Roberts cancels lecture at MiraCosta

By Promise Yee

ENCINITAS — About a dozen people gathered outside of the MiraCosta College lecture hall May 22 to let others know the planned talk to feature County Supervisor Dave Roberts had been cancelled.

Those present were volunteers and members of the LIFE @ San Elijo Club, which holds weekly lectures and film screenings at the college to spark community learning.

Mary Jane Boyd, LIFE program committee member, said the speaking engagement was set a year in advance, and Roberts could not attend due to a schedule conflict.

A statement from Roberts was laminated and posted on the door of the hall. In part it read, “Supervisor Dave Roberts regrets that he must postpone his appearance ... and hopes to reschedule his appearance in the near future.”

When club members were asked if Roberts’ no show had anything to do with recent allegations, several were quick to defend him.

“He is everything you want and need in an elected official,” Boyd said. “I have the highest respect for him and the work he has done. The allegations are untrue and money motivated.”

It was reported in The Coast News on May 12 that Roberts has had a high turnover of staff since he took office. His chief of staff, Glynnis Vaughan, recently left her position.

In her resignation letter she wrote that Roberts had allegedly misused government resources, intimidated staff and created a hostile work environment.

The County Board of Supervisors turned down Vaughan’s and other former staff members’ request for severance pay. The board issued a statement that said: “If any money is to be paid to any of his former staff members, it should be paid from his (Roberts’) personal funds and not taxpayer dollars.”

Maura Kate Benford, a LIFE Club member, said the lecture series is about positive learning, and recent accusations would distract from the scheduled topic of explaining the duties of county supervisor, a political position many are fuzzy about.

Club members added two television news crews had been by earlier to ask about Roberts.

Some in the group speculated that Roberts has not addressed allegations because he is waiting until a formal legal complaint is filed, so he can face all alleged charges at the same time.

The cancelled session was the last for this school year. LIFE members said the series will start up again in September, and they expect to have Roberts speak next school year.

Cove Concerts back for summer

SOLANA

Beach

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Edna Jean Wey, 87 Encinitas

May 17, 2015

Albert Byrl Smith, 88 Solana Beach

May 18, 2015

Richard Dana Dale, 74 Solana Beach

May 20, 2015

Ruth Anne Hakala, 90 Oceanside

May 23, 2015

Jere Leroy Hall, 83 Escondido

May 21, 2015

Robert Lopez, 86 Escondido

May 22, 2015

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The city of Solana Beach and the Belly Up will again host the free, summer “Concerts at the Cove” series, every Thursday night from 6 to 7:45 p.m. June 18 to Aug. 20. Concerts at the Cove will bring local musicians to the Fletcher Cove Park stage in performances designed for audiences of all ages.

The concert series emphasizes family recreation and cultural experiences in a relaxed outdoor setting by the beach, and provides an opportunity for families and friends to enjoy a variety of musical styles at sunset.

This year’s 2015 “Concerts at the Cove” lineup includes:

June 18: Palominos

June 25 Billy Watson Band

July 2 1st Marine Division Jazz Combo

July 9: Hullabaloo Band

July 16: Symphony Brass Quintet

July 23: Bayou Brothers

July 30: Ryan Hiller

Aug. 6: Nate Donnis Trio

Aug. 13: Lily Meola

Aug. 20: Phil ‘N

The Blanks

The public is encouraged to bring low-back beach chairs, ground cover and picnics.

No alcohol, tobacco, pets or personal barbecues allowed during concerts. For more information, visit cityofsolanabeach. org or call the Parks and Recreation Department at (858) 720-2453.