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Volume 30 Number 30
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Providing The Ranch with Three Decades of Quality Journalism
March 31, 2011
Bully beware: A serious issue takes center stage BY MARSHA SUTTON CONTRIBUTOR In an attempt to bring more focus on the chronic problem of bullying in schools, local California Assembly member Ben Hueso introduced a resolution declaring March to be School Bullying Prevention Awareness Month. The resolution, which was heard in Sacramento March 25, passed. A related bill sponsored by Hueso, AB 630, would establish programs to train teachers and educators to spot bullying and provide techniques for prevention and intervention. According to the resolution, bullying in California causes 160,000 students to miss school every day due to “fear of attack or intimidation by their peers.” It states that “both bullies and their victims are more likely to drop out of school and engage in unlawful activity.” School violence and sui-
cides have also, famously, been connected to bullying. An article in the Aug. 26, 2010 issue of this newspaper reported on bullying at Solana Santa Fe School in Fairbanks Ranch. The bullying, which was primarily confined to a group of fourth-grade girls, triggered at least one parent to pull her child out of SSF and prompted the Solana Beach School District to take a deeper look at the problem. As a result, last fall the school implemented the “Second Step” program which includes lesson plans for each particular grade level. Teachers and administrators have been trained, and they say the program has helped raise awareness and given educators strategies to reduce bullying behaviors. Principal Julie Norby, in a Feb. 24, 2011 article in this newspaper, said a survey taken at the beginning of this school year indicatSee BULLY, page 26
IN MEMORY OF BUSTER — Building and restoring old Fords was a long-time passion of former Texaco tanker driver Frank D. Smith (affectionately known as “Buster” by his friends and family). He shared his love of hot rods and antique rides with his son, Dolce Pane E Vino owner Anthony F. Smith. On what would have been his father’s 75th birthday, March 27, Smith hosted Buster’s Birthday Memorial Car Show in his honor. A portion of event proceeds will benefit the Encinitas Sheriff Department and the San Dieguito Alliance for Drug Free Youth. (Above) Anthony Smith and Eric Nielsen, the restaurant’s builder, with a 1929 Model T Ford owned by Smith’s late father. Seen inside the Model T are Estelle Smith and Emmie Nielsen. See more inside. Photo/Jon Clark
the Power of Experience
Springtime at the Valenti Ranch Valenti International hosted a fundraising event, “Springtime at the Valenti Ranch,” on March 28 at the Valenti Ranch in Rancho Santa Fe to benefit The Pegasus Rising Project and the Rancho Santa Fe Rotary Club. Festivities included a variety of hand-selected wines, premium Kona coffee, appetizers, a jazz trio and more. (Above, l-r) Irene Valenti, William McMullen, Lindsay Deutsch, Eric Yuhl and Shae Stuard. See more inside. Photo/Jon Clark
Accomplished RSF student appointed to United States Military Academy at West Point BY KAREN BILLING STAFF WRITER Come June, Rancho Santa Fe’s Katrina Mecklenburg will be among the new “plebes” on campus at the United States Military Academy at West Point. Katrina, a 17-year-old senior at Cathedral Catholic High School, recently learned she was appointed to West Point in the fall. She will attend as an undergraduate tuitionfree, paid by the Army, and will be required to serve five years active duty and four years non-active duty. The offerings at West Point are “amazing” and Katrina said she is not ready to commit to any one thing, but she is leaning toward the medical service corps and eventually becoming a veterinarian. Katrina said she has always known she wanted to serve in the military, but West Point had not been on her radar until she was recruited for distance running. ‘The coach played a big part in getting me to Katrina Mecklenburg apply,” Katrina said. “I got more excited because it’s a huge opportunity.” After a visit to campus at West Point, New York, she was drawn in by the academy’s rich See STUDENT, page 9
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