Featured Stories

The great migration at R. Roger Rowe School, Rancho Santa Fe School District's one, and only, K-8 school, begins in earnest Monday, Aug. 23, according to school officials.

Even as dozens of construction workers scramble to complete new facilities, district offices, and oficials, begin moving to new digs that day. The plan is to have teachers follow around Aug. 30, setting up their brand, spanking new classrooms.

Then, it's onward, and upward, quite literally in the case of the new high-rise school, on Tuesday, Sept. 7, the date Rancho Santa Fe education has with destiny. That's the first official day of school at a new facility that continues to be constructed at breakneck speed this week to meet the coming storm of students.

 School officials hope to have every nook, and cranny, in order at the $37 million reconstructed facility by the opening of school sessions.

More-or-less, anyway. The performing arts center has been lagging a bit, but officials say it will be usable enough at first with carpeting, furniture and curtains.

It won't be for lack of effort, either, as workers in mass quantities this week put the finishing touches on the project that was funded through two bonds passed by district voters as well as state matching funds and private donations.

 Gafcon, Inc. was project manager with Trittipo Architectire & Planning providing architectural services. The new school features a single, centralized drop-off/pick-up area in front of the facility, enhanced traffic circulation features to reduce congestion in the area and additional campus parking for parents and staff.... (more)

6123 Calzada Del Bosque

Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067

(858) 756-3184

THE VIBE:  Chefs, local foodies, and farmers

THE COST:  Expensive and cash only

San Diego has a lot more farming going on than you might think.  Chino's Farm is the famous vegetable stand that all the best chefs in San Diego and beyond know about.  It's mentioned in Anthony Bourdain's latest book, Wolfgang Puck and Alice Waters all swear by it, chefs line up early to get the best and most unusual fresh produce in the morning.

Which is why you shouldn't drop by until later.  Much later, say noon.  Those who walk away from Chino Farm saying things like these are the Vegetable Nazi's or how unhelpful they are came at the wrong time.  Let's put it this way, you're standing in front gawking at the squash and George's at the Cove's chef is waiting behind you.  You're like the guy who got into the express "10 items or less" line at the supermarket with a cart filled to the top with groceries. So seriously, come later and they'll treat non-chefs like you and me nice.

  The produce is incredibly fresh and beautiful.  And expensive.  Look, I'm just warning you to bring lots of cash as it's pretty easy to blow through $30 without thinking.  And like the markets in Paris, you don't grab and squish and sniff the produce, you point to what you want and they'll help you out.... (more)

Editor's Note: John Hermann is a 41-year-old Rancho Santa Fe resident who has Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. He uses a ventilator 24/7. View John's complete blog profile or contact him at johnrsf@pacbell.net.

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"There is no cure for birth and death save to enjoy the interval."--George Santayana (1863-1952)

San Diego Trolley Outreach

I applauded what appeared to be a good effort of the MTS to reach out to the disabled community. But, it turned out to be an empty gesture.

On Monday, MTS (Metropolitan Transit System) of the city of San Diego, held an outreach for the disabled community. The purpose was for people with disablities, especially those using manual and power wheelchairs, to try out the ramp they are planning to put on all the new trolleys. They also wanted the input of the disabled community about the new ramps.

The event was held at the 12th and Imperial transfer station in downtown San Diego. They had a mock-up of the planned ramp as it would be with the doors of the trolley open. They had me drive my chair up and down the ramp, approaching from different sides and straight on, with high sides and without. I found it very easy to manuever my power chair up and down and the width of the ramp and doorway was just right. Afterwards I gave a positive evaluation. 

Though it worked great with my power wheelchair, the manual wheelchair users had trouble pushing their chairs up and down the ramp. Being in a power wheelchair, I forget that manual wheelchair users use a lot of effort to move around. It was my hope, and the hope of the other people that took part in the outreach that our input would lead to a ramp that would work for all people with disabilities. It was our understanding that this was the purpose of the outreach.

I applauded what appeared to be a good effort of the MTS to reach out to the disabled community. But, it turned out to be an empty gesture. An acquaintance of mine who uses a manual wheelchair had trouble wheeling himself up the ramp--as did a lot of manual wheelchair users--and mentioned the problems and suggested they lengthen the ramp to make it less steep. He was told that the ramp could not be changed. The outreach turned out to be futile. Why did they have us try out the ramp and give our input when the design was already approved? It appears to me that this outreach was nothing but an attempt on the part of the MTS to appease the disabled community and to make themselves look good. It achieved neither purpose.... (more)

Traps set this month by agricultural inspectors around Rancho Santa Fe have yielded no sign of Light Apple Brown Moths (LBAM), the highly controversial invasive pests. 

Its larvae voraciously devour leaves, buds and shoots of more than 2,000 species of plants and 250 crops, including citrus, avocados, cut flowers and nursery plants, according to agricultural officials.

Daniel Oluwasakin, a county insect inspector specialist, was spotted earlier today, Monday, Aug. 16 along Mimulus at Rancho Santa Fe, laying LBAM traps at local citrus and lemon groves.

So far, Oluwasakin said he had put in about 20 traps -- three to a site -- around the Covenant area. Checking traps on a monthly basis, no LBAM's have been found, he added.

A widespread infestation would threaten the county's $1.5 billion agricultural industry, but so far, one LBAM has been found at Bonsall and five just east of Balboa Park.

A limited quarantine by state officials of areas within a 1.5-mile radius of the found moths will be declared "imminently, at any time," said Eric Larson, executive director of the San Diego County Farm Bureau, the major organization representing county farmers.

"That creates the area where steps will be taken toward eradication," Larson said. "Once that is declared, a federal quarantine of the entire county will be declared within a few weeks."

... (more)

The Rancho Santa Fe Fire Protection District Board didn't have to look far in replacing retiring chief Nick Pavone.

Board members had to look just across the meeting table at deputy chief Tony Michel, named new chief on Wednesday, Aug. 11, but officially announced by district officials at noon today, Monday, Aug. 16.

“I am very honored and excited to be presented with this opportunity,” Michel said. “I am humbled by the confidence the board of directors has shown in me and, while I know the position comes with many challenges, I am looking forward to serving the fire district in this capacity.”

As fire chief, Michel will be responsible for managing the fire protection and life safety resources, said Julie Taber, public affairs officer for the 42-square mile district that protects 29,000 residents from Rancho Santa Fe and Del Dios to 4S Ranch and Del Sur.

Michel will provide recommendations and technical staff assistance to the board of directors as well as serve as the district’s finance officer, Taber said.

"Chief Michel’s other duties will include implementing and enforcing the rules and regulations governing the fire district, continuing the implementation of the district’s strategic plan, and coordinating activities with other fire and governmental agencies," Taber said.... (more)

La Granada at Via de Santa Fe gets a makeover

 After years of talk, and months of prep work, La Granada and Via de Santa Fe's fabled Y-intersection is being reformed into a 4-way intersection providing access to Camino Selva and La Flecha.

Construction is expected to continue through late September. Traffic will continue to flow during construction although detours and open streets will vary.

San Diego County taxpayers through the half-cent dedicated TransNet sales tax approved by voters in 1987 are paying for the $325,000 project that includes realigning the intersection, curbs, gutter and sidewalk, as well as creating conforming driveway entrances and utility corridors.

"This project will enhance traffic flow, drainage and pedestrian facilities in the neighborhood by constructing 450 feet of new sidewalks," county officials said.

 Once the road is re-arranged, the Rancho Santa Fe Association will provide new landscaping.... (more)

 Americans for Prosperity, an Astro-Turf Lobbyist Group

It is not surprising that Americans for Prosperity appeared in North San Diego County to support Congressman Brian Bilbray as reported by an area newspaper  on August 12.

Bilbray, for those who are unaware, sponsored the Congressional Cigar Association (CCA) in February 2009. The CCA has lobbyist board members and supports the tobacco and cigar industry. CCA events allow lobbyists to have direct contact and influence with congressional staff. 

Earlier in April, the CCA pulled strings to get International Premium Cigar & Pipe Retailers inside the U.S. Capitol Visitors Center to brief house and senate staffers. In June, the CCA pulled off a lavish roof top event reported by the Huffington Post. 

Bilbray’s relationship with the tobacco industry is becoming more obvious daily. It turns out that Americans for Prosperity is an astro-turf driven pro-tobacco lobbyist organization, and despite its name, the non-profit advocates  “prosperity” on behalf of a chosen few. 

According to Sourcewatch.org, Americans for Prosperity lobbied against a smoking ban in Texas in 2005 and a state cigarette tax in Illinois in 2008.  Its state affiliate, AFP Arizona opposed a proposition that would tax tobacco in that state.

Sourcewatch states: “On its website, Americans For Prosperity states that AFP gets its support from individuals and corporations which share its vision. However, it does not disclose which corporations fund its operations,”

With its track record, AFP should disclose how much of its funding is from corporate donors and representatives including those from the tobacco industry.... (more)

Woe is the light brown apple moth. This New Zealand native is a voracious devourer of leaves, buds and shoots of more than 2,000 species of plants and 250 crops including citrus, avocados, cut flowers and nursery plants.

Agricultural officials and growers don't want to see the pest spawn its demon larvae. However, much disagreement exists as to what should be made of the moth's presence as well as what should be done about it.

Some contend the moth has been around California for many years without being a problem. Others say sightings of more than a handful of moths signals an infestation that must be stopped immediately.

The controversy doesn't stop there. Arial spraying of pesticides to kill the moth around the Bay Area and Northern California communities three years ago sparked widespread public outrage bringing the spraying to a quick end.

The discovery of a lone apple moth at Bonsall two months ago followed by discovery of five apple moths just east of Balboa Park a few weeks ago set off a firestorm around San Diego County and its $1.5 billion agricultural industry.

Federal officials want to quarantine the entire county. State and county agricultural officials, as well as local farm leaders, want limited moth zone quarantines of 1-to-2 miles radius.

No quarantine zones have been set as of Aug. 15 as more than 35 inspectors from county, state and federal agencies continue setting traps, inspecting properties and taking other measures.

Previous Ah-Ha Rancho Santa Fe News stories on the subject may be found at:

http://tiny.cc/amv1q and http://tiny.cc/zw0pg.

For this week's Sunday Opinion, Annie Spiegelman, a Bay Area master gardener, organic farmer and "Dirt Diva" author, weighs in on the subject at hand,  known popularly -- similar to a rapper or notorious celebrity -- simply by its initials, LABM.

-- Editor's note... (more)

The “Buckets of Money” Seminars: Who Pays?

Ray “Buckets of Money” Lucia, the host of an investment radio talk show, has been going around the country hosting retirement seminars with actor Ben Stein.

The seminars are free to attend, but they’re not free. Someone is paying for them. If you’re considering investing with Lucia, it’s important to understand that the person who may wind up paying is you.

 Money for the “Buckets of Money” seminars comes out of the pockets investors in RJL Wealth Management, according to Lucia’s own client disclosure.

In addition to being the main sponsor of Lucia’s seminars, RJL Wealth Management advertises on his radio show. It pays Lucia a fee for referring potential clients. It also pays him hourly consulting fees. The amount of this compensation is not disclosed.

RJL manages more than $300 million in assets in 4,880 accounts, according to its filing with federal regulators.

As I noted in an earlier post on Lucia’s fees, the RJL Wealth Management Program charges staggeringly high fees of as much as 2.9 percent annually.

Lucia’s SEC disclosure states that for his solicitation and consulting, he receives a portion of the fees collected by RJL Wealth Management that “shall not exceed 1 percent” annually. One percent of $300 million is $3 million a year.

You would be forgiven that Lucia is essentially paying himself. In fact, Lucia is being paid by his son, Ray Junior, who runs RJL Wealth Management. Dad is listed as a consultant and member of the advisory board (along with Ben Stein).

The arrangement between the Lucias leads inexorably to a conflict of interest.... (more)

http://www.crimemapping.com/map/region/northcountysandiego

Follow the link above to view the entire mapping tool......... (more)

Several years ago I retired from Corporate America.  As it turned out, the recent past has not been without its speed bumps.  Yet, one smoother spot in the road has been relocating to this area.  Remarkably, it has offered me time for reflections, revitalizations, and immersion of a sort in an environment that is conducive for growth on several levels.   The physical is obvious.  What is less obvious, is the internal change that occurs.

With the advent of Eat, Pray, Love's film release, I have some reflections of my own.  They involve a perspective that has to do with 'time served' on the planet.

It is an odd thing, to think you might have peaked in your life; to contemplate however briefly, that the very best, most productive years might be behind you.  Odder still, is the acknowledgement that you simply do not operate from the same appetites that once propelled you.  It feels strange to discover that just as physical passion has observably waned, so too has desire to prove something about yourself to the world, to succeed on worldly terms of success, heretofore driven by that dirty little ‘I’ word, insecurity. 

At your best moments you know all the force of youth has been replaced by a different kind of energy altogether – filled with an integrity that is utterly reliable and solid.  At the worst moments it is easy to feel lost, disoriented, and sad.  Sometimes there is sadness when witnessing the early ferocious vigor seemingly gone, evaporated from a day to day existence.  Other times there is moroseness because you recognize at least in part, the futility and waste of the previous ambitions however modest they may have been. 

Then, you awaken and remember not only that the early years – the terror of them with all the stress and uncertainty – has been a kind of perverse pleasure as if dreaming.   Though you still drag some earthly ego-driven remnants trailing behind, there is something about this new place you see out from that is more comforting, honest, and peaceful.

 ... (more)

 Introducing a new Ah-Ha Rancho Santa Fe News feature -- Vibes Up!!! with Abby Gooch, Mystic, Intuitive, Professional Speaker whose Life Connections has healing offices at Cardiff.

Abby strives to help others create the lives they desire. Please send your questions about releasing any limiting beliefs so you may live to your highest potential to Dear Abby Gooch at abby@lifeforceconnection.com. She will answer selected questions in this space as part of her mission to teach, guide and inspire personal growth and accomplishment.

Abby's latest project is 'The Miracle of U', a compact disc series including partner workbook to serve as a guide to discovering one's true nature. Visit http://themiracleofu.com/ for more details.

Learn how to overcome personal limitations to live the life you truly deserve! Learn how to use your intuition to manifest what you want in life! No more limiting careers, relationships or personal disappointments. Let Abby show you how to overcome your fears.

THE PATHWAY OF THE HEART-LIVING WITH LOVE

Somehow, someway everything works out. If it’s not by chance, it’s by design. I was running down the coast line today and suddenly I realized that everything works together for good. Well okay I knew it before, but I actually felt the power of the Universe moving through the plants and trees of the vegetation around me. I watched the ocean crash on the shore, feeling the movement of the waves rising and then falling.... (more)

 Crafting a clean, concise, well-written piece that’s a perfect fit for its readers gets me jazzed; I aim to always give the target audience a memorable story while leaving the writing transparent. I love talking with people to find out what makes them tick, discovering what’s interesting about every place I go and spreading the word about good things in my community and beyond.

                                                      --- Louise Julig, Encinitas, "Thoughts Happen"

Finding My Birth Family

My pulse quickens as I turn the pages of my book, one of several I brought along for a laid-back week in Santa Barbara. It’s not a mystery novel, crime thriller or the latest bloodsucking romance, yet it grabs my imagination like no other.

When we arrived at the vacation rental I promptly staked out the corner of the cream-colored, L-shaped sectional as my spot for reading, and I’m currently sitting with my legs stretched out, draped in a sage green throw on the short leg of the L in the sunny living room with the object of my fascination. The title? “The Best Creative Nonfiction, Vol. 1.”

 I bought it eight months earlier on vacation in New York at a huge Barnes & Noble on the Upper East Side. Standing in front of an entire section titled, “Essays and Nonfiction,” I thought I’d died and gone to heaven, and snatched up this anthology along with Annie Dillard’s “The Writing Life,” and Joan Didion’s “Slouching Towards Bethlehem,” both of which I’ve since read.

This decidedly un-sexily titled book fills me with tingles of excitement with each new essay. That there’s a Thing called Creative Nonfiction, and that people do this makes my creative fibers vibrate like crazy, the way a string vibrates when it’s exposed to the right frequency. Iget this.

Creative nonfiction is succinctly described as, “True stories, well told.” “I could do this,” I think. In some ways, I’ve been doing it all my life, I just didn’t know what it was called — I didn’t know there was a Thing, I thought it was just the stuff I liked.

It’s like finding you were adopted and have relatives you never knew about, who share your deviated septum, sandpaper-dry sense of humor and tendency to chew an equal number of times on both sides of your mouth.... (more)

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