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(858) 581-3200 • 4433 Mission Bay Drive, Pacific Beach THURSDAY, MAY 23, 2013
LIFEGUARD!
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Finnish scholars seeking survey feedback on life, lifestyles, needs in PB
THE ENTERTAINMENT VALUE OF SAVING LIVES “Lifeguard! Southern California” showcases lifeguards on Southern California’s beaches as they take on rescue roles and law enforcement measures. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE WEATHER CHANNEL
Lifeguards at odds: Is department getting a good deal for TV show production?
By MARIKO LAMB
he Weather Channel’s airing of “Lifeguard! Southern California” may put a heroic spotlight on local lifeguards and showcase San Diego’s pristine beaches and great weather, but lifeguard union spokesman Ed Harris said there are a few downsides to the show that need to be addressed if another round of filming begins this summer. From overzealous shark hype to distractions from real-life rescues, Harris said the impact of the show on lifeguards and citizens affects the smooth operation of the rescue department, and the lifeguards are simply not getting sufficient compensation for their burden. The “Lifeguard!” docudrama series features an up-closeand-personal look at the lifesaving men and women of Southern California’s beaches as they conduct rescues and law enforcement measures. The show is airing its second season, but San Diego lifeguards have also been stars of TruTV’s “Beach Patrol” and “Ocean Force” in previous years before the city was approached by Encino-based LMNO Productions two years ago. “At first, they wanted to shoot a pilot program, but it ended up being a 13-part series,” said Harris. “There seemed to be a decision made with no contract and no deal. The lifeguards
FROM FINLAND WITH LOVE A group of Finnish scholars is calling for participation in a survey on what kinds of things people do in Pacific Beach and gather suggestions on how to improve the surroundings. COURTESY PHOTO
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RESCUE EFFORT Lifeguard union spokesman Ed Harris said his field lifeguards, like the one above, can be burdened by film crews following their every move. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE WEATHER CHANNEL
Ladies of ZLAC — even at 90 — carry on rowing tradition Despite their youthful vigor, ZLAC rowing club members Mary Grandell, 86, and Annette Frank, 90, insist they haven’t been drinking from a Fountain of Youth or sold their souls to the devil. The secret to their energetic and goodnatured demeanor, they say, is blood-pumping rowing workouts, the natural wonders of Mission Bay in the early morning and the camaraderie they enjoy among their ZLAC Rowing Club sisters that keep the so-called “ancient mermaids” so young at heart. Grandell and Frank began rowing at a young age, just as their mothers did before them. The sport
has been in the women’s families for generations, with both of their mothers rowing on ZLAC’s crew six. Grandell, Frank and the rest of their crew continue to row every Thursday morning without fail. “It’s just a release from the stress,” said Grandell. “It’s a lot more fun to go out together, even though you’re not conversing when you’re rowing the boat. Just getting together, getting out and keeping moving [is the important thing]. I think that’s the secret — just get-
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By MARIKO LAMB
A Finnish group of researchers currently based at San Diego State University is launching a study in Pacific Beach with a unique online map-based survey to collect information about how people use the PB area in their daily life, what they value in particular and what they would like to see improved. Beautiful PB Initiative Project organizers invited the Finnish team to assist with the survey. The socalled softGIS-method has been developed in Aalto University, Finland, to collect and analyze data collected from the residents. It has become an established part of Finnish participatory planning, according to the Finnish scholars. It has also been used in Australia and Japan, but Pacific Beach is the group’s first study in the U.S. The scholar group said it does not have a particular research grant but it has an exchange period at SDSU and is conducting the survey for free. The Finnish scholars said the survey is very comprehensive and takes quite a long time to complete, but survey participants can skip some sections if they wish. No personal information is collected and the data will always be represented in a way that anonymity is not endangered. The Finnish scholars stress they maintain very high standards in the collection of data for such surveys. To participate in the survey, visit www.softgis.fi/pacificbeach. — Staff and contribution
What’s inside >> >> Mission Bay High School’s Seaside Farmer’s Market is gearing up for summer. PAGE 3 >> The School Board gave its blessing for the sale of the old Mission Beach Elementary School, much to the disappointment of many local parents. PAGE 2 ROWING FOR A LIFETIME Annette Frank, 90, left, and Mary Grandell, 86, stand in front of the ZLAC rowing club, where the duo have met for more than 60 years to embark on the waters of Mission Bay. MARIKO LAMB
>> See what’s playing at your favorite local live music venue through the Memorial Day weekend. PAGE 7