No more waiting. And no more skinned-knees from the gravel playground!  On June 7th we had a wonderful celebration to officially open the field for use.  It is one of many joint-use projects that I have spearheaded during the last five years in District 7.  When school is out, the field is open to the public. 
 

We transformed three acres into new sports turf, trees, infield and a sports track. 

Vista Grande Principal Alan Richmond and members of the Tierrasanta Recreation Council Linda Juhasz, Celeste Weinsheim and Fred Zuckerman participated in the ribbon cutting ceremony. 

Jacaranda Bowl – As you know, the beautiful jacaranda tree is one of the official trees of the City of San Diego.  Residents and I share the same philosophy:  the more trees the better, and for me, especially if they are jacaranda trees. 
 

Nearly a decade ago we created what we affectionately call the Jacaranda Bowl on Waring Road near Adobe Falls Road.





 

As you enter Allied Gardens you will see a pocket of natural beauty with an area planted with jacaranda trees.  In the beginning community volunteers along with the gift of the late Phil Stahl helped maintain the area.  As we increased the size of the bowl, we need to find another solution.  I worked with the Navajo Community Foundation to provide funding for landscaping and watering this pocket of green. 

Over the years we’ve planted more and just recently completed planting the final six trees.  Members of Boy Scout Troop 950 helped the community by using their muscles to dig spaces and plant the trees oh so carefully.  A big thank you to Boy Scout Troop 950 and also to Jarrett Erwin and Tyler Erwin, who, as part of their Boy Scouts Eagle Project, planted nearly 100 drought resistant plants at the intersection of Navajo Road and Waring Road.  I was pleased to assist with funding for this worthwhile project.

De Portola Comfort Station – This month it became official that we would complete the project in Tierrasanta and have the dedication this fall. 

The comfort station will be an incredible amenity for the entire community since it provides public restrooms, storage for the Little League teams as well as De Portola Middle School and a snack stand.

Soon, we will be announcing formal plans for a similar comfort station to be constructed at the North Chollas ballfields.  This will be the third facility of its kind built in our District 7 neighborhood parks over the last five years.

Reporting Potholes, Burnt-Out Street Lights and Other Street Related Problems

Many residents call my office to report a street related problem and we are happy to help.  I wanted you to know you can also report the matter via the internet at:
http://apps.sandiego.gov/streetdiv/sreq_t1.jsp

You will then receive an automated response to verify it has been noted and a tracking number so it can be tracked at anytime via the Internet. Once you complete the form with the general information - name, address, email address – your user information remains so that the next time you use the Internet, you will have to fill in only the data relating to problem.  You will also receive a follow-up email once the task is completed.  Since it has so many advantages, I wanted to bring this method to your attention.  Or if you prefer to call, you may report a street related matter by calling (619) 527-7500 between 7:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Of course, my office is always available to assist you at any time with this or any other City-related issue.

Improving our quality of life goes well beyond the boundaries of District 7. Recently I’ve been working with other leaders on citywide and regional issues in order to improve the quality of life.  Two recent milestones come to mind:  passage of the smoking ban and rallying folks around the airport issue.

No Smoking – No Ifs, Ands, or Butts

San Diego’s new Beach and Park smoking ban will soon take affect.  The Council voted unanimously at the June 19th meeting of the San Diego City Council to ban smoking at City owned parks and beaches.  That means at beaches such as La Jolla Shores and Pacific Beach from the sidewalk or board walk to the water line and all areas in parks such as Balboa Park and Mission Trails Regional Park smoking will be prohibited.  Signs announcing the new policy will soon be in place and the ban is expected to begin sometime in late summer. Fines start at $250.


Councilmember Scott Peters and I first proposed the idea in February in order to prevent litter, improve air quality and promote safety by preventing fire hazards. San Diego joins about 30 other California cities in banning smoking in various public places. We are catching up to other progressive cities that have passed such a law. This law sends a message that we are trying to set an example. 

Lindbergh, Yes.  Miramar, No.

There is no doubt about it – the future of our airport is a hot button issue for residents, community leaders and elected officials.  The June 14th Town Hall Meeting that I hosted confirmed that.  Over 400 people packed into the Tierrasanta Lutheran Church to hear speakers including Lemon Grove Mayor Mary Sessom, Councilmember Brian Maienschein, Rick Terrazas, Deputy Chief of Staff for Congressman Duncan Hunter, Deanna Spehn, Policy Director for State Senator Christine Kehoe, Janelle Riella, District Director for State Assemblymember George Plescia, Eric Germain, President of the Tierrasanta Community Council and “Mr. Scripps Ranch” Bob Dingeman of the Scripps Ranch Civic Association. 

Residents from near and far came to hear why the Airport Authority selected Mirarmar as the joint-use site for San Diego’s airport and put the initiative on the November ballot. 

Many residents explained their reasons why Miramar won’t work. 

I have maintained the same position for nearly 20 years and that is technology will keep pace with Lindbergh Field if we just invest in improving that site.
 

Celebrate July 4th with Music & Fireworks at Lake Murray

The popular Fourth of July MusicFest continues thanks to another generous monetary donation from Scott and Betsy Boney of Windmill Farms Market in Del Cerro.  The Boney family gives back to the community contributing as major sponsors for the July 4th event and for SpringFest, a community-wide parade, car show and art show held in April at the Allied Gardens Recreation Center.

The July 4th MusicFest features activities for the entire family, including music throughout the day, food and drink booths, crafts and community vendors. There is a spectacular fireworks show after dark with music synchronized to a broadcast on KYXY-FM (96.5 FM).  Log on to www.lakemurraymusicfest.com to learn more about the event. 

The musical lineup for the event includes:
• 12 noon-2 pm: Society Beat Band (Big Band Style)
• 2:30-4:15 pm: Beyond Blue (Blues, Classic Rock, R&B)
• 4:45-6:30 pm: Oudeilia (Smooth Jazz, with lots of energy)
• 7-9 pm: Sensation Band (Cover Show Band)
• 9 pm: Fireworks Spectacular