith Zeek, bartender at The Watering Hole (Kentucky Wildcats, Duke Blue Devils,Wisconsin Badgers, and Michigan State Spartans), with Kentucky getting devilish over Duke! Rob Stone is a life-long resident of the Clairemont Mesa/Kearny Mesa area and is also a certified talent scout through Sports Management Worldwide. Rob has been working with and helping to assist sports agents in getting their clients signed to contracts. If you would like a professional scouting report written up on your favorite athlete, you can feel free to contact Mr. Stone directly. He may be reached at: 1 (619) 241-6516, rstone@smww.com, Sportsguyrob@att.net, http://www.smwwscout.com/scout/robstone, or http://www.rsscouting.blogspot.com.
Rock N Roll San Diego Marathon Impact on the Neighborhood 4/31 Expect traffic delays, road closures and detours on Sunday, May 31st in the neighborhoods of Tecolote Rd, East Mission Bay Drive and Bay Park back into Linda Vista. Runners will be coming from East Mission Bay Drive at around mile 15, running East on Clairemont Drive then
heading South on Denver St. From there the course will take them to West on Lister and then South on Morena for mile 16 & 17 all the way to Friars Rd. Plan your early morning into the early afternoon accordingly in these neighborhoods, and of course CHEER on the runners if you see them.
Images from the 59th Opening Day Ceremony of Clairemont Hilltoppers Little League Link Lincavage throwing out the ceremonial first pitch.
Lt. Adam Sharki of the San Diego Police Department talking to the kids about safety and being aware of their surroundings.
Boy Scout Troop 295 from Clairemont Presenting the Colors. Kaylynne and Rhys Jones representing The Salvation Army, San Diego Citadel performing our National Anthem.
The Clairemont Times • April 2015 • 17
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Captain’s Corner Sponsored by Outer Limits Charters by Captain Paul Fischer
As spring approaches, a recently resurrected San Diego tradition is once again gaining popularity. This is the 7th Annual International Yellowtail Derby. San Diego’s original Yellowtail Derby ran for 28 years, from 1946 to 1973. It was sponsored and produced by the Junior Chamber of Commerce (Jaycees).The Jaycees has served San Diego since 1934. The Yellowtail Derby was a multi-month event with qualifying periods and finals. Prizes ranged from cash to cars, trailers, trips and fishing gear. In the past, up to 10,000 anglers competed every year. Many winners were from LA, Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino Counties. After lying dormant for the last 36 years, Stephen Cushman, Chairman of San Diego’s Board of Port Commissioners urged John Campbell to try and resurrect the Yellowtail Derby. John Campbell’s extensive experience in the fishing community made him an ideal candidate to reestablish the tradition of the Derby, including being the International Game Fish Association, (IGFA) Representative for California for 7 years. I had the pleasure of meeting John Campbell and Tierra Hanes, Miss Yellowtail 2015, last month at the San Diego Rod and Reel Club’s monthly meeting.There are some great events planned for the tournament this year, such as fish with Miss Yellowtail and a bonus prize where you have the opportunity to win your weight in Ballast Point beer, one of the tournament sponsors. It’s not just a yellowtail tournament, but has prizes for
Link to the Diamond Continued from page 1
run the bases with all they had on each play was quite impressive. Not one player from what I saw took a play off. A week later I had the pleasure of a nice sit down conversation with Link and Frank. In our two plus hour conversation we talked about the type of “little league” Link played as a kid in the early 1930’s back in Pennsylvania. Everything back then was handed down from the older kids. The bats were taped together, the balls well they had seen better days too. A new ball to him and his friends was an old ball barely together. They would wrap it with black tape wrapped until it
heaviest seabass and halibut caught, as well.These are the three main gamefish species we encounter off our coast and offshore islands. The best part about this tournament is anyone can enter and fishing can be done on both private boats, kayaks and the sportfishing fleet. The entry fee is $70 for adults and $40 for juniors.You will have 36 days to fish from May 2nd –June 7th.The single heaviest fish from 3 categories being the overall winner. A Fishing Competition for the Best Catch of:
The fishing area will be designated
resembled something round and presto a new baseball, to them. At 92, Link has a sharp memory, remembering his years while playing for the Navy softball team. One year his team won the local softball championship here in San Diego, he recalled one of his teammates from the Navy days Willie “Puddin Head” Jones. Jones he me told carved out a nice 17 year career playing major league baseball. From the 1980’s into the 2000’s Link been playing softball all around San Diego. Even playing on a few Senior Travel teams. Playing in Los Angeles, Las Vegas,Arizona and as far away as Detroit. He perked up when he thought about Detroit. The sports complex in Detroit had 12 fields
from as far as 80 miles south to 80 miles west of Point Loma Light and North to the Orange County Line. Once entered into the tournament, you are allowed to submit the largest of each of the three species per day. That’s what makes this tournament so awesome, you have the chance to catch the biggest fish, whether you go out all 36 days or just one day.There are Junior and Adult Special Prizes for the largest fish caught each week as well.The weigh in stations and other
details can be found on the official website www.yellowtailderby.com For an entry form, visit www.yellowtailderby.com/entryformonline.html Let’s keep a San Diego tradition alive and sign up for the International Yellowtail Derby and win our weight in Ballast Point beer.
something he wishes San Diego had. He remembers returning to San Diego he and his teammates trying to lobby city officials and politicians for better facilities a more central location multipurpose sports complex. No luck. He then looked at me and said,“Maybe you can help?”. My vote is for a DeAnza Cove sports complex. No development just green space, ball fields, tennis courts and more. In closing Link wanted me to reiterate, besides the need for a new fields, we need more players in our leagues. Link Lacavage, John, Frank and all the others have proved you are never too old to play the game. Thursdays at 10 am show up with your glove and $40 for year round fun. (This piece was edited for space, a
more in depth interview along with more pictures can be found online at www.ClairemontTimes.com)
For more information on Outer Limits Sportfishing visit u at www.OuterLimit.net or call us at (619) 757-7940
The two starting pitchers Lincavage & Rawlings.
18 • The Clairemont Times • April 2015
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The Clairemont Times • April 2015 • 19
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Police Blotter Petty Theft 5600 Balboa Ave. Petty Theft 4600 Almayo Ave. Assault 4100 Mt. Rias Pl. Fraud 4300 Mt. Jeffers Ave. Commercial Burglary 5100 Clairemont Mesa Blvd. Vandalism 4400 Bannock Ave. Vehicle Break-In 5400 Balboa Ave. Residential Burglary 4100 Mt. Alifan Pl. Commercial Burglary 5000 Santa Fe St. Residential Burglary 4300 Cindy St.
Vehicle Break-In 2300 Judson St. Battery 3500 Clairemont Mesa Blvd. Residential Burglary 3400 Waco St. Petty Theft 4200 Genesee Ave. Vehicle Theft 3500 Del Rey St. Residential Burglary 4300 Appleton St. Vandalism 3300 Sandrock Rd. Assault 1900 Burton St. Vehicle Break-In 3800 Mt. La Platta Dr. Vehicle Theft 5200 Mt. Alifan Dr. Vandalism 4200 Mt. Abernathy Ave. Residential Burglary
Identity Theft and Your Taxes by Bob Berg
For a lot of people, the first time they learn that their identity has been stolen, it is when they file their tax return. When their preparer calls them and tells them that the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has rejected their tax return because “that social security number has already been used to file a tax return with the IRS”. When you electronically file your tax return with the IRS, the only information that is used to prove to the IRS that you are you, is your Social Security number and the first 4 letters of your last name. Why are people filing fraudulent tax returns you ask? Well, several reasons that are very easy to see.With the invent of Pre-Paid Debit cards now, you can file a tax return for a refund of $5,000, have it direct deposited on a pre-paid debit card that was opened in the name of the tax return, then drain that card into cash. Do that 50 times and you have yourself a $250k salary. How do these guys get the social security numbers and names they need to run this scam? Through more scams. Let us look at some of these scams that are being used so you don’t get hit by them.
3300 Morena Blvd. Battery 7200 Mesa College Circle Vehicle Break-In 5400 Clairemont Mesa Blvd. Vehicle Break-In 8500 Gibbs Dr. Residential Burglary 5000 Clairemont Mesa Blvd. Fraud 3100 Cowley Way Residential Burglary 2400 Goodstone St. Vehicle Theft 5400 Balboa Arms Dr. Residential Burglary 3700 Hatton St. Fraud 8000 Othello Ave. Vehicle Theft 7200 Mesa College Dr. Vandalism 5600 Balboa Ave.
• IRS Scam One of the big ones right now is the IRS scam.The IRS warns consumers of scam artists who’ve composed a sophisticated phone scam targeting taxpayers, including recent immigrants, across the country.According to the IRS, victims are told they owe money to the IRS and it must be paid promptly through a preloaded debit card or wire transfer. If the victim refuses to cooperate, they are then threatened with arrest, deportation or suspension of a business or driver’s license.They ask the victim to prove who they are by getting the victim to give them their name and their social security number. • Computer Tech Scam This “artist”crafts a tale about being a representative of Microsoft or Windows and advises that your computer is infected with a dangerous virus. He then claims to be able to free your computer from the malware. Microsoft’s website lists some of the things such a scammer can do if you fall for their scheme: - Trick you into installing malicious software that could capture sensitive data, such as online banking user names and passwords. - Take control of your computer remotely and adjust settings to leave your computer vulnerable. - Request credit card information so they can bill you for phony services. - Direct you to fraudulent websites and ask you to enter credit card and other per-
Battery 2500 Ulric St. Vehicle Break-In 3400 Bevis St. Vandalism 6600 Tait St. Residential Burglary 7200 Fulton St. Residential Burglary 3600 Antiem St. Burglary 4900 Mt. Elbrus Dr. Commercial Burglary 5600 Balboa Ave. Battery 3800 Camto Aguilar Residential Burglary 4800 Dubois Dr. Fraud 4800 Cole St. Vehicle Theft 4500 Mt. Abernathy Ave. Residential Burglary
sonal or financial information there. If you get such a call, hang up. Do not pay for any service offered or provide any personal information to the caller. • Your Human Resource Department This guy will do some research and find out who works in the human resource department at your office. He will wait outside and then talk to the HR Clerk and offer $200 per social security number that the clerk can give him. If you do become a victim of Identity theft, you need to file a police report.You need to file IRS form F14039 identity
4800 Limerick Ave. Vehicle Break-In 4200 Mt. Henry Ave. Residential Burglary 4900 Mt. Harris Dr. Vehicle Break-In 3100 Idlewild Way Vehicle Break-In 4800 Diane Ave Vehicle Break-In 4100 Kearney Mesa Rd. Vehicle Break-In 3200 Ashford St. Vehicle Theft 4100 Mt. Alifan Pl. Residential Burglary 3400 Mt. Aachen Ave. Vehicle Break-In 4400 Mt. Everest Blvd. Vehicle Theft 5200 Balboa Arms Dr.
theft affidavit with the IRS.You should go to the Federal Trade Commission website for help with your next steps at www.ftc.gov. There are some great services out there that can help you restore your good name. We here at BergTaxes have been doing taxes in the Clairemont/Kearny Mesa area for over 20 years.We offer free consultations regarding any and all tax matters. For more information, call (858) 2791040 or email bobberg@bergtaxes.com www.BergTaxes.com
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20 • The Clairemont Times • April 2015
Don’t be UpsideDown on Your Clairemont Home Are you looking for a Contractor in San Diego to remodel and/or add an addition to your home in Clairemont? With housing prices on the rise, many homeowners are. There has never been a better time to do a home addition in San Diego County in quite a while. Cost per square foot is up to the heights they were in 2007! Many homeowners that have been upside down on their homes are finally exhaling and are at the breakeven point or better. But, you MUST remember this… The Numbers Need to Make Sense Unless this is your “forever home”, and you can wait “forever” to recoup the investment and value, it’s best to build within a budget that makes sense financially. For example; If you paid $325K for your home in the 92117 zip code area in April of 2002, your home is now worth about $550K today. Therefore, you can be qualified to build a substantial home addition/remodel to your home at this time… and if you wanted to sell, it would be a good investment. Unfortunately, if you bought the same house in the summer of 2006, you might not have the equity to borrow on, or if you do have the funds, you might have to wait a
while before you could re-sell to break even. Mortgage companies are busy again refinancing, doing second mortgages, and 203K loans for homeowners that wish to remodel or add valuable space… in some cases even lending to homeowners on what theirs homes will be worth AFTER the remodel/addition is complete! Second thing to remember: Pick the Right Licensed Contractor Selecting the right San Diego Contractor is important so that you stay within your budget, and at the end of the day the numbers DO make sense. Some contractors will provide a low estimate to secure your project and then, throughout the course of the project, will charge you additionally for items “not included” in the initial estimate. By the project completion you might pay more than any other estimate you received at the beginning and be upside down on your home! With over 49 years in business, thousands of completed projects, 5 star ratings and reviews, Ritz Design Build will go through every aspect of what is included and not included in your “Fixed Project Investment” (No “ups”). Call the experts at Ritz to set up a FREE Estimate: 858-248-9711. They are conveniently located in Clairemont.
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