Unanimously approved

After April 12 it will be a misdemeanor subject to a $100 fine for smoking on Flower Capital beaches, trails, parks and outdoor eating areas at restaurants and grills. A ban was unanimously approved at the March 12 meeting of council electeds. Efforts to control tobacco products started in 2000 when the council imposed restrictions on tobacco displays where it was peddled. At the same time, Judy Strang, executive director of San Dieguito Alliance with strong support from local youth, was campaigning to ban beach smoking. However, the council majority of Jerome Stocks, Dan Dalager and Jim Bond were staunchly opposed. As public sentiment for prohibition picked up steam the council majority suggested it be left to a public vote. That idea went down in smoke because of the cost involved for an election. Now the Flower Capital joins the Surfside City, Solbeach, Oside and other communities in the county with controls on public smoking. C’bad is reported to be “studying” the issue. Seaside State Park in Cardiff-by-the-Sea is exempt becuz it is state-owned.

Why victimize education?

When there is a shortfall in the state treasury, education seems to be the first to take a major hit. Howcum? Iz it becuz electeds know taxpayers will vote for school bonds and when they pass they can always find a way to raid them? There would be a lot less noise and pain if politicos announced they were chopping some of the perks they enjoy. Some of them might even get re-elected.

Ramona ag classes

Ramona High School has announced it might have to eliminate long-standing ag classes. Izzn’t agriculture in the county still a major industry? Ramona Country Fair, with emphasis on agriculture, has been growing and growing since its inception. Last year, San Marcoans were faced with a similar situation until the students, their parents and friends created such a ruckus that decision-makers decided to forget about the idea at least for the time being.

Supes face oppposition

All three supervisors seeking re-election will face opposition in June. Greg Cox, lst District supe for downtown San Diego, Chula Vista, Coronado, Imperial Beach and National City will be opposed by Howard Johnson, a former sailor who will campaign for term limits. Dianne Jacob in District 2, which includes the backcountry and East County, will face Rudy Reyes. He is one of the many residents who lost a home in the Cedar Fire and will campaign for medical Mary Jane regulations. Supe Pam Slater-Price in District 3 will be opposed by John Van Doorn, a frequent critic at meetings. Her district covers the San Dieguito area and Escondido.

Invisible children

of Uganda

Dustin Byer is a young man with a mission of mercy. After attending a conference in the nation’s capitol, he became more convinced than ever that he wants to help hundreds of suffering, neglected children in Uganda. He is in the process of forming a foundation with the purpose of helping them. Dustin is a junior at Rancho Buena Vista High School in Vista. His age is not a deterrent according to Mark Bauer, a history professor who sez Dustin is a high achiever. “Some day folks will be voting for him for president,” Bauer said.

Identity theft

Federal Trade Commission in Washington warns that identity theft is as common as headaches. It suggests precautions be taken such as shredding financial documents, and never carrying one’s social security number or having it on checks. Other tips include never giving out personal information over the phone or clicking on links sent in unsolicited e-mails. It notes identity thieves rummage through trash for personal information, pretend to be financial institutions to obtain information and divert billing statements by submitting a “change of address” form to the post office.

U.S. Open sold out

The U.S. Open to be played at Torrey Pines from June 9 to June 15 is already assured of a sell-out. In keeping with an agreement made with San Diego six years ago, City Council electeds will divvy up 250 face-value ducats and 225 freebies. Because of the expected attendance and the lack of nearby parking, San Diego County Fair officials agreed to delay opening the fair by a day to June 10 and will make its parking lots available for U.S. Open attendees.

Postage going up

It will cost more beginning May 12 to use the U.S. Postal Service. A first-class stamp will cost 42 cents and an additional 17 cents for each ounce after that. Large envelope mail for two ounces will run a buck, and certified mail will cost $2.70. Priority mail will cost $4.80, and postcards 27 cents. The rates will be for a year and could go higher after that.

One liners

Author and horticulturist Nan Sterman has announced the third annual Encinitas Garden Festival will be held May 3 and will feature walking tours to more than a dozen private gardens in Olivenhain ... Linda Crawford, one of the majority trustees of the Del Mar Union School District until the November 2006 election, has resigned citing differences with the new majority consisting of Steve McDowell, Katherine White and Annette Easton ... State Sen. Denise Ducheny has introduced legislation to prevent the State Coastal Commission from self-initiating appeals of local government decisions saying it’s not within the commission’s jurisdiction to take that action ... National Fire Protection Assn. suggests now is the time to replace batteries in smoke alarms and if the alarms are more than 10 years old it’s best to replace them.

Hasta la Vista