They used to be contested in Solbeach
Seawalls that for years dominated Solbeach news now are the topic 14 miles up the road in C’bad, where they were recently the subject of a passion-charged Planning Commission meeting.
Arguments, pro and con, were similar to those heard in Solbeach. At issue is a wall 97 feet in length and up to 24 feet in height that was permitted as an emergency last summer. There had been a bluff collapse on the Terramar beachfront endangering some homes. It was argued seawalls have a long-term effect on beaches and an adequate environmental report was not made available to the public. The wall has been allowed to remain. Not likely that the issue has been put to rest.
Headed for the nationals
Earl Warren Middle School Principal Anna Pedroza has reason to be proud of one of her eighth-graders. Alex Kahng of the Surfside City is headed for the Scripps National Spelling Bee finals in Washington, D.C., in June as the county’s official rep. He won the prestigious honor by outspelling 86 other students from other schools. Nicole Ann Lobo of Aviara Oaks Middle School in C’bad was a runner up. Kudos to both.
Good or not?
Prop. 14 initiative on the June primary ballot may have long-lasting effect on future elections. Basically, all candidates vying for an office will appear together regardless of party affiliation and the two top vote receivers will compete in the general election. Not surprising, major organizations don’t like the idea and will be urging you to vote no.
Back eventually
Sand erosion on Southland beaches was reported to be the worst in recent years. It will return by summer. The sand disappeared overnight and beach visitors were forced to lay their blankets on piles of cobblestones for a spell.
Manson massacres
In the 1960s, the Charles Manson hippie clan rocked the Southland with a series of gruesome murders. In the Surfside City, the Johnsons, who lived in the home built by Pat O’Brien, were savagely beaten to death. The crime remains unsolved. But not if you talk to super sleuth Tom Clotfelter of Rancho Santa Fe, who spent lottsa time on the beach. He believes Manson did it. He said Manson was frequently in the area where he had friends. “He did it. No question about it,” Clotfelter said.
Roundabouts
With roundabouts becoming increasingly popular as traffic-calmers in contrast to stop signs and electric signals, at least four are recommended to be included on El Camino Real east of the Surfside City and Solbeach when it is widened to four lanes. Most prominent will be one in the area of Mary’s Tack & Feed Shop on Villa del Valle. The roundabouts received almost unanimous OK from the Carmel Valley Community Planning Board. Surfside City and Solbeach have them under consideration as they ponder redevelopment of their stretch of historic 101, La Jolla has installed several of them in the Bird Rock area and Encinitas has ‘em on two of their thoroughfares. Not a new concept, roundabouts have been in place in other countries for more than a century.
General plan update
Four educational meetings remain for the Flower Capital general plan update. These include Smart Growth & Sustainable Design on May 3; Transportation on June 7; Alternative Transportation on July 5; and Public Health on Aug. 2. According to Planning Dept. folks, guest speakers will be present to discuss subject topics. May 1 will be a Community Visioning workshop. And whatever happened to the Cardiff Specific Plan that was launched in 2001?
Recycled water project
Olivenhain Water District has completed a connection between its recycled water system and the Harbor City that will enable it to add customers in its service area including Rancho Santa Fe Farms Golf Course and by and by, the common area in Village Park.
Ladies surfer museum
A special section has recently been set aside for a ladies’ surfing exhibition in the O’side’s Surfing Museum at 312 Pier View Way. It will remain in place for at least a year and is already receiving high acclaim. Most folks who visit it weren’t aware ladies were surfin’ almost as long as the men and there is ample proof of it in the display.
FFA not just for farmers
Future Farmers of America, a vibrant youth organization that was founded in schools in 1928 to expand the studies of farming and livestock, has been expanded to include engineering and other sciences. Reporting in USA Today, Judy Keen notes most members do not live on farms and are more skilled in the sciences than they are
about raising livestock. Nevertheless, at the County Fair the FFA and 4-H Clubs, also agriculture oriented, play an important role. Were it not for their animals, city folks and kids would never be exposed to steers and poultry, General Manager Tim Fennell points out.
One-liners
Green Chamber of San Diego County headed by Peter Zahn held its kick-off event recently in Solbeach … An additional six acres of bayfront land adjacent to San Diego Convention Center will enable it to proceed with a $753 mil. expansion program that will include a 500-room hotel … The Flower Capital city is accepting apps through May 27 for its Youth Commission that represents seventh through 12th grades … San Elijo Lagoon Conservancy will host Lagoon Day on May 15 with a Habitat Restoration & Volunteerism theme … Surfside City Council has OK’d $5.6 mil. in state and federal funds for the improvement of North Torrey Pines Bridge south of the city … San Onofre State Beach rangers are pinching (no pun intended) sunbathers who enjoy the area sans their clothes … C’bad Village Assn. has announced plans for a skateboard museum and park … MiraCosta College in O’side has opened a spiffy veterans lounge on campus.
Hasta la Vista
