Gambling gets nixed
Bingo machines that look and play like slots are now allowed only at Indian casinos, however, charities are able to offer simulcast bingo games under approved legislation signed by the Governator. Casinos have objected to the bingo machines being operated by charities for more than a year, contending these are exclusively within the jurisdiction of casinos. Simulcasting of bingo games is similar to horse racing offered at satellite facilities. Participating nonprofits are expected to reap big bux for their charitable work.
Vista’s Escondido Ave. renamed
Vista council electeds have decided Escondido Ave., within their boundaries, is confusing and have decided to rename it Civic Center Drive. The changeover comes with a price. It is estimated businesses will invest in the neighborhood of a coppla grand for new signs, office supplies, etc. The city will have to redo 10 highway signs at a cost of 20 grand each, however, it is expected Caltrans will subsidize a portion of this cost, if not all of it.
$25 bil. down the tubes
The Wall Street financial mess has caused California Public Employees’ Retirement System a loss of approximately $25 bil. CALPERS funds, according to published reports, have a value of $214.3 bil. so it can continue to pay benefits to participating government retirees.
Jimbo’s bans plastic
Jimbo’s … Naturally, a natural foods grocery store with outlets in Carmel Valley, Escondido, 4S Ranch and Carlsbad, has quit putting customers’ takeout stuff in plastic bags. The outlet peddles vitamins and health and beauty aids, in addition to groceries.
Hall Park hearings
Two hearings related to the proposed Hall Park in Cardiff-by-the-Sea are scheduled. The first is at 4:30 p.m. Oct. 20 to receive community input and the second is at 6 p.m. Oct. 22 for City Council palaver. Both sessions will be televised and Web streamed.
Greenhouse gas reduction law
Included in the bushel of laws signed by the Governator is SB 375 aimed at discouraging urban sprawl. Regional planning groups will be pushed to consider climate change impact of developments and move toward reducing auto travel.
Pets on motorists laps still OK
A bill that would have prohibited motorists from allowing their pets to ride on their laps was trash-canned by the Governator. The author of the legislation said he saw a motorist with three dogs on her lap. Shouldn’t the lawmaker have had his eyes on the road instead of looking at the other driver’s lap?
Voting
Casting of absentee votes is now under way and permissible to Election Day, Nov. 4. It has been estimated more than 40 percent of the voters will cast absentee ballots.
Your tax $$$$ at work
Your savings might be running on empty and there are those in high places you can thank for that. Obscene payoffs to those exiting from government on the federal and local level are responsible for the distress they have caused to the average person. The Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac fat cats left the economy in shambles. In lower echelons, Carolyn
4Smith with the Harbor City’s Southeastern Economic Development Corp. may receive a check for
more than 100 grand pending current litigation, and Nancy Graham, head of Centre City Development Corp., also in the Harbor City, was knocking down more than $248,000 annually until it was learned that she received a hefty bit of change from a contractor who she hired for a city project and she quit to care for an ailing parent. The former MiraCosta College president, Victoria Richart, received $1.6 mil. when she left under a cloud. Where was the oversight on all these capers?
Link to area’s heritage
Harley Denk, who passed away Sept. 29 in his Olivenhain home, was a direct connection to the area’s pioneer heritage. His grandfather, Louie Denk, a German emigrant, settled in Olivenhain in 1880, and his dad, Bruno Denk, was on the original board of trustees that founded San Dieguito High School District. Harley was a dry farmer and raised lima beans and other commodities that flourished sans water. When Olivenhain needed a permanent site for its community center, Harley and a friend, Bob Wiro, provided the land for it.
Wildfire booklet
Office of Emergency Services has published a 16-page booklet chock full of suggestions for wildfire preparedness. It covers the gamut from defensive space around your manse and landscaping including fire-resistant plants to emergency info.
Road conditions
According to Chris Nitchell, Reason Foundation recently published its 17th annual report on the performance of the states’ highway system. Data that was compiled by U of North Carolina shows the Golden State ranks 44th in road conditions and cost effectiveness. It has 18,251 miles of state-owned highways and ranks 20th in fatalities. It has the highest percent of urban interstate construction nationwide.
One liners
Approval of a 40-foot high deck over a Port of San Diego terminal is on the ballot in that city … North County Transit District has been asked by a frequent rider to prohibit smoking at all Sprinter stations … San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve is recruiting adult docents to conduct informational programs for children and adult visitors … With the wildfire season at hand, Flower Capital Councilwoman Teresa Barth has suggested cell phoners register their numbers with Ready SanDiego.org in order to receive emergency alerts … Vista Chamber will present its business expo Oct. 22 at Vista Business Park, 1335 Park Center Drive … San Marcos electeds have adopted an ordinance that prohibits smoking at all parks and trails except in designated areas … Helen Woodward Animal Center in Rancho Santa Fe will present a Spooktacular Oct. 25 from 7:30 to noon, that will include a 1 mile-plus walking tour, a fright zone, a pet costume contest and special activities for canines … Friends of Del Mar Parks is still looking for major moola contributions to finance the purchase of the Ninth Street Shores School property for a community park.
Hasta la Vista
