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News of the Neighborhoods
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JANUARY 2018
17
Murals Donated to Riley Special Day School Recently Jackson Design and Remodeling teamed up with Miles Himmel and the Larry Himmel
Neighborhood Foundation for a unique project to spread smiles at the Riley Special Day School in Clairemont. Two 55-foot by 9-foot murals depicting vibrant ocean scenes were painted on the exterior of two classroom buildings by legendary mural artist Tom Plonka over the span of five weeks. At a special ceremony at the school, Riley Special Day School students and administrators gathered to thank Miles Himmel and the Larry Himmel Neighborhood Foundation and JDR President and CEO Todd Jackson who donated the funds for the project. “We are forever grateful to JDR for their incredible generosity,” said Riley Special Day School
Principal Pamela Ann Busch. “These beautiful murals have totally transformed the way our
school feels and have brought hope for the future to our students.” Riley students have social/emotional/behavioral needs that require a small, specialized setting that provides them intense, individualized support in academics and emotional well-being. Larry Himmel, the popular San Diego anchorman, was a loyal client and friend of JDR before he passed away. When the Himmel family home was destroyed in the 2007 San Diego fires, JDR designed and built them a new home. As a personal gesture because the Himmels had lost so much, Todd Jackson decided to SEE Murals, page 4
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Who’s Who in Clairemont: 2018 by Bill Swank
It has become traditional for the first Squaremont column of the New Year to be “Who’s Who in Clairemont.” Criteria for eligibility are simple and straightforward: Live in Clairemont and send an email about the column. Former residents and, under special circumstances, outsiders can be honored on a case-by-case basis. Years ago, former San Diego Padres pitcher Eddie Erautt shared his scrapbooks with me and said,“A lot of pitchers don’t include articles about the games they lost. My wife made these scrapbooks. Every game I pitched is in there and I lost a lot of games. You’ve gotta take the bad with the good.” That principal is incorporated in the eligibility requirements for “Who’s Who in Clairemont.”The list includes the good and the bad. Once again, (with ruffles and flourishes), Squaremont is proud to announce “Who’s Who in Clairemont” for 2018. David Engelhart (Captain, USN retired) sent an email about the “75th Anniversary of the Attack on Pearl Harbor” (December 2016).“Great article,” but the USS Missouri “was BB63,
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not BB67.” In the Navy (and at The Clairemont Times), the captain is always right.“BB67,” authorized before WWII to become the USS Montana, was never built which makes Montana the only state (48 at the time) not to have a battleship with a “BB” hull number. Patricia Rolla wanted the name of the store at the Clairemont Quad (Village) that is now the site of the Rite Aid drug store. Originally, it was a W.T. Grant department store. There was another W.T. Grant in the Balboa Mesa Shopping Center at Balboa and Genesee which became Melvyn’s and is currently Kohl’s. Patti added that they purchased her husband’s wedding band at the Quad store in 1974. Jim Willis sent a wonderful story about how Fallbrook Lane near the Serbian Orthodox Church got its name. As happens in San Diego County, the subdivision was laid out without regard to topography which made access difficult. All the neighbors donated 20 feet of their property and an alley was made into a street. The Bay Park streets that continue north across SEE Who’s Who in Clairemont, page 8
2 • The Clairemont Times • January 2018
From the Publisher By Chris O’Connell
Well, Happy New Year, I cannot believe it is 2018 already! Right off the bat, I want to thank all the readers, business owners, contributors and the many others who have a hand in helping to put each edition out every month, I could not do this without a lot of support. I would like to also wish everyone a Happy, Healthy & Safe 2018. Just prior to deadline I had an email from a loyal reader who had some great suggestions as we enter the New Year for content ideas, so I am throwing it out there. Parents if your son or daughter enjoys writing how would you like them to be published in the local newspaper? Guessing there are a lot of creative minds out there and as suggested we could switch it up to different age groups each month. So if you have a child who is between the ages of 6-10 or 11-14 or 15-18. Why not submit a written piece that your son or daughter wrote “What I love about my Neighborhood”. If you have any questions, please email me at chris@ClairemontTimes.com for more specifics. Another great idea was featuring a local and their job/career here in the community. If you are willing to put
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yourself out there and be profiled let me know. Hopefully we can gather submissions for both of these ideas and we can make it a recurring feature in future editions. I hope you enjoy this first edition of 2018. Bill Swank kicks it off with his now annual Who’s Who in Clairemont a pretty comical read. For all you gardeners Susan Lewitt highlights a new colorful Native Plant of the Month as you begin to think about spring. I also put out a feeler to anyone who may have been chosen as part of the Water Rebate Grass Removal program (p4). For all the youngsters out there it is Clairemont Hilltoppers Little League time and signups will be continuing through January (p20). In addition, we’ve got some SDFD helicopter news, information on new laws as of 1/1/18…. (I think our pothole problems will be fixed (sarcasm)), movies you may have missed, plus more info sprinkled throughout the pages. Enjoy. Happy New Year and thank you for reading!
Chris O’Connell, Publisher
Community Meetings Open to the Public
Do You Need A Great Electrician?
(Locations & Times Subject to Change)
Clairemont Town Council 1/4/18 (1st Thursday) 6:30pm Clairemont High School 4150 Ute Dr. 92117 Clairemont Community Planning Group 1/16/18 (3rd Tuesday) 6:30pm Alcott Elementary 4680 Hidalgo Ave. 92117 Linda Vista Town Council 1/18/18 (3rd Thursday) 6pm Baha’i Faith Center 6545 Alcala Knolls Dr.92111 Linda Vista Planning Group 1/22/18 (4th Monday) 5:30pm Linda Vista Library 2160 Ulric St. 92111
Expert Troubleshooting Same Day Repair Home Electrical Inspections Senior Citizen Discount
CLD Electric 619.638.0228 20 Years Experience If you are interested in advertising in the
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The Clairemont Times • January 2018 • 3
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Clairemont Woman’s Club by Marge Weber
Happy New Year from the Clairemont Woman’s Club...here’s to a successful year for all of us. We ended 2017 with a lovely holiday luncheon in Mission Valley. We welcomed 5 new members. We enjoyed some fun activities and passed “The Stocking” for donations to the Storefront, a service for homeless youths. In December we delivered 226 Christmas Card Trees to Meals on Wheels as holiday favors on trays. Members recycled 679 cards to make the trees. This was our 13th year on this project. The book club discussed “The Boston Girl” by Anita Diamant. We also provided the fixings for holiday dinners through the Clairemont Christian Community Services. During the year, we collected 334 Box Tops for Education for Cadman Elementary School. Our major fundraiser in 2017 was the Clairemont Boys and Girls Club to which we donated in excess of $10,000 plus scholarships to Clairemont and Madison High Schools. Our major fundraiser this year is the
Warrior Foundation - Freedom Station right here in San Diego (see page 19). There will be a Fashion Show and Luncheon at the Butcher Shop on April 21..More information to follow so mark this on your calendar. Start the New Year off by visiting us at the Balboa Community Church at 6555 Balboa Avenue on Wednesday, January 3 at 1p.m. to find out what we do for our community and how we have fun. Please park around the corner on Mt. Albertine in the church parking lot. Our program will feature Karen Scanlon, who will speak to us on Clairemont’s Runway: San Diego Air Park, a dirt runway that, in the 50’s, ran along what is today, Clairemont Drive. The first services of St. Mark’s church were held in the airport café that stood along the flight control tower. Refreshments will be served. For more information about CWC, visit our websites at www.ClairemontWomansClub.com or “like” us on Facebook. You may also call Jackie at (858) 273-7664 or Evelyn at (858) 279-4367.
4 • The Clairemont Times • January 2018
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City Buys Firehawk Helicopter to Bolster Firefighting Arsenal The San Diego Fire-Rescue Department will have a powerful new tool at its disposal to help fight wildfires, thanks to the purchase this week of a new Firehawk helicopter – a modified version of a military Black Hawk helicopter capable of dousing fires with 1,000 gallons of water at a time.
line. “The Firehawk configuration of the Black Hawk is the most capable multi-mission, firefighting helicopter available, with proven military grade capabilities,” said Fire-Rescue Chief Brian Fennessy.“Fires are spreading faster and getting larger. The need for aircraft to carry more water has
Valvoline Instant Oil Change Opens (12th) Location in San Diego Newest service center opens in Bay Park Valvoline Instant Oil ChangeSM, home of the 15 minute drive through oil change, has opened its newest location in Bay Park at 2585 Clairemont Drive @ Denver St. The oil change specialists hope to build loyal customers through their fast, friendly, and convenient car maintenance service. This new service center features
Murals Continued from page 1
Courtesy City of San Diego
The Firehawk is an adaptable helicopter that can perform aerial firefighting, plan missions and direct other firefighting aircraft as well as assist with medical transports and search and rescue efforts. “As wildfires continue to ravage our state, we must do everything in our power to make sure the San Diego region is as prepared as possible for the next major fire,” said Mayor Kevin L. Faulconer.“We must continue to ensure our firefighters have the most advanced tools at their disposal to keep San Diegans safe. This new Firehawk helicopter is going to take our aerial firefighting capabilities to the next level.” At the Mayor’s request, the City Council this week approved the $19.8 million purchase of the helicopter from Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, a Lockheed Martin Company. This will increase the City’s aerial firefighting arsenal to three helicopters when it arrives next year. The Firehawk’s military design helps it endure the enormous physical stresses required to drop 1,000 gallons of water multiple times a day on a fire
become critical.” Also approved was the construction of a new SDFD hangar at Montgomery Field. The 30,000-square-foot facility will include space for five heavy-lift helicopters, offices, maintenance and storage for 10,000 gallons of jet fuel. The hangar will be co-located with the department’s Air Operations Station. The cost for the hangar is $12 million. The S-70i version of the Firehawk includes wide chord rotor blades for increased payload and maneuverability, enhanced engine power, a stronger airframe than previous models, a digital cockpit with flight management system for enhanced situation awareness, and an Integrated Vehicle Health Management System to monitor the aircraft’s operational health. Among the improved safety features, the S-70i aircraft includes a terrain and obstacle avoidance system that alerts the air crew to the proximity of potential hazards on the ground. The City expects to receive the new Firehawk by fall 2018.
hire artist Tom Plonka to surprise the then teenager Miles with an original San Diego Chargers and Chicago Cubs mural in his bedroom. The whole family loved the results and Miles, a huge sports fan, was thrilled. The mural became a treasured childhood memory. After Larry Himmel’s passing, Miles set up the Larry Himmel Neighborhood Foundation in his father’s honor. The foundation
cutting-edge tools to service any vehicle make and model. Bay Park and Clairemont residents can expect to stay in their car and watch SuperPro certified technicians knock out their oil change in 15 minutes. Valvoline Instant Oil Change has more than 30 years experience providing fast, convenient car maintenance services for busy people and company fleets. Visit www.VIOC.com for store hours, directions, and coupons also see page 9 for a special offer. supports many worthy causes across San Diego County. It was Miles’ idea to create the murals at Riley Special Day School and he immediately called Todd Jackson to make it happen. “It was wonderful to witness the excitement in the students’ eyes as they saw the final reveal of the murals they watched come to life during weeks of planning, sketching and painting,” said Jackson. “Larry was a great friend and we know he would be so proud of Miles and all he is doing to help our community.”
Were You Recently Chosen for the Lawn Rebate Program? by Chris O’Connell
Last month the City of San Diego extended a rebate program where customers could receive up to $4,200 to remove their grass and install water-wise material and efficient irrigation. If you recently were chosen in the
lottery system and would like to document the before, during and after process please reach out to me via email or phone. You may remain anonymous if you like, the goal is to highlight a nice yard transformation for the Spring season. Chris@ClairemontTimes.com or (858) 752 9779
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The Clairemont Times • January 2018 • 5
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Annual Closure of Children’s Pool Beach Beach begins closure to accommodate harbor seal pupping season Last month the City of San Diego closed the beach at Children’s Pool in La Jolla beginning at daybreak on 12/15. Since 2014, the City has closed the beach and surrounding area from Dec. 15 to May 15 during harbor seal
pupping season. The existing rope line which serves as a guide and reminder for the public to keep a safe distance from any seals that may be present will also be removed since the entire beach will be closed to the public. City park rangers and lifeguards will continue to monitor the Children’s Pool during the beach closure to keep the public and wildlife safe.
Possible Solutions When an Individual with Health Problems is Having Difficulty Handling His or Her Affairs by Dick McEntyre, Attorney at Law
When an individual’s health is declining, and that individual is having difficulty handling his or her own financial affairs, here are a few ways to enable a third party to step in and help that person: 1. One option is for the individual to grant a power of attorney to a selected third party (“agent”) to handle his or her affairs. The document can grant sweeping powers or it may give only a limited power. It should be a “durable” power of attorney, which means that it will remain in effect even if and after the individual granting the power has become incompetent (if that were to occur). Note: While the State of California provides a written form for a power of attorney, some banks are reluctant to accept it, and may require the use of their own “in-house” forms. 2. A second option is where the individual has created a revocable living trust (and has funded it with assets) and is serving as its trustee. When he or she begins to deteriorate in health, he or she can resign such trusteeship, thereby turning over all trustee (management) duties to the successor trustee who had been appointed under the trust instrument. Such successor Trustee would then take over the handling of the financial affairs for the trust. If this is the case, it would still be wise to grant a financial power of attorney to such
successor Trustee authorizing his or her agent to handle any financial assets which had not been transferred into the trust. 3. A third option with respect to financial accounts is for the individual to set up a joint account with another trusted individual where each has check writing ability, enabling the trusted person to write checks from such account to pay expenses on behalf of the individual needing assistance. 4. As a last resort, a concerned third party might initiate a proceeding to have a conservator of the estate appointed by the court to handle the needy individual’s financial affairs. This is not usually the best option, because, for this to occur, the individual would have to be declared incompetent by the court. This could be trying for the individual, and would be very expensive; further, all of the on-going work of the conservator (overseer) would be subject to court supervision. The above “Possible Solutions” are generalizations only and are not to be taken as legal advice for the reader’s particular situation. Richard F. McEntyre is a lawyer practicing law in the areas of estate planning and administration, having served the San Diego community as a lawyer for over 40 years. House calls are available. Dick’s office is located at 3156 Sports Arena Boulevard, Suite 102 (Telephone (619) 221-0279), www.richardfmcentyre.com
DIRECTORY SPONSORED BY
Police 911
Non-Emergency (619) 531-2000
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Non-Emergency (619) 533-4300
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(619) 236-6330
District 2 Councilmember Lorie Zapf
(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
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6 • The Clairemont Times • January 2018
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City of San Diego
Environmental Services Department
44th Annual Christmas Tree Recycling Program Through – Jan. 23 Drop off trees during daylight hours only
Residential Customers ONLY
Sorry ... • NO Ornaments, Lights or Tree Stands • NO Plastic Bags or Trash • NO Commercial or Fundraising Trees Trees and wreaths can also be picked up curbside for those residents with curbside yard waste collection. Trees taller than 4’ should be cut in half. In 2015 close to 1100 tons of trees were recycled which preserved precious space within the Miramar Landfill.
By recycling your tree this extends the life of the tree creating compost, mulch and wood chips. City of San Diego residents can load up to two cubic yards of mulch or compost for free at the Miramar Greenery there are also other options to purchase for a nominal fee. For more information on the Christmas Tree Recycling Program and holiday waste reduction tips, contact the City of San Diego’s Environmental Services Department Recycling Hotline at 858-694-7000 or www.recyclingworks.com
Residential Christmas Tree Recycling Drop-off Sites Carmel Valley Carmel Valley Recreation Center 3777 Townsgate Drive (lower parking lot) Encanto Cielo Drive at Woodman Street Golden Hill Golden Hill Recreation Center 2600 Golf Course Drive La Jolla Kate Sessions Park Mount Soledad Rd. Logan Heights Memorial Recreation Center, 2902 Marcy Ave. Miramar Miramar Landfill and Greenery Recycling, Convoy Street (north of state Route 52) Mission Bay Sea World Drive at Pacific Highway Oak Park Chollas Lake 6350 College Grove Drive (Gloria’s Mesa parking lot)
Ocean Beach Robb Field Recreation Center 2525 Bacon St. Otay Mesa/Nestor Montgomery Waller Community Park (lower parking lot on the southeast corner of Palm Avenue and Beyer Boulevard) Rancho Bernardo Rancho Bernardo Recreation Center, 18448 West Bernardo Drive Rancho Peñasquitos Canyonside Recreation Center 12350 Black Mountain Road SDSU Parking Lot 17C (formerly parking lot D) Scripps Ranch Scripps Ranch Recreation Center 11454 Blue Cypress Drive Tierrasanta De Portola Middle School 11010 Clairemont Mesa Blvd. University City Swanson Pool, 3585 Governor Drive
The Clairemont Times • January 2018 • 7
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Celebrating our 9th Year Together! • • • •
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Religious Directory Clairemont Lutheran Church www.clairemontlc.org 4271 Clairemont Mesa Blvd, San Diego, CA 92117 Sunday Worship Times 8:30, 10:00 (English) & 11:30 am (Spanish) Sunday School for kids 9:45am Holy Cross Lutheran Church www.holycrossword.org 3450 Clairemont Drive, San Diego, CA 92117 Church (858) 273-2886 Sunday Worship 9:00 am 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: 10:00am Wednesday Testimony Meetings: Noon
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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) 10:00am - Holy Communion Rite II (Contemporary) Wednesday Short Service w/Communion 6:15pm 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
For more news and information visit: www.clairemonttimes.com
8 • The Clairemont Times • January 2018
Squaremont By Bill Swank
prescription that was featured in “Charles Cass: Bay Park’s Fearless G-Man” (June 2017). Sam granted permission and the image is presumed to be on display in the Hawthorn Inn.
Pictured: Bill Swank outside the Buena Vista Garden Apartments on Cowley Way in 1955, with East Clairemont off in the distance.
www.clairemonttimes.com Rebecca Moffatt wrote that she is a “recent transplant” to San Diego. “Loved the article (“Clairemont’s Greatest Pickup Bar,” September 2017). Wish there was a Moonglow still here in Clairemont. Keep writing cool articles like this and I’ll keep reading.”
Photos by Bill Swank
Who’s Who in Clairemont Continued from page 1
Clairemont drive are named after cities: Chicago, Denver, Erie and Frankfort. Jim wrote,“Since it was between Erie Street and Frankfort Street and it was just two blocks long and my mother- in-law lived in Fallbrook, the name Fallbrook Lane was suggested and approved by all owners and the city. That is how the street was named.” GREY HILL (So Cal Architecture Group on Facebook) I do not have a Facebook account and eventually was finally able to figure out that GREY HILL is actually Gesele Rey-Hill of Bay Park. Her interest was in mid-century modern construction at the original Clairemont Square. I wrote back that I am neither an expert nor a fan of “mid-century modern architecture.” I suspect Frank Lloyd Nabisco was Clairemont’s primary architect in the 1950s. William Blakeslee, Dan Whelan and Curtis Nygard all responded to “Clairemont’s Long Forgotten Little League Ballfields” (April 2017). These guys all had great Clairemont Little League memories. William wrote with great respect and affection for his Little League coach, Jim Harkness. Dan provided detailed information about the ballparks at the North Clairemont Square and Curtis had pictures and stories. He even made two trips to my home to deliver them. Based on the positive reaction to the April column, a lengthy follow-up article featuring William, Curtis and Dan appeared in the May issue of the newspaper. I don’t know much about Facebook, but a Clairemont Facebook account picked up on the story and many people shared their Little League memories. Nhu Van sent e-mail confirmation for her invitation to the Buddhist Mother’s Day celebration at the Dinh Thanh temple on September 17, 2017. Stephen Parker owns the Historic Hawthorn Inn at First and Hawthorn in Banker’s Hill. He was requesting permission from Sam Ames to make a print of the Prohibition Era
Sunny Vee also enjoyed the article about Charles Cass and wondered if Cass Street in Pacific Beach (with all the saloons) was named for the former prohibition officer. From my research, that street was named after Lewis Cass, Territorial Governor of Michigan and, later, Secretary of War under President Andrew Jackson. Charles Cass was a likely relative of the early American patriot. Sunny’s sense of irony is appreciated Andy Castagnola wanted to know if I knew anything about his relative, George Castagnola, who played with Lou Gehrig and the Larrupin’ Lous. After the 1927 season, Gehrig barnstormed with Babe Ruth and the Bustin’ Babes. Years ago, I did research for another man whose father also played for the Larrupin’ Lous in Santa Barbara, but couldn’t find it. Over the course of the past year, others contacted me at my Clairemont Times e-mail account to ask various baseball questions. Gary White of Lucerne Valley (north of San Bernardino) sent an email on June 27, 2017 about the forgotten Little League ballfields article from April. As a young boy, he lived at 2936 Fairfield Street on the corner of Clairemont Drive. He wrote, “Actually, that first little league field was directly below our house, right where the Field Court cul-de-sac houses are now located. The house at 2921 Field Court basically straddles the spot where the infield was located. I remember this vividly because of all the excitement of game days, buying popcorn and candy from the snack shack, watching games from our back porch, and combing the pickleweed embankments looking for stray baseballs.” Thanks, Gary, because the location of that ballpark was the biggest mystery for me. You confirmed it was exactly where I remembered it being in 1955. He’ll send a picture if he can find one.
Nicholas Cretelle sent an email about the Moonglow (Moonglo) article to complain that it, “resembled reporting during the 2016 Presidential [sic] election - no fact checking! The Moonglow was located in the area now occupied by the hardware store. That would be the Northeast [sic] corner of Clairemont Drive and Clairemont Mesa Boulevard. Not at the Southwest [sic] corner as erroneously reported.” Of course, Mr. Cretelle is correct. I apologize to any other reader who was equally outraged by my egregious error, but, frankly, I have difficulty connecting the dots between the location of a former Clairemont watering hole and any similarity to the coverage during the contentious 2016 presidential campaign. Unintentional mistakes have appeared in this column, but you will not find “fake news” in Squaremont! Mark McCloskey wrote,“I just read your article on the Moonglo et al and it was incredible.” He related memories of his Dad playing in a band at the Moonglo and also drinking Shirley Temples with his younger brother, Ralph, in a booth at the Stardust while their father talked to friends at the bar. They all got their haircuts at “the Quad” barber shop. The barbers were Don and Con. Michael Boehmke sent a well-written and reasonable e-mail about the serious parking problems caused by the Buddhist Dinh Thanh temple at the corner of Clairemont Drive and Gila Avenue. He noted that the temple only has two designated parking spots and cannot understand how the city could allow this to happen in a residential neighborhood. He also addressed the problems created by the bike lanes on Clairemont Drive
and added traffic on narrow streets to access the 50 new homes on the former Stevenson Elementary School site. Mike is frustrated that his concerns have fallen on deaf ears at city hall. Takaoki Fujiwara wants me to represent his company, Hankyu Hanksin Holdings Group, in the United States and Canada. Hankyu Hanksin specializes in transportation, retailing, real estate, entertainment and media. Does this mean they want to carry “Squaremont” in their Japanese newspapers? Señor Chango appears on this year’s “Who’s Who” list, because, for eight years, motorists have seen him climbing a truncated Clairemont palm tree and asked,“Who’s that?” As you are driving north on Clairemont Mesa Boulevard before it descends into San Clemente Canyon, you can’t miss this mischievous metal gorilla. Juan Nunez, an eclectic art collector and co-owner of Nunez Landscaping Company, bought the unusual sculpture in Popotla, a small Baja fishing village south of Rosarito. His brother, Miguel Nunez, explained how their father just shakes his head and says,“What did Juan get now?” Squaremont salutes the Brothers Nunez of North Clairemont for their sense of humor and for creating a local landmark. They played Little League at Clairemont Hilltoppers and their sons are anxious for the 2018 season to start. Email:Bill@ClairemontTimes.com To read all the Squaremont columns visit: http://clairemonttimes.com/category/squaremont/
The Clairemont Times • January 2018 • 9
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Traffic Study for Proposed Soccer City Project Available to the Public by Chris O’Connell
In early December SANDAG released a “trip generation study” hired by both opponents and proponents of Soccer City conducted by the SANDAG Service Bureau. The study was conducted to forecast proposed mixed use development on the Qualcomm site and the impact of, travel to, from and within the property. Both groups agreed upon a set of working assumptions for the 166 acre site: “By 2035, the redevelopment area would include a total of 4,800 residential units, 450 hotel rooms, 70.4 acres allocated as follows; stadium/arena (13%), recreational (72%), and park use (15%).The development also would include 3.14 million square feet of non-residential space allocated as; scientific research and development (9%), commercial (24%), and office (68%) use.This mix of development equates to 9,089 residents living on the site and 10,480 jobs.” Some numbers which were forecast regarding travel to/from/on-site by 2035: • 97,000 ADT to/from the proposed
site on an average weekday basis (Average Daily Traffic (ADT) which measures the total number of (personal and commercial) vehicles projected to travel into and out of the site on an average weekday) This includes residents, visitors, employees on site, commercial vehicles, recreation users, hotel visitors to name a few. • The model also estimates there will be approximately 123,000 PTs on an average weekday basis, with approximately three-quarters (77%) of these trips occurring in a motor vehicle. Person Trips (PT) which represents the number of individuals who are traveling to, from, or within the site for personal reasons, either by motor vehicle (as the driver or passenger in a carpool), transit, walking, or biking Population & Housing • The 2035 proposed development increases the Mission Valley Community Planning Area (CPA, 2035 forecast) population from 34,282 to 43,371 for an increase of 26.5 percent. Dwelling units for the Mission Valley CPA increased from 19,299 to 24,099 for an increase of 24.9 percent. Additionally mutually agreed upon
parameters were also discussed with regards to traffic patterns either now in place, proposed or removed. Sprinkled throughout the study comparisons were made to other areas of the city and county for context. Whether it was comparisons of acreage, population, commercial/office space etc. It is important to note this is a “study” conducted by SANDAG using what they term the “SANDAG Series 13 Travel Demand Model”. This is based on a number of factors, including 2012
observed traffic counts, as well as Census Bureau data in addition to other gathered information. If this is the type of data that interests oneself I would highly recommend checking it out and reading the report in its entirety. The entire 11 page study with its charts, graphs and more in depth date can be found on the web at http://www.sandag.org/uploads/newsi d/newsid_988_22840.pdf in addition a link will be posted at www.ClairemontTimes.com
A Few of the New Laws Effective January 1st by Chris O’Connell
More Time Off For New Parents Parental Leave Act (PLA) provides up to 12 weeks leave for new parents, including parents who have given birth and parents who have had a child placed through adoption or foster care. No Questions about Prior Salary Assembly Bill 168, would bar employers from asking or inquiring about the pay history of a job applicant. Minimum Wage Increase The California minimum wage will be $11/hr for companies with 26 or more employees (increases each year will bring it to $15/hr by 2022) 25 or
less employees, workers must be paid $10.50 an hour. New ‘Transportation Improvement Fee’ A new fee will be added on your vehicle registration anywhere from $25 to $175 based on the vehicle’s current market value. Where’s the money going ... to fix potholes, repair infrastructure, bridges (etc ... see ... blah blah blah) Disabled Person Parking Placards Crackdown This law cracks down on fraud and abuse. Placard holders (not license plate) must renew their permits every six years. Applicants must provide proof of name & DOB
10 • The Clairemont Times • January 2018
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One Lane Closed on Westbound I-8 Near California/Arizona Border For those travelling or maybe relatives coming to town an update on I-8 Caltrans crews closed one lane of westbound Interstate 8 (I-8) between Harold C. Giss Parkway and Sidewinder Road to repair a bridge expansion joint over the Colorado River. The lane closure will begin in Yuma and cross over into California and will be in place through late January.
Enhancing the Golden Years
Motorists may experience delays. Signs have been placed in advance of the closure and motorists are asked to allow extra time while travelling through this area. Real-time traffic information can be found at: http://quickmap.dot.ca.gov or http://www.az511.gov/traffic For project information, visit www.dot.ca.gov/d11/projects/update8 Follow on Twitter: @SDCaltrans and Facebook: www.facebook.com/CaltransDistrict11
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See answers in next month issue.
The Clairemont Times • January 2018 • 11
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City Council Fails to Pass Home Share and Short Term Residential Occupancy Commentary by Louis Rodolico
On Tuesday, December 12, 2017 at 10:00AM San Diego City Council met again to vote on Home Share and Short Term Residency.There was a high level of democratic fervor in the air.The two
operating as they have and like Option 1 has; escalating fines and loss of license for bad actors. Green shirt STVR’s were well represented here, many of whom subscribe to Airbnb or VBRO and depend on their renters for income to make ends meet.
San Diego City Council - December 12, 2017 Home Share and Short Term Residential Occupancy Photo by Louis Rodolico
coalitions had sign up tables with red and green tee-shirts available. Some definitions; Home Share: renting out room(s) in your house. Whole Home Permit: being able to rent an entire house. Short Term Vacation Rentals (STRV); renting for less than 30 days. You can review the meeting with the Video link at end of article.The meeting began at 0:26:30 when staff and council members gave presentations for both proposals.This was then followed by 5 hours of public testimony. The red shirts favored Option 1. Due to the affordable housing shortage, council members Bry & Zapf want existing and new housing to be for San Diegans and their proposal restricts or eliminates ownership of city property by persons outside the city.This option also attempts to eliminate STVR’s, which the well-funded Hotel lobby sees as their competition. Option 1 would essentially overturn decade old rental arrangements and has serious legal ramifications. Red shirt speakers referred to rentals in residential neighborhoods as mini-hotels that cause arguments over parking, trash and other issues.They made an excellent point; that the density should be capped in residential neighborhoods. So, in my opinion, if enforcement fails the city may need to buy-back existing permits from properties. A surtax on rentals would be necessary to fund buy-backs. The green shirts favored Option 2; a more status-quo policy which originally came out of the Smart Growth and Land Use Sub-Committee and was sponsored by council members; Cate, Ward, Kersey and Sherman.This option allows property owners to continue
After public testimony Council began deliberations, time on video 6:06:28. Each council member had 5 minutes to make an opening statement. Bry opened it up and requested a vote on her Option 1 which was seconded. All council members gave their opinion on Option 1 during their 5 minute opening statement.There were four members in favor of Option 1; BRY, Cole, Zapf & Gomez. However, Cate, Ward, Kersey and Sherman were against.That left Alvarez as the swing vote. Bry began negotiations with Alvarez and conceded several points which brought Option 1 closer to Option 2. When the vote was taken Alvarez voted against it anyway, so Option 1 failed.The door was now open and Option 2 was put on the floor. Once again Alvarez was in a position to make demands on Option 2 and its authors modified the option to meet the conditions that Alvarez requested, a vote was taken and Alvarez voted against it anyway so Option 2 failed.That let it open to reintroduce Option 1.There were some continued negotiations on Option 1. However, Alvarez continued to come up with new barriers and when he wanted to establish the meaning of the word “person”, Sherman threw up his hands. A third vote (10:32:59) on the original Option 1 failed, the meeting was closed at 10:36:25 It is interesting to watch council making legislative sausage in real time. The Municipal code and other codes that need to be considered exceed 10,000 pages. Seemingly simple changes reverberate throughout these documents, the consequences of which
can take staff a great deal of time to sort out. About 150,000 new housing units will be built in San Diego by mid-century. Looks to me like the Hotel lobby should get out of its own way on this issue since doing nothing allows for the status quo and all new housing/permits will not be regulated. The Deputy City Attorney grounded criticism at 8:28:45 by indicating that the council was warned in memos about these issues.To paraphrase the October 17, 2017 City Attorney memo, link below;“it has not been proven that short term occupancy has an impact on affordable housing”. All residences, in the coastal commission zone, are subject to coastal commission approval. California Coastal Act (CCA) 30213:”lower cost visitor and recreational facilities (including rentals) should be protected, encouraged and where feasible provided”. When we travel we use Airbnb or VBRO and when none are available we often skip the city entirely due to the expense of hotels. STRV’s provide customers for San Diego restaurants and other tourist venues. Maybe representatives of Option 1&2 should sit down with the Deputy City Attorney and work out compromises in small bites. Most council members agree on permit fees and fines, to fund enforcement, so they can start there. After that a separate vote
can be taken to determine zoning related to new permits. Creating caps would probably involve a complex administrative model related to number of bedrooms, off street parking, the width of the curb in front of a residence and distances between licensed units.The thorny issue of buying back existing permits would require judicial review. The December 12th votes failed, however the cost of doing nothing is substantial; many real estate transactions currently remain in limbo due to buyer uncertainty over how a property can be used, the long term status of: whole home rentals, home share residents and STRV’s will remain unclear. Neighbors will continue to escalate their conflicts without; reasonable caps, clear rules and adequate enforcement. Louis Rodolico has been a University resident since 2001 to read more visit: louisrodolico.com Links: Meeting video link: http://granicus.sandiego.gov/MediaPlayer.php?v iew_id=3&clip_id=7207 October 17th Memo http://docs.sandiego.gov/cityattorneyreports/RC2017-6.pdf California Coastal Act, San Diego https://www.sandiego.gov/sites/default/files/ad_ hoc_2_coasta.pdf
12 • The Clairemont Times • January 2018
LoloLovesFilms This Month:
The Clairemont Times PO Box 17671 San Diego, CA 92177 (858) 752-9779 Founding Publisher: Chris O’Connell Graphic Designer: Elaine Hall Contributors: Brian Gruters Susan Lewitt Dick McEntyre Robby McKittrick Lauren & Josh Rains Brian Riehm Louis Rodolico Robert Ross Bill Swank Barbarah Torres Marge Weber The Clairemont Times is a free publication published each month and circulated throughout the neighborhoods of Clairemont, Linda Vista, Bay Park & Kearny Mesa. Story ideas, advertising & editorial questions can be sent to The Clairemont Times P.O. Box 17671, San Diego, CA 92177 or chris@clairemonttimes.com Copyright ©2011-18 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:
10 Amazing Movies from 2017 You May Have Missed by Lolo & Big J
2017 has produced several worthy films have flown under the radar with only modest box office returns. Here’s a list of 10 amazing movies from 2017 you may have missed that are definitely worth checking out. “Ingrid Goes West” Our world is obsessed with the internet & social media. This dark comedy looks at what happens when an online obsession goes too far & shows what can happen when you share your life with total strangers. Great performances by Aubrey Plaza and Elizabeth Olsen help show the difference between an online persona & real life. 4/5 “Maudie” The true story of Canadian folk artist Maud Lewis & her relationship with her gruff, often disagreeable, sometimes abusive husband Everitt Lewis. We see her development as a person fighting a disability & as an artist. We also see the first of two Oscar-worthy performances from Sally Hawkins this year. 4/5 “mother!” The most controversial film of the year. Using metaphor to explore religion & social issues, director Darren Aronofsky tells an allegorical tale while refusing to hold the audience’s hand to guide them to a conclusion. It’s always provocative & sometimes downright offensive, but it will always spark conversation. 4.5/5 “Only The Brave” This true story of the Granite Mountain Hotshots boasts a great cast giving wonderful performances. It is sure to inspire & tug at your heartstrings as it examines the stories of the men who risk their lives fighting wildfires. 4/5 “Patti Cake$” The tale of a young, overweight white woman from New Jersey trying to make it as a rapper. She has immense talent & lives just across the river from the world’s biggest music mecca, but it might as well be a million miles away for the financially struggling daughter of an alcoholic
www.clairemonttimes.com who too failed to her achieve her dream of music stardom. Fantastic music, wonderful performances. 4/5 “Professor Marston and the Wonder Women” We’ve all seen “Wonder Woman,” but without professor Marston & his unconventional lifestyle, the most recognizable female superhero in the world may have never existed. The highly under-appreciated Rebecca Hall does an amazing job as Mrs. Marston, one of the two women who inspired the iconic character we know & love today. 4/5 “The Shape of Water” There are a lot of romance movies out there, but very few are told with the grace, beauty, and imagination seen in director Guillermo del Toro’s latest film “The Shape of Water.” It is an unconventional fantasy romance that challenges the ideas of what it truly means to be human. For the second time in less than a year, Sally Hawkins gives an award-worthy performance. 5/5 “Stronger” The story of Boston bombing survivor Jeff Bauman. Powerful & emotional, it doesn’t treat its protagonist as a saint & shows a person can be a flawed, reluctant hero
in times of tragedy. It manages to draw tears without ever feeling phony. Jake Gyllenhaal & Tatiana Maslany are tremendous. 4.5/5 “The Disaster Artist” This is a genuinely fantastic, ironic, & poignant film about pursuing your dreams, and never giving up, even if you aren’t very talented & especially if you have a weird friend who has a mysterious source of obscene amounts of disposable income. It’s an ode to dreamers, to friendship, and to not getting torn apart. Please do yourself a favor and see “The Room” beforehand. It truly is the best worst movie ever made. 5/5 “Their Finest” This is a film about the making of a movie about the evacuation of Dunkirk that was intended to inspire British citizens during WWII. It is remarkably acted, deeply satisfying, emotionally somber, and supremely witty. 4.5/5 Visit our blog at www.lololovesfilms.com for more reviews, and follow us @lololovesfilms on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat for extra content! For inquiries or comments, please email: lololovesfilms@gmail.com.
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Beers by the Bay Groundswell Brewing – Community Tasting Room by Brian Riehm
Kevin Rhodes, owner of Groundswell Brewing, told me that he had originally thought of the name “Community Brewing” when he was starting operations almost four years ago. He eventually settled on the name Groundswell denoting a small
When asked about the emphasis on tasting rooms, Rhodes replied that they provided a solid foundation to maintain future growth for the business. Although Groundswell has gone through some changes in head brewers, Rhodes still sees the brewery as producing beers with more moderate alcohol content than others in San Diego. Quaffable and crushable might aptly describe his product. He is making beer with great flavor, balanced, and easily drinkable. The exception to the mild ABV rule is the highly popular Oathkeeper and Oathbreaker stout series, which are typically Christmas releases. These stouts also went into cans on December 16th. The new year should bring the release of an Imperial IPA and then a new release every month.
dominated bitter flavor. This has plenty of malt to keep it tasty. Piloncillo Brown, brewed with the eponymous Mexican sugar in the boil, is toasty brown that is very drinkable. A lighter porter with coffee and vanilla notes, Pull My Porter is a very drinkable porter. Mocha Milk Stout was slightly bitter with a surprisingly dry taste. The chocolate was subtle in this stout. I finished with Oathkeeper Russian Imperial Stout, my favorite beer of the day. This is a very rich caramel boozy beer. It should be sipped slowly to enjoy subtle notes of chocolate and spice. I hope to try the Kevin Rhodes at the Groundswell tasting room in Grantville.
group moving things in a big direction. But his tasting room in Grantville at 6304 Riverdale St., certainly seemed like a community gathering. Even early in the afternoon, people were coming in and out on a lunch break or just because they were in the area. My bartender Ray was highly knowledgeable and invested in the success of the operation as well. The tasting room, also the original brewing site, is very comfortable for a relaxing afternoon of beer tasting. It is dog and kid friendly, although I saw neither on my visit. Rhodes provided some background on the Groundswell operations and his future plans for the brewery. He moved operations to the former Twisted Manzanita location at 10151 Prospect Ave. in Santee this year, with a grand opening last February. This provided increased production capacity, while still maintaining the tasting room in Grantville. He is also getting set to open a kitchen in Chula Vista along with the already established tasting room, which officially opened on December 17th.
Photo by Brian Riehm
Groundswell will release its first hazy IPA in 2018. I started off tasting with some milder, sweeter beers. When I sip a flight of tasters, I usually move from mild to hoppy and then to darker and stronger beers. My first taster was Tropical Hefeweizen, a great start. Galaxy hops offset by a mild nectar flavor give this wheat ale extra character. A great beer to get your friend started on craft beer is First Date Blonde Ale. It was on the sweet side, but still balanced. Belgian Pale had characteristic spicy esters with floral notes. All of these beers were on the sweeter side. Rhodes remarked that Undulation White IPA is the brewery’s flagship offering. I started my IPA samples there. Undulation’s dry hopping hits your nose and palate first, then the wheat kicks in and smoothes out the whole experience. This beer feels full in the mouth, so you will want to savor it. Quattro IPA, uses a blend of four hops to give an intense floral smell and taste, offset by some melon sweet notes. Hubba Hubba IIPA is big and bold with the Galaxy hops
canned version soon. If you haven’t been to Groundswell in a while, it’s time to come back to sample the new beer and enjoy the beer drinking community. Groundswell Brewing 6304 Riverdale St. Grantville (also tasting rooms in Santee & Chula Vista) SD, CA 92120 www.groundswellbrew.com Brian Riehm is a long-time Clairemont resident and follower of the local craft beer scene. You can keep up with all his beer reviews by following @BrianRiehm on Twitter and reading his blog (brianssandiego.blogspot.com/)
“Draft” Balboa Avenue Station Plan Released and Open for Comments by Chris O’Connell
This photo was taken back in September of 2015, in that short amount of time a lot has changed. As many know this area will be the future Balboa Station for the Mid Coast Trolley. There will be a public meeting this month held by the City of San Diego Planning Department to go over the entire Balboa Avenue Station Area Specific Plan. The City has released a 57 page document “draft plan” which can be viewed online at www.BalboaStationPlan.org. There is also a Facebook page to follow for updates: @BalboaStationPlan At the time of printing the specific date had not been scheduled for the January public meeting to be held in either Clairemont or Bay Park. When
the date is released, we will share on social media and on our website. The City is very interested in feedback/comments which can be provided by email to: Michael Prinz: Mprinz@sandiego.gov Please submit comments on the draft Specific Plan by Friday, January 26, 2018.
14 • The Clairemont Times • January 2018
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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
SANDAG Offers $40,000 in Grants to “Go by Bike” Applications Accepted Through January 19, 2018 The SANDAG iCommute program is gearing up for National Bike Month (May 2018) by offering mini-grants of up to $3,000 to help pay for programs or projects that encourage biking for everyday trips. A wide variety of organizations are eligible to apply, including local government agencies, community-based and nonprofit organizations, colleges and universities, business improvement districts, main street associations, and chambers of commerce. The SANDAG iCommute program expects to award $40,000 in GO by BIKE Mini-Grants in this funding cycle. The types of activities eligible for these grants include: • Community rides, bike scavenger hunts, or guided bike tours • Bike commuting, maintenance, and safety classes • Local “Bike to Work” or “Bike to Campus” events • Campaigns or contests that promote bike riding • Bike-in movie events • Public events or rides that open city streets to bikes
Projects that focus on biking through outreach and education will be prioritized. Applications will be accepted through January 19, 2018 at 5 p.m. Grants will be awarded by February 16, 2018. Funded activities must take place between March 31 and June 15, 2018. Details about eligibility, reporting requirements, evaluation and selection criteria, timelines, and the application process are available on the iCommute Bike Month web page www.icommutesd.com/events/bike-m onth In 2017, iCommute awarded 12 GO by BIKE Mini-Grants to organizations that supported community bike festivals, bike classes, the development of bike education materials, and other bike-related projects. The grant program supports the agency’s ongoing effort to encourage people to GO by BIKE for everyday trips. The San Diego region has a network of 1,340 miles of bikeways, with more bike paths being steadily added to the system. For more information on GO by BIKE Mini-Grants, visit 511sd.com/iCommute or call 511 and say “iCommute.”
Have You Ever Applied for Grant Money? by Chris O’Connell
Do you know someone who has? As the two articles above clearly state grant money is available, why not apply and then use the money locally? Of course, this available money is very specific in that it is geared towards biking and pedestrian projects, but there are many ways to keep it right in our neighborhoods. We are very fortunate that we live in a climate where bikes do not have to be stored for months on end due to inclement weather. Imagine a community bike ride, or a
bike/walking tour around the neighborhoods or classes to teach biking 101 or bike maintenance. If you have a pitch now is the time to present. The reality is grant money is there and it will go to different neighborhoods and communities. Why not Clairemont or Bay Park or Linda Vista or Kearny Mesa? If you know a grant writer or belong to a chamber or NFP, if you are in a BID district here is your chance. Make note of the dates for the workshop and the deadlines up above. Good luck!
Grant Money Available for Smart Growth & Bike/Pedestrian Projects Workshop January 11th Applications Due March 15th To incentivize projects that promote smart growth, as well as increase walking, biking, and transit usage, SANDAG is calling on local jurisdictions to submit applications for more than $30 million in competitive grants available under its TransNet Smart Growth Incentive Program (SGIP) and TransNet Active Transportation Grant Program (ATGP). Approximately $27 million in smart growth funds and $3.6 million in active transportation funds are available. Up to $1 million from the smart growth funds will be made available for local jurisdictions to complete Climate Action Plans and Complete Streets Policies. Grant applications for both programs are due by 4 p.m. on Thursday, March 15, 2018. SANDAG will hold a pre-proposal workshop from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on January 11, 2018 in the SANDAG
Board Room at 401 B St., 7th floor. Prospective applicants are strongly encouraged to attend. The money for the grant programs comes from two sources: TransNet, the regional half-cent sales tax for transportation approved by San Diego County voters, which sets aside 2 percent of annual revenues for each grant program; and funds distributed by the state under the California Transportation Development Act. Only local cities and the County of San Diego can apply for the grant funds. Nonprofit and community-based organizations may collaborate to apply for funding in conjunction with the cities or the county, but cannot apply directly for the funds. For details about the evaluation criteria for the current funding cycle, visit sandag.org/cycle4grants. Check out successful grant-funded projects on the Keep San Diego Moving interactive story map at: http://transnetmap.sandag.org/
Neighborhood Meetings Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport Master Plan Meeting 1/16/18 3-5pm City of San Diego Public Utilities Department Auditorium, 9192 Topaz Way, San Diego 92123. Topic for this meeting will be alternatives analysis. The meeting material (presentation boards, Power Point and comment slips) from the most recent public meeting have been uploaded to the project website: www.sdairportplans.com/documents Kearny Mesa Community Plan Update - “Office Hours” For questions about the draft
scenarios, please drop in for “office hours” with City staff at the Serra Mesa-Kearny Mesa Branch Library located at 9005 Aero Drive, San Diego, 92123: January 10th from 1-3 pm 3 Draft Land Use Scenarios, as well as Draft Land Use Descriptions, were released and the City is accepting feedback to edickson@sandiego.gov or in person at the via the Kearny Mesa Connected Subcommittee meeting January 18th from 3:00-4:30pm Metropolitan Operations Complex (MOC II) Auditorium 9192 Topaz Way San Diego, CA 92123 View the draft scenarios & draft land use descriptions at: www.kearnymesaconnected.com
For more news and information visit: www.clairemonttimes.com
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www.clairemonttimes.com Kim Cares Tech Tips
More Fun and Useful Information by Kim Schultz
Thanks for last month’s great feedback regarding some of my favorite tech stuff. Well, I have lots of useful info, so I have decided to share some more. Plus, in honor of the New Year, (and to help with ALL your new Tech devices) I’m offering, For January, a free half hour of my services, when booked along with my minimum hour. That is an hour and a half of “Personalized Service” for $35. And “I Come to YOU!” Calculator.net This “Free” site gives over 150 useful and interesting calculators to figure out things you have always wanted to know and more. Calculator examples: Mortgage Payoff, Retirement, and Fuel Costs. Probability, Square Footage,
Inflation, and even a Love Calculator (just for fun). Accountkiller.com Also “Free”, this site collects Direct links and Deleting Instructions for Terminating Online accounts (your profile info, etc.) that you no longer want. (i.e. Twitter, Facebook, etc.) But what I find especially helpful is that this site provides an easy to read list that tells you the difficulty level to terminate each Website. Nightmare= BLACK, Semi-difficult =GREY, and Easy = WHITE. Considering signing up for a New Website or App? Use this website to check them out, before you do. For more info, or to schedule a call, you can reach me at 619-261-1585. Smiles and Safe Searching, Kim Schultz
Easy to Grow Native Plant of the Month: Blue Eyed Grass (Sisyrinchium bellum) Blue eyed Grass (Sisyrinchium bellum) occurs all over California, in meadows, moist grass- covered areas and woodlands, up to 8,000 feet elevation. It can be found in Chaparral
and Coastal Sage Scrub communities and the margins of wetland/riparian areas.They also occur on the forest floors of Yellow Pine Forests and Foothill Woodlands. It may look like and be named a grass, but it is an iris. Blue Eyed Grass is usually 1 foot tall, but may reach 2 feet.The small purplish to bluish, and occasionally white, flowers bloom from January to July.This perennial plant goes dormant for the summer, preparing for the next growing season. Blue Eyed Grass grows best in level
places with loamy moisture holding soil, topped with deep organic mulch. It may need some watering in dryer summers, even though it is dormant. Blue Eyed Grass multiplies through self-sowing seeds and is propagated by dividing its rhizomes. This deer resistant ground cover works well in butterfly gardens, but not in mass plantings by itself. Use this plant for borders, rock gardens and wildflower meadows. Companion native plants indigenous to the Clairemont/Mira Masa area that work well with blue eyed grass include California Buckwheat (Eriogonum fasciculatum), Lemonade Berry (Rhus integrifolia), Blue Wildrye (Elymus glaucus), California Brome Grass (Bromus carinatus), Deergrass (Muhlenbergia rigens), Junegrass (Koeleria macrantha), Meadow Barley
Tecolote Nature Center
5180 Tecolote Road San Diego, CA. 92110 • 858-581-9959 Monday – Closed, Tuesday –Saturday 9:00-4:00, Sunday 9:00-2:00 Wednesday, January 17 1:30-3:00 Art & Activities for kids– Free Winter Wonders! Stop by to learn a little and create a lot! Nature inspired crafts and activities. Saturday, January 20 9:00-11:00 Weed Warriors Start the year off right and volunteer to help out in our garden and canyon. Remove some nonnative weeds, plant some natives as needed, and give our thirsty plants a drink. Gloves and tools provided. 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
(Hordeum brachyantherum), Purple Needlegrass (Stipa pulchra),Thingrass (Agrostis pallens), Douglas’ Sagewort (Artemisia douglasiana), California Sagebrush (Artemisia californica), Spiny Rush (Juncus acutus), and Soft Rush (Juncus effuses). California Native Plant Society Events: Chapter Meeting: SD Wildflowers, 1/16 6:30pm, Casa Del Prado room 101.
Workshop: 2/10 9-3pm, San Diego Botanic Garden. 2018 Garden Native Tour: 4/14-4/15 Websites for more information on native plants and related events: Garden Native (www.gardennative.org) CNPS Events (www.cnpssd.org/events/) CALSCAPE (www.calscape.org) Photos courtesy of Calscape
For more news and information visit: www.clairemonttimes.com
16 • The Clairemont Times • January 2018
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JANUARY LIBRARY EVENTS NORTH CLAIREMONT BRANCH 4616 CLAIREMONT DR. 92117 (858) 581-9931
All San Diego Public Libraries will be closed Jan. 1 for New Year’s Day and on Jan. 15 for Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The Second Tuesday Concert Series 1/9 6:30pm Featuring the jazz guitar of Louis Valenzuela, join us for this popular and completely free performance. The Book Sale 1/13 You never know what bargains will be found but you can be assured that there will be many. You will feel good, too, knowing that your purchases support this library branch. Thank you to The Friends of the NCL. The NC Book Club 1/16 6:30pm We will discuss Caleb’s Crossing by Geraldine Brooks. Also, titles will be chosen for upcoming meetings and we would like your input. Copies are available now at the front desk. Please ask us for your copy. The Friends of NCL Meeting 1/17 1pm If you are interested in volunteering or just curious about the library please attend, all are welcome. There is always an exciting opportunity, development or inspiration happening at the North C. Library. Ongoing, Always Free, Programs for Adults Include Social Scrabble & Other Board Games for Grown Ups – 1/2 5pm & 1/11 1pm Second Tuesday Concert Series “Louis Valenzuela” 1/9 6:30pm Bargain Book Sale 1/13 9:30am-1pm-lots of high quality books at low, low prices! E-Book Clinic - 1/13 & 1/27 10am Book Club 1/16 6:30p Friends of the North Clairemont Library Meeting 1/17 1pm Adult Coloring Club 1/18 & 1/25 1pm – 1/23 6pm Ongoing, Always Free, Children’s Programs Mondays: Sign Language Story Time (rec 0-5 y/o) 10am Mondays: Preschool Story Time (rec 3-5 y/o) 11 am Tuesdays: Story Time (rec 0-5 y/o) 1pm Wednesdays: Baby Story Time (0-2 y/o) 11:30am Wednesdays & Fridays: Kids Craft Studio (3-8 y/o) 4pm Wednesdays: Family Story Time (all ages) 6:30pm
Saturdays: Lego Builders’ Club (3-8y/o) 2pm Love on a Leash (ages 3-8 years) 1/13 10:30am Homework Help (grades K-8) Mondays &Thursdays, 3-5:45pm and Tuesdays & Wednesdays, 3-7pm CLAIREMONT BRANCH 2920 BURGENER BLVD, 92110 (858) 581-9935
All San Diego Public Libraries will be closed Jan. 1 for New Year’s Day and on Jan. 15 for Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Adults Tech Friday - Fridays at 3pm Need some advice on how to get the most from your smart phone or tablet? Tech Fridays are an informal chance to ask our tech expert Kerry any questions you might have about how your device works and what you can do with it. Literary Book Club-1/3 6pm The Book Club will be discussing, Sandcastle Girls by Chris Bohjalian. American Sign Language for Adults-Mondays starting 1/22 3pm This weekly class is taught by educator Thomas Hauser and will give students a basic understanding of ASL. The class runs six weeks and is about one and a half hours long. Space is limited so call to reserve your place. Make Your Own Book!- 1/23 6pm Now is your chance to learn simple binding techniques and make a book of your own. Make one for yourself or create a unique gift for someone else! Space is limited so contact the library to reserve your place. Music Concert – 1/31 6pm Enjoy music by Second Avenue Klezmer! This free concert is sponsored by the Friends of the Clairemont Library. Kids & Teens Tuesdays: Homework Help 6pm With kids back in school that means the return of homework help available free at the library! Trained volunteers are here to help kids get unstuck on those difficult problems or writing assignments. Thursdays: Game Time 3pm Break out the board games for a little tabletop fun! Thursdays: Kids Craft Club 4pm Craft time has something new every time! Saturdays: Button Making 10:30am Express yourself by making your own buttons to decorate your
backpack or clothes! Book Club for Kids! 1/23 4:30pm A book club especially for kids ages 9 and up! This student-run club is a chance for young people to read and discuss their favorite books. This month the group will discuss Wednesday Wars by Gary Schmidt. Little Ones Sign Language Storytime 1/4 & 1/18 10:30am Children and their caregivers can learn ASL sign language while hearing great stories! Presented by Jennifer Duncan. Baby & Toddler Storytime with Stay & Play 1/11 & 1/25 10:30am Fun toddler stories along with play time afterwards! Fridays: Preschool Storytime with Miss Fran! 10:30am Join Miss Fran as she reads fun picture books and sings songs! All Ages 3D Printer-Clairemont Library’s own 3D printer is available for use by interested young people and adults. We have yet to set up regular open times but those interested in printing something can talk to library staff for details. Designs should be saved as .STL files. To see thousands of pre-made designs go to www.thingiverse.com. Prints should take less than two hours. BALBOA BRANCH 4255 MT. ABERNATHY AVE, 92117 (858) 573-1390
All San Diego Public Libraries will be closed Jan. 1 for New Year’s Day and on Jan. 15 for Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Get 2018 off to a great start at the Balboa Branch Library! Please come and join us for some (or all) of our January events. We are always thrilled to see you! Special Events Musical Performance “Camarada”1/17 6pm Enjoy classical chamber music, a sample of tango, Celtic, Baroque and more! Learn about Clairemont’s history 1/23 6:30pm Please join us for an interesting presentation Children’s Monthly Book Discussion (grades 3-6) 1/26 3:45pm Have fun discussing Joey Pigza Loses Control by Jack Gantos. Sign up & pick up your copy now!
Children’s Events Preschool Story Craft with Miss Remi 1/4, 1/11 & 1/18 (pre-5y/o) 10am Wee Reads 1/5, 1/12 1/19 10:30am (b-5y/o) Paws to Read 1/9 (k-gr5) 6pm. Therapy dogs provide a positive environment for children to practice reading aloud. Signing Storytime with Miss Jennifer (b-5y/o) 1/25 10am Birth – 5 years old. Miss Jennifer enhances well-loved kid’s stories with signing and bubbles! Drop in & Play 1/26 (b-5y/o) 10:30a Mondays: Lego Club (k-gr6) 4-5pm Come build amazing creations, crafted from Lego. Wednesdays: Great Read Aloud Storytime with Miss Terri (k-gr2) 6pm Saturdays: Kids Krafternoon 1-2pm Enjoy working on a new craft each week. Adult Events Stitching Circle 1/2 & 1/9 1:30-3:30 Bring your knitting, crocheting and other stitching projects. Share ideas and helpful hints with fellow adults in a relaxed setting. Happy and Healthy Adults 1/8 11:15am Join us for a relaxing fitness program presented by Lois Schenker. Balboa Book Discussion Club 1/16 11:45 The Wailing Wind and The Shape Shifter, both by Tony Hillerman Wednesdays:Tech Training 12:30-1:30pm Do you need a little help with your electronic device, setting up your email, or other basic computer questions? Sign up is required. Wednesdays: New ESL in the evenings 6:30-7:30pm Come and meet Ms. Samar our new ESL volunteer she will assist with various ESL needs such as reading, writing and speaking English in everyday life. Thursdays: Adult Writing Group 1:45pm All who love to write are welcome!
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UCSD is Moving to the Big West Conference in the Fall of 2020 by Robby McKittrick
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It was quite the spectacle in Rimac Arena on UCSD’s campus on last month. The pep band, media personnel, alumni, coaches, players, and even the mascot, King Triton were all in attendance for an announcement that has “been a long time coming” for
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UCSD athletics. UCSD’s athletic director, Earl Edwards, announced the big news of the day:The University will be moving to the division 1 level in the fall of 2020. More specifically, UC San Diego will be joining the Big West Conference. At the event, Edwards, the Chancellor, City of San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer, and former Mayor Jerry Sanders were all seated on the front of the stage. Each of these individuals took turns speaking about what this move means for UCSD and the community. The school Chancellor, Pradeep Khosla, began the press event and said that the move will “significantly increase visibility” and “elevate the student experience.” “The timing of this D1 move could not be better,” Khosla said.“UC San Diego is currently undergoing a physical, intellectual, and cultural transformation that is reshaping and re-envisioning our campus and the student experience.” “This was made possible because of our students,” Khosla added. Khosla also said that switching to the division 1 level “will heighten [UCSD’s] school pride and unity.” After Khosla spoke, UCSD played a video demonstrating why the move to the division 1 level is important to the student athletes. Edwards then introduced San Diego Mayor, Kevin Faulconer, who spoke briefly about what this transition means for UCSD and the city of San
Diego. “What a great day for the University and a great day for San Diego,” Faulconer began. “[This move] is about taking that reputation of excellence to the next level, by UC San Diego moving up to division 1 athletics,” Faulconer said. Like Khosla, Faulconer said that the change will increase “the overall student experience.” Faulconer concluded, “It was a lot of work to get here… Let’s go get em.” After the mayor finished speaking, Edwards introduced Photo by Robby McKittrick former San Diego Mayor and current CEO of San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce, Jerry Sanders. Sanders said that this transition is a “win for our entire region.” The former Mayor explained that UC San Diego attempted to make this move happen for many years and that UCSD as an institution is one of “the best kept secrets in the nation.” Like the other speakers, Sanders stated that moving to the D1 level is a “transformational moment for San Diego and UC San Diego.” Edwards re-took the stage and introduced a video of the Big West commissioner, Dennis Farrell, welcoming UCSD into the conference. Farrell said that along with UCSD, CSU Bakersfield will also be joining the Big West to increase the teams in the conference from nine to 11. Once the video finished, Edwards took the stage again. “Division 1 athletics will provide the opportunity to positively impact the culture within the UC San Diego campus and within the San Diego community,” Edwards said. He then added that UCSD will now “be able to tell their story on a local, regional, national, and global scale.” Edwards ended the press conference by showing another student video describing how the college is “moving forward” with this transition. All in all, it was an exciting event and an exciting Day for UCSD athletics. Robby McKittrick can be reached at mckittrr@gmail.com. You can read his sports pieces at robbymckittrick.blogspot.com and hashtagbasketball.com
18 • The Clairemont Times • January 2018
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CLASSIFIEDS HELP WANTED CAREGIVERS WANTED: Home for the elderly is looking for part and full-time workers wiling to care for disabled residents. Starts at 12.00 per hour. Quick advancement. Will train. Must be able to pass fingerprinting. Call Armin at (858)750-0554 SALES PRINT & DIGITAL: The Clairemont Times is currently seeking a print and digital
Advertising Sales Rep(s). The ideal candidate will have prior sales experience, be computer/internet savvy and a desire to learn and grow. In order to be successful in this position an outgoing personality, a small business thinker and time management skills are key. For more information call or email chris@clairemonttimes.com or (858) 752 9779
Your Classified Here: Are you looking to fill a position? Are you having a garage sale? Post a rental? Selling something? Publish it in the CT classifieds! Call for more information (858) 752 9779
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The Clairemont Times • January 2018 • 19
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POLICE BLOTTER VEHICLE BREAK IN 1700 Via Las Cumbres 3700 Cowley Way 3800 Camto Aguilar 4800 Tecolote Rd 3900 Kenosha Ave 4200 Genesee Ave 2200 Cardinal Dr 3700 Cowley Way 6300 Mt. Ada Rd 5100 Mt. Alifan Dr 3600 Kearney Villa Rd 4700 Mt. Abernathy Ave 3900 Kenosha Ave 5400 Clairemont Mesa Blvd 6300 Cam Costanero 7700 Balboa Ave 5300 Clairemont Mesa Blvd VEHICLE THEFT 6600 Linda Vista Rd 5200 Balboa Arms Dr 5200 Barstow St 3800 Camto Aguilar
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“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
San Diego Police Department Northern Division RSVP Program The SDPD is currently recruiting additional volunteers to serve as Retired Senior Volunteer Patrol (RSVP) officers in the Clairemont community as well as: Bay Park, UTC, University City, as well in Pacific & Mission Beach & La Jolla.
RSVP duties include patrolling our local neighborhoods, while serving as additional eyes & ears for the police department. We assist uniformed officers with directing traffic at accidents & crime scenes, we support disaster preparedness & homeland security efforts, additionally, we look
for stolen vehicles using our computer driven license plate readers, and ticket vehicles illegally parked in handicap spaces and red zones. In addition, RSVP volunteers visit elderly residents to check on their welfare & safety, and perform home checks for residents on vacation. Volunteers must be at least 50 years of age & possess a valid California driver’s license. We offer flexible schedules; a minimum of 3 days per month service is required excluding time out for vacations. Don’t wait our next academy begins in a few months; contact SDPD’s RSVP Northern Division Call for additional information and a ride along at 858-552-1737 or email: sdpdNorthern@pd.sandiego.gov
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20 • The Clairemont Times • January 2018
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