Proponents face July 7 target

Citizens to Protect the Ranch, or CPR, headed by Richard Chandler, is reported to have passed the halfway mark in its quest to obtain the more than 1,100 signatures of registered homeowners needed to bring about a study by the Local Agency Formation Commission, or LAFCO, on the feasibility of becoming the 19th city in the county. Chandler’s group has until July 7 to submit its petition with the necessary signatures to trigger the study. CPR contends incorporation will guarantee home rule and provide better services and benefits not now provided by the county. Former Solbeach Mayor Marion Dodson, now a Rancho resident, is taking an active incorporation role.

Wastewater for human

consumption

Faced with the possibility of a severe water shortage in the future, L.A. is exploring the possibility of treating sewage water to make it safe for human consumption. It is commonly referred to as “toilet to tap” water. Currently reclaimed water in the area that is treated at the San Elijo plant in Cardiff-by-the-Sea is widely used for irrigation. Originally, L.A. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa opposed the idea of using wastewater for drinking, but now sez it has possibilities.

Hall property review

There is an ongoing air quality review period on the Hall property in Cardiff-by-the-Sea, which is part of the Environmental Impact Report. Interested folks have until June 16 to file their comments and concerns. The 43-acre parcel is primarily projected to be a sports park.

First Thursdays schedule

Del Mar Foundation has announced its First Thursdays headliners for the rest of the year. These include Nick Reveles, Sept. 4; Reflections on Life in Music, Richard Lederer, Oct. 2; Presidential Trivia, Cal Strings Quartet, Nov. 6; and Westwind Brass, holiday music, Dec. 6. Programs will be presented in the Surfside City’s Powerhouse Community Center and include a wine and cheese social preceding the entertainment. Info is available by calling (858) 635-l363.

Utility undergrounding workshop

A June 16 workshop in the Poinsettia Room at the Flower Capital Civic Center will be held to consider alternatives to undergrounding of existing utilities. Contact person is Masih Maher. He can be reached at (760) 633-2776 or online at gradingmod@ci.encinitas.ca.us.

Another bureaucracy?

Karen Baker has been named secretary of the recently formed California Volunteers organization. The Governator has added this appendage to his office. Its mission is to elevate the profile of volunteering and enable volunteers to reach the highest government levels.

Teresa’s trolley

An idea brought forth by Flower Capital Councilwoman Teresa Barth should come to fruition next summer when trolley service will be initiated on Highway 101 between Cardiff-by-the-Sea and Leucadia and stopping at points of interest and shops in between. It will be available to residents as well as visitors. As proposed, the shuttle service will be partially subsidized through grants, sponsorships and advertisements.

Looking at alternatives for police

With the cost of police services provided by the County Sheriff’s Dept. rising annually, Surfside City Council electeds have decided to study alternatives. During a recent meeting, it was noted the sheriff’s contract has risen approximately 84 percent since 2001. Amount of service provided is of course a consideration. City of San Diego recently dedicated a new substation to serve adjacent Carmel Valley and the Del Mar Heights area and is a possibility.

Visitors bureau reports

An annual report was recently released by Cami Mattson, president and CEO of San Diego North Convention & Visitors Bureau that serves the local area. It notes the bureau generated $35.9 mil. in leisure visitor spending, Web site bookings rose 55 percent, and advertising responses increased 19 percent over 2006. In addition, $3 mil. in editorial coverage was generated through its public relations efforts. The sales team booked 39,435 room nights, up 20 percent over the previous year.

One liners

The late Luz Duran, Vista’s stalwart community volunteer, has been honored with the dedication of a park in his memory … According to Betty Daun, Encinitas Senior Center at 1140 Oakcrest Park Drive has plenty of seating available for its weekday lunches Monday through Friday with reservations a must before 8 a.m. at (760) 943-2258 ... The fairgrounds has been recognized by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for its recycling program headed by Resource Conservation Specialist Nancy Strauss ... Adele Selinger, Flower Capital resident, won first place in the Cal Friendly Landscape Contest sponsored by Olivenhain Muni Water District by transforming her front yard into a water-wise landscape garden utilizing drought-tolerant plants that display brilliant colors ... Ralph Dixon, 97, the Surfside City’s first supe of public works, has passed away in Marysvale, Utah ... Rancho Santa Fe’s Gerald L. Parsky has been elected to the board of directors of Salk Institute ... Olivenhain resident judge Anthony Brandenburg has announced his candidacy for one of the three seats on the Flower Capital City Council.