Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Councilman Kevin Faulconer Op-Ed


I am proud to have been at the forefront of solving the financial scandals that dogged the city of San Diego for nearly a decade. Now, our city faces a new challenge. The mayor and City Council must return tax dollars to our neighborhoods by continuing to reform City Hall.
That is why it’s disappointing that Mayor Bob Filner’s first proposed budget shortchanges core neighborhood services, including street repair, and seeks to repeat the financial mistakes of City Hall’s troubled past.
The city’s finances affect every service it provides: public safety, clean drinking water, paved streets and much more. A financially sound city can provide these services. A mismanaged city cannot. Instead of continuing with fiscal discipline, accountability and voter-approved reforms, the mayor’s proposed budget contains major flaws that, combined and left unchecked, will impede the city’s turnaround.

Poem: My Emergency Kit

My Emergency Kit

I need to build an emergency kit
Making sure I put the right stuff in it
Water, at least a three-day supply
A non-electric radio for news to get by
And, of course, I’ll need my trusty flashlight
And batteries to keep it burning so bright
Food lasting awhile, can opener too
A sleeping bag or some blankets, a few
A first aid kit in case someone gets hurt
Extra car keys, if they’re lost in the dirt
Some cash money, gotta have that
And meds for everyone, including the cat
Warm clothing, sturdy shoes, TP I’ll need
Documents in oilskin, include the house deed
Put it all together in a little backpack
Spare for the car, prepared with my sack.


Joanne Phillips
Director-at-Large

President's Letter: May 2013


By the time you read this, the 17th Annual Clairemont Garden Tour will be in full swing! Special THANK YOU to all the homeowners, volunteers, and the Garden Tour Committee who have put in hours upon hours of work to make this year's tour extra special. If it is not already May 4, then you can still pick up tickets for the tour. Visit our website: ClairemontOnline.com for more information.

FYI... If you've already purchased tickets for the Garden Tour and need your maps and programs, they will be available on Friday and Saturday (May 3rd and 4th) for pick-up at the following locations: Sandwich Emporium at 3054 Clairemont Dr., and The UPS Store at Clairemont Town Square. Please Remember: bring your receipt with you to any location. Additional maps and programs will also be available day-of at Cadman Elementary (4370 Kamloop Avenue).

Tuesday, April 2, 2013

Commentary: Balboa Mesa is Right for Clairemont

Commentary by Julee Jenkins, Clairemont Community Schools


The Revitalization of Balboa Mesa Shopping Center is Right for the Clairemont Community

The Balboa Mesa Shopping Center renovation proposed by Regency Centers will invest $10 million, bringing new life to the shopping center and to our community with new shops and restaurants, including a drive-thru In-N-Out Burger. The renovation is LEED® certified and includes an updated parking lot design which will improve traffic movement within the center. Other elements of the proposed revitalization are outdoor seating areas, pedestrian pathways, new exterior signage and stone accents, and new shopping center lighting and landscaping.

Some community members have raised questions about the potential traffic related to the project. The good news is the plans call for a total overhaul of the parking lot at the center to enhance circulation. In addition, Regency has worked closely with the City to minimize impacts and ensure better access to and from Balboa Avenue.

Monday, April 1, 2013

Clairemont Garden Tour Tickets: On Sale Now!



The gardens have been selected, the programs are going to print, and tickets for the 17th Annual Clairemont Garden Tour are on sale now! As you may know, the Clairemont Garden Tour is an annual fundraiser that benefits our community through grant funding.  This self-guided tour presents the most beautiful and exquisite homes and gardens of our neighborhood.

This year's Garden Tour will present a variety of creative, unique and sustainable gardens displaying tropical and native plants.  We hope to provide you with inspirational ideas for your own garden! For more information, and to purchase tickets, visit our website: ClairemontOnline.com

Also, we are still looking for volunteers for our Preview Tour (the Saturday before) and day-of event (May 4). If you'd like to volunteer for either weekend, please contact Dana Sortwell at GardenTour@ClairemontOnline.com

There's a lot going on at our April meeting! SANDAG will present an update on the Mid-Coast Trolley. Also, we'll hear from guest speakers Supervisor Ron Roberts and Assemblyman Brian Maienschein.

We look forward to seeing you at 7:00pm on Thursday, April 4th, in the Cadman Elementary cafeteria.

Working for you, Clairemont!

Ryan Trabuco
CTC President