Not likely to happen at Del Mar
A coppla weeks ago Hollywood Park cancelled a day of racing becuz there weren’t enough horses for an eight-race card.
When Craig Fravel, Del Mar racetrack executive veep, met with the board of directors of the 22nd District Agricultural Association recently (Del Mar Fairgrounds), he said one reason for axing Monday racing was becuz major stables were exiting the state causing a shortage of horses. Eastern tracks are offering more lucrative purses due to casino gambling, which is part of their program. Thoroughbred owners receive a slice of that action. The California racing industry has attempted for years to include casino gambling but state electeds, including the Governator, have ignored their pleas. Casinos now are a major source of revenue for the state as well as for the politicians who receive generous campaign contributions from them. No longer are racetracks looked upon as the cash cows they once were. Not likely that Del Mar will ever have to cancel a day. It runs an aggressive marketing program catering to horsemen, fans and families. Since its inaugural race in 1937, it has been a summer resort operation known as the vacation land for racing fans where no one hurries but the horses.
Honest Laura
In a letter to the media, George Sullivan of Carlsbad has high praise for “Laura” who returned his Walkman and treasured cassette that he left at Moonlight Beach. She even paid the postage to send it but didn’t identify herself so he has no way of knowing who this honest lady is. She deserves a high-five for her deed.
Gregory landfill
A landfill east of O’side in the Pala area, first proposed in 1989 and OK’d by voters in 2004, is still stymied in the bureaucracy. The state Regional Water Quality Board is due to issue one of the remaining major permits Aug. 12. During an RWQB workshop held April 29, approximately 100 folks showed up, including Supervisor Pam Slater-Price, a longtime opponent. Most of them voiced opposition to the project. Currently, county landfills are at or nearing capacity and some waste is being hauled out of the county. Question: What will happen when these sites are no longer available? There should be no further delays on the landfill. Get it done.
New show place
Moonlight Stage Productions is claiming its place in the entertainment sun with the recent announcement that on July 15 in Vista it will debut a new entertainment center with the presentation of the Tony Award winner “42nd Street.” It will run through Aug. 1 to be followed by “Phantom,” Aug. 12 to Aug. 29; and “Cats” Sept 9 to Sept. 26. The Amphitheatre is located at Brendle Terrace Park, 250 Vale Terrace Drive. Productions are co-sponsored by the city of Vista. More info is available by calling (760) 726-1340.
Theft of ketchup bottle
Former Orange County Unified School District trustee Steve Rocco, frequently described as reclusive and kinda weird, was in the news recently. He was charged with allegedly stealing a half-filled bottle of ketchup valued at $1.50 from Chapman College cafeteria. At a court hearing in Santa Ana, he was forbidden from wearing his dark glasses and knit cap which is standard apparel for him. Rocco contended the bottle had no value becuz it already was half-empty. In his defense, he had subpoenaed 50 witnesses including the Orange County sheriff. Rocco served a four-year term as a school board trustee after he shocked a lotta folks by easily defeating a highly favored incumbent.
Memorial Day observance
VFW Post 5431 and city of Solbeach will present a Memorial Day program May 25 at La Colonia Park starting at 11 ayem. Young Marine Color Guard and Santa Fe Christian School band will participate in this program that honors servicemen and women who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Market theft foiled
Rancho Santa Fe Village Market manager Matt Basham is credited with foiling a robbery recently. He observed a person stuffing four high-priced bottles of booze under his shirt and attempted to apprehend the thief who responded with a haymaker on Basham. Meanwhile, an alert employee blocked the exits with shopping carts until the gendarmes arrived and took over.
Robocalls irksome
Keith Blackburn, newest Carlsbad council electee, irked some folks when he hired a company to make several hundred fone calls urging residents to attend a meeting when a proposed Alga Norte Park was to be considered. Blackburn opined he had used this marketing tool with great success during his campaign.
Lomas project OK’d
American Assets has received City Council OK to proceed with a $30 mil. expansion at Lomas Santa Fe Plaza in Solbeach. One of the original buildings constructed in the mid-1970s will be replaced with restaurants, offices and shops known as lifestyles center.
Opts out
Surfside City will not be participating in the sand replenishment program with Solbeach, the Flower Capital, O’side and Imperial Beach becuz it duzzn’t have $319,000 in the till as its share of the program. Not critical for Surfside City, however, becuz its beach is in better shape than the others the year-round.
Added eateries
Cardiff-by-the Sea that already features some neat eateries has added a couple more. Now located in the Town Centre’s new complex are Rimel’s Rotiserie and Zenbu Sushi Bar & Restaurant.
One-liners
With all Flower Capital departments required to tighten their belts, howcum sports leagues are fee free? … Rancho Coastal Humane Society has reopened its thrift shoppe at 120 Aberdeen in Cardiff … Surfrider Foundation will have its ninth annual Art Gala May 21 at the Powerhouse Community Center in the Surfside City … O’side’s $10 mil. El Corazon Senior Center will debut June 6 … Congrats to Flower Capital postmaster Lynne Sloppy who has retired after more than three decades in the bizness … Starting just after Memorial Day weekend the Coast Shuttle will be operating from Leucadia to Cardiff’s Restaurant Row on weekends.
Hasta La Vista
