How many Smoots long is the bridge?
By John Gregory
What in the world is a Smoot?
Read closely. It’s a real hoot! It’s not a moose. It’s not a goose. It’s not a word from Dr. Seuss.
AS moot is a measurement based on the height of Scripps Ranch resident Oliver Smoot. While Smoot’s name might not ring a bell for most, he is a folk hero in the greater Boston area and on the campus of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (M.I.T.). His actions on a cold autumn evening in 1958 almost rival the legend of Paul Revere. Well, not quite, but it’s a fun tale.
Smoot was one of the freshmen entering M.I.T. in the fall of 1958. He pledged Lambda Chi Alpha during fraternity rush. Each week the pledges participated in what was known as Wednesday Night in which they would describe what they did that week. Afterward, they would be assigned a task.
“In October, our pledge master said in the past week he had been late to class four times. The main reason for that (he said) was our fraternity house was in Boston, and M.I.T. is in Cambridge, and the two are connected by a bridge that is approximately ½ mile long called the Harvard Bridge,”
Smoot explained. “So, he said, ‘You know when you get out to the middle of the bridge you really don’t have much idea how much longer you have to go before you get to the other side. So, let’s measure it.’”
The pledge master looked at the pledges in front of him and focused on Smoot, who was the shortest at 5-feet, 7-inches (67 inches).
“Go out and measure it in ‘Smoots’ and report back next week,” he said.
So, the next night, seven of the pledges gathered, grabbed some paint, chalk, string and a notepad, and went
put my toes there and laid down and they marked my head (again). After 10, we painted a big ‘10’ with a mark on the sidewalk,” Smoot said. “After 50, we painted ‘50’ and wrote ‘Smoots’ under it.” But the process did not continue without unexpected challenges.
“At about 300 Smoots we were going along and a police car was going from Cambridge to Boston, so he was on the other side of the bridge. He made
Unique play promises hilarity, hysteria
By John Gregory
Scripps Ranch Theatre begins its 2024-25 season with “Fully Committed,” running Sept. 6-29.
The fascinating aspect of this play is that it only involves one actor who will play all 40 characters in a one act play lasting about 70-minutes. If this incredibly challenging feat leads to a grueling 70 minutes or a delight fully entertaining 70 minutes depends on the talent of actor Dennis Peters and the coaching of director Ted Leib.
That’s part of the fun of attending live theatre. Witnessing the results will be well worth the price of admission. Either way, Peters and Leib are “fully committed” to displaying the best dramatic presentation possible as they are in the midst of five weeks and 90 rehearsal hours of preparation.
The plot is based on the personal experiences of playwright Becky Mode. An out of work actor staffs the reservation desk of Manhattan’s finest restaurant. He must deal with a wide array of hopeful diners attempting to secure reservations.
“There’s one described as an old money Park Avenue socialite, terminally dissatisfied. So, she knows what
that time, and if she doesn’t get it, she’s going to make a fuss somehow,” Leib explained. “We have a person who’s a famous actor’s personal assistant who is calling to say we expect this and this. We have others who are not as demanding … but still require attention.”
It’s a frenzied situation. The main character, wearing a phone headset, is dealing with a perfect storm of challenges as he fields calls in the restau-
rant’s makeshift basement call center surrounded by shelves of canned goods. He is covering for the other two reservation schedulers and is the only one taking calls on this day. Meanwhile, an intercom is buzzing away as the restaurant’s chef, manager and maître d’ contact him. In addition, the story is set a few weeks before the holidays, so members of his family keep calling on his cell phone to see if he is coming home for Christmas. He has to move across the stage since the cell phone is in a different location because that is the only place it can get reception.
“All these people are demanding attention from him. It’s kind of nonstop craziness,” Leib said.
The challenges of one actor pulling this off are obvious. Peters will not only play the reservation scheduler, he must portray everyone he speaks with.
“He will inhabit the other characters right in front of your eyes. He will be carrying both sides of the conversation at all times ... whether that means he will turn a certain direction, lifts his voice, takes a step in a certain direction, or several steps,” Leib said, describing ways the actor will ensure the audience will know when he is por-
Dennis Peters in the Scripps Ranch Theatre production of “Fully Committed.” (photo by Ken Jacques)
The 100-Smoot mark on the Harvard Bridge (Wikimedia Commons/Dvortygirl)
See HOW MANY SMOOTS, Page 14
Frat pledges carry Oliver Smoot to measure the Harvard Bridge.
Oliver Smoot
City trash meeting scheduled Sept. 3
The City of San Diego wants to hear from residents who receive trash and recycling collection services from the Environmental Services Department (ESD). The City is holding a series of open house meetings to evaluate the level and types of service provided by ESD and how that would impact the cost of waste collection for residential properties.
The in-person community meeting for Scripps Ranch residents will he held Tuesday, Sept. 3, 5:30 to 7 p.m. in the Scripps Miramar Ranch Library, 10301 Scripps Lake Drive.
A virtual meeting will be held Saturday, Aug. 24, 10 to 11:30 a.m.
In 2022, Measure B amended the “People’s Ordinance” to allow the City to charge a cost-recovery fee for trash and recycling collection services the City provides to residential properties. Such a fee would apply to approximately 285,000 residential properties currently serviced by the City. This includes single-family homes and residential complexes of four or fewer units that meet City requirements for City-provid-
ed trash and recycling collection. Currently, these properties do not directly pay for trash and recycling collection, while residents in apartment complexes and those with homeowners associations, for example, do pay private waste collection companies for these services.
Under existing law, the City cannot generate a profit, but only recover the costs of providing the services as determined by an extensive Cost-of-Service Study. An efficiency analysis is also being conducted to ensure the City is being as cost-effective as possible.
Developing a fee structure will possibly allow the City to provide enhanced and more tailored services, such as increased recycling collection frequency and replacement bins at no additional charge.
The City’s Community Engagement Plan will be used to help inform the City’s Costof-Service Study (COSS),
which not only determines the cost of trash and recycling collection services the City is currently providing, but also enhanced services City residents want added. This is important as the City can only charge residents for the actual costs the City incurs in providing the services. The COSS, which is expected to be complete by the end of this year, will also explore a discount program for those who meet eligibility requirements.
Those who want to learn more about the COSS and to provide feedback about their preferences are invited to attend a community meeting. The meetings will incorporate educational materials and engagement activities, including collaborative exercises. Sustainable giveaway items, including kitchen pails (to collect food scraps) and compost samples, will be available for participants.
The San Diego City Council is expected to consider the fee schedule in June of 2025, which would be rolled out with the new customer-requested service levels over the following months in the summer of 2025.
Former SR News photographer recounts historic event
By John Gregory
Ralph LoVuolo, a former Scripps Ranch News photographer and past Scripps Ranch resident, was on the scene during the July 13 political rally in Butler, Penn., when a gunman attempted to assassinate former president Donald Trump, the Republican U.S. presidential nominee.
LoVuolo moved from Scripps Ranch to Pennsylvania in 2020 to be close to his daughter who was attending Penn State. He began accepting a few assignments each month for the Butler Eagle, a daily newspaper in Pennsylvania. He was assigned to take crowd photos at the July 13 rally. Another Butler Eagle photographer was assigned to take photos of Trump. But, as fate would have it, LoVuolo’s news instincts took over and he leapt into action shortly after the first shots rang out.
The NBC News national network reported that four photographers from big name media companies (NY Times, Getty Images, Washington Post and the Associated Press) took historic photos of the event. The truth is that photographers from other media outlets were also taking photos, including LoVuolo – and LoVuolo captured action photos as good as any. But, being at the right place at the right time was not what he had in mind in this instance, LoVuolo said.
“With all the photography that I do, you never think you’re going to put yourself in a position where your life is going to be in danger,” he said.
LoVuolo began the day shooting a car show. He then arrived at Butler Farms, a big dairy showground where the Trump rally was scheduled.
“I really didn’t think at this political event that there would be bullets flying. … It was pretty surreal,” he said.
LoVuolo said he didn’t have to get Secret Service or FBI clearance to photograph the rally, but the newspaper had to register with “the Trump people” in order to gain access. Still, no background check was required.
LoVuolo was allowed into the media area, which was surrounded by a fence. There was a raised platform for TV camera crews, but he was on the ground level. He was about 75 to 100 feet from the main stage.
Some hostile Trump supporters were chanting against the mainstream media out-
side the media fence, LoVuolo said. The atmosphere was charged, and some people were standing in fields within the security perimeter of the rally, he said.
The rally was scheduled to begin at 5 p.m., but Trump did not speak until 6:05 p.m.
When former president Trump finally took the stage, he began speaking about immigration. First he referred to a display on a large video screen on his left. Then he turned to refer to information on a screen to his right, LoVuolo said.
“Then, all of a sudden, I heard four pops. … It’s amaz-
ing how quickly your mind thinks. In a split second, running through my mind first, ‘Is that firecrackers? No, wait a second. I think that was a gunshot,’” LoVuolo said. “I just hit the ground.”
Confusion ensued. LoVuolo crawled to a section between the sound tent and the media platform. An enormous number of thoughts were streaming through his mind within about 45 seconds after he heard the pops, he said.
LoVuolo knew his wife was watching the rally on TV at home. Somehow, within seconds, he managed to text her to let her know he was “ok.”
Then he sprang into action.
“‘You’ve got to be photographing this,’” he told himself.
“‘You have to do a job,’ … My mind was thinking, ‘This is history in the making.’ It’s not good history, but it’s history in the making. I just got up and started taking pictures,” he said.
“As you can see from my pictures, the Secret Service, they got to Trump. As I remember, five Secret Service agents were on top of him. Then, all of a sudden you hear, ‘Shooter down.’ We could hear this because the mic was still live,” LoVuolo
said.
The alleged shooter, who was perched on a nearby rooftop, was neutralized by Secret Service snipers within seconds of the first shots. He was identified as Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20.
A handful of Secret Service agents surrounded Trump. Their job was to protect the former president and get him out of there, LoVuolo said.
“They’re heroes in my eyes,” he said. “Those are people who get paid to take a bullet for their protectee.”
The Secret Service helped Trump up and rushed him off
Presidential candidate Donald Trump begins his speech at a rally in Butler, Penn., on July 13. (photo by Ralph LoVuolo)
U.S. Secret Service agents surround former president Donald Trump after an assassination attempt during a July 13 rally. (photo by Ralph LoVuolo)
FIRE SAFE COUNCIL
In the midst of fire season
We’re squarely in the middle of fire season – a time to be especially vigilant about anything that could spark fire, like using power equipment incorrectly and at the wrong time of day. Now is not the time to use mechanical equipment late in the day, for instance, because one spark could start a fire.
It’s also time to make sure you and your family are prepared in case the worst (a wildfire) comes to pass. Assemble a Go-bag for everyone in your family and make sure you have everything your pets need as well (food water, bedding, leashes, medications, bowls, etc.) in case you need to evacuate.
Also consider keeping an Emergency Binder. When it comes to being prepared, one of the best things you can do is organize an emergency binder of your most important documents. Include important items you have in your wallet by copying both front and back of driver’s license, insurance cards, credit cards etc. In
addition, include birth certificates, marriage license, immunization records, wills, trusts, passports and all other important accounts. Same for information like that on your pets. Make a master list of all important phone numbers you would need; don’t rely on your cell phone for this information. When creating your binder, find a system that works best for you. Consider grouping like documents together in clear plastic protectors and consider keeping it in a fireproof safe you can easily get to in case you need to grab it and go.
This can be a daunting task, but it is time well spent and, once organized, you’ll have the peace of mind that everything is in one spot and easy to grab and go.
Mark your calendars and sign up for our annual golf tournament fundraiser on Oct. 19, at Oaks North. Scripps Ranch Fire Safe Council, srfiresafecouncil@ gmail.com, srfiresafe.org, (858) 201-3711.
HISTORIC EVENT
Continued from Page 3
stage.
“As they’re whisking him off stage, he does the fist pump … and the crowd just starts cheering. They start chanting ‘USA,’” LoVuolo said. “Then, quickly, the mood of the crowd changes because they realize that people got hit. Then you start hearing screams for a doctor, a medic and ‘help somebody’s been shot.’ And the crowd just completely changed.”
LoVuolo and other members of the media were perplexed because the crowd had not rushed out of the area in spite of the danger. But there was still much uncer tainty about what exactly happened at that point. Things changed dramatically as everyone realized people had been wounded.
“The mood of the crowd –those chants just all stopped and there were cries for help,” LoVuolo explained. “Then, quickly, people started to leave the grandstands.”
He pulled up photos on his camera and quickly realized it was gunshots because he saw blood in the images. Candidate Trump had been wounded in his right ear. Then reality hit even harder as LoVuolo witnessed a Life Flight heli-
copter descend near the area to transport a shooting victim from the crowd
LoVuolo took photos of the grandstand – photos he chose not to share because they showed blood of deceased victim Corey Comperatore, 50. Two others were wounded in the shooting, but have since been released from the hospital: David Dutch, 57, and James Copenhaver, 74.
“Then, the Secret Service said, ‘Media, you all have to get out of here. This is now
a crime scene.’ This just changes everything that you’re thinking,” LoVuolo said. “My anxiety was high. My heart rate was racing.”
He remembers speaking to several other media members after the shooting.
“I know we were speaking English, but now that I play it back in my head, I can’t remember what we were saying to each other,” he said.
He recalls reporters interviewing people in the parking area, but many were stuck in that parking lot for hours. He finally arrived at his home at about 11 p.m.
“As soon as I got home, I hugged my wife, hugged my daughter. I’m safe. I’m ok,” he said. “My wife says to me, ‘Okay, no more political rallies. Let’s just stick to sports.’”
Then LoVuolo went through his many photos from the historic event. His photos captured a bloodied and disheveled Trump, the Secret Service in action and some audience members in groups praying for the victims in the aftermath. One of his photos was published as the main cover photo of a special edition of the Butler Eagle on July 15.
“It was part of history that I never thought I would be a part of, and that I never want to be a part of again,” LoVuolo said.
Visit ralphlovuolophotography.com
A U.S. Secret Service agent surveys the scene shortly after an assassination attempt of Donald Trump at a July 13 rally. (photo by Ralph LoVuolo)
Ralph LoVuolo
Farmer’s market invites shoppers to chill
By John Gregory
Beverly Cassity, manager of the weekly Scripps Ranch Farm er’s Market and Family Festival, recently took time to offer a market update and an invitation.
“This is an open invitation to all families, friends and businesses in Scripps Ranch to come and enjoy what we’ve created over the past 3 ½ years,” she said. “This is a place where you can bring your children, walk your dog, bring your family, bring your friends, bring your co-workers for a wonderful, cool evening out with fantastic food.”
The Farmer’s Market is averaging 60 vendors each Thursday and has room to grow even bigger, Cassity said. Thirty-three of those are food vendors, and 13 of them serve hot food, offering a selection of culinary delights from around the globe. These vendors serve everything from Southern barbecue, sushi and Thai food to stone fired pizza.
“You name it, we’ve got it for you,” Cassity said.
She emphasized that the food booths include five dif-
ferent bakeries, each with its own distinct offerings.
The number of food vendors has grown significantly. In fact, the market has created a new row of booths just for the food area.
“We set up five 8-foot tables, all covered with brand new 10-foot canopies so people can sit in comfort,” Cassity said.
She also mentioned that almost every food vendor has cold drinks available on these warm afternoons. The drinks available include the
popular Thai and boba teas. Now, Farmer’s Market customers may take their food into nearby Newtopia Cyder to dodge the sun and enjoy adult beverages. They may savor their food on Newtopia’s deck or out front in chairs on the grass.
Grownups are always encouraged to meet friends at Newtopia after visiting the market. Those who don’t consume alcohol can visit the Hunters of Hendrix coffee shop in the same complex to enjoy Dark Horse coffee
selections.
More steps have been taken to lessen the summer heat for Farmer’s Market customers.
“Every vendor will be shaded, so when you’re purchasing anything, you can step underneath the canopies,” Cassity said. “We tell people, if the weather is hot, maybe wait a few hours until it cools off before attending.”
She also reminded pet owners to use dog booties for their canine companions, so they won’t burn their paws on the hot ground in the summer.
Most importantly, the Farmer’s Market is great for families. Parents can bring their students directly from school pick-up to have an enjoyable time at the market with plenty to keep them interested. Or families can attend later for dinner and also do the week’s shopping for fresh produce.
“We feel that we‘ve created a family friendly event. We have a lot of stuff for the kids to do,” Cassity said. “We want the children to be able to go to the farmer’s (booths) and ask about the produce. We want them to go to the chefs
Owners/Scripps Ranch residents, Bill and Cynthia Collins & their family.
Those visiting the Scripps Ranch Farmer’s Market may sit in cool comfort at tables covered with new 10-foot canopies. (courtesy of Scripps Ranch Farmer’s Market)
Peter Sprague Trio to perform
“The Pleasure of Your Company” concert series, sponsored by the Scripps Ranch Friends of the Library, opens the new free concert season at the library with the Peter Sprague Trio on Sunday, Sept. 8, at 2:30 p.m. in the Community Room at the Scripps Miramar Ranch Library Center.
The group features Peter Sprague on guitar, with Danny Green on piano and Justin Grinnell on acoustic bass.
The group will explore music originating from many different genres including jazz, Brazilian, pop and the blues. Sonic travels will range from Sprague’s calypso infused “Hanalei Town,” touching down with Hoagy Carmichael’s “Skylark,” a trip to
FARMER’S MARKET
Continued from Page 5
in the food booths and ask about how their food was prepared. Ask, ‘What is that? What does that word mean?’”
The Scripps Ranch Farmer’s Market and Family Festival offers more than fresh food and produce.
“We have a gentleman who started his own business. He’s a 3D printer. He prints the
FULLY COMMITTED
Continued from Page 1
traying a different character.
It’s been done before. Possibly most notable is the performance of “Fully Committed” on Broadway in 2016 by Jesse Tyler Ferguson, who is most famous for his role on the hit TV sitcom “Modern Family.”
The timing of this production couldn’t come at a better time in light of the popularity of the TV series “The Bear,”
The Peter Sprague Trio includes (from let) pianist Danny Green, bassist Justin Grinnell and guitarist Peter Sprague. (courtesy of SRFOL)
Liverpool with The Beatles, and landing gently with Carole King’s “So Far Away.”
There is no charge for the concert, although donations are appreciated. Visit srfol.org/music.htm for the schedule of monthly concerts and information about sponsorship opportunities. Due to the current surge in COVID cases, masks are recommended although not required.
most beautiful toys for children I’ve ever seen in my life,” Cassity said. “I’ve actually bought three of them already. He can print anything in 3D.”
In addition, customers can peruse the many offerings while listening to music provided by a live deejay.
Parking is no longer a problem since construction on Businesspark Avenue has ended on the west side of the
airing on Hulu, which focuses on the frantic inner workings of a restaurant.
“This play does reflect some of that madness. It’s not in the actual kitchen, but it’s certainly connected to that same sense of craziness that you have behind the scenes,” Leib said.
One scene and one actor will not mean the play will be static. Peters is sure to be animated and move about the set, which will be created by longtime set designer
Full Strength set to play Hoyt Park
Full Strength, a band specializing in funk and current hits, will perform live in concert at Hoyt Park as part of the free summer concert series produced by Scripps Ranch Symphony in the Park.
Full Strength describes itself as a high-energy dance band whose unique format ensures that the party never stops. According to its website, the band transitions seamlessly between hits featuring everything from clas sic ’70s funk like Stevie Wonder and Parliament; old school hip hop like Salt-NPepa and Tone Loc; Latin hits from Marc Anthony and Ricky Martin; beloved horndriven bands like Earth Wind & Fire and Tower of Power; and today’s biggest stars like Bruno Mars, Dua Lipa and Dojo Cat.
Full Strength features a full horn section, multiple vocalists and a rhythm section. The band combines the best elements of a high energy Las Vegas nightclub with a classic Motown show.
The band’s motto: “We lay down the groove that’ll make you move!”
block, where access is available along the street. Parking is also available along the chain link fence in the Cabrillo Credit Union lot just to the east. Many more parking spaces are available across Carroll Canyon Road in the lower lots of National University.
The Scripps Ranch Farmer’s Market is open from 3:30 to 7:30 p.m. each Thursday at 10045 Carroll Canyon Road.
Dixon Fish.
“You’ve got to check this out,” Leib said. “It’s going to be acrobatic in a lot of ways –physically, vocally, emotionally.”
The Scripps Ranch Theatre production of “Fully Committed” will be held on the campus of Alliant International University. Purchase tickets online at scrippsranchtheatre. org/showtickets or contact SRT Patron Services at (858) 395-0573. Visit scrippsranchtheatre.org.
Full Strength will perform in Hoyt Park from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on Sept. 8.
This concert will be sponsored by San Diego Castles Realty.
In addition, there will be face-painting for the youngsters, courtesy of The Barron Real Estate Group.
Those attending may bring
picnic baskets, cloth blankets and low-back chairs so everyone can see the band. No pets are allowed, and no plastic tarps are allowed since they kill the park’s grass.
While the 2024 summer concert series will conclude with the Full Strength concert, there is still one concert remaining this year. Scripps Ranch Symphony in the Park will present its annual Holiday Concert with Santa & Friends on Dec. 8, 5 to 6:30 p.m. in Hoyt Park. The holiday concert will be sponsored by Greg Wisniew – Financial Advisor.
For additional information, visit symphonyinthepark.org.
Full Strength will perform live in Hoyt Park on Sept 8. (Facebook)
Dr. Santoro’s sons, Andrew Joseph and Nicholas Jenson, are ready to start the
year!
Blake makes great stakes!
By Ashley Shah
Born and raised in Scripps Ranch, Blake Opstad, 18-years old, started his own business, Blake’s Stakes, just five years ago.
Opstad creates garden markers out of pottery clay. These markers can be placed around the garden to mark plants, herbs, or for inspirational thoughts.
“Our family has always loved to garden. We use the fresh produce that grows in our garden in our cooking,” Opstad said. “So, when I was 13, I made my mom a custom garden marker for Mother’s Day. She loved it.
The markers grew to be popular amongst our friends and family, and they started buying the markers.”
Opstad has sold more than 2,000 garden markers over the past five years.
“A big moment for the business was when I got an order for over 400 garden stakes from a philanthropist two years ago,” he said.
“Now I have a partnership with the philanthropist. Each September she orders hundreds of stakes to give as gifts.”
There have been some challenges along the way for his business.
“Especially at the start, we had to figure out how to make the stakes sturdy enough, or what temperature worked best to heat the clay. Clay can be hard to work with because even one bubble can cause the piece to pop and break other pieces in the kiln. With time and patience, we have overcome those issues,” Opstad said.
The stakes range from about $10 to $20
depending on the size and shape. All proceeds go back into the business.
“We don’t have any sponsors or hold fundraisers,” he said.
After five years of being in business, Opstad has no plans to stop. His passion for the stakes only grows.
“This has been such an amazing learning experience. At the beginning, it was a way for me to make a little money while spreading joy. But, now I have learned so much more than what I have made. I have grown so much as a person because of this experience. I can’t wait for more,” he said. Opstad hopes to expand his business by the end of the year.
“We are hoping to get our stakes in local farmer’s markets. We want to see how they do in the markets,” he said. “Then, the goal is to get our stakes into Walter Anderson Nursery in Poway, and at the local Armstrong Garden Center.”
Visit blakesstakes.com.
1st day of school photos
ATTENTION PARENTS: The first day of school is a big day. Send a special first day of school photo of your students to Scripps Ranch News. Your photo will be published in the September edition of Scripps Ranch News and posted on ScrippsRanchNews.com. Free! Email a high resolution photo to info@scrippsranchnews.com. Include the names of the students in the photo, their school and grade, and the name of the photographer. By emailing your photo, you are agreeing to let Scripps Ranch News publish the photo of your students. DEADLINE: Aug. 30.
the history of extreme sports as a live band cranks out poppunk hits. (photo by Lisa Shadburn)
Lemonade Stand Contest deadline nears
The annual Scripps Ranch News Lemonade Stand Photo Contest deadline is approaching. Send in a fun photo of your child’s lemonade stand from this summer. All entry photos will appear in the September print edition of Scripps Ranch News and on ScrippsRanchNews.com. One winner will receive an order of delicious treats as a prize! DETAILS: Email a high resolution photo (300 dpi) of your lemonade stand to info@scrippsranchnews.com. Include location of the stand and date the photo was taken. Include name of photographer and name of those in the photo. No charge to enter. RULES: Photo must have been taken in Scripps Ranch (92131 area). Photo must have been taken some time in May through August 2024. By emailing your photo in, you are agreeing to let Scripps Ranch News publish the photo of the children in the photo. DEADLINE: Sept. 9, 2024.
photos by Ken Jacques
August 2024 | Scripps Ranch News
Blake Opstad creates ceramic garden markers. (courtesy photo)
Blake Opstad
BIG AIR!
A cyclist performs a back flip during a performance of the BMX Blast show, part of the Summer Spectacular at SeaWorld in the Nautilus Amphitheater, running daily through Sept. 2. This stunt show celebrates
still enrolling children in our
Why choose us?
• Great hours, 6:30am - 6:00pm
• Smaller ratios than public TK, 1:12
• High level of academic achievement
• More outside time than public TK
• A dedicated credentialed teaching team that have been together for 6 years!
• Wonderful support staff
• Combine care with your younger child for easier drop off/pick up
• Excellent reputation in the Scripps Ranch Community
Give your child the GIFT of attending a school that has been graduating children to Kindergarten since the 70s!
{Mention Scripps Ranch News and get free registration (TK enrollment only)}
Summer of the Arts
The San Diego Performing Arts League and ArtsTix San Diego announce the launch of the Summer of the Arts – Discover + Play San Diego campaign, offering visitors and locals the chance to experience the best of San Diego’s cultural attractions at discounted prices. Running through Sept. 2, this campaign provides unbeatable deals on tickets to some of San Diego’s most popular events and attractions, including SeaWorld, the San Diego Zoo, La Jolla Playhouse, Lamb’s Players Theatre, North Coast Repertory Theatre, Legoland and more. SDArtsTix.com
‘35MM’
Trinity Theatre Company presents “35MM: A Musical Exhibition,” a stunning multimedia musical exploring a groundbreaking new concept in musical theatre. This intricately woven collection of stories told through song reimagines what the modern American musical can be. Can a picture inspire a song? In “35mm,” each photo creates a unique song, moments frozen in time; a glimmer of a life unfolding, a glimpse of something happening. Runs through Aug. 25 at Trinity Theatre in the Mission Valley Mall, 1640 Camino Del Rio North, Suite 129. trinityttc.org/ current-productions
AUGUST 30
Outdoor Adventure
Calling all adventurers! Birch Aquarium is debuting new Outdoor Adventure Bundles this fall with the return of the ever-popular Sunset Scripps Pier Walks and Tidepooling Adventures at False Point
See UPCOMING EVENTS, Page 11
UPCOMING EVENTS
Continued from Page 10
and Scripps Beach. This exciting new addition to the aquarium’s offerings provides new ways to connect with our local ocean ecosystems. Sunset Scripps Pier Walks begin Aug. 30. Tour times vary with sunset times. Advanced registration is required as Pier Walks typically sell out. aquarium.ucsd.edu
Teen Art Collective Aug. 30 is the deadline to apply for the Teen Art Collective (TAC). The Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego invites high school juniors across San Diego County to be part of the TAC. Led by museum educators, TAC students will make friends, create art, explore collections, meet artists and build a museum exhibition. TAC meets every second and fourth Tuesday of the month from September 2024 to June 2025, 5-7 p.m. Limited to 20 students. Apply for free. mcasd.org/tac
SEPTEMBER 6
Spooktacular
SeaWorld San Diego is celebrating Halloween early
JOYFUL PERFORMANCE
large children’s choir performs in the UCSD Epstein Amphitheatre as part of the Youth Choral Festival, held June 27-July 2. The San Diego Children’s Choir planned and hosted this inaugural festival. Choirs flew in from all over the country for the event which included twice daily rehearsals, demonstrations from visiting artists and visits to local San Diego attractions. It culminated with performances by the 200-plus voice festival choir at Balboa Park and the UCSD Epstein Amphitheatre. (photo by Lisa Shadburn) (courtesy of SeaWorld San Diego)
with the return of Spooktacular, featuring all-new family-friendly trickor-treating fun which is included in park admission.
Guests will set sail on a pirate-themed adventure filled with interactive activities, a thrilling candy quest and the lively tunes of a Pirate Sea Shanty Band. Enjoy enchanting moments during story time with talking skulls and capture magical memories with friendly Halloween mermaids. SeaWorld Spooktacular runs every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from Sept. 6 to Nov. 3. seaworldsandiego.com
By Denise Stewart
The annual Salad Supper, TGI outdoor potlucks and Coffees in garden settings are the highlights of the summer season for Welcome Club members.
While the warmer weather events are enjoyable, the club is gearing up for a change of season and another variety of social events. The regular group meetings and the special occasions make the club the year-round center of many local women’s social lives.
The Welcome Club’s August monthly meeting at the Community Center featured speakers from the Scripps Ranch Theatre who shared the program of plays for the upcoming season. Artistic Director Jill Drexler described the themes and lead performers for each of the season’s five productions. This is the local theatre’s 45th year of entertaining our community.
Welcome Club’s monthly meetings regularly feature presenters of interesting and entertaining topics. Cecila Waters, program chair, has
a varied number of events planned for the rest of the year.
The excitement about the theatre season is enhanced by another friendly gathering. Each performance that the club members will be attending as a group will feature a warm-up potluck supper at a member’s home. The two events combined make for an enjoyable Saturday evening with only a short drive involved.
The Gadabouts group of-
fers an opportunity to enjoy entertaining daytime outings each month. Sometimes it’s lunch and a movie, other events can involve a tour of an interesting place or special event. Pam Savelsberg is expert in organizing these occasions making them both convenient and enjoyable.
Sharon Hayes hosted a coffee at her home this month. The warm weather, comfortable environment and delicious brunch dishes created
The club is gearing up for a change of
by club members made the morning a celebration of friendship. Outdoors and indoors, coffees happen most months of the year.
An outdoor TGI in Lynnell Hallock’s garden brought out the members and their famous potluck dishes to be enjoyed on a warm summer evening. Relaxed and friendly TGI gatherings are a special summer treat and an opportunity for the women to bring escorts to share in the good times.
Perhaps the word special doesn’t fit, but regular does and so does enjoyable when describing monthly gatherings. Bunco, card games, walking and book reading groups add to the opportunities to be with friends and enhance one’s chances of having a pleasant day.
Check the website for the group that has drawn local women to Welcome Club membership for more than 40 years: scrippsranchwelcomeclub. com.
The eighth grade Cadettes from Girl Scout Troop 3102 in Scripps Ranch received their Silver Award on May 10. A year and a half ago, the Cadettes began brainstorming ways they could support the LGBTQ community in Scripps Ranch and San Diego. They decided to create Rainbow Libraries and donate them to multiple middle schools in San Diego. Rainbow Libraries have books written by LGBTQ authors or have LGBTQ characters. In addition to the books, the scouts built the bookshelves, decorated them and created a list of resources and websites to support their fellow students. The troop has heard that the books are popular, and the Scouts are hoping to collect additional books so more students can enjoy them.
Welcome Club Crafters meet monthly to share their creative talents and interests. Pictured are (from left) Sheryn Scherer, Beverley Wash, Ghean Maksimow, Sonya Bolton, Caroline Clark and Cecilia Thomas. (photo by Marianne Paul)
By Mary Rea Publicity chair
The Scripps Ranch Women’s Club (SRWC) general meeting in mid-July provided the perfect forum for rolling out new and expanded programs for the 202425 club year.
Are you interested in playing pickle ball? The world’s fastest growing sport has arrived at the Women’s Club. A social and friendly Pickleball group was added to the Women’s Clubs’ slate of activities in August.
Members can now enjoy a fun, low-key work out on Friday mornings while improving their reflexes and balance.
Another new program which was implemented this club year is a monthly Coffee Klatch hosted by our SRWC President Renie Martin. Each month, Renie plans to invite a group of members to get together in an informal setting to converse and enjoy one another’s company. As our club continues to grow each year, we are pursuing more outlets for social enjoyment and for cultivating friendships. The Coffee Klatch will be a wonderful setting for members to get better acquainted. After all, good conversation over coffee (or tea) never goes out of style.
For our book lovers and literary members, we launched a new and second book group. Our popular, long-standing book group, Ranch Readers, recently enjoyed lively discussions centered on two award-winning books –“The
By Denise Stewart
Scripps-Mesa Gardeners will be celebrating the ending of the summer growing season with an outdoor potluck this month. Sharing and enjoying the fruits of their labors is a club tradition. The potluck marks the end of this season’s crops and energizes the members for the fall plantings.
Scripps-Mesa Garden Club meets monthly on the fourth Tuesday evening at 6 p.m. The longer days of summer allow time for garden tours. When days shorten, the gardeners return to the local library for their meetings which feature speakers and programs that add to their understanding of beneficial gardening practices.
Residents of our two local climate zones learn lots of useful information from both the meetings and the website the club sponsors: scrippsme sagardenclub.com. There is contact information there too.
Women” by Kristin Hannah, and “The Huntress” by Kate Quinn. The club’s two book groups will enable our members to continue to bond over books and to enjoy engaging discussions!
Social activities in sunny August were primarily outdoors. The warm weather beckoned us to enjoy the sunshine and natural beauty of San Diego. At the top of our summer bucket list was a Sunset Picnic at Cuvier Park in La Jolla overlooking the sparkling blue Pacific Ocean. We lounged, dined, socialized and appreciated the sun setting over the sea. To continue with our summer enjoyment, we spent one August morning walking along the La Jolla Cove Trail and admiring the panoramic views.
The Women’s Club’s regular interest groups were also active during August, including Bridge, Bunco, Books, Mahjong, Scrabble, and Fun and Games. Next month, we are especially excited about a behind-the-scenes Old Globe Tour planned by our Social Committee as well as a pre-theatre cocktail party followed by an evening at the Scripps Ranch Theatre to see the comedy “Fully Committed.”
There’s nothing better than making new connections and friends. We hope you join us in our many social activities by contacting our Membership Chairperson Lynn Parke at lparke@san.rr.com. Additional information about the Women’s Club is also available on
WCEA/WASC Fully Accredited K-8 School
• Licensed Preschool
• Faith-Based Education and Spiritual Development
• Rigorous Standards-Based Academics
• State-of-the-Art Science Lab
• Latest Technology Used for Curriculum and Instruction
• STEM: 3D Printing, Robotics
• Instrumental Music Program and Choir/Youth
Scripps Mesa Garden Club members toured the gardens and landscaping of The Glen at Scripps Ranch during July’s meeting. (photo by Susan Castellana)
HOW MANY SMOOTS
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a U-turn and we ran,” Smoot said. “Luckily, it was a short distance to the M.I.T. campus. We got there and we hid in some bushes. They came and they looked around a little bit, then they went back and got in their car and drove off. Of course, we were pretty scared.”
So, the process continued. They had measured and marked the distance of 10 Smoots with the string, intending to simply use that for the remaining measurements to simplify the process.
“At some point, a sophomore brother, who was basically clueless, joined us just to make sure we were doing this hilarious thing right,” Smoot said. “So, we never were able to use the string we had in our pocket to measure off 10 Smoots (at a time) ... the easy way.”
Therefore, Smoot had to keep laying down for each measurement along the distance of the bridge.
‘At some point I know they were carrying me from one mark to the next.’
—Oliver Smoot
nity the following January. Most of the Smoot marks had faded away after that winter.
“So, the next fall, we told the new freshmen that they were to go out and repaint the Smoots,” Smoot said. “We thought that when our class graduated, this would all be abandoned. … But every (following) class … invested in painting these things.”
“This continued for I don’t know how long, but I couldn’t get up anymore. So, then they started helping me stand up, and at some point I know they were carrying me from one mark to the next,” he said.
Amazingly the pledges com-
pleted their task before midnight. The Harvard Bridge is 2,032 feet long. That turns out to be 364.4 Smoot body lengths. Smoot and his accomplices added a meter because they figured they had made a slight error somewhere along the way.
They were able to report they accomplished their mission the next week, and were all initiated into the frater-
The Smoot markings are still being repainted every fall 66 years later, but it’s officially accepted and part of the M.I.T. folklore. The marks are now painted by M.I.T. alumni.
The Harvard Bridge was rebuilt in the late 1980s.
“Someone briefed the project engineer on the strange marks painted on the bridge,” Smoot said. “He liked the idea, so he made the expansion joints 67 inches apart (the length of a Smoot).”
During Smoot’s 25th reunion, a 4-foot pillar was erected on the M.I.T side of the bridge with a bronze plaque commemorating the Smoot measurement mission. But someone swiped the plaque within about two weeks. A titanium plaque with screws that are impossible to remove was attached to the pillar in 2008.
Following graduation from M.I.T., Smoot earned a law degree. But his career was in systems coding and computer privacy. He eventually became chairman of the board of the American National Standards Institute, and later became president of the Council of the International Organization of Standardization.
MEASURE THE BRIDGE: Smoot will be at the Scripps Ranch Friends of the Library (SRFOL) table during the semiannual book sale on Saturday, Aug. 24, from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Scripps Miramar Ranch Library. Visitors are encouraged to guess the length of the small bridge at nearby Evans Pond in Smoots. Submit your guess at the SRFOL table. All participants who match the same length in Smoots to the unofficial SRFOL measurement will win a prize.
This plaque commemorates the measurement of Harvard Bridge in Smoot lengths. (Wikimedia Commons/Peter Vince)
READY FOR FOOTBALL?
Coach expects competitive, exciting season
By John Gregory
Sc ripps Ranch High School (SRHS) football practice is underway, with the first varsity game of the season scheduled for Aug. 23 at home against San Pasqual High School with a 7 p.m. kickoff.
Falcons head coach Marlon Gardinera is looking forward to an exciting season.
One reason for his enthusiasm is a seasoned two-way starter and one of the team captains.
“The kid to watch is one of our running backs and one of our better linebackers: senior
Ryan Stadtherr. He will be a two-way stud. He’s a fouryear varsity starter,” Gardinera said. “Just an amazing athlete. (He’s) somebody you’re going to want to come out and watch. A 4.7 or 4.8 student. Just a phenomenal young man.”
The SRHS offense will also feature sophomore quarterback Parker Armstrong. “Amazing young man, amazing leader. Incredible work ethic. Great student,” said Gardinera, describing his QB. “Everything you could hope for in a quarterback.”
One of Armstrong’s receiving targets will be Markell
SRHS HARRIERS PREPARE
Martin, a two-way player who already has a scholar ship offer from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo.
“He’s a starting wide receiver and one of the better cornerbacks we’ve had in the program in a long time. Another great kid,” Gardinera said.
One receiver who will be exciting to watch because of his size is Charlie Barajas.
“I think Charlie is 6’-6”. It’s really hard to defend Charlie. He will only be a junior,” Gardinera said.
The talented receivers might mean the Falcons will pass more than usual this season.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if we lean a little bit more to passing, which makes it much more fun to watch,” Gardinera said.
“Our offense is very young, which means the future is going to be very bright,” he said. “I think we’re going to have three sophomores starting on the O-line and they’re already pretty good. So, really, the foundation for the future looks really, really good.”
One of the offensive linemen, Alex Obermiller, is a returning starter and also a team captain.
“He’s a three-year starter on the O-line. A leader and an anchor on our team,” Gardinera said.
SPORTS
“We’re typically undersized (on the line), but we make up for it with discipline, hard work, attention to detail and – quite frankly – the quality of our coaching staff,” Gardinera said. “We have smart kids, and they work hard, and they do what we ask. That combination often is more important.”
The Falcons will run a prostyle offense with one running back in the backfield, normally. Sometimes they will use double tight ends. They will occasionally use a tight end and a wing set.
“We always use tight ends. Scripps Ranch produces lots of big ol’ strong tight ends. Not big enough to be linemen, not fast enough to be wide receivers, but some pretty great tight ends,” Gardinera explained.
The Falcons defense will be anchored by its linebackers: Ryan Stadtherr, Rex Theilacker and Jackson Rochet.
“Our linebacking corps is pretty special. They’re fast, physical – they play fearless,” Gardinera said.
“Our kicking should be strong. He’s (Meltzer) much stronger and has lots of experience,” Gardinera said.
The Falcons varsity team will compete in the Eastern League this season, with six home games. The 2024 season will include the normal rivalries such as La Jolla and Mira Mesa, but it will also include some teams that SRHS has not faced in a long time, if ever. These include La Jolla Country Day, El Capitan, Castle Park and a very good Mt Miguel team. League opponents are University City, Mission Bay, La Jolla and Mira Mesa,
This will be Gardinera’s eighth season as head coach at SRHS, and he said he plans to stay for three more seasons.
“We certainly want people to come out and catch a game. It’s probably the most affordable entertainment you could have on a Friday night,” he said.
“We have a starting safety, Tristan Reyna. Experienced guy. Hard hitter. Goes after it,” he added. “So, defense will be fun to watch as well.” SRHS has three-year player Tyler Meltzer on special teams who will handle kickoffs, punts, field goals and extra points.
Groups of runners on the Scripps Ranch High School cross country team gathered for an early August jaunt around Lake Miramar in preparation for upcoming competition. Male runners are seen here, and female runners practiced nearby for the 2024 season. (photo by Jim Wick)
The Scripps Ranch High School football team’s varsity offensive linemen, seen here at practice, are locked in and ready for the upcoming 2024 season. (photo by Jim Wick)
A Falcons player barely makes a tough fingertip grab during a Scripps Ranch High School preseason practice. (photo by Jim Wick)
