San Diego Community News Group

The City of San Diego Parks and Recreation Department is increasing hours at local recreation centers beginning Monday, July 19, giving San Diegans additional access to park facilities and programs this summer. The latest expansion in hours brings the majority of recreation centers back to their normal hours of operation from before the COVID-19 pandemic impacted operations last year. In addition to expanded hours, more recreational programming has been made available for people to enjoy.  

For more information on available activities and individual recreation center hours, visit the City’s online list of recreation centers. Residents are encouraged to call the recreation center directly for specific updates. For details about programs and to register for a particular class or activity, visit the Parks and Recreation Department’s registration platform at SDRecConnect.com.  

Friday, July 16

PB LIBRARY BIG BAG SALE

Friends of the Pacific Beach Library will hold its Big Bag Sale July 19 -July 21 at Cass Street Plaza, next to the PB Library. Purchase the bag for $5 and fill it with books, DDs, DVDs, etc. No limit on bag purchases. All kinds of books, fiction, non-fiction, classics, history, sports, health, cooking, children’s as well ad nice selection of puzzles, CDs, DVDs, books on CD.

SANDAG VIRTUAL HEARINGS

This month, SANDAG, the region’s transporation planning agency, will host at virtual public hearing on the draft 2021 Regional Plan at meetings of the SANDAG Transportation Committee and Board of Directors on Friday, July 23, at 9 a.m. Simultaneous interpretation in Spanish will be available at each public hearing. Comments provided at the public hearings will be documented and responded to within the final 2021 Regional Plan. Last month, hundreds of community members joined SANDAG’S virtual open house series to explore the draft 2021 Regional Plan and proposed community improvements. Those who missed those open houses can view them at SANDAGmeetings YouTube channel. Aug. 6 is the deadline for the public to submit comments on the draft 2021 Regional Plan.

GAFCON RECOGNIZED

Gafcon, Inc. has been recognized among the Top 50 Program Management and Top 100 Construction Management firms in the U.S. by Engineering News Record. Gafcon provides comprehensive services in construction, program and project management, as well as construction and technology consulting support. With offices in San Diego, Los Angeles County and Orange County, Gafcon manages and directs projects both nationally and internationally.

PLAYHOUSE PRESENTS

Point Loma Playhouse is presenting a La Playa Books’ virtual event with Jeff Katzman, MD, and Dan O’Connor on July 29 at 4 p.m. La Playa Books will virtually host the book tour of Katzman and O’Connor and their new book “Ensemble! Using the Power of Improv and Play to Forge Connections in a Lonely World.” The event is free and for all ages, RSVP is required at https://forms.gle/vavX6Nx3QcqpCiTk6. The event link will be sent to everyone who registers. For more information, visit Point Loma Playhouse – Home.

PRIDE SPONSOR

San Diego County Credit Union is a sponsor of the 47th San Diego LGBTQ+ Pride celebration, held as a hybrid event this year, including both virtual and in-person community events happening through July 18. San Diego’s Pride celebration has grown to become a premier event in California for the LGBTQ+ community bringing over 320,000 spectators in 2019 and $26.6 million in total economic impact to San Diego. For a schedule of events and more information, visit sdpride.org.

GASLAMP SUMMER LINE-UP

Hot girl summer or not, the Gaslamp Quarter goes big this season with events and experiences designed to provide a little bit of something for everyone. For Summer 2021, the Gaslamp Quarter brings you:

Throwback Thursdays: With extended happy hour specials running until 8 p.m., you’ll be fueled for your decade themed roller-skating session. Hosted by Sunset Roller Club, Island between 4th and 6th from 6-9 p.m. comes alive with your favorite all-time hits of the ’70s, ’80s, ’90s and ’00s. 

Gaslamp Disco: Saturday nights from 6-11 p.m. there will be Silent Revival, a Gaslamp Disco. This outdoor and silent disco experience for the whole family takes place right in the heart of the Gaslamp Quarter at 5th and Island. With three DJ booths to choose from including ’80s-’90s, Top 40, reggaeton, and house music. Headset rentals are $20 in advance and $25 day of. A percentage of the proceeds of each event will be donated to The Gaslamp Quarter Association.

Gaslamp Flicks: Happy hour followed by some outdoor cinema! Underneath the iconic arch will be a double-header of movies on July 23 and Aug. 27. July’s films will be “Ghostbusters” and “Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy.” Stay up to date on all Gaslamp Summer experiences and learn about parking options at Gaslamp.org.

LJ BEACHFRONT SALE

Former presidential candidate and current Utah Sen. Mitt Romney’s beachfront home in La Jolla has reportedly sold for $23.5 million and is in escrow. The property’s original 3-bedroom, 3,000-square-foot home was demolished to make way for a 5-bedroom mansion somewhere between 8,100 and 11,000 square feet. The expansion of the home now includes a library, a wraparound porch, a spa, and a car elevator. Romney’s home was sold on June 30, accordiong to the San Diego County Recorder’s Office.

CAF GETS DONATION

Thanks to the communities’ support, San Diego’s Challenged Athletes Foundation was officially awarded a $10,000 donation from BJA Partners. CAF is a local organization dedicated to providing opportunities and support to people with physical challenges so they can pursue active lifestyles through physical fitness and competitive athletics. The $10,000 donation will change the lives of so many children by providing necessary equipment such as a set of prosthetic legs, adaptive wheelchairs or specialized coaching to relearn how to walk or run.

SD DOG PARK RANKING

Dog parks are great places for pups and their owners to meet. While their fur baby roams free and makes pals, mom and dad can socialize with fellow dog lovers. But you won’t find pup-friendly green spaces everywhere in America, and if you do, they won’t all be up to snuff. So what are 2021’s Best Dog Park Cities? LawnStarter ranked 97 U.S. cities based on access, quality, and climate factors to find out. San Diego’s Rank for some key metrics: Dog Parks per 100,000 Residents – 45th; Average Rating for Dog Parks – 87th; Average Number of Very Cold Days – first; Average Number of Very Hot Days – fifth.

SMALL-ANIMAL ADOPTION

San Diego Humane Society has reduced adoption fees by 50% for small animals from through July 18. During the promotion titled “All the love, half the price,” adoption fees will be reduced for rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters and rats. “We currently have more than 200 guinea pigs, rabbits, hamsters and rats in our care at SDHS and more are relying on us for help every day,” said SDHSchief operating officer Jessica Des Lauriers. “Every animal who is adopted makes space for another animal who is in urgent need of care.”

How to Adopt: Get started by browsing the available pets at sdhumane.org/adopt. Choose “guinea pig,” “rabbit” or “other” to see all of the wonderful small animals currently available for adoption. San Diego Humane Society is open for walk-in adoptions on a first come, first-served basis at any campus locations in Oceanside, El Cajon, Escondido and San Diego.

JFS CHAIR NAMED

Jewish Family Service of San Diego has named Emily Jennewein as chair of the nonprofit’s board of directors. Jennewein will depart from her role as first vice chair to replace Adam Welland as chair. An experienced leader in the Jewish community for the past 20 years, Jennewein served as president of Hillel of San Diego from 2017 to 2018 and 2014 to 2016. There she oversaw construction of the Melvin Garb Hillel Center at San Diego State University and won unanimous approval from the San Diego City Council to build the Beverly and Joseph Glickman Hillel Center at UC San Diego.From 2011 to 2013, Jennewein was president of the Congregation Beth Israel. Jennewein’s daughters started the family’s involvement with the nonprofit after volunteering with JFS’s Hand Up food pantry. 

COX CHARITIES

Cox Charities is accepting applications from nonprofit organizations through July 31 as a part of its annual Community Grants program. This year, Cox Charities will be awarding a total of $100,000 in grants to San Diego area nonprofits, with individual grants ranging from $2,500 to $10,000. Apply at coxcharitiesca.org/communitygrants. Grant recipients will be announced in September.   

HUMPHREYS TIKI BASH

San Diego distillery, Cutwater Spirits, announced that tickets are on sale for Tiki Bash 2021 – taking place on Friday, Aug. 6 from 6-10 p.m. at Humphreys Outdoor Concert Lawn, 2241 Shelter Island Drive. All of the ticket sales will benefit the San Diego Food Bank. Headlining the summer event is national touring act – The English Beat, supported by El Vez and Creepxotica. Tiki Tronic to play a Yacht Rock DJ set in the Marina Ballroom. Tickets available at sandiegofoodbank.org/tiki/.

WILDFIRE PREPAREDNESS

The County Board of Supervisors voted July 13 to allocate more funding to wildfire preparedness. “Our region has invested significant resources into our regional wildfire preparedness, but the increased fire danger from drought and climate change require us to do more,” said board chair Nathan Fletcher. “The action taken today moves forward on investing more than $2.5 million towards a regional vegetation management strategy, while also taking into consideration environmental impacts, to ensure evacuation readiness. This is an important step and I will continue to work to explore anything else we can do to protect our region.”

INCLUSIVE LEADERSHIP AWARDS

RISE San Diego is now accepting nominations for 2021 Inclusive Leadership in Action Awards, the fifth annual celebration of leaders making a difference in the San Diego region. Awards recognize local changemakers committed to diversity, equity and inclusion. Nominations open now until Aug. 2. Award winners to be announced at an Oct. 11 event. To submit nominations for the 2021 ILIA awards, visit risesandiego.org/ilia.

MEET THE BREEDS IN SAN DIEGO

Tickets are on sale for San Diego’s first AKC Meet the Breeds, which comes to the San Diego Convention Center on Aug. 14-15. The American Kennel Club and GF Sports & Entertainment bring this two-day educational event to San Diego to give attendees the opportunity to meet and play with hundreds of dogs all while learning about responsible pet ownership and which breed(s) is best for their lifestyle straight from the experts. For more information, visit akc.org/meetthebreeds.

SD LOYAL’S PRIDE NIGHT

Pride night celebrates a “Loud and Proud” initiative in season-long partnership with San Diego Pride. On July 24, at 7:30 p.m., SD Loyal, in partnership with SD Pride, will hold its Pride night at USD’s Torero Stadium against Phoenix Rising FC as the club continues its unbeaten streak. Twenty percent of all tickets sold to the game will be donated to SD Pride. To learn more, visit sdloyal.com.

GROWLERS AT MISSION BAY HIGH

The San Diego Growlers of the American Ultimate Disc League are back at home 1 p.m. Sunday, July 18 at Mission Bay High School. They’ll take on the Austin Sol for the first time in franchise history. The Growlers will look to build on their 1-0 record against Texas opponents this season, as the Sol travel to SoCal. In Week 4, the Growlers took down the Dallas Roughnecks 21-20 in the AUDL Game of the Week, asserting themselves as the top team in the West Division. Since the Growlers’ Week 2 loss to the Aviators, they’ve won three straight and this week will take on a Sol team currently sitting at 4-3 in second place in the West.

Thursday, July 8

CHALKUP! SUMMER ART FEST

Building on the success of community chalk art events that sprung to life during the pandemic, the ChalkUp! Summer Art Fest is a family-friendly community celebration of voting rights, community diversity, and the power of “us.” The public is invited to add their voices to a community canvas stretching along a section of the La Jolla Bike Path, between Vincente Way and Via del Norte. On Saturday, July 10, from 9:30 a.m. to noon learn about the For the People Act and the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act and write postcards to their U.S. Senators Dianne Feinstein and Alex Padilla. 

VETS HONOR KELLOGG

The Mt. Soledad Memorial Association recently honored William Kellogg for his many years of efforts as the association’s chair emeritus. Kellogg served as president/chairman of the association from 1989 until 2012. He contributed toward the organization’s raising the money to build and operate the new Veterans Memorial Walls at the top of Mt. Soledad in La Jolla. Kellogg’s multiple-year effort helped guarantee that the memorial will remain, and he believes it is one of his greatest accomplishments.

Kellogg also served for five years as president of the La Jolla Shores Association, and is a member of the La Jolla Town Council, the La Jolla Community Planning Association, the La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club, and the La Jolla Historical Society. Kellogg was also named to the Scripps Institution of Oceanography’s Director’s Circle Cabinet and to the Advisory Council of the Scripps Memorial Hospital.

SALK INSTITUTE SCIENTIST KILLED LA JOLLA

The cycling community is reacting to the tragic death of Swati Tyagi, 34, a scientist at La Jolla’s Salk Institute for Biological Studies and the mother of an 11-month-old son, who was killed by a car June 23 in La Jolla. San Diego Police said the crash occurred in the late afternoon in the southbound lanes of North Torrey Pines Road approaching La Jolla Village Drive. Tyagi died at the scene.

“A tragic loss for our community, our heartfelt condolences go out to her family, friends and loved ones,” said Andy Hanshaw, executive director of San Diego County Bicycle Coalition. “While we know little about the circumstances, we convey our sorrow and urge everyone to be cautious while driving on our streets. We all share the same roads and need to pay close attention at all times to our surroundings. especially to cyclists.” 

NEW DEPARTMENT CHAIR AT UC SAN DIEGO

After a nationwide search, a new chair has been named for UC San Diego’s Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences. Cynthia Gyamfi-Bannerman, MD, brings an extensive background in maternal-fetal medicine, clinical research, academic education and lessons learned from the global pandemic to her new role.

“We are beyond grateful to have Dr. Gyamfi-Bannerman join our faculty,” said Steven Garfin, MD, interim dean of UC San Diego School of Medicine. “She brings strong leadership, a breadth of knowledge and a highly respected reputation that aligns with the goals and vision of UC San Diego.” 

Gyamfi-Bannerman joins the faculty from Columbia University Irving Medical Center, where she spent the last 16 years of her career. She chose UC San Diego because of its innovative research environment, rich leadership history and remarkable patient care. As a board-certified maternal-fetal medicine specialist, Gyamfi-Bannerman is internationally recognized for her work in obstetric complications, with a primary focus on preterm birth, both in prevention and in the use of antenatal corticosteroids, or steroids. 

PB JULY FOURTH TRADITION

Residents of the 800 block of Wilbur Avenue in Pacific Beach went all out again in 2021, as they have for years, decking out their homes, trees, sidewalks and their entire block with red, white and blue in honor of our nation’s birthday. Banners were strung across the street. A huge American flag in the neighborhood proudly proclaims loyalty and national pride. The annual event is sponsored by a local group of men in the neighborhood who call themselves El Barracho and wear black T-shirts with their group’s name.

The Wilbur Street El Barrachos said they started the tradition in 2003 because they all had small children at the time, and the beaches were so crowded July 4th, that it was better to party at home. So they use ladders every year to suspend banners across the street and hang a flag high up between trees.

The El Barrachos said they’ve done a lot of civic stuff in PB participating in year-end caroling and the holiday parade, as well as celebrating Saint Patrick’s Day. “We’re a group that sponsors no one, supports no causes,” quipped one El Barracho adding, “By the way, this small group here (barbecuing)  has been going on (celebrating) since the third.”

CANCER RISK STUDIED

University of California San Diego School of Medicine researchers have identified a possible link between inadequate exposure to ultraviolet-B (UVB) light from the sun and an increased risk of colorectal cancer, especially as people age. Reporting in the journal BMC Public Health, researchers investigated global associations between levels of UVB light — one of several types of ultraviolet light that reach the Earth’s surface — in 2017 and rates of colorectal cancer across several age groups in 186 countries in 2018. 

Lower UVB exposure was significantly correlated with higher rates of colorectal cancer across all age groups. After other factors, such as skin pigmentation, life expectancy and smoking were considered, the association between lower UVB and risk of colorectal cancer remained significant for people aged 45 and older. Lower UVB exposure may reduce levels of vitamin D, wrote the authors. Vitamin D deficiency has previously been associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer. The authors suggested that future research could look directly at the potential benefits of correcting vitamin D deficiencies to reduce colorectal cancer risk, especially in older age groups.

SHE FEST

Join the Women’s Museum of California on Saturday, July 10 from 1-6 p.m. at the Hillcrest Pride Flag, 1500 University Ave. for She Fest. The Women’s Museum will be bringing the Women of Pride exhibit to the celebration. Enjoy live music, activities, LGBTQ+ vendors and community groups, workshops, interviews, and more. She Fest is a woman-centered event that celebrates and supports the talents and contributions of women while fostering meaningful connections within and between the LGBTQ+ and larger San Diego communities.

SDYS MAESTRO RETIRES

After a quarter-century leading one of the nation’s most prestigious music education programs for young people at San Diego Youth Symphony and Conservatory, maestro Jeff Edmons has announced his retirement from the podium. Edmons is stepping down for personal and health reasons prior to the start of the 2021-2022 season in September.

“I am so honored and fortunate to have been able to work with so many incredible and inspirational students,” said Edmons. “I am so proud of this organization and everything it does for young people across San Diego County and beyond. After 25 incredible years with such incredible and inspirational students, families, and colleagues, I knew it was time for me to step down and to make way for a new music director who can lead this historic organization to new heights.”

Edmons started at San Diego Youth Symphony in 1996 after a year-long, international search for a new Music Director. Under his leadership, the organization has expanded from two to 13 ensembles and serves as many as 700 students each year in the Balboa Park ensemble program.

SDF APPOINTS CHAIR, NEW MEMBERThe San Diego Foundation Board of Governors has appointed Steven Klosterman, AIF, as chair for the 2021-2023 term, and unanimously approved the addition of three new board members: Rudolph A. Johnson III, Pacific Beach hotelier Elvin Lai and Amanda Montgomery. Klosterman, Johnson, Lai and Montgomery started their terms on July 1. The San Diego Foundation Board of Governors is composed of volunteers with diverse professional backgrounds, who are involved in many community and charitable activities throughout San Diego.

PAWS FOR PURPLE HEARTS

Nonprofit Paws for Purple Hearts San Diego will hold its first Service Dog Graduation Ceremony on Saturday, Aug. 7 at 5550 Oberlin St., Suite B from 3-6 p.m. Tickets are available to the public for a $35 suggested donation. Veterans and Active-Duty Military are free.  Guests will enjoy refreshments, speeches from community members, program participants, and PPH representatives, and service dog demonstrations.

PPH provides Warrior Canine Therapy to veterans and service members by involving those with PTSD or Traumatic Brain Injury in the training of service dogs for their comrades with disabilities.  Once trained, the service dogs are placed with Warriors to assist with disabilities including PTSD, TBI and mobility impairment at no charge. For more information about the Service Dog Graduation, contact [email protected].

NEW SCIENCE BOARD CHAIR

The Elementary Institute of Science, a science, technology, engineering, and math education organization for youth, has announced the appointment of Debra Roy as the board president. EIS is committed to providing rich learning opportunities that prepare children for bright futures. EIS collaborates with schools, parents, businesses, and community partners to engage students in authentic, hands-on science learning. EIS primarily supports children who live in neighborhoods with underfunded schools and lacking education enrichment programs.

Roy is a staff engineer in the Engineering Process and Metrics Department at General Atomics and supports engineering and continuous improvement efforts. With her love of engineering and creative skills as a fashion designer, Roy has a passion for exposing youth to science, technology, engineering, art, and math. 

ANTI-METHANE BILL

President Biden has signed into law a bipartisan resolution of disapproval under the Congressional Review Act to reduce dangerous methane pollution. Rep. Scott Peters (CA-52) was among legislators introducing the resolution which will reinstate two key Obama-era rules that set stronger regulations on methane pollution emitted by the nation’s oil and gas industry. The production of oil and natural gas is the largest source of methane pollution in the United States.

“Controlling methane will immediately help slow global warming, strengthen our economic competitiveness, and restore our international leadership on the climate crisis,” said Peters following the resolution’s enactment ceremony. “Today, the United States reinstated critical methane regulations that prove our nation is building back better following the disastrous environmental rollbacks imposed by the previous administration. Republicans and Democrats united behind this important action because climate change is real and requires real solutions.”

50TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

The iconic Centro Cultural de la Raza is celebrating its 50th anniversary Saturday, July 10, 4-5:30 p.m, via Zoom as well as an in-person reception and poster exhibition, and on Sunday, July 11, noon-4 p.m., which is free and open to the public. The virtual Gala will highlight the history of Centro through a theatrical timeline, taking the audience through Centro’s evolution. Embedded in the timeline are crafted performances featuring participants involved with the organization through the years and currently. Some of the presenters and guest speakers include: DJ Xavier “The X-Man,” Laura Castaneda, Ariana Gallegos, Victor Ochoa, Beto Perez, Salvador Torres, Ethan Van Tillo, Bill Virchis.

Streamed on Facebook Live: Centro Cultural de la RazaViewable on YouTube after the event at AAC Centro

 NO MASK CHANGES FOR VARIANT

“We continue to monitor the situation with COVID -19 and in particular the Delta variant and want to emphasize the single best action you can take to protect yourself and your family is to be fully vaccinated,” cautioned County Supervisor Nathan Fletcher, who is co-chair of the County of San Diego COVID-19 Subcommittee. “Almost 95% of our delta variant cases are from those not fully vaccinated. We will continue to align our public health guidance with CDC and CDPH and do not anticipate any changes.”  

NONSTOP FLIGHTS TO KONA 

Southwest Airlines has begun nonstop service to Kona, Island of Hawaii via Ellison Onizuka Kona International at Keahole Airport and Lihue, Kauai via Lihue Airport from San Diego International Airport. Flights to Kona operate Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays until Sept. 27 when they increase to one flight daily. 

Flights to Lihue operate Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays until Sept. 27 when they increase to one flight daily. Southwest Airlines is also increasing their service to Kahului, Maui from one flight daily to two flights daily. 

CHOIR REGISTRATION OPEN

Do you have a child between 4-18 years old who enjoys singing, is eager to learn more about music and wants to perform in exciting places? If so, now is the time to join the San Diego Children’s Choir. Registration for fall after-school choir programs opens soon with convenient rehearsal locations in Mission Valley, Carmel Valley, Rancho Bernardo/Poway, Grossmont, and Eastlake. Full schedule with locations was announced July 1. To register or find out more email [email protected] or call 858-587-1087 or visit sdcchoir.org.

FISH SHOP PARTNERS FOR PETS

Fish Shop’s locations in Pacific Beach at 1775 Garnet Ave. and Point Loma at 1110 Rosecrans St. have partnered with Pets for Patriots throughout July and August. For every bottle of Tribute, Imagery, and Cupcake wine sold on-premise, a portion of proceeds will be donated by the national non-profit.

Pets for Patriots was created to give the gifts of fidelity, joy, and love to veterans and pets through companion animal adoption. The organization works to build a nationwide network of rescue and veterinary partners, find homes for overlooked shelter animals, reduce the cost of pet guardianship to prevent veterans from returning adopted pets to shelters,and provide ongoing support to nurture the healing bonds between veterans and their adopted companion pets.

Fish Shop allows guests to create their own customizable dishes, by first selecting the fresh fish, then the marinade or seasoning, and finally the style – tacos, salad, sando, or plate. Diners can also choose from favorites like the TKO Taco or Fish N’ Chips. Each location is family- and dog-friendly.

STUFF THE BUS

Kids face many hardship and school supplies should not be one of them. That’s why San Diego County Credit Union’s Stuff the Bus is once again collecting monetary donations to purchase back-to-school supplies for students experiencing homelessness to help set them up for success in the coming school year. The annual Stuff the Bus campaign, now in its seventh year, was launched in partnership with San Diego County Credit Union, the San Diego County Office of Education and iHeartMedia radio stations in support of Live Well San Diego. A portion of donations will also assist San Diego Youth Services’ various food programs to provide meals for homeless youth.

This year, in addition to the online collection, the community can also make in-store monetary donations at any Ralphs or Food 4 Less grocery store location in San Diego County. Having a backpack and all of the needed back-to-school supplies is essential for success in the school year. A small donation can make a big difference in the life of a student in need. 

More than 20,000 school-age children were identified as homeless during the last school year. Homelessness for school-age children can mean living in a shelter, sharing a residence with multiple families, living in a car or trailer in San Diego County or sharing a room in an apartment with relatives. Homelessness is not limited to urban, downtown San Diego, it also affects suburban school districts all over the county. Monetary donations will be accepted in-store at all Ralphs and Food 4 Less grocery store locations in San Diego County through July 31, as well as online at sdccu.com/donate.

Thursday, June 30

PARKING ISSUE RAISED

At Midway-Pacific Highway Community Planning Group’s June 16 meeting, Ron Slayen addressed the group about a serious ongoing parking problem. “Block after block you see many curbs inappropriately colored, a lot of yellow that does not conform to any businesses,” Slayen said. “There are also a lot of green curb sites that have limited 30-minute parking.”

Slayen contended that eliminating inappropriate color-coded curbing restricting parking would “make some concrete change in Midway” freeing up more needed parking space. “I recommend we could ask City staff, a traffic engineer, to come out and assess the situation and return with some options at a future meeting,” he concluded.

MIDWAY HOMELESS ENCAMPMENTS

Growing concern was expressed at Midway-Pacific Highway Community Planning Group’s June meeting about a surge in unsheltered tents pitched around the former Sports Arena and Goodwill Industries at 3663 Rosecrans St. as well as Big Lots across the street at 3705 Rosecrans St.

“We’ve seen 30 to 40 tents in public areas and we’ve been in constant contact with outreach workers from the County to try and get resources deployed to make sure folks get to shelters and get what they need,” said District 2 staffer Josh Coyne. “We had a meeting with Goodwill last week and want to make sure the police’s Neighborhood Policing Division and the mayor’s office are aware of it and are all on the same page about sharing accurate information about it.”

“If you’ve got the resources, why do you have to meet with all these stakeholders?” asked Midway Planning chair Cathy Kenton.

“Homelessness is a very complex issue and we’re working very closely with our government and police partners to address this,” answered Coyne. “It’s not illegal to be homeless. The police will tell you that. We’re working hard to make sure folks get permanent housing along the way, and don’t end up back in the (unsheltered) system.”

“I go over there to donate some things to Goodwill and there’s no toilets, no water,” noted Midway Planning member Kathy Holiday. “We’re talking about hygiene and health issues.”

ROCK CHURCH FOOD DISTRIBUTION

Rock Church is continuing its monthly food distributions for San Diego families to receive much-needed groceries at its campuses including every third Thursday at the Rock Church in Point Loma at 2277 Rosecrans St. The next Peninsula distribution will be Thursday, July 15 at Rock Church Point Loma Campus Parking Lot P with drive-thru service starting at 10 a.m. and continuing until supplies run out. In June, at the Point Loma campus, 268 households comprising 670 individuals received 7,897 pounds of food. Since the birth of this project on April 3, 2019, an average of 212 households have come through each of the three sites at the monthly distributions equating to over 31,535 individuals receiving much-needed groceries, diapers, and household supplies to date.

PIE, ICE CREAM IN POINT LOMA

With flagship locations in University Heights and Costa Mesa, Pop Pie Co. and sister company Stella Jean’s Ice Cream are headed next to Point Loma where they’ll open later this summer on Voltaire Street near popular Italian restaurant Cesarina. Taking over The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf’s former corner spot, the businesses will share a roof but retain their own separate counters and distinct branding in a space designed by local firm Tecscape, that will offer both indoor and outdoor seating.

Co-owners Steven Torres and Gan Suebsarakham, who operate Pop Pie and Stella Jean’s under The Sweet and Savory Collective, were able to ramp up their takeout and delivery service during the pandemic by renting a commissary kitchen in the Clairemont area that should also aid the partners in their expansion plans.

A coffee fanatic who lived in Seattle for a decade, Torres runs Pop Pie’s coffee program with a rotating roster of micro-roasters but has been working to develop his own line of high-end coffee that will fuel its locations going forward. Torres says that he’s looking for a space to house the roastery with plans to be up and running by this fall.

HUGE HOME FOR SALE

One of the largest homes in Point Loma is for sale. A one-of-a-kind home at 3402 Gage Place in Point Loma is on the market for $11.8 million, listed by Leslie Huntley of Willis Allen Real Estate. Built in 1988, this 6-bed, 7-bath, 10,406-square-foot home sits on an acre with views of the bay.

SDIA NONSTOP SERVICE

Southwest Airlines has announced it will add nonstop service to Bozeman, Mont. via Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport from San Diego International Airport beginning Nov. 23. Southwest Airlines has also announced it will resume nonstop service to New Orleans via Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport beginning Nov. 7. The resumption comes after Southwest Airlines suspended service in May 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Pre-COVID-19, the airline offered daily nonstop flights.  

MAN AND WOMAN OF THE YEAR 

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society has announced the winners of its Man and Woman of the Year fundraising contest. Candidates and their campaign teams were judged solely on virtual fundraising success this campaign season, each dollar counting as one vote. Their totals are then considered for the national title. Newly honored Man of the Year, Jeff Peters, accepted his nomination in honor of his mother, who passed from Acute Myeloid Leukemia just one year ago, and his aunt, who passed just over 30 years ago from a blood cancer.

Lauren Phinney, San Diego’s newest Woman of the Year, met countless families facing a blood cancer diagnosis over the years as a morning anchor for KUSI News and decided to use her platform to do something good for others. The community rallied behind her good will – and helped to make an incredible impact.

In addition to top fundraising awards, candidates were recognized for their commitment to the LLS Mission, Leadership, and Community Involvement. The award for Mission Integration was given to: Charlene Ewell from Team Kevin. The award Volunteerism went to: Sandra Shebani from Team Linda’s Light and the award for Community Involvement went to Lauren Phinney from Team For A Cure. 

DEL MAR ANTIQUES

The all new Del Mar Antiques + Art + Design Show at 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., organized by Dolphin Promotions, will be held July 9-11 at the Del Mar Fairgrounds Exhibit Hall and feature 100 quality dealers from California and across the U.S. The show is completely redesigned and under new management. New organizer Dolphin Promotions has over 30 years of show experience. The upcoming show will be the second edition organized by the new management team after a hiatus of 18 months due to the pandemic. For more information including a list of exhibitors, visit delmarantiques.com.

NEW LJ SYMPHONY DIRECTOR

The La Jolla Symphony & Chorus has appointed Dr. Arian Khaefi director of choral studies at San Diego State University, to serve as interim chorus conductor of the LJS&C chorus during the 2021-2022 season. Khaefi will succeed Dr. Ruben Valenzuela, LJS&C choral director since 2018. Valenzuela is stepping down to assume full time leadership of the Bach Collegium, of which he is the founding director. Khaefi was selected following a search whose success was much facilitated by the active participation of a small committee of long-time LJS&C chorus members, and executive and artistic leadership.

SD FOUNDATION HIRES

The San Diego Foundation hired three new directors. Christiana DeBenedict is director, environmental initiatives; Jason Rogers, AIF, CWS, is director, wealth advisor relations; and Lorena Nava Ruggero is director, communications. “Christiana, Jason and Lorena are wonderful new additions to our team who will help lead the work of our new Strategic Plan that benefits communities across our region,” said Mark Stuart, president and CEO of The San Diego Foundation.

DeBenedict will lead programs and directs resources to build a more equitable and resilient San Diego. She has built her career locally, developing capacity, resources, programs and networks in support of our regional and binational environment and community. Ruggero is responsible for creating awareness for The San Diego Foundation’s products, services, programs and impact on the San Diego community. She works with departmental teams to provide updates on the foundation’s initiatives and community impact programs to donors, nonprofit partners, locally elected officials, community members and other stakeholders.

COMMUNITY CENTER RECEPTION

Artists from the La Jolla Art Association will be holding a reception at the La Jolla Community Center in the Great Room on Friday, July 9 from 2:30-5:30 p.m. The art exhibit will feature the works of painter Lindsay Ahart and photographer Gloria Moeller. Both artists will discuss the stories behind their artwork. Titled, “Alive by the Sea,” featuring seascapes and ocean-related topics. 

There will be two additional artists, Daniel Kilgore and Minnie Valero, who will be exhibiting in the Las Patronas Room at the La Jolla Community Center. Daniel is an artist who paints in oil and Minnie is a watercolor artist. For more information visit  www.ljcommunitycenter.org/art-reception.

Following the reception, the art will be exhibited at the Community Center through July 31. The event is free and open to the public. Proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours of attending event is required as is a face covering during the reception. No food will be served. RSVP is required to Gloria at [email protected].

BIG TABLE DONATION

Thanks to the communities’ support via social media, San Diego’s Big Table was officially awarded a $10,000 donation from San Diego’s Mainline Insurance Services which will allow the organization to provide food and housing for up to 120 restaurant and hospitality workers. Big Table is a local organization dedicated to caring for restaurant and hospitality workers in crisis and they are equipped to provide care for all areas of a person’s life and usually includes rental and utility assistance as well as food security through gift cards to local grocery stores.

FATHER JOE’S FOURTH

Father Joe’s Villages will host a Fourth of July event at its outdoor courtyard on Friday, July 2, from 11 a.m. to noon. The Independence Day celebration is being hosted to distribute food, gift bags and hope to people in San Diego County that are currently homeless. Father Joe’s Villages president and CEO Deacon Jim Vargas will kick off the event with an inspiring prayer and there will be patriotic music, decorations and food.

The goal of the event is to provide nourishment, hygiene products and a day of hope to homeless or housing-insecure people – many of whom served in the armed forces. Local experts estimate that up to 8% of people without shelter in San Diego County are members of the veteran community. An estimated 7,600 individuals throughout San Diego County are living in homelessness.

SCOOTER PETITION DRIVE

Jonathan Freeman who started Safe Walkways, a nonprofit advocating for the restoration of safety for pedestrians on walkways, has begun a petition drive to bar motorized scooters from walkways. “From its arrival in San Diego in February 2018 the motorized scooter rental industry has created obstacles and hazards for pedestrians as well as liabilities for property owners,” said Freeman. “We’ve had over three years of mayhem and chaos, and the safety of pedestrians being put at risk, with a City that’s doing virtually nothing to alleviate the problem.”

Proposed solutions advocated by Safe Walkways to scooter issues include: requiring that rented motorized scooters only be staged and parked in City-designated corrals and prohibited from parking on sidewalks; limiting the number of companies renting scooters; requiring companies to remove their vehicles from corrals where road sweeping will occur; and creating a fines schedule and enabling traffic officers to give citations to the companies parking their vehicles on sidewalks. The scooter petition is available at safewalkwaysusa.com.

“Bird is a reliable last-mile electric scooter rental service,” replied the Bird Co. “Our mission is to make cities more livable by reducing car usage, traffic and congestion.”

LJ LIBRARY BOOK SALE

The Friends of the La Jolla Library will be holding an outdoor book sale on Saturday, July 3, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in front of the library at 7555 Draper Ave. Books, magazines, jigsaw puzzles and DVDs for all ages will be available starting at 25 cents (cash or credit/debit only). During sale hours only, the Friends will be accepting donations of gently used books, magazines, puzzles and DVDs for future sales. One-hundred percent of the proceeds go to the Friends of the La Jolla Library in support of the La Jolla Library.

MIRACLE BABIES

Miracle Babies, a nonprofit whose mission is to unite parents with hospitalized newborns by providing transportation and supportive services, celebrated its Miracle Circle Auxiliary on May 26 at La Valencia Hotel in La Jolla. The annual Breakfast at Tiffany’s included a cocktail reception, decadent brunch and exciting program. This year’s event raised nearly $100,000 which will fund a “Heart” shuttle designated to transport parents and babies receiving care at Rady Children’s Hospital Heart Institute. For more information, visit miraclebabies.org. 

Friday, June 25

SAN DIEGO GROWLERS HOME GAME

The San Diego Growlers (3-1) of the American Ultimate Disc League are back at home this Saturday, June 26 at 7 p.m. at Torrey Pines High School to take on the Dallas Roughnecks (1-1) in the Week 4 AUDL Game of the Week. Each Game of the Week this season will re-air on Fox Sports 2 the following Wednesday as part of a two-year deal the AUDL signed with Fox Sports after the 2019 season; this week’s Dallas vs. San Diego game will air on FS2 on June 30. 

The first meeting between the two teams came in the semifinals of Championship Weekend 8 in 2019. In a back-and-forth game, Dallas narrowly edged out San Diego 23-18 with a strong showing in the fourth quarter. Following the 2019 season, the AUDL realigned the four divisions, which included moving Dallas to the West Division. A budding rivalry between Dallas and San Diego will start to take shape starting with the first of two regular-season meetings this Saturday. Both teams are favorites for the two playoff spots up for grabs in the West this year.

BEATING VICTIM NOT CHARGED

The City will not seek prosecution against a homeless black man who was witnessed by a bystander allegedly being beaten during an arrest for public urination in La Jolla by two San Diego police officers on May 12. “Our city’s resources may be better used to provide public toilets,” said City Attorney Mara Elliott.

The May 12 incident occurred about 9 a.m. in the 4100 block of Torrey Pines Road near Scripps Institution of Oceanography. “Two officers on patrol witnessed a man urinating in public,” said SDPD spokesperson Shawn Takeuchi. “The man would not stop to speak with officers, therefore an officer held the man to detain him. Despite the officers repeatedly telling the man to ‘stop resisting,’ the man would not comply. One of the officers struck the man several times.” Takeuchi noted the man was taken into custody and transported to the hospital. The SDPD Internal Affairs Unit has been investigating the incident including reviewing Body Worn Camera video.”

LA JOLLA ART & WINE FESTIVAL RETURNING

The La Jolla Art & Wine Festival will return Oct. 9-10 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. to Girard Avenue in La Jolla. There is rolling admission for artists this year. It is a juried art show meaning artists are fine artists and we’re estimating at least 40% of the artists will be new to the show. While the entire festival is free, there will be ticketed entry to the wine and beer garden. Early bird tickets are on sale now for $35 and include five tasting tickets. The wine and beer garden will feature 30 boutique wineries, craft breweries and San Diego’s finest craft distillers.

The event will have live music with a special performance by the San Diego Opera. The La Jolla High School Marching Band will join us on Saturday of the festival. Featured artists this year are Krista Schumacher ljawf.com/featured-artist-krista-schumacher and Josh Serafin ljawf.com/featured-artist-josh-serafin. The LJAWF has donated $951,000 to the five public schools in La Jolla since inception, 13 years ago – Torrey Pines Elementary, La Jolla Elementary, Bird Rock Elementary, Muirlands Middle School and La Jolla High School.

WORKPLACE FACE COVERINGS

Discover PB, the beach community’s business improvement district, is reminding residents and businesses of new guidance from the state on new regulations governing face coverings to protect customers and employees. In settings where masks are required only for unvaccinated individuals, businesses, venue operators or hosts may choose to:

• Provide information to all patrons, guests and attendees regarding vaccination requirements and allow vaccinated individuals to self-attest that they are in compliance prior to entry.

• Implement vaccine verification to determine whether individuals are required to wear a mask. 

• Require all patrons to wear masks.

• No person can be prevented from wearing a mask as a condition of participation in an activity or entry into a business.

For any questions or comments, contact [email protected] and visit sandiegocounty.gov/coronavirus.html for more information.

SURFBOARDS SOUGHT

The PB Rec Center is designing a mural/mosaic using surfboards. Please donate your old surfboards in any shape to them. This will be a permanent art fixture and donations are being accepted to sponsor a surfboard mosaic and will be acknowledged with a tile. Amounts vary in sponsorship from $25 to $5,000 and are tax deductible to the amount of IRS allows. Designed by a local artist and having PB volunteers helping to create the finished project this will become a jewel of Pacific Beach.

PB WOMAN’S CLUB

Pacific Beach Woman’s Club has been sold and is under new ownership. It is no longer available for rent by the PBWC. The club will be dark in July and August but social events may be planned. Check out its Facebook page for possible events. Fall meetings will commence at the VFW Hall on 853 Turquoise St., first Thursday, Sept. 2, at 6 p.m. Social half-hour meeting at 6:30 pm.

MOON JELLY AT BIRCH AQUARIUM

• This is a new permanent installation in the Hall of Fishes at Birch Aquarium. Sometime in the fall, the Moon Jellies will be replaced by ctenophore jellies in a named exhibit, but for now, we are just calling this a Moon Jelly experience.  

• It is a 600-gallon cylindrical tank that curves out into the walkway and is at the perfect height for even our youngest guests to get up close to these amazing creatures.

• Named for its ethereal moon-like bell, these jellies are known to go with the flow and travel with ocean currents.  As they drift, they use their short tentacles to sweep food towards their oral arms, aka the frilly part on the underside of the jelly.

“Moon Jellies are found around the world from the warm waters of the tropics to the cold waters of the northern and southern oceans,” said Jennifer Nero Moffatt, the aquarium’s senior director of animal care and husbandry. “These highly resilient and ancient creatures are made of 95% seawater. Some jellies pack a punch with potent stings, and adapt quickly to warming oceans. This new exhibit is a great opportunity for guests to get up close and personal with jellies, sting free.”

LJSA FAVORS PEDESTRIAN SAFETY

At a special June meeting, La Jolla Shores Association voted unanimously in favor of a motion to take action promoting pedestrian safety in the neighborhood. The following motion was made and voted 11-0: Install crosswalks with pedestrian-activated flashing beacons along La Jolla Shores Drive at Vallecitos. Place pedestrian striping at all stop signs at Avenida De La Playa, Paseo del Ocaso and El Paseo Grande. Install pedestrian warning signs at the intersections of La Jolla Shores Drive that do not have stop signs. This is the first phase in solutions for traffic congestion and pedestrian safety in La Jolla Shores. The first phase is in response to the recent traffic incident involving and injury to an adult and two small children.

NEW VENDOR FOR LJ SIGNAGE

A new vendor, EnSight, has been selected replacing Texas-based FlashParking for La Jolla Village Merchant Association’s directional wayfinding signage program for the Village, a multiyear effort by the community’s La Jolla Coastal Access and Parking Board. In January Flash Parking was selected by LJVMA to fabricate and install electronic signage, hardware, software and installation for its camera-based technology. However, FlashParking, without elaborating, withdrew its proposal recently saying only it felt that it was not the right company to do the job. About $121,000 accrued from contributions from office space developers as required by the California Coastal Commission is available for the community improvement project.

NEW MUSEUM COUNCIL DIRECTOR

The board of directors of the San Diego Museum Council has named Bob Lehman as the organization’s next executive director. Lehman is a nonprofit leader with expertise in organizational management, strategic planning, fundraising, and institutional growth. “Bob’s visionary leadership as director in performing arts organizations transfers extremely well to our association of San Diego County museums,” says SDMC’s incoming board chair Christine Stokes. “We are incredibly fortunate to have him as our new executive director and look forward to the leadership he brings to the museum community.”

SDHS WALK-IN ADOPTIONS

After more than a year of appointment-only, outdoor services, San Diego Humane Society is opening its doors to the public and offering walk-in adoptions once again. “We’re thrilled to welcome people into our buildings again,” said SDHS president and CEO Dr. Gary Weitzman. “Our staff and volunteers did a great job adapting during the pandemic with an appointment-based adoption system. It worked and it allowed for a safe way to continue to find homes for our animals. But nothing can replace the joy that comes from walking through the adoption gallery and finding your new family member.” For more information, visit sdhumane.org.

OB CHARITY GETS CERTIFIED

Ocean Beach Emergency Food, Inc., which has continuously served the community since 1977, has received Gold Certification from the Nutrition Pantry Program at UC San Diego School of Medicine.

OBEFI, also known as Ocean Beach Loaves & Fishes, is supported by area churches and community organizations and currently distributes monthly 4,800 pounds of food and hygiene items to 435 individuals, including the elderly, disabled, families and unsheltered. Distributions occur every Monday morning from space generously provided by Water’s Edge Faith Community, 1984 Sunset Cliffs Blvd.

“We are deeply grateful to receive this meaningful award in recognition of our ongoing mission to feed the hungry in Ocean Beach,” said Father Lawrence Bausch, president of OBEFI’s board. “It is especially meaningful to be recognized at this time as we have seen the need for our services double during the pandemic, as many in our community have struggled to feed their families.”

The Nutrition Pantry Program supports food distribution centers across San Diego in implementing practical, client-based strategies aimed at improving health. The program, which was designed by Leah’s Pantry, leahspantry.org, is directed by the UC San Diego Center for Community Health, which works to improve health equity in diverse communities.

JUNETEENTH CELEBRATED

Lawyers Club of San Diego applauds the establishment of Juneteenth as a federal holiday, following President Biden’s signing of legislation to make it a federal holiday, designating June 19 as the national day to commemorate the end of slavery in the United States. The name Juneteenth stems from June 19, 1865, when Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger in Galveston, Texas, issued General Order No. 3, which announced that in accordance with the Emancipation Proclamation, “all slaves are free.” President Abraham Lincoln had issued the Emancipation Proclamation on Sept. 22, 1862, declaring that all slaves in the Confederate States would be free, effective Jan. 1, 1863.

BIG TABLE AWARDED

Thanks to the communities’ support, San Diego’s Big Table was officially awarded a $10,000 donation from San Diego’s Mainline Insurance Services, which will allow the organization to provide food and housing for up to 120 individuals. Big Table is a local organization dedicated to caring for restaurant and hospitality workers in crisis and they’re equipped to provide care for all areas of a person’s life and usually includes rental and utility assistance as well as food security through gift cards to local grocery stores.

SANDAG VIRTUAL OPEN HOUSE

The draft 2021 Regional Plan virtual open houses begin this week. Join us at an upcoming open house for an opportunity to hear from SANDAG leadership and staff on key considerations of the draft 2021 Regional Plan, proposed improvements in the event’s subregion, and an opportunity to give verbal public comment on the draft plan. Attendees are encouraged to join the meeting focused closest to their residence. Click to join: Central San Diego: Wednesday, June 30, 6-8 p.m. To learn more and participate in these events, visit SDForward.com. To join the open house by telephone, dial+1 669 900 6833 and use webinar ID: 987 9265 8224.

HOWL-O-SCREAM AT SEAWORLD

A visit to SeaWorld San Diego will turn frightful on select evenings this fall when the park unleashes the all-new Howl-O-Scream, a family-friendly Spooktacular during the day with trick-or-treating, then transforming the park into an intense horror-filled haunt at night. Howl-O-Scream is a separately ticketed event with tickets now available for purchase starting at $39.99 for general admission with exclusive discounts available for pass members. Fans of fear can sign-up at howloscream.com/CA to be the first to receive more dark details on new houses, experiences and more coming to at SeaWorld as additional gruesome details are announced.

MEET THE CHEF AT SCUDERIE ITALIA

Things are heating up at Scuderie Italia at 1525 Garnet Ave. The Italian ristorante is welcoming in the warmer weather with a selection of seasonal dishes created by newly appointed executive chef Gabriella Titoto. A sampling of new dishes will be unveiled at a Meet the Chef four-course dinner on Thursday, July 1. Guests will have the opportunity to meet Titoto at an exclusive dinner served family style. The meal will be $55 per person, with the option to pair fine Italian wines for an additional $25. Seating is limited and reservations are encouraged by calling 858-352-6912. More information about Scuderie Italia can be found at ScuderieItalia.com.

PROSECUTOR OF THE YEAR

City Attorney Mara W. Elliott announced that deputy city attorney Monique Rohani Dulanto has been honored by the local chapter of Mothers Against Drunk Driving as its Outstanding Prosecutor of the Year. Dulanto received her award at a virtual ceremony on June 23 during MADD’s annual Law Enforcement & Prosecutor Recognition awards. Dulanto is the lead prosecutor on the City Attorney’s special Drug DUI vertical prosecution team, which prosecutes thousands of DUI cases a year, with a conviction rate of more than 98%. 

LA V FOURTH OF JULY

San Diego landmark, La Valencia Hotel is hosting a new Piper-Heidsieck brunch as part of its “Red, White and Brut” Fourth of July celebration at both The Med and La Sala. The restaurants are open to the public and reservations are highly encouraged through OpenTable. The historic property has partnered with illustrious French Champagne house Piper-Heidsieck for its iconic weekend brunch, available Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Diners can now experience a new, branded champagne cart to enjoy “Piper on the Patio.” Plus, exclusive Piper-Heidsieck by the bottle (Cuvee 1785’ Brut NV, Brut, Rose Champagne Blend and Rare Brut Millesime) and specialty champagne cocktails, including the 1926 champagne cocktail (Piper-Heidsieck ‘Cuvee 1785’ Brut NV, angostura, brown sugar, $25).

AIR TRAFFIC RETURNING

“We’ve been seeing an increase of passengers through the terminals since March and anticipate we’ll continue to see traffic slowly increase throughout summer,” said Sabrina LoPiccolo, San Diego International Airport senior communications specialist. “The top three traffic days (to date) have been June 18, 20 and 21. Each of these days we saw more than 60,000 people coming and going each day.”

FREE TOTES AT RUBIO’S

The shipment has arrived and Rubio’s Coastal Grill is continuing their 10-year World Oceans Day tradition by giving out free, reusable tote bags. The bags, which were previously delayed, are now available while supplies last, with any purchase, on Wednesday, June 30 and Thursday, July 1. This year’s reusable bags read, “for the love of the ocean” and are perfect for summer adventures.

Rubio’s locations are now open at 100% capacity. Guests may order online, or through the app, for curbside or express pickup, or delivery for just $1.99. The imaginative Rubio’s x Blais Street Taco Plate, developed with celebrity chef Richard Blais, is on the menu through the summer. For more information and to view the menu, visit Rubio’s.

LLS FUNDRAISER WINNERS

A San Marcos woman and a San Diego man have been named the winners of this year’s Man & Woman of the Year for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s San Diego Chapter. The two winners, Jeff Peters, and Lauren Phinney, raised $130,984 and $135,502 respectively, to support LLS’s goal to find cures for blood cancers and ensure that patients have access to lifesaving treatments. During a spirited 10-week fundraising period, beginning with a virtual kickoff celebration, candidates across the county competed in honor of local blood cancer survivors, Boy of The Year, Liam Vest of Chula Vista, and Girl of the Year, Jocelyn Croxen of San Marcos. The 11 candidates and their teams raised a total of $693,676, a new record for San Diego, all in support of LLS’s mission. Five out of the 11 candidates rallied the support of their teams and communities to raise over $50,000 each.

UC SAN DIEGO ENDOWMENT

Iris and Matthew Strauss, longtime supporters of cancer research and patient care at Moores Cancer Center at UC San Diego Health, have given $2 million to establish the Iris and Matthew Strauss Chancellor’s Endowed Chair in Head and Neck Surgery to support excellence in research, education and clinical care. “We believe in the missions of UC San Diego and UC San Diego Health and their commitment to the community, groundbreaking research and health care. UC San Diego Health is at the forefront of transformative health care innovation and practice, and we want to ensure that it is able to attract and retain world-class experts and provide the resources needed for it to continue to change the landscape of clinical care well into the future. We are proud to support UC San Diego Health and its important role as an international leader in head and neck surgery,” said Matthew Strauss.

Joseph A. Califano, III, MD, professor in the Department of Surgery, Division of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, and Department of Radiation Medicine and Applied Sciences at UC San Diego School of Medicine, has been named the inaugural chair holder. An endowed chair is one of the highest honors that an academic institution can confer upon a faculty member. It recognizes excellence in their research and clinical practice. To learn more about supporting the Head and Neck Cancer Center, visit health.ucsd.edu.

NEW ARC BOARD

The Arc of San Diego, one of the county’s largest nonprofits serving people with disabilities, announced its new Board of Directors for 2021-2022 at its 2021 Virtual Annual Meeting and Installation Ceremony June 2. The Arc of San Diego2021-2022 board of directors officers:  

Board Chair: Esther Coit – of San Diego

1st Vice Chair: Dwight Stratton – of Vista

2nd Vice Chair: Lily Fallah – of San Diego

Secretary/Treasurer: Christine Miller, MA – of Encinitas

Past Board Chair: Doug Hoehn – of Santee.

AIRPORT’S CLEAN ENERGY COMMITMENT

San Diego Community Power , the not-for-profit community choice energy program, announced San Diego International Airport’s enrollment into its service and SAN’s decision to opt-up to the Power100 service level. SDCP will provide 100% renewable, 100% carbon-free energy to SAN, who continues to be a leader in environmental stewardship for the travel industry and region. The airport served 25 million passengers in 2019, making it the busiest single-runway commercial airport in the United States.

“Having the opportunity to work with San Diego Community Power enables us to reach our goal of 100 percent renewable electricity well before our planned timing of 2035,” said Kimberly Becker, San Diego County Regional Airport Authority President and CEO. “SDCP’s ability to provide reliable, zero-carbon energy at competitive costs is a game-changer for us and everyone in the region.”

Thursday, June 17

 GARDEN TOUR

The San Diego Floral Association Garden Tour titled Vistas and Verandahs: Gardens of Ocean Beach will take place from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, June 26. Find details and tickets at sdfloral.org. Enjoy ocean views and sea breezes on this first garden tour of the beautiful Ocean Beach community. Known best for its pier, sandy shores and colorful history, Ocean Beach is also a gardener’s paradise.

Stately palms and araucaria trees rise into blue skies while hillside home gardens abound in a wide array of plants that flourish in the microclimate of this coastal area. The tour offers variety and a window on the horticultural talents of artists and master gardeners. Proceeds of this tour will help to support scholarships for horticulture students and a school garden program.

SALSA ON THE BEACH

Free dancing. Free parking. Family friendly. There will be salsa, cha-cha, and bachata music being played from 3:30-8 p.m. Saturday, June 19, at 3020 Ocean Front Walk in Mission Beach. 3:30-5 p.m: music: timba (75%), salsa (25%); 4 p.m.: follow along line dance; 5-7 p.m. music changes to a mix: salsa (55%), bachata (25%), timba (20%); 5 p.m.: follow along line dance 2, beginner timba salsa (no partner needed); 6:30 p.m.: June birthday’s dance; 6:40 p.m.: group photo; 6:45-7:45 p.m.: music changes to a mix: salsa (50%), bachata (50%); 7:45-8 p.m. rumba.

BANK PROPERTY SOLD

Flocke & Avoyer Commercial Real Estate has completed the $3.7 million sale of 5,812- square-foot former Chase Bank at 1740 Rosecrans St. The seller of the property was C.E. John Partners 12, LLC and the buyer was Z-Axis Healthcare Solutions, a healthcare management company. The buyer plans on occupying more than half of the building for an AFC Urgent Care and leasing the remaining space. Bill Thaxton of Flocke & Avoyer Commercial Real Estate represented the seller. Kirk Allison of Commercial Pacific Properties represented the buyer.

ROCK CHURCH FOOD DISTRIBUTION

On June 17 at 10 a.m. the Rock Church Point Loma campus at 2277 Rosecrans St. will launch their community food, diaper and supplies distribution. The Point Loma Campus launch is part of an ongoing monthly effort to help those that have found themselves in an unexpected place of need during the COVID-19 crisis. According to the San Diego Food Bank, out of San Diego County’s 3.2 million residents, 450,000 people face food insecurity every day. Not all San Diegans have access to obtain groceries at local organizations like the San Diego Food Bank.

The Rock Church food distributions occur weekly at its different Rock campuses including every third Thursday at the Rock Church Point Loma. The community is invited to get free food and supplies. The drive-thru set-up is designed for easy pick up. The distribution of groceries and supplies begins at 10 a.m. at Point Loma. The distribution ends when supplies run out for the day. 

The Provision Ministry, along with the Rock Church, are especially appreciative to the local businesses that have supported and donated to this local effort including Point Loma Nazarene University’s Business Management Club. If you would like to participate and receive groceries and other household supplies, or if you’d like to volunteer, partner or donate to the Provision Ministry, visit sdrock.com/ministries/provisions/.

TAXPAYERS OLYMPICS AT LOMA CLUB

The first of its kind in San Diego, the Inaugural Taxpayers Olympics is an opportunity for elected officials, community leaders, and San Diegans from all walks of life to put aside their differences of opinion and engage in friendly competition. Teams of 10 will compete for gold at the beautiful Loma Club, 2960 Truxton Road in Point Loma. The event will be held the afternoon of July 29. For team sponsorship information, call 619-234-6423 or email [email protected]

LIBERTY STATION BUILDING AWARDED

San Diego’s countywide preservation group, Save Our Heritage Organisation, celebrated its 38th annual People In Preservation Awards with an online award presentation May 27. SOHO’s Shane Liberty Adaptive Reuse Award this year went to The Fort Rosecrans Post Exchange, now more commonly referred to as Navy Building 158. That structure is situated within the Fort Rosecrans Historic District. It was constructed in1908 for use as a post exchange and gymnasium.

Boasting a Georgian Revival architectural style, this large red brick building was recommended for remodeling many times, but these projects never happened, and the historic building has sat vacant for the last 20 years. In 2019, Shane Liberty of Barnhart-Reese Construction, Inc. was awarded the contract to carry out a massive adaptive reuse project that would showcase this important military structure and Point Loma’s development. Today, the Fort Rosecrans Post Exchange houses administrative offices and a training center, with a wonderfully intact historic exterior.

GULLS BACK AT PECHANGA ARENA

When the Gulls announced earlier this year they were moving temporarily to Irvine from Pechanga Arena San Diego they did so with the hope that if restrictions on fans at indoor events eased, they could return late in the season or at least for the postseason.]However, the Gulls won’t be back until the 2021-22 American Hockey League season begins this fall.

“While we eagerly anticipate welcoming our great fans back to Pechanga Arena, state guidelines regarding indoor events will not provide ASM Global the necessary time to prepare the arena for normal business operations for the remainder of the 2020-21 season,” the Gulls said in a statement. “As a result, the Gulls will finish the 2020-21 AHL season at FivePoint Arena in Irvine.” 

NEW LAW PARTNERS

Leading insurance and civil litigation defense firm Tyson & Mendes LLP  at 5661 La Jolla Blvd. in Bird Rock has announced the promotion of Michael Drews, Candice Hamant, Allison Lawrence and David Ramirez to partner. Drews joins the firm’s partnership in Denver, Hamant and Lawrence in Northern California, and Ramirez in the firm’s San Diego headquarters.

PAWS4THOUGHT

PAWS4thought Animal Rescue is celebrating National Foster a Pet Month with Petco Love, a national nonprofit working to lead and inspire change for animals, and Skechers’ charity footwear collection, BOBS from Skechers, by recognizing lifesaving foster volunteers in San Diego, and encouraging more people to foster pets.

“They say it takes a village and if it weren’t for our many dedicated foster volunteers who share the same passion, we couldn’t do what we do. As a foster-based rescue, our fosters are our lifeline to saving lives. Without our fosters, our dogs and puppies would have no safe place to go to heal, be loved and learn how to be “a family pet” while they wait for their forever homes,” said Judy Clayton, co-founder at PAWS4thought.

Throughout June, Petco Love will share foster resources and stories to show how fostering is easy, highly rewarding, and significantly helps end preventable euthanasia of pets. Through sales of its BOBS from Skechers collection, Skechers has donated more than $3.1 million to support Petco Love’s more than 4,000 animal welfare organization partners. The company’s funds have helped Petco Love save and care for more than 700,000 shelter animals. To learn more about PAWS4thought Animal Rescue and how you can help foster, visit paws4thoughtrescue.com. For more on Petco Love and to view foster resources, visit petcolove.org/foster.

MARITIME MUSEUM OPENS INDOORS

Maritime Museum of San Diego reopen indoor exhibits, below ship deck galleries and the USS Dolphin submarine June 15. The Museum is open daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Entrance to all exhibits are included in general admission, with Maritime Museum Bay Boat tours an additional $10 or $15 per person. For more information, ticket purchase, advance reservations and to make a donation or learn more about the restoration projects underway, visit sdmaritime.org. 

MAVERICKS JUNEBOOM

On Friday, June 18, Mavericks Beach Club at 860 Garnet Ave. is partnering with Juneshine and Teremana Tequila to host JuneBOOM, an event celebrating the launch of Juneshine’s new Paloma. From 5-9 p.m., there will be dancing, drink Specials, and a silent auction with items such as custom Callaway golf clubs, Adidas gear, signed bottles, golf tee times and more. And the first 100 guests get a Juneshine Bucket Hat.

Proceeds from drink specials and the silent auction will benefit of Puppies & Golf Charity, a California nonprofit whose mission is to protect and advocate for dogs in need of companionship by supporting and promoting organizations dedicated to connecting humans and dogs for a lifetime of purpose and love, with an emphasis on Military veterans. 

TASTE AT THE COVE IS BACK

After skipping the 2020 event, Taste at the Cove, tasteatthecove.com, is returning Thursday, Sept. 23, for the 20th anniversary of the San Diego Sports Medicine Foundation sdsmf.com.

YACHT ROCK SUNDAY BRUNCH 

Batten down the hatches, you’re invited to Yacht Rock Brunch at Tower Beach Club, 1010 Santa Clara Place in Mission Beach, on Sunday, June 27 at 11 a.m. As brunch and bottomless Champagne is served on the deck, the smooth grooves and lush sounds of Band Overboard will take you back to the late ’70s and early ’80s when Christopher Cross, Steely Dan, Hall & Oates, and Toto ruled the world. 

SDHS CAUTIONS PET OWNERS ON HEAT

With temperatures soaring, San Diego Humane Society urges pet owners to take extra precaution. Here are some important safety tips to keep in mind when it is hot outside: Always provide plenty of cool, clean water for your animal; Leave your pets at home as much as possible. they will be much more comfortable in your cool home than riding in a hot car; If you must take your pet along for the ride, don’t leave your pet alone in a parked vehicle; In extremely hot weather, don’t leave your dog standing on the street, and keep walks to a minimum; Don’t force your animal to exercise in hot, humid weather. Exercise your pet in the cool of the early morning or evening;  Dogs can get sunburned too — don’t forget to protect hairless and light-coated dogs with sunscreen; Always provide plenty of shade for an animal staying outside the house. Bring your pet inside during the heat of the day and let them rest in a cool part of your house;  A clean coat can help to prevent summer skin problems, so keep your pet well groomed; Take your companion animal to the veterinarian for a summer checkup. Have the doctor recommend a safe, effective flea and tick control program; and Be alert for the signs of heat stress: heavy panting, glazed eyes, a rapid pulse, unsteadiness, a staggering gait, vomiting, or a deep red tongue. If you believe your pet is suffering from heat exhaustion, contact your veterinarian right away — it could save your pet’s life. For more information, visit sdhumane.org.

Friday, June 11

HOTEL OPENING

Cormorant Boutique Hotel and Birdseye will open in La Jolla this summer. The coastal property offers a relaxed version of La Jolla luxury and features 26 guestrooms with ocean-view balconies, and a new rooftop restaurant and bar offering small plates and craft cocktails called Birdseye for its Pacific Ocean views.

The development will include Prospect Market, an upscale grab-and-go marketplace. Located within walking distance to La Jolla Cove and dozens of boutique shops, art galleries and restaurants in The Village, Cormorant Boutique Hotel, perched on a dramatic seven-mile stretch of sunny coastline, is an ideal place to stay in one the most picturesque destinations in Southern California.   

BLOOD DRIVE AT PECHANGA

Pechanga Arena San Diego and the American Red Cross are teaming up to help hospital patients through a community blood drive Thursday, June 17, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 3500 Sports Arena Blvd. The Red Cross currently has an emergency need for type O blood donors as hospital demand for these blood products continues to outpace donations. As a thank you, all who come to donate June 14-30 will receive a $5 Amazon.com Gift Card by email. Restrictions apply and are available at RedCrossBlood.org/Together. Patients rely on volunteer donors to receive blood transfusions since blood is perishable and cannot be manufactured or stockpiled.

FISHING TRIP GIVEAWAY

San Diego company Offshore Lifestyle is giving away a one-day offshore fishing trip for two for Father’s Day. Their boat is out of Point Loma. It’s a $4,500 value. The giveaway runs through June 17 and the winner will be announced on June 18, so they can surprise their dad with the news on Father’s Day. Contest entry page at bdoutdoors.com/osl-fathers-day/.

LJ MAD PROGRESS

The La Jolla Maintenance Assessment District (MAD) is about to wrap up its fiscal year. The Enhance La Jolla Board of Directors managing the MAD voted unanimously to exercise its option to extend the contracts with existing vendors Urban Corps and Nissho of California for another one-year term.

In May, the La Jolla MAD worked to better address sidewalk pressure-washing activities, meeting with leadership from Urban Corps to perform a physical walkthrough of the district. Problem areas have been identified and the vendor is now sending a daily day-after report of those specific areas that were addressed in the previous night’s shift. Areas of particular focus are high-traffic spots along Girard Avenue, Prospect Street and Wall Street.

Regarding landscaping, a meeting was held between representatives from the Village of La Jolla Garden Club, the La Jolla MAD and Nissho of California, the current vendor responsible for attending to landscaping needs. The 21 jacaranda trees that the garden club generously donated are being watered every Tuesday and Friday. It will, however, likely be another year or so before the signature purple flowers begin to appear on these young saplings. The freshening of Girard Avenue tree wells from south of Pearl Street to Prospect Street is also underway. We are on schedule to have all tree wells on Girard Avenue completed by the end of June.

If you see an issue needing attention, contact Enhance La Jolla at 858-444-5892 or email [email protected]g.

AQUARIUM EXTENDS HOURS

For the first time, Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography, UC San Diego is offering extended hours this summer. From July 1-Aug. 31 the aquarium, which has traditionally closed at 5 p.m., will be open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily, with the last entry at 6 p.m.

“Summer is here and our guests are excited to get out and experience a bit of normalcy,” said Harry Helling, executive director of Birch Aquarium. “Our new extended hours in July and August will help San Diegans celebrate the long, warm days of summer.”

During extended hours, all exhibits and hands-on activities — including the newest touch pool exhibit where guests can touch juvenile sharks — will remain open and guests will also be able to explore a new 600 cylindrical Moon Jelly experience in the Hall of Fishes. 

Though health and safety regulations are beginning to loosen across the county, guest and staff safety remain a priority at Birch Aquarium. The aquarium continues to operate at a limited capacity, and to require advanced reservations, in order to allow for social distancing.

The aquarium still requires all staff and guests ages 2 and above to wear masks both indoors and outdoors. More information, including the latest safety protocols and other important details for guests planning their next visit, can be found at aquarium.ucsd.edu. Advanced reservations for a specific time and date are required to visit Birch Aquarium, even for members. Reservations are available online only. 

FISH SHOP DONATION

Summer in San Diego is just around the corner and Fish Shop is providing plenty of opportunities to drink and dine for a good cause. All three restaurant locations in Pacific Beach, Encinitas, and Point Loma are encouraging guests to stop by and support three causes through the end of September. For every bottle of Tribute, Imagery, and Cupcake wine sold on-premise, $1 will be donated to the below causes:

June – Direct Relief, whose mission is to improve the health and lives of people affected by poverty or emergencies.

July/August – Pets for Patriots, a non-profit created to give the gifts of fidelity, joy, and love to veterans and pets through companion animal adoption.

September – No Kid Hungry, an organization whose mission is to end child hunger in the United States, where $1 equals 10 meals for children in need.

FATHER’S DAY TACOS

Treat dad to free tacos this Father’s Day at City Tacos. With seven locations across San Diego, including Pacific Beach, the taqueria will host a buy one, get one free taco specials for all dads on Sunday, June 20. Enjoy innovative taco selections including the Mexicali or the Pescado Taco, and pair your order with a signature Michelada.

LOUD & PROUD SAN DIEGO LOYAL

To kick off Pride Month, San Diego Loyal SC Soccer Club has announced the debut of their “Loud & Proud” fan section as part of their new partnership with San Diego Pride. SD Loyal’s new game-day initiative is said to be the first-ever in sports history. For all of SD Loyal’s home matches in their 2021 season, USD’s Torero Stadium dedicates section 110 to those within the LGBTQ community, as well as those who support and share the vision of inclusion in professional sports. The section, permanently decorated with Pride-related elements, collects 20 percent of ticket sales and donates to SD Pride to help with their mission to foster pride, equality, and respect for all lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities locally, nationally and globally. Fans are encouraged to stay connected by downloading the official team app or signing up for updates and news via SDLoyal.com.

BEATLES VS. STONES AT BELLY UP TAVERN

The Belly Up Tavern has announced that the PettyBreakers and Beatles vs. Stones shows will perform this summer. The PettyBreakers – A Tribute to Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers perform on Sunday, July 11 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets at BellyUp.com. The two greatest rock ‘n’ roll bands of all time face off as the Belly Up Tavern hosts tributes to the Beatles and the Rolling Stones. Renowned tribute bands Abbey Road and Jumping Jack Flash engage in a musical showdown of the hits on Sunday, Aug. 1 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets may be at BellyUp.com.

DOG BITE AWARENESS

More than 5,800 U.S. Postal Service employees were attacked by dogs last year. A recent report placed the city of San Diego among the top 10 of the nation for dog attacks. To emphasize the seriousness of this issue, USPS is sponsoring Dog Bite Awareness Week, June 12-18. You can review dog safety tips at uspsblog.com and https://go.usa.gov/x6K6E. A short animated video is also available at YouTube.com/USPSTV.

POINTER GRADUATION

Point Loma High School graduation is this Saturday, June 12 at 11:30 a.m. at Petco Park.

• Check the Petco entry policies at mlb.com/padres/ballpark/entry-policies.

• Graduates cannot wear leis until after the ceremony is over.

• Families are only allowed to bring in a small clutch-sized purse of 6.5 inches by 4.5 inches.

• Masks must be worn at all times, unless guests are actively eating/drinking. Graduates can remove their masks when they are walking across the stage only. 

You can find the graduation livestream link and the most up-to-date graduation details on the PLHS website.

MAINLY MOZART

Mainly Mozart has announced the 2021 All-Star Festival Orchestra at the Del Mar Surf Cup Sports Park from June 11-19. This event welcomes the return of in-person, socially distanced, assigned seating in an outdoor venue. Opening night – Friday, June 11, at 8 p.m. For information on the Mainly Mozart All-Star Orchestra Festival or to purchase tickets, visit mainlymozart.org.

UNCLAIMED MONEY

Anyone who has done business with the City of San Diego in the past three years, including paying business taxes or utility fees, could be owed money. Check amounts range from $1 to $35,000. The City regularly receives returned checks that are undeliverable based on the address on file. Checks that remain uncashed after six months become unclaimed money. Currently, the City has $1 million in unclaimed money owed to people or businesses due to refunds or vendor payments. The Unclaimed Monies Report is available at sandiego.gov/finance/unclaimed and is updated quarterly.  

UTLIMATE FRISBEE AT MBHS

The San Diego Growlers of the American Ultimate Disc League will play their first home game of the season at noon Sunday, June 13 at Mission Bay High School. The American Ultimate Disc League is an ultimate frisbee league in North America. The AUDL was founded in 2010, and played its inaugural season in 2012 with eight teams. Regular season games are played through July. 

REPUBLICAN GUBERNATORIAL EVENT

The Republican Party Of San Diego County expects more than 800 Republicans from across San Diego County and Southern California to gather and hear from gubernatorial candidates Caitlyn Jenner, Anthony Trimino, Jenny Rae Le Roux, Sarah Stephens, Joseph Luciano, and U.S. Senate candidate Elizabeth Heng on Monday, June 14. The event will be held at Town & Country Hotel in Mission Valley at 500 Hotel Circle North. The reception is at 6 p.m. with speakers beginning at 7 p.m.

LJ PLAYHOUSE COFFEE

On Friday, June 11 at 10 a.m. La Jolla Playhouse artistic director Christopher Ashley is hosting another of his behind-the-scenes coffee chats interviewing artists and previewing what’s next at the playhouse.

Listen in as Christopher talks to four theatre artists presenting Playhouse-commissioned works at the upcoming Pop-Up WOW weekend, taking place Aug. 14-15 at Arts District Liberty Station. You can log into YouTube to ask questions during the Q&A. Here’s a 3-minute tutorial on how to login to YouTube. If you’ve missed any past events, catch up by watching previous episodes via this YouTube playlist.

LITTLE ITALY ART WALK

ArtWalk Little Italy Summer Series announces its debut in Little Italy beginning Sunday, June 27 from 11a.m.-6 p.m. Taking place at the Piazza della Famiglia and the adjacent block of W. Date Street, each one-day show will include 30 select artists exhibiting their stunning works of art. The event will run every other Sunday including June 27, July 11, July 25, Sept. 5, and Sept. 19, giving locals and visitors incredible opportunities to purchase one-of-a-kind art from local, national, and international artists in a variety of mediums. Attendance is free. For more information on ArtWalk and its programs, visit artwalksandiego.org.

ANIMAL RESCUE

PAWS4thought Animal Rescue is celebrating National Foster a Pet Month with Petco Love, a national nonprofit working to lead and inspire change for animals, and Skechers’ charity footwear collection, BOBS from Skechers, by recognizing lifesaving foster volunteers in San Diego and encouraging more people to foster pets. Through sales of its BOBS from Skechers collection, Skechers has donated more than $3.1 million to support Petco Love’s more than 4,000 animal welfare organization partners.  The company’s funds have helped Petco Love save and care for more than 700,000 shelter animals. To learn more about PAWS4thought Animal Rescue and how you can help foster, visit paws4thoughtrescue.com. 

GASLAMP NEW NORMAL

Recently, the Gaslamp Quarter has had to pivot focus to continue to host San Diegans and visitors by creating spacious outdoor retail and dining experiences. After a year and several waves of quarantine, the Gaslamp Quarter is more than ready to welcome everyone back as we enter this next chapter of life by launching “The New Normal is Now Campaign.” Stay connected to the @GaslampQuarter social media accounts for frequent chances to win gift cards, freebies and more. Weekly giveaway “Drops” will invite you to visit a local business to redeem a restaurant gift certificate (no purchase necessary, proof of parking at 6th & K Parkade or Park-It-On-Market required). Use #GaslampStory as you share your favorite Gaslamp Quarter memory to social media for a chance to win exciting prizes. For more information, visit Gaslamp.org.

SDIA NONSTOP TO HAWAII

Southwest Airlines began daily nonstop service to Kahului, Maui via Kahului Airport from San Diego International Airport. The route will add a second daily flight beginning June 27. Southwest Airlines has also added a second daily flight to Honolulu, Hawaii. “Southwest Airlines continues to grow its presence at San Diego International Airport and we are thankful for the new flights to Maui and added a daily flight to Honolulu,” said Kimberly Becker, San Diego County Regional Airport Authority president/CEO.

GUIDED CABRILLO TOURS

The Cabrillo National Monument in San Diego is offering special guided walks in June and July, including tours in American Sign Language. Members of the deaf and/or hard of hearing community can take an ASL tour given every Saturday in June and July from 10 a.m. to noon. The tours will be led by a Deaf Science Communications intern. The ASL walking tours are 45 minutes long and limited to 10 people. RSVPs are required at [email protected]. Guided walking tours will also be available in English every Saturday in June and July from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tours are limited to 10 people, and no reservations are required. Those interested in joining a tour are asked to meet at the visitor center.

Admission for the national park, which features protected tide pools, hiking trails and the iconic Old Point Loma Lighthouse, begins at $10 per individual entering by foot or by bicycle. Groups of up to four people will be capped at $20 and anyone 15 years or younger can enter the grounds for free. To learn more about Cabrillo National Monument, click here.

VVSD VACCINATIONS

Been too busy to get COVID protected? Been waiting to see how vaccine distribution progresses? An easy path to join the vaccinated and protected from COVID population is coming soon, a free vaccine pop-up event open to everyone on Friday, June 18 from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Veterans Village San Diego, 2061 Kurtz St. in the Midway District. You can walk in or make an appointment for your vaccination. The one dose J&J COVID vaccine will be available at Veterans Village San Diego for those aged 16 and up. There will also be limited Pfizer vaccine doses available for those under the age of 16 and the County will schedule a second dose with those individuals on-site for a different location. For more information, visit www.vvsd.net.

FAMILY TENNIS

The United States Tennis Association Cor Jewelry National Father-Daughter & Mother-Son Hard Court Championships, featuring some of the top doubles teams in the country, will be played Friday, June 11 through Sunday, June 13 at the Barnes Tennis Center, 4490 W Point Loma Blvd. Teams will compete for titles in the following divisions during the USTA National Father-Daughter & Mother-Son Hard Court Championships:

Father-Daughter Open Doubles (No age limitation for either player)

Senior Father-Daughter Doubles (Father must be 60 or older)

Super Senior Father-Daughter Doubles (Father must be 70 or older)

Ultra Senior Father-Daughter Doubles (Father must be 80 or older)

Mother-Son Open Doubles (No age limitation for either player)

Senior Mother-Son Doubles (Mother must be 60 or older)

Super Senior Mother-Son Doubles (Mother must be 70 or older)

Play will begin at 8 a.m. each day of the tournament. Spectators are invited to watch matches with free admission and on-site parking. COVID 19 protocols will be in effect at the Barnes Tennis Center for all participants and spectators during the championships.

OB COTTAGE AWARDED

A charming turn-of-the-20th-century cottage in Ocean Beach owned by Susan and Pat James, both active in Ocean Beach Historical Society, was among those honored at Save Our Heritage Organisation’s 38th annual People In Preservation Awards on May 27. This modest OB landmark on Niagara Avenue was constructed in 1907 as a beach cottage. Each year, during wisteria season, Susan and Pat open their historic home and its magical gardens featuring abundant blooms of colorful purple wisteria vines to members of OBHS and community dwellers to gather and share its history and greater history of the neighborhood.

This tradition was started by Ned Titlow, past president of OBHS, and Carol Bowers, OBHS co-founder, and is now known as the Wisteria Garden Party, where local artists and famous OB residents play music, showcase art, and bring photos and memorabilia to showcase the community’s history. Pat and Susan honor this tradition, and their efforts showcase the importance of keeping the spirit of local history alive right in your own backyard.

Monday, June 7

PB BEACH CLEANUP ON WORLD OCEANS DAY

Shore Buddies is holding a beach clean up for World Oceans Day on at 8 a.m. June 8 at Law Street Beach. Bring your own items needed for a clean up mission: gloves, bucket/bag, trash grabber, face mask, water bottles, and anything else you might need.

PIZZAS FOR PAPAS

Landini’s Pizzeria, at 1827 India St. and 2820 Historic Decatur Road in Liberty Public Market, will show dads that they’re the greatest thing since sliced pizza with specially priced pies in honor of the holiday. Fathers and father-figures alike may purchase Landini’s signature New York-style pizzas for half-price between 3-5 p.m. on June 20.

Scuderie Italia, at 1525 Garnet Ave., will toss around some dough and show dads how much they pop with two featured offerings for Father’s Day: a specialty “Pizza Papà” and jalapeño poppers. Pizzaiolo Johncarlo Ferraiuolo will prepare Pizza Papà topped with sausage, oven-roasted peppers, caramelized onions, tomato sauce, mozzarella and basil at $18.50; and an appetizer of oven-roasted jalapeño poppers wrapped in bacon and filled with cream cheese, at $9.50.

HOME START FUNDRAISER

Home Start, a nonprofit dedicated to child abuse prevention and providing evidence-based family strengthening services, successfully raised nearly $100,000 from its annual “Blue Ribbon” event held recently. This year’s event was titled “Blue Ribbon Broadcast for Bright Futures – It’s a Family Affair,” and was held virtually via Zoom. The theme played on the important family-bonding time that historically happens when families are gathered around a television enjoying famous shows. For more information about Home Start or to help support Home Start’s clients, visit home-start.org.   

LOUD & PROUD

To kick off Pride Month, San Diego Loyal SC Soccer Club has announced the debut of their “Loud & Proud” fan section as part of their new partnership with San Diego Pride. SD Loyal’s new game-day initiative is said to be the first-ever in sports history. For all of SD Loyal’s home matches in their 2021 season, USD’s Torero Stadium dedicates section 110 to those within the LGBTQ community, as well as those who support and share the vision of inclusion in professional sports. The section, permanently decorated with Pride-related elements, collects 20 percent of ticket sales and donates to SD Pride to help with their mission to foster pride, equality, and respect for all lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities locally, nationally and globally. Fans are encouraged to stay connected by downloading the official team app or signing up for updates and news via SDLoyal.com and #SDLoyal.  

COMMUNICATOR OF THE YEAR

San Diego County Credit Union has announced that SDCCU SVP of Business Development and Community Relations, Sarah Bilyeu, was named the 2021 IABC/San Diego Communicator of the Year. The award recognizes local leaders who demonstrate strategic excellence in communication, and lead the way with their contributions and high quality work.

ROCK CHURCH DISTRIBUTION

On Thursday, June 17 at 10 a.m. the Rock Church Point Loma campus will launch their community food, diaper and supplies distribution. The Point Loma Campus launch is part of an ongoing monthly effort to help those that have found themselves in an unexpected place of need during the COVID-19 crisis. If you would like to participate and receive groceries and other household supplies or if you’d like to volunteer, partner or donate to the Provision Ministry, visit sdrock.com/ministries/provisions/.

NEW BIA CEO

Lori Holt Pfeiler has been named the president/CEO of the Building Industry Association of San Diego County. Holt Pfeiler replaces retiring CEO Borre Winckel, who led the BIA for 13 years. Winckel’s last day is July 16. Holt Pfeiler starts July 6. “I believe deeply in the transformative power of housing, and the ripple effects it has,” Holt Pfeiler said.

“I have seen the success a stable home can provide a family – for generations. As the new leader of the BIA, I look forward to putting my efforts to work to influence change that helps create thousands of homes in our region at all income levels. Improving the supply of housing and advocating for efficient and effective changes in the building process are important steps I’ll pursue. My affordable housing expertise will complement the work of traditional home builders, with the ultimate goal of making our region an even better place for families and business.”

NAVAL BASE MEETING

The next Restoration Advisory Board meeting for the Naval Base Point Loma Complex Environmental Restoration Program is Wednesday, June 16 at 5:45 p.m. This will be a virtual meeting to discuss relevant issues and is open to the public. To request a link for this virtual meeting, contact Kellie Koenig at [email protected]. For more information, call 619-556-8926.

Thursday, June 3

 CAMPBELL RECALL FAILS

The effort to gather enough signatures in District 2 to get a measure placed on an election ballot to recall Councilmember Dr. Jennifer Campbell has failed.

“This recall was unwarranted and unnecessary, reckless and ridiculous, desperate and divisive – and San Diegans were too smart to fall for it,” said Dan Rottenstreich, Campbell’s campaign consultant. “In rejecting this recall, San Diegans have shown once again that they want leaders focused on bringing people together to get things done, not more divisive politics tearing communities apart.”

“We want to thank the hundreds of volunteers who gathered signatures and the thousands of District 2 residents who signed the petition. You are the heartbeat of D2 and the reason we do what we do,” said the Committee Supporting the Recall of Jennifer Campbell in a statement. “Although we came close, gathering over 10,000 signatures, unfortunately this was not enough to force the recall of Jennifer Campbell. The next round in that battle will be decided in November 2022, and we are already gearing up.”

CARMENCEMENT AT MESA COLLEGE

On Friday, June 4 at 11 a.m., San Diego Mesa College will host the 2021 Drive-Thru Graduation Parade, or “Carmencement,” to celebrate the achievements of the Class of 2021. Graduates will follow a parade route through campus in their vehicles, receive gifts and be cheered on by faculty, staff and administrators. Over 350 students are scheduled to participate.

This year, Mesa conferred over 2,200 academic degrees and 411 certificates, a 3% percent increase over 2020. The class of 2021 is boasting 75 valedictorians, 560 students graduated with honors and over 400 students received more than one degree or certificate. Among the graduates are the third class set of 28 students receiving a bachelor of science degree in health information management, as well as the third set of San Diego Promise students, who participated in the San Diego Community College District’s free-tuition program.

NUTRITION COUNSELING SERVICE AT GELSON’S

Gelson’s, with locations in Pacific Beach, Del Mar and Carlsbad, has announced the addition of virtual nutrition counseling sessions with onsite registered dietitian Jessica Siegel. Private virtual office hours are available for rewards members located in the Southern California area on an appointment-only basis. Members can schedule their complimentary appointment by emailing Siegel at [email protected]. Siegel developed a line of healthy salads available in the Gelson’s Kitchen all of which use the Mediterranean diet as a guideline, making them full of veggies, fruits, beans, nuts and healthy fats such as olive oil and avocado.

NINJA WARRIORS EXCEL

Five junior ninjas from KidWonder, San Diego’s first Ninja Warrior Gym at 4735 Point Loma Ave. in Ocean Beach, qualified recently for UNAA World Series Championships in Vegas on July 29.

Those qualifying were Luke M (7&under), Harper K (9&under), Paxton Faltico (9&under), Levi Jones (11&under), Kaleb Server (13&under). American Ninja Warrior Junior is an American children’s sports competition game show on Universal Kids that premiered in 2018. It is a head-to-head competition with multiple rounds and triple elimination each episode. There are no teams, and each child competes for themselves.

CYCLING FUNDRAISER

The Liberty Bike Commons, a fundraising project of the San Diego Bike Coalition to re-purpose Building 191 at NTC Park in Liberty Station, has officially been launched. Cyclists intend to convert the long-vacant building with private funding, transforming it into a regional bicycling hub. Astride dedicated City parklands, Building 191, once planned for demolition, straddles a major spur on the San Diego bike path system. The 20-by-80 foot structure was the 191st building constructed at the former NTC. The Liberty Bike Commons Campaign seeks to raise $ 2.6 million to convert Bldg.191 to help connect bicyclists of all ages and backgrounds from diverse regional communities. For more information visit sdbikecoalition.org.

NEIGHBORHOOD FLORIST

Little House of Flowers on Friars Road will be expanding their business to Point Loma at 1017 Rosecrans St., with a grand opening celebration scheduled for June 25-27. Owner  Hilary Bateman is a San Diego native and Realtor. She decided to take a dive into the floral industry when she recognized the community’s need for a boutique local florist. The original house was built in the ’80s, Hilary, alongside her designer Auburn Torres, have refurbished the house into the iconic shop it is today. The charming shop is the go-to for everything from custom arrangements, to succulents, to wedding and event flowers.

The expansion of Little House of Flowers to Point Loma has been highly anticipated for Bateman and Torres. The duo is looking to expand their services to the Peninsula community. Both Bateman and Torres hope to use their continued success with Little House of Flowers as an inspiration to their daughters and other young women who aspire to be business leaders. For more information, visit littlehouseofflowerssd.com.

PLHS PARKING LOT

The Clove Street parking lot near Point Loma High School at 2335 Chatsworth Blvd., is now closed for construction and the entrance is not accessible. Parking will need to occur in the surrounding neighborhood. Click here for the updated entrances and map for observers, in addition to spectator guidelines. Observers of athletic events will now enter through the following two entrances: for stadium events, use the Voltaire Street entrance, for gym events, use the Chatsworth Blvd. entrance.

DANCE PERFORMANCES

Three San Diego based dance companies – Malashock Dance, San Diego Ballet and San Diego Dance Theater – have come together to present four weeks of outdoor performances through June 13 at the Arts District in Liberty Station. After months of pivoting programs to film and online formats, the resident dance companies at the Dorothea Laub Dance Place are ready to convene audiences safely outdoors for this live event in person. Attend all three weeks to see, feel, and experience the variety of mixed reparatory presented by all companies. Cost is $30 plus fee. Students, military and seniors pay $25 plus fee. For more information, visit malashockdance.org.

LPES LOGO WEAR

Loma Portal Elementary School has brand new log wear just in time for summer. Items available include brand new neon trucker hats and for the first time, fitted baseball hats. Check them out on the school’s online logo wear shop. Orders can be sent home with your child or email [email protected]. For more information, visit lomaportalshop.square.site.

FIDO SUPPORT

Fiesta Island Dog Owners group is calling for supporters to submit comments by Friday, June 4 at 5 p.m. to the California Coastal Commission, which will decide on June 10 whether or not to support FIDO’S preferred alternative for reconfiguration of the island, a popular off-leash area for dog owners.

The city’s adopted Plan B which preserves the off-leash area open and intact. FIDO has worked for 15 years to get this through various committees, including the City Council by a unanimous vote. Unfortunately, the commission staff is recommending that the commissioners throw out Option B and instead approve Option A, which puts a road, fences, parking lots, etc. in the fenced area. Go to FIDOSD.org, which has a link to the Coastal Commission agenda page and instructions on how to leave your comments. There is also still time to mail in comments to: 7575 Metropolitan Drive 103, San Diego, CA 92108. Call 619-767-2370.

SEA LION PUPPING

June 1 marks the first day of pupping season in which many of the female sea lions in La Jolla will be giving birth and caring for their young. To ensure the safety of sea lions and humans alike, District 1 Councilmember Joe LaCava spoke to new signage and educational materials being created with partners to be displayed around Boomers Beach and La Jolla Cove this summer. LaCava was joined by representatives from the City’s Parks and Recreation division to further detail responsibly enjoying the area during this delicate natural process. LaCava represents City Council District 1, which includes the communities of Carmel Valley, Del Mar Heights, Del Mar Mesa, La Jolla, Pacific Highlands Ranch, Torrey Hills, Torrey Pines, and University City.

PRIDE MONTH CELEBRATED

The San Diego Unified School District held its annual flag-raising ceremony of the Rainbow Pride and Trans Pride flags on June 1 at the Eugene Brucker Education flagpole at 4100 Normal St. in recognition of June as Pride Month. District representatives were joined by members of the Board of Education, students, educators, and special guest, San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria, to mark the occasion. The ceremony highlighted the district’s ongoing commitment and education plan to promote safe and affirming school spaces for LGBTQIA+ students, families, and staff.

LICENSE TO LOVE

San Diego Humane Society is waiving all fees, including late fees, for dog licenses throughout June during its A License to Love campaign. Dog owners who live within San Diego Humane Society’s jurisdiction sdhumane.org/resources/animal-service-jurisdictions.html can receive a free one-year license if completing the process before July 1. The promo code FREELICENSE will be required. The amnesty offer applies to first-time licenses and renewals, and all late fees (if applicable) will be waived. Licensing can be completed online, in person or by mail with the promo code FREELICENSE. To complete the license process, or to access information and resources such as low-cost vaccine clinics and spay/neuter services, visit sdhumane.org/license.

SANDAG OPEN HOUSES

The San Diego Association of Governments, the region’s transportation planning agency, will be hosting a series of virtual public open houses and hearings throughout June and July to share information about the draft 2021 Regional Plan and ensure everyone has an opportunity to provide their comments. Below is a list of ways to submit comments as well as dates of upcoming virtual events. Simultaneous interpretation in Spanish will be available.

Informational open houses (virtual):

• Tuesday, June 15.

• Wednesday, June 16.

• Tuesday, June 22.

• Thursday, June 24.

• Tuesday, June 29.

• Wednesday, June 30.

Public hearings (virtual):

• Friday, July 16, at the SANDAG Transportation Committee meeting.

• Friday, July 23, at the SANDAG Board of Directors meeting.

You can submit your comments on the draft plan through July 30:

• Online: (English | Español).

• Email: [email protected].

• Phone: 619-699-1934, toll free 877-277-5736 and TTY 619-699-1904.

• Mail: Attention 2021 Regional Plan, SANDAG, 401 B St., Suite 800, San Diego CA, 92101.

Friday, May 28

SPIRIT BARRE BACK

Spirit Barre, a new barre/pilates studio in Pacific Beach at 1559 Garnet Ave., opened on May 22 with a refurbished studio. Barre classes have been absent from PB since the two studios offering it closed during the pandemic. Spirit Barre is offering free classes through Friday, May 28. For more information, email [email protected].

PENINSULA PROJECTS CITED

Two Point Loma entries are among 18 major construction projects honored with awards by the San Diego and Imperial counties chapter of the American Public Works Association (APWA).

They are: Nimitz Bridge at NTC Rehabilitation (Structures under $2 million) – Installation of two pedestrian curb ramps as well as new handrails, guard rails, and new light fixtures to ensure ADA compliant access at either end of the bridge; Sunset Cliffs Natural Park Phase II Trail and Revegetation (Environmental $2 million to $5 million) – Various improvements including trails, parking, benches, signs, ball field, pedestrian bridge and landscaping.  

Winners of the 2021 San Diego Region Public Works Project of the Year Awards include 11 City parks, playgrounds and facilities; water and wastewater system upgrades; air operations facility construction; and seismic retrofit and rehabilitation projects. Another seven City projects received Honor Awards from the San Diego APWA. The contracted construction projects were overseen by the City’s Engineering and Capital Projects Department as part of its Capital Improvement Program.  

MARUTA GARDNER PLAYGROUND HONORED

A Mission Bay coastal park is among 18 major construction projects honored with awards by the San Diego and Imperial counties chapter of the American Public Works Association. Honored was the Maruta Gardner Playground at Bonita Cove West (Parks $2 million to $5 million). The renovation of the park’s playground including ADA-compliant sidewalk upgrades, security lighting, and new comfort station and new picnic pavilion.

Winners of the 2021 San Diego Region Public Works Project of the Year Awards include 11 City parks, playgrounds and facilities; water and wastewater system upgrades; air operations facility construction; and seismic retrofit and rehabilitation projects. The APWA supports professionals in all aspects of public works and promotes improved practices in public works administration. 

JOB TRAINING GRANT

The San Diego Workforce Partnership received a $310,000 grant from Together Toward Health, a program of the Public Health Institute, to fund a new behavioral health job training program. It is part of a statewide initiative to expand workforce development opportunities for Californians most impacted by COVID-19 and amplify outreach efforts to stop the spread of the virus.

Workforce Partnership’s newest paid training program is aimed at helping San Diegans launch meaningful careers in behavioral and mental healthcare. The grant is in place from now until Dec. 31. Funding from the grant will provide 120 hours of paid behavioral health and job readiness training, stipends, supportive services and childcare solutions to program participants. Workforce Partnership will prioritize the recruitment of women, refugees, youth, and Black and Latino community members for the paid behavioral health program. People interested in participating can share their interest and be notified when program applications open. 

AIRBNB PARTY BAN

With travel coming back and COVID restrictions easing nationwide, the Airbnb industry has announced it will continue the party ban on its properties it issued in August 2020 indicating it would “remain in effect indefinitely until further notice.” 

“Today Airbnb is announcing that this ban is being extended through at least the end of Summer 2021,” Airbnb said in a statement. “In addition to our party ban, our policies also mandate that hosts and guests adhere to local public health laws. San Diego County is maintaining clear guidance on COVID-19, including regarding indoor gatherings. In advance of Memorial Day weekend, we want to make clear that those violating Airbnb’s rules or San Diego’s public health rules risk suspensions or bans from our platform, and even potentially legal action.” Read more about Airbnb’s party ban extension here. 

HOPE FOR VISION ZERO

Circulate San Diego released its report, “Hope for Vision Zero” this month, showing modest improvements to street safety in the City since committing to Vision Zero in 2015. However, traffic injuries and fatalities remain unacceptably high. Recently, a 30-year-old e-scooter rider was injured in Pacific Beach attempting to stop after the driver in front of him stopped, when he stepped off of the scooter and slipped and fell. The rider sustained a fracture to his left ankle and was transported to the hospital. For more information, visit circulatesd.org/visionzero.

ALLEGIANT AIR SEASONAL SERVICE

Allegiant Air began seasonal nonstop service from San Diego International Airport to Mesa, Ariz. via Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport. The airline will begin seasonal nonstop service to Kalispell, Mont. via Glacier Park International Airport and Pasco, Wash. via Tri-Cities Airport on May 28.

Flights to all three destinations will be offered until Aug.16. Beginning June 3, Allegiant Air will offer nonstop service to Bozeman, Mont. via Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport through Aug. 15. Beginning July 1, Allegiant Air will offer nonstop service to Des Moines, Iowa via Des Moines International Airport through Aug. 15. To view the latest schedules, fares, and flight times, visit allegiantair.com. 

BLOOD DRIVE

San Diego County Credit Union is holding a blood drive on Tuesday, June 1, at its Sports Arena branch at 3455 Sports Arena Blvd. Over the past year, the COVID-19 pandemic has put an incredible strain on the blood supply in the community. There is currently an extremely low inventory of blood, hospital shelves are almost empty and this short supply is affecting thousands of patients. The community is encouraged to help – lives depend on it. For more information, visit sandiegobloodbank.org.

SEAWORLD KIDS’ WEEKEND

Kick-off the summer this Memorial Day weekend at SeaWorld’s Sesame Street Kids’ Weekend. Elmo can’t wait to see everybody at a fun-filled weekend in Sesame Street Bay of Play. Join your favorite Sesame Street friends for Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, plus Memorial Day now until June 6. Sesame Street character-themed weekends, storytimes with furry friends, physically distanced dance parties, and more continue.

PADDLE FOR PEACE

The Surfrider Foundation of San Diego County is sponsoring an International Surf Day barbecue celebration on Saturday, June 19 at La Jolla Shores from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Special guests include professional longboarder Nique Miller and other surfers. Join them for a zero-waste vegetarian-style bbq.

SUMMER LEARNING

Created this year by the San Diego Unified School District and The San Diego Foundation, Level Up SD, a Summer of Learning and Joy features in-person classroom instruction in the mornings at neighborhood schools with San Diego Unified teachers and summer activities offered by dozens of nonprofits in communities across the city. There is no cost to families for the classroom instruction or the activities, thanks to a $31 million commitment by the San Diego Unified Board of Education. To be eligible for #LevelUpSD, students must be enrolled in San Diego Unified for the 2021-2022 school year.

Summer school generally is offered to a select group of struggling students. Level Up SD is open to all K-12 students. This means thousands of kids from every corner of our community can now take advantage of academics and free activities beyond the classroom, like learning to kayak or learning to fly a drone, for the first time. Learn more at SDFoundation.org. 

PB BIKEWAY OPEN

The Rose Creek Bikeway  was officially opened recently with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The bikeway is a two-mile segment of the Coastal Rail Trail and a priority project as part of the Regional Bike Network Early Action Program, connecting University City to Mission Bay and Downtown San Diego. 

People biking, walking, and rolling can now travel safely along the new multi-use path as it is completely separated from vehicle traffic and includes environmentally sensitive lighting for night rides. The Rose Creek Bikeway was constructed concurrently with the Mid-Coast extension of the UC San Diego Blue Line Trolley. Together, the Rose Creek Bikeway and Trolley extension will provide a Complete Corridor near I-5 giving people more options to travel between points north like Sorrento Valley, University City, and UC San Diego, and points south including Mission Bay, Pacific Beach, Mission Valley, and Downtown San Diego.

PALMYS PB

Set to open this summer in the 1920s-era cottage that last housed a branch of Brick & Bell in Pacific Beach, Palmys aims to be an all-day neighborhood espresso bar, bistro, market and community hangout space. Palmy’s is the creation of longtime restaurateur Dillon Berkabile. Palmys will offer an all-day menu with healthy options for breakfast, brunch, lunch and eventually dinner. The eatery will have an espresso bar, organic smoothies and juices, and health-focused bowls, sandwiches, toasts and entrees for breakfast and lunch. Palmys aims to open in late June to early July at 976 Felspar St.

Thursday, May 27

CITY COUNCIL APPROVES GAS AND ELECTRIC FRANCHISE AGREEMENTS

The City Council voted on May 25 to approve the tentative gas and electric franchise agreements with San Diego Gas and Electric (SDG&E) secured by Mayor Todd Gloria and the City negotiating team. SDG&E has held exclusive franchises with the City to provide gas and electric service since 1920. The agreements allow the franchisee to use the public right-of-way to install and maintain the pipes, poles, wires and other infrastructure necessary to provide energy to San Diego’s residents and businesses.

In January, Gloria initiated a public-outreach effort to educate city residents about the franchise agreements and solicit opinions about San Diego’s energy future. The process included partnering the City Council to hold 13 virtual community forums, which hundreds of people attended, and an online survey that drew nearly 1,400 responses.

MEMORIAL DAY VACCINATIONS

Saint Brigid Parish at 4735 Cass St. is hosting vaccinations on Memorial Day, Monday, May 31 from 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. First and second doses available at no cost. Health insurance and appointments not required to be vaccinated. Appointments also available, if preferred. Number of no-appointment vaccinations limited per location. Parents or legal guardians must provide their consent for an eligible minor to receive the vaccine.

Consent must either be provided in-person by the parent/guardian at the vaccination site or a parent/guardian can provide their consent in advance by completing a consent form. Only the Pfizer vaccine may be provided to minors at this time. For information on scheduling a vaccination appointment, visit Coronavirus-SD.com or call 2-1-1, which is available 24-hours a day in more than 200 languages. All calls are free and confidential. 

LA JOLLA LIBRARY OUTDOOR BOOK SALE

The Friends of the La Jolla Library will be holding an outdoor book sale on Saturday, June 5, from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. in front of the library at 7555 Draper Ave. Books, magazines, jigsaw puzzles, and DVDs for all ages will be available starting at 25 cents (cash or credit/debit only). For a limited time, the Friends of the La Jolla Library will be accepting donations of gently used books, magazines, puzzles, and DVDs for future sales. One-hundred percent of the proceeds go to the Friends of the La Jolla Library in support of the La Jolla Library.

PICKLEBALL CLINICS

The Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center Jacobs Family Campus offers beginner, intermediate, and youth pickleball clinics open to the community. Pickleball is growing in popularity. The sport – a mix of tennis, badminton, and ping pong – is an outdoor, socially distanced sport. Beginners can learn easily, and advanced players can enjoy the fast-paced, competitive game. To learn more about pickleball, visit usapickleball.org.

The JCC encourages players to bring their own pickleball paddle to the court. The level of intensity is a player’s preference and JCC offers different clinics based on experience: Beginner Clinics – overview of court and game, basic rules, scoring, proper grip and body placement, and groundstrokes; Intermediate Clinics – serve and return techniques, improve consistency, develop strategies, drop shots, and point play. Adult beginner clinic will take place Sunday, June 13 from 9:30-11 a.m., and the intermediate clinic will take place Sunday, June 27 from 9:30-11 a.m.  

Instructors are advanced pickleball players, as well as experienced coaches and teachers. Beginner and intermediate clinics are $24 per session, or $20 for JCC members. For JCC members, only private, semi-private, and group clinics are available. For more information on pickleball clinics or pricing, visit www.lfjcc.org/qualcomm/tennis.

UC SAN DIEGO DEED RESTRICTIONS

The City Council voted 7- 1 recently to remove land use restrictions on a 43-acre portion of UC San Diego’s East Campus. With the City joining the U.S. Navy and the County in lifting deed restrictions across university properties, UC San Diego will now be able to use public-private partnerships to finance and complete East Campus development that serves one or more public purposes. As part of the Council action, UC San Diego will allocate certain tax revenues generated by the new uses to the City.

“UCSD is a regional partner,” said District 1 Councilmember Joe LaCava. “Providing the flexibility to fund projects through public private partnerships assures that the university will continue to deliver San Diegans education, health, and economic benefits.” 

MBHS PETCO GRADUATION

The 2021 commencement for Mission Bay High School will be held at Petco Park at 8 a.m. on Friday, June 11. Each graduate can receive up to four guest e-tickets for immediate family members only. E-tickets cannot be used for non-family members. Guests will need to adhere to the health/safety guidelines provided by Petco Park, which includes limitations on items that can be brought in by guests. Students will need to arrive to Petco Park at 7 a.m. Guests may park at any of the nearby parking lots or structures, including Tailgate Park, Padres Parkade, Premier Lot, and Bayfront Hilton garage.

Noting last year’s graduation was a drive-thru event, MBHS principal Ernest Remillard said San Diego Unified School District this year has “been focused on how we have classes graduating together. Our connections with the Padres and Petco Park came through and we’ll have as many classes as possible graduating together while social distancing.”

Remillard said the graduation stage will be at second base facing inwards so graduating students will be in the first section behind home plate. “We’ll have the Jumbotron going on with all the lights going and the banners suspended around the stadium. It will be really nice, and tailored for our kids.” The principal noted MBHS has 260 students graduating this year. “We’re anticipating five days a week, normal full days, this fall.” 

MT. SOLEDAD MEMORIAL DAY

The Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial in La Jolla, and various memorials and museums, will honor Air Force Airman 1st Class William Pitsenbarger (Honor of Medal recipient), the 30th anniversary of Desert Storm, and the nation’s heroes through a live and virtual tribute event on May 31 from noon-1 p.m. and streamed at memorialdaylive.com.

This event will honor Pitsenbarger whose story was portrayed in the recent movie “The Last Full Measure,” which showcased his story in the Vietnam War including actions that led to him being posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor, saving a number of American soldiers in 1966. Attendees and speakers will include the film director, producer, and airmen who served with Pitsenbarger, and the Army soldiers that he saved. 

“This is an unprecedented chance for us in person in San Diego, and those online, to hear the important story of Pitsenbarger and his sacrifice,” said Phil Kendro, vice president of the Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial Association’s board of trustees and executive producer of the event. “Every American has the ability to take a moment to reflect upon such persons, and they should.” The Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial is located at 6905 La Jolla Scenic Drive South and is open daily from 7 a.m.-10 p.m.

GARNET BLOCK CAPTAIN PROGRAM

The Garnet Block Captain Program held a Save Garnet’s Trees day on Tuesday, May 25 to refresh stressed trees with water. Program chair Eve Anderson pointed out the 1400 and 1500 blocks (Gresham to Ingraham) had jacarandas “looking puny, with faint flowers and tiny leaves.”

Anderson added about 23 trees total in the program area needed care the form of water poured slowly on them with buckets, a practice, she said, which should be repeated every three weeks until it rains again in the fall. “We might need to schedule a ‘bucket brigade’ for the future,” Anderson said. The Garnet Block Captain Program is looking for volunteers, working roughly from 3-5 p.m. on Tuesdays. For questions or more information, email [email protected].

PB COMMERCIAL PROPERTIES SOLD

Tony Franco of the Franco Realty Group reports sales of several commercial properties in the 92109 ZIP Code. They include 1146 Garnet Ave. (two commercial units, one residential unit) for $1.6 million; 3746-48 Mission Blvd. (two commercial units, two residential units) for $2.5 million; 3449 Ocean Front Walk (six residential units, highest price per unit ever for a commercial building throughout all of San Diego County) for $7.45 million; 1261-69 Garnet Ave. (three retail units, largest retail sale in more than 24 months in 92109) for $5.3 million.

PET SUPPLIES NEEDED

FACE’s Community Outreach Program focuses on connecting under served pet owners with resources to veterinary care and pet supplies. This year, outreach is being expanded to significantly increase the amount of assistance provided to pets in need and their families through this program. They need help to achieve this goal: consider donating pet products for this program.

How you can help: Donate your new pet items, such as unused collars, leashes, blankets, unopened pet food, and other supplies; schedule a donation pickup or drop-off; provide a financial donation that will go directly to purchasing supplies. For more information, visit sdhumane.org.

NEW NONSTOP SERVICE TO JFK

Alaska Airlines has begun daily nonstop service from San Diego International Airport to New York via John F. Kennedy International Airport and seasonal nonstop service to Bozeman, Mont. via Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport. “Alaska Airlines’ new flights to JFK will provide San Diegans yet another option to access the greater New York area,” said Kimberly Becker, president /CEO of the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority. “We are excited to add more service to Montana, a state that has an abundance of outdoor recreation and is home to several national parks.”

Alaska Airlines will offer nonstop service to Bozeman and Kalispell through Sept. 7. With these additions, Alaska Airlines now offers nonstop service to 32 destinations from San Diego, more than any other carrier at SAN. To view the latest schedules, fares, and flight times, visit alaskaair.com. 

VETERANS HELPING VETERANS

Ahead of Memorial Day, Feeding San Diego will host a special free food distribution for veterans and military families that is also a day of service for residents of Veterans Village of San Diego. In partnership with the Veterans Village of San Diego, a “Veterans Helping Veterans” food distribution will be held on Thursday, May 27 from 10 a.m.-noon at Pechanga Arena San Diego, 3500 Sports Arena Blvd., in a drive-through format.

At the distribution, residents of Veterans Village will volunteer to distribute food, including fresh produce, dry goods and a frozen meat protein, to San Diego’s military community. This event is the chance for veterans to extend their hands and hearts to provide the gift of food ahead of a holiday that honors and remembers fallen comrades. Military families and veterans can register to attend here.  

PREPARE FOR WILDFIRES

Residents can help protect their homes and lives from disastrous wildfires by reducing the flammable brush and fuels materials from around their properties. Creating Defensible Space zones and removing cleared brush and dead tree limbs that provide fuel for wildfires can make all the difference between a prepared neighborhood and one more prone to wildfires. The Resource Conservation District of Greater San Diego County, in partnership with the Fire Safe Council of San Diego County, has been awarded $3.5 million by the San Diego River Conservancy via Senate Bill 85 to immediately implement protective measures by homeowners and residents to reduce wildfires within wildland urban interface areas of the San Diego River watershed.

The Wildfire Early Action Program is allocating resources to implement fuel reduction projects by creating fire breaks, removing dead, diseased or dying trees, assisting elderly, disabled and low-income residents in establishing defensible space around their homes, and hosting workshops and fire preparedness training in preparation for the coming fire season. Contact the Fire Safe Council at 619-562-0096 for more information, questions, or application assistance.

SOHO PRESERVATION AWARDS

Save Our Heritage Organisation, San Diego’s countywide preservation group, celebrates its 38th annual People In Preservation Awards, on Thursday, May 27, at 4 p.m, during National Preservation Month. At that time, find the free online awards ceremony atsohosandiego.org/pip2021/awards.htm.

This year’s awards will honor 12 distinctive people and projects ranging across multiple historic preservation mediums, from building restorations and adaptive reuse to historic community traditions and important arts and cultural centers. They include the extensive restoration of a Mid-Century Modern coastal gem, the rehabilitation of a support building at the beloved Hotel del Coronado, and the recognition of a long-time writer, Carol Olten, especially known for her work in La Jolla.

You will be hard pressed to find another writer who has a better way with words for sharing San Diego and La Jolla history than La Jolla Historical Society historian Carol Olten. The breadth of topics she has written about include discussions of popular architectural styles and building types in La Jolla. She has also chronicled La Jolla landmarks, such as the Red Roost and Red Rest, the long-lost Green Dragon Colony, and the Marine Room restaurant. For more information about SOHO visit SOHOsandiego.org.

RABBIT VACCINATIONS

San Diego Humane Society’s veterinary team is urging owners of pet rabbits to have them vaccinated against Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus Type 2, a contagious and fatal disease for rabbits. Because RHDV2 is extremely contagious and spreading fast in Southern California, San Diego Humane Society is also asking for the public’s help in quarantining rabbits who do not require immediate medical attention for 18 days, if at all possible, before bringing them to SDHS or rehome the rabbit on their own.

Rabbits who have been vaccinated one week to one year against RHDV2 before admission into the shelter do not need to be quarantined. Rabbits should be kept indoors and separate from other rabbits who may go outdoors or be exposed to wildlife, as well as separate from rabbits who do not live in the home. According to the California Department of Food and Agriculture cdfa.ca.gov/AHFSS/Animal_Health/RHD.html, RHDV2 has been confirmed in domestic rabbits at 49 backyard properties in Southern California since July 2020. To date, six counties, including San Diego County, have detected the disease in wild cottontail rabbits and/or jackrabbits.

CROSS-BORDER VACCINATIONS

A coalition of six United States subsidiary companies have sponsored a COVID-19 mobile clinic to vaccinate 10,000 maquiladora workers employed in Baja California, Mexico. “We started, six to eight months ago, talking to the private sector on how to help our people with their health and the economy of our state. We have to accelerate the pace of recovery from this pandemic because our health and our economy are hurting,” said Luis Lutteroth, president of Consejo de Desarrollo de Tijuana, speaking on behalf of Cámara Nacional de la Industria de la Transformación Tijuana and the participating companies: Poly, Compañía Embotelladora Del Fuerte-Coca Cola, Jacuzzi, Flex, Call Center Services International-CCSI and Sempra-IEnova.

Approximately 1,500 workers, recruited by their employers, will be vaccinated daily over seven non-consecutive days at a temporary UC San Diego Health mobile clinic in San Ysidro. The companies are covering operating and vaccine costs. Because of the complex logistics required to vaccinate 10,000 people, the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine was selected for this clinic. Visit health.ucsd.edu or sandiegocounty.gov to find the nearest vaccine clinic. 

SANDAG REGIONAL PLAN

The draft 2021 Regional Plan is now available. Join the SANDAG Board of Directors meeting Friday, May 28, at 9 a.m. for an overview of key milestones that led to the development of the draft 2021 Regional Plan, which will be available for public comment May 28-July 30. The draft 2021 Regional Plan is the result of years of planning, data analysis, and community engagement to re-imagine the San Diego region with a transformative transportation system, a sustainable pattern of growth and development, and innovative demand and management strategies.

SUMMER KOMBUCHA

Nova Easy Kombucha in Ocean Beach is gearing up for summer with the rollout of their new Sexy Mojito hard kombucha. Infused with bright flavors indicative of the popular Cuban libation, Sexy Mojito showcases an effervescent blend of mint, Tahitian lime, lemongrass and agave syrup, all while touting probiotics for your gut and clocking in at 8% ABV per 12-oz. can. Folks can get their hands on a can of this at select retailers, online and at Nova’s Ocean Beach taproom at 4845 Newport Ave.

SD LOYAL HOME OPENER

San Diego Loyal Soccer Club (SD Loyal) is prepared to take on Las Vegas Lights FC at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, May 29 for its home opener of the 2021 USL regular season. San Diego’s men’s professional soccer team will have fans in the stands (season ticket members and partners only) for the first time since its last inaugural match against the same club on March 7, 2020 prior to the pandemic.

San Diego Loyal SC announced that single match tickets for their 2021 season are now on sale to the general public. Fans can purchase tickets and return to Torero Stadium for the first time since its 2020 inaugural match for all matches beginning on June 19. For more information, visit sdloyal.com.

Monday, May 24

IV HYDRATION BAR AT LIBERTY STATION

Eden IV hydration therapy will open doors in Liberty Station’s Quarter District at 2445 Truxtun Road, Suite 100 in June 1. Founded by local business partners Dr. Larry Lyle and Kemble Ng, the IV hydration bar offers treatments combining luxury service with quality products. The menu of services spans the entire wellness gamut, with infusions intended for everything from chronic illnesses to glowing skin. 

A graduate of osteopathic medical school, Lyle is a respected medical professional with more than 30 years of experience. He has done pivotal work in Washington, D.C. and San Diego treating people living with HIV. Since retiring from the active practice of medicine in 2011, he remains active within medical communities and has served as a community advisor for the AIDS Clinical Trials Group advising the development and implementation of HIV, tuberculosis, and hepatitis clinical trials.

VIETNAM VET BOOK

Local author Bruce A. Bastien draws back the curtain on that era’s high-conflict period to share his experience as a young Marine – both the common notions of war and the mundane, daily life experiences that shaped his 13-month tour of duty. His novel, “13 Months,” sweeps readers up on a coming-of-age journey through a U.S. Marine Corps grunt’s daily struggles, battles, and funny moments as he navigates a new and sometimes unforgiving environment. Bastien’s book shares with readers the range of emotions and physical discomfort he experienced during his service, from unmitigated terror to utter boredom, hot and dry to wet and cold, rested and ready to frazzled and wired. “13 Months: In the Bush, In Vietnam, In 1968” is available through iUniverse, Barnes & Noble, and Amazon.

POP-UP PUPPY PICNIC

Founded by influencer-and-entrepreneur Ciera Chang, Puppy Picnic Co. is the latest vendor to tap into the booming pop-up picnic trend. The business at 850 Womble Road, Suite 100, launched Mother’s Day weekend. Having signed on as Liberty Station’s exclusive picnic partner, Puppy Picnic Co. offers a variety of dog-approved experiences – think “yappetizers,” “barkuterie boxes” and (non-alcoholic) dog beer and wine. Meanwhile, guests can choose their picnic fare from Liberty Station’s lineup of gourmet eateries or opt to pack their own meal. The stylized picnics include chic tablespaces, cozy throws, bohemian décor, and even a vintage 1970 Volkswagen bus with a retrofitted photo booth.

Operating its event services out of a unit in Liberty Station’s South Promenade, Puppy Picnic Co. also doubles as a retail boutique. The pop-up shop, which is currently open by appointment only, totes a variety of doggie treats and toys, trendy picnic supplies, tote bags, home décor and more, with 10% of merchandise sales donated to a local animal shelter.

JEWISH LECTURE SERIES

Jews, Race and Racism: A four-part lecture series” will be held Wednesdays through June 16 from 10-11 a.m. Engage in this virtual four-part lecture series that covers the most important historical moments for American Jews and questions of race. For more information, visit Lawrence Family JCC (lfjcc.org).

NONSTOP SERVICE TO HAWAII

Southwest Airlines has announced it will expand service to Hawaii from San Diego International Airport (SAN) by adding nonstop service to three Hawaiian cities and expanding their Honolulu service from one flight daily to two flights daily beginning June 6.  

SD BUSINESS HUB

In partnership with local tech company GoSite, San Diego Regional EDC has launched the San Diego Business Hub, which in its first phase will offer up to 100 small, service-based businesses a full suite of digital tools at no cost. Made possible by grants from The San Diego Foundation and Union Bank, SDbizhub.com is accepting applications from businesses most impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic — women, minorities, veterans and other economically under-resourced groups. FAQ and applications are available at SDbizhub.com, and will remain open until the cohort is full.

MAINLY MOZART

Mainly Mozart today has announces its 2021 All-Star Orchestra Festival at the Del Mar Surf Cup Sports Park from June 11-19. This event welcomes the return of in-person, socially distanced, assigned seating in an outdoor venue. With five concerts featuring members of prestigious orchestras, this festival presents well-known works, ranging from Mozart to Beethoven to J. Haydn to name a few. For information on the Mainly Mozart All-Star Orchestra Festival or to purchase tickets, visit mainlymozart.org.

VIRTUAL POETRY READINGS

The second round of SDPA 2020-21 virtual anthology readings will take place Friday, June 11 and Friday, June 18. Both of these Zoom readings will run from 6-8 p.m. Poets can choose to read at one or both events. Preference will be given to any poets who didn’t get a chance to read during the Point Loma Library virtual reading in April. Any 2020-21 anthology poets reading for the first time this year will also be given first crack at the mic.

Returning poets are encouraged to sign up and can choose to read a new poem or the same poem from the anthology. New poets–who aren’t in the anthology this year but are interested in publishing with us–are also welcome to sign up to be seen and heard and supported by our community. Sign up here: SDPA Signup

Friday, May 13

OB PIER COMMITTEE

A committee is being formed to explore the future of OB Pier, the longest concrete pier on the West Coast. The pier is suffering from old age and wave/saltwater abuse. The City of San Diego completed a recent study and has three ideas for solutions. Volunteers are being sought to serve on a committee to make recommendations and work toward a solution. If you have expertise in construction, architecture, marine environment, finance, marketing or grantwriting, OB needs you. Send an email to Denny Knox at [email protected].

FIDO ON FIESTA

Fiesta Island Dog Owners is asking supporters to join them in lobbying the California Coastal Commission to back the City’s plan preserving Fiesta Island’s off-leash area. That plan, which FIDO has worked for 15 years on, would leave the off-leash area intact with no roads or fences bisecting it. The Fiesta Island issue is expected to be on the Coastal Commission’s June agenda, meaning public comments will open in late May. The public will only have an eight-day window in which to submit comments. FIDO is asking supporters to submit personal stories about why it’s important to keep the off-leash area intact, focusing on the benefits to people and not just dogs. For more information visit, FIDOSD.org.

LOMA PORTAL

The Loma Portal Yearbook can still be purchased online until Friday, May 28. Send any questions to [email protected]. Inviting all incoming TK and kinder students (fall 2021) to join for the annual Day As a Dolphin event on Friday, May 21 from 9-10:30 a.m. RSVP here or email [email protected] for more information.

BAYFRONT FIREWORKS

Maritime Museum of San Diego invites San Diegans and regional visitors to celebrate Fourth of July at the museum at at 1492 N. Harbor Drive. Plans call for a pre-fireworks kick-off at the event with a demonstration of historical gunnery to ignite the celebration, the largest collection of fully operational artillery west of the Mississippi. The museum has two options to choose from; social distancing dinner ashore or an evening bay cruise. Space is limited. Reservations are required. Each activity includes general admission to tour the Maritime Museum of San Diego’s historical vessels and open exhibits. Reservations can be made at sdmaritime.org.  

CABRILLO UNDER THE STARS

After years of hosting fundraising Cabrillo Under the Stars at Cabrillo National Monument, the Cabrillo National Park Foundation will hold its first virtual fundraiser, Cabrillo For the Stars, on May 22 at 7 p.m. In a fun half-hour, you will discover all that the foundation does to support San Diego’s only National Park by protecting the tide pools, promoting science education and environmental stewardship with our youth, and much more. There is also a silent auction that kicks-off Saturday, May 15 going through Sunday, May 22. The event is free to attend. Register and learn more at http://1cau.se/aSr

BLOOD DRIVE

The American Red Cross urges all who are healthy to make this a summer full of life for patients by scheduling an appointment to give blood or platelets. As the nation transitions to a new, hopeful phase of this devastating pandemic and people begin to return to some of their favorite activities, the Red Cross is concerned about the impact this could have on blood donor turnout and the blood supply this summer. The need for lifesaving blood transfusions never takes a break. It’s critical to have blood ready to go when every second counts.

Individuals of all blood types are urged to schedule an appointment now to give blood, and in most cases, those who have received a COVID-19 vaccine can donate. However, knowing the name of the manufacturer of the vaccine they received is important in determining donation eligibility.  Appointments can be made by downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enabling the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device. 

PB REC CENTER MURAL

The Pacific Beach Recreation Center has served the beach community for more than 65 years and is in need of improvements. The PB Town Council is working with San Diego artist Rob Tobin to install mosaic murals, part of an overall project to update the space inside and out. Donated surfboards will be used to create a flower mosaic on the north wall and a sunset on the south wall. People can help by being a sponsor, donating a used surfboard, helping prepare the artwork for installation and sharing news about the project. Get more details at pbtowncouncil.org.

DANCE IS IN THE AIR FESTIVAL

San Diego Dance Theater’s new artistic director Terry Wilson announces “Other Times, Other Places.” This weekend of performances are May 21-23 and will be on the outdoor stage at Arts District Liberty Station’s South Promenade. It is part of a greater collaboration with Malashock Dance, and San Diego Ballet, for the Dance is in the Air Festival, which will take place on an outside stage in the South Promenade of Liberty Station in May and June. Performance times will take place Friday, May 21 at 6:30 p.m., Saturday, May 22 at 6:30 p.m., and Sunday, May 23 at 2:30 p.m. All tickets are $30 and must be purchased in advance at sandiegodancetheater.org/performances/rep-show. 

LJ BUDGET TOWN HALLS

District 1 City Councilmember Joe LaCava said his office has received hundreds of calls and emails regarding city services, attended community meetings and webinars, and met with constituents and stakeholders leading up to the City’s annual budget deliberations which have begun. “I invite you to share your neighborhood budget priorities in (virtual) person and attend one of our two upcoming District 1 Budget Town Halls featuring independent budget analyst Andrea Tevlin,” said LaCava. Register for May 15 at bit.ly/D1BUDGETMAY15.

SUNNIE’S OCEAN FRIENDLY TO-GO

The growing mountain of take-out waste grew a little less last week as the first San Diego restaurant began implementing “Ocean Friendly To-Go.” Sunnie’s Ocean Beach Mexican Cuisine & Coffee at 4723 Point Loma Ave. is ready for you to place your to-go orders sans the disposable container waste. All you have to say is “Ocean Friendly To-Go” when you place your order and your order will come out on reusable dinnerware. From there, you can pack it up in your own containers at their designated and sanitized “Ocean Friendly To-Go” station and be on your way. Nothing complicated about it. For more information, visit sandiego.surfrider.org/sunnies-offers-ocean-friendly-to-go/.

LA JOLLA LUNCH BRUNCH 

La Jolla Community Center is holding a Lunch Brunch on Monday, May 24 at 11 a.m. for members and guests at the Plaza courtyard on the corner of Herschel and Torrey Pines Road. There will be cuisine from three restaurants – Marketplace Grille, Himitsu Japanese Bistro, and Karina’s Cantina Mexican Restaurant. Each individual will order and pay for their own lunch. RSVP by email at [email protected] or call at 858-459-0831. 

LA JOLLA COMMUNITY CENTER PROGRAM

Hiking San Diego: Tips and trails for all ages. Join Scott Turner, co-author of “Afoot and Afield San Diego County,” and Stefanie Maio, Sierra Club San Diego Chapter Outings leader-trainer for a presentation on San Diego’s beautiful hiking Wednesday, May 26, 10-11 a.m. This virtual presentation looks at some of the best hikes in San Diego suitable for all ages while breaking down how to determine whether a trail is right for you. Maio and Turner will reveal some of the best local trails with a few further afield while touching on strategies to get the best of the San Diego hiking experience. Register at ljcommunitycenter.org/wc.

Turner is a local hiking guide author, photographer, and therapist. Turner has written four additional books covering some of the most beautiful national parks in the American West, including “Hike the Parks: Joshua Tree National Park”; “Hike the Parks: Zion and Bryce Canyon National Park”; “Hike the Parks: Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks”; as well as the soon-to-be-released “Day Hiking Yosemite National Park,” due out on Oct. 1.

Maio has been active with the Wilderness Basics Course since 2007 as a participant and later chair of the organization that teaches people how to hike, camp and backpack safely. She is passionate about the outdoors and enjoys inspiring others to explore, enjoy and protect the planet. Her favorite places to hike usually involve water and/or slot canyons. 

MISSION FED NEW VP

Mission Fed Credit Union has appointed Amy Goodrich as VP, director of contact center operations and strategy. In this new role for the organization, Goodrich is responsible for the needs of Mission Fed’s San Diego-based call center and the remote engagement services the credit union provides its members. Members rely on the contact center for new accounts and loans, a wide range of financial transactions and inquiries, and assistance with online and mobile banking services. The contact center receives over 2,000 calls per day, in addition to assisting members via email and chat. 

ARMED FORCES DAY

Pay tribute to the men and women who have served (or are serving) in the U.S. military on Saturday, May 15 by participating in a fundraising barbecue from 1-5 p.m. at VFW Post 5985 at 853 Turquoise St. Cost is $10 per plate, which includes hamburger, cheeseburger or hot dog (choice of one), sides and dessert. Affordable libations will be available for purchase at the canteen. Socially distant indoor and outdoor seating will be available. Food can be ordered to go. Face masks are required. All proceeds will benefit VFW Post 5985. 

GALLERY EXHIBITION

New paintings titled “Resurgence” by Rex Yuasa will be on exhibit May 22 to June 26 at R.B. Stevenson Gallery at 7661 Girard Ave., Suite 101. An opening reception for the artist will be Saturday, May 22 from 5 to 8 p.m. This exhibition will be the third show for the artist at the gallery. Visitors will be required to wear face masks and social distance while in the gallery. For more information, call 858-459-3917 or visit rbstevensongallery.com.

CHURCH VACCINATIONS

Saint Brigid Catholic Parish at 4735 Cass St. in Pacific Beach has applied to be a walk-up, no-appointment-needed COVID vaccination clinic site.  The County Health Department is working on getting final approvals for that effort, and more will be known after a scheduled onsite visit to the church by the health department on May 19.

LA JOLLA SYMPHONY AND CHORUS

The La Jolla Symphony and Chorus has re-imagined its 2020-2021 season combining some favorite things: lively conversation, fascinating ideas and extraordinary music. In this six-part monthly series, LJS&C is preparing a menu of musical encounters featuring interviews, solo and small ensemble performances and selected pre-recorded works from the La Jolla Symphony and Chorus archives.  

On May 14, LJS&C will release a new program titled “A Meeting in Time.” In this next virtual event, selections of Bach’s Cantata #106 will be arranged and performed. Visit lajollasymphony.com.

PB LIBRARY VACCINATIONS

The County of San Diego is providing free COVID vaccinations in the PB Library’s north (Thomas Avenue) parking lot Thursday, May 27, from 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Drop-ins welcome, or you can make an advance appointment at coronavirus-sd.com.

FOOD DELIVERY APPS

Assembly Bill 286 by Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez (D-San Diego) to require companies like DoorDash, UberEats, and GrubHub to provide an itemized cost breakdown of each transaction to both customers and restaurants passed the Assembly with bipartisan support on a 55 to 8 vote. “Small mom and pop restaurants and their customers have a right to know when they’re charged hidden fees on delivery orders so they can make informed decisions,” Gonzalez said. “This bill ensures customers and business owners can understand what they’re being charged, and delivery workers are actually receiving the full amount of their tips.”

AUTO BUYING WEBINAR

San Diego County Credit Union will present a free auto buying webinar on Wednesday, May 19 from noon-1 p.m. During the webinar, SDCCU auto professionals will walk attendees through the car buying process discussing topics including ways to shop and find your vehicle, pros and cons of a new vs. pre-owned vehicle, loan vs. lease and how to make the financing process smooth and convenient.  This free webinar is open to the public, but virtual space is limited and reservations are required. To register or for details, visit sdccu.com/fww. 

LJ BUDGET TOWN HALLS

District 1 City Councilmember Joe LaCava said his office has received hundreds of calls and emails regarding city services, attended community meetings and webinars, and met with constituents and stakeholders leading up to the City’s annual budget deliberations which have begun. “I invite you to share your neighborhood budget priorities in (virtual) person and attend one of our two upcoming District 1 Budget Town Halls featuring independent budget analyst Andrea Tevlin,” said LaCava. Register for May 15 at bit.ly/D1BUDGETMAY15.

DOWNTOWN BIKEWAYS

Over the past month, SANDAG crews have continued construction of the Fourth and Fifth Avenue Bikeways in the City. Construction has been ongoing of raised concrete median islands, storm water drainage improvements, and upgraded curb ramps on Fourth Avenue between Walnut and Pennsylvania avenues and on Fifth Avenue between Walnut and Robinson avenues. Concrete was poured in raised concrete median islands on Fourth and Fifth avenues between Redwood Street and Robinson Avenue. Crews also installed soil materials in raised concrete median islands that will be landscaped before project completion.

BOATING SKILLS VIRTUAL TRAINER

San Diego West Marine at 1250 Rosecrans St. is one of nine select stores nationwide to offer a Boating Skills Virtual Trainer in-store simulator from America’s Boating Club starting this weekend of May 14 – May 16. The simulator allows boaters to practice essential boating exercises. Customers will need to register for a 30-minute time slot via this Eventbrite link. In addition to the simulators, West Marine will offer exclusive resources and tools both in-store and online throughout the month.

LITTLE CAKES KITCHEN PARTNERS WITH GELSON’S

Gelson’s in Pacific Beach has expanded its local partnership with the Vista-based bakery and two-time winner of Food Network’s “Cupcake Wars” Little Cakes Kitchen by offering up its bakery space at 730 Turquoise St. Baked from scratch and using the finest ingredients, the bakery is now open and is serving up its famous eclectic cupcakes in addition to full-size cakes, cheesecakes, pies, cookies, and other baked goods. Family-owned and operated, Little Cakes Kitchen now operates four locations in San Diego including their flagship bakery in Vista, where they offer more than 100 rotating cupcake flavors, and Gelson’s three San Diego locations – Del Mar, Carlsbad and now Pacific Beach.

VIETNAM VET BOOK

Local author Bruce A. Bastien draws back the curtain on that era’s high-conflict period to share his experience as a young Marine – both the common notions of war and the mundane, daily life experiences that shaped his 13-month tour of duty. His novel, “13 Months,” sweeps readers up on a coming-of-age journey through a U.S. Marine Corps grunt’s daily struggles, battles, and funny moments as he navigates a new and sometimes unforgiving environment. Bastien’s book shares with readers the range of emotions and physical discomfort he experienced during his service, from unmitigated terror to utter boredom, hot and dry to wet and cold, rested and ready to frazzled and wired. “13 Months: In the Bush, In Vietnam, In 1968” is available through iUniverse, Barnes & Noble, and Amazon.

RESTAURANT REVITALIZATION

The U.S. Small Business Administration will begin delivering economic relief from the Restaurant Revitalization Fund, established by the American Rescue Plan and signed into law by President Joe Biden, to more than 16,000 approved applicants. This first round of funding represents over $2 billion of relief awarded since last Monday’s successful program launch. Restaurants and other food and beverage businesses across the nation will begin to see funds in bank accounts as early as Tuesday, May 11.

Under RRF, restaurants are eligible for funding equal to their pandemic-related revenue losses, capped at $10 million per business and $5 million per location. The SBA will continue to fund approved applications until all funds have been exhausted. SBA has prioritized a customer-centric approach to the delivery of economic aid, eliminating cumbersome application requirements, streamlining the application process, and by partnering with point-of-sale (POS) vendors to provide seamless ways to apply to the Restaurant Revitalization Fund. Apply through SBA-recognized POS vendors or directly via the SBA online application portal: https://restaurants.sba.gov.

CARLSBAD FLOWER FIELDS

The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch, 5704 Paseo Del Norte, is extending its season to May 16. The original last day of the season was May 9. Thanks to Mother Nature and her cooler spring weather she has extended blooming season. There are still approximately 14 acres currently of bloom. For more information, visit www.theflowerfields.com.

UC SAN DIEGO FOUNDATION

Hanna and Mark Gleiberman have given $12 million to UC San Diego Internationally recognized head and neck cancer center at UC San Diego Health now named after the couple. Hanna and Mark’s $12 million gift will support many areas within the Gleiberman Head and Neck Cancer Center, including:    

• Supporting innovative clinical trials for head and neck cancer treatment;

• Training the next generation of head and neck cancer experts by building and growing a fellowship program;

• Investing in junior faculty by creating start-up and retention packages and funding pilot projects

• Creating an endowed fund to provide seed support for research projects, equip physicians and physician-scientists with resources to develop life-changing tools and therapies, initiate clinical trials, pursue additional grant funds for head and neck cancer exploration and discovery, and provide matching funds to augment extramural grants;

• Enhancing patient experience through patient-centered, caregiver supported programs and care navigation services; 

• Providing services not covered by health insurance to those who cannot afford them.