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Thursday February 13, 2014
www.SDNEWS.com Volume 28, Number 4
Faulconer outmuscles Alvarez in hard-fought mayoral runoff battle Swearing-in ceremony likely to take place in early March BY DAVE SCHWAB | THE BEACON
Students at Point Loma High School’s Cinema Arts Program film a public-service announcement on Feb. 3 on campus, inviting SeaWorld San Diego officials to share their side of the story after a controversial documentary called “Blackfish” aired on CNN recently. The documentary looks at the captivity and treatment of killer whales at the marine park and interaction with human trainers during shows, which grabbed the attention of the cinematic students. Photos by Dave Schwab I The Beacon
Student passion over ‘Blackfish’ documentary draws director to PLHS campus for discussion BY DAVE SCHWAB | THE BEACON
P
oint Loma High School (PLHS) students continued their crusade to convince SeaWorld to stop using marine animals for entertainment, cutting another public-service announcement to invite the local theme park to provide its side of the story regarding the treatment of killer whales portrayed in the documentary “Blackfish,” a controversial documentary that aired recently on CNN. Point Loma Cinematic Arts Program teacher Anthony Palmiotto and his students invited “Blackfish” director Gabriela Cowperthwaite to answer student questions Feb. 3 during a SEE ORCAS, Page 8
Gabriela Cowperthwaite, left, director of the controversial documentary “Blackfish,” told Point Loma High students to draw their own conclusions about the treatment of killer whales in captivity. SeaWorld officials have issued a strong pushback about the accuracy of the documentary. An open letter appears on Page 4; the full text is online at www.sdnews.com.
F R I E N D S H I P, H O N E S T Y F O R G E F O R E V E R B O N D
Griffiths still going strong after 61 years of marriage BY DAVE SCHWAB | THE BEACON There are lots of ideas out there as to what goes into creating — and sustaining — a long-term love relationship. For Margaret and Don Griffith of Point Loma, who have been married since 1952, the key to their enduring relationship isn’t any secret. “We’re good friends,” said Margaret. “You have to like each other.” Don mirrored the sentiment, saying being untrue to one another “is just one of those things that was just never going to happen.”
“Honesty has played a big part,” Don said. There has, however, always been a clear division of labor within their relationship. “She takes care of the social aspects of life — the scheduling, all that sort of thing,” said Don. Margaret replied: “He fixes everything.” The pair retired in 1995 to a fixer-upper home in Point Loma. Don, a handyman, has polished the residence like a jewel, and said they love living near Sunset Cliffs. Valentine’s Day this week was “just another day” for the GrifSEE SUCCESS, Page 7
Margaret and Don Griffith are still going strong after 61 years of marriage, pointing to friendship and honesty as keys to their successful union. Photo by Dave Schwab I The Beacon
In a hotly contested special election for mayor with lower-than-expected voter turnout, Republican City Councilman Kevin Faulconer (District 2) outpolled rival Democratic City Councilman David Alvarez (District 8) by a 10-point margin. With 100 percent of the ballots counted in all 582 precincts, Faulconer collected 137,296 votes (55 percent) to Alvarez’s 114,478 (45 percent). “The people of San Diego have sent a message tonight,” said Faulconer, 47, of Point Loma during his election-night speech to cheering supporters. “And it is loud and clear. You want an independent voice. “You want a mayor that will bring San Diego together,” he continued. “You want a mayor that will continue the reforms that you voted for, to create the city that you deserve. I will be that mayor.” Alvarez, 33, was gracious on election night as he conceded the mayoral contest. SEE ELECTION, Page 4
2014
(KILLER) WHALE OF A CONTROVERSY
San Diego Community Newspaper Group
BATTLE AT THE BALLOT BOX With all 582 precincts reporting, the San Diego County Registrar of Voters Office reports the following election results in the Feb. 11 mayoral runoff election. Results are semi-official and 36,000 absentee/mail-in ballots are yet to be counted.
KEVIN FAULCONER VOTES: 137,296 (55%)
DAVID ALVAREZ VOTES: 114,478 (45%)
For up-to-date numbers and percentages, visit www.sdvote.com.
Planners give nod to long-festering crosswalk project at OB Elementary BY TONY DE GARATE | THE BEACON “I get more cheers than jeers,” said Joseph Piña, the parent who a couple of years ago decided something had to be done about all the harried drivers and near-misses threatening the safe arrival and departure of youngsters at Ocean Beach Elementary. The thank-yous are heart-warming and memorable for Piña, the first parent to step forward after the school had discontinued its student crosswalk guards. Recently, Piña got a big hug from a misty-eyed mother who spotted him in his neon-yellow vest that says “Emma’s Dad” on the back. She told him to keep up the good work. Yet Piña also hears pushback from some drivers who snub the handful of SEE SCHOOL, Page 6
Local planners gave hearty approval Feb. 5 to a new $13,000 project outside Ocean Beach Elementary School calling for a raised, concrete crosswalk with curb cuts that will allow wheelchair access and act as a speed bump. Photo by Tony de Garate I The Beacon