CRUISIN’ GRAND, the largest weekly car cruise west of the Mississippi River, kicked off its 24th season last week and will rev up downtown Escondido every Friday night through Sept. 27. STORY ON 10
Darius Jones, a senior in the construction pathway program at San Pasqual High School, was one of several students who helped raise the walls on their tiny modular home that will provide shelter for homeless veterans. STORY ON 7 Photo by Rita Alatorre
— Nearby residents who remain opposed to a proposed large battery storage project in the Eden Valley community near Escondido seek to spread the word about how the greater region could be impacted if a catastrophic failure were to happen at the facility. AES Corporation, a global energy company focused on developing green energy solutions, has proposed a battery energy storage system (BESS) facility known as the Seguro Energy Storage project on a 22-acre
former horse reining arena at 925 Country Club Drive.
The 320-megawatt project would store enough energy generated through renewable sources like solar and wind to power 240,000 homes for four hours. The battery storage facility would connect to the local power grid via a new substation onsite that would then connect to the nearby 30,000-kilowatt SDG&E Escondido Substation through an underground transmission line.
“We’re 100% committed to going underground,” said lead project developer Max
Guarniere on May 7 at the final workshop in a three-part series held by AES at the San Marcos Civic Center. Residents in the Eden Valley as well as neighboring communities of Harmony Grove and Elfin Forest are widely opposed to the project due to its proximity to hundreds of residential homes, fearing that the lithium-ion batteries could start a fire as well as cause disruptive noise, air pollution and other environmental problems.
The closest home would
TURN TO BATTERY ON 7
Green Oak Ranch plan could plug service gap
By Laura PlaceVISTA — The San Diego County Board of Supervisors is looking to purchase the Green Oak Ranch property in Vista to create a proposed $280 million sober living and behavioral health treatment facility to fill a critical service gap in the region.
“We
need sites
for healing ... to free up our hospital beds.”
Supervisor Jim Desmond
Supervisors are eyeing an approximately 110-acre portion of Green Oak Ranch’s total 142 acres that was put up for sale almost a year after the passing of the land’s former owner, Arie de Jong, last April. The parcel for sale includes a summer camp and retreat facility that has hosted thousands of youth over the years, as well as an RV park and a residential men’s recovery program.
Last week, the Board of Supervisors directed interim Chief Administrative Officer Sarah Aghassi to begin negotiations with the owners of Green Oak Ranch with a $300,000 earnest deposit for the estimated $12 million purchase.
Supervisor Jim Desmond, whose district includes most of North County, said the land just south of state Route 78 is an oasis
Junior’s funeral expenses said he attended Quantum Academy in Escondido.
VISTA — After backto-back shootings in Vista last month, one of the victims has died following two weeks in the hospital, the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department confirmed last week.
Frank Martinez, 21, had been in the hospital since April 14 after being shot while walking in the 300 block of South Santa Fe Avenue around 2 a.m.. He died April 29, sheriff’s officials said.
No arrests have been made in the case, and the investigation has been transferred from Vista Street Narcotics and Gang detectives to the Sheriff’s Homicide Unit.
Just hours before Martinez was shot, a teenage male was shot around 9 p.m. in unincorporated Vista while walking near the intersection of Smilax Road and Mimosa Avenue. The victim was in stable condition at the hospital as of April 14.
No arrests have been made related to the shooting of the teenager, and the Sheriff’s Department is continuing to investigate.
Sheriff’s officials told Fox 5 San Diego that the two shootings were being investigated as separate incidents.
Anyone with information on either shooting is encouraged to call the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department at 858-565-5200.
Escondido man in custody after OIS shooting
BONSALL — A suspect was shot and arrested by sheriff’s deputies in Bonsall on May 4, causing state Route 76 to be temporarily shut down in both directions.
The shooting occurred around 11:30 a.m. Saturday near the intersection of Mission Road and Via Montellano, according to the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department.
Multiple deputies arrived after reports were made of a male brandishing a Glock-style handgun and knife in the area, a department spokesperson told City News Service.
The first two patrol deputies who arrived at the intersection of Mission Road and Old River Road encountered the armed man, now identified as 66-year-old Patrick Wendell Lowell of Escondido, according to San Diego sheriff’s Lt. Steve Shebloski.
“The deputies gave (Lowell) numerous commands to drop the weapons he was holding as they waited for additional resources to arrive,’’ Shebloski said.
“However, (Lowell) refused to drop the weapons he was brandishing, and a deputy involved shooting occurred.’’
The deputies both fired multiple rounds, striking Lowell in lower body, and he dropped the weapons, the lieutenant said. His wounds were not considered life-threatening.
No deputies were hurt, and Lowell was placed in custody at a hospital, Shebloski said. He faces a charge of assault with a deadly weapon on a peace officer and an outstanding felony warrant.
SR-76 was closed for a
time between Camino Del Rey and East Vista Way.
“In accordance with a Countywide Memorandum of Agreement, the San Diego Police Department is responding to conduct the investigation on the deputy-involved shooting,” the sheriff’s department stated.
— City News Service Outbreak of E. coli linked to organic walnuts
REGION — A multistate food safety alert was issued May 1 for an E. coli outbreak possibly linked to organic walnut halves and pieces sold in bulk bins at natural food stores and food co-ops in Southern California and elsewhere.
The Gibson Farms walnut pieces were distributed at stores in cities including Vista, San Marcos and Escondido, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The walnuts have expiration dates between May 21, 2025, and June 7, 2025.
So far, six people have reported possible E. coli illness in California, the CDC said. Gibson Farms, based in Hollister, has initiated a product recall, the public health agency said.
The CDC said almost all the sick people reported purchasing the organic walnuts from bulk bins in food coops or natural food stores.
CORRECTION
The story “Vista High track revamp among bond projects” in the April 26 edition of The Coast News-Inland Edition misstated the source of funding for the VHS track and field project and the status of the Rancho Buena Vista softball field project. The track and field revamp is funded by developer fees, not Measure LL.
SAN
DIEGO— The San Diego Association of Regional Governments board of directors has appointed Mario Orso, head of Caltrans’s San Diego district, as the agency’s new CEO from a pool of hundreds of candidates.
Orso has worked at Caltrans for nearly 33 years, serving as chief deputy director of Caltrans District 11 since 2022, and was appointed acting director of Caltrans District 12 in Orange County in 2023.
The SANDAG board finalized Orso’s appointment last month, with his three-year contract to begin June 17, filling the seat left empty by Hasan Ikhrata in December. Coleen Clementson will continue to serve as Interim CEO until then.
Orso thanked the board after they approved his contract at their April 26 board meeting.
At the board’s last meeting, they reviewed the findings of an explosive investigation by SANDAG’s Office of the Independent Performance Auditor (OIPA). The investigation found that executives knew about failures with the South Bay Expressway tolling system for well over a year before informing the board of directors and that financial reports from vendor ETAN Tolling Technologies could not be relied upon.
After approving Orso’s contract, the SANDAG board continued discussing management failures around the state Route 125 tolling system and continued to question interim CEO Clementson on why things were not done differently.
A list of affected stores is available at fda.gov/media/178182/download?attachment.
— City News Service Rincon Water flips switch on solar energy
ESCONDIDO — Rincon del Diablo Municipal Water District has launched a 40-kilowatt solar power generating project at its Rockhoff Pump Station, which provides potable water to 800 of the District’s customers.
The solar array consists of 159 ground-mounted panels, which will provide enough power to operate the system during daylight hours. The system will continue to operate from the power grid overnight and when solar conditions are unfavorable.
“The Rockhoff Pump Station has been the biggest consumer of power in our water system, typically using more than $150,000 of electricity per year,” said Clint Baze, General Manager of Rincon Water. “This is an important first step in lowering our power consumption and building a more resilient and efficient distribution system for our customers.”
The district is planning to expand its use of solar power, including at the Harmony Grove Water Reclamation Facility.
Rincon Water currently uses smaller-scale solar energy for its Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) network, which allows for the supervision and monitoring of the water system.
— From staff reports
“I am aware of the magnitude of the responsibilities and the challenges ahead. I also want to recognize the incredible SANDAG team that you are entrusting me to guide and lead. But what most excites me are the opportunities that lay ahead of us. With our guidance and the entire board’s guidance, this goal will be achievable,” Orso said.
SANDAG Chair and San Diego County Supervisor Nora Vargas is excited about Orso's work going forward.
“You are a true reflection of this region. I have no doubt you will lead us with integrity, as you have done before in your previous positions, and I am excited about the work you will do in collaboration with this board,” Vargas said.
Orso earned his bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from San Diego State University and previously served as the Caltrans District 11 Corridor Project Director for the South County and Trade Corridors, the district’s first Native American Liaison, and Intergovernmental Review Branch Chief and Project Manager.
Some board members argued that the CEO selection process was not completely transparent and tainted by “leaks” of the candidates’ identities. After supporting a failed motion to restart the CEO search, seven board members, including Carlsbad Councilmember Melanie Burkholder, San Marcos Mayor Rebecca Jones and Escondido Mayor Dane White, voted against Orso’s appointment.
Along with managing around 400 employees and a $1.2 billion budget for transportation projects in the San Diego region, the board has tasked Orso with ushering in a positive culture shift within the agency’s executive management.
Specifically, board members noted that Fagan Consulting had advised SANDAG leadership of major issues with ETAN’s system back in mid-2022 and advised then-CEO Ikhrata to bring forward a new request for proposals (RFP) to the board. When asked why this never happened, Clementson said she did not know.
“We’ve always had this culture of, like, ‘We’ll fix it, we’ll get it right.’ And that was a mistake that was made, that we believed we could get it right at some point in time. And then we get to a place where we back ourselves into a corner, and we have to do a sole source,” Clementson said.
The board also heard from Chief Financial Officer Andre Douzdjian, who announced his retirement shortly after the report was released. Douzdjian said it was ultimately Ikhrata’s decision not to bring a new RFP to the board and that while there were a host of issues with ETAN, they were doing their basic job of bringing in money from the tolls.
He said management also did not have all the information needed to present a complete RFP and new options to the board at the time.
However, after learning in August 2023 that the agency would not meet their year-end financials for the toll, Douzdjian said he told Ikhrata that they had “to stop this.”
“I know a lot has been said, but I can stand here in front of you and tell you that staff did their best with the intention of moving the project forward. There wasn’t any time we spoke as a management team of trying to hide anything,” Douzdjian said.
SANDAG is facing two lawsuits connected to the SR 125 toll road and has also been contacted by the U.S. Department of Justice.
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Samantha Mason
This is as much a cry for justice as it is for redemption.
Over eight months ago my reputation was forever sullied by accusations of embezzlement and wiping clean the business hard-drive.
There have been further stories of falsehoods perpetuated by Deanna Smith, chairperson of the Escondido Chamber of Commerce board, and legal counsel advising the chamber.
None of these accusations and lies were true despite a thorough review of chamber accounting by Smith and others. All chamber finances were in order and approved by the executive committee as is required by the bylaws.
Our budget had been scrutinized by the ExCom and further reviewed by the full board and approved by that board. These are the facts.
If allowed, and not interfered with, the chamber would have met its obligations and performed to the approved budget per plan. We simply could not without the full support of the entire board.
The chamber was well on its way to a new and sustainable future until Smith began a smear campaign against me and other members of the board.
But in the end, I was the target of her wrath. The harm caused by these lies and my subsequent release
as CEO of the chamber has directly targeted my reputation, a reputation as a leader with a vision and a pathway to fulfill that vision; an honest and well-respected professional with over 30-plus years of varied business experience that led me to take on the challenge of taking the chamber in a new direction.
And it was personal. Smith told me directly in a one-to-one meeting that I had become “too much of a distraction.”
The chamber has still not paid me for monies legally owed under California labor law and I will undoubtedly win a judgment, but it will have to go through the process which is heavily backlogged with claims and understaffed.
The lasting effects of all this is that my reputation has been forever damaged as a story built on sensationalism and lies stacks high on our digital dust bio for all to see forever.
This is not right. The articles featuring my rebuttal to these falsehoods and accusations rank nowhere near as high as the fabricated story does on a simple Google name search.
I left the Escondido Chamber holding my head high knowing we were on the right track. We had survived many challenges including the pandemic and were building on the momentum of positive change until we were derailed by someone
who made it personal.
The Escondido Chamber of Commerce (no longer the Greater Escondido Chamber of Commerce) will survive for a while longer and is reverting back to its former ways.
Nothing will have changed except another opportunity missed by Escondido; an opportunity to be something much bigger and better; an opportunity to hold your head high, Escondido; something long needed and deserved in the city.
You missed a chance to be something better, to lead and not always follow, to be something rather than almost being something. The many business owners and managers who make up the business community of Escondido deserved better.
I have taken this break in my professional career to evaluate myself and look for the positives in this whole calamity. And my biggest takeaway, as I look back, confirms I was right. Trust your experience, skills, knowledge and gut. Armed with renewed vigor and enthusiasm, I am ready to let my flame burn even brighter than before.
There will always be people who see you as a “distraction,” just don’t let them distract you from doing what you know is right.
James JR Rowten is the former CEO of the Greater Escondido Chamber of Commerce.
As you know, we’re facing a critical situation with soaring gas prices, escalating energy and utility costs, outof-control housing expenses, and relentless inflation driving up the prices of goods and services.
Many of our fellow Californians, including seniors on fixed incomes and hardworking families, are finding it increasingly difficult to afford even the most basic necessities. With these challenges, it is inconceivable that the State of California is once again moving forward with a gas tax increase. Ef-
fective July 1, the Gas Tax is slated to rise by an additional 2 cents, bringing the total tax burden to a staggering 59.6 cents per gallon. This comes at a time when California already has the highest gas prices in the nation, further exacerbating the financial strain on our residents.
According to recent data from AAA, the average cost of gas in California has soared to nearly $5.40 per gallon, a sharp contrast to the national average of $3.66. Such disparity is not only unjustifiable but also unsustainable.
TSB9 isn’t working, and its future now unclear california focus tom
he combination of the 2021 laws best known as SB9 and SB10 was supposed to bring scads of new affordable housing to the California market, ending single family zoning forever and solving the state’s housing shortage.
But they did not, mostly because the extra housing allowed under SB9 never became popular and developers never followed up by taking out many of the extra building permits easily available under SB10.
For one thing, rather than growing, the pace of homebuilding in California actually slowed after those bills and others designed to grease the skids for new apartments and condominiums failed to arouse much response.
Now SB9 may be doomed, its future very much in doubt after a Los Angeles Superior Court judge ruled in favor of five cities that disputed the state’s right to end their authority over most local land use.
So far, Judge Curtis Kin’s ruling in the case of City of Redondo Beach et al. v. California Attorney General Rob Bonta applies only to Redondo Beach and four other cities that joined the lawsuit. But Kin’s reasoning appears solid and if his ruling is upheld by California’s liberal-leaning appeals courts, it will eventually apply in every major city.
Bonta has indicated he will fight the decision, saying he “will consider all options in defense of SB9.”
SB9 authorized building as many as six homes on lots previously zoned for only one. Two duplexes could be built on lots to be subdivided almost everywhere in California, with a smaller additional dwelling unit (or “granny flat”) possible for each duplex, for a total substitution of six units for one.
elias
Lee, arguing for the five cities behind the lawsuit (Redondo Beach, Torrance, Carson, Whittier and Del Mar), claimed SB9, “neither reasonably related to its stated concern of ensuring access to affordable housing nor (was it) narrowly tailored to avoid interference with local government.”
The judge (a former deputy U.S. attorney and an adjunct professor at Loyola Law School in Los Angeles) agreed, saying “there is virtually no evidence that (under SB9) substantially lower costs trickle down to the lower two-thirds of households (by income).”
So, he said, the bill was unconstitutional. Initially, his decision applies only to the plaintiff cities in the lawsuit. If upheld on appeal, it will apply to all charter cities, including every major population center from Los Angeles to Palo Alto and from San Francisco to Santa Barbara. Other charter cities include Visalia, San Diego, Victorville, Palm Springs, San Jose, San Bernardino, Berkeley, Big Bear Lake and more than 100 others. What’s left are smaller “general law” locales.
The bill’s author, former state Senate President Toni Atkins, a Democrat now running for governor, immediately promised a replacement measure to fix SB9.
We must take immediate action to address this issue. While I personally believe we need a complete suspension of the gas tax, at the very least, we must prevent this impending increase. Our state legislators possess the authority to halt this measure, and they must hear directly from us, their constituents. I urge each of you to contact your Assemblymember and State Senator and express your concerns about the gas tax hike.
Jim Desmond represents District 5 on the Board of Supervisors.
But such a state law could only apply in the state’s charter cities if it aimed to solve a statewide problem. Otherwise, charter cities’ rights to govern land use in their own jurisdictions must remain untouched, says the state Constitution. SB9 was aimed, it said, at creating affordable housing everywhere, solving a statewide problem.
So far, individual subdivisions allowed under SB9 have achieved little popularity, with well under 2,000 such units built since the bill became law. What’s more, SB9 did not compel this new housing to meet the legal definition of affordability, where pricing is limited to a specific percentage of average market values in their area and caps on future resale prices.
Los Angeles lawyer
But that won’t make duplexes with or without granny flats any more popular than they’ve been, as very few homeowners have applied to get their current houses demolished and replaced by new units. Meanwhile, the ruling also did not stop the name-calling that has long accompanied SB9 and SB10. Atkins, for one, called opponents “NIMBYs (Not in My Backyard).” She said, “The goal of SB9 has always been to increase equity and accessibility in our neighborhoods while growing our housing supply.”
She did not acknowledge that her bill so far has failed on both counts. But SB 9 is not dead yet, even as opponents are currently rejoicing. Its fate remains very uncertain because California appellate courts have been reluctant to interfere with any of the new housing laws passed by Democratic legislators since 2000. Email
SAN
MARCOS— City leaders have approved allocations of around $710,000 in Community Development Block Grant funds, including over $100,000 to support various local organizations in the upcoming fiscal year.
Because the federal government has yet to confirm the exact CDBG allocations for cities for the 2024-25 fiscal year, San Marcos is using last year’s allocation total as an estimate. Funds will become available July 1.
“CDBG funds are used primarily to support public services, program administration, affirmatively furthering fair housing, and public facility or capital improvement projects,” said Sylvia Daniels, the city’s Housing & Neighborhood Services Manager.
Last month, the City Council agreed to allocate 20% of the total funds, or $142,000, toward administration costs, and earmarked $461,636 for planning and construction related to the Senior Activity Center HVAC capital improvements project.
For the $106,000 available in public service grants, the city approved allotments to six organizations out of a list of 13 total applicants.
This includes $20,000 each for the Legal Aid Society of San Diego, the Boys and Girls Club of San Marcos summer day camp for low-income youth, and Meals on Wheels; $10,000 for the city Parks and Recreation Department’s senior nutrition program; $24,500 for the Community Resource Center’s Latino victim advocacy program; and $12,000 for ElderHelp housing placement and support services for low-income and disabled seniors.
Applicants that were not recommended to receive funds this cycle included Casa de Amparo, Interfaith Community Services, Mission Edge, Lifeline Community Services, San Marcos Prevention Coalition, Project Next (formerly known as San Marcos Promise), and Veterans Village of San Diego.
The city is also using over $1.2 million in leftover CDBG funds from prior years to fund projects. This includes nearly $840,000 for Phase 2 improvements at Richmar Park, including a shade structure, half basketball court, sidewalk and landscaping, with the project expected to go out to bid in the coming months.
An additional $405,500 has been allocated to support the senior activity center HVAC project. Staff estimate that the total project cost will exceed $1 million to maintain the facility as a designated San Marcos “cool zone.”
SAN
MARCOS— The usual rush of end-of-year preparations at the University of Saint Katherine came to a sudden halt last week when students and faculty received an email with the shocking news that the school was ceasing all operations effective immediately.
In a 4 p.m. notice of termination email to staff, USK President Frank Papatheofanis said the school, which opened in 2010, would be “ceasing all employment” as of April 25, “can no longer meet its financial obligations because of a steep shortfall in operating cash,” and is filing for bankruptcy.
“Multiple reasons for this shortfall include extraordinary inflation, higher-than-anticipated salary increases, and high institutional student financial aid. The same factors have resulted in the closure of many small colleges and universities across the country. The board and I have vigorously explored multiple options that might allow us to continue. Unfortunately, none of these have proven viable,” Papatheofanis said in the email.
The announcement came just two weeks before finals and three weeks before the scheduled Class of 2024 commencement, which is now not guaranteed to occur.
The private Christian school, which belongs to the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletes, enrolls under 300 undergraduate students annually. The school has relied on athletic recruiting as a means for enrollment, with over 85% of students involved in sports last year.
“Our hearts break for our student-athletes at the conclusion of their Firebird careers, and we pray for their continued success as they move forward,” the Athletic Department said in a statement on their website. “This website will continue to share the accolades won by our teams. Our student-athletes have worked hard this season, and we hope to provide them with the recognition they deserve.”
On Friday, the day after the announcement, students and staff could be seen clearing out their belongings from the university’s suite in the 220 Ran-
chero Drive building in San Marcos. People shared hugs and tears, and to-be graduates picked up their caps and gowns that they are now unsure if they will be able to wear at commencement.
Ulises Ramirez, a junior on the school’s volleyball team, said the news is hard to process. He had planned to return to the university in the fall but now realizes he will need to finish out his college career elsewhere.
“I’m shocked, sad, and devastated. It’s pretty hard to put into words right now since it’s so fresh. I’m not really sure of the future right now,” Ramirez said.
Crista Wagner, a natural sciences professor, said she and other staff members initially thought the email about the closure was fake until students came into her office with tears in their eyes. She said employees were given no warning of the closure.
“I’ve been here for three years. It’s been a beautiful place to work,” Wagner said.
“I’ve been on the phone with parents, talking to places where people could transfer... I was talking to people
until almost midnight last night.”
Students said they were told that finals are canceled, and their current grades are now finalized. Those who qualify for graduation will still be able to receive their diplomas, and students with any remaining credits needed to complete for graduation will have to complete them elsewhere.
The news came as the No. 6 USK women’s beach volleyball team was competing for a NAIA national title in Tennessee. Just one day after receiving news of the university’s imminent closure, the team was eliminated in the quarterfinals, ending the season with a program-record 14 wins and a California Pacific Conference title.
USK was originally located in Encinitas before relocating to San Marcos in 2014. The university offers more than 25 different undergraduate programs in liberal arts and sciences.
In early March, the University of Antelope Valley, another small, private NAIA school in Lancaster, also announced that it was closing due to financial difficulties.
VISTA — Several capital improvement projects focused on improving streets, pedestrian safety, parks and public facilities are on the docket for the next two fiscal years in the city of Vista.
During a May 2 City Council workshop, city staff highlighted upcoming, ongoing and completed projects in the city and gave a preview of the items that will be on the city’s upcoming capital improvement project (CIP) budget when it goes before the council in June.
“I see this CIP budget really as a result of many months of discussion. We’ve had numerous discussions about traffic signals, street enhancements, sewer improvements, and this is now in front of us, in public discussion, in a workshop form,” said Councilmember Katie Melendez.
City staff highlighted several major projects completed or nearing completion during the 2023-24 fiscal year, including the opening of Pala Vista Park, improvements to the Gloria McClellan Senior Center, installation of rubberized surfacing at 10 local parks, several sewer and drainage improvements, 29 miles of rehabilitation along arterial and residential streets, and 19 new speed humps.
The city is also nearing the completion of its $4 million Townsite Complete Streets project, focused on a 1.2-mile stretch of Townsite Drive between East Drive and East Vista Way. The project includes over 4,000 feet of updated sidewalks, four new roundabouts, 35
TURN TO VISTA ON 11
City Council ratified a local emergency declaration on April 30, expediting repairs to a leak in a city-owned sewage pipeline after seepage was reported coming from the ground near the San Elijo Lagoon Nature Center in Cardiff.
On April 16, staff from the San Elijo Joint Powers Authority and the county’s Parks and Recreation Department notified Escondido utility staff that partially treated wastewater was surfacing near the city’s land outfall system at the lagoon’s northern end.
ately to assess the situation and confirmed the land outfall was leaking through laboratory test results that matched the seeping water wastewater from Escondido.
The seeping wastewater is currently confined near the nature center’s Manchester entrance. According to staff, the wastewater has not leaked and is not anticipated to leak into the lagoon.
on April 25, which allowed the city to enter into a bid with a contractor who could fix the leak as quickly as possible. Five days later, the City Council approved the decision.
CCL Contracting, Inc. was hired to repair the land outfall.
The city will use up to $1.7 million in wastewater reserve funds to pay for the project.
Wastewater is treated through three stages: the primary stage, which removes 60% of solids; the secondary stage, which re-
The city of Escondido owns a 14-mile land outfall pipeline that takes partially treated wastewater from its Hale Avenue Resource Recovery Facility to the San Elijo Joint Powers Authority’s ocean outfall, located west of Interstate 5 and south of Manchester Avenue in Cardiff, for the final phase of treatment before releasing the water into the ocean.
moves 85% of organic matter from sewage through bacterial decomposition; and finally, the tertiary stage, which removes any filterable solids from wastewater before it is discharged. According to the city, staff responded immedi-
Interim Director of Utilities Angela Morrow said approximately 13 million gallons of wastewater travel through the land outfall daily. She noted the source of the leak was likely a failure in a joint on the pipeline.
Staff was concerned that if repairs weren’t made quickly, a “catastrophic failure” could occur.
Escondido City Manager Sean McGlynn proclaimed a local emergency
As repairs are made, Escondido utility staff are continuing to coordinate with SEJPA, San Diego Regional Water Quality Control Board, San Diego Gas & Electric, Army Corps of Engineers, Department of Fish and Wildlife, the lagoon’s nature center, county of San Diego and city of Encinitas, where the nature center is located.
“The proposed con-
SAN
MARCOS— Cal Fire unveiled the newest addition to its firefighting toolbox in San Marcos this week, with the goal of better serving the area north of San Marcos Boulevard.
The HeloPod, a 5,000-gallon cistern in the Santa Fe Hills, serves as a high-capacity water source that allows helicopters to fill their water tanks while still in the air by sucking up water via a tube.
Helicopters save precious time when combating fires by filling their water tanks from the air with hundreds of gallons of water in just under a minute — four times faster than filling by landing. The pod then refills automatically with water from the district’s supply.
Cal Fire donated the HeloPod in a joint effort with the Vallecitos Water District and the city of San Marcos. The agencies saw the need for a water source to battle wildfires in the wildland-urban interface in the Santa Fe Hills, where homes back up directly onto wildlands.
“Between the three of us, we got together and made this a reality,” said Brent Pascua, Fire Captain with Cal Fire/San Diego County Fire. “This is going to greatly enhance the effectiveness
the HeloPod provides a water source in the northern part of the district that helicopters can access with fewer obstacles than a public body of water.
“What’s nice about these is, they’re controlled, and we know the flight path in and flight path out,” Pascua said.
While fighting a 5- to 10-acre fire, helicopters may return to a water source up to 20 times to fill their tanks, Pascua said.
San Marcos Fire Marshal Jason Nailon noted that the city has an “aggressive” hazard abatement ordinance requiring homes to have a 150-foot clearance from wildlands. The HeloPod will further assist in preventing wildfires from reaching properties.
of all aerial firefighting, by helping to protect people and their property.”
Leaders from Vallecitos, Cal Fire and the city of San Marcos celebrated the implementation of the HeloPod on Tuesday.
“The Vallecitos Water District, the City of San Marcos, San Marcos Fire, and Cal Fire have demonstrated our commitment to progress and partnership by providing the resources, expertise, people, and political will to achieve this benefit to our community. Today, we
are marking an occasion of progress and partnership as much as we are celebrating the milestone in-service of the HeloPod,” said Vallecitos Board President Tiffany Boyd-Hodgson.
While there are plenty of water sources in the southern portion of the Vallecitos Water District — including Lake San Marcos, Discovery Lake, Southlake and Jack’s Pond — there are currently no firefighting water sources north of San Marcos Boulevard.
According to Pascua,
“This turnaround time that this HeloPod has is gonna help out with extinguishing those fires,” Nailon said.
CalFire has implemented a total of five HeloPods throughout the county and is planning to double that number in the future, Pascua said.
Besides Cal Fire, other agencies, including San Diego Gas & Electric and the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department, will also be able to use the HeloPod for aerial firefighting efforts.
Richard Marks, owner of RDM Management Group, discusses how his business, a veteran-owned enterprise, excels in interpersonal skills training, focusing on Emotional Intelligence. Learn about their unique approach, including professional development, coaching, and their book “Expect Great Things to Happen.” Delve into their journey, success stories, and collaboration with the San Marcos Chamber for networking and growth opportunities.
What services and/ or specialty products do you provide? Our services consist of professional development training, motivational/keynote speaking, performance coaching, and assessments. Our specialty products include Blanchard trainings and my book “Expect Great Things to Happen: Five Core Principles of Highly Effective Business Professionals.”
What sets you apart from others in your industry?
RDM Management Group is hyper-focused on Emotional Intelligence. We believe that effective interpersonal skills training requires a foundation in E.Q. (Self-Awareness, Self-Regulation, Social Awareness, and Social Skills), enabling participants to self-assess, self-navigate, and self-correct behavior positively post-training.
What question are you asked most frequently by clients? Clients and participants often ask, “How do you apply these interpersonal skills when others are critical or judgmental?” Another common question is, “Can you teach these skills to my boss and/or leadership team?”
What is your favorite business success story?
One of the most transformative moments in my entrepreneurial journey occurred during a mentorship session with a seasoned leader. At the outset, my mentor astutely observed my nervous disposition and gently probed into its cause. I confided my apprehension about taking a vacation, fearing that without my constant oversight, things would unravel.
His response was a revelation. With candor, he pinpointed the root of my anxiety: a failure to cultivate and empower my team. “Rich-
ard,” he said, “the true mark of effective leadership lies in your ability to delegate confidently, knowing that your team is equipped to excel in your absence.”
What motivated you to join The San Marcos Chamber? As a business operating in San Marcos, I am eager to network with other professionals and leverage the Chamber’s resources.
What’s your best piece of business advice? Get involved with the Chamber! I encourage individuals not only to attend mixers but also to engage in committees. This facilitates collaboration, rapport building, and the cultivation of relationships.
Website: rdmmanagementgroup.com Instagram: instagram.com/rdmmgmt Facebook: facebook.com/ RDMmanagementgroup
Business news and special achievements for North San Diego County. Send information via email to community@ coastnewsgroup.com.
NEW BOOK
Ellen Wier, a North County-based, board-certified music therapist, has released her new book, “Waking Up in Heaven: Living with Purpose through Afterlife Wisdom,” which details her journey beginning as a child in the ICU where she woke up from a coma to music beside her bed.
TOP GOLFER
Cal State San Marcos student Madison Murr was named CCAA Golfer of the Year. Head coach Greg Hutton was named CCAA Women’s Golf Coach of the Year.
BIOLA GRADS
The following students have graduated from Biola University: Alexandria White, Jasmine Cacho, Lily Wolfe and Christopher Hall of Oceanside; Hannah Larson, Eliana Cote and Danielle Gmyr of San Marcos; Hannah Richards, McKenzie Justus and Caden Svendsen of Carlsbad; and Eliana Mihlik of Vista.
STUDENT SYMPOSIUM
Haydn Peterson of Oceanside presented original academic work titled, “Cuban Migration, Food, and Identity in Louisville,” at Ohio Wesleyan University’s 2024 Spring Student Symposium on April 18.
ACCEPTANCE RATE
MiraCosta College holds the highest transfer acceptance rate – 84% –to University of California campuses among community colleges in Southern California, according to recent data from the UC system.
RANCHO WATER
The Rancho California Water District is expanding its Regional CropSWAP program into the cities of Oceanside and Escondido, Fallbrook Public Utility District, Rainbow Municipal Water District and Valley Center Municipal Water District. The program, started in 2016 as a response to severe drought conditions in the Temecula Valley and a struggling local agricultural economy, offers significant financial incentives for implementing
sustainable practices with the goal of using water more efficiently.
HOMETOWN HEROES
MainStreet Oceanside has opened nominations for the 2024 Hometown Heroes program, which celebrates individuals who go above and beyond their daily responsibilities to foster positive community development and improve the neighborhood. Nominees must be Oceanside residents. The selected Hometown Heroes will be honored in the annual Oceanside Independence Parade.
STUDENT CONTEST
The Vista Irrigation District awarded college scholarships to three high school seniors and selected three fourth grade students as winners of two separate, district-sponsored contests. Elizabeth Fellars and Juan Paz from Rancho Buena Vista High School and Ilona Medina from Vista High School each received $2,000. Bailey Backer from Empresa Elementary received first place and $100 for her 2024 Water Awareness Poster Contest entry, and Juliette Stoiloff and Skylar Burtner from Tri-City Christian School received second ($50) and third place ($25).
SCIENCE ACADEMY
Salk Institute Professor Susan Kaech has been elected to the U.S. National Academy of Sciences, which is considered one of the highest honors accorded to a scientist in the nation. Kaech is director of the NOMIS Center for Immunobiology and Microbial Pathogenesis and holder of the NOMIS Chair at Salk. Her discoveries have contributed significantly to the modern understanding of long-term immunity and how memory T cells form.
ADVANCEMENT OFFICE
The MiraCosta College Office of Advancement was recognized for its contributions to community college communications with several awards at the 2024 Community College Public Relations Organization awards ceremony. The awards include a bronze award for the college’s Fall 2023 and Spring 2024 arts and events brochure series, a gold award for the Transforming Lives magazine, another gold award for the “Ghost Ship theater promotion video, and another bronze for the “Dancing at Dusk” manipulated photo.
at San Pasqual High School recently raised the walls on a newly built tiny mobile home that, when finished, will house once-homeless veterans.
San Pasqual is the second local high school to partner with the Warrior Village Project, a Fallbrook-based nonprofit that teaches young adults future career skills in construction while providing housing for homeless veterans.
In 2019, Mark Pilcher started the project alongside Michael McSweeney, the California Homebuilding Foundation’s career and technical education coordinator, and students in the construction pathway at San Marcos High School.
Since then, San Marcos students have built two tiny homes and are working hard on a third. Pilcher said the first home, now owned by the Wounded Warrior Project, has already provided residence to several veterans.
San Marcos and San Pasqual students are both currently working on modular – or mobile – tiny homes, allowing them to be transported elsewhere.
San Pasqual’s home will be 168 square feet on a 20-foot-long, 8-foot-wide trailer with wheels. The dwelling will feature cabinets built by Palomar College students and a Murphy-type
be 130 feet from the facility.
Many gathered prior to the workshop to protest the project.
Since the first meeting, nearly 2,700 people have signed a petition to stop the project. A website called stopseguro.org was also started to help spread awareness about the project.
Residents like JP Theberge, chair of the Harmony Grove/Elfin Forest Town Council, have cited past incidents where other storage facilities in the nation — including some owned by AES — have experienced thermal runaway events that caused massive battery fires.
bed that folds into the wall for extra space. Once finished, the home will also have a small deck to provide extra outdoor living space.
“It’s like a studio on wheels,” said McSweeney, who taught the students how to frame the walls.
San Pasqual just began work on its tiny home in January, and with summer break approaching next month, students will have to wait until next year to finish the project.
Although the home
“This is new technology — this technology is shifting constantly, and they’re constantly trying to come up with ways to address this fire risk,” Theberge told the crowd of protesters. “The industry itself makes a big deal out of this — risk is part of it. Failure is part of this model.”
Harmony Grove Village resident Kendra Correia said the project would turn the neighborhood into a “sacrifice zone,” a term used to describe areas where residents are subjected to heightened levels of pollution and hazardous materials, despite the adverse impacts on their health. The term has appeared on several signs posted throughout the Eden Valley and surrounding
won’t be finished by the end of this year, seniors like Darius Jones had the privilege of experiencing a major achievement in the construction world: raising the walls of a new home.
Jones, who plans to enlist in the Navy after graduation, was one of eight students in San Pasqual’s CTE Construction pathway who raised the walls of the school’s first tiny home on May 7.
Jones has spent the last three years learning valu-
able, career-ready skills in the construction program.
“I like working with my hands building stuff,” he said. “It’s a good feeling when you finish something.”
Working with the Warrior Village Project, Jones had two reasons to feel good about completing his part in the tiny home.
“I’m just glad I get to help homeless people,” he said.
San Pasqual construction instructor Brandon Tarrac was grateful for
communities in opposition to the project.
“This is a recipe for disaster,” Correia said. “We
will end up being the poster child for what not to do with battery storage facilities.”
According to Guarniere,
ally stands up…It translates to skills that they can actually put on their resume,” Tarrac said. “It’s a real-world project – someone’s going to live in it, so it’s not just a training module anymore. That’s what gets them a job.”
Tarrac, a Marine Corps combat veteran who served in Fallujah during the Iraq War, knows what it’s like to see fellow servicemembers struggle after returning home and commended the program for providing the necessary support veterans need to transition back into civilian life.
I’ve seen what that does to people there and coming back,” he said. “Many people don’t have the resources they need to navigate and adjust back to civilian society, so this is just one thing we can do to help give them a place to stay and find those additional resources.”
his students’ opportunity to work with Pilcher and McSweeney on the project.
Tarrac also praised Escondido-based Dixieline Lumber for donating materials to the cause.
“Everything we do here involves training modules on a small scale where it’s OK to mess up and learn how to fix it. This is learning how to build a home the right way, understanding that’s not just how to do it but also how to build it up to code so it passes state inspection and actu-
the site was chosen because of its proximity to electricity demand, the availability of an existing electricity grid infrastructure and access, and availability of flat land that would suit the project.
“This particular site was selected because this is an area that needs more power supply,” he said, noting the occasional massive blackouts that plague the region as well as its proximity to industrial areas in nearby Escondido and San Marcos.
Still early in the design phase, the project will first need to be approved by the county.
AES has applied for a major-use permit and is currently in the process of developing its environmen-
Pilcher plans to expand the project with similar programs at other area schools and continue to work with San Marcos and San Pasqual high schools.
“I’m hoping to add at least one more school next fall,” Pilcher said. “The goal is to add more schools each year.”
Pilcher is also seeking more nonprofit organizations to take over the tiny homes once they are finished to provide housing to other homeless veterans in the region.
tal impact report (EIR) as required through the California Environmental Quality Act. AES officials have indicated they hope to complete the EIR in the next few months for public review. Guarniere said construction would likely start next year and the battery system would be operational by late 2026.
Theberge said the project belongs in an industrial zone like the 50-megawatt lithium-ion battery storage facility that will replace the former Ice-Plex building in Escondido.
“It’s dangerous, it’s toxic, it’s industrial,” Correia added. “It’s all the things and exactly where it doesn’t belong.”
Tuesday, May 14th
Who: Gardeners, native plant enthusiasts and the public are all invited.
What: Grand Opening of the Native Plant Seed LibraryFree native seeds, books and more.
Where: Vallecitos Sustainable Demonstration Garden, Vallecitos Water District, 201 Vallecitos de Oro, San Marcos, CA.
When: Tuesday, May 14th, 2024 (starts at 10:00 AM)
Why: To Inspire residents to adopt a water-wise garden lifestyle
Info: The Vallecitos Water District recently partnered with the Audubon Society to ensure that our botanical heritage remains intact for future generations and supports bird species, pollinators, and other local wildlife. Nestled within the tranquil surroundings of Vallecitos’ Sustainable Demonstration Garden,
you’ll find the District’s newly installed Native Plant Seed Library, which serves as a beacon of hope for conservationists, gardeners, and nature enthusiasts alike.
Whether you are a seasoned gardener with a passion for native plants or simply curious about the natural world around you, come join us! Participants can take native seeds from the library as well as free gardening books from the District’s “Little Free Library.” The District stocks this lending library throughout the year with various garden books to inspire residents to adopt a waterwise garden lifestyle. The seed box and garden book library are available during normal business hours.
Say Anaheim and your first thought no doubt is Disneyland, but author and travel writer Melanie Walsh says that there’s a whole lot more to this Orange County city of 344,000.
“I’m a big Disney fan myself, but Disneyland is not the only thing Anaheim has to offer,” said the mother of four and author of “100 Things to Do in Anaheim Before You Die.” “The rest of the city is magical, too.”
A fourth-generation Anaheim resident who lives in a 100-year-old home within walking distance to Pearson Park, Walsh says, “I’ve always been connected to the history of the city.” She began blogging about it when her children numbered two, and we “(took) a chance on destinations that we wouldn’t have gone to otherwise.”
It wasn’t until after the birth of her fourth child that Walsh began writing this book, but “it wouldn’t be much of a stretch to say that I’ve been researching my en-
tire life.”
Among Walsh’s favorite Anaheim haunts are:
Anaheim Packing House – A former Sunkist orange-processing plant has taken on new life as a hip, multilevel food hall with eclectic offerings (i.e. chicken tikka poutine or cheeseburger egg rolls), dozens of craft breweries, merchants and artisans. “If you’re a foodie, it’s must.”
Pearson Park — Just two miles north of Disneyland, the park features a picturesque duck pond, extensive succulent garden, sports fields, and an amphitheater.
A recent addition: Kobe Bryant Memorial Dream Court basketball court and stunning butterfly sculpture commemorating Bryant and daughter Gigi, who died in a helicopter crash in January 2020.
While Walsh writes about today’s Orange County, Chris Epting writes about The OC of yesteryear.
The veteran journalist, travel writer, biographer and historian was inspired to write “Lost Landmarks of Orange County” by a “deep-seated belief that Orange County's historical and cultural contributions are often overlooked or undervalued. (I wanted) to uncover and celebrate the stories of the places that have played pivotal roles in shaping the
IN HER BOOK, left, fourth-generation Anaheim resident Melanie Walsh goes beyond Disneyland and provides readers with a comprehensive look at the best the city has to offer. Right, author and historian Chris Epting documents longgone Orange County treasures in his book, a detailed narration with copious prints and photos. Courtesy photos
region's history and identity.”
Epting’s text and copious historic photos and illustrations do that and more. He gives readers a surprise at every turn of the page. Who knew that Buena Park once had an alligator-and-snake show, Santa Ana a legal drag strip and Santiago Canyon a working coal mine?
Epting’s three years of research to create this 300page, hardcover collection of stories included documenting tales from people who had personal connections to these lost landmarks, and whose accounts “provided a rich tapestry of insights and perspectives that brought depth and authenticity to the narrative.”
Epting relocated to Huntington Beach in 1999 to work for a Newport advertising agency, “and it didn't take long for me to de-
velop a deep appreciation for the region's rich history and cultural heritage,” he says. “I become keenly aware of the disappearing landmarks that had once played pivotal roles in shaping Orange County's identity.”
Epting’s book also includes updates on some of the lost landmarks, like the many neon motel signs that illuminated the county’s roads between the 1920s and 1960s. Visitors can see them at the Museum of Neon Art in Glendale.
And while Disneyland (opened July 1955 and now Disneyland Resort) is still going strong, many attractions have long since disappeared. Epting details the whys of extinction for 26 attractions, including Country Bear Jamboree (1972-2001); Flying Saucers (1961-1966); House of the Future (19571967); Mike Fink Keel Boats (1955-1997); and Rocket to the Moon/Mission to Mars (1955-1992).
My once-Disneyland-fave: Adventure Thru Inner Space, which took riders through the Mighty Microscope to “explore the inner workings of the human body.”
On Epting’s list is the “beloved” La Palma Chicken Pie Shop in Anaheim, which closed in 2016 after the owner’s death. It had been open since 1955, and the shop’s neon sign also resides in the Museum of Neon Art.
Despite the headlines touting artificial intelligence (AI) as human replacement, most small business owners and employees surveyed by Cox Business view the technology as a tool to strengthen and grow their teams.
Cox Business surveyed small business owners and employees to better understand their sentiment toward AI and how they use the technology in the workplace. Among those surveyed, 52% of small business owners said AI enables them to increase or retain employees, while 65% of small business employees said the same.
According to the survey, small business owners are increasing their AI investment to grow customer service, marketing and sales in 2024.
struction method will minimize impacts on the residents of the city of Encinitas, the San Elijo Nature Center, and the public,” a staff report states.
The Regional Board required the city of Escondido to prepare and submit a report of non-compliance with the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit violation for the leak.
Utility staff will also perform a pre-disturbance damage assessment of the affected area due to the leak within the nature center’s boundaries and the proposed construction associated with repairs to the land outfall. Water samples continue to be collected throughout the process.
The HARRF system in Escondido will remain fully operational throughout construction while minimizing environmental impacts, according to staff.
Both small business owners and employees feel that they have a good grasp on what AI is and are comfortable using the tools within their organization:
• 85% of owners are somewhat to very comfortable using AI tools in their business
• 75% of employees are somewhat to very comfortable using AI tools in their business
Small business owners (53%) report AI had a positive impact on customer experience in 2023 and plan to use AI to support the customer experience in several ways this year:
• 36%: Online order product/service recommendations
• 35%: Online order placement
• 35%: Website live chatbot
• 33%: Customer service calls
One-third of small business owners invested
in AI for their company last year and 53% plan to invest in AI even more in 2024.
The data clearly shows that small- and medium-sized businesses are embracing AI,” said Mark Greatrex, president of Cox Communications. “Leveraging AI to boost productivity and enhance the customer experience empowers entrepreneurs to take their business to the next level and prosper. With our generative AI practice at RapidScale, we are making it easier to realize the benefits faster.”
wanted
Currently, 75% of small business owners say they are responsible for their company’s AI implementation and operations. Even though more owners and employees say their company did not feel much impact from last year’s IT labor shortage, 42% of owners did see an impact, having experienced decreased revenue. The 43% of employees that saw an impact experienced:
• 43% Added job responsibility
• 40% Increased stress in the workplace
• 38% Working longer hours
“For SMBs with limited technology resources, building AI models specific to their business can be intimidating,” said Jeff Breaux, executive vice president of Cox Business. “But the engineers at RapidScale can make Generative AI accessible and guide businesses on the right deployments to improve a variety of use cases. From building the optimal data resources to training the machine learning models, we can make Generative AI achievable for a wider set of businesses looking for a powerful new growth engine.”
For more key survey findings, visit www.CoxBLUE.com/SmallBizSurvey.
— Have you noticed the hundreds, if not thousands, of blue jelly-like blobs piling up along North County’s beaches?
Let us introduce velella velella.
These small creatures may look like jellyfish, but they are actually marine hydrozoans, a group of aquatic animals closely related to jellyfish and similar to the toxic Portuguese man-ofwar.
This animal feeds on planktonic organisms with tentacles that have harpoon-firing cells called cnidocysts, just like jellyfish, according to the Natural History Museum os Los Angeles County.
Thankfully, velella velella are usually harmless to humans, but dog owners are warned to keep their pooches away. Although not life-threatening, their stinging cells can cause irritation and an upset stomach if eaten.
“Watch for signs such as hypersalivation, pawing at the mouth, or actual vomiting,” said Kristie Leslie, a veterinarian at the Drake Center for Veterinary Care in Encinitas.
Velella velellas also go by the nicknames “by-thewind sailors” and “little sails” due to their sail-like structures that stick up above the water and have stinging cells in their tentacles.
They have no way of
moving except by the tide or wind and occasionally wash up in large numbers along Southern California’s coast.
“They have a pretty complex life history,” said Linsey Sala, senior museum scientist at Scripps Institution of Oceanography. “They will reside in the deep sea during wintertime, and then when conditions are such that they support a lot of zooplankton activity like we see here in the spring, they make an excursion up to the surface.”
Marlee Pracuta’s dog, Buster, a forty-pound mixbreed, took full advantage of the free snacks during their recent walk along a Carlsbad beach.
“I was freaking out,” she said. “He ate three of them and it was like someone had put a big bowl of food in front of him.”
Thankfully, Buster was no worse for wear, but what should you do if your dog swallows a velella velella?
“Offer them icy water,” Leslie said. “It’s not a guarantee, but it would be cooling on the mouth and could help with irritation.”
According to Leslie, antihistamines like Benadryl probably wouldn’t be effective regarding symptoms related to ingesting velella velella.
However, her main advice is that if in doubt, call your vet.
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.
Ev-
ery Friday for the next five months, Grand Avenue will host the largest weekly car cruise west of the Mississippi River.
Cruisin’ Grand returned for its 24th season on May 3, attracting thousands of visitors to see the dozens of pre-1974 hot rods and other vintage vehicles on display.
“Cruisin’ Grand is honored to be called one of the best cruises in the country,” the event’s website states. “We try to keep it simple and focus only on what works
with our community history, i.e., 1973 and earlier American-made classics, customs, vintage, muscle and hot rods cruising Grand Avenue, just like they did 50 to 60 years ago on a Friday night, hopefully shoulder-to-shoulder with a date!”
Started in 1999, Cruisin’ Grand brings downtown on Fridays to life between May and September, boosting local businesses as visitors fill shops and restaurants for five hours every Friday night. Many visitors also take the opportunity to show off their own unique vehicles
while cruising down Grand Avenue during the event. This year would have been Cruisin’ Grand’s 25th anniversary. However, the event was canceled in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Each Friday, the car show highlights a different group of classic cars. On May 10, Cruisin’ Grand will feature early Ford models, including the Model T, Model A and early V8 models.
The last day of this season’s Cruisin’ Grand is Sept. 27. For a full schedule of events, visit www.cruisingrand.net.
“ 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.
It was the same Mother's Day gift, year after year, for the lovely Henrietta Leitner.
Her son Ted would deliver a bright-red, oversized, heart-shaped box of chocolates, which she welcomed as much as her sportscaster son.
His mom would rip open the box, then tear into Leitner.
"I'm surprised all the pieces are still in it,'' she would say, delivering a jab just below the heart, as in the ribs.
"It was our running gag for so many years,'' he said. "That was wonderful, it was great. But Mother's Day isn't the same for me anymore.''
Mother's Day arrives on Sunday, and with it Leitner's memories of his supportive mom wash over him.
Leitner recently announced that he'll soon retire from a broadcasting career that has him on San Diego's Mount Rushmore of anyone ever holding a microphone.
But what he grasps tighter are the recollections of his mother, who was known, with affection, as "Henny."
"What a mountain of love,'' he said.
She offset the volcano that was Leitner's grumpy father, Murray. He was an ill-tempered and tortured soul, one who harassed his wife and three sons in a manner that was abusive and left emotional scars.
"I try not to tell people much about this,'' Leitner said. "I didn't talk about it or bring it up all those years on KFMB or anywhere actually. I never got into it.''
He explored his dysfunctional family in "Ted Talks," his compelling book published in 2022. Leitner wrote that his father constantly berated everyone crammed into their Bronx apartment.
In explaining his dad's vitriol, Leitner exposed his mother's virtues.
"I've had so many breaks in my life, professionally and personally,'' Leitner, 76, said. "But my first break came from my mother because she was a perfectionist at loving me.''
In a home where Leitner's self-esteem was attacked 24/7, his mother had his back around the clock.
"My dad was difficult and he would be yelling at us, putting us down, and she was our buffer,'' he said. "She would say, 'That's enough, leave them alone.'''
Listeners are never a party of one with "Uncle Teddy" speaking. The gentleman who was the voice of San Diego sports for more than four decades will mark
cause he knew he might be slapping his mother around.
"You commiserate with others, while knowing some kids had it much worse than I did with alcoholic parents and getting physical abuse.''
For Leitner, his shining light was Henny.
For Leitner, his refuge was a woman dominated by an overbearing man high on testosterone and low on being a role model.
For Leitner, this Mother's Day mimics the others since Henny’s passing, as he reflects on her kindness but also curses her fate.
"She never got to see me on TV and never heard me on the radio,'' he said. "She never got to be proud of her son.''
new ADA curb ramps, 10 new bus shelters, and two new pedestrian crossings on North Santa Fe Avenue.
Over the past year, the city also opened a new low-barrier homeless shelter and purchased property along Matagual Drive for a future park.
“[There’s] a lot of things to be proud of here,” said Mayor John Franklin. “I'm really proud of where we are as a city. A lot of our neighboring cities are going through deficit situations and are in really dire straits, and we continue to do really well as a city, and with less revenue per capita than a lot of our neighbors.”
Another $54 million will be needed to fund 18 ongoing projects being carried over from previous fiscal years, according to staff. The majority of this cost, around $28 million, will go to two years of payments to the Encina Wastewater Authority, with which Vista contracts for sewage treatment, and Buena Sanitation District projects.
Other needed appropriations include $13.7 million for ongoing street projects, $1.2 million for pedestrian mobility improvements, and $4.9 million for the replacement of Fire Station 3. Construction of the new station at East Vista Way and Taylor Street is expected to be completed in late 2025.
“Due to bids coming in significantly over the original budget, an additional $4.9 million is being proposed for this project,” said Vista Budget Manager Sara Taylor, noting that the majority of this cost will be covered by the city’s Measure L reserves.
Another ongoing project requiring new appropriations is the senior center phase 2 improvements project, which will bring new paint, cabinetry, roofing and landscaping. Phase 1 of the $1.27 million project was completed this past year and included a new lounge, a library and a game room, and the addition of a modern fitness room.
New street projects planned for the next two years include pedestrian improvements along Paseo Santa Fe Avenue, at West Vista Way and Cedar Road, and the area of Civic Center and Pala Vista Drive.
City Traffic Engineer Sam Hasenin said the opening of Pala Vista Park has led to increased traffic backup along Civic Center Drive. The city is planning the addition of a traffic signal and queue cutter near the railroad tracks, to make it easier for pedestrians to safely cross the road.
Along Paseo Santa Fe Avenue, the addition of flashing beacons are expected to help increase pedestrian safety at four existing crosswalks, which are not doing enough on their own to slow traffic,
his 30th year on San Diego State hoops next season and then drop the mic.
What Leitner hasn't let go of is something that happened in 1978, his first year in San Diego. His dear 70-year-old mother, likely battling Alzheimer's, was in a nursing home in Hartford, Connecticut, and near the end of her incredible life.
"Those were horrible days for someone like her, as they are with anyone else that has Alzheimer's,'' he said. "They don't deserve to live that way. Losing her like that, I just...''
Just before Leitner's sports segment on the 11 p.m. news, Lew, his older
said City Manager John Conley.
“Our estimation when we put the project in was that traffic would be go -
Mauro Becerril Gonzalez Carlsbad April 21, 2024
Romana Songco de la Cruz Oceanside April 20, 2024
brother, called to say their confused mother was fading. He encouraged Leitner to resist rushing back and instead remember her sweet persona she displayed when they were kids.
"That last red-eye flight had already left, but I was going to get on the first plane in the morning,'' Leitner said. "My brother said, 'No, no, we know how close you were to her and how sentimental you are about her. You don't want to see this scene.' While I didn't know what that meant, I'm sure it was bad. With that, I didn't go.
"I took the easy way out and I have never forgiven
ing slow enough and there would be enough visibility that we wouldn't have to sign them, but we’re finding that there’s still some
myself for that. In the end, it's something you have to do, and I didn't do it and I've had to live with that.''
Leitner's empathy is evident for others going through similar, or tougher, upbringings. He feels for children absorbing the daily derogatory barrage from a parent. He had a kindred spirit in Joe Torre, the former major league player and manager.
"Joe and I had several conversations about it,'' Leitner said. "His dad was a New York City cop and if Joe came home after school and saw his dad's unmarked police car parked out front, he wouldn't go inside be-
concerns for safety,” Conley said.
The city is also planning to install traffic signals at three intersections:
Henny likely didn't require the visuals of her son in a sharp suit in a studio, pontificating about this and that.
She knew he was as fond of her, and her beloved pot roast, as she was of him.
Leitner's dedication in his book reveals the love story of an appreciative son and his thoughtful mother:
"To Henrietta Cohen Leitner, the first of many wonderful gifts I’ve been given in my life. As Paul Anka wrote: 'If in death the good Lord is kind, you’ll be the last thing on my mind.'
“Rest in peace, Mom."
Happy Mother's Day, Mrs. Leitner. Here's to you looking on from above, while devouring chocolates sent with love from your son.
South Melrose Drive and Dawson Drive; East Vista Way and Franklin Lane; and North Melrose Drive and Ascot Drive.
Barbara Marie Devan Vista April 16, 2024
John Bertram Dee Escondido April 10, 2024
Submission Process
Please email obits@coastnewsgroup.com or call (760) 436-9737. All photo attachments should be sent in jpeg format, no larger than 3MB. the photo will print 1.625” wide by 1.5” tall inh black and white.
Timeline
Obituaries should be received and approved before Friday at 12 p.m. for publication in the next week Friday’s newspaper.
Rates:
Text: $15 per inch Approx. 21 words per column inch Photo: $25 Art: $15 (Dove, Heart, Flag, Rose)
What is a Mother?
She’s somebody to confide in… her trust is always there. She’s somebody who is very special; who deserves so much. She’s a tear and a smile. She’s a warm and loving touch. She is always there to listen and to hear my point of view. She’ll give me her suggestions without telling me what to do She gave her life in raising me and hel ping me to grow. She’s been there through the happy times and comforts me when I’m feeling low. She makes sure I know I am special and important to her. She was there through wet diapers, skinned knees, dates, first kisses, and the vows of love, “I DO. ”
She’s my best friend as well as MOM. We’ve hugged, we’ve cried, we’ve laughed. I thank you, Mom, for all your love!
We proudly honor Mothers on Mother’s Day and every day!
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MAY 10
CRUISIN’ GRAND
Cruisin’ Grand Escondido, the largest weekly car cruise west of the Mississippi River, kicked off its 24th year highlighting American-made classics, customs, vintage, muscle and hot rods every Friday. Information booth at corner of Grand and Broadway. Free, 4-9 p.m. every Friday through Sept. 30, West Grand Ave, Escondido.
US: AN EVENING OF MAGIC
“Us” is a theatrical magic experience based on real-life, secret pop-up art exhibits that really happened in San Diego and orchestrated by the star of the show, Michael Lamb. Show runs from May 9-18. $49, 7 p.m. at California Center for the Arts, 340 N Escondido Blvd, Escondido.
SACRED MELODIES
Join director of Jewish Life and guest artist Mikey Pauker for a joyful, participatory gathering on the Farm to welcome in the sacred pause of Shabbat. Bring your own picnic, challah will be provided. Free, 6-8:30 p.m. May 10 at Coastal Roots Farm, 441 Saxony Rd, Encinitas.
AMIR K & FRIENDS!
Come join us right here in Escondido at Grand Comedy Club for a live stand up comedy show with Amir K seen on MADtv and Comedy Central with openers Dino Archer and Keven Soldo. $25, 6:30-8p.m. Grand Comedy Club, 340 E Grand Ave, Escondido.
‘HEDDATRON’
A wildly creative, absurd and surprising reinvention of Ibsen’s Hedda Gabler. *This performance contains mature language and situations. $10-$16, May 3-12 (Thurs, Fri, and Sat at 7:30 p.m. and Sun at 2:30 p.m.) at Howard Brubeck Theatre at Palomar College, 1140 W Mission Rd, San Marcos.
DISNEY’S ALADDIN JR.
Step into a whole new world of music and magic with Leading Note Theatre’s latest show, “Disney’s Aladdin Jr.” Performances at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. May 10 and 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. on May 11 at Leading Note Theatre, 756 S Rancho Santa Fe Rd, San Marcos.
SAN LUIS REY CHORALE
This spiritually uplifting concert is the final offering by the San Luis Rey Chorale in celebration of their 45th anniversary. $25, 7 p.m. at Mission San Luis Rey, 4050 Mission Ave, Oceanside.
‘SENSE OF DECENCY’
North Coast Repertory Theatre will perform “Sense of Decency,” a play based on the book, “The Nazi and the Psychiatrist,” about the
aftermath of WWII during the Nuremburg trials. $49$74, runs through May 12 at North Coast Repertory Theatre, 987 Lomas Santa Fe Dr, Solana Beach.
NEXT TO NORMAL
Winner of three 2009 Tony Awards, including Best Musical Score and the 2010 Pulitzer Prize, “Next to Normal.” $20-30, 8 p.m. on May 10-11 at The Brooks Theatre, 217 N Coast Hwy, Oceanside.
AUTHORS CONVERSATION
The 2024 Nebula and BSFA Award finalist Jendia Gammon joins us in conversation with NY Times bestselling author Jonathan Maberry. 3-5 p.m. May 11 at Artifact Books, 603 S Coast Hwy 101, Encinitas.
BATIQUITOS LAGOON
Paul Tuskes will present information on some of the unique snails and clams living in San Diego’s coastal lagoons. Free, 10 a.m. at Batiquitos Nature Center, 7380 Gabbiano Ln, Carlsbad.
MOM’S DAY SUCCULENTS
Cardiff Farmer’s Market is hosting a make-yourown potted succulent event for Mother’s Day. Choose from a selection of succulents provided by RG Succulents and handmade pottery by Studio1212 Ceramics. $25, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Cardiff Farmer’s Market, 3333 Manchester Ave, Cardiff by the Sea.
MARY COLBY TEA
The Mary Colby Tea takes place annually at Casa Romantica and combines a traditional English High Tea with a fundraising element. 2:30 to 5 p.m. May 11 at Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens, 415 Avenida Granada, San Clemente.
TECH TREK
The Del Mar-Leucadia Branch of American Association of University Women will present “The Soup That Blue Up Twitter,” at its
annual celebration of Tech Trek. 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. May 11 at Encinitas Community Center, 1140 Oakcrest Park Dr, Encinitas.
ROTARY GOLF BALL DROP
Encinitas Coastal Rotary Club is hosting its 8th annual Golf Ball Drop and Silent Auction to support at-risk youth through local charities. $65, 5-7 p.m. May 11 at Encinitas Ranch Golf Course, 1275 Quail Gardens Dr, Encinitas.
BEST BUDDIES WALK
Best Buddies is an international, nonprofit organization devoted to creating an inclusive environment and world for the intellectual and developmental disability community. 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. May 11 at Kit Carson Park, 3333 Bear Valley Pkwy S, Escondido.
FIESTA AT THE RANCHO
Enjoy the warm spirit of hospitality that Leo Carrillo made famous at his ranch by attending Fiesta at the Rancho. 5:30 p.m. at Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park, 6200 Flying LC, Carlsbad.
HIRING & RESOURCE FAIR
The Encinitas Chamber of Commerce is hosting its Hiring and Resource Fair to help connect locals looking for jobs and businesses who want to hire them. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 11 at MiraCosta San Elijo Campus, 3333 Manchester Ave, Encinitas.
INSPIRE YOUTH AWARDS
Come celebrate and acknowledge those youngsters who live in San Diego County who are gifted in the visual arts. 3 to 5 p.m. May 11 at North Coastal Art Gallery, 300 Carlsbad Village Dr, Carlsbad.
OCEANSIDE ANTIQUE
The Oceanside Antique mall will celebrate Mother’s Day with vendor discounts, free refreshments, DIY flower bouquets, homemade chocolate tasting, fine jewelry discounts and more. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. May 11 at Oceanside Antiques and Collectibles, 1810 Oceanside Blvd, Oceanside.
DREW HOLCOMB
For the better part of two decades, the award-winning songwriter has brought his audience together night after night, turning his shows into celebrations of community and American roots music. $25-$275, 8 p.m. at Belly Up, 160 S Cedros Ave, Solana Beach.
MOTHER’S DAY TEA
Celebrate Mother’s Day with family and friends during an elegant afternoon tea featuring an array of fine tea selections paired with finger sandwiches and pastries. $125, 10 a.m. at Fairmont Grand Del Mar, 5300 Grand del Mar Ct, San Diego.
ART GLASS GUILD SHOW
MOTHER’S DAY TOUR
This is a self-guided, driving tour on Mother’s Day weekend. Tickets are good for both days and homes may be re-visited. $35, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 11 at Off Track Gallery, 937 S Coast Highway 101, Encinitas.
RAFAEL & TEMPCHIN
Singer/songwriters Joel Rafael and Jack Tempchin, lifetime friends, will be sharing their original songs in a concert presented by San Diego Folk Heritage. $15$18, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. May 11 at Pilgrim United Church of Christ, 2020 Chestnut Ave, Carlsbad.
HOT RODS & COOL TREATS
Grab the family and come on out for some good old-fashioned fun. Free (tickets for games and activities can be purchased at event) 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 11 at Pine Avenue Community Park, 3333 Harding St, Carlsbad.
SPRING ACROSS AMERICA
North Coast Symphony Orchestra presents Spring Across America, a musical journey. $12-$15, 2:30 p.m. at San Dieguito United Methodist Church, 170 Calle Magdalena, Encinitas.
MAKE SOURDOUGH BREAD
Learn how to make the perfect loaf of sourdough bread. $89-$168 12 to 2:30 p.m. May 11 at Sunshine Market & Refillery, 3529 Cannon Rd, Oceanside.
IMPROV COMEDY
Join OTC for a fun night of improv comedy with North County Improv Squad and Ringland, made up of American Improv Theatre’s Jeff Ringgold and Oceanside Theatre Company’s Chris Shurland. $15, 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. May 11 at The Brooks Theatre, 217 N Coast Hwy, Oceanside.
MAY 12
MOTHER’S DAY BRUNCH
Mother’s Day brunch at A.R. Valentien. 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at A.R. Valentien, 11480 N Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla.
from Members” series with a presentation by Ron Velarde on “Exploring Human Traits and DNA.” 10 to 11:30 a.m. May 14 at Faraday Center, Faraday Ave, Carlsbad.
NATIVE PLANT LIBRARY
Celebrate the opening of the Native Plant Seed Library in the Vallecitos Water District’s sustainable demonstration garden. 10 a.m. at Vallecitos Water District, 201 Vallecitos de Oro, San Marcos.
FARM FOOD 4 THOUGHT
The Art Glass Guild will be hosting their 2024 Spring Patio Show and Sale on May 11th and 12th. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 12 at Spanish Village Art Center, 1770 Village Pl, San Diego.
JAZZ EVENSONG
Jazz Evensong will feature a blend of Anglican prayer and American jazz. Music begins at 4 p.m. followed by church service at 4:30 p.m. Free and open to the public. 4 p.m. at St. Michael’s-by-the-Sea Episcopal Church, 2775 Carlsbad Blvd, Carlsbad.
MOTHERS AND OTHERS
This Mother’s Day, celebrate the Mothers (and others) who shape us! Join us for a heartwarming evening of stories at our special “Mothers and Others” storytelling concert. 4:30 p.m. at Twisted Horn Mead & Cider, 1042 La Mirada Ct, Vista.
MAY 13
MR. BIG
Mr. Big is on its BIG Finish Tour playing the “Lean Into It” album in its entirety. $45, 8 p.m. Belly Up, 143 Cedros Ave, Solana Beach.
‘CHORUS LINE’ AUDITIONS
A Chorus Line is a stunning concept musical capturing the spirit and tension of a Broadway chorus audition while exploring the inner lives and bittersweet ambitions of professional Broadway performers. 5 to 9 p.m. May 13 at Star Theatre Company, 402 N Coast Hwy, Oceanside.
BALLET CLASSES
Former professional dancer Marti Neal will lead ballet classes for advanced learners (6:30-7:30 p.m.) and intermediate (7:30-8:45 p.m.) on May 14 at Encinitas Community Center, 1140 Oakcrest Park Dr, Encinitas.
GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY
The North San Diego County Genealogical Society continues the “Learning
Food is your canvas during this Spring series. Get your farm and food fix alongside a diverse community exploring Jewish holiday cooking and learning. $48, 6 to 8 p.m. May 15 at Coastal Roots Farm, 441 Saxony Rd, Encinitas.
NORTH COUNTY GOP CLUB
The Republican Club of North County will host three endorsed Republican candidates for office in North San Diego County at its May meeting. $30-$35, 12 p.m. at The Broken Yolk Cafe, 2434 Vista Way, Oceanside.
STUDENT TRADE SHOW
The Senior Experience Trade Show is the showcase event where all student teams present their projects to the business community. 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. May 16 at California State University-San Marcos, 333 S Twin Oaks Valley Rd, San Marcos.
‘CRIPPLE OF INISHMAAN’
The Theatre School atNorth Coast Rep presents the bittersweet and daring dark Irish comedy, “The Cripple of Inishmaan” as its next student production. $25, May 16-19 at North Coast Repertory Theatre, 987 Lomas Santa Fe Dr, Solana Beach.
ARTISAN WINE SERIES
Join us for a special evening with Crocker & Starr. $325, 6-8:30 p.m. May 16 at The Lodge at Torrey Pines, 11480 N Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla.
ALRSD PLANT SALE
The Assistance League of Rancho San Dieguito is hosting its annual plant sale. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 17-18 at Assistance League of Rancho San Dieguito, 1542 Encinitas Blvd, Encinitas.
QUINN DALE & FRIENDS
At Grand Comedy Club, a live stand-up comedy show with Quinn Dale as seen on “The Tonight Show,” Showtime and Comedy Central. $5-$40, 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Grand Comedy Club, 340 E Grand Ave, Escondido.
FROM KING FEATURES WEEKLY SERVICE, 628 Virginia Drive, Orlando, FL 32803 CUSTOMER SERVICE: 800-708-7311 EXT. 257
TRIVIA TEST #12345_20240506 FOR RELEASE MAY 6, 2024
By Fifi RodriguezFROM KING FEATURES WEEKLY SERVICE, 628 Virginia Drive, Orlando, FL 32803
CUSTOMER SERVICE: 800-708-7311 EXT. 257
TRIVIA TEST #12345_20240506 FOR RELEASE MAY 6, 2024
By Fifi Rodriguez Fifi Rodriguez1. MUSIC: The 1980s group Duran Duran took its name from a character in which movie?
1. MUSIC: The 1980s group Duran Duran took its name from a character in which movie?
2. SCIENCE: What is the science of making maps called?
1. MUSIC: The 1980s group Duran Duran took its name from a character in which movie?
2. SCIENCE: What is the science of making maps called?
3. GEOGRAPHY: Which country is surrounded by the country of South Africa?
4. MOVIES: What is the name of the boy who owns the toys in “Toy Story”?
5. THEATER: What are the major divisions in a play?
6. TELEVISION: Which sitcom has the theme song, “Everywhere You Look”?
7. GAMES: How many checkers does each player get to start the game?
8. LITERATURE: Which children’s book features a construction vehicle named Mary Anne?
9. ANATOMY: What are the smallest blood vessels in the human body called?
10. ANIMAL KINGDOM: What is the name of the dog mascot on the front of a Cracker Jack box?
2024 King Features Synd., Inc.
Answers
3. GEOGRAPHY: Which country is surrounded by the country of South Africa?
2. SCIENCE: What is the science of making maps called?
4. MOVIES: What is the name of the boy who owns the toys in “Toy Story”?
3. GEOGRAPHY: Which country is surrounded by the country of South Africa?
5. THEATER: What are the major divisions in a play?
6. TELEVISION: Which sitcom has the theme
4. MOVIES: What is the name of the boy who owns the toys in “Toy Story”?
5. THEATER: What are the major divisions in a play?
6. TELEVISION: Which sitcom has the theme song, “Everywhere You Look”?
7. GAMES: How many checkers does each player get to start the game?
8. LITERATURE: Which children’s book features a construction vehicle named Mary Anne?
9. ANATOMY: What are the smallest blood vessels in the human body called?
10. ANIMAL KINGDOM: What is the name of the dog mascot on the front of a Cracker Jack box?
Answers
1. “Barbarella.”
2. Cartography. 3. Lesotho. 4. Andy Davis. 5. Acts, which are divided into scenes.
6. “Full House.”
7. 12. 8. “Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel.”
9. Capillaries. 10. Bingo.
© 2024 King Features Synd., Inc.
1. “Barbarella.”
2. Cartography. 3. Lesotho.
Capillaries. 10. Bingo.
and His Steam Shovel.”
4. Andy Davis. 5. Acts, which are divided into scenes.
6. “Full House.”
7. 12.
8. “Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel.”
9. Capillaries.
10. Bingo. © 2024 King Features Synd., Inc.
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Ranch Ministries will be able to continue operating on another 28-acre area of the ranch that is not up for sale. The nonprofit is currently preparing to open a house for women and children on-site next month.
“Even if we lose ground, Green Oak Ranch Ministries will continue to expand,” Gailey said.
Aside from the county, sources say that other buyers are also bidding for the property. The Vista City Council discussed real property negotiations regarding Green Oak Ranch in a closed-session meeting last week, but a city spokesperson declined to comment on whether the city was interested in buying the land.
surrounding neighborhood,” Franklin said.
While the ranch campus is surrounded by residential areas, operations are mostly hidden from view due to heavy brush covering a large portion of the property.
Supervisors said the center would include roundthe-clock security, job training, educational opportunities and recreational facilities, in addition to mental health and substance addiction treatment, including withdrawal management beds, recovery residences, and board and care.
Staff said the county would also work to ensure that people are placed in long-term housing once they
leave the Green Oak campus.
National CORE, Interfaith Community Services, San Diego Rescue Mission, and Scripps Health wrote letters of support for the facility to the Board of Supervisors.
“This initiative will help save lives by serving those hard-to-reach individuals with severe mental illness and/or substance use problems who are living on the street and have been unable or unwilling to participate in traditional treatment and supportive services,” said Interfaith CEO Greg Anglea.
The Coast News wire service contributed to this story.
that could help the county meet its desperate need for regional behavioral health facilities.
“This item is a unique and extraordinary opportunity for a future regional behavioral health site in San Diego County,” Desmond said. “We need sites for healing, for people to be safely discharged, to free up our hospital beds.”
Despite the potential benefits of behavioral health
treatment, faith-based nonprofit Green Oak Ranch Ministries, which operates the recovery program, said it would have a lot to lose if the land was sold.
The organization’s executive director, Hannah Gailey, said the recovery and sober living program receives 85% of its funding from revenue generated by the summer camps, retreats and RV park rentals and does not receive any government funding.
The nine-month program helps participants re-
cover through a community model involving group and individual services and support.
“We think it’s really a tragedy for the community to lose the retreat center, and we believe that everyone needs this space, but we should not harm one organization to make way for another,” Gailey said. “Green Oak Ranch Ministries operates without government funding and will now rely much more heavily on donations.”
Despite this, Green Oak
Vista Mayor John Franklin said he supports the building of more mental health infrastructure, but he does have concerns about impacts on the surrounding neighborhood. He said he is also eager to receive more details about what is proposed for the site.
“I’m already hearing from constituents in the neighborhood that have strong concerns, and I share their sense of urgency to address their concerns. I believe that the people of Vista need to have maximum transparency about what’s going to be built there, who’s going to be served there, and how it’s going to impact the
Handcrafte d In California Sinc e 1976
