The Clairemont Times December 2019 by Clairemont Times

The

Clairemont Times Serving Clairemont, Bay Park, Linda Vista & Kearny Mesa V9.E12

News of the Neighborhoods

Founded in 2011

DECEMBER 2019

Navy Pilot Honored 60 Years after Jet Crash in Clairemont by Chris O’Connell

On September 21st United States Navy Fighter Jet Pilot Albert Joseph Hickman was honored with a plaque on Mt Soledad National Veterans Memorial in La Jolla. At the honoring of Hickman, American Legion Post #460 Commander Brian Trum recounted the fateful day of December 4th 1959. Hickman, 21 at the time was participating in carrier landings and returns to NAS Miramar in an F3H Demon Aircraft when the aircraft experienced engine failure at an altitude of a reported 2000’. The plane crashed into San Clemente Canyon narrowly missing Hawthorne Elementary in Clairemont. Hickman was the sole fatality and is credited with intentionally piloting the plane away from the school, thereby saving the lives of students and teachers at the school that day, a reported 700 lives. Also, in attendance at the ceremony was Debra Dawson a then 8 year old student at Hawthorne Elementary playing outside with classmates that day. Dawson, who now resides in Texas was tearful during her speech, thinking back to nearly 60 years ago. “This is probably one of the greatest honors that I have ever had in my life, other than giving birth to

two beautiful children and being born into a wonderful family. This is my greatest honor.” I was born into a Navy family like so many children in Clairemont at that time. The sounds of jets and sonic booms were everyday occurrences nobody thought anything about it, it didn’t disrupt our lives. But that day on the playground there was a sound that was out of the ordinary and it caused many of us, including myself, to stop and take note and look up into the direction of the sound. As I did, I saw this jet making a very controlled glide and I could not take my eyes off of it. The reality of it hit me when I saw the fireball and it happened right outside of our playground and as you can imagine chaos ensued. As an 8 year old child I had one view of that day, but as I have grown older it has taken on a much

more profound acknowledgment of what happened that day. A 21-year-old man had the wherewithal and the compassion in his heart and the heroism in his soul, not to bail out, not to save himself but to save a playground at a school filled with children and teachers. There are no words to explain what he did, there’s nothing that I can say to give thanks to his parents for giving birth to a man that saved my life, that saved the lives of my schoolmates. Thank you is hollow compared to the gratitude that I feel. All I can say is thank you Ensign Albert Joseph Hickman for the man that you were, for the hero you were to us that day.” Hickman was posthumously awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Medal. The highest non-combat decoration awarded for heroism by the United States Department of the Navy to members of the United States Navy and United States Marine Corps. Hickman Elementary in Mira Mesa was named in his honor in 1971, The American Legion Post #460 in Kearny Mesa is dedicated to Hickman, as is Hickman Sports Field on Hickman Field Dr in Kearny Mesa. The playground at Hawthorne Elementary is slated to be dedicated to Hickman at SEE Clairemont Pilot, page 9

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2 • The Clairemont Times • December 2019

Clairemont Hilltoppers Little League News

From the Publisher by Chris O’Connell

by Chris O’Connell

Merry Christmas and of course Happy Holidays!!! Short and sweet message from the publisher this month folks. This December edition is dedicated to my father, a career newspaperman, passed on 20 years ago this month. Enjoy the following pages. Send your captions for this piece of blank to: chris@clairemonttimes.com

Chris O’Connell, Publisher

The big news as preparation gets under way for the 64th season is the return of two former Hilltoppers. Kyle Holder and Ken Waldichuk both drafted by the New York Yankees are heading back to Clairemont to put on a free clinic for current members of the Clairemont Hilltoppers Little League family scheduled for January 4th. There will be different stations throughout the field to practice drills and of course time for some q&a. For more information on this fun,

upcoming clinic visit www.ClairemontHillToppers.com Volunteers Needed The Hilltoppers family is always looking for an extra set of hands around the fields. Whether it’s learning to umpire, working the grass and infields or helping out at the snack bar, the old adage is true many hands make light work. If you have any questions about the upcoming season, the clinic or volunteering reach out to Ken Cicalo either via email or phone KenC1313@yahoo.com or (619) 889-9216. See page 5 for Signup details for the 64th Clairemont Hilltoppers Little League Season!

Roundabouts Just going to leave this here after almost witnessing a head on collision on Moraga. A person driving south approached the rotary and went LEFT!!!!!! A roundabout is a type of circular

intersection or junction in which road traffic is permitted to flow in one direction around a central island, and priority is typically given to traffic already in the junction. via Wikipedia

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The Clairemont Times • December 2019 • 3

Mid Coast Trolley Crews Complete Largest Concrete Pour of the Project On Monday night 11/18 the Mid-Coast Trolley project reached a significant milestone when crews conducted the largest concrete pour of the project to date. Six hundred fifty cubic yards of concrete were used to form the 670-foot-long deck of the future Trolley freeway overcrossing south of Nobel Drive, one of two points where the Trolley crosses Interstate 5 (I-5). The work required a full freeway closure of northbound I-5 and lane reductions on southbound I-5. Crews worked steadily through the night to complete the pour ahead of schedule, allowing the freeway to reopen hours earlier than expected. “This work represents a monumental step forward on the largest project in the history of our region,” said SANDAG Chair and Mayor of Poway Steve Vaus.

“We are proud of the men and women who have worked tirelessly on the Mid-Coast Trolley project, and are grateful to the community for the support and patience while we finish this work.” The work over I-5 was the final concrete deck pour along the elevated Trolley guideway that runs through the La Jolla and University community areas. The remaining concrete pours on the project will be much smaller in scale. The Mid-Coast Trolley project represents a $2.17 billion investment to expand the regional transit network. Funding for the project is made possible with funds from TransNet, the half-cent sales tax dedicated to transportation projects. TransNet will fund 52 percent of the project, with the remaining funding being provided by a grant from the Federal Transit Administration.

(Photos Courtesy of SANDAG)

Fun Facts on this Pour • This pour used sixty-one concrete trucks; the pour required approximately 650 cubic yards of concrete. The concrete trucks were in rotation throughout the work, continuously refilling to transport concrete. • The deck of the Trolley overcrossing Interstate 5 spans 670 feet.

(In terms of height, the bridge deck is about 40 feet above the freeway.) • The pour took approximately eight hours and was completed ahead of schedule. • About 25 people worked on the deck pour.

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4 • The Clairemont Times • December 2019

Drugged Driving has Consequences – Even When Using Legally Prescribed Medicine by Mara W. Elliott, San Diego City Attorney

As we head into the holiday season, people need to be aware that mixing even the slightest amount of alcohol with prescription drugs can have serious consequences. This is especially true for older drivers who may be using new medicines for the first time. Our Office is seeing an increase in otherwise law-abiding San Diegans who get behind the wheel after consuming legal substances – alcohol, prescription drugs, and cannabis – that, in combination, impair their ability to drive, putting lives at risk. Our Office prosecutes these drugged driving cases -- called “combo” cases when both alcohol and drugs are involved -under a state grant that has allowed us to develop a high level of expertise in often tricky cases involving multiple substances. While illegal drugs are always a significant part of the problem, we’re seeing a surprisingly large number of cases involving older drivers who unthinkingly mixed alcohol with prescription drugs. There are no blood-content standards for cannabis or prescription drugs like the one for alcohol, but all drivers must be able to drive with the care and caution characteristic of a sober person. Using evidence from blood tests, field sobriety tests, dashboard video cameras, and expert witnesses, our prosecutors have a conviction rate just shy of 100%. In the past 11 months they handled 178 drugged driving cases. Only four went to trial, and only one defendant was acquitted – a woman who drove while on Ambien, a drug used to combat insomnia. The 174 other defendants all pleaded guilty. Some recent examples: • A 65-year-old woman crashed into the back of a car stopped at a red light at

11:30 in the morning. Though she seemed disoriented and slurred her speech, she claimed she hadn’t had a drink in 16 years. But she’d taken the anti-anxiety medication Xanax a half-hour earlier, and sometimes took medications for chronic back pain. • A 60-year-old man was found asleep in his car, which was blocking traffic on Harbor Drive. His blood-alcohol content was well under the legal limit but a blood test showed he had the opioid painkiller hydrocodone in his system, as well as clonazepam, a sedative which treats seizures, panic disorder, and anxiety. Several factors contribute to this trend. As our population ages, more people are taking prescription drugs and driving after taking them. Many people who use cannabis think it makes them better drivers, but studies show that even small amounts can have huge impacts, such as slowing a driver’s response. Often drivers have been taking a medication for years and think it no longer affects them, since they are accustomed to it. But it does – especially when mixed with even a small amount of alcohol, another drug, or even cold medicine. People are also taking medicines in greater doses than prescribed, not realizing the effects. And with drug prices so high, many seniors swap medicines with friends or use old prescriptions for new ailments. Seniors’ medicine cabinets are also a source of drugs for younger family members and thieves. Anyone with a prescription for any kind of drug should be aware of how and where it is stored, and these medications should not be accessible to children, teens, or visitors to your home. And I urge you to be especially vigilant this holiday season, when many people drink more than usual. Keep a careful eye on yourselves and others who get behind the wheel of a car. Hail a cab, call a ride-sharing service, have a friend or family member drive, or better yet, stay home. There are plenty of options that won’t end in a life-changing accident or land you in court.

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CCPG Votes to Recommend the Bayview Plaza Mixed Use Project by Chris O’Connell

On Wednesday, August 14th Protea Properties, a local real estate developer, released their vision for a mixed use, transit oriented development project located at 2565 Clairemont Dr. in Clairemont/Bay Park via an article in The San Diego Union Tribune. The 3.55 acre property, which borders Morena Blvd and Ingulf St, is currently a storage/working site for the construction of the Mid-Coast Trolley. The Project Bayview Plaza as presented is for five levels of housing consisting of 156 residential units made up of studios, oneand two-bedrooms ranging in size from 600sq ft to 1,350 sg ft. The stated monthly rent prices would range from the low $2000’s to high $3000’s low $4000’s per month. 16 various size units will also be designated affordable housing with the rent calculation being up to 50% area medium income (AMI). There are two levels of proposed parking on site, the lower level will be 150 spots designated specifically for the Mid-Coast Trolley riders at the Clairemont Dr Trolley Stop. The second level of parking will have 170 spaces and an additional 79 separate surface level parking spots will be on the eastern side of the property. Protea estimated there will be roughly 40,000 sq ft of commercial space, including plans for retail shops, restaurants and cafés, co work/office space and a market all open to the public. Their vision of Bayview Plaza is a destination and gathering space in the neighborhood. Meeting with the Public The first publicly noticed meeting for the project, open to all, was held on September 11th at the Clairemont Community Planning Group (CCPG) Project Review Subcommittee (PRS) meeting as an information item. At this meeting, it was disclosed Protea met prior

with some members of the public, including members of CCPG for community input and the CCPG process. The Protea team subsequently appeared before the full CCPG as an information item on September 17th and then again before the PRS on November 13th as an action item on the project (approved unanimously) and once again back before the full CCPG on 11/19/19 as an action item (approved by a vote of 11 yes, 4 no & 1 recusal). It should be noted the CCPG is a group of volunteers, your neighbors, their voting capacity is advisory only to the City of San Diego. The Bayview Plaza will soon head downtown to City Staff for permits, etc. and actual approval of the project. The Protea team is not obligated to come back before the community again, although they said they would be back to provide updates. This project has left the public comment train station and is now in the hands of the development team, City of San Diego and SANDAG. Access For trolley riders who arrive at the Clairemont Drive Trolley Station and specifically want to visit Mission Bay, Protea is welcoming/funneling foot traffic directly through their property, to stop and shop, before reaching Clairemont Dr to then head west towards Mission Bay. While the site has grade changes and multi levels, it will be fully ada compliant including public access elevators. There are 5 proposed vehicle driveways on/off to the property: Morena Blvd (new), 2 on Ingulf St (new), Clairemont Dr (existing) and Denver St (existing between oil change shop and Best Western). According to their timeline, which is not set in stone, construction would begin mid to late 2020 and last two years grand opening sometime possibly in 2022. For more information, visit the Protea website: www.ProteaProperties.com Email: chris@clairemonttimes.com

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

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The Clairemont Times • December 2019 • 5

City of San Diego Fire-Rescue Department Kicks off Toys for Tots Drive Toy & Book Donations Accepted at ALL SDFD Facilities Last month, the City of San Diego Fire-Rescue Department (SDFD) kicks off the 2019 Toys for Tots toy drive in partnership with the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve. SDFD has been a toy drop-off point for Toys for Tots for more than 15 years and all SDFD facilities (including lifeguard facilities) are collection sites through Dec. 16, 2019. In its 71st year, Toys for Tots has provided happiness to less fortunate children during the holiday season. The toys, books and other gifts collected and

distributed by Marines and volunteers offer these children recognition, confidence and a positive memory that will last a lifetime. Each year, the Marine Corps fulfills the holiday hopes and dreams of an average of seven million less fortunate children in nearly 800 communities nationwide. Since 1947, more than 244 million children have benefited from Toys for Tots. “We are more than happy to lend support to the 2019 Toys for Tots drive,” said Fire Chief Colin Stowell. “Our employees are always willing to step up and support a meaningful effort that benefits kids of all ages.”

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

Clairemont Woman’s Club by Marge Weber

The holiday season is upon us. Our December meeting will be a luncheon for members in Mission Valley. At that time, we will bring the fixings for holiday dinners for the Clairemont Christian Community Services to deliver to deserving families. In addition, we pass “The Stocking” for donations to the Storefront, a service for homeless kids. Members will enjoy a delicious lunch and have some fun activities. This month, for the 14th year, we will gather at a member’s house and make Christmas card trees by recycling old cards. The trees bring holiday cheer to Meals on Wheels trays. We have fun pasting and cutting and sharing stories of our school days. So far, we have recycled 6507 cards. In November, the Book Group discussed Bill Bryson’s “Notes from a Small Island”, a most funny account of his travels through Great Britain. At our November meeting, we heard from The Storefront about how they help kids get

reunited with their families. Our main fundraiser will benefit the Warrior Foundation - Freedom Station, which is a local organization to help Veterans transition to civilian life. It will be a luncheon and comedy show this spring. More information to follow. Start the New Year off by visiting us on Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2020. The meeting starts at 1 p.m. Refreshments will be served. Put us on your new calendars. Come find out what we are all about. We welcome new members. Directions below. At the year draws to a close, we wish all a Happy New Year, not only for ourselves, but for the community, country and the world. 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.

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6 • The Clairemont Times • December 2019

Isn’t it Grand! In this whirlwind world of ours, we really need to take the time to reflect on all of our blessings. Only then can we truly appreciate the bounty that surrounds us. We urge you to do the same. The enjoyment of family and friends is what this season is all about. If you are like us, every cherished memory seems to revolve around a table. This is where we can help make those moments truly memorable. Think of us as your Holiday store! We have EVERYTHING you need to complete your feast from our famous Turduckens, Diestel Free Range Turkeys, All Natural Fresh Private Label Turkey’s, Geese, Ducks, Capons, Quail, Pheasant, Free Range Chickens and so much more! Steaks, Pork and even our Double Smoked Hams. Of course, don’t forget the array of fine cheeses, hand selected wines, and the Julian Pies! Please know that we greatly appreciate being part of your celebrations and we are here to help in any way that we can. Whether it’s choosing the right things to present to your guest, tips on preparation, or checking that special new recipe, we want to do our part so that all of you can ENJOY!

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The Clairemont Times • December 2019 • 7

Violet’s Hair Design Set to Close at the End of the Month by Violet Ostertag

Thank You!! We have had an AWSOME Time at Violets Hair Design these past 12 years. We are retiring after 30 years working in the neighborhood of Clairemont! We have met many Wonderful People in our years working to get here, and sadly we’ve had to say good

bye to way too many. We will be enjoying the New Year doing all the FUN things we have been putting off. Again, Thank You for letting us Fulfill our Dreams of having our Salon. We will be officially Retired on December 29, 2019!!

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

Leslie and Violet

www.canyonview.org • www.facebook.com/canyonviewchurch

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

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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

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Advertising Sales Person(s) Wanted If you or someone you know is looking for a p/t or f/t job we are looking to hire ad sales reps. The ideal candidate is someone who is outgoing and ambitious and looking to supplement their income. The hours are very flexible. Sales experience is preferred. Please feel free to call or email Chris O’Connell at (858) 752-9779 or Chris@ClairemontTimes.com. This is a heavy commission sales position.

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 • December 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.

Why rename Lindbergh Schweitzer Elementary School? by Bill Swank

The Clairemont Town Council recently forwarded a message about plans for a 2020 ground breaking to modernize the Lindbergh Schweitzer Elementary School site. There is also a movement to rename the school: The site governance team (SGT), which consists of students, families, staff and some community members, has a list of recommended names in order of preference: 1. Clairemont Canyon Preparatory Academy 2. Clairemont Canyon Academy 3. Clairemont Canyon Elementary First, where is the canyon? Lindbergh Schweitzer is built on the mesa. The nearest canyon to the campus, the terminus of Boyd Canyon, is five or six blocks to the southwest. Few people have heard of Boyd Canyon. So, who came up with that name? Clairemont Canyon sounds more like a boring strip mall or nondescript apartment complex. It is difficult to imagine that such an unimaginative name came from community input. Second, why is it necessary to change the name of a consolidated school named after two men considered to be major

international heroes? In 1927, Charles Lindbergh, “The Lone Eagle,” was the first person to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean from New York to Paris. His plane, Ryan NYP, The Spirit of St. Louis, was built in San Diego. Instantly, he became recognized worldwide as the symbol of American individuality and exceptionalism. But with fame came tragedy and controversy. His infant son was kidnapped and murdered in 1932. Prior to World War II, he was a staunch isolationist and supported Hitler’s Germany. President Franklin Roosevelt publicly rebuked him for his beliefs. Interestingly, Lindbergh’s father, a former Minnesota congressman, was one of the few members of the House of Representatives to oppose America’s entry into World War I. After Pearl Harbor, Lindbergh tried to reenlist in the Army Air Forces, but his request was denied. He became a technical advisor who helped improve the performance of combat aircraft and eventually flew fifty combat missions as a civilian in the Pacific. In his day, Lindbergh was known for his anti-Bolshevik, anti-Semitic and racist views. In 1945, serving in a naval advisory role, he was horrified by the Nazi concentration camps he encountered.

husband was misunderstood. In their final years together, the Lindberghs were dedicated to environmental causes around the globe. The other man, Albert Schweitzer, was a French medical missionary who devoted over fifty years to treat illness and poverty in Africa. He was awarded the 1952 Nobel Peace Prize. As a young man with a promising future in theology and music, he instead decided to follow the words of Jesus: “Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils; freely ye have received, freely give. Provide neither gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses.” After completing compulsory military obligation and serving as a curate for the Church of Saint-Nicholas in Strasbourg, Schweitzer entered medical school at the age of 31 and later founded a hospital in Lambarene in French Equatorial Africa (Gabon). With his equally committed nurse wife, Helene Breslau, they treated patients with leprosy, dysentery, elephantiasis, sleeping sickness, malaria, yellow fever and wounds received from wild animals. When he died in 1965 at age 90, his hospital and deeds were world-famous. The Schweitzer Hospital had 350 beds and the compound was home to a leper colony of 200 patients. His life was built

After the war, despite being married to his loving wife, Anne Morrow, he secretly fathered seven children by three German mistresses. At the dawn of celebrity, Charles Lindbergh soared from obscurity to become an American icon, but his feet were made of clay. He led a life full of contradictions. His loyal wife, unaware of his other families, claimed that her

on the principle of “reverence for life and the religious and ethical imperatives of helping others.” In recent years, many of the good doctor’s comments, common for his time, have been labeled as racist and paternalistic. We live in an era where the past is harshly judged by today’s enlightened standards. Times change; truths change. Although our legal system

is based on a presumption of innocence, today there is a presumption of guilt. What is the role of our education system in this process? What are the limits of educators and their agendas? Third, it is ironic to note that in 1971, Sunshine School, at the corner of Balboa Avenue and Hathaway Street, was renamed in honor of Albert Schweitzer for his contributions to humanity. What was Sunshine School? In 1935, Sunshine School for disabled students opened in Logan Heights. Its purpose was “to bring sunshine to handicapped students.” The original site was demolished in 1954 for the construction of the Escondido Freeway (CA 15) and the school eventually found a permanent home in East Clairemont. If Lindbergh Schweitzer School must be renamed, why not name it Sunshine School with a stated mission to bring sunshine to all students? The goals and history of Sunshine School are as relevant today as they were in 1935. According to the Clairemont Town Council message, “If you have any input with regard to the name change, please contact Karin Wehsener (teacher, community member, and SGT member) at kwehsener@sandi.net.”

Aerial photograph of Lindbergh (left) Schweitzer (right) Elementary School Whole Site Modernization and Joint Use Field (photo: San Diego Unified School District)

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

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The Clairemont Times • December 2019 • 9

Clairemont Pilot

Joseph Hickman, 21, crashed in a Clairemont Canyon. The pilot deliberately Continued from page 1 stayed with the aircraft to avoid crashing a future date. into Hawthorne Elementary School saving The plaque (pictured page 1) at Mt as many as 700 lives. In 1962, American Soledad National Veterans Memorial is Legion Post #460 was dedicated to Hickman. A new Mira Mesa School was named Hickman Elementary in recognition of his heroism. During the naming ceremony for Hickman Elementary School in 1971, seven students recited the following: “H” is for Hickman brave and true, “I” is for the important decision to do what he knew, “C” is for the Children he must have been thinking of, “K” is for the Kindness he showed and the love, “M” is for Mira Mesa where our school will share his name, “A” is for Albert an American we are proud to claim, “N” is for our Nation he served with no shame.” “YOUR HEROISM Former Hawthorne Elementary student and Clairemont resident WILL NEVER BE Debra Dawson, now of Texas, speaking on September 21st at Mt Soledad National Veterans Memorial honoring of United States Navy FORGOTTEN” pilot Albert Joseph Hickman.

located on the G Wall Row 4 reads: December 4, 1959 about 12 noon, a U.S. Navy Fighter jet piloted by Albert

For more information on Mt Soledad National Veterans Memorial visit: www.SoledadMemorial.com Email:chris@clairemonttimes.com

John Muir Language Academy/John Muir School by YW

John Muir Language Academy in Clairemont Mesa is a dedicated San Diego Unified School District magnet school (K-8) focused on Spanish language

immersion, global citizenship and Paideia ideology. Our students come from all over San Diego for the opportunity to learn in a personalized, clean and safe environment on a small, home-like campus. Our growing Spanish language immersion program is offered for grades K-3 in the 2020-2021 school year and a new grade level will be added to the immersion program each year. We offer an English

only program in grades 4-8. All of our students engage in monthly school-wide Paideia seminars where students read and discuss complex, rigorous text dealing with global, environmental, and ethical issues that affect them as global citizens. What exciting events have been taking place at Muir in September and October? We are very pleased to welcome our outstanding new principal this year, Ms. Silvia Herrera-Flores, who was previously the vice-principal at The Language Academy in College Area! Ms. Herrera-Flores has been an educator for over 20 years and has worked with a variety of students ranging from pre-K through 8th grade. We are looking forward to an exciting year! Classroom news: Joy Bain’s 5th grade class has connected with Katherine, a Peace Corps Volunteer who is currently serving in the Ukraine. Katherine has provided valuable insight to our 5th grade

students about life and culture of Ukraine. The 5th graders will continue to Skype with Katherine throughout the year to continue learning about Ukraine and to expand appreciation and understanding of cultures around the world. First grade students of Margarita Garcia joined in a festive Dia de Los Muertos celebration on October 18th. They studied how the Mexican festival of honoring deceased relatives is practiced in other areas of the globe, including China and parts of Africa. The students prepared altars laden with candles, photographs and food that their relatives enjoyed. Parent Cassandra Reese led the honorary “Catrines and Catrinas” in a procession around the school courtyard with traditional songs while the students

sprinkled marigold petals to make a pathway which would lead their deceased relatives to their altar. The festival wrapped up with students decorating sugar skulls and sharing “pan de muertos”. What a fun and educational day! If you are interested in enrolling your student in our exciting programs at John Muir, please call us at (858) 268-1954. We offer school tours as well. The SDUSD Enrollment Options office is now accepting Choice applications for the 2019-2020 school year.

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10 • The Clairemont Times • December 2019

A Padres Column by Major Garrett

Padres Versus the Volcano

industrialist (and Hanks’ new benefactor) needs to produce electronic gadgetry. The industrialist’s pitch to Joe? “Live like a king, die like a man!” It all sounds preposterous and barely worthy of the blossoming talents Hanks and Ryan (who, coming off the smash hit When Harry Met Sally, plays three different comedic characters). You may reasonably wonder what this could possibly have to do with the Padres.

by Major Garrett

By pure, delightful coincidence I was in San Diego for the Padres new uniform reveal. You may have seen it on my Twitter feed. It was splendid in every way. The uniforms are top shelf. The fans were honored. More importantly, the Padres now have a cemented psychological center. That matters more than you might think it should. Who cares about psychology if we have two dominant starters and a killer center fielder? A perfectly logical question. I have come to believe that to achieve something you have to be something and that part of being is knowing who and what you are. In my case, I decided at age 16 I wanted to become a journalist. By this age I realized I was not going to be a professional baseball player or an actor. After becoming a journalist had only one other goal: make it to Washington to see if I could hack it covering national politics. Every decision life decision – and I mean every decision - was filtered thus. If it advanced my goal it was followed; if it did not it was discarded. There are many ways to get to know yourself. A favorite movie of mine dwells on this topic relentlessly and hilariously. It’s a movie you have probably overlooked – a misunderstood and overlooked gem called Joe Versus the Volcano. It came out in 1990 and features Tom Hanks, Meg Ryan and a host of wonderful character actors (Abe Vigoda, Ossie Davis, Lloyd Bridges, Robert Stack and Nathan Lane). On the surface it’s a dopey romantic comedy with gaping plot holes and unresolved comedic motifs. The basic plot: Tom Hanks (Joe) has a soul-sucking job and is diagnosed with a terminal illness – news that comes as something of a deliverance. He is then offered unlimited riches in exchange for his promise to jump into a South Pacific volcano. Doing so will appease unseen gods, settle restless villagers and keep flowing supplies of a rare mineral an

Here’s what. Clothes. The first thing newly wealthy Joe does is hire a limousine to take him around New York. His driver is named Marshall (played by Ossie Davis). Sitting in the backseat, Joe starts to talk to Marshall and mentions something about new clothes. Marshall: They just pay me to drive the limo, sir. I’m not here to tell you who you are. Joe: I didn’t ask you to tell me who I am. Marshall: You were hinting around about clothes. That happens to be a very important topic to me, sir. Clothes make the man, I believe that. You say to me you want to go shopping, you want to buy clothes, but you don’t know what kind. You leave that hanging in the air, like I’m going to fill in the blank. That to me is like asking me who you are. And I don’t who you are. I don’t want to know. It’s taken me my whole life to find our who I am and I’m tired now. You hear what I’m saying? Marshall: “What kinda clothes you got on now? Joe: Well, I got the kinda clothes I’m wearing. Marshall: So you got no clothes. The point is Hanks (Joe) does not know who he is because he does not know why he wears what he wears. They are just clothes. They say nothing about his inner self or his message to the world. This has been the Padres for fifty years. Like Marshall, I am not here to tell the Padres who they are. Neither are you. But we know the Padres have been out there shopping for the past three years, accumulating Wil Myers, Eric Hosmer and Manny Machado. As fans we still don’t know what they’ve purchased or why. We worry management doesn’t either. All we do know is management has been willing to dress these players in all sorts of un-matching clothes (uniforms) within an un-matched roster. The Padres sense of self – unresolved, ephemeral and full of losing – has been hanging in the air waiting for someone or something to fill in the blank. Part of that blank has been filled. The uniforms are now set. They are distinctive and unrivaled. No one else wears brown. The Padres no longer seek to hide, mimic or blend in with others. That is a statement. We are brown. We are the Padres. We are no longer confused about or indifferent to our past. We are parts of what we were in Mission Valley infused

with a sense of what we can become downtown. Joe Versus the Volcano is a deeply philosophical movie right up there with Groundhog Day. It doesn’t have as many blog posts devoted to it but it has a fair share. After Joe decides the clothes he will wear into his fatalistic new life (suicide by volcano, remember), he visits a lush luggage store. Salesman: Have you thought much about luggage? Joe: No Salesman: It’s the central preoccupation of my life. Luggage is baggage. We all have baggage. We accumulate it shortly after we learn to walk and lug it around for the rest of our lives. The bit-part salesman is the philosopher king of the movie – baggage is the central preoccupation of his life. As it is for all of us. Once you know who you are – your clothes – you carry that with you forever. Joe inspects the available luggage options. Salesman: This is our premier steamer trunk, it’s all handmade, only the finest materials. It’s even watertight, tight as a drum. If I had the need, and the wherewithal, this would be my trunk of choice. Joe: I will take four of them

Salesman: May you live to be a thousand years old, sir. Joe is only going to live a couple of weeks. Yet he buys enough air-tight luggage for a decades-long journey. Why? Because Joe knows who he is, will die like a man and may well find out something deeper about the meaning of all life – not just his. And this he does. If you watch to find out how, I promise you will not be disappointed. What is the Padres’ baggage? Under-funded futility; a masquerade of competitive zeal. Padre fans have been the only zealots, zombie-like zealots who resemble Joe in the dungeon of his soulless job -- where existence (really death through numbness) is defined by buzzing fluorescent lights and coffee that tastes like arsenic. The Padres have found their clothes. Now they go shopping. But this time they are shopping with a sense of self and place. The clothes make the team. I believe that. You hear what I’m saying? 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.” Note: Major included a number of YouTube clips from the movie. Visit www.ClairemontTimes.com for the extended version of this article.

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The Clairemont Times • December 2019 • 11

Universities Unfinished Roads and Missing Train Station Opinion: Louis Rodolico

In our area there are 3 unfinished roads. Which are represented in the graphic by the red and white dashed lines. City planning maps also showed a train station at the location of the red dot. In 2000 the Governor to Gilman connection was taken off the plan in the run-up to the design of the Blue Line Trolley. Without this road SANDAG did not provide a west UC train station with the new Blue Line Trolley. Most trolley stops are a mile or two apart, the distance between Nobel and Balboa is 5 miles. The Friends of Rose Canyon was created in the run-up to the 2006 Regents

Road Bridge vote. This first attempt to remove the Regents Road Bridge failed, largely due to the extensive testimony of fire officials. UCPG membership then came under the control of well-paid lobbyists and to this day the two thirds of the community who want the bridges built are systematically banned from their local community planning board. In 2008 two rookie politicians Todd Gloria and Sherri Lightner were swept into office. Both were from districts with a Westfield Mall. Eager to please, the pair got control of a transportation subcommittee that voted against the

Regents Road Bridge in 2010. Both Gloria and Lightner sat on the SANDAG board. Unlike in 2006, public safety officials did not testify in 2016 during the second and successful attempt to take the Regents Road Bridge off the plan. Westfield Mall paid half a million dollars for an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) which excluded ambulance service times (See Link). Ever careful to keep the bridge off the ballot, lobbyists pitted neighbor against neighbor, diverting eyes away from Westfield. Westfield wanted something in return for agreeing to use union labor for its $600-million-dollar expansion. What they got was all traffic funneled up Genesee to their new stores, cheating the shopping centers on Regents Road. Also, by not building the west UC train station Westfield’s new parking structure will harvest south UC trolley commuters. Not finishing our road system increases driving miles by forcing residents onto freeways to travel within their own community adding millions of pounds of carbon to the atmosphere each year, along with wasted man hours and gasoline. Ambulance service times and risk to first responders are increased, conflagration egress paths removed along with bike and pedestrian access. Many tell me “Lou University bridges are a dead issue” In one aspect they are correct. Based on county statistics, these missing roads/bridges delay ambulances proving fatal for 7 of us each year. Unfortunately, we cannot trust a foreign owned corporation like Westfield to put our safety above their profits. We need more transparency and less corporate dominance of government. louisrodolico.com \Link: http://www.louisrodolico.com/uploads/7/5/2/2/ 75221087/dif_exhibits.pdf

Vacation Rentals Another Permanent Controversy? Opinion: Louis Rodolico

Nothing has happened since 2018 when the pro vacation rental coalition raised enough signatures to stay a council ruling. If they were confident of their position city council could have put Vacation Rentals (VR) on the 2020 ballot, but they did not. The pro and anti VR coalitions are well funded and politically active. There is no clear compromise that either VR coalition can accept. So, for now democracy, in its seemingly confused and haphazard manner, will default to harvesting the VR controversy for political fund raising. Much like the gun and healthcare goldmines, we are going to talk and fund raise VR’s to death. Many VR’s are owned by San Diegans. Locals invest in and oversee their VR’s to help secure a stable retirement. If we suddenly change the status of their buildings from vacation rental to monthly rental the value of their investment property will drop overnight. Many will find their retirement nest egg becoming a liability they did not sign up for. This change in property status will surely bring a legal challenge. Courts will most likely rule that the city can change the status of a

property only if the owners are compensated for their income and property value loss. A complex managerial nightmare if there ever was one. Lower property value equals lower property taxes so the county would balk. We have a potential long-term stalemate where both sides are well funded and can acquire enough ballot signatures to stay any council ruling, we saw that last year. Both sides are also wealthy enough to afford lawsuits with delays and seemingly endless appeals up the court ladder, but to what watered down end? There is one possible legislative path. First; pass a VR tax to fund law enforcement and create an inventory of properties. This harms neither party and I do not see the higher courts taking it up. Second; with an inventory in hand classify each type of existing VR and grandfather them in. Third; establish requirements for all new VR’s going forward. Fourth; with police records and support from local planning groups, establish a prioritized list of properties where the city can buy-back the grandfathered VR rights from the owner. We can only move VR’s forward in a logical legislative manner. If not, then VR’s can be added to the list of other long disputed local issues like the Children’s Pool Beach. Take heart, we eventually resolved the Mount Soledad Cross. louisrodolico.com

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12 • The Clairemont Times • December 2019

Where Does Your Property Go if You Die Without a Will or Trust?

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:

by Dick McEntyre and Chris von der Lieth, Attorneys at Law

Except where you hold title with another as a joint tenant, or have designated your beneficiary under an insurance policy, retirement plan, or IRA, if you die without leaving a will or a trust (called dying “intestate”), your entire estate will pass in accordance with what are called the laws of intestate succession. Assume you own a home and some mutual funds, and you die intestate, here’s what would happen under California law: 1. If, when you died you were married and had two children, and the home and mutual funds were owned by you and your spouse as community property (meaning, essentially, any property acquired by either spouse while you are married, except acquired by gift or inheritance) (in which each of you own an undivided one-half interest), your spouse would receive your one-half community property interest (in addition to the one-half interest that he or she already owned). 2. If, when you died you were married and had two children, and the home and mutual funds were owned by yourself as your separate property (meaning property you, alone, had acquired by gift or inheritance, or had owned before you

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were married), your spouse and two children would each receive one-third of your estate. 3. If, when you died you were unmarried and had two children, each of your two children would receive one-half of your estate. It gets more complicated where you have no spouse and no children. Your estate then passes by “degree of kinship” to your parent(s); but if none surviving, to your brothers and sisters; but if none surviving, to your grandparents; but if none surviving, to your uncles and aunts, and so-on down the line. The point of all this: to avoid what would perhaps be an unintended disposition of our property, and also to

avoid a costly and time-consuming court-required administration (“probate”) of your estate, we should each pass on our estates by the appropriate written instrument – trust or will The above statements are not to be taken as legal advice for the reader’s particular situation. Richard F. McEntyre practices law in the area of estate planning and administration, having served the San Diego community as a lawyer for over 40 years. Chris von der Lieth is Dick’s associate lawyer, having worked with Dick for over 6 years. Affordable rates. Highest quality services. House calls available. Our office is conveniently located at 2615 Camino Del Rio South, Suite 101 (Telephone (619) 221-0279); www.richardfmcentyre.com.

It’s California’s Turn by Bob Berg

Health insurance is still important when it comes to filing your taxes. Although there will be no penalty for not having health insurance on your Federal Tax Return, California will start assessing a penalty when you file your 2020 taxes in 2021. To avoid a penalty, California residents need to have qualifying health insurance

for themselves, their spouse or domestic partner, and their dependents for each month beginning Jan. 1, 2020. A taxpayer who fails to secure coverage will be subject to a penalty of $695 or more (half for a dependent child) when they file their 2020 taxes in 2021. The open enrollment period to sign up for health care coverage with Covered California is now through Jan. 15, 2020

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

619 527 7500

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The Clairemont Times • December 2019 • 13

Random Acts of Greenness: My Holiday Wishes by Susan Lewitt

My holiday wishes aren’t for possessions, but actions to make our lives and planet healthier. Please examine these lists and consider some Earth saving tips for the holidays and year-round. Chanukah Miracles of Light and Power Wishes: 1. Affordable electric vehicles, and plenty free or low-cost recharging stations. 2. Motion detecting lighting indoors and out. Solar panels for all public and private buildings. 3. Solar farms and wind power that’s safe for birds, turtles and other wildlife. 4. Combined trips for less driving, or walk, bike, or take public transportation. 5. Backup Batteries for all places in case of a grid failure. 6. Use of LEDs that save energy, are safer than fluorescent bulbs and more efficient than incandescent bulbs. 7. Microwaving items, or cooking multiple items in the oven together to conserve energy. 8. Turn lights and devices off or unplug when not in use to save energy. Christmas Wishes to Save Our Planet: 1. Use recycled, bamboo, or hemp paper towels, toilet paper, and facial tissues saving 94,000 trees per day. 2. Take reusable straws and utensils with you to keep millions of single use plastics out of landfills. 3. Grow native gardens, including lots of native trees, to support biodiversity. 4. Walk in a natural area or park. Help with removal of invasive species and encouraging native species. Never ‘liberate’ exotic pets into open spaces. 5. Have reusable containers (glass jars, mesh and nylon bags) for groceries, produce, bulk, and nonfood items. Put

your shopping containers in your car or within easy reach to grab for shopping. Gift idea: Reusable bags and containers. 6. Buy recycled paper for printing and more to save 2.47 million trees per year. 7. Grow and buy organic foods to keep pesticides out of the environment and sequester more carbon into the soil than conventional farming. Gift idea: home grown organic foods and bakes goods. 8. Waste less food and compost more to sequester more carbon. 9. Recycle, but reuse and repurpose items such as refillable containers. 10. Less than 1% of Earth’s water is potable. Use water sparingly for washing dishes, hands, cars, showering shampooing and brushing teeth. Use low flow showers and toilets. Save sink water and gray water for plants. 11. Mining bauxite, the main source of aluminum destroys rain forests, the ‘lungs’ of our planet. Recycle all aluminum and use less. 12. Litter clogs storm drains and pollutes waterways: Please put it where it belongs. On walks, pick up pet poop, cigarette butts and other small litter with plant based compostable bags. In your own backyard use a pooper scooper and skip the bag. Kwanzaa Wishes for A Better World: 1. Umoja (Unity): Work together as families and communities to help preserve our world. Tell your political representatives to consider our needs, not the wants of wealthy, greedy unsustainable corporation. 2. Kujichagulia (Self-Determination): Think of things we can do as individuals for a healthier planet. 3. Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics): Make businesses sustainable by using and selling organic, non-GMO, eco-friendly, recycled, and reusable products. 4. Nia (Purpose): Don’t buy products made from endangered species. Help protect lands from overdevelopment, deforestation and damage threatening endangered species. Gift idea: memberships or donations to organizations saving endangered species such as Audubon Society, SD Zoo, Living Coast Discovery Center, Birch Aquarium. 5. Kuumba (Creativity): Find ways to make old things into new. 6. Imani (Faith): Have faith that we’ll work together to solve problems causing climate change. For the holidays instead of giving scented candles, silly mugs, seasonal socks or “ugly” sweaters, make the world healthier and better by making gifts and taking actions that help preserve our world.

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

Wednesday, December 18 9:00-11:00 Marian Bear Park Walk Join the San Diego Natural History Museum’s Canyoneers on an easy 2 mile walk in *Marian Bear Park – Regents Road West entrance. Wednesday, December 18 1:30-3:00 Art & Activities for Kids- Free! Winter dioramas and nature crafts. Please bring a shoebox and more to share if you have extra. Saturday, December 21 9:00-11:00 Weed Warriors Help is needed in the restoration and revegetation areas. 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. Saturday, December 28 8:00 am Audubon Society Birding Walk All skill levels welcome! Audubon volunteers on hand to guide you. Canyon Compadres Volunteer Group 9:00 am – 11:00 Every other Wednesday Call Ranger Cameron for dates and locations. 858-581-9961 *THE NATURE CENTER WILL BE CLOSED ON DECEMBER 25TH. Many volunteer opportunities available! Sign up at 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

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14 • The Clairemont Times • December 2019

HEALTH & WELLNESS ADVANCED PODIATRY WITH A PERSONAL TOUCH Walter Jolley, D.P.M 5222 Balboa Avenue, Suite 41 San Diego, CA 92117 858-560-0390 • Board Certified Foot and Ankle Surgery • Serving Clairemont for 30 Years • Treating all Painful Foot Conditions • Toenails to Major Deformities

City of San Diego May Release Water from Hodges Reservoir in Coming Months Plan Ready in Case San Diego Received Heavy Rainfall this Season The City of San Diego may release water from Hodges Reservoir into San Dieguito River in the coming months if rain events raise the water level above the permitted level. For safety reasons, the California Division of Safety of Dams has determined that the water level at Hodges Reservoir should not be above 295 feet, which is 20 feet below spillway elevation, or the top of the dam. If the water level exceeds that measurement or nears that measurement when rain is forecast, City officials will likely open valves at the dam

for a controlled release of some of the water. The released water will enter San Dieguito River and eventually the Pacific Ocean. City officials will monitor weather forecasts, rainfall and the water level at Hodges Reservoir to determine when releases would be necessary. The City will announce via news release and social media any planned water release from the reservoir to notify other jurisdictions that may be affected downstream. Announcements will also be posted at www.sandiego.gov/reservoirs-lakes/hodgesreservoir Hodges Reservoir was created with the building of Hodges Dam on San Dieguito Creek in 1918. Operated and maintained by the City of San Diego’s Public Utilities Department, the reservoir currently serves the San Dieguito Water District and Santa Fe Irrigation District as well as the City of San Diego. The City is finalizing plans for improvements to Hodges Dam. The state has determined it safe with the restricted water level.

Board Supports Countywide Vote on Potential Member Agency Detachment Regional electorate should weigh in on plans by Fallbrook and Rainbow water agencies The San Diego County Water Authority’s Board of Directors last week authorized actions to seek to ensure all San Diego County voters are heard on plans by the Rainbow and Fallbrook water

agencies to leave the regional water wholesaler and instead join a Riverside County water agency. The Board of Directors approved a resolution to ask the San Diego Local Agency Formation Commission – known as San Diego LAFCO – to require approval by voters across the Water Authority’s service area of any proposed “detachment” by the Rainbow Municipal

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City of San Diego Residents: Don’t Pour Fats, Oils or Grease Down the Drain Cooking Grease & Oils Can Clog Sewer Lines & Cause Unsafe Conditions for Our Rivers, Bays & Beaches No one wants to spend their holidays troubled by sewer problems. With the holiday season fast approaching, the City of San Diego reminds residents not to dispose of fats, oils or grease down the drain. Fats, oils and grease can clog pipes in our neighborhoods and over time cause a complete blockage, which could lead to a sewer spill. These sewer spills have the potential to reach San Diego’s bays, rivers and beaches which can cause unsafe conditions and temporary closures. To help keep your plumbing and sewers as clear as possible, here are some reminders: • Recycle large amounts of residential cooking oil or grease by disposing of it at the Miramar Landfill Recycling Center located at 5165 Convoy St. • If any cooking oil or grease goes Water District and the Fallbrook Public Utility District from the Water Authority. Detachment from the Water Authority has potential impacts for water agencies, fire districts and water ratepayers across San Diego County. The Board’s action is consistent with the idea shared by LAFCO Commissioner Dianne Jacob at the San Diego LAFCO meeting on October 7, 2019, that voters in the Water Authority’s entire 24-member agency service area have an opportunity to be heard and vote on any detachment. Fallbrook and Rainbow have stated their intentions to leave the Water Authority, but they have not yet filed applications with San Diego LAFCO, which would manage the multi-step process and could deny the requests or approve them on specified terms and conditions, including a vote by the San Diego County electorate.

down your drain, immediately flush with cold water. • You may also throw any excess grease away in the trash. • Oils also come from salad dressings, butter, bacon fat, meat drippings, milk and mayonnaise. In addition, here are some important facts about how grease impacts your sewer system: • Cooking grease coats and clings to the inside of pipelines, and can eventually cause a complete blockage. • Costly home plumbing bills are often the result of grease-clogged pipelines. • Residential pipelines clog easily since they are only 2 inches to 4 inches in diameter. • Many people are unaware that pouring hot water and detergent down the drain only breaks up grease temporarily. • Flushing grease and oils down the toilet also causes sewer backups. For more information about how to prevent sewer problems, visit http://www.sandiego.gov/prevent-spills To date, the agencies have made public a general proposal, but have not explained how detachment would affect water supply reliability, rates or infrastructure for the Water Authority and each of its 24 member agencies, including Fallbrook and Rainbow customers. The Water Authority has asked the agencies to provide this information and discuss their plans with all affected parties before applying for detachment, as required by LAFCO rules and procedures. The Water Authority’s Board has taken no position on the detachment, and stands ready to provide all information requested by San Diego LAFCO. The Water Authority wants to ensure an opportunity for full participation by all affected parties. Correspondence and reports related to detachment are at www.sdcwa.org/lafco-detachment

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The Clairemont Times • December 2019 • 15

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

Clairemont Town Council 11/7/19 (1st Thursday) 6:30pm Clairemont High School 4150 Ute Dr. 92117

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Clairemont Community Planning Group 11/19/19 (3rd Tuesday) 6:00pm Alcott Elementary 4680 Hidalgo Ave. 92117

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Linda Vista Town Council 11/21/19 (3rd Thursday) 6:00pm Revere Center 6735 Gifford Way, 92111

Linda Vista Planning Group 11/25/19 (4th Monday) 5:30pm Linda Vista Library 2160 Ulric St. 92111

Useful Local Project Websites

Please feel free to call or email Chris O’Connell at (858) 752-9779 or Chris@ClairemontTimes.com. This is a heavy commission sales position.

City of San Diego www.SanDiego.gov 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

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

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16 • The Clairemont Times • December 2019

LIBRARY EVENTS SAN DIEGO PUBLIC LIBRARY BRANCHES CLOSED FOR: CHRISTMAS DAY – WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 25TH NEW YEAR’S DAY – THURSDAY, JANUARY 1ST (Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve hours: 9:30am-6:00pm) NORTH CLAIREMONT BRANCH 4616 CLAIREMONT DR. 92117 (858) 581-9931 Book Chat: 3rd Tuesdays 1pm Beginning Chess Club Tuesdays 3:30pm Practice your chess skills or learn to play the game Social Scrabble for Grown Ups 12/3 5pm & 12/5 1pm Play Scrabble in a fun, social environment. Second Tuesday Concert Series features Holidays Around the World Program with Adrienne Nims and Spirit Wind 12/10 6:30pm Their elegant, earthy and multidimensional style will showcase different kinds of music from around the globe. Genealogy Workshop 12/12 1pm Learn how to use photos to research and understand your family history Friends of the Library Book & Bag 12/14 9:30-1 The Friends of the Library Book Sale pulls out all the stops to fulfill your holiday book wishes this month. Come and find special treasures for gifts and yourself. All proceeds will support library programs and facilities. Thank you! Zentangle Workshop Holiday Angel Ornament 12/19 1pm Enjoy some relaxing, “you” time at this workshop while creating a Holiday Angel Ornament. Explore your creativity through the use of patterns in a fun environment.

Children’s Programs Gingerbread House Workshop 12/7 3pm Children ages 3-12 with parent will be given a number beginning at 2:45 p.m. Must be here at 3:00 p.m. or your space may be given away. Holiday Party and Santa Visit 12/11 5-7pm Take your child’s photo with Santa and then help them make their own special holiday project. Holiday-Themed Dance Party w/Dance to EvOLvE! 12/12 10:30am Kids, jiggle your toes and get festive at this dance party! Sign Language Story Time (recommended for ages 0-5 years) – Mondays at 10am Story Time (recommended for ages 0-5 years) – Mondays at 11am Pajama Story Time (recommended for ages 0-5 years) – Wednesdays at 6:30pm Beginning Chess Club (ages 7 years-adult) - Tuesdays 3:30pm Lego Builders’ Club (ages 3-8 years) -

Saturdays 11-3pm Love on a Leash (ages 3-8 years) – Second Saturdays at 10:30am Do Your Homework at the Library (grades 3-8) Mondays through Thursdays begins at 3pm BALBOA BRANCH 4255 MT. ABERNATHY AVE, 92117 (858) 573-1390 Balboa Branch Library is excited about celebrating the holiday season with you! Please visit us to enjoy entertaining and educational programs! We look forward to seeing you! 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.

Special Program Multicultural Preschool Storytime and Craft 12/5 10am Listen to a terrific picture book and make a story-based craft at the library! Geared toward preparing preschoolers for Kindergarten success. December’s theme is “Celebrating Family” and will feature the 2019 One Book, One San Diego children’s book selection “Dreamers” by Yuyi Morales. This event is part of the San Diego Public Library’s premiere literary program One Book, One San Diego, in partnership with KPBS, where the purpose is to bring our community closer together through the shared experience of reading and discussing the same book. (Preschool – 5 yrs.) Color at the Library! 12/19 & 12/26 1-3pm Come to the library for this relaxing program and bring a friend or two. All coloring materials provided. All ages welcome between 1-99! Special Kids Krafternoon 12/21 & 12/28 1-2pm Join us for a clean out the closet day! Bring your imagination and create a variety of crafts! (K – 4th grade) Coming Soon! Cast off this January 2020 with Litera-SEA! Join us for San Diego Public Library’s first ever Winter Reading Challenge! For readers of all ages – including adults! Anchors Aweigh! Read 5 books or 5 hours to claim your prizes. Online sign-up begins January 1st and program runs through January 31st. Sail away into a great book! Children and Teen Programs Lego Club Mondays 4-5pm

Build your LEGO masterpiece. We supply the LEGO’s and you supply the imagination! [Pre-K - 6th grade] Homework Help 12/4, 12/11 & 12/18 1:30-3pm Bring in your homework questions and our tutor can assist you. [K – 8th grade] Great Read-Aloud w/ Miss Terri 12/4 & 12/18 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 12/6, 12/13 & 12/20 10:30am Enjoy stories, music, and rhymes. [Babies- 5 yrs.] Kids’ Krafternoon Saturdays (except 12/14) 1-2pm Create a fun craft at the library to take home. [Kinder - 4th grade] Paws to Read 12/10 6pm Children are invited to read stories to adorable Love on a Leash therapy dogs. They love listening to stories - read by You! [Pre-K – 4th grade] Make a Project @ the Library: Balancing Birds 12/18 3:30-4:30 Create a lovely bird and then apply some science and you will have that bird eating right out of your hand! Curious? Sign up and enjoy! All supplies provided. SIGN UP REQUIRED (3rd – 5th grade) Signing Storytime w/ Miss Jennifer 12/12 6pm 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 12/27 10:30am Enjoy playtime with babies and toddlers while getting to know other families in the community. Come to the library in a costume if you like! [Babies- 5 yrs.] Adult Programs Healthy & Fit Adults 12/2 & 12/9 11:15-12 Join us for this educational and relaxing fitness program presented by Lois Schenker. Stitching Circle 12/3 & 12/10 2-3:30pm Bring your knitting, crocheting, and other stitching projects to the library. Instruction may be included. Tech Tutoring 12/7 & 12/21 12:30-1:30 One-on-One appointments for tech assistance. Bring your own device. Sign-up required. Balboa Book Discussion Club 12/17 11:45-12:45 Read “Tuck Everlasting” by Natalie Babbitt and then join us for a lively and though-provoking book discussion. Copies available for checkout.

CLAIREMONT BRANCH 2920 BURGENER BLVD, 92110 (858) 581-9935 Book Chat: 3rd Tuesdays 1pm Beginning Chess Club Tuesdays 3:30pm Practice your chess skills or learn to play the game Social Scrabble for Grown Ups 12/3 5pm & 12/5 1pm Play Scrabble in a fun, social environment. Second Tuesday Concert Series features Holidays Around the World Program with Adrienne Nims and Spirit Wind 12/10 6:30pm Their elegant, earthy and multidimensional style will showcase different kinds of music from around the globe. Genealogy Workshop 12/12 1pm Learn how to use photos to research and understand your family history Friends of the Library Book & Bag 12/14 9:30-1 The Friends of the Library Book Sale pulls out all the stops to fulfill your holiday book wishes this month. Come and find special treasures for gifts and yourself. All proceeds will support library programs and facilities. Thank you! Zentangle Workshop Holiday Angel Ornament 12/19 1pm Enjoy some relaxing, “you” time at this workshop while creating a Holiday Angel Ornament. Explore your creativity through the use of patterns in a fun environment.

www.clairemonttimes.com

The Clairemont Times • December 2019 • 17

Court Orders Receiver for Drug Flophouse City Attorney’s Office obtains relief for neighbors The City Attorney’s Office today obtained a court order for the appointment of a receiver to oversee the cleanup of a Clairemont Mesa property that has plagued neighbors with narcotics activity and trash for years. The receiver will abate the nuisance, oversee renovations, and offer counseling, therapy, or treatment services to the property owner. Beginning in early 2018, neighbors began complaining to the San Diego Police Department about narcotics activity occurring at 2610 Arnott Street. Over time, it became evident that the property owner had ceded control of the property to transients. Police have arrested people at the property for being under the influence of drugs and have recovered paraphernalia including needles loaded with drugs. Abandoned, inoperable, and stolen vehicles have also been recovered by police from the property. During a code compliance inspection on April 25, 2019, investigators found dead mice inside the house, an improperly installed water heater, dangerous electrical wiring, and large piles of junk and trash outside the property. In October 2018, the City issued a Notice and Order to Repair Substandard Building and Abate Public Nuisance, but the property owner refused to address the health and safety violations and the nuisance continued. Just three weeks ago, police arrested six people at the house on outstanding warrants for parole violations, for being under the influence of a controlled substance, and for resisting arrest. During a search of the residence, officers recovered several baggies filled with narcotics. Drug paraphernalia was also found, including smoking pipes,

needles, and scales used for weighing narcotics. “The appointment of a receiver will give the homeowner immediate access to the resources he needs to bring this property up to code and to address the underlying issues leading to this unfortunate situation,” City Attorney Mara W. Elliott said. “Our intervention will bring relief and peace of mind to impacted neighbors who’ve fought hard to reclaim their neighborhood.” This case was prosecuted by Deputy City Attorney Paul Prather. The City will recover the costs of rehabilitation, cleanup, attorney fees, and receiver fees from the property owner. The City Attorney’s Nuisance Abatement Unit was established in 1984 to address nuisance properties and blight throughout San Diego. This unit works in partnership with the Code Enforcement Division of the City Development Services Department, the San Diego Police Department, other local agencies and the community to identify and aggressively address problem properties. Since 2015 the Nuisance Abatement Unit has filed 14 other health and safety receiverships with the court. These cases also involved substandard housing violations, public nuisance and extreme hoarding conditions. In the past, the City would pay to abate the violations, costing taxpayers thousands of dollars, then seek a lien against the property. With receivership actions, the City does not spend any money abating the nuisance. Instead, the property is rehabilitated using funds borrowed from the equity in the property. The City may also collect all costs of prosecution, including attorney’s fees and investigative costs. Community members may report code, health and safety and environmental violations to the City Attorney’s Nuisance Abatement Unit at 619-533-5655.

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Largest Graduating Class of Police Recruits in 25 Years Joins SDPD Following significant investments in recruitment and retention and the launch of an aggressive marketing campaign, the San Diego Police Department (SDPD) last month celebrated the largest academy in 25 years with 58 recruits successfully graduating and joining the department. “We’ve made rebuilding SDPD for the future a top priority and that starts with recruiting the best and brightest to serve the citizens of San Diego,” said Mayor Kevin L. Faulconer. “We’ve made salaries more competitive and launched an aggressive marketing campaign, and it’s paying off with bigger and bigger academies as we try to ensure San Diego remains one of the safest big cities in the country.” Under Mayor Faulconer, the City has taken several actions in recent years to increase pay for police officers and recruit new hires to replace retiring officers. Most notably: • The City hired San Diego-based Loma Media Partners to develop and implement a branding and marketing strategy for the SDPD to increase the number of police recruits entering and

successfully completing the department’s academies. The digital marketing campaign includes videos shared on social media as well as a new recruitment website. (www.sandiego.gov/join-san-diego-police-d epartment) • In 2017, Mayor Faulconer negotiated and won unanimous City Council approval for a landmark two-year contract with the San Diego Police Officers Association that makes SDPD compensation significantly more competitive among California law enforcement agencies. • Mayor Faulconer’s Fiscal Year 2020 budget included $8.5 million for four police academies, including today’s graduating class. “Fully staffing the police department has been one of my highest priorities,” said Chief Nisleit. “Graduating large number of recruits from the academy will help us continue to provide the highest level of police service.” The next academy begins Monday, Dec. 9, 2019.

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

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18 • The Clairemont Times • December 2019

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The Clairemont Times • December 2019 • 19

America’s Homeless Are Going Missing by Kym L. Pasqualini, founder and former CEO of Nation’s Missing Children Organization and National Center for Missing Adults.

The numbers are staggering. According to the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), in the United States, there were approximately 554,000 homeless people on any given night last year. Sadly, that number is rising. According to Forbes, cities with the highest rate of homelessness are in one of five states: California (129,972), New York (91,897), Florida (31,030), Texas (25,310), and Washington (22,304). It’s not surprising that the problem has become much more visible in urban areas and over half of all homeless people live in one of the country’s 50 largest cities. Homelessness is an issue that permeates many societies throughout the world but seems to be a unique struggle in the United States. One might be surprised to know, the Big Apple has one of the lowest levels of unsheltered homeless, at 5%, while in Los Angeles, 75% of people were found in unsheltered locations. People who are homeless are often not able to secure and maintain regular, safe, and secure housing. Many become transient, never staying in one place for any length of time . . . wandering the streets, from city to city. Who Are the Homeless? People often become homeless when the economic issues collide with their housing issues, and often include other factors such as domestic violence, physical disability, mental illness, addiction, transitioning into adulthood, and strains on relationships. Something that we see more and more often these days is homelessness caused by untreated Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), along with untreated depression and other serious mental illness. According to the Mental Illness Policy Org., in January 2015, the most extensive survey ever undertaken by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) revealed 250,000 homeless individuals suffered from varying mental illness. That is 45% of the total homeless population. At any given time, there are many more people with untreated severe psychiatric illnesses living on the streets than are receiving care in hospitals. Approximately 90,000 individuals with schizophrenia or manic-depressive illness are in hospitals receiving treatment for their disease. How Many Homeless Are Missing? As of April 30, 2018, there were 86,927 people in the United States listed as missing in the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) at the Federal Bureau of Investigation. There are no statistics available about missing persons and homelessness being a factor in the disappearance. To further complicate any

understanding of the numbers, homeless shelters and service providers ride a very delicate line. Due to privacy-related HIPAA regulations, tracking a person that is navigating the hodgepodge of homeless services can be nearly impossible. Providers do not report entry logs with missing person systems because of HIPAA. Also, there is no training to use the counts to collect information and data that can help identify known missing persons. As the law stands, adult persons can come and go as they please. Unlike with missing children, there is no statute requiring law enforcement to even take a report, though in some state’s legislation has been passed to change that and improvements being made. Organizations like Missing and Homeless are urging communities to work collaboratively with the homeless with direct outreach efforts beyond that system that is in place. Small providers, nonprofits and homeless individuals themselves are more successful in assisting with the search efforts of other missing people. What Happens When a Loved One Is Homeless and Goes Missing? There is nothing more intense and emotional than not knowing where someone you love is. The ambiguity alone can cause extreme emotional turmoil. Families are left frantically searching, hanging fliers, begging for media exposure, and talking to anyone who will listen in an attempt to find their missing loved one. Bridget Pendell’s Story Bridget Pendell may look like a wasted-thin drug addict and could be wandering the streets of San Francisco or turning tricks in Portland or Phoenix. Or she could be dead, just another unidentified missing person buried in the city’s Potter’s Field. Her sister Jackie Horne wants to know what happened to Bridget. She has spent the last 15 years searching for her, traveling from New York to San Francisco to scour the city for her missing sister. Pendell would be 46 now and shows just how easily homeless can disappear. Horne travels the hard-core sections of the city where women sell their bodies for sex and drugs, leaving missing person posters on mailboxes, giving out her missing person posters and scanning the worn-out faces. Horne quietly asks for help from anyone who will listen. Bridget’s Early Life Pendell was a beautiful young girl who grew up in Plattsburg, New York, and graduated high school before becoming a Barbizon model student. She eventually became a nurse and met the “man of her dreams,” married, and had a baby girl they named Sasha. Pendell had met some friends who followed the Grateful Dead, and she joined them and began following

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VEHICLE BREAK-IN 5300 Mount Alifan Dr 4100 Balboa Ave 3700 Cowley Way 2700 Morena Blvd 2800 Meadow Lark Rd

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4800 Liebel Ct 3400 Del Rey St RESIDENTIAL BURGLARY 6700 Rockglen Ave 3600 Mount Acadia Blvd 4500 Berwick Dr 7500 Fulton St 2100 Ulric St 2200 Langmuir St BATTERY 6100 Balboa Ave 7700 Balboa Ave 4400 Manitou Way VANDALISM 5500 Genesee Ct E 4600 Berwick Dr

“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

the band throughout the country. Divorce and Disappearance Pendell’s new lifestyle broke the marriage apart as her husband would have no part in the lifestyle she was dabbling in. Following their divorce, Pendell began wandering between New York, Kansas, and Florida, sometimes with Sasha. There she began using heroin and cocaine and by 1996, she had succumbed to drugs and prostitution. Pendell’s mother took Sasha while Pendell continued to live in California. Her last chance was when the family decided the only way to save Pendell was to have her enter a two-month drug rehabilitation program. If she refused, no one was certain what would happen to her. She accepted the help and entered into Seton Health System rehab center. A doctor’s report explaining Pendell’s condition read: “Above average intelligence.” She was released from rehab two days early and immediately left for San Francisco. Her Sister’s Search From the answers Horne receives while out searching, it seems Pendell is known everywhere, yet a phantom in a dark world few can imagine. “I saw her a couple of days ago, I swear,” a prostitute named Crystal said as she brushed on mascara, getting ready to hit the chaos of Mission Street. “She works this street. Shoots up heavy.” Another man said he believed Pendell went by the nickname Butterfly. Now joining in the search is Pendell’s daughter Sasha, who, despite her mother vanishing, has maintained Straight As at school. Growing up without her mother, she did know her mother was on drugs. “Maybe she feels bad ... maybe she doesn’t want to come back into my life while she’s on drugs ... but if I could see her, I would tell her I wasn’t mad.”

Leads have been received from across the country, but most have led back to San Francisco and Santa Cruz. Another possibility is that known rapist, Jack Bokin killed Pendell. Horne reached out to him and he never denied killing her. It is unknown what happened to Pendell and if she is still alive out there somewhere. Nobody knows exactly how many chronically homeless people are missing. Losing touch with family and friends, they are joining a steady stream of panhandlers and those sleeping on the sidewalk. Going under the radar, with no identification, no address, no welfare checks, they are impossible to follow. According to the California Department of Justice, more than 17,000 women like Pendell are reported missing in California every year, but no records are kept about how many are homeless. Nearly 300 are found deceased, and although most are found safe, approximately 100 remain missing—whereabouts unknown. Morgues throughout California maintain remains of over 2,000 people, dating back 45 years, who have never been identified. “We have about two bodies per year we can’t identify, and we cremate another 160 because we make an identification but can’t find relatives to claim them,” said Herb Hawley, administrator at the San Francisco medical examiner’s office. It is a similar story throughout the country. “It’s just like she vanished off the face of the earth,” said Horne as she walks up and down a line of homeless men and women waiting for lunch at a local church. “These guys in line, all those homeless people around downtown—they have relatives, too, and hopefully some of those relatives know where they are. But Bridget? Nothing.” This article is being republished with the approval of the author Kym L. Pasqualini. www.MissingLeads.com

20 â&#x20AC;˘ The Clairemont Times â&#x20AC;˘ December 2019