May 30, 2014

4S Ranch, Cardiff-by-the-Sea, Carmel Mountain, Carmel Valley, Del Dios, Del Mar, Del Mar Heights, Del Mar Mesa, Encinitas, Escondido, La Jolla Farms, Leucadia, Miramar, Mira Mesa, Olivenhain, Rancho Bernardo, Rancho Penasquitos, Sabre Springs, San Pasqual, Scripps Ranch, Solana Beach, Sorrento Valley, Tierrasanta, Torrey Hills, Torrey Pines, University City

Click HERE to see a map of the Third District
News of the Week
From Dave's Desk...
 
How are you?

Thank you for opening my weekly newsletter. I am always pleased to talk about my policy work and the meetings and events I attend. I also want to hear about the issues and activities that are important to you. Click your "Reply" button and let me know.

 

Thank you!
ESSENTIAL SERVICES MUST CONTINUE
Funding for Palomar Health forensic center

Our message was clear: The Forensic Health Department run by Palomar Health in Escondido must remain open.

 

On Thursday, Sheriff Bill Gore, District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis, Supervisor Bill Horn, Palomar Health officials and other community leaders joined me to announce our plans to support the center, which was at risk of closing because of strained budgets.

 

The forensic center and its sexual assault response team collect evidence from rape and abuse victims across North County. Since it opened in 1984, the center has completed more than 15,000 exams. The evidence gathered often is pivotal in making criminal cases stick.

 

I have pledged $75,000 from my Neighborhood Reinvestment Program budget for improvements to the center, on top of $10,700 that I secured earlier this year to purchase an examination table.

 

The Golden Door Foundation, upon hearing of the center's needs sometime ago, quickly pledged $75,000. I can not thank the foundation enough for its generosity.

 

Joining us in support on Thursday were Escondido Deputy Mayor Olga Diaz and Maria McEneany, my appointee to the county's Commission on the Status of Women.

 

During our news conference, some of the most powerful remarks came from Catherine McLennan, supervisor of Palomar Health's child abuse program.

 

"For 30 years, children and adult victims have come to the center not only for the collection of evidence but to tell their stories, to speak about the unspeakable and to feel valued at the lowest point in their life," she said. "Our message is, 'We were waiting for you. We are here for you.'"

 

Kenny Goldberg of KPBS News talks to Catherine and does a great job telling the forensic center's story in this video:

North County's Only Forensic Center Gets Financial Reprieve
North County's Only Forensic Center Gets Financial Reprieve
A FRANK AND OPEN CONVERSATION
Exploring the issue of fracking

What is fracking and what does it mean for our environment, energy security and water supply?

 

On Wednesday, I invited a panel of experts to the County Administration Center to explore those questions.

 

U-T San Diego columnist Logan Jenkins moderated the discussion, which included questions submitted by members of an audience of nearly 100 people.

 

Hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, involves drilling and injecting a high-pressure blend of water and chemicals into the earth to extract petroleum and natural gas.

 

Ken Weinberg, director of water resources for the San Diego County Water Authority, said that fracking requires great quantities of water. He said that much of the water we consume is imported from Northern California, and with drought conditions limiting imported water supplies, fracking operations could use water that would otherwise go to agriculture or other uses.

 

Damon Nagami, a senior attorney for the Natural Resources Defense Council, said that some 30 wells where fracking may be taking place are operating in San Diego County. He said fracking in the state should cease until more is known about the health and environmental consequences.

 

David Nylander, portfolio manager for Noble Americas Energy Solutions, said that fracking keeps energy prices down and without it, the price of our power bills easily could double.

 

And Matt Wiedlin, a California-certified hydro-geologist, noted that there is great value in achieving energy independence but energy companies must avoid polluting groundwater, especially since fracking involves horizontal and zigzag-patterned drilling.

 

I was pleased to host the frank and open conversation.

Escondido planners approve County center

The Escondido Planning Commission on Tuesday agreed that plans for a county health and social services center on West Mission Avenue comply with city zoning. The vote was unanimous. 

 

This is great news for Escondido, for 400 county employees who will work at the center and for the thousands of clients they will serve. 

 

The project will jump-start development in this section of the city and provide a stable tenant for a grocery store space that has sat vacant for eight years. The modern offices will replace a nearly 60-year-old complex across town on East Valley Parkway and will bring child welfare, aging and independence, public health and veterans services as well as a family resource center together under one roof.

 

Earlier this month, the Board of Supervisors approved plans for the Escondido center. 

 

In anticipation of that meeting, the mayor of El Cajon, Bill Wells, told me in a letter that a similar county health center in his city, which opened in a rehabilitated cinema, "enriches the general environment for all" and that the center's employees "are exactly the kind of individuals we want to attract to our core downtown district."

SUNDAY IN POINT LOMA
5K for foster care, adoption programs

Lace up those jogging shoes and join me at 7:30 a.m. Saturday for the Live Well San Diego 5K, where we will be highlighting county foster care and adoption programs. The location is NTC Park at Liberty Station, 2455 Cushing Road, San Diego.

 

Joining me will be Supervisors Ron Roberts and Greg Cox, Health and Human Services Agency Director Nick Macchione and Nick Hardwick of the San Diego Chargers.

 

You can run or walk the course, bring the kids to a fun zone and collect autographs from current and former Chargers. See you there!

JUNE 13 IN ESCONDIDO
Third District grant review board to meet

To add transparency into the process of allocating taxpayer funds, I have recruited residents from across the Third District to advise me on the dispersal of more than $700,000 in county grants.

 

The Third District Community Enhancement Grants Review Panel is scheduled to meet from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 13 at my district office at 720 N. Broadway, Escondido. The meeting is open to the public.

 

The panel -- which advised me on grant allocations last year -- includes residents from throughout the Third District. To find the panelists, I solicited recommendations from mayors and San Diego City Council members within the Third Supervisorial District.

 

The panelists are: Sean Karafin (San Diego); Bari Vaz (Mira Mesa); Cindy Weir (Escondido); Sharon Omahen (Encinitas); Shirley King (Del Mar); Rich Thesing (Tierrasanta); Ed Muna (Rancho Bernardo); and Frisco White (Carmel Valley).

 

The panel will forward its recommendations to me and I will submit my allocations to the county's Office of Financial Planning on June 16. 

 

Community Enhancement Grants are funded by transient occupancy taxes collected within the unincorporated area and are intended to promote tourism and economic development. The grant review panel is the first of its kind to be formed by a San Diego County Supervisor. 

Mark your calendars

June 7: Wine & Food fest in Encinitas

Encinitas Rotary is hosting its 11th annual Wine & Food Festival from 5 to 8 p.m. at San Diego Botanic Garden, 230 Quail Gardens Drive, Encinitas. Proceeds are divided among 21 nonprofit groups supporting children's and community groups. Visit the Wine & Food Festival Web site for more details.

 

June 7: Cardiff-by-the-Sea Library book sale

Bookworms can load up on books at bargain-basement prices from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Cardiff-by-the-Sea Library, 2081 Newcastle Ave. Fill a paper grocery bag with books for $3 or purchase individual books for 25 cents each. All proceeds Cardiff-by-the-Sea Library programs. Learn more on the Friends of the Cardiff-by-the-Sea Library Web site


June 7 through July 6: Toy drive at fairgrounds
The Torrey Pines Rotary Club is collecting toys at the Del Mar Fairgrounds from June 7 through July 6. Fair goers can donate new and gently-used stuffed animals at the O'Brien and west gates and on the infield. This will be the sixth annual collection, and during the past five years, the Rotary has distributed more than 22,000 stuffed animals. That translates into a lot of smiles. Visit the Torrey Pines Rotary Club Web site for more info.
 
June 8: Encinitas Arts Alive banner auction
Attention art lovers: The 2014 Encinitas Arts Alive banner auction is set for 1:30 p.m. June 8 at the Cardiff Seaside Market courtyard on on San Elijo Avenue at Birmingham Drive. Bids start at $150, with half of the proceeds going to the artist and the other half going to the three nonprofit groups that organize the event. Last year, I purchased one of the hand-painted banners to hang in my office. Visit the Encinitas Arts Alive Web site for details.
 
June 8: Encinitas Environment Day

Water conservation is the theme of this year's Encinitas Environment Day, which runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 8 at Cottonwood Creek Park on Vulcan Avenue at Encinitas Boulevard.  Guests can learn about 'Saving Green by Saving Blue' and what that means to our community. Visit the Encinitas Environment Day Web site for details.  

 

June 16: Del Mar Historical Society fundraiser
The Del Mar Historical Society is hosting an evening at the Alvarado House from 6 to 9 p.m. June 16 at the Del Mar Fairgrounds, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd. Guests can enjoy food and drink and live music by Sue Palmer. Proceeds will raise funds to return the historic Alvarado House from the fairgrounds to a permanent location in Del Mar. For more information, visit the Del Mar Historical Society Web site.
 
June 16: Father's Day walk, festivities in University City
The Kids of America and the San Diego Classic Lions club are hosting a Father's Day 6K walk starting at 7:30 a.m. June 14 in University City. Walkers will set off from the Sears at the UTC Westfield Mall and hike to the National Cemetary at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar. A full program of fun will follow back at the mall. To learn more, call (866) 991-3747.  

June 19: Summer Solstice food fest in Del Mar
Attention foodies: Get an oceanfront seat and enjoy culinary creations from Del Mar's finest restaurants from 5 to 8 p.m. June 19 at the 2014 Summer Solstice at Powerhouse Park. Find details on the Del Mar Village Association Web site.

June 28: Golden Idol Contest in Rancho Bernardo

The Rancho Bernardo Spirit of the Fourth is hosting its 2014 Golden Idol Contest from 2 to 5 p.m. June 28 at Casa de las Campanas, 18655 W. Bernardo Drive. Anyone 60 years of age or older can compete for cash prizes in the talent show. For more information, call (858) 592-1870 or visit the Spirit of the Fourth Web site

 

July 3: RB Idol

The RB Idol contest is set for 6 to 9 p.m. July 3 at Webb Park. Performers ages 8 through 18 can compete for cash prizes and recording services at Studio West. The winner gets to perform in front of a huge crowd during the next day's Spirit of the Fourth event, and all finalists are welcome to march in the Spirit of the Fourth Parade. Entries are due by June 20. Visit the Spirit of the Fourth Web site for details.

 

Thursdays: Family Fun Nights at San Diego Botanic Garden

Family Fun Nights run from 4:30 to 8 p.m. Thursdays during June, July and August. Check the entertainment lineup at the San Diego Botanic Garden Web site.

 

Daily: Free admission for military families at Escondido children's museum

The San Diego Children's Discovery Museum is offering free admission to active duty and veteran military families through Labor Day at its location in Escondido. Learn more at the San Diego Children's Discovery Museum Web site.

FROM SOLANA BEACH TO DOWNTOWN SAN DIEGO
Bike to Work Day 2014
Bicycling is a great way to commute, and that's just what we did today as part of Bike to Work Day 2014. Joining me on the ride from Solana Beach to San Diego were Daniel Powell and Laura Spycia. 

 

Our ride took us through University City, another outstanding community of the Third Supervisorial District.

 

We came upon many pit stops, including this one at Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla.

 And here we are at the finish line! 

 

One of the prettiest parts of the ride is through Torrey Pines State Reserve, where we recorded this quick video:

Bike to Work Day 2014

Paying tribute in Solana Beach

The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5431 in Solana Beach Post hosts an always-powerful Memorial Day ceremony at La Colonia Park. I delivered a keynote speech and later enjoyed meeting these Young Marines. Oo-rah!

Pancakes and patriotism in RB

The Rancho Bernardo Historical Society held its Memorial Weekend Pancake Breakfast on Saturday at Bernardo Winery, where I enjoyed catching up with community leaders.


One of them was Royce Williams, who I recognized with a Certificate of Appreciation. I also awarded a certificate to Nick Popaditch.

Rich with patriotism, the event was classic Rancho Bernardo. What a privilege to represent the residents of this great community.
Goodwill and congratulations in Tierrasanta

 

I always admire the great community spirit of Tierrasanta, where the community council held a recognition event for local volunteers on Thursday.

Thank you!

 

Congratulations to Principal Jerry Jones of the brand new Solana Ranch Elementary School in Pacific Highlands Ranch. I enjoyed meeting Mr. Jones and other community leaders during ribbon cutting ceremonies on Wednesday. 

And thank you Michael Murphy, managing director of The Old Globe, where "Out at The Globe" events recognize LGBT members of the theater community. 
Celebrating Asian Pacific American Heritage
 
 
What a great lineup of elected officials and community leaders on Friday at the Inaugural Asian Pacific American Heritage Gala at Jasmine Seafood Restaurant.
Appreciating visionaries

The LEAD San Diego Visionary Awards last week brought nearly 1,000 community leaders to downtown San Diego. I sat at the Scripps Health table with my friend Susan Taylor (right), executive director of external affairs for Scripps Health.

 

Lessons at Paul Ecke Central School
 

 

Last week, my visit to Paul Ecke Central School included lessons on iPads, gardening and dual-language immersion at the Encinitas campus.

Arianna to readers: Thrive

What a treat to meet media magnate Arianna Huffington at a North San Diego Business Chamber luncheon. The self-proclaimed flat-shoe advocate and sleep evangelist talked about her new book, "Thrive."
THE BEST IDEALS OF PUBLIC SERVICE
Proclamation Awards
 
Friday's Asian Pacific American Heritage Month Inaugural Gala at Jasmine Seafood Restaurant drew numerous elected officials, including District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis, who helped me formally recognize the event.
Headline
North County's Only Forensic Center Gets Financial Reprieve

Doors to Stay Open at North County Forensic Health Center

Recent shooting near UC Santa Barbara renews debate over Laura's Law

County moves to locate HHSA office in Escondido

State bill good for people and pets

Veterans Honor Courtyard in Solana Beach

Supervisor Dave Roberts pledges $80,000 toward Solana Beach Veterans Honor Courtyard during Memorial Day ceremony
 
Stay in touch!
At our Escondido office
Back row, from left:  Brett Fisher, Wes Moore, Adam Kaye, Dave Roberts, John Weil, Evan Bollinger.

Front row, from left: Sachiko Kohatsu, Lindsey Masukawa, Tighe Jaffe, Anne-Marie Jewel.

 

How can my Third District staff serve you? Just let us know. 
We look forward to hearing from you!
  
Supervisor Dave Roberts
1600 Pacific Highway, Room 335
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 531-5533
Follow me on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube!

Like us on Facebook    Follow us on Twitter  View our videos on YouTube