Clairemont Times November 2015

The

Clairemont Times Serving Clairemont, Bay Park, Linda Vista & Kearny Mesa

V5.E11

News of the Neighborhoods

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NOVEMBER 2015

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Grand Opening of the New Academy of Business Facility at Clairemont High School

Santa Claus Will Arrive at the Clairemont Town Square on Friday, November 27th

Gabe Bradford has been Santa Claus at the Clairemont Square since 1978. Although beards were popular in the 1970s, real bearded Santas were rare. It's possible that Gabe is San Diego's original real bearded Santa. He is such a tradition in Clairemont that people who once sat on his knee now bring their own children to visit with him. The line is always long, because this Santa takes time to talk with the kids.

Kids with Clairemont Square Santa

Jason Friend BRE# 01921365

Photo credit: Bill Swank

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2 • The Clairemont Times • November 2015

From the Publisher

Back to School & In This Edition

By Chris O’Connell

It was back to school for me this past month. First stop was Mesa College, which has really opened its doors to the community. They have a new website and a new calendar feature where events open to the public will be listed visit: http://www.sdmesa.edu/calendar/. I attended a couple events which you can read about at www.ClairemontTimes.com first was their Garden Party which kicked off Sustainability Week. Next was CSI on the Mesa at the Math & Science Open House.

There was a crime on campus and the 100 plus community members that attended had to solve the who done it.

From there and as you saw on Page 1 it was over to Clairemont High School for the grand opening of the Acadamy of Business Facility. A 10,000 + sq ft state of the art Business facility equipped with a mock stock exchange trading room floor with real time stock tickers, a media technology classroom, a broadcast sound studio that rivals any local news tv station. What amazed me about the students in the Academy of Business is they have all committed to curriculum some the new students to a four year program. Great things are happening are

SAVE

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at Clairemont High School. For all you Chieftain Alumni it is well worth checking out your old campus.

In This Edition First and foremost I am hearing from many of our advertisers that business has picked up thanks to the readers of the paper. Thank you to all the readers first for taking the time to read the paper and also for calling and utilizing the advertisers in the paper. It means a lot to me and more importantly to the local businesses around town. This brings me to an experience I am sharing about the shop local vs online mouse click shopping (p4).

Longtime supporter and advocate for this paper Daniel Smiechowski shares his Viewpoint on a school naming issue which has been in the news recently (p10).

Of course this issue would not be complete without the San Diego Chowhound visiting a long time local established Clairemont restaurant (p12) There is also much more in this edition take your time and enjoy the read. Once again thank you to all the readers and local businesses who make this paper happen. We have a lot to be thankful for. Here is wishing everyone a Healthy, Safe & Happy Thanksgiving.

With Veterans Day coming up on November 11th I want to extend a very special and heartfelt thank you to all who have served and are serving our great country.

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4 • The Clairemont Times • November 2015

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Business Briefs with a Twist

by Chris O’Connell

Congratulations to long time clients Virginia and Stephen the owners of Reusable Finds (page 3). They are celebrating their 4th year in business this month. Many will remember they were located in the heart of Bay Park for 3 years on Napier Street right down from Bay Park Coffee. Not only is Reusable Finds celebrating 4 years but they are also celebrating a 1 year anniversary in their new spot in South Bay Park on Custer St. The new spot is huge with plenty of parking and always new finds. In this day and age of recycling Reusable is taking it to a new level with their motto of Recycle, Repurpose & Reuse. They are keeping goods out of the landfill so others can give them a new lease on life. When I keep chipping away on my wife’s “honey do” list I will post about the sweet sewing machine table we bought at Reusable which is going to be repurposed in our garden. Stop in say hello and check out the inventory you are bound to say “I have not seen one of these in so long” it happens all the time. For all you dog people ask to say hi to Olive.

Shopping Local vs Shopping by Mouse Click Full disclosure I do make purchases online, (much to the chagrin of my friend Bill Swank, I usually buy books online). However, recently shopping local really hit home and the true differences between local and online transactions The old saying goes owning your own home is “the American dream” however I know one grumpy old fellah back East “American dream, my arse, yeah more like the American nightmare”. As of late it seems like our American dream is a lemon, if it is not one thing it’s another. The latest was our pool pump.

Like any good informed shopper I did some research online and also went to the only pool supply store I have ever dealt with Coral Pool Supply on Convoy St in Kearny Mesa.

The boys at Coral don’t mess around, I have been a patron of theirs for years, ever since I met Brian one day in the Holy Cross Lutheran church parking

lot while out doing my newspaper route. John Jeff & Dave they are straight shooters, they are honest and answer every stupid question I have thrown at them.

When I inquired about the pump I wanted to replace I had a price in mind (from my online research). Jeff knew and informed me,“Chris we can’t beat online prices because the online companies buy in such bulk they pay less than cost”. Obviously all business wants to make profits and how could I expect Jeff to sell me a product at a loss to him just to match an online wholesaler. Not going to happen nor should it. I completely understood what Jeff was saying, however I guess I never had thought about what online shopping does for the brick and mortar local business.

Now that I had experienced it first hand and being a small business owner myself it was a no brainer.

I was in a time crunch and Dave their house mechanic, installer and all around pool Macgyver was booked solid for a few days so he could not install the pump but, true to Coral’s honest business practice Jeff was quick to recommend and write down the number of a someone who could help me out Joe Lerma at Clearwater Poway. A couple days later the job was complete.

Shopping local may at times cost you a couple dollars more but at least you are keeping the money local and supporting a small business. Also some purchases bought online may not provide a full warranty whereas if you bought from a dealer or authorized business. Had I bought the pump online from some warehouse in Dayton, Ohio where is the customer service or customer loyalty? Besides a Dayton warehouse employee was not going to deal with all my foolish questions.

Is there a clear line to be drawn between shopping online vs local not my call. However seeing it and experiencing it through Coral really has made me question the ease of mouse click shopping.

As for our lemon of a home, things are looking up and just we keep plugging away to make our house a home.

4231 Balboa Ave. San Diego, CA 92117 858.483.1909 Fax: 858.483.1918 pca226@gmail.com www.postalsandiego.com We’ve Moved Around the Corner from Clairemont Dr. to Balboa Ave.

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Annual Posada Scheduled La Iglesia Luterana Clairemont, 4271 Clairemont Mesa Blvd, ha anunciadó que la celebración de las Posadas va a ser el 6 de diciembre a las 5:30 en la tarde. La comunidad está invitado a esta celebración qual incluye las canciones tradicional, la comida, y las actividades para niños.

Clairemont Lutheran Church , 4271

Clairemont Mesa Blvd, has announced its annual celebration of Posada which will be on Dec. 6 at 5:30 PM. The community is invited to the annual tradition of Posada, which includes a song filled gathering followed by dinner and activities for the children.

For more information email: clc@clairemontlc.org

To Advertise Your Business in the Clairemont Times Newspaper or online at www.ClairemontTimes.com Call or Email Chris (858) 752-9779 or Chris@Clairemonttimes.com

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Clairemont Womens Club

by Marge Weber

Hope everyone had a Happy Halloween and remembered to turn their clocks back. Our next meeting will be Wednesday, Nov. 4 at 1 p.m. (1st Wed of the Month) We meet at the Balboa Community Church at 6555 Balboa Ave. Please park around the corner on Mt. Albertine in the church parking lot.

Refreshments will be served.

Speaking at the Nov. meeting is Dori Kelsey, the current 2nd Vice President of the California Federation of Women’s Clubs, in charge of membership.The title of her speech is “You Own the CFWC.” Before that, she worked for 32 years for the Sacramento County Department of Weights and Measures conducting fraud investigations, among others. She was also a licensed Private Investigator with the State of California for about18 years. She is a dynamic speaker and is often requested to speak at districts and clubs throughout the State. Come join us and hear what this interesting woman has to tell us.

We will be sponsoring a fundraiser on March 5 at the Greek Comedy Palace.

“Lunch and Laughter” will be a delicious buffet and three comedians. All proceeds will go to the Warrior

Foundation Freedom Station (WFFS) here in San Diego. See the above (WFFS) about that all volunteer organization. Put us on your calendar… more information to come.

We strive to find ways to help our community..We have worked at “Feeding America”, bringing food and toiletries to be distributed at a central location, we collect pennies to reforest our backyard Cleveland National Forest, collect Boxtops for Education for Cadman Elementary and provide scholarships for a senior girl at Madison and Clairemont High Schools, plus so much more.

We are also a social bunch.We have a book club, book exchange, lunch outings, dinner get-togethers, trips to Viejas Casino, and Up and About section to various venues and gatherings at each other’s homes. We are a busy group.

Interested? Come visit us.

The December meeting will be a member’s holiday luncheon...look for our article in the December issue of The Clairemont Times for more info about “Lunch and Laughter” Happy Thanksgiving to all.

For more information about CWC, visit our website at www.clairemontwomansclub.com or “like” us on Facebook. You may also call Jackie at (858) 273-7664 or Evelyn at (858) 279-4367 Contact us or attend a meeting to learn more.

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6 • The Clairemont Times • November 2015

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NOVEMBER LIBRARY EVENTS CLAIREMONT BRANCH 2920 BURGENER BLVD., 92110 (858) 581-9935 SPECIAL EVENTS Kid's film screening of The Fantastic Flying Books 11/6 4pm Inspired in equal measures, by Hurricane Katrina, Buster Keaton, The Wizard of Oz, and a love for books, "Morris Lessmore" is a film about people who devote their lives to books and books who return the favor.

Adult Book Club 11/4 6:00 pm Will discuss Sally Ride by Lynn Sherr.

The Adult Book Club meets on the 1st Wednesday of the month. Books are available at the Circulation Desk.

Tales for Tails! 11/7 10:30am Volunteers from the San Diego Humane Society’s Pet-Assisted Therapy program help children improve their reading skills by reading to animals in a fun and relaxing environment. The animals may include guinea pigs, rabbits, rats, and sometimes dogs and cats. This program is appropriate for grades 1-6, and no sign-up is required.

Pacific Experience Quartet 11/18 6pm One of the chapter quartets of Pacific Coast Harmony, the Barbershop Harmony Chorus based in La Jolla, CA. Pacific Coast Harmony is the 2015 champion for the Far West District's Southeast Division. The chorus is always looking for men who love to sing and you can give us a try any Tuesday night at our rehearsal.

Family Movie Night! 11/24 6pm It’s an alien on the run from his own people makes friends with a girl. He tries to help her on her quest, but can be an interference. If you haven't already guessed it, call the library for title.

RECURRING EVENTS Tuesdays: Crazy 8 Math Club 5pm Join us for an after-school program that reinforces math skills with fun games and activities. This month activities will include Spy Training, Flying Marshmallows, Zip Line Zoo, and Bouncy Dice Explosion. Appropriate for Grades 3-5. Sign-up required. Call #858-581-9935.

Tuesdays: Homework Help 6:30 pm The library offers free for students in grades K-12. Homework coaches are volunteers and no sign-up is required.

Art Class for Children 11/4 4pm The class is led by Robert Gulli. For ages 6-12 The Friends of the Library Monthly Meeting 11/18 4pm The Friends support the library through book sales, volunteering, and planning events. Everyone is welcome.

Thursdays: Craft Time for Children 4pm The library offers a free and their

families with our Youth Services Librarian, Karina.

On the 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month, at 10:30am The library presents “BabySign Storytime”, a storytime with sign language for children ages Birth-4 and their caregivers, with storyteller and sign language instructor Jennifer Duncan.

On the 2nd, 4th and 5th Thursday of each month, at 10:30 am The library presents Song & Movement Storytime with our Youth Services Librarian, Karina.

Friday: Preschool Storytime 10:30am The library hosts with Miss Fran.

BALBOA BRANCH 4255 MT. ABERNATHY AVE., 92117 (858) 573-1390 SPECIAL EVENTS Please note Balboa Library will be closed for Thanksgiving Day and November 27 and 28th. Happy Thanksgiving to all our patrons New programs for seniors... Stitching with Seniors! 11/3 & 11/10 1:30-3pm Bring your knitting, crocheting and other stitching projects. Share ideas and helpful hints with fellow seniors in a relaxed setting. Instruction may be available.

Paws to Read is back! 11/10 6pm Therapy dogs provide a positive environment for children to practice reading. Come and enjoy reading to our sweet therapy dogs provided by Love on a Leash. They love to listen to your stories. K-5th grade Senior games in the Afternoon!

11/12 12-3pm We will supply the games...Chess, Scrabble, Rummikube and of course playing cards. Come bring a friend and enjoy playing games with fellow seniors at the library.

Friends of the Balboa Library Book Sale 11/13 12:30-4 Come and shop at the Friends library book sale! We have a great variety of interesting items. Support your library, buy an item and you will receive a delicious treat compliments of our generous local Panera's. (Sale will be held in the library and on the patio.) We look forward to seeing you!

One Book, One San Diego 11/17 11:45 Join the Balboa Book Discussion Club for a lively discussion of, Shadow of the Wind, by Carlos Ruiz Zafon!

Children's Book Discussion 11/20 3:45-4:45 Come and enjoy a lively book discussion. We will be discussing Granny Torelli Makes Soup. A terrific story of cooking and friendship. For 3rd-6th graders.

Sign up begins Monday November 2.

Sign up and pick up a copy of the book to read and keep.

Decorate a cupcake for Thanksgiving! 11/24 1-2:30pm We will supply the cupcakes and decorating materials for you to create a fabulous cupcake to take home and share. Sign up begins Monday November 2nd. For 5th grade and younger.

RECURRING EVENTS Chair Yoga for Adults 11/2 & 11/9 11:15-noon Join us for this relaxing fitness program presented by Lois Schenker.

Come and bring a friend!

First two Mondays of the month.

Mondays: Lego Club 4-5pm We supply the Legos you supply the imagination. Can you create a turkey made of Legos and a pumpkin pie?!

Wednesdays:Chapter Book Storytime with Ms. Terri 6-7pm Ms. Terri will read terrific chapter books to children. For K-2nd grade (Wednesday November 11th all libraries will be closed) Story craft with Miss Remi Thursday 11/5 & 11/19 10am Enjoy a story and creating story based crafts. Preschool - 5y/o Signing Storytime with Ms. Jennifer 11/12 10am Miss Jennifer uses sign-language to enhance the reading of well-loved children's picture books and includes sing-a-longs and bubbles too! Birth -5y/o with Parent/Caregiver Wee Reads Fridays11/6, 11/13 & 11/20 10:30 Baby and toddler storytime. Come and enjoy stories, music and rhymes.

Birth-5 y/o with Parent/Caregiver First three Fridays of the month Saturdays Kids Krafternoon 11/7, 11/14, & 11/21 1-2pm Create a fun craft at your library!

NORTH CLAIREMONT BRANCH 4616 CLAIREMONT DRIVE, 92117 (858) 581-9931 SPECIAL EVENTS Would you like to become a Friend of the Library and help support your neighborhood library? We need help with Monthly Book Sale. Stop in for an application.

Do Your Homework @ the Library is offering help with assignments.

Students in grades K-8 can stop by and receive assistance. Hours are Monday & Thursday 3pm-6pm Tuesday & Wednesday 3-7pm.

Mondays: Lego Club 4pm Kids make a Lego creation that will be displayed in the library. Be creative and have fun! No sign-up needed.

Appropriate for ages 6+ years.

November First Tuesday Concert: Bassett Brothers 11/3 6:30pm Enjoy an evening of classical guitar and modern music with the, an identical twin guitar duo whose “Medieval to Metallica” performance will showcase a diverse repertoire from the Renaissance, Baroque, and classical eras to contemporary genres like rock, blues, and heavy metal.

Challenge Island Science Classes 11/5 4pm Space is limited so sign up for our fun hands-on science and engineering class that promotes creative and critical thinking skills. S.T.E.M. class is geared to 8+ Scrabble Night 11/10 5-8pm Monthly scrabble games for the beginner, the casual player to the tournament pro!

Technology Tutoring 11/12 10am Get hands-on assistance with your electronic device or ereader. Get your questions answered in a relaxed and friendly environment.

Wednesdays: Chair Yoga 11:45 (No Class 11/11 or 11/25) Class promotes stretching, strengthening and improves balance and flexibility. Enhances mental clarity, reduces stress, and provides peace and relaxation.

Friends of the Library~Monthly Book Sale 11/14 9:30-1:30pm RECURRING EVENTS Mondays:Sign-A-Story Circle Time 10 am Join us for a super fun performance that combines American Sign Language with songs, stories, and engaging toys and props! All ages.

Tuesdays: Rhythm & Rhyme for Tots 1:45pm A special class for babies and toddlers with children's songs, nursery rhymes, instruments, and books. Babies Under 2 Tuesdays: Kids Crafternoons 3:30pm.

Ages 4+ and up. Explore your child’s creative side with crafts. A great way to fine tune motor skills and have fun! All materials provided.

Fridays: Toddler & Preschool Storytime Class 10:30am A fun interactive storytime including books, songs, rhymes, movement & bubble Hopscotch Storytime Saturdays 10am 11/14 Listen to some stories and work on a simple craft

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Clairemont Times (Shared) Social Media Post of the Month

by Chris O’Connell

something on Facebook recently (October 9th) to be exact just kind of caught my eye and my comment was a simple “well put”. It did not set the Clairemont Times Facebook feed on fire, but it was not meant to, it was just a moment in time I caught and figured I would share with you the print readers who are parents, grandparents etc.

If you really know me, you will know I, personally, am not a fan of Social Media. However, the Clairemont Times is active on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, LinkedIn probably more but who’s counting.

The “business experts” say if you are a business owner, you “have to be posting, updating, tagging, liking, sharing, commenting, tweeting and a bunch of other verbs ending in “ing”. Ahhhh quite frankly it is a p/t job, however I do it for the business. With that being said, feel free to follow, like, add “Clairemont Times” Also, I guess I should put the call out right now if you enjoy doing all those things well maybe there is a job for The following is from the The Daily Sentinel out of Grand Junction, you at the Clairemont Times Colorado 10/14/15. Grand Junction Colorado Fire FC General Manager Larry Johnson holds up a sign that is posted on all soccer fields for Fire FC inquire within. games. The sign is targeted at ultracompetitive parents, urging them to let I, the their kids have fun. The sign went viral after a Wisconsin woman took a Clairemont Times, picture of it during a recent tournament at Canyon View Park. “shared”

Religious Directory Atonement Lutheran Church www.atonementlutheranchurchsd.com 7250 Eckstrom St (Balboa & 805) San Diego, CA 92111 Phone (858) 278-5556 Sunday Worship Time 9 am, Bible Study 10:30 am Clairemont Lutheran Church www.clairemontlc.org 4271 Clairemont Mesa Blvd, San Diego, CA 92117 Sunday Worship Times 8:30, 10:00 (English) & 11:30 am (Spanish) Sunday School for kids 9:45am Holy Cross Lutheran Church www.holycrossword.com 3450 Clairemont Drive, San Diego, CA 92117 Church (858) 273-2886 Sunday Worship 9:00 am

San Diego Branch Church www.branchsd.org 4833 Doliva Drive, San Diego, CA. 92117 (Madison High Auditorium) Sunday Worship at 9:30am Church Office: 8344 Clairemont Mesa Blvd. Suite 100 Phone: 858-384-6788 St. David’s Episcopal Church & Preschool www.saintdavidschurch.com 5050 Milton Street, San Diego CA 92110 Sunday Worship Times: 8:00 am Traditional • 10:30am Contemporary St. Mark’s United Methodist Church www.stmarksumcsd.org 3502 Clairemont Drive, San Diego, CA 92117 Church (858) 273-1480 Sunday School & Church Worship 9:30 am For information on advertising your place of worship in the Religious Directory please call or email Chris O’Connell, Publisher (858) 752-9779 chris@clairemonttimes.com

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8 • The Clairemont Times • November 2015

Squaremont

By Bill Swank

The Soldier’s Heart Early every morning, for over 34 years, I jogged (and later walked) the same three mile route through Clairemont, around Marston Junior High School to the south end of the

an obscure Navy team. We had a couple of gunboats and a fast Boston whaler which we occasionally used for water skiing. Our job was to patrol rivers and harbors. It was my turn for a break. I spent the day with ‘PJ,’ a fellow crew member. We found a group of Korean marines barbecuing a six-foot monitor lizard on the beach. It tasted better than expected. I remember looking up and seeing a large rock monolith.To us, it looked like the mountain... and the country was giving us the giant finger.

In fact, we called it ‘Finger Mountain.’

I couldn’t sleep that night, so I joined PJ, his best friend,Tom Meenan, and ‘Molly’ Brown in the communications bunker. We were all good friends.Then I glimpsed a bright light in the corner of my eye. An RPG

www.clairemonttimes.com help, but the doctors and nurses had already arrived.They explained his cast was too tight. His screams subsided as the pressure was relieved.

That afternoon, the commanding officer came by ... a full bird (colonel).

He asked what the hell I was doing there. Apparently being in the Navy was causing confusion. Later, a doctor stood in the middle of the ward and called out names. A medic presented a small box to each patient and saluted.

The GIs were being awarded the Purple Heart.The doctor passed my bed and gave a sympathetic shrug. I’d have to wait to get mine through proper channels.

Chris Schuehle, Paul “PJ” Kalin, Don Olschafskie, Tom Meenan (Vũng Rô Bay, Vietnam, 1968)

Buena Vista Gardens Apartments and back home. During that time, I’d wave at a big man who was even slower than me. Eventually we were both headed the same direction at the same time.

His name was Chris Schuehle and he grew up a few miles from my hometown in Minnesota. We became friends and walked together. He was a disabled Navy veteran, but never discussed his experience in Vietnam.

A few years later, he told me that his niece in Minnesota needed to do a Veteran’s Day report about a veteran.

Chris had never shared the details of his wartime wounds with his family. He asked me to help write his story for his niece. He titled it,“The Soldier’s Heart.”

This is an abbreviated version: “A constant high-pitched tone was ringing through my head. I felt disoriented. It was June 1968, South Viet Nam, an Army Med-Vac Unit. My right hand was in a cast and I was bandaged extensively. Both of my eardrums had been fractured, fluid drained onto the pillowcase. My eyes were swollen shut and bloody. I could barely see or hear.

Slowly, the events of the past few days became clear. I was a member of

(rocket propelled grenade) exploded and I was blasted to the ground. I found my M16, chambered a round and fired in the direction of the muzzle flash. Another RPG came in. We knew the drill. After the frag, the VC would enter shooting and finish off anyone still alive.

Bullets went into Tom; his screams stopped.Two or three slugs went into Molly, but I think he was already dead.

A muzzle pointed right at me. My life would be over at 21 and my mother would be heart broken.The shooter slipped - possibly in my blood - and he shot off one of my knuckles. I’d also been hit with shrapnel. What now?

Time became my enemy. Finally, I heard American voices.The wounded and dead were trucked to the beach.

Helicopters landed to Med Vac us out.

Hours later, I woke in an intensive care unit. My ears were ringing, but I could hear a wavering moan. It was a young man lying in the gurney next to me. His face was unmarked. He looked younger than me. He was just a boy. His mouth was moving. He was screaming, but to me, it was only a moan.

Below his perfect face was a full plaster body cast. I turned to call for

Email: Bill@ClairemontTimes.com Pictured: Bill Swank outside the Buena Vista Garden Apartments on Cowley Way in 1955, with East Clairemont off in the distance.

Giving Back to Those Who Have Given So Much Free Weekly Yoga Class for Veterans, Active Duty & Military Families

Photo Courtesy of Don Olschafskie.

After dinner, the doctor returned and gave me a Purple Heart.The young boy beside me had died. I was given his Purple Heart. I could only think of his poor mother.The Army would send a replacement medal to his family.

When I left Viet Nam, my only possessions were the pajamas I wore, a faded blue bathrobe, shower shoes, an envelope of medical records, a Red Cross box... and the soldier’s Purple Heart.

La Jolla Cove Bridge Club, in partnership with the Warriors for Healing Foundation, is honored to announce a new weekly one-hour Warriors for Healing yoga class for veterans, active duty military and their families. The free weekly, one hour class will be MONDAYS from 1- 2 PM. Warriors for Healing (W4H) is devoted to providing programs for veterans and other populations facing traumatic stress, holding trainings for certified yoga teachers to establish free W4H yoga classes, and growing a movement of national awareness about the time-tested, evidence-based science of yoga.

Founded by San Diego resident and

former NBC News war correspondent Brad Willis, W4H is designed to enhance awareness of the healing benefits of yoga science and to serve veterans coping with traumatic stress.

“As a former war correspondent who faced traumatic stress after the loss of my career to a broken back and stage IV cancer, my compassion for our military heroes is immense,” says Willis, who healed himself through yoga science and now devotes his life to sharing this message of self-empowerment and optimal wellness.

For details on the La Jolla Cove Warriors for Healing class for veterans and active duty military please E-mail: LJCW4Hclassinfo@gmail.com.

Kimberly Kear, Warriors for Healing Instructor For more details on the Warriors for Healing Organization visit: www.WarriorsForHealing.org or email: info@warriorsforhealing.org

American Legion Post 731 Auxiliary

RUMMAGE SALE November 7th 7-11am in the Post Parking Lot 7245 Linda Vista Rd & Genesee Ave Auxiliary is asking for donations (clothes, small furniture, games, etc).

For more info or questions call 760-685-1768

The Clairemont Times • November 2015 • 9

www.clairemonttimes.com

(1997), Echoes from Lane Field, Bill Swank (1999), Gold Leather Helmets/Black like decades ago.

Hightop Shoes: An Athletic History of Bill has a new book, Christmas in Mission Bay High School during the San Diego that was released on 1950s, Bill Swank and Bill Rice (2003), October 26, 2015.

Baseball in San Diego: From the Christmas in San Diego features Padres to Petco, Bill over 200 black & Swank (2004), white and color Baseball in San BOOK SIGNINGS FOR images of our Diego: From the favorite San CHRISTMAS IN Plaza to the Padres, Diego holiday. It SAN DIEGO Bill Swank (2005), is divided into Point Loma Bookstar/Loma Theatre Bob Chandler’s five chapters: the Tales from the San 3150 Rosecrans Place on history of Diego Padres Christmas in San Saturday, November 7, 2015 Dugout, Bob Diego, the many at 1:00 PM Chandler with Bill Christmas Swank (2006), traditions The Life of Dion Bill will be in the full red suit at throughout San Rich: Live Like a Diego, the D.G. Wills Books Millionaire With No various 7461 Girard Avenue Money Down, Christmas La Jolla on Saturday, December Charlie Jones and Bill celebrations in Swank (2011) 12, 2015 at 7:00 PM. the communities Off Guard, Walt of San Diego Sweeney with Bill County, unique Swank (2012).

San Diego Christmas trees and, lastly, If you would like to purchase an some very special San Diego Santas.

This is Swank’s tenth book. Most of autographed copy of any of the books his previous titles are about baseball: Bill has published he can be reached by email at: Bill@ClairemontTimes.com The Lane Field Padres (two or by Phone at (858) 274-7999 volumes), Ray Brandes and Bill Swank

“Christmas in San Diego” the Book

by Chris O’Connell

Owning and publishing this newspaper I have over the past four years met and spoke with a lot of local people. One such person is Bill Swank a long time Clairemont resident. The more we spoke the more I learned about the man.

Our readers may not realize that Squaremont columnist (p8) Bill Swank has been Santa Claus at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion in Balboa Park since 2002. He is also recognized as San Diego’s preeminent baseball historian. It is during our conversations talking about baseball that he reminds me of

my father a longtime newspaper man and sports photographer.

Swank is always rattling off names of old time baseball players and I always remind him he and my dad would have had a great time talking baseball over old a cold one.

The stories of the old days of baseball do not hold a candle to what the game was

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10 • The Clairemont Times • November 2015

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Senior Center Update

by Chris Cate, District 6

During the month of October, my office and I have been working diligently on resolving the issue of the senior center in Clairemont following the closure of LiveWell San Diego. It has been our top priority to make sure that seniors continue to have resources available to them in Clairemont.

In order to address the immediate effects from the closure of LiveWell San Diego, my office collaborated with the City of San Diego’s Park and Recreation Department to ensure that former user groups, classes and programs would continue to meet and utilize the space at the North Clairemont Recreation Center. Our goal is to make sure the lapse in service among existing user groups is not lengthy.

My office and I have worked closely with the Mayor’s office and the Park and Recreation Department to find short as well as long term solutions and to make certain that a senior center continues to operate at the same location. After weeks of meetings, we are pleased to report that we have secured funding to reopen the doors of the former LiveWell San Diego center on a limited basis providing modified services and

programming during this transitional period.

The center will be reopened in the middle of November. The hours of operation are from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Park and Recreation staff will be supporting all of the existing programs offered by Continuing Education and the County of San Diego’s senior programs. This includes exercise and arts programs, billiards and pool. The main lobby area will be open for regular meet-up card groups, pool players and those wanting a quiet place to sit and read.

The center is also designated as a “Cool Zone” and will continue to serve in that capacity.

While this is good news, this is by no means a permanent solution. We want to assure seniors that they will have a space to meet, recreate and access resources while the City works to identify an alternate provider. In the meantime, our office will continue to work with various City departments to replace LiveWell San Diego with an alternative provider that can operate and deliver high quality services. To assist with this process, we are calling on the community to offer their input as to what kind of services will best be utilized at the facility.

If you have any feedback and/or questions, please feel free to contact our office.

Clearing Storm Channels in District 7; Preparing for El Nino

by Scott Sherman, District 7 Councilmember

In the past few months, storm channels throughout District 7 have been cleaned to ensure proper drainage occurs to prevent flooding for the upcoming rainy season.

The upper and lower portions of Alvarado Creek were recently cleared which will help prevent flooding in the several areas in District 7.

Though this is good news, there is much more work that needs to be done. Unfortunately, burdensome regulation and lawsuits from environmental lawyers have put the clearing of vital storm channels way behind.

The permitting process for any maintenance efforts in the City’s storm channeling system takes approximately 24 months to complete.

The burdensome federal, state, and local permitting process requires the city to obtain permits from five, sometimes six separate government

agencies.

Each individual permit requires the development and submission of several studies including hydrologic conditions, biological resources, archeological/cultural resources, noise impacts, and mitigation options.

In addition to these costly regulations, the city must buy land to replace vegetation that has been cleaned out from the concrete storm channels.

With El Nino approaching it is important to ease the regulatory burdens and hurdles that local governments must overcome to clear clogged drainage channels.

The system is unworkable, burdensome, and impractical. We need long term regulatory relief. In the short-term, we must have the regulatory flexibility and cooperation to meet the challenges of El Nino.

As always, please feel free to get in touch with my office if you have any feedback or if my office can ever be of service.

Contact my office: 202 C Street, MS #10A San Diego, CA 92101 Phone: (619) 236-6677 Email: scottsherman@sandiego.gov

Email: chriscate@sandiego.gov Phone: (619) 236-6616 Website: http://www.sandiego.gov/citycouncil/cd6/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/D6ChrisCate Twitter: https://twitter.com/chrisjcate Mailing Address: 202 C Street, 10th Floor San Diego, CA 92101

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Join us at our craft bazaar! Dozens of local vendors will help bring the holidays to life for Thanksgiving and Christmas. We’ll also have a Silent Auction for even more gift ideas. All proceeds will help us supply clothing and school supplies for local community children, so please come support us!

cindysellsproperties@yahoo.com

My priority is the people & the property.

Potholes in your Neighborhood?

For more news and information visit: www.clairemonttimes.com

Report the Street & Cross Street to City of San Diego Streets & Potholes Division

619 527 7500

The Clairemont Times • November 2015 • 11

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Daniel Smiechowski

IEWPOINT

City Schools Must Come Eye to Eye with History

Maintain the name Robert E. Lee Elementary School If there is anything that I am passionate about, it is history.The past is immutable and a window to the future.That is why it is so important to embrace our heritage and acts of the ages both good and bad. We hopefully learn from past discretions.

Recent precipitating events in America, including the cold blooded shooting of African-American innocents in a Charleston church as well as unprovoked aggression by law enforcement involving mostly young black American men has called for a sea change in assessing America’s complicity in the Civil War. The San Diego Unified School District held a meeting on Friday, October 23 at the Robert E. Lee Elementary School beginning at 6:00pm.The purpose of this assembly was to gauge public opinion on renaming the institution in the face of mounting pressure against any mention of old social and political wounds arising out of the Civil War and directed at the African American community.This is baloney!

I have dedicated my entire life in speaking truth and standing hand in hand with my African-American brothers.Years ago, I was invited to speak before San Diego’s Baptist Ministers as well as the local chapter of the Urban League not to mention being elected to the San Diego County Democratic Central Committee.The Confederate flag is a separate issue, it is clearly a symbol of oppression and

ought to be removed from the public domain. But, Robert E. Lee was an American Army General and most importantly represents history. History does not discriminate. We learn and adjust to past events as we glorify the good and condemn the bad. President James K. Polk was not kind in his relations with Mexico and ruthlessly annexed most of the southwest to the United States. Does that mean we purge his name from history? Where does all this political correctness end?

The folks that brought all of this nonsense forward probably never heard of Milwaukee’s Father Groppi and his civil disobedience by marching into “The city of churches” south side with hordes of Black folk. I remember well.

My Father attended the same seminary as the good Catholic priest. Every American must feel the pain of our African American brothers, but every American must face the truth and the reality of our nation’s history.The events of over one hundred fifty years ago were predicated on the morality and economics of the time. Most reasonable and rational Americans understand that in context.

Please do not blind future generations of truth and historical fact.

Let us maintain the name Robert E. Lee with the understanding that it remains part of our heritage, good or bad.

Be nice, do good deeds and don’t be a stranger as we at the Clairemont Times value your participation.

Daniel J Smiechowski has been a resident of Clairemont since 1967 and can be reached at smiechowskid@aol.com or 858.220.4613

Community Meetings Open to the Public CLAIREMONT TOWN COUNCIL 11/5/15 • (1st Thurs. of the month) 6:30 PM Cadman Elementary Auditorium • 4370 Kamloop Ave, 92117 CLAIREMONT COMMUNITY PLANNING GROUP 11/17/15 • (3rd Tuesday of the month) 6:30 PM Cadman Elementary Auditorium • 4370 Kamloop, 92117 LINDA VISTA TOWN COUNCIL 11/19/15 • (3rd Thursday of the month) 6:30 PM Baha’i Faith Center • 6545 Alcala Knolls, 92111 LINDA VISTA PLANNING GROUP 11/23/15 • (4th Mon. of the month) 5:30 PM Linda Vista Public Library • 2160 Ulric St, 92111 MARIAN BEAR REC COUNCIL 11/11/15 • (2nd Wed.of the month) 6:30PM Tecolote Nature Center 5180 Tecolote Road, San Diego, CA 92110

Clairemont Town Council News The year is beginning to wind down, but not before our CTC Elections!

Offices up for election include: President, Vice President, Secretary, Director North, Director South, and two Director-at-Large seats.

Those elected will be sworn-in at our January meeting.

Organizing for next year’s Garden Tour is beginning to get underway. If you’d like to be on the committee to help organize our 20th annual tour, please email GardenTour@ClairemontOnline.com, or visit gardentour.clairemontonline.com.

Our next meeting is Thursday, November 5 at 6:30pm inside Cadman Elementary. We are ever so excited to welcome Assembly Speaker Toni Atkins as our guest speaker. Speaker Atkins is the first Speaker of the California State Assembly to ever represent San Diego (and thus parts of South Clairemont and Bay Park). Bring your questions and ideas to the meeting for this historic Town Council

moment with one of our state leaders.

Also, we’ve all heard about the controversial proposal of raising our water rates, right? The San Diego Public Utilities Department will conduct a “cost of study” outreach presentation at our November 5th meeting. Obviously, if this is an issue that you may be affected by, we strongly encourage you to attend.

Finally, as a friendly reminder, Clairemont Town Council is a membership organization. As such, membership dues are due on January 1st, so if you’re a member you’ll need to renew on or before that date. Of course if you’re not a member, then you should consider joining! For membership information, please visit our website at www.clairemontonline.com/join.

Working for you, Clairemont!

Ryan Trabuco President, Clairemont Town Council president@clairemontonline.com 858.480.9430

For more news and information visit: www.clairemonttimes.com

12 • The Clairemont Times • November 2015

www.clairemonttimes.com

By Michael Baehr

SAY HELLO TO MR. FISH & CHIPS

Photos by Michael Baehr, San Diego Chowhound

The Clairemont Times PO Box 17671 San Diego, CA 92177 (858) 752-9779 Founding Publisher: Chris O’Connell Graphic Designer: Elaine Hall Contributors: Mike Baehr Kevin Casillo Paul Fischer Gary Hyde Susan Lewitt Daniel J. Smiechowski Bartley Stratton Rob Stone Bill Swank The Clairemont Times is a free publication published each month and circulated throughout the neighborhoods of Clairemont, Linda Vista, Bay Park & Kearny Mesa. Story ideas, advertising & editorial questions can be sent to The Clairemont Times P.O. Box 17671, San Diego, CA 92177 or chris@clairemonttimes.com Copyright ©2011-15 The Clairemont Times/McSierra Publishing. Reuse of material from this edition or past editions is strictly prohibited without permission from the publisher.

The opinions in this publication do not necessarily reflect those of The Clairemont Times/McSierra Publishing but instead, of each individual author/contributor.

The Clairemont Times is proud to partner and contribute with:

Indulge in a Two-Piece Basket of Deep Fried Happiness For this Chowhound, nothing tastes better than some flaky, deep fried cod topped with creamy and cool tartar sauce and paired with crunchy fries or tender deep fried chunks of zucchini.

If you’re looking for a place to have this and more, then trot over to Mr. Fish & Chips to satisfy your craving.

Owner Sam Chou is usually sitting at the counter and greets every customer like an old friend. Located in the Balboa Mesa shopping center (near Vons), Mr. Fish & Chips has been around since 1969. Originally, the restaurant was located to the side of Vons and moved in 1998 to its current location when Vons expanded.

The most popular two-piece fish with fries (“chips”) and condiments ($7.90).

Mr. Fish & Chips is located in the Balboa Mesa Shopping Center (Genesee & Balboa Ave) next to Ototo Sushi and near Vons.

orders we get,” he says. For the sake zucchini. The usual way to eat the of research (wink), I went back and fried zucchini is with ranch dressing, ordered the two-piece fish and but I prefer plenty of salt and the tartar sauce because it’s just that good. zucchini ($7.90) later that night.

While it might not be the healthiest Other menu items include fried thing to eat every night, once in a shrimp, oysters and scallops, chicken while, it’s a good thing to throw strips, sandwiches and salads. A caution to the wind and indulge in limited selection of lunch specials is also available from 11-3.

As I sat and enjoyed my lunch, I was amazed to see the steady flow of customers of all ages and types come in.

Every table was full including the outside patio that greets you as you enter. One customer who has since moved away from San Diego made a special trip to Mr. Fish because she was just visiting in the The interior of Mr. Fish & Chips is modest, but functional with a

Following a year and a half closure in 2013 after sustaining fire damage from a neighboring business, Mr. Fish & Chips is back serving seafood-craving Clairemont residents.

On a recent weekday, I stepped in to Mr. Fish & Chips for a little deep fried London-inspired theme. happiness. I ordered the one-piece fried some deep-fried happiness. It’s good neighborhood. “I love fish with a side of for the soul. this place and you just deep fried zucchini Mister Fish & Chips is open can’t find anything like ($4.95) with a soda.

11am-8:30pm Monday thru Thursday this where I live,” she What I like about Mr. and 11am-9pm Friday and Saturday. said.

Fish & Chips is the Closed on Sunday.

When I asked owner light, crunchy Sam the secret to Mr. Fish batter—almost like a Mister Fish & Chips & Chips long-term tempura 5647 Balboa Avenue success, he was quick to batter—blanketing San Diego, CA 92111 say,“the quality of the super fresh and flaky Two-piece fried fish with fried (858) 279-3474 fish and the batter, zucchini ($7.90). cod. Somehow, this www.misterfishandchips.com combined with the batter magically timing of the order.“ adheres to the fish and other items Despite my prodding, he wouldn’t without falling off. The pieces of fish divulge any other restaurant secrets or Michael Baehr is known as the San Diego are always big and satisfying, and my recipes. “Some things have to be Chowhound. He is an accomplished home cook, food blogger, cooking demonstrator lunch did not disappoint. Paired with secret,” he said with a smile on his and self-proclaimed foodie. He also loves to tartar sauce or malt vinegar and you face. According to Sam, the most sample and write about new eateries, local have a winning combination. The popular item by a long shot is the restaurants, fast food and specialty markets.

You can follow his food journeys at zucchini were also crunchy with a soft 2-piece fish and chips item. “This www.sdchowhound.com and slightly sweet finish of the tender accounts for probably 80% of the

The Clairemont Times • November 2015 • 13

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Castor Bean

Tecolote Nature Center

by Trent Robertson

5180 Tecolote Road San Diego, CA. 92110 858-581-9959

We’ve had a very atypical rain pattern this summer. We had an inch and a half of rain in July which is usually one of our driest months, followed by an inch and a quarter of rain in September. This has resulted in some very green vegetation for this time of year. Unfortunately, it has been a boon for some noxious weeds, particularly Castor Bean or Ricinus communis. This plant is native to the southeastern Mediterranean, Near East and India. It is a commercially significant source of castor oil. The seeds are the source of the poison ricin.

It was introduced to California and has spread voraciously in many of our riparian plant communities. It is an especially troublesome weed because the seeds remain viable for an extended period of time. This summer’s weather pattern appears to have been the perfect storm for castor bean - good solid rains at wide intervals when the days are at their longest. As a result the dormant seed banks, underlying disturbed areas,

Monday - Closed; Tuesday –Saturday 9:00-4:00; Sunday 9:00-2:00

have sprouted castor bean plants by the thousands.

Castor bean plants can grow to the size of a small tree, but can bear fruit and seed themselves when they are only a foot or two high. We are in danger of having a massive recharging of the castor bean seed bank in our canyons. It is important to harvest as many seed heads as possible and uproot these seedlings or we are going to have a horrendous job of curbing the spread of castor bean in the near future.

If you are willing to help us eradicate this noxious and poisonous plant from our environment, please contact Ranger Janice Lavallee at 858-581-9961 or sign up for one of the Weed Warrior events through the Friends of Tecolote Canyon Meetup.

Holidays Ideas for a Healthier World

by Susan Lewitt

Would you buy something just to throw it away? We buy giftwrapping, especially for the winter holidays, just to keep the inside treasure fleetingly hidden; then the recipient opens it and sends the wrappings to the landfill.

Personally, I prefer more carbon sequestering trees.

What is the problem with trash, even biodegradable trash? Landfill liners eventually leak and cause a mix of toxic waste to seep into the ground

and water. Gases form as this mix ferments and decays, thus polluting the air also. When we run out of landfill, is incineration or dumping trash in the ocean next?

Recycling is good but not the only answer. Cut down on single-use items and replace them with reusables, or reuse non-biodegradable items. When filling your gift list or buying decorations, please think ‘reusable’, ‘recyclable’, ‘eco-friendly’ and ‘homemade’ from materials that would otherwise be recycled or tossed out.

San Diego Libraries Pilot Survey The City of San Diego is currently conducting a pilot survey on select libraries. This is an opportunity for library patrons to talk about their needs and how the City is doing.

The San Diego Public Library has been selected as a pilot organization for a new survey tool, CityVoice! The goal of CityVoice is to get feedback that’s meaningful for residents, and useful for City decisions.

16 Libraries throughout San Diego have been specifically selected as pilot locations. This opportunity to survey the public is great timing, since it coincides with the Library’s goal to make our programs and services more responsive to community needs. The survey runs from now through the end of February, 2016.

The outreach message for this survey is a simple one: What can the library do to make this neighborhood better? Take a 2 minute survey from your City.

• From a touch tone phone dial (619) 376-2394 • Enter the Location Code of your library from the list below (for example Linda Vista is 009) • You will then be prompted to answer questions by either hitting the #1 or #2 and at the end you can even leave a recording just like a voicemail of your suggestions about your library.

• Finally you can visit the CityVoice website (bit.ly/sandiegolibraries) to listen to real time feedback and see the results of the survey.

Sunday, November 1 8:00am California Native Plant Society Walk Learn about the plants that thrive in Tecolote Canyon Sunday, November 8 9:00a.m. Nature Walk – Chateau Drive entrance to Tecolote Canyon See a variety of birds, insects, and plants Saturday, November 14 8:00 a.m. Birding Walk –Mount Ashmun entrance to Tecolote Canyon Sunday, November 15 9:00am Sunday in the Garden Volunteer with Park Ranger Steven Get dirty, have fun, help out your community Thursday, November 19 10:00 – 11:30 am – Art & Activities for Kids Story time, nature walk and art project Saturday, November 21 9:00-11:00 – Weed Warriors Clean up the canyon with Park Ranger Janice Saturday, November 28 8:00am Audubon Society Birding Walk – Tecolote Nature Center entrance Everyone welcome!

For more information call 858-581-9959. Updated activities are posted at www.meetup.com/Friends of Tecolote Canyon Natural Park and Nature Center Or ... Like us on Facebook – Friends of Tecolote Canyon Activities are free of charge. Donations to the Friends of Tecolote Canyon are always appreciated!

Party items should be reusable, biodegradable or recyclable. Avoid Styrofoam, mixed Styrofoam items, non-biodegradable plastic utensils and drinking straws, none of which can currently be readily recycled. There are plates, napkins, cups, and utensils made from eco-friendly materials, such as bamboo or inedible plant fibers.

Reusable items are best. Remember, it takes water to make disposables, so washing reusable items is not wasting water. Please remember that Styrofoam and plastics decompose very slowly, if at all.

Recycle all clean paper goods.

Discarded paper makes up most of the trash. Save cleaned items for arts and crafts projects when they can no longer serve other purposes.

Holiday ideas: store bought or handmade reusable gift bags, homemade decorations and gifts from discards, and potted living trees instead of cut trees. Tree information: http://livingchristmas.com/info/about.php http://inhabitat.com/how-to-choose-a-living -christmas-tree-for-a-green-holiday-season/ Maybe you can’t do it all but start one step at a time. Give yourself a holiday gift of a healthier world.

Location Codes 1. Mira Mesa Library 001 2. Malcolm X Library 002 3. San Ysidro Library 003 4. San Diego Central 004 5. Allied Gardens Library 005 6. College-Rolando Library 006 7. Kensington/Normal Heights Library 007 8. La Jolla-Riford Library 008

9. *Linda Vista Library 009 10. *Ocean Beach Library 010 11. *Pacific Beach-Taylor Library 011 12. Point Loma-Hervey Library 012 13. Rancho Bernardo Library 013 14. San Carlos Library 014 15. *Serra Mesa-Kearny Mesa Library 015 16. *Tierrasanta Library 016 *The Clairemont Times can be found at these locations.

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14 • The Clairemont Times • September 2015

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Friend-ly Real Estate Advice

by Jason Friend

listing sign, and uploading it to the MLS, then you may want to consider other agents.

When looking to sell your home, some sellers sometimes shoot from the hip and will go with the first agent they speak with or use the agent that has been putting flyers on their door every month. Since you are literally hiring someone, it’s best to interview at least 5 different agents; even if your “friend” is pushing you to use one particular agent.

Scheduling listing presentation appointments gives you an idea of what kind of agent they will be. If they show up late, then that’s a red flag. A potentially great agent will be very prepared. They should have a CMA (Comparative Market Analysis) for you, but most importantly, they’ll have an entire marketing plan on how they will try to sell your home for top dollar. If the marketing plan is limited to doing an open house, putting up a

Real Estate agents, over time, have been branded with the same sentiment that many people have towards lawyers and car salesmen, but I can assure you there are several ethical, honest, and hardworking agents out there, which an interview process will help you identify.

Some great interview questions to include are: How are you different than other agents? What is your plan to market my home? May I contact your last client? Have prospective agents earn your business.

If you are thinking of selling your home, I would love the opportunity to be one of the interviewee’s. Jason Friend (619) 784-3948.

If you are considering buying or selling, I’d love the opportunity to earn your business. Jason Friend (619) 784-3948.

Choosing an Agent

Annual Percentage Yield as of October 26, 2015.

The Clairemont Times • November 2015 • 15

Neighborhood Beat

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Hockey, Horses and Elise

by Gary Hyde

The San Diego Gulls had their home opener back in October and defeated the Grand Rapids Griffins 4-2.

Some of you may not know I wrote and co produced the Gulls theme song, so now you know. Every time you hear that song you will know it has Clairemont roots.

On opening night the theme song was performed Elise Trouw in October signing her record deal with Pacific live, by Pacific Records Records in San Diego. Pictured (l-r) Gary Hyde, Vice recording artist Rebecca President Senior Director of A & R Pacific Records, Trouw, Brian Witkin, CEO & Founder Pacific Records, & Pat Pickslay, Jade in front of 13,000 people, she practically blew President Pacific Records the roof off the place. multi-instrumentalist, singer Needless to say, it was a very exciting songwriter from here in San Diego. start to the season. Keep your ears She has interests in a variety of genres open because you will be hearing the ranging from pop to jazz to Gulls theme song on commercials, alternative. Some of her influences sports shows and of course at every home game this year and you can hear include Radiohead, The Police, Adele, John Mayer, and Steely Dan. it here: Although she is only 16, she has http://pacificrecords.com/gulls/ been playing music for 10 years. She started on piano, then branched out Horses to drums, bass, guitar and vocals. In The Bing Crosby Season has started early 2015 she tied for second in the at Del Mar. The Thoroughbreds will be “Hit Like a Girl” contest, an running Thursday through Sunday international online contest for female until November 29. Some of the drummers. events this year are, a Food Truck I am so excited to be producing Festival (Nov. 7) Fleece Pullover Elise’s first album for Pacific Records.

Giveaway (Nov. 14) Beer & Cider The release date is early 2016. She will Festival and a concert by Sublime play all the instruments on the album With Rome (Nov. 28) Come on out, and sing all vocals Elise has also this is a great race meet. I’ll see you co-written every song with me. I can’t up there. wait for people to hear this amazingly talented young artist.

Elise I’d like to close with a special shout I am very excited to announce the out: Happy 9th Birthday!!!! to Jordan signing of Elise Trouw to Pacific my beautiful granddaughter.

Records. Elise is a Take care everyone.

Heading Up to Del Mar for the Races?

Gary’s Great Bets for People Who Want to Spend a Little and Possibly WIN a Lot $1.00 Exacta’s in all races, pick the winner and who comes in second. Can pay hundreds of dollars. $1.00 Trifecta’s in all races, pick the winner, second, and third horse in

exact order. Can pay thousands of dollars. $0.10 Superfecta’s in most races, pick first, second, third, and fourth horses in exact order. I have seen this bet pay thousands of dollars for a dime.

One of my favorites is the $0.50 pick 5. Pick the winners of the first 5 races. The sky is the limit for this payoff for a couple quarters The best bet? The fun you will have at Del Mar.

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16 • The Clairemont Times • November 2015

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Mesa Students Help Students in Need

by Conner Russell, Information Assistant, San Diego Mesa College

Students, faculty, and staff at San Diego Mesa College are giving back this holiday season to help their fellow students-in-need.

On Tuesday, November 24, Mesa College’s Associated Student Government (ASG) will hold the annual HOST Thanksgiving Feast. Held on the Mesa College campus, the feast provides a festive dinner for students who are unable to go home for the holidays or cannot prepare a meal of their own. The event also features games, entertainment, speakers, and opportunity drawings.

The HOST Thanksgiving Feast follows the ASG Food Drive, which took place October 26-29. The once-a-semester food, hygiene, and school supply drive reaches out to Mesa students, faculty, and staff to help support hungry and homeless

students. The ASG office maintains the donations, which are available to students-in-need throughout the semester, no questions asked.

Also working to ensure no student goes hungry is the San Diego Mesa College Foundation. Since last year, the foundation has given out almost $4000 in food cards to students-in-need. The food cards – good at cafeterias across all San Diego Community College District colleges – are available to all students, with no forms to fill out or questions asked.

“Students who eat on campus are more likely to remain on campus, attend classes, talk with instructors, and utilize Mesa’s student services such as tutoring and counseling,” remarked Anne Zacovic, Mesa’s Director of Resource Development.

Food cards are also regularly supplied to former foster youth and student veterans.

For more news and information visit: www.clairemonttimes.com

San Diego Community College District Training Addresses What to do When Faced with an Active Shooter

means letting people know about the situation. In the Lockdown step, students are instructed to use desks, tables, and chairs in making an effective barricade that can keep an intruder from storming through a classroom door. Inform means using technology to provide play-by-play information to authorities. The Counter step trains students to make noise, create movement, and distract the assailant, actions that would reduce the shooter’s ability to open fire accurately. And Evacuate means

With the deadly shooting at Umpqua Community College still on the minds of many, the San Diego Community College District’s Police Department is holding specialized training sessions at San Diego City, Mesa, and Miramar College and San Diego Continuing Education to prepare students, faculty and staff for active shooter situations on campus.

Following a Tuesday drill at Miramar College, the next training is set for October 22 at City College from 1 to 5 p.m. (Room MS-140). After Staff members at Miramar College participate in ALICE training sessions at Miramar training. and City College in October, training sessions at Mesa College and Continuing Education are getting away from danger if possible.

The ALICE program was authored tentatively planned to take place in by a police officer to keep his wife, an November. Each drill lasts about four elementary school principal, safe after hours and falls under the guidelines the tragic events at Columbine High set by the ALICE Training Institute.

School in Colorado. The purpose of “We want to provide our students, training is to prepare individuals to faculty, and staff with resources and handle the threat of an Active Shooter. tools to improve their survivability in ALICE teaches individuals to the event of an active shooter participate in their own survival, scenario on campus,” said SDCCD while leading others to safety.

Police Officer Richard Ferrell, who Originally scheduled for early 2016, serves as coordinator of the the district has moved up the department’s Emergency Management trainings following the shooting at Resource Team.

Umpqua Community College. Up to ALICE is an acronym for Alert, 40 people – primarily administrators, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, Evacuate, faculty, and staff – typically take part and those words describe what in the initial training sessions. The students are taught to do if they find themselves in a building that has been SDCCD is aiming to hold such sessions at each campus each targeted by a gunman. The Alert step semester.

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What does “adequate funding” for our public schools mean?

by John Lee Evans, San Diego Unified Trustee, District A

It is generally accepted that California schools have been inadequately funded for the past several years. We rank 46th in per pupil spending among the states, but no one has clearly defined what adequate funding would be. What would it cost to prepare our students for the innovative jobs of the future to fuel the California economic engine?

San Diego Unified is leading a movement in California to clearly define what is needed to with a new investment model for public education.

We are starting with what taxpayers and professional educators agree is needed to ensure that all students graduate from high school with the skills necessary to succeed in college or a technical career.

We must lower class size after the recent increases. We must have more counselors, nurses and librarians to ensure that our students succeed academically.We must provide additional supports to make sure all of our students are proficient in English.We must offer more career technical courses in high school. None of these are controversial.

The new Local Control Funding Formula is a more equitable method of distribution of funds, but it does not work if the funds are not adequate.

Proposition 30 only stopped the annual major cuts. But we have no long term solution. The funds are insufficient and temporary.

California Education Code actually requires that the state’s per pupil funding be at the level of the average of the top ten states. We are not even asking for that. Higher funding does not

Free Teen Heart Screening Could Prevent Sudden Cardiac Arrest Open to any youth age 12 to 19 Sunday, November 8th, 9 am - 3 pm Francis Parker School in Linda Vista

Each year, thousands of kids in the U.S. die when their heart unexpectedly stops beating due to a Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) caused by an undetected heart abnormality.To combat this syndrome that is the #2 cause of death under 25 and the #1 killer of student athletes, the Eric Paredes Save A Life Foundation is hosting a free heart screening on Sunday, November 8th from 9am-3pm at the Francis Parker School in Linda Vista (6501 Linda Vista Rd. San

necessarily guarantee success without accountability. We will show exactly how we intend to spend the money.

Rather than simply saying we need more money every year, our investment model will show what we will do with the money. The San Diego School Board directed the staff to calculate the costs required to meet all of the goals of our Local Control Accountability Plan, which was developed with our own community. We are not talking about ideal funding, but funding for the essentials of a good education. The current funding gap is $350 million per year.

With these additional funds we will still be a little below the national average. But we can produce great results at a good price.We are asking other districts across the state to make their own calculation this month. We are calling for the state legislature to hold hearings soon to define what an adequate investment is for quality schools across California.

The public has always supported quality schools in our neighborhoods.

But the current method of financing our schools has been broken for a long time.

Our schools are too dependent on volatile sales and income taxes.We need good schools in times of economic boom and in times of economic downturn.

Once we come to a consensus on what is required, the legislature could then ask the nonpartisan Legislative Analyst’s Office we to develop a plan to finance this investment in education.

Californians have a strong desire to support schools worthy of our stature in the world. Indeed, a strong public education system is the only way we can ensure that San Diego and all of California will continue to thrive in the competitive global economy.

Diego 92111) The EP Save A Life Foundation has screened more than 17,500 youths, finding 1 in 100 with a heart abnormality that unknowingly put them at risk.

Parents can register youth age 12 to 19 for the free screening at EPSaveALife.org, where they download a screening packet, complete and bring to the event.

“SCA is not a heart attack. It’s an abnormality in the heart’s electrical system that may be detected with a simple EKG.And even though the first symptom of SCA could be death, screenings are not a part of youth health checkups or pre-participation sports physicals, which is why Eric’s Foundation provides free heart screenings to area teens,” said Hector and Rhina Paredes, founders of Eric’s Foundation.

The heart screening consists of a health history questionnaire completed by a parent, an electrocardiogram (EKG), and if indicated, a limited

ROB STONE REPORT

Former Horizon Christian Academy Panthers Darren Carrington Jr. & Devyn Bryant Help Oregon Ducks & USD Toreros to Triumphs on the Gridiron

Behind the performance of six-foot-two-inch, 195-pound sophomore wide receiver Darren Carrington, the Oregon Ducks football team dogged the Washington Huskies by a final score of 26-20 in a PAC-12 ballgame played before an announced crowd of 69,285 at Husky Stadium in Seattle, Washington on Saturday evening, October 17.

Carrington, a former Horizon Christian Academy Panther, hauled in five receptions good for 125 yards receiving, and two touchdowns.

“Darren is a playmaker,” said 5-foot-11-inch, 201-pound Oregon senior quarterback Vernon Adams Jr. “It helped having him out there making plays. It helped with him on the field.”

Another Horizon alumnus, 5-foot-11-inch, 185-pound junior cornerback Devyn Bryant, recorded one, one, one, and two interceptions, respectively, for the University of San Diego Toreros against the Drake Bulldogs (27-0 win), Dayton Flyers (13-12 loss), Valparaiso Crusaders (38-6 win), and Western New Mexico Mustangs (45-21 win).

Meanwhile, 5-foot-9, 170-pound junior running back Donnel Pumphrey powered the San Diego State University Aztecs versus the Penn State Nittany Lions (37-21 loss), Fresno State Bulldogs

(21-7 win), Hawaii Warriors (28-14), San Jose State Spartans (30-7 win), and Utah State Aggies (48-14 win).

Pumphrey, the son of Madison High School alum, Gina Padua, had 109 all-purpose yards and one touchdown at Penn State, 23 carries for 124 yards, and a touchdown against Fresno State, 197 total yards and three touchdowns at Hawaii, 207 all-purpose yards and two touchdowns at San Jose State, and 23 carries for 181 yards, and two touchdowns versus Utah State.

LOCAL AREA HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL SCORES WEEK FIVE: Madison 50, Patrick Henry 6; Clairemont 62, Handsworth 21; Mission Bay 44, Kearny 14; Francis Parker 2, Santa Clara 0; Rancho Christian 35, Horizon 14; WEEK SIX: Madison 56, Scripps Ranch 13; Castle Park 20, Clairemont 0; Monte Vista 28, Kearny 27; University City 56, Francis Parker 14; Palo Verde 41, Horizon 6; WEEK SEVEN: Madison 48, Point Loma 0; Clairemont 28, San Diego 6; Kearny 38, San Diego 21; Santa Fe Christian 56, Francis Parker 0;The Bishop’s School 54, Horizon 12;

echocardiogram. It takes less than 30 minutes and is painless and non-invasive (no needles or x-ray exposure).

Screenings are conducted by a 150-member volunteer team of San Diego cardiologists, nurses, techs and non-medical staff led by the foundation’s medical director, Dr. John Rogers, a Scripps cardiologist, who was recognized nationally by Parent Heart Watch as a 2014 Hero for Young Hearts.

Because SCA is fatal in 92% of cases if not treated within minutes, the screening also features demonstrations of hands-only CPR and automated external defibrillation (AED), the only two life-saving measures once SCA strikes.The demonstration is a precursor to the hopeful passage of Assembly Bill

319 that calls for CPR training in CA high schools.

Founded to honor the Steele Canyon High School teen who lost his life to SCA at 15 in 2009, Eric’s Foundation strives to educate parents, educators, physicians and elected officials about the prevalence of SCA among teens and the importance of standardizing EKGs as part their regular health care. Established in 2010, the non-profit foundation provides free cardiac screenings to teens, with the ultimate goal of standardizing screenings among our youth, and equipping our schools with readily accessible, automated external defibrillators (AED) with CPR/AED training for students and staff. For more information, visit www.EPSaveALife.org.

Rob Stone is a life-long resident of the San Diego area and is also a certified talent scout through Sports Management Worldwide. Rob has been working with and helping to assist sports agents in getting their clients signed to contracts. If you would like a professional scouting report written up on your favorite athlete, you can feel free to contact Mr. Stone directly. He may be reached at: 1 (619) 241-6516, rstone@smww.com, Sportsguyrob@att.net, http://www.smwwscout.com/scout/robstone, orhttp://www.rsscouting.blogspot.com

18 • The Clairemont Times • November 2015

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The Clairemont Times • November 2015 • 19

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POLICE BLOTTER Vandalism 3400 Clairemont Dr. Fraud 4500 Mt. Hubbard Residential Burglary 5400 Via Carancho Vandalism 5000 Santa Fe St. Battery 3000 Armstrong St. Vandalism 4100 Avati Dr. Vehicle Break-In 2900 Damon Ave. Residential Burglary 5200 Balboa Arms Dr. Vandalism 4700 Mt. Royal Ave. Commercial Burglary 4200 Genesee Ave. Vandalism 4100 Clairemont Dr. Vehicle Theft 3000 Clairemont Dr. Residential Burglary 4200 Feather Ave. Battery 5000 San Aquario Dr. Fraud 4800 Clairemont Mesa Blvd.

Battery 4200 Genesee Ave. Vehicle Break-In 4100 Mt. Alifan Pl. Battery 2700 Ulric St. Vehicle Theft 5200 Clairemont Mesa Blvd.

Residential Burglary 6300 Mt. Acre Way Residential Burglary 5200 Clairemont Mesa Blvd.

Vehicle Break-In 4200 Piper St. Vehicle Theft 4700 Shoshoni Ave. Commercial Burglary 4200 Genesee Ave. Battery 7200 Mesa College Dr. Vehicle Break-In 4000 Huerfano Ave. Vehicle Break-In 3700 Boyd Ave. Vehicle Theft 3200 Armstrong St. Residential Burglary 4800 Barstow St. Commercial Burglary 4000 Balboa Ave. Residential Burglary

2700 Ulric St. Commercial Burglary 5200 Balboa Ave. Vehicle Theft 4800 Rushden Ave. Battery 3300 Cowley Way Vehicle Break-In 6500 Salizar St. Vehicle Break-In 4200 Feather Ave. Residential Burglary 3200 Cowley Way Vehicle Break-In 3000 Clairemont Dr. Residential Burglary 3100 Cowley Way Vehicle Break-In 7800 Starling Dr. Fraud 4800 Iroquois Ave. Vehicle Theft 5000 Biltmore St. Vehicle Break-In 4200 Balboa Ave. Residential Burglary 3300 Chicago St. Residential Burglary 3200 Cowley Way Vehicle Break-In 5500 Balboa Arms Dr. Vehicle Break-In 5200 Balboa Arms Dr. Battery 4700 Mt. Royal Ave. Residential Burglary 4900 Iroquois Ave. Commercial Burglary 3900 Clairemont Dr. Residential Burglary 5500 Balboa Arms Dr. Vehicle Theft 3200 Clairemont Mesa Blvd.

Residential Burglary 3200 Cowley Way Commercial Burglary 5000 Santa Fe St. Vehicle Break-In 4000 Willamette Ave. Vandalism 5200 Balboa Arms Dr. Residential Burglary 5200 Clairemont Mesa Dr. This report compiled from www.CrimeMapping.com

Adoptable Pet of the Month

Ferdinand, a 2-year-old American Staffordshire Terrier mix, is looking for a family to call his own. Like the big, strong bull in the classic children’s book, Ferdinand has a sweet and gentle heart.

He’s only two years old but because he is deaf, he can sometimes be a little wary of strangers, which can give people the wrong impression about him. In reality, he is very sweet and friendly!

Ferdinand has a history of doing very well with kids in the home, though because of his deafness and size, we recommend any kids should be sturdy and respectful. This handsome boy is house-trained, knows “sit” and “down” (responds well to hand gestures), does well in the car and at the vet, loves running, and generally plays very well with other dogs. Give sweet Ferdinand a chance to show you his heart of gold!

Ferdinand is available for adoption at the San Diego Humane Society’s San Diego Campus at 5500 Gaines Street but is not currently in public view.

Name: Ferdinand Age: 2 years old Gender: Male Breed: American Staffordshire Terrier mix ID #: 163934 Adoption Fee: $95 To learn more about making him part of your family, please call (619) 299-7012.

His adoption fee includes his neuter, current vaccinations, permanent microchip identification, 30 days of worry-free medical insurance from Trupanion Insurance, a certificate for a free veterinary exam, and a license if residing in Oceanside, Vista, Escondido, San Marcos or Poway!

ADOPTION HOURS MON.-FRI.: 11 A.M. TO 6 P.M. SAT. & SUN.: 11 A.M. TO 5 P.M.

20 • The Clairemont Times • November 2015

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