Inland Edition, April 12, 2024

Pitching in, standing out

Color explosion

Escondido weighs STR regulations

By Samantha Nelson ESCONDIDO — The

city is fine-tuning a draft ordinance to regulate and tax shortterm rentals.

Currently, there are 181 short-term rentals in Escondido. Since the municipal code is silent on transitory dwellings or rentals of 30 days or less, they are technically not allowed.

The draft ordinance, presented by staff from the city’s economic development

department to the Planning Commission on March 26, would require short-term rental operators to possess a business license — a requirement for all businesses operating within Escondido — and a short-term rental permit.

The city would also conduct code enforcement inspections of the applicants’ homes when they apply for a shortterm rental permit and during renewals.

If adopted, the city would begin collecting a transient occupancy tax, or TOT, traditionally obtained from visitors to hotels and motels (and short-term rentals in cities with regulations).

According to Director of Economic Development Jennifer Schoeneck, the city anticipates collecting approximately $300,000 per year in TOT from its existing short-term rentals. Schoeneck said

the short-term permit would cost operators $250 plus an initial $231 property inspection fee.

The draft statute would update the municipal code with definitions and establish a system for reporting and responding to complaints regarding shortterm rentals. Licensed operators would receive a $1,000 fine for the first violation, $3,000

Mayors set sights on D5 seat

Franklin, Jones vie to replace termed-out supervisor in ’26

By Laura Place

REGION — Two North County mayors have set their sights on the San Diego County Board of Supervisors for the 2026 election in hopes of making changes at the county level.

While many voters are looking ahead just to this year’s election, Vista Mayor John Franklin and San Marcos Mayor Rebecca Jones are getting an early start on their campaigns for the District 5 Supervisor seat in a couple of years.

Jones launched her campaign last month, while Franklin hit the ground running in late 2023, amassing over $400,000 in contributions since, according to campaign filings.

Current District 5 Supervisor Jim Desmond will be termed out and unable to run in 2026, opening up the seat representing Escondido, Oceanside, Vista, San Marcos, Camp Pendleton and the rest of the county’s northern communities.

Both Jones and Franklin have praised Desmond for his leadership and legacy.

“One of the reasons I feel compelled to run is because [Desmond] has done such a great job, and since we can’t keep him, we need a great leader, a common sense leader to follow him. And I think I’m the right person for that job,” Franklin said.

Currently, in his first term as Vista’s mayor and his tenth year on the City Council, Franklin said his priorities for the

JONES

FRANKLIN

Thanks to early rains and favorable temperatures, it’s a banner bloom at the Flower Fields in Carlsbad. Hit the Road on 11

Photo by Greg Siller/CSUSM Athletics

Feds looking into SANDAG after toll road fiasco

By Laura Place

REGION — SANDAG executives knew about failures with the issue-ridden state Route 125 tolling system for over a year and a half before informing the board of directors, and financial reports from vendor ETAN Tolling Technologies cannot be relied upon, according to an investigative report shared with the board on Friday.

The investigative report completed by SANDAG’s Office of the Independent Performance Auditor (OIPA) is the latest development in the saga of the South Bay Expressway tolling system, detailing how senior financial management allowed issues with financial information to persist without intervening, costing the agency around $2 million.

In October, the SANDAG board was first informed of longstanding issues with ETAN’s tolling system in a closed-session meeting.

The following month, former finance director Lauren Warrem sued the agency, alleging that she was terminated after rais-

ment within the next 30 days, she said.

Now, the Department of Justice is knocking at the door.

DAG Board Member Terry Gaasterland said at a City Council meeting on Monday.

information related to the SR-125 and that the agency has suffered significant revenue losses totaling around $2 million.

ing questions about why the agency continued to pay contractors for deficient tolling technology that had mischarged drivers.

OIPA launched an investigation in December and found that former CEO Hasan Ikhrata and Chief Financial Officer Andre Douzdjian were informed of significant issues with ETAN’s system in July 2022, with other executives potentially informed at that time.

“It is critical for the

board of directors and the public to understand what occurred and how SANDAG can prevent this from happening in the future,” Independent Performance Auditor Courtney Ruby said at the board’s March 29 meeting.

Interim CEO Coleen Clementson announced at the top of Friday’s special meeting that Douzdjian had announced his retirement the day prior. The department plans to hire a replace-

Last week, SANDAG staff members were informed that federal officials had contacted the agency, as first reported by the Union-Tribune.

“SANDAG was recently contacted by the U.S. Department of Justice. We are assisting in any way we can and have informed the SANDAG Board,” SANDAG confirmed in an email to The Coast News Tuesday evening.

SANDAG has not confirmed whether the FBI is specifically involved. A representative from the bureau’s San Diego field office said they cannot confirm or deny the existence of an investigation or whether they have contacted a particular person or agency.

However, individual board members alleged that the bureau is involved.

“We do not know what the FBI is investigating. We know that they are and that it’s underway,” Del Mar Councilmember and SAN-

Report findings

The report details how issues with ETAN’s system were clear early on, even before they were awarded a contract and went live in 2022. The system never worked as designed and required constant troubleshooting from SANDAG staff.

According to Ruby, SANDAG staff did not want to delay the launch of the SR-125 toll, despite ETAN not meeting many of its contractual requirements.

“ETAN’s implementation of the Back-Office System (BOS) Fastlane was headed for trouble from the beginning. SANDAG executive management failed to address the situation in a timely manner, including informing the Board of Directors,” the report read.

OIPA also found that SANDAG’s finance department lacks adequate internal controls to ensure accurate recording, accounting, and reporting of financial

In one example, OIPA said the agency lost at least $1 million in revenue because a function in ETAN’s system — the DMV hold functionality — was not turned on after the system went live.

SANDAG’s accounting system also failed to record transactions accurately, and finance staff prioritized meeting audit and financial statement deadlines over ensuring the reliability of the financial information itself.

The report listed several recommendations, including developing a policy requiring board notification when multimillion-dollar projects fail to meet deliverables or deadlines.

The report also recommended that SANDAG’s finance department be investigated to identify any other issues outside the SR-125 tolling system.

“The entire finance de-

Vista man fatally shot; 2 arrested

By Laura Place

VISTA — Two young men were arrested last month after a man was shot and killed in Vista.

Around 8 p.m. on March 29, the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department received a call about a victim who was down outside of his vehicle near the state Route 78 exit and on-ramps at Sycamore Avenue in Vista.

The man was later identified as 71-year-old Bryan Robert Hugo of Vista. When sheriff’s deputies arrived, Hugo was receiving medical attention from paramedics.

Hugo had been shot at least once and was transferred to the hospital before being pronounced dead shortly afterward.

A California Highway Patrol officer pursued a car that appeared to flee the scene along Sycamore Avenue. The pursuit continued into San Marcos, and the car hit multiple vehicles along the way.

Law enforcement eventually arrested driver Joseph Cedillo, 19, of Escondido, and passenger Jamal Solis, 18, of Santee. Cedillo was charged with murder, and Solis was charged with accessory after the fact.

The Sheriff’s Department said the circumstances of the incident are still under investigation but that there may have been a traffic-related incident between the two vehicles before the shooting.

Anyone with information about this incident is urged to call the Homicide Unit at (858) 285-6330, after hours at (858) 565-5200 or contact Crime Stoppers anonymously at (888) 5808477.

AN INTERNAL investigation into the South Bay Expressway tolling system revealed a startling lack of transparency among SANDAG executives, costing the agency millions and mischarging thousands of drivers. Courtesy photo/CBS8

10 STUDENTS from Baypoint Preparatory Academy, including fourth-grader Sarah Budfuloski, left, and fifth-grader Ryan Kiel, will head to Utah later this month to compete in the Western Nationals tournament of the National Archery in the Schools Program.

Students head to national archery event

San Marcos teen named county Youth of the Year

By

the Schools Program.

The qualifying fourth and fifth graders on the school’s archery team will compete in the elementary division of the two-day tour-

nament in Sandy, UT, taking place April 26-27. Of the 17 elementary students in California going to the tournament, 10 are from Baypoint. “We’re proud of the dedication and passion of our student archery team,” said Lisl Budfuloski, archery team coordinator and Baypoint lead academic coach. “We’re thrilled to see them advance to this prestigious tournament, where their talent will be seen on a national stage.”

Baypoint’s archery team was founded last year and is funded via a California Department of Fish and Wildlife grant. Forty students between the ages of nine and 14 have participated in the team this past year.

The students participating in the tournament include fifth graders Michael Hamilton, Michael Vargas, Paityn Branum, Caliya Pendergrass, and Ryan Kiel,

and fourth graders Isaac Hamilton, Emma Yargeau, Dante Villagrana, Briseida Santiago Damacio, and Sarah Budfuloski.

The team is coached by Budfuloski, Viktor Meum, Nathan Limjoco and Tim Yargeau. The NASP tournament includes bullseye shooting at a standard target and 3D shooting at foam animals. For more information, visit naspschools.org.

MARCOS —

Year.

The prestigious honor means that JimenezRamirez will serve as an ambassador for more than 33,000 Boys and Girls Club youth members in the San Diego region.

A self-described wallflower, Jimenez-Ramirez was painstakingly shy when she first started going to the Boys and Girls Club of San Marcos at the age of 7.

Soon after, she surprised everyone when she chose to join the club’s flag football team in first grade, even though everyone towered at least an entire foot above her. She knew nothing about the game and didn’t consider herself much of an athlete, but that didn’t stop her from finding the courage to try something new.

It’s that same resilient spirit and enduring curiosity that today has propelled Jimenez-Ramirez to her next big moment as she now vies for the title of California Youth of the Year, the highest honor in the state for a Boys and Girls Club teen.

“The club is my home away from home. I can be here and let my imagination just go,” Jimenez-Ramirez

said. “I have this daily boost of dopamine knowing that I’m coming here and it just helps me out. It’s really important to me in that way because it helps me be a better person.”

Jimenez-Ramirez credits the club for helping her through her hardest struggle when the once-shy youth almost failed out of school due to an undiagnosed learning disability. Once she began middle school, she found herself struggling more with her schoolwork and was overwhelmed academically and emotionally.

“Academics had become dreadful,” she said.

“I wasn’t in the best spot in

Courtesy photos

Staff SAN

Mission Hills High School senior Isabella JimenezRamirez has been named San Diego County’s Youth of the

ISABELLA JIMENEZ-RAMIREZ, a senior at Mission Hills High School, will serve as a Boys & Girls Club ambassador. Courtesy photo

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WRITERS/COLUMNISTS

Lots of bark, zero bite

County policies on homelessness lack real solutions

By Kevin Faulconer

IErik P. Gabaldon Encinitas, Carlsbad erik@coastnewsgroup.com

Chris Ahrens (Waterspot) waterspot@coastnewsgroup.com

David Boylan (Lick the Plate)david@artichoke-creative.com

E’Louise Ondash (Hit the Road) elouise@coastnewsgroup.com

Jano Nightingale (Jano’s Garden) janosgarden@gmail.com

Jay Paris (Sports Talk)jparis8@aol.com

Scott Chambers (Cartoonist) scott@coastnewsgroup.com

Frank Mangio & Rico Cassoni (Taste of Wine & Food) info@tasteofwineandfood.com

INTERN

Samantha Mason

had the privilege of serving as mayor, and I witnessed firsthand the devastating effects of homelessness on our city's streets. I have also seen the power of decisive action and compassionate solutions to address this critical issue.

Let me be clear: It is not compassionate to allow people to die on our streets. This is happening in Terra Lawson-Remer’s San Diego, and it’s unacceptable. Homelessness has skyrocketed. Homeless deaths are on the rise. It doesn’t have to be this way.

As we confront the challenges of homelessness throughout San Diego County, I am committed to implementing a multifaceted approach that prioritizes cleanliness, shelter expansion, diversion programs, mental health services and comprehensive support — all under one roof, just as we did when I was mayor of San Diego.

And it worked.

First and foremost, we must reclaim our sidewalks and public spaces from tent encampments. During my tenure as mayor, I spearheaded efforts to clean up our sidewalks and remove tent encampments, restoring a sense of safety and dignity to our communities.

By implementing proactive enforcement measures through innovative initiatives like the neighborhood policing division, we achieved tangible results — a double-digit reduction in homelessness.

San Diego became the only major city in California to achieve such progress, setting a precedent for effective action. While other cities saw increases, San Diego went in a different direction.

Addressing homelessness requires more than just enforcement. It demands a holistic approach that addresses the root causes and

provides meaningful support to those experiencing homelessness.

That's why I believe it is critical that the county take the lead in increasing shelter beds across the region. Individual cities shouldn’t be bearing the brunt of this crisis alone, throwing taxpayer money away irresponsibly.

It’s the county’s duty to take meaningful action and lead by example. By collaborating with local governments, nonprofits, and stakeholders, we can ensure that every individual experiencing homelessness has access to safe and supportive shelter options.

We must continue to invest in diversion programs and improve mental health services to provide tailored support to those in need. By diverting individuals away from the cycle of homelessness and connecting them with the resources they need to thrive, we can prevent homelessness before it occurs.

Improving mental health systems and expanding access to treatment and support services are essential to addressing the underlying factors contributing to homelessness.

We did all of this under one roof and what was the result? Over 1,000 people were moved away from the streets and into housing.

This is a stark difference from what we’re seeing from the county today, where they’re throwing money at the problem without an actual solution in place that gets people off the streets and into a place of their own. A whole lot of bark, and zero bite.

At the helm of this is Terra Lawson-Remer. She’s had four years to attack the problem at its root, seeing how it was done in other cities like San Diego, but has chosen to sit on her hands. While money has increased, so, too, has the number of homeless individuals living on our streets.

The numbers from 2020 to 2022 increased by 10%, according to the Regional Taskforce on Homelessness, on which Terra

Will state Dems heed past lessons?

California voters administered a few lessons to this state’s dominant Democratic Party in 2020 and 2022, but they appear to be forgotten or were never completely heeded.

The essence of those lessons, as seen in election returns on initiative measures and congressional races: This state’s voters are not as inveterately leftist as believed by the folks now running the state Democratic Party and the Legislature.

Rebukes to those Democrats actually began in the March 2020 presidential primary election, “won” by Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders with about 36% of the Democratic vote.

early in Newsom’s search. That’s because one of Harris’ multiple ethnicities is Indian-American, and the Asian-American interest group wanted her seat to go to someone much like her.

Lawson-Remer sits.

It’s only because it’s an election year and Terra Lawson-Remer is on the ballot that she’s emerged with a plan. The reality is that for many homeless San Diegans, it’s too late. Just last year, over 500 homeless individuals perished on our streets, which have become open-air drug markets flowing with fentanyl. It doesn’t have to be this way.

One key component of my plan is to provide individuals experiencing homelessness with a new place to go — all under one roof. By establishing comprehensive service centers that offer a range of support services, including housing assistance, health care, job training and substance abuse treatment, we can provide a pathway out of homelessness for those who need it most.

These one-stop-shop facilities will streamline access to resources and empower individuals to rebuild their lives with dignity and respect.

In implementing these measures, we must also prioritize collaboration and partnership across sectors. By bringing together government agencies, nonprofits, businesses, community members and homeless service providers, we can harness the collective expertise and resources needed to effectively address homelessness in San Diego.

Together, we can create a stronger, more resilient community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. As we move forward, let us remember that addressing homelessness is not just a moral imperative — it is a matter of public health, safety and economic prosperity.

By taking decisive action and implementing comprehensive solutions, we can make meaningful progress toward ending homelessness in San Diego once and for all.

Kevin Faulconer is a former mayor of San Diego and a candidate for the District 3 seat on the Board of Supervisors.

This was the same number drawn by the ultra-liberal former state Senate president Kevin de Leon (now a disgraced Los Angeles city councilman) from Democratic voters in his 2018 primary attempt to unseat Democratic U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein.

These two results ought to tell Democratic leaders they might find their control of California public affairs threatened if they lean too far to the left.

A combination of moderate Democrats — clearly, about 65% of those registered in the party — with traditional Republicans and other moderates among the no party preference voter cohort has the potential to install very different leaders from those operating today.

One consequence of the fact that far left Berniecrat voters regularly pack the local Democratic caucuses that pick state party convention delegates and, thus, statewide party leaders, has been the strong emergence of what is euphemistically called “identity politics.”

That’s a political school which essentially holds that every ethnic group is homogeneous and should be represented in state and national leadership in direct proportion to its percentage of the populace. Another way of saying it goes like this: “We want our government to look like the state (or nation).”

This allows little space for qualifications, achievement or even consideration of who might do the best job for California and America.

Identity politics now controls much of what the state’s Democratic Party does. It was very visible here in the public pressures exerted upon Gov. Gavin Newsom when he mulled possible replacements for Vice President Kamala Harris after she gave up her U.S. Senate seat following the 2020 election.

“The next senator should be an Asian/Pacific Islander,” said one leader of an Asian political group

This gave absolutely no consideration to who might do the best job pursuing California’s interests, who might have the strongest chance to win election on their own, who was best qualified or myriad other factors that go into choosing political leaders.

Black groups made similar demands, insisting the seat must go to a Black woman, just because that’s also a Harris identity.

What happened to merit?

This was one question voters asked four years ago, when by a 57%-43% vote they nixed Proposition 16, which aimed to restore affirmative action in hiring and college admissions. By a margin of about 2 million votes, Californians rejected the idea of a system with quotas on those areas, one where group identity matters more than merit.

Because some ethnic groups stress education more than others, they’ve gotten ahead economically and academically in higher proportions than their actual numbers. The voters essentially ruled these groups should not be penalized for their hard work and achievements.

These are lessons for Democratic leaders to contemplate as they face a third election featuring Donald Trump.

California Republicans blew their chance to take serious advantage of these things in 2022. For governor, they ran no one credibly distanced from Trump and lost the race to Newsom by about the same margin as in 2018.

Potentially credible candidates like businessman and 2018 GOP nominee John Cox and former San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer both blew their wads in the failed 2021 recall of Newsom, neither even entering the 2022 race.

In short, Democrats could have had significant opposition in 2022 if the GOP figures involved had been patient. And Democrats actually might see some serious competition in 2026, if they continue ignoring the lessons of 2020 and 2022 by tilting too far to the left.

Endorsement mess brings shakeup atop county GOP

By City News Service

REGION — Amid

a controversial effort to switch the San Diego County Republican Party’s endorsement from one candidate to another, Paula Whitsell is out as party chair, and Corey Gustafson is in.

The county GOP initially endorsed Andrew Hayes in the 75th Assembly District race over polarizing fellow Republican Carl DeMaio. Following the primary, in which the two Republicans beat Democratic challengers Kevin Juza and Christie Dougherty, Whitsell attempted to switch the party’s endorsement to DeMaio, who won the primary by 24 points.

The fairly unprecedented move led to her ouster and prompted the Republican Party to reaffirm its endorsement of Hayes. Whitsell has not commented on the matter but has changed her social media pages to reflect that she is the party’s “past” chairwoman.

“Andrew Hayes is the Republican Party of San Diego County’s only official endorsed candidate for state Assembly because he will stand for Republican values,” newly appointed chair Gustafson said Tuesday.

“I am proud to be the party’s endorsed candidate,” Hayes said. “I’m glad the Republican Party of San Diego County has reaffirmed and recommitted this endorsement for the General Election.”

According to the county GOP, on June 12, 2023, the Central Committee of the Republican Party of San Diego County conducted an endorsement meeting, at which Andrew Hayes received more than two-thirds of the vote, thereby granting him the endorsement.

The Central Committee on Tuesday reaffirmed and clarified that the endorsement lasts through the 2023-24 election cycle, culminating in the Nov. 5, 2024 general election.

Hayes and DeMaio are running for the open 75th Assembly District seat, previously held by termed-out Assemblywoman Marie Waldron.

The district, representing East County and parts of inland North County, is one of the most Republican-heavy legislative districts in California, with an 11-point registration advantage for the GOP. Whitsell succeeded Tony Krvaric as Republican Party chair in 2020.

Rare Mexican wolves moved to Chicago zoo

By City News Service

JULIAN — Three critically endangered Mexican gray wolves are now living at the Brookfield Zoo in Chicago, courtesy of the California Wolf Center located just outside Julian.

The CWC transferred the wolves as part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Saving Animals from Extinction program.

Mexican gray wolves – or lobos – are among the rarest land mammals on Earth. In the 1970s, there were only 13 remaining in the wild. Their population has now grown to at least 257, according to a statement from the center. The three wolves were born at CWC in 2019 and 2020.

“We had a pack of wolves with mom, dad and seven boys and there was starting to be some tension among the brothers,’’ said Ciera MacIsaac, wolf care and reintroduction coordinator at the center.

Ida S. Acuña concluded her earthly journey on March 10, 2024, leaving behind a legacy of remarkable achievements.

Born in Mountainair, New Mexico, Ida lived a life filled with warmth, kindness, and compassion.

Ida joined the Marine Corps to help her mother and provide a way to earn an education. Her service, where she achieved the rank of Corporal, laid the foundation for a lifetime of dedication to her country and community.

Most importantly, it allowed her to meet the “Marine of her dreams”, Fernando Acuña. In February 1957, they married at the Base Chapel at the Marine Corps Air Station El Toro, both proudly wearing their Marine dress blues. The Marine Corps took them to MCB Camp Pendleton where they settled down in Oceanside to raise their family.

This past February, they celebrated their 67th wedding anniversary surrounded by four generations of family members.

Ida’s educational pursuits included earning an AA degree from Mira Costa Community College, undertaking undergraduate coursework at Chapman College, and receiving certificates in Personnel Management and Transit Resource Management. A reflection of her commitment to excellence and lifelong learning.

Her professional career began at the Camp Pendleton Marine Corps Exchange, followed by the MiraCosta College Bookstore.

She found her place at North County Transit District, where she rose to the role of Personnel Administrator and was marked by numerous accolades, including the Hire a Veteran Award, the Employer Excellence Award from the state of California, and the Governor’s Executive Director’s Award.

Ida’s impact extended

Martin Anthony Tanguma Oceanside

March 14, 2024

Loane Ina Foreman Escondido

March 21, 2024

Delores Davis Sloan Oceanside

March 18, 2024

Vance A. Lusetti Oceanside

March 31, 2024

Rosa Isabelle Herich Vista

March 15, 2024

Tracey Evelyn Gross Oceanside

March 18, 2024

For more information call

760.436.9737 or email us at: obits@coastnewsgroup.com

far beyond professional endeavors.

As a dedicated member of the American GI Forum of the US since 1967, she lived by their Motto, “Education Is Our Freedom, and Freedom Is Everybody’s Business.” She held many positions on the local, state, and national levels. Ida was elected as the ninth and only veteran to serve as National Chairperson of the American GI Forum Women Auxiliary in 1974. Her accomplishments are recognized throughout the organization, such as allowing women elected officers in the American GI Forum to sit in decision-making positions. Ida was the only National Chairperson to preside as a member of the National Veterans Outreach Program Board of Directors representing the Veteran.

In her retirement, she continued to devote herself to volunteer work. Her continued work with the Oceanside Chapter of the American G. I. Forum raised funds to award scholarships to deserving students.

At the old Mission San Luis Rey, Ida served in various capacities, even receiving the Franciscan Service Award for 50 years of service to the Mission alongside Fernando.

Ida was also an active member of the Order of Alhambra-Ben Ziri Caravan whose mission is to assist those with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

She was a lifetime member of the Veteran of Forum Wars Ladies Auxiliary, Don Diego Post, and a volunteer of the Veterans Association of North County (VANC).

Ida was preceded in death by her parents, Doroteo and Prisciliana Sisneros; brothers Pablo, Eliseo, Cpl. Dennis and Raymond Sisneros; sisters Ernestine Kidd and Lydia Sisneros; children Agnes and Jose Acuña.

Ida is survived by her husband Fernando Acuña; sister Maria Sisneros; daughters Debra Acuña, Denise Acuña, Tina Ortiz and Diane Pulealii; grandchildren Priscilliana Mora, Kaleena Villalobos, Justine Pulealii, Isaac Pulealii, Timoteo Pulealii, Brianna Ortiz, Kayla Acuña; eight great grandchildren and six great-great grandchildren.

Rosary on April 8, 2024 at 1:00pm and Funeral Mass at 1:30pm at Mission San Luis Rey 4050 Mission Avenue Oceanside. Following the Mass, a reception will be held to share memories and celebrate Ida’s life.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to the American GI Forum Educational Fund to support scholarships https://www.vanc. me/ida or Mission San Luis Rey https://www. sanluisrey.org/giving/ make-a-donation .

Share the story of your loved ones life... because every life has a story.

1 stick sweet butter

1 cup milk

1 cup warm mashed potatoes

1 tbsp + 1 ½ tsp dry yeast

½ cup warm potato water

6-7 cups unbleached flour

¼ cup wheat germ (optional)

FARMHOUSE POTATO BREAD Glaze

· In large saucepan, bring milk just to boil, turn off heat and add butter, mashed potatoes and honey, whisk to blend and set aside to cool to lukewarm temperature.

· In large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm potato water, with ¼ tsp honey or sugar; when frothing, add potato mixture and ginger, eggs, and salt. Beat well.

The CWC is one of the largest AZA SAFE Mexican gray wolf facilities in the country and has been a key player in binational efforts to save the subspecies from extinction for more than 27 years, officials said.

The CWC is now home to 20 Mexican gray wolves and four Northwestern gray wolves. Tours are available by reservations only.

“In the wild, young males at this age become more independent and start the process of ‘dispersal’ where they leave their mothers to start their own pack. With the opening of a wonderful new habitat at the Brookfield Zoo, the three wolves will now be able to imitate the natural process of dispersal and our remaining wolves will have a little more elbow room,” MacIsaac said.

Rates:

Text: $15 per inch

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Photo: $25 Art: $15 (Dove, Heart, Flag, Rose)

“Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal.” — Irish proverb

brush with glaze and return to oven for 5 more minutes.

· Remove from pans, cool on racks.

DEMAIO HAYES WHITSELL

THE MEXICAN gray wolf is among the rarest mammals on Earth, and the California Wolf Center outside Julian is home to 20. Courtesy photo

Who’s NEWS?

Business news and special achievements for North San Diego County. Send information via email to community@ coastnewsgroup.com.

SCHOLAR ATHLETE

Erica Burch Palomino of Carlsbad has been recognized as one of Missouri Valley College’s 25 Daktronics NAIA Scholar Athletes for the winter season. Palomino is a basketball athlete studying biology.

SECURITY DIRECTOR

The North County Transit District has promoted Chris. G Carrillo to security director. Carrillo has been with NCTD for the past three years as the security manager.

SCHOOL COUNSELOR

Vivian Carranco, the College and Career Technical Education (CTE) content specialist for the Escondido Union High School District, has been named the San Diego County 2024 Counseling Advocate of the Year.

DEAN’S LIST

The following students were named to the fall dean’s list at the University of Puget Sound in Washington: Maia Nilsson of San Marcos, Sarah Weiss of Encinitas and Is-

abella Yates of Rancho Santa Fe.

SHOE DRIVE

Operation Hope, a homeless shelter for single women and families with children in Vista, received nearly 100 pairs of shoes through a donation drive organized by Vista Deputy Mayor Katie Melendez.

LIVING DREAMS

The Soroptimist International of Vista and North County Inland presented $14,000 in Live Your Dream Education and Training

Awards to five local women who overcame significant obstacles including poverty, homelessness, domestic abuse and substance abuse. Criselda Martinez-Jimenez of Vista received the top award of $5,000. Other awardees include Briana Hernandez, Ginger D. and Leontia. Some of the women did not want their full names published due to privacy reasons.

RACE TRACK AUTHORITY

San Diego businessman and civic leader Mark Arabo has been named board pres-

ident of the Del Mar Race Track Authority.

HOUSING AWARD

Sean Feeney, owner of Pacific Manufactured Homes, recently received the Jack E. Wells Memorial Award from the California Manufactured Housing Institute. Feeney is one of only 73 Californians to ever receive this award, which is regarded as the “Oscar” of the manufactured home industry.

FUNDRAISER AUCTION

The Oceanside High

School Foundation is conducting on online auction of a luxury four bedroom, five-and-a-half bath home for a one-week vacation in a magnificent setting overlooking Heeia Bay on the Kailua-Kona coast on the island of Hawaii. Bidding starts on May 15 and ends on June 15 at www.galabid. com/global. The winner will be announced at the AllClass Picnic at Oceanside’s Heritage Park on June 23. Proceeds go to scholarships for graduating seniors.

FEMA ASSISTANCE

San Diego County has received more than $20 million in recovery assistance relief funds from FEMA for the January 2024 winter storm and flooding disaster. More than 2,427 households have been approved for $15.1 million in housing grants, including short-term rental assistance and home repair costs.

CLEAN ENERGY

Clean Energy Alliance

Diving into world of real estate with CBRE

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What does your business do? My business provides landlords, developers, and tenants with a specific strategy to achieve my client’s commercial real estate goals. CBRE is the world’s largest commercial real estate services and investment firm.

What services and/ or specialty products do

from others in your industry? I complete the largest number of transactions along the 78 Corridor, which allows me to see the most opportunities and accumulate the deepest market insights, which I use to help my clients gain advantage in their negotiations.

to join The San Marcos Chamber? I live in San Marcos and do a lot of transactions with local businesses. If you have an office in San Marcos, we’ve probably met.

you provide? I focus my knowledge and efforts in leasing and selling office and industrial space along the Highway 78 Corridor, Interstate 15 Corridor and Carlsbad office markets in North San Diego County. I can help find a spectacular new space to help with employee retention and draw your employees back to the office or negotiate the best terms to renew with your existing Landlord.

What sets you apart

What question are you asked most frequently by clients / prospective buyers? Am I overpaying rent? As a Tenant, you really have no idea what true market value is for your space, as your source for that information is controlled by Landlords.

What is your favorite business success story?

During the “Great Recession”, I was representing the City of San Marcos on their owned real estate portfolio and was able to keep the City Hall building at nearly full occupancy while the rest of the market suffered from high vacancy.

What motivated you

As someone doing business in San Marcos, what are you looking forward to accomplishing with the Chamber? I want to do my part to ensure San Marcos continues to grow in the right direction and maintains its business-friendly atmosphere. I want to be the Chamber members go-to source for advice on their commercial real estate needs.

What’s your best piece of business advice? “Reputation takes years to build but only one bad deal to destroy.” Integrity matters, and I always put my clients needs and goals above my own, even if I have to advise them to walk away from a deal.

Business website: www.cbre.com

(CEA) officially launched its services in Oceanside and Vista on April 1. CEO is a public, non-profit entity and alternative to San Diego Gas & Electric for power generation providing clean energy choices for residents at competitive rates.

COUNTY FAIR JOBS

The 22nd District Agricultural Association intends to hire more than 1,000 temporary workers for the San Diego County Fair, running from June 12 to July 7. To apply, visit SDFair.com/jobs. Hourly rates start at $16 but could be higher depending on the position.

COCKTAIL CHAMPION

Oceanside’s Cococabana Rooftop Bar is participating in the inaugural San Diego Cocktail Championship, a competition of 21 San Diego County restaurants and bars that runs through April 28. Cococabana’s

tail

the

featured cock-

is

Jaguar Verdita, made from Milagro Reposada and mango liqueur.

VISTA DEPUTY Mayor Katie Melendez, second from right, coordinated a shoe drive for Operation Hope, a homeless shelter for single women and families with children. Courtesy photo VIVIAN CARRANCO, college and CTE content specialist for the Escondido Union High School District. Courtesy photo

CHRIS WILLIAMS, senior VP and leader of CBRE’s North County office. Courtesy photo

San Marcos OKs apartment project

By Laura Place SAN MARCOS

— A 119-unit apartment project will move forward on a vacant piece of land between Capalina and Mission roads after receiving the green light from the San Marcos City Council this week.

The City Council unanimously approved the Capalina Apartments project at its March 26 meeting, along with a requested rezone allowing residential and commercial uses on the 2.5-acre site. The project also earned Planning Commission approval in February.

The project proposes two four-story buildings comprising studios, one-, two-, and three-bedroom units. Six units, varying in size, will be deed-restricted for very-low-income households or those making less than 50% of the area median income.

City leaders said they were pleased to see the long-vacant plot of land be used for needed housing. A mobile home park and various commercial buildings surround it, including the now-demolished Mission Plaza Shopping Center and a liquor store.

“It’s been sitting there a long time, since our city incorporated,” said Mayor Rebecca Jones. “It is good to see the transformation I think it will make in that part of the community.”

Project applicant Ambient Communities has been behind several commercial

projects in San Elijo Hills, including the San Elijo Town Center, Marketwalk and Parkview developments. Ambient Communities principal Robert Honer said the Capalina Road site is much more suited to residential use.

“There’s an increased vacancy in this part for the commercial that’s there, and it just wouldn’t pencil for construction costs versus the rents you can get in this location,” Honer said. “It was natural, as we looked at this, to pursue this rezone, really for the highest and best use to help with the

housing shortage.”

The project includes 4,000 square feet of resident amenities, referred to as “commercial” space, including a leasing office, fitness center, co-working space, and mail room.

Due to its inclusion of affordable units, the project was granted a density bonus, allowing around 47 dwelling units per acre. The applicant was also granted a concession allowing a reduction in onsite parking from the required 159 spaces to 147 spaces, with two electric vehicle charging spaces.

Vehicles can access the apartments via two drive-

ways on Capalina Road but cannot enter or exit the site from Mission Road.

Capalina Apartments will be located across the street from a bus stop on Mission Road and within a half-mile of the Sprinter light rail stop at Palomar College. The site is also just south of the Inland Rail Trail, with access available via Pacific Street.

Councilmember María Nuñez said she appreciated the project’s proximity to transit.

“It’s a great site, and I think a lot of families will enjoy moving into that area,” Nuñez said.

BLOCK PARTY

GREEN. CLEAN. CONNECTED.

On April 1, Clean Energy Alliance (CEA) became the default energy provider for power generation for the Cities of Oceanside and Vista. The two cities join existing CEA members Carlsbad, Del Mar, San Marcos, Solana Beach and Escondido.

CEA will now purchase energy on behalf of the Oceanside and Vista communities while San Diego Gas and Electric (SDG&E) continues to deliver power to homes and businesses. Customers will continue to receive a single bill from SDG&E. CEA’s energy generation charge is not an extra charge, it simply replaces SDG&E’s previous charge for electricity generation.

CEA offers residents and businesses clean energy at competitive rates and reinvests revenues into projects and programs that benefit the local communities.

A RENDERING of the planned 119-unit Capalina Apartments project at Capalina Road and West Mission Road in San Marcos, viewed from Mission Road. Courtesy image

Fausto Morales of San Marcos checks out the solar eclipse on April 8 during a viewing event at the Encinitas Library. The total eclipse, where the moon fully blocks the light of the sun for several minutes, made landfall in the morning along Mexico’s Pacific coast and crossed into Texas and 14 other U.S. states, before exiting over Canada. Elsewhere in North America, including San Diego County, there was only a partial eclipse. The U.S. won’t see another total eclipse until 2044.

Photos by Jordan P. Ingram

Cougars fall in Final Four to end historic season

By Noah Perkins

ST. JOSEPH, MO — After spending back-to-back late nights in her team’s hotel conference room watching game film, Cal State San Marcos women’s basketball head coach Renee Jimenez finalized the Cougars' game plan around 2 a.m. for last month’s Final Four matchup with Minnesota State.

Jimenez typically likes to pinpoint three things to “hang our hats on.”

For the No. 13 Mavericks: shot selection, rebounding and turnovers.

“[Minnesota State] plays really fast,” Jimenez told the Coast News on gameday morning. “We want to make them play our game and dictate the pace. They average 93 possessions per game; in women’s basketball, it is typically 70-75. We want to keep them in the 70s.”

“We have to keep it under 20 turnovers,” Jimenez added. “I know that sounds insane, as a coach, you want it around 12 — but they are turning teams over 28 times a game.”

And finally, “we believe defense wins championships, we hang our hat on our defensive rebounding.”

The best-laid plans, as the cliché goes.

With .03 of a second on the clock, San Marcos tried to get the ball to Division II first-team All-American Jordan Vasquez, but the paint was too crowded, and the inbounds pass was deflected.

Vasquez, ripping off her protective mask late in the final period, risking a possible fourth broken nose of the season, went for her 23rd double-double of the year with 16 points and 20 rebounds, eight of which were offensive.

“Jordan has a knack for scoring,” Jimenez said. “We try to find ways to get her the ball, get out of the way and let her do her thing.”

Undersized but unrelenting point guard Charity Gallegos put in a near-flawless effort, scoring 20 points in 39 minutes. The Cougars depended on having the ball in her hands every possession against Minnesota State’s chaotic press.

briefly looked like it would knock the Cougars out early.

“We’ve had all these kids come off the bench and it isn’t typically their role to score points and they come and step up because Jordan and Charity draw so much attention,” said Jimenez.

San Marcos finished the season 27-7, ranked No. 24 in the nation.

Natalie Bremer led the Mavericks with 29 points, nine rebounds and two steals, and Herzberg added 13 points, including the game-winning layup. Advancing to the NCAA Division II final, Minnesota State defeated Texas Woman’s University on Friday night to claim the national title.

For Jimenez, as great as this postseason run was, it's more than just basketball that she wants the program to take away from its first-ever Final Four.

CSUSM turned the ball over 27 times in a heartbreaking, down-to-the-wire 70-68 defeat in a game that featured 11 lead changes.

Minnesota State, which forced its 1,000th turnover of the season in the fourth period of Wednesday night's semifinal, played an end-toend, trapping shell defense that made the game a marathon-length sprint. The Cougars came tantalizingly close in the school's first-ever Final Four appearance, leading by one with 21 seconds left. With a chance at a game-winning look tied at 68, a kickball call against Ava Ranson gave Minnesota State possession with 3.6 seconds remaining.

AUTO INSURANCE FRAUD IS A FELONY INCLUDING

Mavericks senior guard Emily Herzberg inbounded the ball and then cut to the basket on a high-low action, getting the ball back under the hoop and converting a game-winning layup.

“If she was five-footseven, she would be DI,” Jimenez said. “Charity draws two-to-three people every possession.”

In typical CSUSM fashion, an unexpected role player stepped up. Cougars junior center Truit Reilly had 12 points and 10 rebounds, keeping the game close in the opening minutes as the Mavericks' frantic pace

“I have two other assistant coaches with kids,” she said. “You never know when you are going to get back to the Final Four so we are traveling with eight kids under the age of 13. I didn’t want to come into this and take this moment for granted. It’s been a good thing having our kids around because it takes you away from it for a little bit and keeps the perspective right.”

CAL STATE SAN MARCOS senior forward Jordan Vasquez drives for two points in the Cougars’ 70-68 loss to Minnesota State on March 27 in an NCAA Division II women’s basketball national semifinal. Vasquez finished with 16 points and 20 rebounds, earning her 23rd double-double of the season and 49th of her collegiate career. CSUSM ended the program’s best season with a 27-7 record and first-ever Final Four appearance. Photo by Arianne Boma

CSUSM athlete’s double duty a Division II first

Albayati plays in baseball, softball games in one day

By Noah Perkins SAN MARCOS — Cal

State San Marcos softball

player Jillian Albayati had a busy Sunday, playing 13 innings at third base and coming to the plate six times in a doubleheader against Cal State Monterey Bey.

In between games, Albayati sprinted 100 yards from the softball field to the baseball field, changed uniforms and pitched an inning in relief for the men’s team.

“She literally sprinted through the shot-put area straight to the bullpen, did her band routine and started throwing,” CSUSM head baseball coach Jose Garcia said. “I would say she did a damn good job. It was a cool moment, and she gave us exactly what we were looking for.”

“We made her dreams come true by her being able to go to the mound for the baseball team, and I know she loves our softball team,” added CSUSM head softball coach Stef Ewing. “It was Christmas day for Jill on Sunday.”

In doing so, Albayati, a sophomore, became the first

woman to play baseball at Cal State San Marcos and just the second NCAA athlete ever to play in a softball and baseball game on the same day. She is the first at the Division II level to accomplish the feat.

Christina Elsbury of Gallaudet University appeared in a Division III softball and baseball game on April 22, 2023, making Albayati a Larry Doby of sorts. She took the baseball

field wearing No. 42.

“It was a really exciting moment for me,” Albayati told the Coast News Monday afternoon. “You never know where life will take you or the opportunities you will get.”

The Cougars baseball team is first in the California Collegiate Athletic Association. However, a wave of injuries to the pitching rotation left them short on arms and needing to con-

sume innings.

Garcia considered holding an open tryout, but Ewing suggested Albayati.

Albayati, a native of Anaheim and childhood fixture at Angel Stadium, played high school baseball, where she was an All-CIF pitcher and went 20-0 with a 1.68 ERA. She has also remained active as a player with the women’s USA National Baseball Team.

Garcia quickly took to

the idea and, after a bullpen session, was sold.

“We figured she’s eager to give it a go and is a huge baseball nut, so we had her come out and throw a bullpen last Friday,” Garcia said. “I wasn’t looking for her to come out and throw 85 miles per hour. I just wanted to see someone who was going to compete and throw strikes. It was very evident that she wasn’t scared. She threw a bunch of strikes with some movement. The fastball had some cut, she dropped in a breaking ball, and her changeup was good. That was all I needed to see.”

A walk-off grand slam gave the Cougars softball team a win in the opening game of their doubleheader, while the baseball team was deep into what would become an 18-2 shelling at the hands of Sonoma State.

Albayati came into the baseball game and retired the side in the top of the 9th, allowing three hits, a walk and one earned run.

“I was really excited, but I tried to stay calm, throw strikes and get outs,” Albayati said with an air of nonchalance. “I think I did pretty well.”

“I asked her afterward if she was nervous. She said, ‘No, I was just a little tired from the run down from the

softball field,’” Garcia said.

“I was able to see her throw to a couple of hitters while I was writing the lineup for the next game,” Ewing added. It was incredible to see her take the mound for them and see how excited her teammates were for her. She was cool, calm, and collected.”

In the softball team’s second game of the day, Albayati reached base in the bottom of the first on a fielder’s choice and then singled in the bottom of the sixth, finally getting to rest. A pinch runner replaced her on the bases.

CSUSM won game two 4-2, moving to 23-14 on the season.

The Cougars baseball team dropped its second game of the day, 6-7, falling to 19-13 for the year.

Garcia isn’t sure if Albayati will make another appearance this season, but he isn’t closing the door on it either.

“I’m certainly not opposed to it if the situation calls for it,” he said. “We want to get our guys healthy, but you just never know. We still have three more weeks ahead of us, and she is going to throw bullpens for us each week. The idea is that if it works out, she will be back on the 28-person roster.”

RAIN, WIND, AND FIRE...

“

The three menaces to any chimney, fireplace, or stove.”

Every year there are over twenty thousand chimney/ fireplace related house fires in the US alone. Losses to homes as a result of chimney fires, leaks and wind damage exceeds one hundred million dollars annually in the US.

CHIMNEY SWEEPS, INC., one of San Diego’s leading chimney repair and maintenance companies, is here to protect you and your home from losses due to structural damage and chimney fires.

Family owned and operated and having been in business for over 30 years, Chimney Sweeps Inc. is a fully licensed and insured chimney contracting company (License #976438) and they are certified with the National Fireplace Institute and have an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.

For a limited time, readers of this paper will receive a special discount on our full chimney cleaning and safety inspection package with special attention to chimney water intrusion points in preparation for the rainy season.

JILLIAN ALBAYATI, a sophomore on the Cal State San Marcos softball team, was an all-CIF baseball pitcher at Anaheim High School. She pitched an inning Sunday for the Cougars baseball team, whose staff is short-handed due to injuries. Photo by Greg Siller/CSUSM Athletics

EVENTS CALENDAR

Know something that’s going on? To post an event, visit us online at calendar.thecoastnews.com

APRIL 12

THE FLOOZIES

Brothers Matt and Mark Hill are the sonic visionaries behind electronic-funk powerhouse The Floozies. Catch them live at the Belly Up. $29.50, 9 p.m. at Belly Up, 143 S Cedros Ave, Solana Beach.

LIVE STAND UP

DISNEY ON ICE

Disney On Ice presents Mickey’s Search Party brings the magic to fans through innovative technology and transformative performances. 7 p.m. at Pechanga Arena, 3500 Sports Arena Blvd, San Diego.

KIDS GARDEN WORKSHOP

Plant organic seeds in upcycled materials in the Trudy Bronner Discovery

Come join us for the Hollywood Showcase featuring comedians Abby Roberge, James P Connolly, Adam Freeman, Nic Flair and more at Grand Comedy Club. $17, doors open at 8:15 p.m. Grand Comedy Club, 340 E Grand Ave, Escondido.

Garden with Jimbo’s Naturally Escondido. Free with museum admission. 11 to 11:30 a.m. April 12 at San Diego Children’s Discovery Museum, 320 N Broadway, Escondido.

‘MATILDA THE MUSICAL’

San Dieguito Academy will be performing Roald Dahl’s “Matilda the Musical” at the Clayton E. Liggett Theater on campus. $10$16, April 11-20 at San Dieguito Academy, 800 Santa Fe Dr, Encinitas.

APRIL 13

LIVING WITH COYOTES

Project Wildlife rehabilitation specialist Kelly Wallace will deliver a presentation on the natural history of coyotes, how they are rehabilitated, their interaction with other predators, and how to coexist with them. Reserve your spot online at batiquitoslagoon.org/ events.html. Free, 10 a.m. at Nature Center, Batiquitos Lagoon, 7380 Gabbiano Ln, Carlsbad.

DATA NIGHT FOR A CAUSE

and open to the public. 4 p.m. at St. Michael’s-by-theSea Episcopal Church, 2775 Carlsbad Blvd, Carlsbad.

SPRING CHORAL CONCERT

The original version of a Handel concerto composed some 300 years ago makes its San Diego debut with the Village Church Community Chorale. 7 p.m. at Village Church, 6225 Paseo Delicias, Rancho Santa Fe.

AUTISM AWARENESS WALK

What dreams can you make come true with a Home Equity Line of Credit from First Bank?

The 12th annual “Date Night for a Cause” at the Belly Up, hosted by the North Coast and Del Mar units of Rady Auxiliary, will benefit Rady Children’s Hospital. Attendees can dance and enjoy live music from “Atomic Groove and the Fly Girlz,” bid on live auctions presented by Clint Bell Productions plus a silent auction and wine wall. $110, 6:30 to 11 p.m. April 13 at Belly Up, 143 S Cedros Ave, Solana Beach.

FIXIT CLINIC & REPAIRS

DEL MAR-LEUCADIA AAUW

Join the Del Mar-Leucadia Branch of the American Association of University Women for their discussion titled, “Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind.” Free, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. April 13 at Encinitas Community Center, 1140 Oakcrest Park Dr, Encinitas.

SPRING TEA PARTY

Put on your favorite springtime outfit and join us for this special play date. $47.70, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. April 13 at Encinitas Community Center, 1140 Oakcrest Park Dr, Encinitas.

ARTS GALLERY RECEPTION

$89-$168. April 13 at Maya Moon Collective, 3349 Adams Ave, San Diego.

IMPROV FUNDAMENTALS

Ready to let go, connect, and unleash your creativity? Join us for a fun journey of laughter, spontaneity and endless possibilities. $175, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. April 13 at The Brooks Theatre, 217 N Coast Hwy, Oceanside.

SPRING ART & WINE WALK

The Art & Wine Walk is a free event that will feature an array of artistic expressions, including paintings, ceramics, photography and more. 3 to 6 p.m. April 13 at The Forum Carlsbad, 1923 Calle Barcelona, Carlsbad.

Join the Woman’s Club of Vista for its autism awareness and acceptance walk beginning at Civic Center Park. Registration begins at 11 a.m., walk starts at 12 p.m. $10, 12 p.m. at Vista Civic Center, 200 Civic Center Dr, Vista.

APRIL 15

JASON MAGABO PEREZ

San Diego poet laureate Jason Magabo Perez explores the poetics of memory as an act of anticolonial future-making. Free-$5, 6 to 9 p.m. April 15 at CSUSM University Student Union Ballroom, 595 Campus View Dr, San Marcos.

APRIL 16

COASTAL WOLVES

Belly Up and Tim Pyles present Coastal Wolves, The Rightovers and DAVIS. $9, 8 p.m. at Belly Up, 160 S Cedros Ave, Solana Beach.

APRIL 14

CARLSBAD SPIRIT CONCERT

APRIL 17

JEFF BERKLEY

Scan this code to learn more: or Give us a call!

Join the city of Carlsbad for a fixit clinic and repair event at Dove Library. Bring your broken things for assessment, disassembly, and learn how to repair them. Free, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 13 at Carlsbad City Library, 1775 Dove Ln, Carlsbad.

A gallery reception for the opening of Escondido Art Association’s show, “The Good Our Beautiful Planet” in support of Earth Day. Free, 4 to 6 p.m. April 13 at Escondido Art Association, 121 W Grand Ave, Escondido.

What dreams can you make come true with a Home Equity Line of Credit from First Bank?

E-WASTE COLLECTION

Drop off your e-waste at Dove Library for property recycling. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 13 at Carlsbad City Library, 1775 Dove Ln, Carlsbad.

PICNIC + FLOWERS

Alberto Velazquez (619) 839-0230

Alberto.Velazquez@fbol.com

DEL MAR

2600 Via De La Valle

Alberto Velazquez (619) 839-0230

Alberto.Velazquez@fbol.com

DEL MAR

2600 Via De La Valle

Ruth Sintay (619) 839-0230

Ruth.Sintay@fbol.com

WOMEN’S HALL OF FAME

The Annual San Diego County Women’s Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and Reception honors women who have positively impacted San Diego. $50 and up. 10 a.m. at Joan B. Kroc Theater, 6611 University Ave, San Diego.

LIVE AT THE LAKE

DEL MAR 2600 Via De La Valle

Ruth.Sintay@fbol.com Give us a call!

Ruth Sintay (619) 839-0230

Pop Up Picnic Co. returns with Picnic + Flowers, a family-friendly picnic experience set amidst the backdrop of The Flower Fields. $140, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 6 at Carlsbad Flower Fields, 5704 Paseo del Norte, Carlsbad..

ROOTED IN RESILIENCY

Experience an evening of elegance, accompanied by mesmerizing water views, at our second annual Rooted in Resiliency celebration, benefitting Boys to Men Mentoring and their work in the community. $750$1,000, 5 to 9 p.m. April 13 at Coasterra Harbor Island, 880 Harbor Island Dr, San Diego.

Lakehouse Resort is kicking off its Live at the Lake concert series withs Daring Greatly & Morgan Leigh Band taking the lakefront stage for the first time. $45, 4 to 8 p.m. April 13 at Lakehouse Hotel & Resort, 1105 La Bonita Dr, San Marcos.

GARDEN OF GIVING GALA

The Assistance League Rancho San Dieguito is hosting its Garden of Giving Gala to raise funds for Operation School Bell and other Assistance League programs. $100, 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 13 at Lomas Santa Fe Country Club, 1505 Lomas Santa Fe Dr, Solana Beach.

SOURDOUGH BREAD

Learn how to make the perfect loaf of sourdough bread. 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

A community fundraiser featuring an amazing silent auction with ongoing raffles, live music fresh food and refreshments to provide scholarships for CHS seniors. 2:30 to 7:30 p.m. April 14 at Agua Hedionda Lagoon Discovery Center, 1580 Cannon Rd, Carlsbad.

JIM MESSINA

Catch rock musician

Jim Messina live at Belly Up for a seated show. $48, 8 p.m. at Belly Up, 160 S Cedros Ave, Solana Beach.

EARTH-BASED JUDAISM

In this four-part class, we will gather in lovely locations across the Farm to explore four basic pathways into the spiritual revolution called Earth-Based Judaism — and how to bring those pathways back. $100, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. April 14 at Coastal Roots Farm, 441 Saxony Rd, Encinitas.

LEARN COSPLAY

Join Rebecca and Matt Eusy for a five-series cosplay workshop that will cover glam makeup, costume accessories and more. All supplies provided. Free, 12 to 1:30 p.m. April 14 at Encinitas Library, 540 Cornish Dr, Encinitas.

JAZZ EVENSONG

Jazz Evensong features a blend of Anglican prayer and American jazz. Free

Fronted by a San Diego Music Hall-of-Famer, Jeff Berkley & The Banned is comprised of some of San Diego’s most prolific musicians. $20, 7 p.m. at Belly Up, 160 S Cedros Ave, Solana Beach.

GOP CLUB

San Diego District Attorney Summer Stephan will be the keynote speaker at the Republican Club of North County’s April meeting. $30-$35, 12 p.m. at The Broken Yolk Cafe, 2434 Vista Way, Oceanside.

TAKING BACK SUNDAY

Catch Taking Back Sunday at The Sound in Del Mar. $55, 8 p.m. at The Sound, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd, Del Mar.

APRIL 18

THE STRUMBELLAS

Catch two-time JUNO award-winning alternative group The Strumbellas at Belly Up on their Part Time Believer Tour. $28-$49, 8 p.m. at Belly Up, 160 S Cedros

APRIL 19

VICKI

ELECTRO-FUNK DUO The Floozies, comprised of brothers Matt and Mark Hill from Kansas, perform April 12 at Belly Up in Solana Beach. Courtesy photo

Flower Fields: ‘Color will knock your socks off’

Thit the road

he time to see the splendor of the Flower Fields in Carlsbad is now, says head gardener Fred Clarke, who is nothing less than ecstatic about the current state of this year’s bloom.

“The color will knock your socks off,” he says of the 50 acres of Tecolote Giant ranunculus, planted in wide, vibrant, north-south bands that parallel Interstate 5. “This is my 18th year here and the color has never looked this good at this time.”

The pattern of the rainstorms this year brought forth the ranunculus blooms a bit earlier than usual.

“Even though it was a bit darker and wetter (than in previous years), it wasn’t super cold,” Clarke says. “And it was a couple of degrees warmer at night. A couple of degrees can add up. Some years we stay open an extra week (past Mother’s Day), but this year, I’m not feeling it.”

The ranunculi not only bloomed earlier than usual, but a lot more vibrantly too.

“The color and densi-

nic + Flowers, an event that offers box lunches under shade structures, reserved parking, a private entrance, free wagon rides, live music and a family fun zone with interactive games. Seatings are at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Have special dietary needs?

No problem, says Lauren Kimmons, owner of Pop Up Picnic Co., which is catering the picnics.

including vegan, vegetarian, dairy-free and gluten-free.

Kimmons understands the difficulties of eating out.

“I share a whole host of dietary intolerances,” including gluten and dairy, she says. “All the gluten-free items are prepared first and separately, and everything is stored separately. We don’t want anyone stressed out about contamination.”

ty are outrageous,” Clarke says. “There are so many plants with so many flowers, which means color like never before. It’s really breathtaking.”

That translates to even more blooms than the usual 2 million per acre.

Bottom line: “The next three or four weeks will be without compare,” Clarke says. “We can change your mood. You’ll just feel a few pounds lighter if you come.”

Crime Doesn’t Discriminate

Visitors who schedule a weekend visit will have the option of enjoying Pic-

“We understand that sometimes people have multiple restrictions, and if we know ahead of time, we can accommodate.”

The company caters to many dietary restrictions

To make a reservation for the picnic lunch at the Flower Fields, visit www. picnicsandflowers.com.

For more photos and discussion, visit www.facebook.com/elouise.ondash.

THE 2024 bloom at the Flower Fields in Carlsbad is particularly vibrant this year because of early rains and favorable temperatures, says head gardener Fred Clarke. The fields are open until Mother’s Day on May 12. Photos by E’Louise Ondash

FLORAL ARBORS are a part of the Flower Fields experience, which also includes multiple gardens, a poinsettia exhibit, a playground, picnic areas, food booths and a sweet pea maze.

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FROM KING FEATURES WEEKLY SERVICE, 628 Virginia Drive, Orlando, FL 32803 CUSTOMER SERVICE: 800-708-7311 EXT. 257

TRIVIA TEST #12345_20240408

FOR RELEASE APRIL 8, 2024

By Fifi Rodriguez

FROM KING FEATURES WEEKLY SERVICE, 628 Virginia Drive, Orlando, FL 32803

CUSTOMER SERVICE: 800-708-7311 EXT. 257

TRIVIA TEST #12345_20240408

1. GEOGRAPHY: The island of Ibiza belongs with which European country?

2. ANIMAL KINGDOM: What is a group of flamingos called?

3. MOVIES: What is the name of the island terrorized by a shark in “Jaws”?

4. U.S. STATES: Which state capital has the highest elevation in the United States?

5. ANATOMY: Where is the corpus collosum located?

6. LITERATURE: Who wrote the children’s book “Where the Wild Things Are”?

7. TELEVISION: Which 1970s TV show had a spinoff hit with “Laverne & Shirley”?

8. MATH: How many sides does a dodecagon have?

9. ASTRONOMY: Which one of the planets in our solar system has the Great Red Spot?

10. U.S. PRESIDENTS: Which president ended the military draft?

Answers

1. Spain.

2. A flamboyance.

3. Amity Island.

4. Santa Fe, New Mexico.

5. In the brain. It connects the two hemispheres of the brain.

6. Maurice Sendak.

7. “Happy Days.”

8. 12.

9. Jupiter.

10. Richard Nixon.

© 2024 King Features Synd., Inc.

2. ANIMAL KINGDOM: What is a group of flamingos called?

3. MOVIES: What is the name of the island terrorized by a shark in “Jaws”?

4. U.S. STATES: Which state capital has the highest elevation in the United States?

5. ANATOMY: Where is the corpus collosum located?

6. LITERATURE: Who wrote the children’s book “Where the Wild Things Are”?

7. TELEVISION: Which 1970s TV show had a spinoff hit with “Laverne & Shirley”?

8. MATH: How many sides does a dodecagon have?

9. ASTRONOMY: Which one of the planets in our solar system has the Great Red Spot?

10. U.S. PRESIDENTS: Which president ended the military draft?

Answers

1. Spain.

2. A flamboyance.

3. Amity Island.

4. Santa Fe, New Mexico.

5. In the brain. It connects the two hemispheres of the brain.

6. Maurice Sendak.

7. “Happy Days.”

8. 12.

9. Jupiter.

10. Richard Nixon.

© 2024 King Features Synd., Inc.

Musical Theatre

SUPERVISOR

Board of Supervisors are a return to law and order, fiscal responsibility and better mental health and addiction resources, particularly for those who are homeless.

Franklin criticized what he said was a lack of attention to misdemeanor crimes and said the county should rely on jailing more perpetrators of lesser crimes as a form of deterrence.

“We are demonstrating to people that we are not serious about enforcing our laws. This is something the county has serious power over,” Franklin said. “The criminal justice experiment needs to come to an end… We’ve got to fight for the restoration of law and order.”

He also said that he would like to see more county funds allocated toward essential government functions, including law enforcement, before spending money on hiring additional personnel that may not serve a crucial function.

Franklin also said he believes that addiction is a major contributor to homelessness and that addiction and mental health

issues should be treated before they manifest as criminal behavior.

He said that jails are not the primary place where people should be receiving mental health treatment, mainly due to the lack of available beds, and said he would like to see the county find safer and more humane ways to treat individuals who are detoxing due to the high number of jail deaths.

Franklin said that addressing these and other issues in jails is also necessary for restoring public trust.

Jones, who has served on the San Marcos City Council since 2007 and as mayor since 2018, said she is ready to take over from Desmond, who preceded her as mayor.

“When I finish this term that I’m in, I will have served San Marcos for 20 years. It’s been such an incredible career for me,” Jones said. “Spreading what I’ve done here in San Marcos and bringing it to the county level is something I’ve been looking forward to for a long time.”

As a supervisor, Jones said she would advocate for affordable housing as a key aspect of preventing homelessness in San Di-

ego County. She noted that the city of San Marcos has designated over 7% of its housing stock as deed-restricted.

“I want to see other North County cities really focus on that. I think keeping people housed as much as possible with that deed-restricted affordability is really important to keeping them from becoming homeless in the first place,” Jones said.

When it comes to the county helping people with mental health issues, Jones said services should be more streamlined to prevent taxpayer money from being wasted. Some individuals need more specialized attention than others, and she said the county should be a leader in thinking of new and innovative solutions to meet people’s individual needs.

She also echoed Franklin’s concerns about fiscal responsibility in the county, stating that she wants to see the county running as efficiently as possible and using taxpayer dollars wisely.

The San Marcos mayor also said there needs to be a greater focus on collaboration between law enforcement agencies, especially in emergencies such as wildfires and floods.

Our mission is to exceed your expectations so that you are our customer for life.

We realize there are hundreds of other carpet cleaning professionals in San Diego and we are different because of the level of service we offer.

Intro to Music Summer Camp

Discover the joy of music at Leading Note Studios’ Intro to Music Camp! It’s never too early to ignite a love for music in young hearts. In our camp, children aged 6-10 delve into the magical world of piano, guitar, violin, drums, and vocals, discovering their innate talents and passions.

Starting music education at a young age offers numerous benefits beyond just musical proficiency. Research shows that early exposure to music enhances cognitive development,

improves academic performance, and boosts creativity. Moreover, learning an instrument fosters discipline, patience, and perseverance—essential skills that extend far beyond the realm of music.

At Leading Note Studios, we believe in nurturing the holistic development of children, and our camp provides a supportive environment where they can explore, create, and grow.

Join us for an unforgettable musical adventure that not only sparks a life-

long passion for music but also lays the foundation for academic and personal success!

Leading Note Studios offer a variety of Summer Music Camps including Intro to Music, Rock Band Camp, Musical Theatre, Engineering and Vocal Recording

“I would teach children music, physics and philosophy: but most importantly music; for the patterns in music and all the arts are the keys to learning.” - Plato

for the second, and $5,000 for the third if offenses were committed within a year.

The proposal caps short-term rentals at 942 units, or 2% of the city’s housing stock and seeks to prevent short-term rentals from clustering in certain neighborhoods by maintaining a 500-foot distance limit between them.

Short-term rentals would be only allowed in single-family detached homes, duplexes with twoand three-family dwelling units and townhomes.

In multifamily housing, buildings with two to 50 units could only have one short-term rental, buildings with 51 to 99 units could have two, and anything over 100 units could have up to five. Additionally, the ordinance would cap short-term rentals in multifamily housing at 25 citywide.

“If we reach that limit, a waiting list would be maintained,” Schoeneck told the Planning Commission.

Short-term rentals will not be allowed in accessory dwelling units, junior accessory dwelling units, income-restricted homes or units built under a Senate Bill 9 application, which allows property owners to build up to four units on a lot traditionally zoned for one.

A short-term rental

host could only advertise up to two guests per bedroom, with an additional two guests overall.

Planning Commission members and the public expressed mixed views on the proposed ordinance and whether or not short-term rentals should be allowed in the first place.

The proposal caps shortterm rentals at 942 units, or 2% of the city’s housing stock.

Some residents fear short-term rentals will inundate neighborhoods with noise, parking and other issues — such as taking up housing stock in the midst of a state housing crisis — and would rather nix them completely. Others are more receptive to vacation rentals with strong code enforcement standards and limitations. One resident suggested a distance requirement between shortterm rentals, schools and parks.

Others see short-term rentals as an opportunity to create supplemental income for families hosting short-term rentals and attract more visitors to Es-

condido, boosting the local economy.

The planning commissioners suggested modifying the ordinance, including adding space between schools and parks and differentiating between hosted and non-hosted shortterm rentals.

The ordinance proposes that short-term rentals have signage posted with host contact information.

However, some commissioners, like Rick Paul, felt that requirement was too onerous. Paul also felt that requiring a business license, short-term rental permit and building inspection was also asking too much of short-term rental hosts, some of whom rely on the extra income to make ends meet.

“It might not pencil out for them anymore,” Paul told The Coast News.

Schoeneck said TOT tax could be collected retroactively for three years for short-term rentals operating in the city without a license or permit. But again, some commissioners felt that would be too burdensome.

While some commissioners also felt the 500foot distance requirement between short-term rentals would be too much, others disagreed.

“I don’t know if 500 feet is enough to maintain historic streets,” said Commissioner Carrie Mecaro, who lives in historic Old Escondido.

Mecaro was also worried about the ordinance’s lack of parking requirements and how that would affect neighborhoods already lacking parking like hers.

Schoeneck said there is still time to modify the proposed ordinance, noting she plans to bring it back before the Economic Development Subcommittee to discuss adding the distance between short-term rentals and schools and parks.

The Planning Commission’s comments will be included in Schoeneck’s presentation of the proposed ordinance during the City Council’s final consideration at a later date.

SPRING FLING FUN

partment needs to be evaluated from top to bottom for policies, procedures and practices, so that you all have the confidence, as well as management, that financial reporting is occurring accurately,” Ruby said.

Board members expressed disbelief at the findings and pushed for further investigation into who else may have known about the failures early on and for those individuals to be held accountable.

“Since the release of the report, I’ve been dragging my jaw around... just dumbstruck by the information that was presented and the incompetency that it reveals,” said Encinitas Mayor Tony Kranz. “Decisions made by upper management at this organization are suspect, and how deep they go and who should be relieved of their responsibilities is just not clear to me.”

YOUTH

CONTINUED FROM 3

my life, but as I have grown over the years and leaned into the amazing support system of mentors at the club, what once felt unbearable has now become my unstoppable fuel.”

Fortunately, JimenezRamirez had access to an abundance of academic resources at the club. Thanks to her hard work, help from her mentors and resources to better support her learning style, she was able to finish her seventh-grade year with nearly straight As.

Today, the 17-year-old often spends her time after school at the club’s Teen Center, where she spends time working on homework, chatting with friends, playing Guitar Hero or experimenting with the various machines in the Best Buy

Other board members said there needs to be an investigation into why it took executives so long to inform the board and how the contract award system is handled.

San Marcos Mayor Rebecca Jones said there also needs to be an investigation into whether board leadership knew about the issues before October.

“To be honest, I’m embarrassed as a board member that here we are again, with issues being brought to our attention where we literally have information that hasn’t been given to us, and to really find out the depth of what that actual information is,” Jones said.

Next steps

In January, the board agreed to hire contractors Deloitte and A-to-Be to take over toll road operations from ETAN. The transition will take around seven months, and ETAN will continue to be paid in

Teen Tech Center powered by Sony.

Having been a part of a wide range of programs, Jimenez-Ramirez acknowledges that the skills she’s developed and experiences she’s had with the club have helped her become a confident and well-rounded young adult.

Being a part of the club has also ignited one of Jimenez-Ramirez’s true passions: serving her community.

As an active member of the club’s Leaders-In-Training (L.I.T.) program, she has been able to make an impact both within the club and outside of it in her San Marcos community. She has developed leadership skills through community service, hands-on field trips and special workshops and projects like collaborating with community partners

TOP TECH AWARDS

Nominations open till May 8

the meantime.

Of the over 48,000 customer accounts affected by system errors, FAGAN Consulting is still looking into the errors that affected 8,851.

So far, they have identified 110 cases of outstanding costs being charged to the wrong customer’s credit card, all of whom have been reimbursed.

Going forward, OIPA will continue to report on the progress of implementing recommendations to the Audit Committee and board of directors.

Clementson said SANDAG management will file a formal response to the investigation findings by April 8.

“I want you all to know how seriously we take this,” Clementson said. “I also wanted to make it clear... the gravity of the importance of informing the board early on about issues when we see projects may be going in a direction that was not anticipated.”

to conduct vaccine outreach and education efforts.

Last summer, JimenezRamirez had the opportunity to work with TrueCare, a local nonprofit healthcare provider, during a paid summer internship as part of the club’s Career Pathways program. The yearlong workforce readiness program helped her develop important workforce readiness skills like interviewing, creating a resume, networking and more.

As she looks to the future, Jimenez-Ramirez plans to spend the next year continuing to explore what she loves. With encouragement from the staff at the Boys and Girls Club, she is forging her own path; but for the moment, she has her sights set on her upcoming high school graduation and potential title of California Youth of the Year.

Do you know an I.T. leader, rising star in tech or cybersecurity guru whose innovative and forward-thinking spirit and contributions deserve to be celebrated?

The Top Tech Awards are back this year to recognize the achievements of San Diego County’s top IT leaders who are making a huge impact in their business or organization – from small to large businesses, startups and nonprofits to hospitality, healthcare, government and education.

There are 13 award categories, as well as the Cox Business Exemplary Award, which honors an individual based on community service and leadership in the IT community. This year, there are two new categories: Rising Star (30 years of age or under) and Cyber Security Professional. Nominate an IT superstar through May 8 at toptechawards.com

Honorees will be announced at this prestigious, popular and festive awards event on Thursday, September 26 at Snapdragon Stadium.

“We couldn’t be more excited to be presenting the 17th Annual Top Tech Awards,” said Jodi Duva, California Vice President of Cox Business. “I look forward to this event every year. We’re rising to the occasion again this year and are planning some surprises to honor our innovators and their endless impact on the industry, our region, and the world.”

Since 2008, Cox Business has lauded the incredible information technology innovators in San Diego County. The event pays homage to the abundance of talent in the San Diego community, celebrating the change-makers and visionaries who take risks and implement new cutting-edge technologies, all in the name of making their organizations and the communities they serve more connected and successful.

Community members are invited to join the Top Tech Awards and celebration presented by Cox Business. The event will feature an awards presentation, food, craft beer, mu-

sic, dancing, and more and provides opportunities to network with San Diego’s most innovative leaders in technology.

17th Annual Top Tech Awards

Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024 4 to 7 p.m. Snapdragon Stadium, 2101 Stadium Way, San Diego, CA 92108

About Cox Business

The commercial division of Cox Communications, Cox Business provides voice, data, and video services for more than 355,000 small and regional businesses nationwide, including health care providers; K−12 and higher education; financial institutions; and federal, state, and local government organizations. The organization also serves most of the top-tier wireless and wireline telecommunications carriers in the U.S. through its wholesale division.

For more information, please visit www.coxbusiness.com.

Thousands of people of all ages turned out on Sunday to embrace spring as the San Marcos Chamber of Commerce hosted the 33rd annual Spring Fling street festival along Via Vera Cruz in the city. Photo by Jordan P. Ingram

SANDAG

ROB HONMA, left, of Santa Fe Christian Schools in Solana Beach was a 2023 honoree of the Top Tech Awards, hosted by CBS 8 anchor Heather Myers. Courtesy photo/Cox Business