No longer biz as usual
While recent election results weren’t of earthquake dimensions they did forecast that voters are paying more attention to the way their electeds are running the people’s affairs. Examples: Tax measures that were routinely OK’d in the past went down in flames in the Surfside City and Solbeach. Del Martians nixed an effort to impose a transient occupancy tax on short-term rentals in homes by a margin of 572 votes opposed and 409 voters who thought it was a great idea. In Solbeach a graduated bizness tax, favored by a lotta bizness folks, was defeated 10,668 to 9,232. The minority of the O’side City Council, comprised of Mayor Jim Wood and Councilwoman Esther Sanchez, became the majority when Chuck Lowery won the vacant seat in a squeaker that came down to the wire and the result was not official until certified by the Registrar of Voters. In the Board of Supervisors race, longtime incumbents Bill Horn and Ron Roberts are in a runoff in their respective districts, a marked departure from previous elections when these were decided in the primary. It all indicates that it’s no longer a stroll in the park for the electeds, the wannabe elected, and those pushing propositions. A new day and a new way now moves the voters.
Will the heroine come
to Del Mar?
The seaside racetrack will set a single-day attendance record if 6-year old Zenyatta seeks her 18th consecutive victory at the course. Her 17th win has already placed her in racing’s history annals. A negative is that her trainer, Jeff Shirreffs, is an outspoken critic of synthetic surfaces like Del Mar’s Polysurface. Even though Zenyatta has twice won the $300,000 Clement L. Hirsch Stakes and romped at Hollywood Park, which also has a synthetic surface. Win or lose in her effort to stretch her victory record, her fans will want to see this amazing horse in action. As for the 44,181 trackers who saw Cigar in 2006 fail to notch his 16th straight win, it’s a cinch that record will go down the tube.
School district suit
Rather than encounter more negative publicity, Del Mar School District board of trustees oughta come to terms with Sharon McClain, the former superintendent they fired in March. She has alleged the majority of trustees violated her right of due process. James Peabody, formerly with Julian school district, has replaced McClain.
Mini-dorms
A committee has been formed to delve into the problem of too many folks living in single-family manses in the Flower Capital causing trash, parking problems and encroaching on neighbors’ property. The committee will cogitate during the summer then city staff will develop a report for presentation to the council in September.
CalPERS seeks more dough
Some California Public Employees Retirement System honchos want a bigger hunk (about $700 million) from state and school district retirement funds. Might be more prudent if they first sweep out the top-level executives who are alleged to have gotten into the cookie jar for various reasons.
Clean bill
San Onofre Nuclear Generating Plant has received a clean bill from a safety watchdog commission. Operated by So Cal Edison, San Onofre was cited for several safety violations but now is OK according to the commission.
ADA compliant
An access to Surfside City’s Dog Beach has been constructed to bring it into compliance with Americans With Disabilities Act. Also added according to ADA standards is a parking space at the north end of the new walkway.
Green fairs & festivals
With fairs and expos being in season throughout the country more of them have embraced the green theme with good results according to reports. It includes eco-friendly products from health foods, home improvements and garden materials. However, they have become part of established events rather than standing alone.
Performing center
Ground has been broken for a $9 million state-of-the-art performing arts complex at San Dieguito Academy with construction expected to last up to 15 months. It is funded by state and fed funds and a nonprofit school foundation that is in the process of raising a million bux and has passed the halfway mark. It welcomes your big and small contributions to reach its goal. The center will include a 225-seat theater that will be available to the community.
Close & cozy
For a short time folks can get up close and friendly with the seal population at Children’s Pool beach at La Jolla Cove. A rope barrier to separate humans from the mammals has been approved but no certain time has been designated for it to be done so hizzoner Jerry Sanders said the request will be processed through normal channels and that will take weeks if not months. Meanwhile, folks can continue to interact with the seals.
One-liners
Cardiffians were pleased to hear an oral report from Lauren Adkins from Washington, D.C., on its successful Cardiff 101 Main Street project as well as the ones in historic downtown Encinitas and Leucadia … Solbeach recently christened a custom-built rescue boat that was donated by Solana Bros., a nonprofit organization … Encinitas Senior Center is looking for volunteer drivers who can take seniors to wherever they have to go … A presentation on alternative transportation such as bikes is on the July 12 agenda of the Flower Capital’s series of general plan forums that residents are encouraged to attend … July is National Grilling Month and according to Jenny Coleman of EZ Grilling it’s a great time for tailgating, camping, picnicking or cooking in the backyard … According to reports more voters have signed up as Democrats and now outnumber the GOP in the county … Save Our Parade in O’side is making a last-minute push for funds to stage a July 3 downtown parade at 10 a.m. sponsored by MainStreet Foundation …. State Senate’s Budget Conference Committee is making noises about diluting the Brown Act that sheds light on gov’t activities … Encinitas Chamber of Commerce is in new digs at 527 Encinitas Blvd., Suite 106.
Hasta la vista
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