Also in This Issue:

D E L M A R ’ S C O M M U N I T Y J O U R N A L

Volume 19, Number 10 December 2014

N E W S • F E A T U R E S • O P I N I O N

Artist rendering Virginia Lawrence

Lawn Be Gone page 26

Chefs’ Specials page 9

Cadillac with Two Rims page 17

Happy Holidays from the Sandpipers!

ShrINk ONe PASeODee Rich | Vice-Chair Torrey Pines Community Planning Board

Del Mar City Council did their homework on One Paseo, and sent a critical letter to the San Diego Planning Commission

that outlines the project’s severe impact on local traffic in downtown Del Mar. We cannot handle a UTC-like One Paseo at Del Mar Heights Rd. and I-5 where there is no existing public transit. Camino del Mar is the only continuous travel corridor parallel to I-5 and is subject to horrendous congestion when I-5 fails. The environmental studies for One Paseo predict this will certainly be the case when the project is implemented. Think of current pile-ups on I-5 coming to Camino del Mar.

Yet it appears as if the San Diego City Council might approve the outrageous, three-times-allowed zoning project based on more jobs and more housing. We hope you, along with your nearby neighbors, care enough to go to the Council meeting tentatively scheduled for 6 p.m. January 27 and object. We are part of a neighborhood coalition from Del Mar, the Heights and the Terrace, Solana Beach, local schools and neighboring community groups identifying the best way to voice our concerns, and we need your help. We cannot let San Diego think we do not care; we cannot afford to wait and then regret the outcome. Here are some more facts to help you make up your mind:

The proposed One Paseo project would generate almost 24,000 vehicle trips per day, compared to about 6,500 allowed by current zoning. That is a 267% increase. If you have students going to Torrey Pines or Canyon Crest Academy, picking up your students will be a slow nightmare each day, or your students will be sitting in stalled buses on the freeway. If you need to leave home to go to

continued on page 3

Sandpiper December 2014 Page 2

Editorial

LeTTerS TO The eDITOr • The Sandpiper welcomes readers’ letters and articles. • Material submitted must include the writer’s name,

street address, and phone number, and should not exceed 500 words.

• Material selected to be published may be edited or shortened.

Send to: The Sandpiper, Box 2177, Del Mar, CA 92014; or editor@delmarsandpiper.org

The Sandpiper is published by the Del Mar Community Alliance, a not-for-profit corporation. Its purpose is to advocate the Del

Mar Community Plan, to foster informed public and government decision-making regarding issues affecting the community of the City of Del Mar, and to encourage a social and political climate

favorable to the protection of the community character of the City of Del Mar and its environs.

Chuck Newton Circle: Rosanne & Joel Holliday, Carol Kerridge, Beth Levine & Henry

Abarbanel, Diana Marquardt & Rod Franklin

Publishers’ Circle: Jeff Barnouw, Darrese & Sam Borgese, Mary Ann & Bud

Emerson, Nancy Fisher & Mike Salt, Chuck Freebern, Lynn & Charlie Gaylord, Maryka & George Hoover, Pat JaCoby, Louise

Keeling in memory of Dave Keeling, Larry Schneiderman, Jane & Steve Voss,

Nancy and John Weare

Editors’ Circle: Penny and Buck Abell, Vava Anderson, Anthony Corso, Sandy & Bram Dijkstra, Mary & Jeffrey Friestedt, Susan & Judd Halenza, Lee Haydu, Linda & Jerry Hirshberg, Shirley King & Art Olson, Vernie & John McGowan, Bill Michalsky, Suzi Resnick & Stan Marks, Gloria Sandvrik & Harold Feder, Rose Ann & Ira Sharp,

Chic & Joe Sullivan, Sarah Dubin-Vaughn, Molli & Arthur Wagner

Editors: Jeff Barnouw, Sam Borgese, Tony Corso, Dave Druker, Bud Emerson, Ann Gardner, Shirley King, Art Olson,

Shelby Weaver, Betty Wheeler. Webmaster: Virginia Lawrence. Editor Emeritus: John Kerridge.

All staff members and writers are unpaid volunteers. Thispublication depends upon the contributions of readers like you.

Make checks payable to Sandpiper, Box 2177, Del Mar, CA 92014

eDITOrIAL: CIVIC CONSeNSuS

The City Council appears to want all registered voters to weigh in on alternative uses for the city hall site, most

likely an advisory vote to assure the Council they are on the right track.

One alternative being considered is a city hall, town hall, plaza that can be used for a farmers market space, and parking in a surface parking lot ( about 70 stalls).. Another alternative is a city hall, town hall, plaza that can be used for a farmers market space, and a 160-car parking structure tucked under the buildings. This will also create a deck for flexibility in making future decisions if we want additional uses later.

We support the Council’s decision to eliminate the mixed-use alternative as the Del Mar way to get a new city hall built as soon as possible. The mixed-use proposal would cause a significant delay. It would require a Measure B vote approving a new specific plan for the property, delaying the decision for at least another 12-18 months with a more than 50% chance that it would fail, and working against its ultimate approval.

At the last city workshop on October 20 participants favored civic-only use by 57% to 40%, plus a petition from about 20 non-participants that favored civic-only. There was unanimous agreement that the current city hall building is

eDITOrIAL: CIVIC CIVILITYAs we move forward on big decisions in our town it seems

like a good time to remind ourselves of some guidelines for how we engage one another. Del Mar has an enviable tradition of very vigorous citizen participation in our decision making processes. We tend to feel strongly about how we shape our community whether it be about big issues or sometimes very small issues. The outcomes of these public conversations have produced a town we take pride in.

In an era where the civility of our conversations at the national level has deteriorated dramatically, we need to nurture the quality of our local conversations carefully. The “Tea Party syndrome” of blaming government and demonizing leaders is unbecoming anywhere but especially destructive when our leaders are our neighbors.

For several elections our Council Members have not had to engage in door knocking and debate campaigns but that does not take away from their legitimacy as leaders. They have volunteered to step up and work conscientiously to make good decisions. We owe them our respect. We are fortunate to attract very talented and hard working city staffers. We owe them our respect. Hundreds of citizens have volunteered to serve on city commissions and committees. We owe them our respect. Looking for hidden motives and secret plots is hardly a way to treat hard working conscientious Delmarians.

As we all engage in this wonderful experiment in democratic community building it is important to remember to separate the issue from the person. Fight for the issue but take it easy on the person He or she is your neighbor, your lifeguard, your planner.....

beyond repair, almost uninhabitable and an embarrassment to the community. The plan calling for the sale of portions of the property was rejected outright. Space for the Farmer’s Market gets everyone’s support and is in all plans. At several tables the civic center-only votes included some who would like the city to consider adding more social space in the future for a performance/art center or a small coffee/bakery shop. But they were willing to forgo that option to get a new city hall in first. The mixed-use supporters who did so knowing that extra time would be required still felt “we should get it right from the start.” The problem is the disagreement about what is “right.”

Do we want to risk losing a new city hall by entwining it in a more complex vote about commercial uses? We think not. We sense there is a growing consensus for civic uses, including space for a Farmers Market. We could have shovels in the ground by the end of 2015. By reserving space on a portion of the lot we could have a future debate on adding other uses. For the sake of community unity let’s move with dispatch to get something done that we all agree on.

Sandpiper December 2014 Page 3

PASEO BOTTOM LINE

work, time to get on or off the freeway will be in the 20-45 minute range. If you use Camino del Mar in rush hour expect much of North County to divert through Del Mar to avoid the freeway traffic jam. You should be concerned about emergency response times because Del Mar and Solana Beach back up each other and the San Diego fire station would be located east of a One Paseo; ambulances coming from Cardiff and Solana Beach on I-5 will face backed up freeways and exits. Ambulances traveling from our areas to hospitals north or south may face life threatening delays. Brush trucks which carry water to the bottom of canyons in case of fire will also be held up coming from station 24.

We must SHRINK One Paseo before its traffic threatens to strangle our communities. You can help us make a difference. The San Diego Planning Commission DID NOT APPROVE the proposed One Paseo project, but forwarded the decision onto City Council

ShrINk ONe PASeOcontinued from page 1

GeT IT rIGhTAnn Gardner | Via Latina

The Torrey Pines Planning Board is formally protesting the San Diego Planning Commission’s interpretation

that the neighboring planning board’s recommendation was to keep the same amount of retail space in a smaller One Paseo. And the neighboring planning board chair Frisco White will attend next month’s City Council meeting on One Paseo to also set the record straight.

“Maintaining that level of retail does not support the city’s concept of City of Villages when there is no public transit,” Dennis Ridz, chair, said. “This is how it was interpreted by the Planning Commission. That is simply wrong.” In fact, according to Ridz, retail is the primary cause of increased traffic and congestion in the proposed development. Ridz and What Price Main Street spokesperson Bob Fuchs have pointed out that “promised” improved traffic light systems work only when traffic is moderate, but fail to provide relief during peak hours. Incoming Torrey Pines chair Noel Spaid chimed in: “a better traffic light is useless when emergency vehicles have a ‘green’ but are physically unable to get through. They can’t fly in.”

The Torrey Pines Planning Board has been at odds with the One Paseo developer Kilroy Realty ever since the developer refused San Diego City Council President Pro Tem Sherri Lightner’s request that Kilroy and the City Development Services Department meet with the local planning board which represents residents west of I-5 most impacted by One Paseo’s unmitigated traffic jams at Del Mar Heights Road and I-5. The Board emphasizes that they are supportive of a smaller mixed-use project that has a proportionate reduction in retail.

DumP PASeO NOwAnn Gardner | Via Latina

As you all know, Kilroy Realty wants to drop

a 1.4 million square foot development at the corner of Del Mar Heights and El Camino Real just east of I-5. They call it a “village” even though it is only a huge – three times allowed zoning - complex of retail, office space and apartment buildings. Some of the buildings are nine stories, 170 feet tall, and the massive project is expected to increase traffic by 270% (over what would normally be allowed for this site) clogging already clogged freeways and our access to and from I-5 at Del Mar Heights Road.

Somehow the City of San Diego Development Services Department is supporting the project as part of their City of Villages concept for denser mixed use in; get this, locations served by public transit. Oh well never mind there is no transit there. And oh never mind we already have villages. We have our village in Del Mar; we have a little village at the intersection of Del Mar Heights Rd. and Mango Drive and we already have a village across El Camino Real from the proposed development stretching from Del Mar Heights Road to Valley Center Drive. And our villages are real villages; they also have libraries, community centers, city halls, police stations, schools and parks. Real villages are trying to reduce traffic while Kilroy wants to build a wider, nine-lane Del Mar Heights Road with three new intersections and “synchronized” traffic lights to handle a triple increase in traffice for their so-called village.

You can’t kid us Kilroy. The San Diego Planning Commission didn’t buy it and we aren’t either. Since you have said that it is either a 1.4 million square foot development or nothing I guess our only position is “dump Paseo now.”

with concerns. Join the voices insisting on a mixed-use development that is consistent with the current Community Plan and zoning. To help: go to www.WhatPriceMainStreet.com/ and sign their petition; come to our Planning Board meeting on Thursday, January 8 from 7-9 p.m. at the Del Mar Hills Academy Performing Arts Center, 14085 Mango Drive for the latest information or email Dee Rich at stoppaseo@delmarsandpiper.org to ask questions. And please say yes when we call or knock on your door for support.

ALerT! San Diego City Council expected to make up its mind about PASeO on January 27.

Sandpiper December 2014 Page 4

Ask Doctor Rich

ASk Dr. rICh!Rich Simons | Upper East 11th Street

Every month, Rich Simons answers readers’ most perplexing questions.

Dr. Rich is on assignment this month and not available to answer your questions.

Photo illustration. Art Olson

Curb The CAN Anthony Corso | Stratford Court

Have you seen any neighbors carrying a small can of red paint

and proceeding to paint their curb red? Such activity is based upon a decision to prohibit the parking of automobiles in front of an individual’s home or business.

The painting of curbs by non-city employees is illegal! Based

upon the number of complaints filtering into City Hall, illegal

curb-painting is evidently on the increase. Given the relative scarcity of curb parking in many areas of the City and the reduction in curb parking spaces, it constitutes a critical issue.

The Public Works Department has the responsibility for maintaining streets, curbs and all manner of signage. According to a recent interview with Director Eric Minicelli Public Works receives numerous requests each year to paint curbs red, yellow, green, white or blue in front of residences or businesses. Each color serves a different purpose. “Red Zones mean “no stopping, standing, or parking at any time.”

Typically Red Zones are installed to eliminate parked cars at a curb where parked cars negatively affect normal vehicular traffic. Red Zones also serve to delineate an intersection corner allowing for safe vehicular maneuvers and to improve visibility from a driveway (driveway

tipping), and to eliminate non-standard parking spaces (less than 18 feet) between driveways.

The City recently adopted an expanded policy that identifies the procedures and approval criteria controlling the installation of curb marking. The Public Works Department requires a completed curb marking application, which in turn is subject to a staff evaluation to determine whether the proposal is feasible and justified.

Evaluating a red curb marking request Public Works staff considers the following questions: Is the amount of parking removed by the red marking excessive? Are short portions of the curb left over unusable for parking (less than 18 feet)? What is the effect upon adjacent property owners who might be forced to park their cars closer to an adjacent driveway, thereby creating an additional parking problem? Is usable curb space needed for purposes such as loading materials or products or for short-term customer use?

As for the presence of red painted curbs, which remain in non-conformity, resources will need be allocated to eliminate such violations.

A GreeNer GrASSArt Olson | Avenida Primavera

A movement is afoot in Del Mar – or more accurately under foot -- to convince the City to reconsider how

it treats its turf. A “Committee for a Green Del Mar” has formed to create a safer and more water-wise maintenance program for Del Mar’s green spaces. Spearheaded by Del Mar resident Gale Darling, a group of interested citizens gathered recently to air their concerns to Del Mar Councilman Terry Sinott, a liaison to the City’s Parks and Recreations Committee.

Over six years ago Darling was propelled into action when her dog became seriously ill after romping in the recently treated grass at Del Mar’s Shores property. Herself a garden designer, she conveyed her dismay to the Public Works Department about use of synthetic fertilizers and toxic herbicides in treating the City’s grass fields. She promoted the use of natural fertilizer (organic composted soil) as the preferred alternative to create a safer environment for the children, adults and their pets that use the area for recreation. About a year ago, the City’s Public Works department did try this type of natural fertilizer on the field, but according to Darling did not apply it as recommended, evenly in a thin, quarter inch layer with a roller/spreader onto newly aerated grass and watered down. Instead the fertilizer was dumped with a Bobcat onto the field in scattered piles and later erratically raked into the grass. This misapplication caused complaints of undesirable odors wafting into the adjacent Del Mar Inn. In subsequent communication with Public Works and the Parks and Recreations Committee, Darling again requested that only natural fertilizer be used and applied in the recommended manner. The Committee concurred that this would be the proper course to take.

continued on page 5

PAINTING CurbS IS ILLeGAL !

Sandpiper December 2014 Page 5

Receipts can be redeemed at the DMVA office (1104 Camino Del Mar Suite 1, Del Mar, CA 92014) Monday

through Friday, 9am-4pm, at Union Bank (1435 Camino Del Mar) or by emailing scanned copies of their receipts to

info@delmarmainstreet.com with a mailing address.

DeCember 2014

from the board of Del mar Community Connections

Shown, left to right, front row: Tom McCarthy, Kathy Finnell, Rosanne Holliday, Nancy Weare, Mary Ann

Emerson, Pat JaCoby, Alice Winn, Felise Levine, Buck Abell, Judy Schuckit, Tom McGreal; back row, Maryka Hoover, Phyllis Mirsky, Nate McCay. Not shown: Jeff Barnouw,

Gordon Clanton and Carol Kerridge.

Del Mar Community Connections is a volunteer-driven organization providing

programs and services to allow our maturing neighbors to live safely, vibrantly and independently in the homes they love.

•••••

Closing a home, decorating a new one are topics of January 14 DMCC meeting.

Tips on how to pack up and move out of a longtime home, and then decorate the new residence, will be offered by two experts at a 4 p.m. meeting Jan. 14 at the Del Mar Library.

Linda Diller, president and founder of Senior Move Masters, will discuss the daunting task of moving out of a home of many years, while Beppie Mostert, Allied ASID, with Living Design Interiors, will offer suggestions for decorating a downsized new residence. Both are experts in helping seniors “age in place.”

Please make reservations at 858 792-7565 or dmcc@dmcc.cc.

In August the Public Works Department announced that the Shores field would be closed for two weeks for the purpose of restoration. Darling along with other involved citizens decided that it would be informative to have the soil independently analyzed prior to the closing to get a baseline of its condition. The analysis showed a healthy soil with a high level of organic matter and low salt concentrations. In October they commissioned another independent soil analysis. This time the analysis showed much higher salt concentrations (sodium, phosphorus, and sulfates), indicating that the City had reverted to the use of inorganic fertilizers on the field.

These data and their implications prompted Darling to call a meeting of interested Shores field users to express their concerns to Councilmember Terry Sinnott. Over a dozen people gathered at her house in early November to discuss the situation and seek guidance in convincing the City to change its policies. Much discussion centered on the long term benefits of natural turf fertilization and the destructive effects of inorganic chemical and pesticide use. Darling explained that while in the short term natural fertilizer may be more expensive to apply, the appropriate application over the longer term would improve the soil and make for a more sustainable, healthier grass field that requires less water use and fertilization. She handed out a list of other cities and schools in the area that already use such methods.

Councilmember Sinnott and former mayor Richard Earnest, also present, suggested that the group produce a white paper delineating the rationale for the city to change its maintenance policy to the use of natural fertilizers and weed control. Sinnott counseled that with the appropriate information a resolution could then be put on the City Council agenda for action.

Those present along with other concerned Del Mar citizens, have formed the Committee for a Green Del Mar to follow up and push for a greener and healthier approach to our park maintenance. At this writing the suggested white paper is in preparation.

A GreeNer GrASScontinued from page 4

Sandpiper December 2014 Page 6

Directions for Del Mar

FrOm DwIGhT Dwight Worden | Seaview Avenue

By the time you read this I will be sworn in as a councilmember. I’ll be taking on committee

assignments and diving in full blast. I will try my best to make a difference, and with your help I think I can. I hope the Sandpiper will let me update you occasionally. Here’s my current thinking on a few topical issues—I’d love to hear your feedback. You’ll find I really DO listen

City Hall Project: This is exciting! I think we have the opportunity to gain a great civic center project with solid facilities for staff, a cool town hall for meetings and cultural activities, a beautiful plaza for the farmers’ market and other community activities, all supported by parking per zoning AND with the option to add more parking, commercial, residential, or cultural uses in later phases if needed. All affordable, too, without new taxes on anyone. That sure looks to me like a win all around—phase in what we KNOW we need now holding the options open to add more if and when we need it. What are your thoughts? A community vote on the options? For sure, and I will follow direction from the community.

Police Services: The Finance Committee is doing a great job for us analyzing the options—stay with the sheriff contract (about $2 million per year-yikes!), set up our own police force, expand the ranger program, engage a private security service. I’ll look forward to their report and to engaging the community in discussion on the options.

Digesting the Complicated and Complex: Water and Power Rates. We are undergoing two complex fee restructuring proposals. One is for water rates and one is for power from SEMPRA/SDGE. I’ve studied both in some detail.

Water: It is unfortunate that we need to raise our water rates, but my conclusion is that the need is unavoidable. Water and its cost are driven by factors beyond our control. Harsh but true, and my take, after study, is that this issue is being handled as best it can by the city. Conservation, drip systems, native plantings, efficient fixtures, etc. need to be on all our agendas. Water promises to be a BIG issue for the future of Del Mar and for all of California. Even doing everything right we can still expect increasing costs, but we should feel good our city is handling the issue as well as can be.

Power: The proposed SEMPRA/SDGE rate restructuring is not so easy to swallow. Basically, the proposal is to change the way costs are distributed among different users. It looks to me like most Del Marians would end up paying more while inlanders would end up paying less. SDGE argues the change is needed to “equalize” the burden, e.g. now those who run a lot of air conditioning inland get kicked into a higher use tier with a higher rate. Not fair, they argue, for these folks to pay higher rates in a higher tier just because

FrOm TerrY Terry Sinnott | Nob Avenue

On November 4th Del Mar did not elect their two

Councilmembers. There were only two candidates and only two seats, so the election was canceled. But we have taken advantage of the past two months to hold seven neighborhood meetings with residents throughout Del Mar to brief them on City issues and get their input on what the Council should focus on going forward.

I am happy to report that residents are generally pleased with the progress the City is making. They like the fact that we are moving forward on City Hall and that there are improvements being made in sidewalks and landscaping. We are financially healthy, which is also positive. Our Lifeguard and Public Works employees continue to provide good service.

But I received some strong direction as well. People want better policing and traffic enforcement. Pedestrians are fearful of crossing Camino Del Mar at the stop signs and crosswalks. Our streets are in need of repair. Solutions are needed to our parking problems in the neighborhoods and in the downtown. And the health of our retail businesses in the downtown and Plaza are a concern.

So, when appointed, I will work hard to focus on making improvements in these areas. I hope to add these items to our City’s work plan for the coming year.

Speaking of the coming year, you can anticipate a very busy calendar in 2015, where the City will be involving our residents as we make key decisions around future projects for Del Mar. Here are some examples:

1. City Hall – What is the mix of uses and architectural style you want for City Hall.

2. Shores Property – What uses do you want incorporated in the new park’s master plan.

3. Police – How do we increase police visibility and traffic enforcement.

4. Construction – A new pipeline will be installed along Camino Del Mar from 21st Street to Via De La Valle to connect Del Mar with the San Elijo wastewater system.

5. Construction – New sidewalk and intersection improvements along Jimmy Durante Boulevard from the Plaza to San Dieguito Drive.

6. Project Review – Proposed projects such as the Garden Project (10th Street and CDM) and the Watermark Project (Jimmy Durante and San Dieguito Drive) will be reviewed.

7. Service Satisfaction Survey – How is our City doing in providing service to residents?

So it will be a busy time in 2015. I hope you stay involved and active in Del Mar’s future.

continued on page 7

Sandpiper December 2014 Page 7

Mayor Lee Haydu’s last night in office. Back row: Terry Sinnott, Don Mosier, Al Corti, and Sherryl Parks.

Photo courtesy Sherryl Parks.

STePPING OuTNancy Fisher | 24th Street

As she wrapped up her last term on the City Council, Mayor Lee Haydu sat down with the Sandpiper to talk

about her accomplishments and her vision for Del Mar’s future.

NF: So you’ve joined the Ex-Mayor’s Club! Please tell us about your experience on the City Council and what you see as your most meaningful contributions.

LH: Well, I’ve been involved in many projects that I think benefitted the community - most recently the improvements to the sidewalks and pedestrian crossings in the Beach Colony area – but two efforts especially stand out.

The first is my role in implementing the Citizen’s Participation Program (CPP), which makes neighbors aware of nearby development proposals early in the design phase and gives them an opportunity to voice concerns before the Design Review Board (DRB) holds its formal public hearing. After serving on the DRB for over three years, two as chair, I saw the need for a program that would reduce expensive redesigns and hard feelings between neighbors. Encinitas had such a program, so we used that to help model the CPP, which started as a test, but was successful enough to be adopted permanently.

Another effort I consider significant is my part, along with Council Member Don Mosier, in improving relations with the Fair Board. Del Mar now has the best working relationship we’ve ever had with the Fair Board which is very important because they are, and will continue to be, our neighbors. I sincerely hope the current and future Councils will continue our work with them.

NF: We’ve heard you talk about the benefits of developing close regional relationships. Can you expand on this?

LH: I didn’t expect that nurturing regional relationships with the fairgrounds and with neighboring cities and officials like Toni Atkins and Marty Block would be such an important part of the job, but with their help, and again the hard work of Council Member Mosier, we’ve been able to tackle tasks as monumental as helping to shut down the San Onofre Nuclear Power Plant.

NF: You’ve been actively involved in Del Mar for about thirty years as PTA President, original Lagoon Committee member, DRB, and City Council Member, just to

name a few. What’s next for you?

LH: First up is a project I’m very excited about. The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society has nominated me as their “Woman of the Year” for the San Diego area. It really should be called “Contributor of the Year” because the winners are the man and woman who raise the most money during a ten week period between April and mid-June, but I’m proud to be part of whatever they call it! As many residents know, my husband Paul died about twenty months ago from complications of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia, which he’d been fighting for over a decade, so this is very personal to me. Whether or not I win the title my daughters Michelle and Sarah, and a team of friends, plan to work as hard as we can to contribute to the efforts of the LLS.

NF: It’s been reported that you’re interested in being appointed to the Fair Board. What’s the status?

LH: There was one position open recently and the Governor has filled that, but some terms will be up in January and I hope that I’ll still be considered.

NF: You’ve been a big part of the ongoing planning for the new City Hall/Civic Center and the Shores Park Master Plan. Does it bother you to leave at this point?

LH: No, I have complete confidence that both projects are headed in the right direction. We’re fortunate to have an engaged community and I look forward to seeing these two significant projects come to fruition.

NF: Any last Mayoral words?

LH: Yes. I’ve met many wonderful people while serving on Council. We have smart, kind, hard working, and committed residents. There have been many highs and a few lows, but every moment has been worth it. I’m honored to have served the residents to implement their visions, and I thank them for their support!

they live inland and need A.C.

I’m not buying that—there are consequences to every choice we make including our choice of where to live. Choose Del Mar and you need less power, but you get salt water corrosion and higher land prices. Choose inland and you need more power if you want A.C. and you get lower housing prices. No surprises in any of this. Seems fair to me that we each accept the consequences of our choice of location. You don’t hear me asking the folks in Santee to help subsidize my salt air corrosion problems, and I don’t see why we should subsidize their A.C. needs!

FrOm DwIGhTcontinued from page 6

Sandpiper December 2014 Page 8

Book Corner

• Local Author Showcase Virginia Lawrence | Caminito Del Rocio

This self-published story (27th Street Publishing,

Del Mar, CA) begins on August 9, 1969, a “crazy night” at the Anaheim Convention Center with Jethro Tull and Led Zeppelin at “their raw, energetic, explosive best.” Twice that night, “for just a few seconds each time,” Dan’s eyes meet those of a beautiful woman seated in the row in front of him. Though they never speak, their shared smiles provoke in him a “totally overpowering and unexpected emotion.” In the following

months never does a day go by “without [Dan’s] flashing on the vivid image of [her] eyes and smile.” A year later, on August 9th, 1970 Dan writes to Tess - he has discovered who she is quite by accident - and is looking for some kind of explanation for what happened. “Was it something caused by the emotions from the unbelievable concert? Did Led Zeppelin’s pounding beat and the pot filled arena affect [him] or [them]?”

Tess does not answer his letter. Nevertheless, from 1970 on he writes to her on August 9 every year until 2014 – 44 letters in all. And there, sandwiched between introduction and epilogue, you have the book.

Dan’s letters chronicle his world – the wars and the scandals, the music, the Silicon Valley giants as well as his family life – the sweet times and the rocky patches, his hopes and joys, his guilt and grief. But Dan does not find the explanation he seeks.

Although AUGUST 9TH is his first novel, Stu Schreiber writes with confidence. The action moves along swiftly as he fits 44 years into a three-hour read - 2 hours and 56 minutes according to Kindle. The family saga is believable; the overview of the era (1970 to 2014) is fascinating. AUGUST 9TH is an ideal vacation read.

The only weakness in the story is the plot’s underlying premise – this reader remains skeptical. Could a couple of glances shared by two people have a 44-year shelf life? Could they lead to the churning out of 44 unacknowledged letters to an invisible heroine? This would require a staggering reserve of patience and faith on the part of the hero. The reader must wait for the epilogue to understand.

About the author: Stu moved to Del Mar in 1973 because of the beach and racetrack. Forty-one years later, the small town he proudly calls home has changed in many ways, but the “last time he checked there’s still the magnificent beach, an even more beautiful racetrack, a tremendously bright population, and a community that almost universally chooses to live in Del Mar over any other place in

• Library Book Club Joanne Sharp | Umatilla Street and Virginia Lawrence | Caminito Del Rocio

On Saturday, November 15 the DM Library’s book discussion group met to consider MONSTRESS by

Lysley Tenorio, this year’s choice for the annual One Book One San Diego project. It is a collection of eight short stories centering on Fillipino culture, tradition, and the immigrant experience. Although the discussion group was small, the differing opinions of the participants made for lively conversation. One reader who loves this genre found the stories to be beautifully written with great characters and emotion, in situations ranging from absurd to heartbreaking, and reminiscent of stories by Alice Munro. Two others preferred the more immersive experience of a novel. And one of them felt the stories were merely average.

Loneliness and the search for identity loom large throughout the book. Many of the characters feel lost in their new Paradise (San Francisco) and want to return to the “life [they] knew and the person [they] were.”

In each story one of the characters is revealed as a Monster or Monstress. Participants in the discussion group did not reach consensus on who was the worst. Several voted for one of the women in MONSTRESS, who was clearly the goriest. Another felt the monster in Save the I-Hotel was the most heartless, though the most tragic.

Hosted by the library, the book discussion group is an offshoot of the Summer Book Club, hosted jointly by the Library and the DMF. At the first meeting of the new group on October 18 the book under discussion was a selection of the California Reads Program - WHAT IT IS LIKE TO GO TO WAR by Karl Marlantes. The next book discussion is scheduled for Saturday, December 20; the selected book is LEAN IN by Sheryl Sandberg.

The Book Discussion Group meets at 10am on the third Saturday of the month. For info please call: 755-1666. All are welcome to attend.

the world.” Although Stu “has retired nearly as many times as he’s changed careers” (his life spans careers as an entrepreneur, Co-founder & CEO of a Public Company, Insurance Industry Executive, Business Coach, spin instructor and racetrack clocker) “his passion for writing has never wavered.” He has written hundreds of business plans, a half dozen business books, and now AUGUST 9TH, his first novel.

On December 3 in its Local Author Showcase series the Del Mar Library showcased Stu Schreiber, author of AUGUST 9TH.

Sandpiper December 2014 Page 9

Christophe Le Neouanic - French Cuisine All photos Di Holker

Farid Termoul - Baba Foods

Laura Rodriguez - Pasta Design

Blane Teshone - Di’re Ethiopian Cuisine and Catering

Pasta Design: Alejandro and Laura sell homemade

pastas, ravioli and lasagna, prepared jars of risotto in Butternut Squash, Zucchini, Sun-Dried Tomato, Carrot and Mushroom., Marinara sauce with Heirloom tomatoes from Valdivia Farms. They also sell mozzarella, burrata and Parmesan cheeses.

Baba Foods: Farid has a wide variety of hummus, dips, salads, garlic spreads and dips, Baklava, pita chips and fresh-made pita bread.

Gourmet Tamales: Maria Lulu prepares tamales to enjoy at the market or frozen to take away. Her most popular are the mild chicken tamale and the spicy beef tamale with both mild and spicy sauces. She also has fresh-made tortilla chips that have no transfats or preservatives.

Di’re: Ethiopian Cuisine and Catering. Blane prepares specialties such as Sautéed Rosemary Chicken over collards with rice, a Sambusa, which is like an Ethiopian Fried Ravioli/Empanada with the sauce and Injera, which is spongy, sour dough, gluten-free, crepe-like bread. It is made with Teff Flour, which is light, 100% whole grain flour.

French Cuisine: Christophe will offer lunch or a take home weekend meal of Pork Loin Roast with veggies cooked in Chardonnay, Beef Bourguignon over pasta, French meatball Sandwich on a French baguette, Pastrami Sub sandwich with pickles, mayo, French mustard and melted cheese on a French baguette of French meatballs in Red Madera Sauce served over pasta, homemade Chicken Pate with Black Truffles, and he makes Duck Pâtés for the holidays. Also, available are vacuumed hand-packed, frozen, no preservatives choices, homemade Pork Roast, Ratatouille. Meatballs in Madera sauce, Chicken in Tomato sauce, Lentils with Ham, Bacon, Smoked Sausage, Pearl Onions and Carrots and Beef Bouguignon.

Addison’s Candies: Ann uses the 100-year-old recipes from her father,

Addison. Her most popular flavors are Salted Caramel and Cashew Brittle.

Asana Foods: Ali offers a wide variety of Granolas, Raw Honey and Almond Butters. Favorites with her customers are the Coconut Almond Granola and the Cinnabuddah Almond Butter. Her products are made fresh locally and are gluten-free, organic and vegan.

Freskos: John sells delicious spreads such as Original Greek Feta Dip, Sun-dried Tomato and basil Feta Dip, Avocado, Jalapeno, Cilantro Greek Feta Dip and Chipotle Greek Feta Dip. Pair with homemade multi-grain, flax seed with sea salt crackers – it’s like a seedy pita chip. Also available are a variety of olives and oils.

La Isla Ceviche: Anabel offers a variety of fish and shrimp ceviches as well as Avocado-Stuffed Shooters – 1/4 lb Ceviche with 1/2 Avocado and Chips.

Mama Made: Alisia’s products have no MSG. Spicy Basil Fried Rice, Spicy Basil Noodle, Pad Thai, Kua Noodle, Thai Fried Rice, Yellow Curried Fried Rice, Pad Se-ew and beverages such as Thai Iced Tea, Lemongrass Drink or a Hibiscus Drink.

hOLIDAY meALS FrOm The mArkeTDi Holker | Coast Blvd

Sandpiper December 2014 Page 10

Roving Teen Reporter, Leah Gans. Photo Art Olson

rOVING TeeN rePOrTer“LuCkILY” uNFOCuSeDLeah Gans | La Jolla Country Day Junior

Focusing on something that

does not immediately seize my attention is nearly impossible for me. On the other hand, if something piques my intellectual curiosity and grabs my attention, I am able to hyper-focus, spending hours researching, reading, and learning about the subject. This is

not what life is like for a “normal” student, but it is the reality for those of us with ADHD, or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Being someone with this cognitive difference, I experience so much difficulty completing my school work and staying on task, not because I am unable to focus, but because I focus too much on the subjects that interest me. My teacher in the Learning Resource Center at LJCDS, who helps me to cope with this difference in school, recently reminded me that, during my freshman year, I shared with her that I had no idea people actually learned things in class and didn’t need to go home and re-teach themselves the lessons. Others with ADHD feel the same frustration. Torrey Pines student Bella believes that “people with ADHD should go to different schools. It is so hard for me to complete busy-work that shouldn’t take very long, but I have no problem pulling all-nighters watching documentaries that interest me.”

Because ADHD is so widely diagnosed now, many people have recently come to believe that it is over-diagnosed, over-treated, or entirely fictional. Others believe that the accommodations schools provide give students with ADHD an unfair advantage. “You’re so lucky you get extended time,” is something that students with ADHD, including me, hear quite often. Every one of my peers that I spoke to about living with ADHD expressed their concern that other students judge them for either “faking it,” “just being lazy,” or “having the advantage of extended time or a learning resource center” that doesn’t exist in the “real world.”

What these people don’t understand is that accommodations like extended time for anyone with a documented learning difference are necessary. They are not “lucky” to have been granted accommodations, any more than a student with a broken leg is “lucky” to get to use the elevator rather than climb up the stairs. This comment is even more frustrating when made about ADHD, since the condition is much more of a disability in our educational system than it is in the real world. In a recent TEDx Talk, Carnegie Mellon student, Stephen Tonti, argued that ADHD should be referred to as Attention Deficit Difference, as opposed to Attention Deficit Disorder, because those who struggle with ADHD as students are able to use their ability to hyper-focus to succeed in fields of work that hold their personal interests,

perhaps even more than those without this ability. It is only because of the way that our schools are structured that ADHD is viewed as disability, rather than doubts that people with ADHD will succeed in their careers.

Having ADHD as a high school student can be difficult at times, but it makes it easier for me knowing I will be able to succeed in a career that interests me. It would be easier if more people understood what ADHD really is, and why accommodations are fair and necessary. I believe that soon schools will realize that ADHD students need to be taught differently and that we are in for an academic revolution in the near future because the current system does not work for enough people anymore. A more individualized system would not only better benefit my ADHD peers and me, but also it would help the general population that does not fit the current criteria of the academic system today. In the meantime however, understanding better what it means to have ADHD, and why accommodations are important and fair, would probably help the many high school students who are struggling with this cognitive difference every day.

TAke A TurN

City Advisory Committee VacanciesInterested in volunteering in your City? The City

of Del Mar invites its residents to volunteer on a board or commission to provide input in a variety of areas. The City is currently soliciting for interested persons to fill the following committee vacancies:

Business Support Advisory Committee

Two (2) Vacancies – (1) Retail Establishment Representative and (1) Hotel Owner/Operator Representative

Traffic and Parking Advisory Committee

One (1) Vacancy - Commercial Retail Member

Interested citizens should complete a Citizen Interest Form and submit it to the City of Del Mar’s Administrative Services Department. Visit www.delmar.ca.us/volunteer to complete the form and see the deadlines. Forms should be submitted to the City of Del Mar, Administrative Services Department, 1050 Camino del Mar, Del Mar, CA 92014.

Additionally, the City has the following upcoming opportunities in the next 60 days:

Design Review Board - Three (3) vacancies - see last page

San Dieguito Lagoon Committee

Subscribe online at www.delmar.ca.us/volunteer to receive email notifications to find out when new openings are posted.

Sandpiper December 2014 Page 11

Pat Freeman, President of the Del Mar Library, with Dave Roberts, County Supervisor, at the Centennial Celebration of the Del Mar

Library. Photo Nancy Fisher.

Chiquita Abbott, the Del Mar realtor who initially suggested the City buy the former church building for a new library, recalls the history of negotiations and fund raising that enabled the Library to move from a

trailer on Ninth Street to its current location. Photo Nancy Fisher

DOubLe CeNTeNNIAL CeLebrATION

In 1914 Del Mar opened a branch of the San Diego County Library as well as a new building for its Church, St James

Catholic. Because the library has occupied that building since 1996, the two trajectories have merged. The Del Mar Library celebrated the double Centennial on Saturday, November 1st.

emISSIONS CLOuD I-5 wIDeNINGAnn Gardner | Via Latina

A California Court of Appeals has ruled that the San Diego Association of Government’s (SANDAG)

blueprint for transportation projects through 2050 relies too heavily on freeway expansion rather than public transit, failing to comply with state targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions (GHG). As the Sandpiper goes to press we are unsure what this means for the 27 mile I-5 North Coast Corridor Project expected to get underway this year beginning with the addition of one HOV lane in each direction from Lomas Santa Fe to State Route 78. Only last month the SANDAG Board had rejected requests from numerous community groups to put public transit projects ahead of freeway expansions. The Board which approves plans and funding for CALTRANS was scheduled to meet in closed session on December 5 to discuss the Court ruling. City Councilmember Terry Sinnott is Del Mar’s representative on the 21-member Board that also includes Lisa Heebner, from Solana Beach and Dave Roberts, representing the County.

New Del Mar Councilmember and an alternate to SANDAG, Dwight Worden responded to our questions about the ruling. “This is an important case… the first published

ruling on how transportation plans and the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) interface with regard to compliance with our state’s relatively new GHG rules.” The Court, Worden said, noted that the “rules require a constant decrease in GHG…yet the SANDAG Plan calls for constant increases.” There was “no consideration of an alternative to reduce vehicle miles traveled.” Instead, only “congestion relief, which does

not necessarily lead to GHG reductions,” was discussed. “CEQA was violated by failure to address the health impacts of increased emission from the Plan.”

The Cleveland National Forest, the Center for Biological Diversity and Sierra Club had challenged SANDAG’s environmental review of the plan under CEQA. California Attorney General Kamala Harris joined

in the challenge on behalf of the “People of the State of California.” She said “…SANDAG has set too low a bar for determining whether the air quality impacts of its Regional Transportation Plan and Sustainable Communities Strategy are significant and has failed to analyze the impacts of projected increases in pollution on communities that are sensitive or already overburdened with pollution, in violation of CEQA.” For further information on the lawsuit and a link to an alternative, transit-oriented plan that was not considered by SANDAG in its planning process go to www.transitsandiego.org. The Sandpiper will continue to provide updates.

Sandpiper December 2014 Page 12

Ridgeway’s Rail (the former Clapper Rail). Photo Steve Brad

Photo Bill Morris.

rAIL SPLITTINGEd Mirsky | Hoska Drive

Every summer the American Ornithologists’ Union’s North American Classification Committee publishes

a “Check-list Supplement.” And this summer was no exception. With the aid of behavioral evidence, morphological evidence, genetic evidence and wine, the committee lumped, split, and divined new species, and when all the wine was imbibed our beloved Light-footed Clapper Rail was no more. But fear not, it was lumped with King Rails resident in Mexico and is now know as Ridgway’s Rail in honor of the American ornithologist Robert Ridgway (1850 – 1929). In all, the two species Clapper Rail—King Rail complex was split into five species: (1) Ridgway’s Rail of California, Arizona, and Nevada; (2) Clapper Rail of coastal eastern North America; (3) King Rail of eastern U.S., southern Ontario, and Cuba; (4) Mangrove Rail of South America; and (5) Aztec Rail in the Mexican highlands.

Ridgway’s Rail is one of 221 bird species identified at the

San Dieguito and in the near-shore Pacific off Dog Beach since January 2010 when the lagoon restoration was completed and The San Dieguito Lagoon Area Monthly Bird Survey began.

eIGhT SCALeD VIOLINS

The hutchins Consort at the Powerhouse Virginia Lawrence | Caminito Del Rocio

On Thursday, December 4 the Cultural Arts Committee of the Del Mar Foundation brought the Hutchins

Consort back to the Powerhouse. These jolly musicians provided a mix of Sweelinck, Torelli, Corelliu, Zavateri, and Vivaldi (1562-1741), spiced with a lost score, a dramatically broken string, and two rain-making instruments.

The Hutchins Consort plays on the eight scaled violins of the violin octet designed and built by famed luthier Dr. Carleen Hutchins. The instruments are the first successful attempt to create an acoustically balanced set of instruments that can sound truly like violins across the entire range of written music. With instruments ranging from the tiny treble violin, tuned one octave above the standard violin, to the gigantic large bass violin, tuned one octave lower than a cello, the Hutchins Consort produces an astonishing palette of sounds.

CITIzeN SATISFACTION SurVeYStarting the week of November 24

The City of Del Mar is launching a Citizen Satisfaction Survey to better understand

the community’s satisfaction with core services provided by the City. Registered voters will receive a personalized postcard in the mail the week of November 24, with a customized access code to take the survey online. The survey will be available online through midnight, Sunday, December 21, 2014.

The City of Del Mar will offer free parking in downtown Del Mar throughout the holiday season. The all-day parking gift from the city includes complimentary parking where holiday bags are posted along 15th Street, the metered parking

under L’Auberge Del Mar and along Camino del Mar from 15th Street to 4th Street. The free parking takes place from November 27-30, December 6-7, 13-14, 20-21 and December 24-January

Sandpiper December 2014 Page 13

Pack It In - Pack It Out. Photo Shirley King

PACk IT OuTShirley King | Avenida Prinavera

In July Torrey Pines State Reserve adopted a new environmental management policy called Pack It In, Pack

It Out (PII-PIO) – historically understood as “leave only your footprints.” Increasingly, visitors to State Parks throughout our country and municipal parks, particularly in beachside and watershed areas are asked to remove all of their trash when they depart. There are no trash receptacles.

Supervising Ranger Dylan Hardenbrook, of the California State Parks at the Reserve explains this policy “as a response to dwindling budget for staff to maintain the bins and cover the trash removal bill. In addition to the budgetary factors, PII-PIO helps support our function as a State Natural Reserve. In an effort to prevent training the native animals to view trash cans as a food source and to minimize litter, there has been no picnicking allowed in the Reserve since the 1980s. We found recently that the majority of the trash being collected in bins and picked up as litter was from picnics that shouldn’t have occurred in the first place. We are being mandated to ‘do more with less’ and ‘explore alternative efficiencies’ in managing our ever shrinking budget.”

Ranger Hardenbrook notes, “we have a fairly high level of compliance with PII-PIO. There is generally some trash left in the restrooms, chiefly coffee cups, water bottles and tissues. We haven’t noticed any additional litter on the trails. We have had a handful of very vocal, very dissatisfied visitors. The litter laws have always been enforced, though it is extremely rare to issue a citation, warnings are far more common.” The trash receptacles in the restrooms have subsequently been removed. In regards to

hOw DeL mAr VOTeD Dave Druker | 10th Street

In the latest election, Del Mar voters are closer to statewide voters than the County of San Diego Voters.

Specifically, all of the statewide offices were won by Democrats. Yet in the County of San Diego all of the statewide offices except for governor were won by Republicans. In the City of Del Mar all of the statewide offices were won by Democrats. The most interesting difference was the 49th Congressional District. Darrell Issa easily won in both the County and the rest of the district in Orange County. Darrell lost in Del Mar. The attached table displays results by Del Mar City, County of San Diego and California State for key races and propositions.

In other races, Scott Peters won the 52nd Congressional District in a very close race by 6081 votes. This win can be attributed to the implosion of Carl DeMaio’s campaign and staff along with Scott Peters’s organization. Scott was able to get people with absentee ballots to get their ballots to their polling places on election day.

In Encinitas, Kristin Gaspar was elected mayor in the first election for mayor in Encinitas. Kristin is seen as pro-development. The one vacant seat was won by Catherine Blakespear who is seen as a slow growth advocate.

Note: You may see the complete election results on our website in Excel format.

trash can removal at the State beach, Ranger Hardenbrook says there is no current plan for this although the number of cans has been reduced over several years to dumpsters at three access locations.

The parallel realities of fiscal restraint and ecological stewardship confront most government agencies overseeing our natural resources. Trying to guarantee a quality human visitor experience to a park especially when an area of nature is anchored in an urban corridor means we have to separate ourselves from our consumer habits. Our behaviors of easy trash disposal when walking down a city street do not transfer inconsequentially when in the midst of wilderness, nature diversity and limited human resources.

Del Mar’s City Council will soon hear a proposed Resolution from the Sustainability Advisory Board to reduce the number of trash cans in areas within Del Mar that attract very little litter with a gradual reduction in the more intensely used green areas. A slow withdrawal is intended to change the public’s relationship with their trash and reroute Public Works’ resources to more meaningful civic improvements and reduce the city’s vehicle emissions.

Our home, Del Mar, is a fortunate extension of the Torrey Pines State Reserve and its natural history. We are surrounded with plants, animals and physical landscapes that should compel us to manage and protect. Leaving nothing behind in our public areas may become a practice that we can share equally with our State Park.

Sandpiper December 2014 Page 14

Photo Valerie Fanning

LOCAVOreS’ DeLIGhTChristmas eve Seven Seafood SoupValerie Fanning | Forest Way

On December 24th, Italian

families all over the world gather together for La Viglia di Natale--the Christmas vigil--where fish is on the menu instead of meat. Also called The Feast of the Seven Fishes, the ritual of La Viglia has been handed down from generation to generation over the centuries. Our family makes this ‘cioppino-style’ soup with the seven seafoods in the one pot

instead of seven separate seafood dishes which is the tradition.

(Serves 4)

Ingredients:

3 tablespoons olive oil - Freskos

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes

5 cloves garlic, minced – Schaner Farms

1 bay leaf

1 medium onion, chopped – Schaner Farms

1 large shallot, chopped – Schaner Farms

1 cup dry white wine

1 (14 ounce) can chicken broth

1 pound fresh tomatoes – Kawano Farms Valdivia Farms - Blue Heron Farms

1 (32 ounce) can diced tomatoes

1 tablespoon each of fresh basil, oregano, and thyme – Schaner Farms

1/2 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley – Schaner Farms - Blue Heron Farms

1-1/2 pounds firm-textured white fish (John Dory or Halibut), cut into 2-inch chunks – Dry Dock Fish Company

Salt and pepper

1 pound clams, scrubbed – Dry Dock Fish Company

1 pound squid, cleaned and sliced into tubes – Dry Dock Fish Company

1 pound scallops – Dry Dock Fish Company

2 lobster tails cut in half in shell

1 pound peeled large shrimp – Dry Dock Fish Company

1 pound mussels, scrubbed – Dry Dock Fish Company

1 loaf crusty bread – French Bakery Le Rendez-Vous

Directions:

In a large saucepan over medium heat combine the oil, red pepper flakes, garlic and bay leaf. Sauté the mixture 6-8 minutes. Add the onion and shallots. Sauté the vegetables 10-12 minutes until the onions begin to brown. Add the wine, broth, fresh and canned tomatoes, basil, oregano, thyme, and parsley. Bring the sauce to a boil, reduce to medium-low, cover and cook 15-20 minutes. Season the fish chunks with salt and pepper. Add the fish chunks and clams to the mixture and simmer 5 minutes. Stir gently without breaking up the pieces of fish. Add the squid, scallops, lobster, shrimp and mussels and cover the pot. Cook 10 minutes or until all of the clams and mussels open. Ladle into bowls and serve with crusty Italian bread.

Optional:

Serve over fresh fettuccini – Pasta Design

Grate fresh parmesan on the top – Pasta Design

Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the soup – Schaner Farms ⁞ Valdivia Farms

hOLIDAY CONCerT

On Wednesday, December 24th, L’Auberge Amphitheater will once again join the Del

Mar community for a concert from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Bring your chair, hot cocoa and picnic and

enjoy a free concert on Christmas Eve.

Photo illustration Art Olson

Sandpiper December 2014 Page 15

ShOrT TAkeS ON FILmBen Nyce | Via Latina

“Force Majeure” may still be around when this review appears. It’s a deadpan comedy of manners which

turns slowly into a mournful meditation on human frailty. Writer-director Ruben Ostlund gives us a postcard perfect

Swedish family on a skiing vacation in the French Alps. Everything seems fine except for the ominous avalance guns firing day and night and the creaking sounds of ski-lifts and frozen snow crust. Tomas and Ebba and their kids are having lunch on the deck of the hotel when an avalanche suddenly rushes toward them. In the chaos that ensues Tomas grabs his iPhone and gloves and flees, leaving Ebba with the children.

A few minutes later he returns to resume his lunch as if nothing has happened but Ebba can’t overlook his behavior. The crack has been revealed.

They are joined by two friends who listen to Ebba’s depiction of the incident. The husband defends Tomas. He’s shaken too by the threat to masculine strength. Ebba also encounters a handsome woman who is there with her “toy boy” and who advocates her open marriage. Gender roles are challenged and the children are suddenly fearful Tomas and Ebba will divorce. The conventional façade of middle class security is fracturing. All this takes place as the camera slowly pans the crystalline beauty of the mountains. Tomas seems to regain himself when he rescues Ebba during a white-out. Their bus trip as they leave the resort is a harrowing affair in which Ebba displays her own vulnerability to panic.

For home viewing see “Japanese Story” directed by Sue Brooks. Toni Collette carries this small film, playing an Australian geologist who takes a Japanese businessman deep into the outback of the Pilbara desert (magnificently filmed) only to have him perish when he dives into a lake. The film shows the interplay between the formal Japanese culture and the free-wheeling Australian, wonderfully enacted by Collette. The last third involves her experience of Japanese ritual as the widow comes to collect her husband’s body. The slow pacing of these sequences, accompanied by Japanese music, is especially touching.

Nyce wrote “Satyajit Ray” and “Scorsese Up Close.”

TOYS 4 TOTS

For our 16th holiday season Jim Coleman and Staff at your State Farm Insurance Agency are proud

to be an official drop-off station for the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve’s“Toys for Tots” campaign. So please help us make the holidays brighter for San Diego area families by dropping off a new, unwrapped children’s toy at my office at 1011 Camino Del Mar, in downtown Del Mar. We’re open to accept your holiday donations from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM Monday through Friday NOW through December 19th.

Sandpiper December 2014 Page 16

Snippet of an early map (ca. 1940?) shows that that Grand Ave was not only what became Jimmy Durante Blvd but mainly what is now

Camino Del Mar. www.historicmapworks.com.

Del Mar Airport 1927. Courtesy Del Mar Historical Society.

Del Mar Loading Dock 1915. Courtesy Del Mar Historical Society.

Sandpiper Archives

On Sunday Nov. 9 a guided history walk along the south bank of the River from Jimmy Durante Blvd to the “Old

Grand Avenue Bridge” was led by Jaccqueline Winterer of the Friends of the San Dieguito River Valley. Starting at the Public Works site, the group, 12 or so to begin with, could look across to the bluffs above North Beach where Del Mar Man was discovered in 1929. The remains, including a fine skull, were most recently dated as 4900 years old. (Each scientific test since Jeffrey Bada’s sensational finding in 1974 of 48,000 years, has brought him closer to us.) Old pictures from the San Diego Historical Society documented the bridge that used to cross the river from the Public Works site to the Fairgrounds and the abortive golf course. By the entrance to the Public Works site tracks were visible, remains of a railroad triangle that included the spur that once served to ship out the sugar beet crop brought across the river by barge from Solana Beach. The future extension of the Del Mar River Path will begin from a new Del Mar City parking lot, on the NCTD site of the old recycling center, and the group went from there to view the old pilings of a loading dock. Finally at the “Old Grand Avenue Bridge” they saw photos of the old airport.

The tour was instigated by Leana Bulay, Interpetive Ranger of the San Dieguito River Park and will be repeated soon, possibly in January. It was enhanced by the participation of two members of the Solana Beach Historical Society, Richard Moore and James Nelson. Moore later supplied a link to a map showing the location of the true former Grand Avenue (now Jimmy Durante) Bridge. Howard Chang and Hamy Elwany, hydrologist and water quality expert in the great Wetlands Restoration were there too. Chang contributed much, including the story of the rain-maker Charles Mallory Hatfield, hired by the City of San Diego in 1915 in a period of drought. When the rain came, starting Jan. 6, 1916, it was the last time we had a 100-year flood.

The City refused to pay the promised fee of $10,000 so as to avoid claims of legal liability for flood damage. Be careful what you p[r]ay for.

Addendum: The November Sandpiper (p. 15, “What’s Your Viewpoint?”) announced a planned City Council vote on Dec. 1 to change the name of the (Old) Grand Avenue Bridge to Del Mar River Path Pier. But Jacqueline Winterer came to the Nov. 19 meeting of the (soon to be renamed) Lagoon [Preservation] Committee with a petition signed by 24 concerned citizens opposing the renaming, and the item has been removed from the agenda.

wALkJacqueline Winterer | Ocean View Avenue and Jeff Barnouw | Amphitheatre Drive

Sandpiper December 2014 Page 17

David Hackbart with his Cadillac. Photo Art Olson

ShOT IN DeL mAr: Night and Day beachside Del mar - aka Little Vons Plaza . Photos by Bill Morris

The buSINeSS CYCLISTConversation with David hackbart, Nob AvenueArthur Olson | Avenida Primavera

David Hackbart is an astute businessman. When he sees a promising opportunity he goes after it. After living

up and down the Western U.S., he landed in Del Mar 16 years ago, and remains strongly attached to the community and its surroundings. Dave’s first taste of the business world came as a teen working at a rustic resort owned by his father in Elk Lake Oregon. Later he earned an accounting degree and applied it in the financial services sector. During that time he came to the realization that most of the people whose money he was handling had made their wealth by running their own business. From that point on, he scoured the landscape for promising business opportunities. His first successful venture came by way of a carwash business in Oceanside. Over the subsequent years, Dave has bought, expanded and improved several businesses in the North County Area.

About 3 years ago Dave, having gotten to the point where he rarely rode his cherished road bike, decided he wanted to buy an electric bike, but instead ended up buying an electric bicycle company. San Diego Electric Bike had been in business since 2008 and was a sole proprietorship, providing custom built e-bikes to customers by appointment only. Dave saw a golden opportunity in the potential of growing that business into a full-fledged e-bike dealership. He knew there were a growing number of baby-boomers who loved an active outdoor lifestyle, but who were not quite as capable of the endurance that they once had. As a bicyclist whose bike was used less and less, he saw the electric bike as a great “equalizer” to help extend an activity that he had always enjoyed, and he reasoned that there were many others who would feel likewise.

Dave looked for a good spot to site his “San Diego Electric Bike” business. He investigated some sites along Camino

Del Mar, but ultimately decided to lease a former gas station site on 101 in Solana Beach, since it had plenty of outdoor display space and a reasonable rent. Recently he moved to the corner of 101 and Lomas Santa Fe, a location that he is thrilled to have. The business itself has expanded greatly from its early days. Today it has become the e-bike dealership that Dave had originally envisioned. Not only does he carry a wide variety of electric bicycles for test-rides and sales, he has a full service custom e-bike

and repair facility. The shop also rents e-bikes and participates in e-bike tours in the area. Asked about customer demographics, Dave remarked that there is a growing interest in e-bikes for a number of different uses, and from a wide range of ages. He did say that he gets more “over 40” customers than a regular bike shop would.

David is enthusiastic about his e-bike business, and sees the use of electric-bicycle continuing to grow. He noted that there is significant local government interest in encouraging bicycling as an eco-friendly mode of transportation and a desire to initiate an e-bike sharing program. With the hilly terrain of

the area, bicycles with electric assist would be a rational choice. Dave would also like to expand the idea of local e-bike tours, saying “They are a perfect way to experience the beauty of our environment, both for locals and visitors.” He also sees e-bikes as a green alternative for the growing delivery service business.

Dave, as is befitting of a successful businessman, has a “Cadillac” (the actual brand) electric bike, that he uses to commute from his Del Mar home to his Solana Beach Shop. He says the ride is the best part of his day.

Sandpiper December 2014 Page 18

Cartoon Steve Crothers

Lawn Be Gone! Photo Chris Underwood.

DrINkING reSPONSIbLYDel mar Garden Pros weigh in on Turf removalPiper Underwood | Rimini Road

We are now remodeling our house on Rimini Road. Instead of demolition, the house is being

“deconstructed.” Parts of the house will either be re-used by the owner, donated or sold to a resale warehouse. Our project will include the removal of our 900 square foot front lawn. The primary benefit of reducing our water usage converges with our motivation to do the right thing. We stopped watering our lawn about 5 months ago.

The County of San Diego Water Authority has a turf removal rebate program www.socalwatersmart.com/index.php/qualifyingproducts/turfremoval). I don’t know if we will apply for a rebate, but it appears that qualifying persons will receive $2/sq ft if they qualify. I would estimate we would receive a considerable rebate for 900 square feet of lawn. But apparently once the money runs out, they will no longer offer the rebates. Also, the work has to be done within 120 days of applying, so if we apply, we will have to also take the timing into consideration.

The design for our new entry calls for a slightly more private entrance - a sort of informal courtyard. While some of this space is already currently hardscape, a portion of it will cut into our existing front lawn area forcing us to rethink how the public portions of our front yard and the more private portion of our front yard interact. We will be giving up a significant

play area in our front yard. Currently the neighborhood kids and dogs like to romp in this space. However, we are retaining our lawn in our backyard, which is used more often.

We haven’t yet decided how we will landscape the new area. Currently we have a lot of native vegetation; toyon, lemonade berry, agave, etc. that provide a nice screen from the street. We will probably repeat some of these plantings in the new design. It’s also possible that parts of the landscape won’t have any plants at all and may be composed of

boulders and decomposed granite.

Editor note: Bravo Piper and Chris! Less mowing, less water and less work to keep a lawn green.

SuPPOrT The SANDPIPer The Sandpiper editors and writers are all

community volunteers. Our only expenses are printing and mailing, mostly supported by generous regular donors. Every year we ask other members of the community to pitch in additional funds to help us meet our budget.

Donations in any amount are greatly appreciated.

$2,500 per year for 3 years - Chuck Newton Circle

$1,000 per year for 3 years - Publishers’ Circle

$500-$999 for 3 years - Editors’ Circle

$250-$499 - Subscribers

$100-$249 - Readers

Donations by check: payable to the Del Mar Community Alliance, Del Mar Sandpiper, P.O. Box 2177, Del Mar, CA 92014.

To contribute online go to: www.delmarsandpiper.org

Sandpiper December 2014 Page 19

exTrA COPIeS OF The SANDPIPer are available at: City Hall, the Library, the Del Mar Community Building, the Powerhouse, and

the Carmel Valley Library; The Gym at Del Mar on Jimmy Durante Blvd; the Solana Beach Library and the Solana Beach Community Center.

DeL mAr COmmuNITY CALeNDArhighlights for December 2014

This month’s calendar was compiled by Shelby weaver, a Torrey Pines high School Senior.

Del Mar Farmers’ Market: Every Saturday, 1-4 p.m., City Hall Parking Lot. Purchase fresh, locally grown produce, flowers, eggs and many other products.

City of Del Mar City Council meetings: December 1st and 15th at 6 p.m., Del Mar Communications Center

Del Mar Community Connections: Tuesday Lunch Connection, December 2nd and 16th. 12:00-1:30 p.m. Del Mar residents only. Please RSVP at dmcc@dmcc.cc or 858-792-7565. Door-to-door transportation is available.

Del Mar History Committee: Tuesday, December 2nd, 5:00 p.m., 1104 Camino del Mar, Suite 1

River Path Del Mar Extension Public Workshop: December 3, 3:30 p.m-5:00 p.m. at Lagoon Viewpoint at the Grand Avenue Bridge.

Del Mar Library: Wednesday, December 3rd, 10:30 a.m., Pre-School Story Time.

Del Mar Library: Friends of the Del Mar Library Board meeting, all are welcome to attend. Wednesday, December 3rd, 5:30 p.m.

Del Mar Library: Teen Yoga, Thursday, December 4th, 4 p.m. Please bring a mat and towel.

Del Mar Foundation: First Thursdays – The Hutchins Consort “Eight Scaled Violins”

Deck the Halls with the Hutchins, Thursday, December 4th at 7:00 p.m. Powerhouse Community Center. This series is sold out. Please view the Del Mar Foundation website for information about next year’s series.

Del Mar Foundation Board meeting: Thursday, December 4th, 8 a.m.-10 a.m., 225 9th Street.

Del Mar Library Love on a Leash: Reading to therapy dogs, Saturday, December 6th and 20th 10:00 a.m.

Holiday Tree Lighting: Sunday, December 7th, L’Auberge Amphitheatre, Santa (2:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m.), Live music, hot cocoa, cookies. Tree lighting at 5:00 p.m.

City of Del Mar Planning Commission, December 9th, 6:00 p.m.-11:00 p.m., Del Mar Communications Center

Del Mar Foundation Cultural Arts Committee: Monthly meeting, Wednesday, December 10th, 8:30 a.m. Powerhouse Community Center

Del Mar Community Connections: Travel Club meeting, 10:00-11:00 a.m. December 11th. Come and share and learn travel tips and discounts; find a travel buddy and more. Del Mar Community Building, 225 9th Street.

Del Mar Community Connections: Holiday Tea, Friday, December 12th, 2:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. St Peter’s Parish Hall. Please bring toys to donate and wear a holiday sweater.

Del Mar Community Connections: Monthly Board meeting, Saturday, December 13th, 9 a.m. Del Mar Community Building, 225 9th Street.

Del Mar Library: Jigsaw puzzles for kids with Ms. Gretchen, Saturday, December 13th at 10:00 a.m.

Del Mar Foundation: Bluegrass and Beyond Concerts presents Rob Ickes and Trey Hensley, Saturday, December 13th, 7:30-9:00 p.m., Powerhouse Community Center, Doors open at 7 p.m. This is a ticketed event.

Del Mar Community Connections: Dr. Kalina’s Senior Health Forum, December 15th, 10:00 a.m.-12 noon. ‘The Aging Process, What’s Normal and What’s Not? Del Mar Community Building, 225 9th Street

City of Del Mar Design Review Board: Wednesday, December 17th, 6:00-10:00 pm., Del Mar Communications Center.

St. Peter’s Episcopal Church: Seniors’ Lunch and Carol-singing, December 16th, 12:00 p.m., Parish Hall.

Del Mar Village Association Promotion Committee: Monthly meeting, Tuesday, December 16th, 4:00 p.m., 1104 Camino del Mar, Suite 1.

Del Mar Village Association Design Committee: Monthly meeting, Wednesday, December 17th, 11:00 a.m.-12 noon, 1104 Camino del Mar, Suite 1

Del Mar Village Association Business Assistance Committee: Monthly meeting, December 17th, 8:30 a.m.-9:30 a.m. 1104 Camino del Mar Suite 1.

Del Mar Village Association Monthly Board of Directors meeting: Thursday, December 18th, 8:30 a.m.-10:00 a.m. City Hall Annex.

St. Peter’s Episcopal Church: Christmas Eve Services, December 24th, 4:00 p.m., 7:00 p.m., 10:30 p.m.

Sandpiper December 2014 Page 20

Standard MailU.S. Postage

PAIDEncinitas, CAPermit No. 5

SANDPIPERDEL MAR’S COMMUNITY JOURNAL

Box 2177, Del Mar, CA 92014

DATED MATERIAL

VISIT The SANDPIPer ONLINe!This month’s complete issue plus web exclusives, colored pix, photo essays, useful links, alerts, and much more!

www.delmarsandpiper.org

Cartoon John Dempsey

COmmeNTArY: uNhAPPY SurPrISeS!Tim Haviland | Rimini Road

Day 1 – Oh, there is going to be a project next door. Day 30 – Man! Those story poles show a 2nd story

that can see right into my backyard/bedroom. Day 31 – No need to worry, the Design Review Board (DRB) would never approve this project. Day 365 - Wow! This is bigger than I ever imagined. How can this happen in Del Mar?

You have realized too late that you are suffering from post-construction surprise. Neighbors are surprised that the DRB, which they see as their advocate, would approve such a large project. Here are some other common surprises.

1. DRB members are surprised to hear that despite a proposal for a very large project, there have been no written objections by the neighbors and that the required Citizen Participation Program (CPP) Minutes show no objections to the plans.

2. When neighbors do get involved, DRB members are surprised at how many meetings it takes to reach a decision as applicants often submit plans with small, incremental changes from one meeting to the next.

3. Neighbors attending DRB meetings, are surprised to see, for the first time, more detailed plans which often include:

• Additional hardscape

• Changes in elevation or elevations that seem larger than the story poles indicated.

• Setbacks out of sync with the rest of the street: excessive lighting, inadequate landscaping

4. City Council members are surprised to find, upon appeal,

that the DRB has approved a project that the neighbors do not like and seems not to meet DRO criteria.

5. Applicants are surprised at the level of hostility from their neighbors when they finally move in. A process that could have easily led to long-term neighborly relations, instead takes the unfortunate turn of an adversarial relationship with lasting animosity.

we can fix this!1. We need the DRB to be an advocate for the affected neighbors as well as respecting applicants.

2. We need to strengthen the CPP program so that the dialogue between neighbors and the applicant is more productive.

3. We need greater neighborhood involvement. When you receive written notice of a project in your area, contact city staff to get information on the process, or even a DRB member – they are your representatives. Read the DRO to become familiar with your right to protection from inappropriate development and attend the required CPP neighborhood meeting and voice

your concerns.

4. We need concerned citizens to come together as advocates-at-large for the community. It can be intimidating to tell your future neighbor that their house does not comply with neighborhood character.

5. The developer’s presentation to the DRB should be available to the neighbors in advance. Neighbor review and input in advance of design review board meetings could eliminate multiple meetings and speed up the process.

The DRB process is crucial for maintaining our city’s unique character. We need to work together to fix this process and eliminate any further unhappy surprises.