The Mosaic— 1 Volunteering in Mira Mesa June Greetings to all! I hope your summer plans are coming along nicely. Mine certainly are. We are going to visit family in Pennsylvania not once, but twice during the summer. I thought I would visit a subject very near to my heart for a few paragraphs this month. Volunteer- ism. One thing that sets Mira Mesa and a few communities in our area apart from others is that there are people who give up a great deal of their precious time to help us all. Without these volun- teers and the organizations that bind them, our community would not be much of a place to live. Luckily, we have a very enthusiastic collection of people who keep everything going. Let me high- light a few. First there are the big three: Planning Group, Town Council, and Recreation Council (in no particu- lar order). Just about everyone has heard of these and sees the results of their actions. How many people in our community know about the Mira Mesa Cluster School Council? This is a dedicated group of our neighbors who help oversee education within the community. Another group of volunteers may be found in our sporting organizations. None of our coaches, assistants, and sports moms and dads get paid a cent, but there they are, by the hundreds, making organized sports a reality in Mira Mesa. Scouting falls into the same category. Scouts learn a great many valuable lessons, one of which is the value of volunteering. Continued on Page 7>>>>> President’s Message -Ted Brengel- Early voting began 7 May for the June 5 primary election, with the ballot including everything from the governor's race to a variety of local, state and federal posts. Interested voters can cast their ballots at the County Registrar of Voters office at 5600 Overland Ave. San Diegans will cast ballots for four City Council seats. San Diego County, meanwhile, has two supervisor seats up for grabs, while voters will also choose a sheriff, treasurer, assessor and district attorney. The ballot also includes state Legislature posts as well as contests for the House of Representatives and Senate. An array of challengers are vying for the chance to replace termed-out Gov. Jerry Brown, with the race likely heading to a runoff on Nov. 8. Voters can also skip the Registrar's office in favor of mail-in ballots. More than 1 million vote-by-mail ballots were sent out, according to the county. "If you know how you want to vote, grab that mail ballot when you get it, mark your choices and send it back in right away," Registrar Michael Vu said. "The sooner we get the ballot back, the sooner we can start processing it." To check your voter registration status or make changes, visit sdvote.com. Mail-in ballots must be postmarked by June 5 for acceptance. Early Voting Begins For June 5 Election -News 8- M ira M esa T own C ouncil June 2018 Volume 47 Issue 6 The Mosaic In this issue Politics and Opinion 2 News & Features 4 School News 10 Community Events 12 Business Member Directory 13 Town Council Info, Useful Links 15 Don’t Forget Community Cleanup 2 June MMTC Meeting 4 June *SCHOLARSHIP NIGHT* Primary Election 5 June The Mira Mesa Town Council is a 501(c )(4) non-profit organized to foster the public welfare of the community. Meetings are held on the first Monday of every month at the Mira Mesa Library at 7pm. See page 12 for newsletter advertising rates and contact info.
Transcript
The Mosaic— 1
Volunteering in Mira Mesa
June Greetings to all! I hope your summer plans are coming along nicely. Mine certainly are. We are
going to visit family in Pennsylvania not once, but twice during the summer.
I thought I would visit a subject very near to my heart for a few paragraphs this month. Volunteer-
ism. One thing that sets Mira Mesa and a few communities in our area apart from others is that
there are people who give up a great deal of their precious time to help us all. Without these volun-
teers and the organizations that bind them, our community would not be much of a place to live.
Luckily, we have a very enthusiastic collection of people who keep everything going. Let me high-
light a few.
First there are the big three: Planning Group, Town Council, and Recreation Council (in no particu-
lar order). Just about everyone has heard of these and sees the results of their actions. How many
people in our community know about the Mira Mesa Cluster School Council? This is a dedicated
group of our neighbors who help oversee education within the community.
Another group of volunteers may be found in our sporting organizations. None of our coaches,
assistants, and sports moms and dads get paid a cent, but there they are, by the hundreds, making
organized sports a reality in Mira Mesa. Scouting falls into the same category. Scouts learn a great
many valuable lessons, one of which is the value of volunteering. Continued on Page 7>>>>>
President’s Message
-Ted Brengel-
Early voting began 7 May for the June 5 primary election, with the ballot including everything from the governor's race to a variety of local, state and federal posts. Interested voters can cast their ballots at the County Registrar of Voters office at 5600 Overland Ave. San Diegans will cast ballots for four City Council seats. San Diego County, meanwhile, has two supervisor seats up for grabs, while voters will also choose a sheriff, treasurer, assessor and district attorney. The ballot also includes state Legislature posts as well as contests for the House of Representatives and Senate. An array of challengers are vying for the chance to replace termed-out Gov. Jerry Brown, with the race likely heading to a runoff on Nov. 8. Voters can also skip the Registrar's office in favor of mail-in ballots. More than 1 million vote-by-mail ballots were sent out, according to the county. "If you know how you want to vote, grab that mail ballot when you get it, mark your choices and send it back in right away," Registrar Michael Vu said. "The sooner we get the ballot back, the sooner we can start processing it." To check your voter registration status or make changes, visit sdvote.com.
Mail-in ballots must be postmarked by June 5 for acceptance.
Early Voting Begins For June 5 Election -News 8-
Mira Mesa Town Council June 2018
Volume 47 Issue 6
The
Mosaic In this issue
Politics and Opinion 2
News & Features 4
School News 10
Community Events 12
Business Member
Directory 13
Town Council Info,
Useful Links 15
Don’t Forget
Community Cleanup 2 June
MMTC Meeting 4 June
*SCHOLARSHIP NIGHT*
Primary Election 5 June
The Mira Mesa Town Council is a 501(c )(4) non-profit organized to foster the public welfare of the community.
Meetings are held on the first Monday of every month at the Mira Mesa Library at 7pm. See page 12 for newsletter
The District 6 San Diego City Council campaign trail is heating up in the final sprint to the June primary election, with incumbent Chris
Cate, and the candidates seeking to replace him, actively participating in forums and debates.
Frustrations over housing development, homelessness and infrastructure are high among some voters in District 6, which includes Mira
Mesa, Kearny Mesa, eastern Clairemont, Rancho Penasquitos and Sorrento Valley.
In Clairemont, a recently approved Pure Water sewage pipeline running from the Morena area to Miramar to boost San Diego’s water
independence is stirring concerns over potential leakage in residential neighborhoods.
Nearly 150 people packed a recent forum at Clairemont High School, where District 6 challengers Tommy Hough, a Democrat; Matt
Valenti, a Democrat; and Jeremiah Blattler, an independent, sounded off on the issue.
Hough, a broadcaster and environmental advocate, said the pipeline should run along Interstate 805 instead of through the community.
He said Cate and the council have not been transparent on the project.
Valenti, a lawyer, also blamed Cate for shutting out the community on the plan but said he supports the Pure Water project to protect
the region from droughts.
Blattler, a small business owner, said he's not against the project but believes it could put the community at risk. "I'm not opposed to
Purewater," Blattler stated. "In fact, I think it's essential to our future water independence. I simply don't like the current chosen path
that the pipeline will follow, and would like the city to reach out to residents much sooner about such critical issues."
Incumbent Republican Chris Cate did not attend that event, but in April, he voted in favor of adopting the environmental impact report for phase one of the project.
Cate did appear at a forum this week at Mira Mesa High School, along with Hough and Valenti. The district’s housing development boom was a major topic.
Cate said working with planning groups, subcommunities and stakeholders to determine development locations is essential.
“We have to make sure that we’re smart about where we’re going to place the developments,” Cate said, “and make sure that they’re going to be near areas where we have high employment growth and opportunities for residents and our future generations to live and work where they reside.
Hough said people need to be able to live closer to where they work, rather than sprawling development out from Jamul or Temecula.
“We have one of the largest tech hubs in the city here in district 6 in Sorrento Valley,” Hough said. “We can utilize some of the areas that have been zoned for light industrial use and potentially find places to go and build housing there.”
Valenti said ensuring future development meets the needs of the community is important. “We must face the growing homeless crisis honestly and compassionately as we work with local, county and federal agencies on programs that are effective and sustainable while protecting public safety and using tax dollars wisely,” he said.
Some audience members expressed concern over thousands of homes being planned in the area without enough infrastructure and roads.
Jeff Stevens, chairman of the Mira Mesa Community Planning Group and a resident of the community since 1980, attended the forum to hear the candidates discuss future development. Continued on Page 3>>>>>>>
The Mosaic— 3
“Our two biggest projects right now are the redevelopment of Carroll Canyon which will build about 6,500 homes in Carroll Canyon so
we’re dealing with that and all the issues that surround it,” Stevens said.
Stevens wants the city’s commitment to expand Carroll Canyon road to alleviate traffic.
Other forum attendees voiced concerns over a growing homeless population.
"We have a homeless problem of people living in the canyons," said Craig Jackson, a resident of Mira Mesa for 21 years. “Why is this a major problem here? Because the canyons are bone dry and the canyons are almost all interconnected here, so that once a fire starts, one may assume it will be going into all canyons downwind.”
Two additional District 6 candidates, Kevin Egger and Fayaz Nawabi, are included in the ballot. On his web site, Fayaz said he has decid-ed to drop out of the race following two head injuries.
“After consulting with my doctors, family, and mentors, I am suspending my campaign for San Diego City Council District 6,” Fayaz stated. “This has been a very difficult decision to make, but I feel this is the best course of action because of my circumstance.”
Egger did not participate in recent District 6 forums or debates, and did not respond to KPBS’ request for confirmation on whether he is still vying for the seat.
The top two candidates in June will face off in the November general election.
Politics
City Council District 6 incumbent Chris Cate stands beside his challengers, Tommy Hough (left) and Matt Valenti, to talk about his plan
to address the housing crisis during a forum at Mira Mesa High School, May 7, 2018.
Are you a member yet?????? https://www.miramesatowncouncil.org/membership/
The Mosaic— 4
MMTC Seeks 2018 Mira Mesa 4th
of July Parade Participants and
Fun Day Vendors—APPLY
ONLINE! -By Pam Stevens The Mira Mesa Town Council is honored to once again present the annual Mira Mesa 4th of July Parade and Family Fun Day in Mira Mesa Community Park. This 44 year tradition allows Mira Mesa to come together in celebration of Independence Day and our rich and diverse community. The day begins with a Pancake Breakfast at the Verne Goodwin Mira Mesa Senior Center, 8460 Mira Mesa Boulevard, from 7 AM to 11 AM, hosted by the Black Mountain Masonic Lodge. The 44th Annual Mira Mesa 4th of July Parade, celebrating “Saluting our Heroes,” will step off at 11:30am on Wednesday, July 4, 2018, from the corner of Mira Mesa Boulevard and Greenford Drive, traveling down Mira Mesa Boulevard and turning north on Camino Ruiz to end at New Salem. Parade applications are now available online: https://www.miramesatowncouncil.org/fourth-of-july-parade-application/ All interested participants are encouraged to apply: precision marching groups, themed walking groups, bands, floats, decorated cars, car clubs, and more! Parade entry fees are $40/group. Sign-up deadline is June 10th. Decorated floats are especially encour-aged! (Note: fire safety regulations require all vehicles and floats in the parade must have current fire extinguishers.) Family Fun Day in Mira Mesa Community Park opens at 11am, with a variety of food and other vendors serving families who make a day of it in the park. Fun Day continues until the 9pm fireworks display, set off from Mira Mesa High School. The park provides a central location with “front row seats” for the sky show. The Fun Day vendor application is online at: https://www.miramesatowncouncil.org/fourth-of-july-vendor-application/ For Parade or Fun Day questions, please email [email protected]. The Fireworks Extravaganza is presented by Scripps Mesa Fireworks, a volunteer non-profit group. To learn more about the show, or to make a donation, please go to www.MiraMesaFireworks.org
Preserve To Treat Coast Live Oak Trees for Gold-spotted Oak Borer -By Pam Stevens The City of San Diego will be treating Coast Live Oak Trees for Gold-spotted oak borer (GSOB) infestation on the east end of the Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve in late May or early June. For your safety and that of your pets the trails adjacent to the treated areas will be closed only during treatment, according to City of San Diego Senior Park Ranger Gina Washington. Closed signs and detour signs will be placed so you can continue to enjoy the Preserve, just away from the treatment area.
Trails adjacent to the treatment area include the south side main trail/access road and the south side single track trail from the 1 mile marker to Carson’s Crossing, Camino Ruiz Trail, and the north side trail west of Peñasquitos Creek Crossing.
Not all trails will be closed at the same time, only the trail adjacent to where the treatment is actively happening will be closed. The trail will be open within a few hours of treatment; that means that a trail closed during treatment will likely be open in the evening the same day.
If you are interested in learning more about GSOB, please visit the University of California website: www.gsob.org
For up-to-date information on trail conditions in Los Penasquitos Canyon Preserve, call the City ranger office at 858-538-8066.
Los Penasquitos Canyon Preserve is a San Diego City/County regional open space park, located between Mira Mesa and Rancho Penasquitos. Trail access points in Mira Mesa are located at the parking/staging areas off Black Mountain Road at the east and Sorrento Valley Boulevard at the west, as well as Camino Ruiz Park. A City park ranger office for Los Penasquitos Canyon Preserve and Black Mountain Open Space Park is located at the corner of Black Mountain Road and Mercy Road, and a County ranger office is located in the historic Penasquitos Adobe Ranch House, west of Black Mountain Road and Canyonside Park. The ranch house has been restored by the County and tours are available to school groups and the public. For information call the County ranger office at 858-484-7504.
The Friends of Los Penasquitos Canyon Preserve is a volunteer organization which has been protecting the preserve since its incorpo-ration as a non-profit group in 1984. The Friends lead hikes and assist the city and county rangers with a variety of events and projects. Members help support these goals. For details see the Friends’ website: www.penasquitos.org
For more information about Los Penasquitos Canyon Preserve in general, see also:
Another group I have mentioned in this article before is the Mira Mesa, Scripps Ranch Retired Senior Volunteer Patrol. You may have
seen them patrolling your neighborhood in a white car with a single yellow beacon on top. While they don’t apprehend criminals or give
citations, they are additional eyes and ears for the Police Department as well as a deterrent to those who might not have our best interests
in mind.
I could go on, possibly for hours, but I’m sure that by now you get the point. We depend very heavily on volunteers. They are truly the
life blood of our community. While some volunteers like me, for example, are retired, many are not. And while the fact that they have
jobs does limit the amount of time they can dedicate to Mira Mesa, each gives a little. When lots of people each do a little something for
their community, it adds up quickly and ultimately makes a huge difference. This is a big reason Mira Mesa is such a fine place to live.
So, here’s the hook. Each of you has skills—abilities that can certainly be brought to bear to help your community, if even for a few
hours per month. We can certainly use you if you can come forward and identify yourself. I thank you for even considering the concept.
I’ll close now. Remember the 4th of July is coming and that means early pancake breakfast, fun day in the park, the parade, and fireworks.
All of which, by the way require volunteers. So, come on out and enjoy our near-perfect weather and enjoy the events. In the meantime,
have a fantastic June.
etcetera, etcetera...
Sprouts Farmers Market Opens in Mira Mesa
A long line of people was on hand Wednesday, 9 May for the grand opening of the newest Sprouts Farmers Market in Mira Mesa.
The 31,000-square foot store is located at 8412 Mira Mesa Boulevard in the shopping center west of Interstate 15.
As part of the store’s opening, the first 200 shoppers received a discount on their purchases. Each customer also got a free reusable bag.
Managers want the community to know this location will also participate in the company’s food rescue program by donating unsold and
edible groceries to Feeding San Diego. https://feedingsandiego.org/
The company announced plans to open 30 stores in the U.S. this year. The Mira Mesa location is the only location planned in San Diego
County.
The Mosaic— 8
‘Fairy garden’ makeover for
drought-ravaged yard -By Chris Ross, The San Diego Union Tribune
The front yard of the Point Loma home owned by Nina Ronstadt and Ken Klestinec once had a lush lawn and a cottage garden. But
years of drought and limits on water use killed most of the plants.
What was left, said Ronstadt via email, was “dried-up lawn and ugly dead landscaping.” She wanted to replace it with a meadow of drought-tolerant ground covers and a curving path, “but our 10-year-old daughter asked, ‘Where will I have a tea party?’ and ‘Where will our dog Cleo play ball?’” So, a circular patio area was added to the plan. Ronstadt describes the new landscape as a “water-wise cottage ‘fairy garden.’” Making a plan: In 2015, the couple geared up for the landscape project by participating in a WaterSmart Landscape Makeover Series sponsored by the San Diego County Water Authority. “I learned to think about incorporating different uses of the yard into the design, whereas before I was just thinking about planting cool plants in a random fashion,” said Ronstadt. “Now I try to stick to a color palette and have a little order to the design.” She said she also learned about the science of soil, different types of drought-tolerant plants, techniques for removing turf and the most efficient irrigation. “We could not have achieved these results without the class,” she said. The details: The couple kept costs low by doing most of the labor themselves. “It took us about a year of slowly working on it,” said Ronstadt. “My husband did all the stonework, too, and chiseled each flagstone into a perfect shape. He made our patio like a flower with oblong flagstone petals.” Ronstadt used a purple, pink and white color scheme for the blooming plants. “This helped me stay focused when I picked plants,” she said. These are some of the plants in the new landscape: iceberg roses, blue fescue, native geranium (incanum), Coast rosemary (westringia fruiti-cosa), rock purslane (Calandrinia grandiflora), nemesia, euphorbia, lavender, penstemon, Santa Barbara daisy and dymondia. In the shady parts of the yard, they planted mother fern, sword fern, California iris and lily turf. Costs: Ronstadt estimated they spent $2,500-$3,000 for materials, plus the purchase of several white boulders with crystals in them from Southwestern Boulder & Stone. Upon completion of the project, they received a rebate of $756 through the SoCal WaterSmart Turf Rebate Program. She said she bought most of the plants at Evergreen Nurseries, adding that “you can save money if you are willing to drive and pick out plants yourself.” Water saved: The couple hasn’t tracked changes in their water use, but Ronstadt says they definitely used more water when they had
lawn in the front yard.
The results: The family spends more time in the front yard now, just hanging out. “People stop to smell the roses as they walk by, and we get compliments on our yard, which is great,” said Ronstadt. “When people come in the gate, they seem surprised to find a secret garden hidden behind our outside walls.” She said they are happy with what they have created. “I have all the flowers that make me happy and it is easier to maintain with no lawn to mow or fertilize. Water-wise does not have to be gravel and cactus.” Lessons learned: “Ask your kids or family members what they think is important,” Ronstadt recommended. “Maybe there is a use for the space that you are not considering. This could end up influencing your design.” Also: “Use in-line drip irrigation. Your plants will look better and you will save water.”
etcetera, etcetera... Recent Solicitor Activity in Northeastern Division
The community of Scripps Ranch has seen an increase in residential burglaries within the last few weeks. It has been brought to
our attention by residents that a scam may be occurring in your neighborhood by individuals posing as solicitors and knocking on
doors to see if anyone is home. Please be cautious of scams and do not let strangers into your home. You do not need to open
your door to a knock; however, please say something to the effect of “No, Thank you I am not interested” that way they know
someone is home.
Stay vigilant and watch out for each other. Please report any suspicious activity to our non-emergency dispatch at (858)484-3154 or (619)531-2000. Keep in mind these two numbers go to the same dispatch center so if you are on hold for a bit don’t hang-up and call the other number because you will start back at the end of the line.
Please do not post pictures of license plates or possible suspects on social media as it may interfere with an investigation, or worse yet, wrongly accuse an innocent individual. Instead, please contact the police/detective handling the case with the possible suspect information.
Please remember posting on nextdoor.com does not mean reporting a crime to the police. Thank you for being involved in your community and helping to make it better. You can contact myself [email protected] if you would like to start a neighbor-hood watch group in PQ, RB, Carmel Mtn, Sabre Springs or San Pasqual and contact my partner Christina Santos [email protected] if you are in Mira Mesa or Scripps Ranch area.
Community Contacts and Resources Animal dead…………………………………...858-492-5060
Mira Mesa High School Performing Arts Department is sending three of their talented young actors to the Broadway San Diego Awards.
All three performed in this year’s production of the musical, “The Hunchback of Notre Dame,” at MMHS. Keegan Bushouer,
“Quasimodo,” Steven Davis, “Phoebus,” and Chase Lowary, “Frollo,” were all nominated for “Best Actor” in a musical. They will com-
pete May 27 to be one of two student actors (one male and one female) who will represent San Diego at the National High School Musi-
cal Theatre Awards in New York in June.
This year there were 28 musicals represented by 22 San Diego County schools in the competition. According to Broadway San Diego,
“This was the largest participation that we’ve ever had. The level of professionalism in these high school productions and the level of
talent among these young performers in San Diego County are phenomenal. The competition was fierce!”
Mira Mesa High School landed three of the ten spots for “Best Actor” in a musical.
The 2018 Broadway San Diego Awards competition event will be held on Sunday, May 27, 2018 at the Balboa Theatre in San Diego, CA.
and feature finalists from participating schools nominated as Best Actor/Best Actress for their portrayal of leading roles in their high
school’s musical theatre production. The program will begin with the 10 Male and 10 Female Nominees. By the end of the evening, 1
Male and 1 Female Champion will be selected to represent the 2018 Broadway San Diego Awards at the National High School Musical
Theatre Awards in New York in June.
Tickets to the May 27 Awards competition are available at Awards.BroadwaySD.com for $20 or $10, using the promo code “Awards.”
Theatre teacher Daniel Kriley directed the MMHS production of “The Hunchback of Notre Dame.” Jeanne Christensen served as music
director, with vocal direction by Jodie Harrell and choreography by MMHS alumnus Valerie Juguilon.
Keegan Bushouer
“QUASIMODO”
Steven Davis
“PHOEBUS”
Chase Lowary
“FROLLO”
The Mosaic— 11
School news
The Mosaic— 12
Community Events
June 2 Community Cleanup Recycling Event
June 4 Mira Mesa Town Council Meeting, Mira Mesa Library, 7-9 pm Scholarships will be awarded to 3 MMHS seniors!!!!!
June 5 Primary Election
June 23 CRYket Cricket Tournament t 2018, 7am-7pm Walker-Wangenheim School Park, Black Mountain Road https://ac.america.cry.org/events/cryket-2018-san-diego/ June 26 Banned Book Club, 6:30pm, Mira Mesa Library To The Lighthouse by Virginia Woolf July 4 Mira Mesa’s all-day 4th of July Celebration
Parade, Family Fun Day in Mira Mesa Community Park, Fireworks Display
Organized by Mira Mesa Town Council and Scripps Mesa Fireworks, Inc.
Membership Application __________________ ________________ _____________________________________ NAME (Primary Member) COMPANY NAMES(S) __________________ ________________ _____________________________________ COMPANY NAME EMAIL ADDRESS __________________ ________________ _____________________________________ ADDRESS PHONE __________________ ________________ _____________________________________ CITY, STATE ZIP CODE DATE
Individual ($20)
Companion ($10)
Senior/Military/Student ($10)
Corporate/Business ($50)
Non Profit + MMCC ($90)
Business + MMCC ($150)
Amount $____________ Cash/Check #___________($25 fee for returned/declined check/ACH)
Mira Mesa Town Council
10606-08 Camino Ruiz, PMB 230
San Diego CA 92126
The Mira Mesa Town Council
thanks the Mira Mesa Shopping
Center, LLC for their continuing
support in providing postage for
The Mosaic.
Postage
Annual memberships run from July 1st to June 30th. Any resi-
dent, business, or non-profit with an address in the community
of Mira Mesa as shown in the Mira Mesa Community Plan may
join as a voting member. Members with addresses outside of
the community will be non-voting members. Dues are used to
support the mission of advocating for the welfare of the
