2015 Feb-Mar - Rolando Community Council

Volume 8, No. 2
February-March 2015
2:00 p.m. for post-show discussion with director and
actors. The show will play through Feb. 22.
For its 40 productions, including a number of
world premieres and West Coast premieres, MOXIE
has won 20 separate awards for excellence. It has
elevated San Diego above the national average for
production of works by female playwrights. Way to go,
MOXIE! For ticket information, call (858) 598-7620.
The theatre is located at 6633 El Cajon Blvd. Rolando
is proud to be Moxie’s home.
THEATRE ANYONE?
By Aimee Lee Cheek
Much honored MOXIE Theater, now celebrating its
10th year, is presenting the groundbreaking classic
“Trouble in Mind” by pioneering black dramatist Alice
Childress.
The 1955 comedy-drama explores racism in the
theater world and MOXIE is suggesting it will be the
next big hit on Broadway. Childress (1916-1994) was
the first African-American woman to receive a
professional production in New York City. Don’t miss
this presentation right here in Rolando.
Moxie is offering a special $5 discount for
Rolando residents. Mention this code “RCC”
for your discount. Performances of “Trouble in
Mind” are Thursdays at 7 :00 p.m., Fridays and
Saturdays at 8:00 p.m., and Sundays at 2:00 p.m.
Special performance dates are Feb. 1 at 1:00 p.m. (so
that viewers can catch the Super Bowl) and Feb. 8 at
Don’t miss the fun at the Rolando Street Fair! See page 2.
Photo: Jan Hintzman
Rolando Events
Rolando Community Council (3rd Tuesdays) | Clay Elementary School Auditorium (6506 Solita)
6:30 p.m. Social Time, 7:00 p.m. Meeting Begins
February 17 Meeting: Neighborhood news & the latest on Street Fair Planning | March 17 Meeting: Water-Wise
Landscaping/Gardening presented by David Clarke, Rolando landscape designer
19th Annual Rolando Street Fair | Sunday, March 29 | Rolando Blvd. south of El Cajon Blvd. | All day fun!
Used Book Sales (first Saturdays) | Rite Aid Parking Lot | 8:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
www.RolandoCC.org
Page 1
ROLANDO STREET FAIR COMING
SOON!
TRADER JOE’S NEARBY? IT DEPENDS
ON YOU!
By Sandi Buehner
By Jan Hintzman
The 19th Annual Rolando Street Fair will be
held on Sunday, March 29. Can you believe it
will be 19 years?! As with every year, planners are
lining up wonderful food, great crafts, games, rides,
and booths representing area businesses and
nonprofits. There is something for everyone in the
family. The musical entertainment includes: Sister
Speak, The Earful, Arise Roots, Trey Tosh Band and,
of course, Len Rainey & The Midnight Players.
Neighbors in Rolando enjoy a good time and the
Rolando Street Fair is fun at its best. The one
thing this Street Fair still needs is for you to
volunteer on the day of the fair. You don’t
have to work all day, just give us a few hours of your
time to allow our entire community to enjoy this
event. We even have a few jobs that could work prior
to the Street Fair or just after. What are you waiting
for? Come to the February RCC meeting for a fair
preview
and/or
contact
Sandi
at
[email protected] to join in to help
make our 19th year a big success.
We’ve long heard community members express a
desire for a Trader Joe's location near our
community. Let’s make it happen.
The El Cerrito Community Council is urging
nearby communities to support the College Grove
Market Place location previously occupied by
Staples (3418 College Ave, SD 92115) as a great spot
for a new Trader Joe’s.
If you are interested in having a Trader Joe's
closer to Rolando than is currently the case, you can
send a request by visiting www.traderjoes.com/
contact-us/location-request and suggesting that
lcation in the "Comments" box.
(LtoR) Bill Simons, Joe Felton, and David Clarke volunteered
to help set up the Rolando Information Booth at a recent street
fair. Photo: Jan Hintzman
www.RolandoCC.org
“Rolando Night Out”
returns. In January,
neighbors gathered at
Woodstocks and a good time
was had by all! Coming up:
Thursday, February
26, starting at 6:30 p.m.,
neighbors will converge at
Next Door Wine and
Craft Beer Bar at 7235 El
Cajon Blvd. (Yes, this is in Rolando! We extend to
73rd street along the Boulevard.) Next Door is
friendly and laid back. They offer limited food
(cheese plates, etc) and you are encouraged to
bring food in. Note: Ranchwood BBQ is right next
door!
Thursday March 26, same time, at Roboto
Tokyo Grill, 6061 El Cajon Blvd near Big 5 at
College Ave. Roboto’s opened this fall and has a
great menu of Japanese and other Asian foods.
Don’t miss out on this enjoyable way to explore
Rolando eateries and meet new (and old) friends.
Mark your calendars.
Feb.-March 2015, Page 2
SDSU SOUTH CAMPUS PLAZA
Last fall, the College Area Community Council and
Planning Board heard a presentation on South Campus
Plaza, the mixed use student housing and retail
development soon to be built by San Diego State
University at the intersection of College Ave. and
Montezuma Road.
The retail component will include a
market and several restaurants on the ground floor,
topped by student housing. There were many community
concerns about changes to the project that have occurred
after the 2010 Environmental Impact report.
Changes to Design: In place of apartments, the two
Artist rendering of SDSU South Campus Plaza
towers will offer dormitory style housing on the upper
floors. The towers have been increased in height from five to six stories, and the parking garage has risen from
four to five above-ground stories. Board and audience members expressed support for the on-campus housing
and excitement about the retail component, but disappointment at the boxy design of the towers.
Changes to Streets: Of special concern is SDSU's proposal to change the previously approved design of the
streets abutting the development. College Avenue would be narrowed to allow for bike paths and wider
sidewalks fronting the project. While the College community supports bike paths and improved pedestrian
access, in this case the cost may prove to be too great. According to the Environmental Impact Report, the
slowdown in traffic on College Avenue would be severe enough to cause a serious increase in backups during
the evening rush hour. This would cause drivers to divert their travel, impacting off- and on-ramp I-8 traffic
at both Montezuma and 70th Street.
The revised proposal is inconsistent with the College Area Community Plan. Since 1989 the Plan has called
for the eventual widening of College Avenue to three lanes in each direction between I-8 and Montezuma
Road. SDSU's proposed changes would preclude this future widening. In November the College Area board
voted to oppose the September 2014 "Complete Streets" Addendum. It agreed that a Supplemental EIR is
needed should the City approve this proposed change to the original South Campus Plaza plans.
www.RolandoCC.org
Feb.-March 2015, Page 3
www.RolandoCC.org
Feb.-March 2015, Page 4
CIT CORNER: WATER WISE IN ROLANDO
By Bob Scott
At the November RCC meeting, Jo Ellen Jacoby of
the City Public Utilities Department provided an
informative presentation on Water Conservation
Programs in San Diego. Almost all of our drinking
water comes from far away sources like the
Sacramento Delta and the Colorado River. Lower
than normal precipitation and higher than normal
average temperatures over the past few years have put
us in an extreme drought, putting a crimp in our
water supplies.
Water conservation policy has been around in San
Diego since the 1980s, and through these efforts,
water use today is 17% less than in 2007. Continued
awareness and conservation measures can help
further reduce our thirst for water. However, it will
take more than the rain we’ve had so far this winter to
fill our reservoirs and restore our supply to healthy
levels. City Ordinance 67.3803 identifies the following
water use restrictions:
 no runoff/excessive irrigation
 no watering after 10:00 a.m. & before 4:00 p.m.
(winter)/before 6:00 p.m. (summer); with some
exceptions
 no watering of paved areas
 car washing only in a commercial car wash or
using a hose with shutoff nozzle or a bucket
 no non-recirculating decorative water fountains
 no overfilling swimming pools and spas
There are always creative ways we can conserve.
Visit www.sandiego.gov/water/conservation/drought.
The City provides surveys that can help you become
more waterwise. Call: (619) 570-1999.
For
information on available rebates call (888) 376-3314.
Please note that the turf conversion incentive is no
longer available. City rain barrel rebates are $1.00
per gallon stored. Metropolitan Water District rebate
of
$75
per
barrel
(for
info
visit
www.socialwatersmart.com)
STORM WATER MANAGEMENT
By Bob Scott
Residents, homeowners and commercial
businesses should be aware of the City’s amendments
to its Storm Water Management and Discharge
Control Ordinance (SDMC Section 43.03). These
amendments have been made to meet the
requirements of the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer
System (MS4) Permit (Order No. R9-2013-0001)
issued by the San Diego Regional Water Quality
Control Board in 2013.
Non-storm related flows that are permitted require
minimum Best Management Practices (BMPs) before
they are deemed allowable into the storm drain
system. BMPs are activities that you are required to
implement to prevent pollution from leaving your
property and entering the storm drain system.
www.RolandoCC.org
To name a few, these discharges include flows from
pools, fountains, and vehicle and equipment washing.
This water must either infiltrate on your property
(provided it contains no hazardous substances) or be
discharged to the sanitary sewer system.
More information regarding the ordinance can be
found at the City’s Think Blue website
(www.sandiego.gov/thinkblue/) and the City
Transportation and Storm water website (http://
w w w . s a n d i e g o .g o v /st o r m w a t e r / r e g u l a t io n s /
index.shtml).
Please note that there will be enforcement of the
ordinance and violations could result in penalties in
the form of fines.
Feb.-March 2015, Page 5
ENHANCING CLAY PARK
By Denise Armijo
If you have ideas for making Clay Park more attractive and useful, you are invited to make them known.
Park enhancement funds of $150,000 are available because of the settlement between developer Carmel
Partners and the City over construction of BLVD63.
Some background: In Spring 2012 when construction of the project began over strong community
opposition, our council representative Marti Emerald stepped in to try to fashion a compromise between the
community — represented by the Rolando Community Council (RCC) — and the developer. Agreement on the
bigger issues was not to be. However, Carmel responded to community concerns over the impact of its project
on the park and agreed to pay the City $150,000.
The City is now planning to expend the park enhancement funds. The Colina del Sol Recreation Council,
which oversees the park, has formed a subcommittee to explore options for the work. The subcommittee is
composed of Daniele Laman and Howard Brealey, both Recreation Council members, and two Rolando
residents, Denise Armijo and David Clarke. Denise represents Rolando on the Eastern Area Communities
Council (EACPC). David is the RCC second vice president.
The subcommittee has discussed ideas for improvements, as well as constraints, and will estimate rough
costs in order to set realistic goals. Since the Clay sports field is owned by the school district, changes to the
field are not feasible. The subcommittee agreed to pursue donations of labor and/or materials. To help stretch
the budget further, the plans will minimize the need for administrative oversight.
On a field trip to Clay Park on Jan. 3, the subcommittee reviewed actual site conditions and further
envisioned possibilities. Several nearby residents attended and provided ideas to help buffer adjacent homes
from noisy users. Current ideas include addition of decomposed granite paths around the perimeter; addition
of decomposed granite and exercise stations in the shrub areas of the linear park across the street; a possible
shade structure near the tot lot; an entry plaza with permeable pavers or decomposed granite, seating cubes,
trees and an arbor at the west end in the underutilized shrub area; and additional shade trees throughout.
Now is the time to hear from you. Contact Denise Armijo at [email protected] or David Clarke at
[email protected] with ideas or to add your name and email to our distribution list.
www.RolandoCC.org
Feb.-March 2015, Page 6
OUR LIBRARY IS MORE THAN BOOKS!
By Armin Kuhlman
Check out the offerings at your College-Rolando branch library, 6600 Montezuma Road:
 Arts and Crafts: Saturdays at Noon
 Kid’s Yoga: 1st and 3rd Fridays at 11:00 a.m.
 Family Story Time: every Friday at 10:30 a.m.
 Lego Play Lab: Tuesdays at 3:30 p.m.
 Children and Nature, including hands-on activities for children ages 4+: Wednesdays at 1:30
p.m. (Feb. 18 — Backyard Bandits! Mar. 18 — Wonderful Woodrats!)
 Zumba Fitness: 1st & 3rd Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m.
 Zumba Gold: 1st & 3rd Saturdays at 9:45 a.m.
 Aryn’s Family Yoga: 2nd & 4th Saturdays at 9:30 a.m.
 Book Club: 2nd Saturdays at 10:00 a.m. with “Ramona” by Helen Hunt Jackson as February
selection
 Oasis Class: Mar. 6, 2:00 p.m.
 Book Room Sales: Tuesdays, 12:30-2:30 p.m. & Saturdays, 12:00-2:00 p.m. We welcome
donations of books, DVDs and magazines in good condition.
Join the College-Rolando Friends to support our library collections and programs. Our next Friends
meeting is Mar. 24, 4:30 p.m. Visit www.collegerolandolibrary.org for more information.
BAT BRIEF: ASKING THE CITY FOR ACTION
By Jan Hintzman
Existing San Diego code allowed BLVD63 to be
built without any formal citizen input or
environmental review. This experience and the work
of the BLVD63 Action Team (BAT) have created the
impetus to accomplish changes to city municipal
codes to address student housing.
When Mayor Kevin Faulconer's promise to Rolando
at last spring’s Town Hall did not produce observable
action, our Councilmember Marti Emerald, the
Eastern Area Communities Planning Committee
(EACPC), and BAT ramped up the effort.
Their activism resulted in a victory in November
when the City Council Committee on Public Safety
and Livable Neighborhoods directed the Mayor,
Development Services Department, and City
Attorney’s Office to bring forward recommendations
www.RolandoCC.org
for code changes.
The desired outcome is to ensure:
(1) that
communities have a say; (2) that city codes recognize
privately-developed student housing as a distinct
product, different from typical multifamily housing.
Other cities in California and around the country have
made appropriate changes in how such projects are
processed. San Diego has not. As a result, we have
bad example No. 1: BLVD63.
Following the November victory, the EACPC
committee for code changes (including BAT
leadership) has developed and presented extensive
recommendations for suggested changes to city code
based on strategies used by other cities. Now it’s up
to the Mayor’s Office. BAT and EACPC will continue
to monitor progress.
Feb.-March 2015, Page 7
www.RolandoCC.org
Feb.-March 2015, Page 8
COMINGS & GOINGS
Holiday Lights. Thanks to neighbors who lit up our streets for the Holidays. RCC announced the
winners of its holiday light competition. Selecting winners from the many great displays was difficult.
Congratulations to the winners. BEST IN LIGHTS: Philip Gibbins on Seminole Drive; WILD CARD: Sue &
Jenn on Carling Way; BEST IN LIGHTS RUNNER-UP: the Ades family on Lorca Drive.
San Diego Clean Election Initiative. The RCC board voted to support the initiative, joining the San
Diego chapters of the League of Women Voters, Common Cause and many other community groups from La
Jolla and Rancho Peñasquitos south, and from OB and PB across communities to the east. The initiative is
designed to level the playing field with a public funding program for candidates who are not independently
wealthy, or don't have the support of major donors like developers, lobbyists and other special interests.
Local Farmers Market. Use it or lose it! Vendor interest in our market is dependent upon their sales
success. It’s up to you. The market happens on Wednesdays from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. The entrance to the
market is on El Cajon Blvd. directly across from Vons. Let’s support local growers.
University Avenue Improvements. The Rolando Park Community Council has kicked off an effort to
work with businesses on University Avenue with the goal of improving conditions along this business
corridor. RCC would like to join in this endeavor. We need interested neighbors to lend a hand. If you want
to see an improved University Avenue, get involved. Contact Bob Scott at [email protected].
RCC Elections. It’s never too early to think about running for office! The RCC elections will take place in
June. This year, RCC will elect a President, 1st Vice President, Treasurer and one Director. You must be a
member to vote, so now is a good time to renew your membership. You can do it online at
www.RolandoCC.org. We are seeking members to serve on the election committee as well.
More Apartments Planned on ECB. Last fall, the 1.8 acre Campus Medical-Dental Center at 6244 El
Cajon Blvd. was sold. The new owner is Rize Eagles LLC., and their intent is to develop a new apartment
community. Zoning for the site reportedly allows up to 150 apartments. The site housed one of the Rolando
News regular advertisers, the Megan Clarke dental office. That office is relocating to La Mesa.
PRESERVING OUR “GREEN MILE”
By Lerissa Patrick
What happens when those beautiful Silk Oaks on
Rolando Boulevard start to die off?
Technically, the City is supposed to remove the dead
ones and replace them. However, that hasn’t happened
yet. There are three or four empty spaces on Rolando
Boulevard that used to have trees; there are three or
four more where the property owners replaced the
missing grevilleas with trees of their own choosing.
What this means for Rolando is that our “green
mile” – the semi-canopy that greets us as we drive in
on Rolando Boulevard – is gradually going away.
Without some intervention, it will be gone one day.
The Rolando Community Council’s Community
Improvement Team (CIT) has proposed that we hire a
certified arborist to help us figure out how to preserve
a canopy after the silk oaks are gone. Stay tuned! We’ll
report progress here and on the RCC website:
www.RolandoCC.org.
www.RolandoCC.org
Feb.-March 2015, Page 9
NEIGHBORS AT WORK
Many of our neighbors have small business operations based in Rolando. They provide a variety of services.
Take a look below at the many skilled neighbors offering services you might need. Let’s support our
neighbors! RCC members are welcome to submit their information free of charge by emailing copy to
[email protected].
Jeff Wilson — Wilson Woodscape. Full service landscape construction company specializing in decks,
fences and patio covers. License #945974. (619) 838-1398
Jolyne Harris — Jolyne L. Harris Photography — PhotOptions. At your location within San Diego
and portable studio available. www.facebook.com/PhotOptions [email protected] or call (619) 500-6336
David Clarke — Custom residential landscape and garden design (specializing in drought-tolerant
and native CA plants). Member, Association of Professional Landscape Designers.
Email:
[email protected] Call: (619) 787-0686 www.davidclarkedesign.com
Brenda King — Integrative Fitness Nursing. Licensed RN fitness expert. Maximize fitness goals,
reduce your waistline, and restore health. New: Gentle Fitness Classes, B12 shots, Lawn Yoga.
www.IntegrativeFitnessNursing.com (619) 200-1911
Aleah Cohen — Teen Babysitter. Energetic, responsible and fun. CPR and First Aid certified. Available to
babysit for your children. (619) 246-7993.
Aron Oakes — Acorn Garage Doors. Installation, repair and service of garage doors and garage door
openers. License #897261. Neighborhood references. (619) 218-1581
Tim Heasman — Interior/Exterior Painting. Twenty-three years in Rolando. Many references. (619)
886-9369 [email protected]
Carolyn Jaynes — Music Entertainment Service. Oldies & 50s music entertainment for birthday
parties, anniversaries and holiday celebrations. www.CarolynJaynes.com (760) 274-5875
[email protected]
Kevin Dorst — Mobile Notary Service. Kevin, (760) 331-7754, and Yoshuen (619) 990-7628, will come
to your Rolando home or office 7 days a week, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Mention this ad and you will
receive a 10% discount on our services.
Robert C. Martinez — Law Offices of Robert C. Martinez. General civil litigation attorney with 20
years trial experience in state and federal courts. www.rcmartinezlaw.com. Free consultation: (619) 3008745.
Nicole Lasky — Freelance Computer Training. Customized training in Microsoft Office applications
with a strong focus in Microsoft Excel. Expand your technical skills at your own pace with applicable data and
examples. (847) 529-5787.
RCC USED BOOK SALE
By Jackie Flohr
The RCC Used Book sale has had great success
the past two months. We would like to thank
everyone who came out to browse and buy. We
missed the sale in October because of the extreme
heat and in November we were rained out. No
worries, we sold nearly $400 in books in December
and January. Not bad since the books sell for $0.50
to $2 each! It is a great way to spend some time the
first Saturday of each month (volunteering or
buying). I have really enjoyed chatting with the
neighbors of Rolando and nearby communities. See
you next month.
www.RolandoCC.org
Feb.-March 2015, Page 10