Incorporated July 15, 1959
Several months ago “Eye on the Coast” suggested the Surfside City go all out in celebrating a half-century of achievements and memorable happenings. A committee is now forming that will involve the County Fair, Thoroughbred Club and the many active organizations in the city. Incorporation didn’t come easy. Del Mar Civic Association thought it was a great idea. The Chamber of Commerce didn’t and the residents were somewhat split. At issue was the cost to operate the city. Col. Waldron J. Cheyney, retired Army officer and a prime mover, championed incorporation under the Lakewood Plan whereby the various departments would be contracted. Police service, for example, would be provided by the Sheriff’s Dept. for $10,500 annually. Thirteen residents ran for the five council seats. They included John Barr, Henry Billings, Dave Bone, Tom Douglas, Dave Faulk, Elwood Free, Clayton Jack, Robert Jacobs, Joseph A. Rafferty, Lee Robbins, Mickey Robertis, Y.E. Snell and Delores Steward. When the hoopla died down, the village was declared a charter city with 555 folks voting yes and 479 opposed. Elected were Barr, Billings, Douglas, Jack and Free. Douglas was elected charter mayor. The Surfside City is recognized for its colorful fiestas and festivals, so the 50th bash can be expected to be like none other of the past. Like singer Al Jolson used to say, “Ya ain’t seen nuttin’ yet.”
From townhouses to tomatoes
Scott Brown’s family that attempted without success to rezone its property on Lake Street off Santa Fe Drive in the Flower Capital has found a better use for it — growing veggies. These are increasing in demand daily as folks prefer to get them fresh from the soil instead of from foreign lands. Chino Farms has been doing it successfully for years in the San Dieguito River Valley and you don’t need a mortgage to buy vegetables yet.
Fluoridation still an issue
In the November elections there were no less than 41 communities across the country that voted on fluoridation. It remains a toothy issue according to Meline Beck writing in the Wall Street Journal. Dental associations say where water is fluoridated there are decidedly less cavities among children. On the other hand, opponents have taken the position fluorides may be used to make weapons of mass destruction (but not choppers).
To bridge or not
High faluttin’ groundbreaking ceremonies were held in October to build a $26.8 million bridge that will span Harbor Drive and connect with a 2,000 car Petco Park parking lot. Although already funded from various sources, there’s now question about its future. The downtown redevelopment district is throwing in $11.1 mil. for its construction. Petco Park owner John Moore is scheduled to pony up $6.9 million. Construction crews had already bored the first holes for bridge supports before the current economic turndown.
Roundabouts
While Leucadians wrestle with the issue of roundabouts on Highway 101 through the commercial strip, folks in Rancho Santa Fe are going through the process for three of them at Montevedio and La Valle Plateada, Villa de la Valle and La Fremontia, and on El Camino del Norte. Residents had an opportunity to comment on the circles until Dec. 10.
2010 election noise
Irvine resident Chuck Devore, a current assemblyman, has announced he will run against Sen. Barbara Boxer in 2010. The lady is reported to have $3.6 mil. already stashed away in her campaign kip. She has been in the U.S. Senate for 15 years and prior to that was in the House for a decade. Meanwhile, L.A. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa sez he izzn’t interested in a post in Washington and wants to stay put. He’s been rumored to be interested in the governor’s job and has a good bit of change in his till for such a campaign.
Seeking volunteers
City of Solbeach has a passel of positions available in five of its commissions. These include Budget and Finance, Parks and Recreation, Public Arts, Public Safety and View Assessment. Interested folks have until Jan. 16 to file apps. More info is available by calling (858) 720-2400 or at www. ci.solana-beach.ca.us.
New water rates in C’bad
Starting next month, C’bad residents will pay higher rates for water and sewer. Water cost will increase a hefty 20 percent and sewer service will climb by 9 percent. Most of the other cities also have announced higher rates.
Lousy decision
University of California Prexy Mark Yudof has just moved into his office and he already has run into a buzz saw of criticism. With student tuitions taking an upward leap and a cap being placed on the number of students to be admitted, the prez has OK’d
$4 million for a political advocacy class titled the Miguel Contreras Labor program, with some of the benefits earmarked for some already well-compensated staff members.
Increased ridership
High price of petrol and more folks liking public transportation are reported to be the reasons for increased ridership on NCTD trains and busses. College students are giving the service a thumbs up.
One-liners
The Surfside City’s Community Connections has initiated five new programs including care management consultation, senior living options, telephone reassurance, health insurance consultation and health education
discussions … Chicago Tribune, parent company of the L.A. Times, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy … Folks are reminded that on Feb. 27
local TV broadcasters will start digital programming … Olivenhain’s Monster House owned by well-heeled Suzy Brown is facing a sad ending … Solbeach’s recently formed Solana Beach Art Association is headed by Carol Rodrigues, Diane Welch, Christine Beniston and Ambler Irwin… Surfside City electeds getting a thumbs up for free parking days and letting folks know by placing caps on meters.
Happy New Year!
Hasta la Vista
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