The Peninsula Beacon, December 23rd, 2014

12
A landlord who repeatedly allowed illegal marijuana dispensaries to oper- ate from his San Diego properties will pay the City $250,000 as a civil penal- ty, with an additional civil penalty of $300,000 suspended by the Court so long as he complies with the terms of the stipulated judgment. John Nobel has been named in numerous actions by the City Attorney’s Office as it cracks down on unpermitted dispensaries. As part of a global stipulated court judgment of those cases, Nobel was assessed $550,000 in civil penalties, with $300,000 of that amount sus- pended, and was ordered to pay the City for investigative costs of $8,000. The penalties include $80,000 of a $120,000 judgment that previously was awarded the City and that Nobel had appealed. Under the terms of the stipulated final judgment, Nobel may be forced to pay the $300,000 suspended penalty if any of his properties is used for any unlawful marijuana operations or for any use not permitted by the City. In addition, he must ensure that any remaining dispen- saries vacate his properties, and he must remove their fixtures, effects and sig- nage. Failure to abide by the stipulated court judgment may also result in a con- tempt of court citation. The penalty is the largest attained by the City Attorney’s Office since it began using civil enforcement action against dispensaries that operate in violation of City zoning regulations. The City Attorney’s Office has closed down more than 200 dispensaries in the past four years. In that time, Nobel- owned properties in Pacific Beach, the Midway district and North Park were leased to dispensary operators despite the fact that they were not allowed Mission Bay High School students got the red carpet treatment Dec. 17 in honor of the 10,000th student to have taken part in the ACES after-school tutoring program. “We hit the 10,000th person yester- day (Dec. 16), so we’re celebrating that person today,” said Lisa McDonnell, San Diego Unified School District super- visor for ACES, the After-school Center for Excellence and Support. ACES offers helpful reference materi- als, access to computers, printers, and supplies, free and healthful snacks, col- lege tutoring from SDSU and UCSD stu- dents, specialized help for CAHSEE, PSAT and SAT prep, college application counseling and mentorship for life, col- lege and career. “We started the ACES program here about 1½ years ago in my classroom with a bunch of volunteer teachers,” said Ron Lancia, ACES program coordi- nator. “We did it to have a safe, positive place for kids to go every day and inter- act with their teachers on a different level than they do in the classroom. These kinds of relationships, that’s San Diego Community Newspaper Group Tuesday, December 23, 2014 Cal BRE#01883404 Lanz 619.564.6355 Happy Holidays from Civil penalties are assessed in marijuana dispensaries flap BY DAVE SCHWAB | THE BEACON A VERY, VERY, VERY FINE HOUSE If you were a member of the Ocean Beach Town Council and you couldn't get enough of the holidays, you'd probably try a house decorating contest – and that's exactly what happened on the heels of OB's yule caravan, which traversed Newport Avenue Dec. 6. Residences were festooned with lights in the spirit of the evening and the season, and the creativity was what you'd expect from the geniuses that are the neighborhood. Here are two pretty decent illus- trations of the winning contingents – kinda makes you long for Christmas year-round. PHOTOS BY MIKE McCARTHY SEE NOBEL, Page 10 10,000th tutoring program participant is ACES with Mission Bay High School From left, student Harmony Ordaz, ACES coordinator Ron Lancia and student Tyrese Reed, 10,000th ACES participant, celebrate the event with a ribbon-cutting. Photo by Dave Schwab SEE ACES, Page 3

description

Civil penalties are assessed in marijuana dispensaries flap • 10,000th tutoring program participant is ACES with Mission Bay High School

Transcript of The Peninsula Beacon, December 23rd, 2014

Page 1: The Peninsula Beacon, December 23rd, 2014

A landlord who repeatedly allowedillegal marijuana dispensaries to oper-ate from his San Diego properties willpay the City $250,000 as a civil penal-ty, with an additional civil penalty of$300,000 suspended by the Court solong as he complies with the terms ofthe stipulated judgment.

John Nobel has been named innumerous actions by the City Attorney’sOffice as it cracks down on unpermitteddispensaries.

As part of a global stipulated courtjudgment of those cases, Nobel wasassessed $550,000 in civil penalties,with $300,000 of that amount sus-pended, and was ordered to pay the Cityfor investigative costs of $8,000. Thepenalties include $80,000 of a$120,000 judgment that previously wasawarded the City and that Nobel hadappealed.

Under the terms of the stipulated finaljudgment, Nobel may be forced to pay

the $300,000 suspended penalty if anyof his properties is used for any unlawfulmarijuana operations or for any use notpermitted by the City. In addition, hemust ensure that any remaining dispen-saries vacate his properties, and he mustremove their fixtures, effects and sig-nage. Failure to abide by the stipulatedcourt judgment may also result in a con-tempt of court citation.

The penalty is the largest attained bythe City Attorney’s Office since it beganusing civil enforcement action againstdispensaries that operate in violation ofCity zoning regulations.

The City Attorney’s Office has closeddown more than 200 dispensaries in thepast four years. In that time, Nobel-owned properties in Pacific Beach, theMidway district and North Park wereleased to dispensary operators despitethe fact that they were not allowed

Mission Bay High School studentsgot the red carpet treatment Dec. 17 inhonor of the 10,000th student to havetaken part in the ACES after-schooltutoring program.

“We hit the 10,000th person yester-day (Dec. 16), so we’re celebrating thatperson today,” said Lisa McDonnell,San Diego Unified School District super-visor for ACES, the After-school Centerfor Excellence and Support.

ACES offers helpful reference materi-als, access to computers, printers, andsupplies, free and healthful snacks, col-lege tutoring from SDSU and UCSD stu-dents, specialized help for CAHSEE,PSAT and SAT prep, college applicationcounseling and mentorship for life, col-lege and career.

“We started the ACES program hereabout 1½ years ago in my classroomwith a bunch of volunteer teachers,”said Ron Lancia, ACES program coordi-nator. “We did it to have a safe, positive

place for kids to go every day and inter-act with their teachers on a differentlevel than they do in the classroom.These kinds of relationships, that’s

San Diego Community Newspaper Group Tuesday, December 23, 2014

Cal BRE#01883404Lanz 619.564.6355

Happy Holidays from

Civil penalties are assessed in marijuana dispensaries flap

BY DAVE SCHWAB | THE BEACON

A VERY, VERY, VERY FINE HOUSE If you were a member of the Ocean Beach Town Council and you couldn't get enoughof the holidays, you'd probably try a house decorating contest – and that's exactly what happened on the heels of OB's yulecaravan, which traversed Newport Avenue Dec. 6. Residences were festooned with lights in the spirit of the evening and theseason, and the creativity was what you'd expect from the geniuses that are the neighborhood. Here are two pretty decent illus-trations of the winning contingents – kinda makes you long for Christmas year-round. PHOTOS BY MIKE McCARTHY

SEE NOBEL, Page 10

10,000th tutoring program participantis ACES with Mission Bay High School

From left, student Harmony Ordaz, ACEScoordinator Ron Lancia and student TyreseReed, 10,000th ACES participant, celebratethe event with a ribbon-cutting. Photo by Dave Schwab

SEE ACES, Page 3

Page 2: The Peninsula Beacon, December 23rd, 2014

The son of a Pacific Beach man wasrecently selected to receive the Air Res-cue Association (ARA) Richard T.Kight award.

Senior Master Sgt. Brandon Casteeldistinguished himself as a GuardianAngel Operations Superintendent inthe United Kingdom from July 1, 2013to June 30, 2014. During this period,Casteel was vital to the United StatesAir Force in Europe’s build-up ofGuardian Angel forces to performcombat search and rescue in supportof personnel recovery operations.

As a lead planner for U.S.-U.K.search and rescue exercises, Casteelintegrated special operations and res-cue forces into a five-platform sce-nario, strengthening coalition part-nerships and refining personnelrecovery techniques and procedures.

Casteel also organized a high-visi-bility demonstration involving aircraft,

ground forces and enemy combatants,showcasing personnel recovery to 30local leaders. In response to a contin-gency deployment change, Casteelwas instrumental in preparing 15 mis-sion-ready pararescuemen, providingthe United States Africa CommandCommander with rescue forces for sixnamed operations. Jane’s Internation-al Defense Review selected him tohighlight personnel recovery duringOperation Enduring Freedom.

Casteel is on active duty in NewEngland. He and his wife Conchitahave two daughters and a son. Gary,Casteel’s father, lives in Pacific Beach.The younger Casteel graduated fromSpring Valley's Monte Vista HighSchool in 1990. He received a mas-ter's degree in criminal justice fromExcelsior College in 2014.

The ARA is an organization of some2,500 dedicated retired and active

duty veterans whose goal is to keepalive the spirit of air rescue. For moreinformation, go to internet sitehome.roadrunner.com/~airrescue/.

The Kight Trophy is presentedannually by the ARA to an active-dutyor reserve-component rescueman orwoman who has made outstandingcontributions to the Air Force’s searchand rescue mission. The winner isselected by an Air Force board.

Kight was the first commander ofthe Air Rescue Service in 1946 and isconsidered the “Father of Air Rescue.”He coined the motto “These ThingsWe Do That Others May Live” andoriginated this award.

NEWS2 TUESDAY · DECEMBER 23, 2014THE PENINSULA BEACON

(619) 223-2151 www.diamondforeversandiego.com3689 Midway Dr. In the Point Loma Plaza next to Sport Chalet

WATCH BATTERIES

$4.99+ TAX

Casteel cited for work with air rescue unit

Brandon Casteel is shown herewith wife Conchita and their friends.

COURTESY PHOTO

Point Loma resident William Fenick, for-mer director of public affairs and corporatecommunication for the Naval Special War-fare Command in Coronado, has beennamed executive director of the SEAL-Naval Special Warfare Family Foundation.

The nonprofit foundation raises aware-ness and funds for special programs indirect support of Naval Special Warfarefamilies on a local, national and globalscale.

In his new role, Fenick will be responsi-ble for the execution of the foundation'sfundraising, fiscal management and pro-gram execution, all designed to enhancethe naval special operators' ability to train,deploy and balance their unique family

needs."Bill brings the right level of energy,

intellect and passion to our family founda-tion team,” foundation president JohnMoninger said. “His years of active dutyservice in combination with his workingknowledge of the naval special warfarecommand add great value and will assistus in moving our family foundation for-ward. The naval special warfare communi-ty will be better for his efforts and energy,and I'm honored and pleased he joined ourgreat team.”

Fenick has more than 25 years’ experi-ence advising Navy leadership and mili-tary staffs, with a focus on strategic com-munication, messaging, issues

management and teamwork. He hasserved as director of public affairs and cor-porate communication for the Naval Spe-cial Warfare Command since 2010, andit was there he led a corporate communi-cation and engagement strategy to man-age the increased public, legislative, mediaand stakeholder interests related to allaspects of Naval Special Warfare.

The SEAL-Naval Special Warfare Fami-ly Foundation supports individual andfamily readiness through programs thatassist the naval special warfare communi-ty. For more information or to make adonation, visit www.sealnswff.org.

Point Loma man named SEAL unit head

STANDING ROOM ONLY The Point Loma Association (PLA) annual dinner, heldOct. 17, was a sellout, with nearly 500 attending. 52nd District Congressman ScottPeters, accompanied by then City Councilmember Ed Harris and his successor LorieZapf, presented a proclamation for Dick Lareau honoring his 44 years of service tothe PLA (left). The dinner was provided by To The Point Catering. Lareau put on his

last slide show depicting Point Loma from 1973 until now. Supervisors Greg Coxand and Ron Roberts extended Lareau another proclamation before a Marilyn Mon-roe look-alike showed up to sing happy birthday to him on his 87th birthday thatevening (right). To close, Cecilia Carrick received the Light House Award as mostoutstanding volunteer of the year. COURTESY PHOTOS

Page 3: The Peninsula Beacon, December 23rd, 2014

NEWS & VIEWS 3TUESDAY · DECEMBER 23, 2014THE PENINSULA BEACON

Dog Beach Dog Wash, the originaldo-it-yourself dog wash in OceanBeach, just celebrated a milestone onNov. 22 with its 500,000th dogwashed.

"GusGus," a 4-year-old WheatenTerrier-poodle mix, and mom, ChrisUzeta, were honored when they camein at 8:10 a.m. that day after playingat Dog Beach. Uzeta was given a freedog wash and a gift basket ofcoupons, toys and treats worth morethan $200.

Uzeta said GusGus was adopted ayear ago from Second Chance Rescuein San Diego. She noted the pooch’sfavorite things are playing with hisfriends at Dog Beach, his tug toy andsleeping on her pillow.

Dog Beach Dog Wash bills itself asSouthern California's premier dogwash, providing outstanding serviceand accessories. Co-owners Jane Don-ley and Mindy Pellissier wish to thankall their human and canine friendsfor making their 22nd year in busi-ness a true celebration.

Dog Beach and its dog wash go

hand in hand, said Pellissier. But shewas quick to add it wasn’t always thatway, as dog washing was a prettynovel idea when they started outmore than two decades ago.

Pellissier talked about how she andDonley became canineentrepreneurs.

“Back in 1992,” she said, “I had adog who was highly allergic to fleas,and I had to wash him with medicat-ed shampoo daily, and it was a mess:soap on the ceiling and mirrors andwalls. And he was never very clean —or well rinsed.” Pellissier noted OB’sDog Beach concurrently had becomethe region’s de facto dog beachbecause such beaches had beenclosed nearly everywhere else.

Pellissier, who used to walk her petsdaily at OB Dog Beach, said she andDonley, who had previous experiencesetting up hospital clinics, got thenotion for opening a dog-washingbusiness (only one existed county-wide then) and launched into somemarket research.

The pair buttonholed dog walkers

in OB at all hours of the day, seekingtheir input on whether a dog washwould fly in the coastal communityand what products and serviceswould need to be offered.

After hearing enough of, “Oh, Iwish there was a place to wash mydog,” Pellissier said they knew theirbusiness venture was a go.

So Pellissier and Donley started outat 4933 Voltaire St., two and a halfblocks from OB Dog Beach, with fivetubs for dogs and a large sink for catsand puppies.

“We thought with enough volume,we could do it,” said Pellissier. “We fig-ured we could break even with eightdogs a day. The very first day, we had26 washes.”

“Normally with small businesses,you plan on breaking even in threeto five years, and we broke even in 18months,” added Pellissier, noting,“Now we have eight or nine employ-ees and are open every day of theyear, because dogs need to go outevery day of the year.”

Navy's pipeline plan invites several emergencies

A dog's life: Do-it-yourself OB washclientele stands at a cool half-million

The Navy has installed a state-of-the-art fuel storage facility and ispreparing a fuel pier to be installedafter demolition of the 1950s facility,yet they intend to apply a Band-aid fixand cherry-pick areas of the subjectpipeline to repair. This vintage fuelpipeline is the glue that holds theentire facility together.

The Navy also proposes to relocateportions of the vintage fuel pipelinealong the Rosecrans traffic corridor inPoint Loma (the backbone of thePeninsula traffic flow) This does notmake economic or operational sense,as it will cause gridlock and catas-trophic public safety risks as well aspossible structural failures to othervintage service piping, substandard,deteriorating roads, outdated traffic

signals and signs designed decadesago for fewer vehicles, all against abackground of construction in earth-quake country. Additionally, the fol-lowing existing conditions on thePeninsula only highlights that this is abad idea!

The construction will restrict theflow and merger of already congestedbusiness traffic, university/school andchurch access, heavy military use toand from state highways, residen-tial/public access to Lindbergh Fieldand downtown San Diego. It will alsorestrict emergency egress from allpoints off the Peninsula to traumahospitals, because we are surround-ed by water on three sides and do nothave a hospital on the Peninsula. (TheNavy does not have an emergency

plan in place for proposed fuel pipelineconstruction.)

The Navy, the mayor and CityCouncil must realize that the risk ofcatastrophes and emergencies is like-ly to be more critical and massive fromthe Peninsula community than fromneighboring communities amid air-port access, the fueling facility'ssprawl, Liberty Station and the area'sbusinesses, beach areas, thousands ofstudents and glut of vehicular traffic.

Think about the effect of a six-month pipeline construction scheduleon Rosecrans, the backbone of traffic.Total gridlock.

Jim Glhooly Point Loma

when the real tutoring and enrichmentbegins.”

Tyrese Reed, the 10,000th ACESparticipant, said he’s been involved inthe program since its start.

“I was a freshman, and I had eightclasses and it’s kind of hard to bal-ance,” he said about his motivation forparticipating. “So I came to ACES, andthe teachers helped me with every-thing, really gave me the support sys-tem that I needed. Ever since, I’ve beencoming here, because I get help — andthe resources — for any subject that Ineed.”

Harmony Ordaz agreed that theafter-school tutoring program has real-ly been her ace in the hole.

“The teachers are really supportive,and they always help you no matterwhat,” she said.

Asked what subject she needed helpin, Ordaz replied, “Calculus. It’s a veryrigorous course.”

Mission Bay High School principalErnest Remillard said it’s amazing howfar the ACES program has come in lessthan two years.

“It’s been fully supported school-wide,” Remillard said of the program.“They were running 60 to 80 kids lastyear, and it can accommodate about120 students, though 100 is a nicenumber.”

Asked if ACES could be a prototypefor other schools in SDUSD, Remillardreplied, “We definitely want it to be amodel.” The principal added that teach-ers in the program started out volun-teering their time but are now beingpaid through school grant funding.

Currently, about 100 students a day

are working at ACES under the direc-tion of a staff of teachers from all con-tent areas. The program’s mantra is“Every student, every time,” whichrefers to the program’s commitment toengage with every one of the 100-plusstudents who enters ACES after schoolto help him and her continue his andher education every single day.

ACES is strictly voluntary and isdesigned after the metaphorical foursuits from a deck of cards. The ace ofhearts represents a holistic approachto mentoring, providing access to anarray of services to benefit social andemotional growth. The ace of clubsrepresents a club/community effect,providing a consistent place for stu-dents to gather to further their educa-tion. The ace of diamonds represents abalanced approach to supportEnglish/history, math/science, foreignlanguage/fine arts and special popula-tions such as international baccalau-reate, English learner or special educa-tion students. The Ace of spadesrepresents digging deeper throughaccess to one-on-one instruction withexpert teachers.

Funding is made possible by the 21stCentury Community Learning Center(CCLC) After School Safety and Enrich-ment for Teens (ASSETs) grant. TheASSETs grant is a state-administeredfederal grant that provides five years'funding to establish or expand before-and after-school programs that providedisadvantaged students with academicenrichment opportunities and support-ive services to help the students meetstate and local standards in core con-tent areas.

ACESCONTINUED FROM Page 1

GusGus the 500,000th customer at OB's Dog Beach Dog Wash, netted his mom a giftbasket of coupons, toys and treats just for showing up. Photo by Dave Schwab

LA JOLLA VILLAGE NEWSBEACH & BAY PRESSPENINSULA BEACON

SUBMISSIONSAnnouncements, photos andstory ideas are welcomed. Weask that content be sent atleast one week prior to publi-cation and include valid con-tact information.

OPINIONSThe opinions expressed on theOpinion Page do not neces-sarily reflect those of this paperor the San Diego CommunityNewspaper Group. To submita signed letter or guest col-umn, please e-mail the respec-tive publication’s editor (atright) or send to 1621 GrandAve., San Diego, CA, 92109.We reserve the right to edit forclarity, accuracy, brevity andliability.

COPYRIGHT© 2014All rights are reserved. Thisnewspaper is printed in theUnited States of America withsoy inks and recycled paper.Please recycle.

PHOTOGRAPHERSDON BALCH, JIM GRANT, PAUL HANSEN, MIKE MCCARTHY

CONTRIBUTORSBART MENDOZA, DIANA CAVAGNARO, JOHN FRY,JOHNNY MCDONALD, JUDITHGARFIELD, KAI OLIVER-KURTIN,LORALEE OLEJNIK, NATASHA JOSEFOWITZ, NEAL PUTNAM, NICOLE SOURS LARSON, ROB STONE,RACHEL HUTMAN, SANDY LIPPE,SCOTT HOPKINS, MARSHA KAY SEFF,WILL BOWEN, KEITH ANTIGIOVANNI,MORGAN CARMODY, PATRICIA WALSH

PUBLISHER JULIE MAIN

MANAGING EDITOR KEVIN MCKAY (x131)

PENINSULA BEACON [email protected]

EDITOR MARTIN JONES WESTLIN (x133)

BEACH & BAY PRESS [email protected] JOLLA VILLAGE NEWS [email protected]

REPORTER DAVE SCHWAB (x132)

[email protected]

PRODUCTION CHRIS BAKERBARBARA ROGEL

ADVERTISING SALES MIKE FAHEY (x117)MICHAEL LONG (x112)HEATHER LONG (x115)KEVIN MELTON (x105)CASSANDRA SABOLEK (x102)

LEGAL / CLASSIFIEDS KIM DONALDSON (x140)

ACCOUNTING HEATHER HUMBLE (x120)

1621 Grand Ave., 2nd Floor, Ste CSan Diego, CA 92109

(858) 270-3103 Fax: (858) 713-0095

BY DAVE SCHWAB | THE BEACON

SEE DOGWASH, Page 9

Page 4: The Peninsula Beacon, December 23rd, 2014

OB HOLIDAY4 TUESDAY · DECEMBER 23, 2014THE PENINSULA BEACON

LA JOLLA VILLAGE NEWSBEACH & BAY PRESSPENINSULA BEACON

SUBMISSIONSAnnouncements, photos andstory ideas are welcomed. Weask that content be sent atleast one week prior to publi-cation and include valid con-tact information.

OPINIONSThe opinions expressed on theOpinion Page do not neces-sarily reflect those of this paperor the San Diego CommunityNewspaper Group. To submita signed letter or guest col-umn, please e-mail the respec-tive publication’s editor (atright) or send to 1621 GrandAve., San Diego, CA, 92109.We reserve the right to edit forclarity, accuracy, brevity andliability.

COPYRIGHT© 2014All rights are reserved. Thisnewspaper is printed in theUnited States of America withsoy inks and recycled paper.Please recycle.

PHOTOGRAPHERSDON BALCH, JIM GRANT, PAUL HANSEN, MIKE MCCARTHY

CONTRIBUTORSBART MENDOZA, DIANA CAVAGNARO, JOHN FRY,JOHNNY MCDONALD, JUDITHGARFIELD, KAI OLIVER-KURTIN,LORALEE OLEJNIK, NATASHA JOSEFOWITZ, NEAL PUTNAM, NICOLE SOURS LARSON, ROB STONE,RACHEL HUTMAN, SANDY LIPPE,SCOTT HOPKINS, MARSHA KAY SEFF,WILL BOWEN, KEITH ANTIGIOVANNI,MORGAN CARMODY, PATRICIA WALSH

PUBLISHER JULIE MAIN

MANAGING EDITOR KEVIN MCKAY (x131)

PENINSULA BEACON [email protected]

EDITOR MARTIN JONES WESTLIN (x133)

BEACH & BAY PRESS [email protected] JOLLA VILLAGE NEWS [email protected]

REPORTER DAVE SCHWAB (x132)

[email protected]

PRODUCTION CHRIS BAKERBARBARA ROGEL

ADVERTISING SALES MIKE FAHEY (x117)MICHAEL LONG (x112)HEATHER LONG (x115)KEVIN MELTON (x105)CASSANDRA SABOLEK (x102)

LEGAL / CLASSIFIEDS KIM DONALDSON (x140)

ACCOUNTING HEATHER HUMBLE (x120)

1621 Grand Ave., 2nd Floor, Ste CSan Diego, CA 92109

(858) 270-3103 Fax: (858) 713-0095

HAD ENOUGH OF THE SEASON?

We thought not. Ocean Beach loves a party,and this one is the biggest of the year. Photogra-

pher Mike McCarthy took these shots of thecommunity Christmas tree and some of the final-

ists in the house decorating contest, whichwrapped things up nicely for 2014.

Page 5: The Peninsula Beacon, December 23rd, 2014

4822 Newport Avenue (619) 222-0559www.NewportAveOptometry.com

Dr. Eli Ben-Moshe & AssociatesMost Insurances Accepted • Glasses in 1 hour • Large frame selection

READERSCHOICEAWARDS

2 0 1 4R E TA I L / S E R V I C E S

CONTACT LENS PACKAGE• Complete Eye Exams • All follow up visits

• Six month supply of disposable• Contact Lens Care Kit

$156

COMPLETEOCULAR HEALTH

EVALUATIONincluding exam

for glasses

$58

COMPLETEOCULAR HEALTH

EVALUATIONIncluding exam for glasses & contacts

$88

Use Your Flex Plan

CHRISTMAS IN OB 5TUESDAY · DECEMBER 23, 2014

THE PENINSULA BEACON

Happy

Holidays!

READERSCHOICEAWARDS

2 0 1 4R E TA I L / S E R V I C E S

#1 Best Auto Repair

619-224-29291946 Bacon St. Ocean Beach • Visit us at www.sunsetgarageob.com

WHEN YOU SHOP SMALLAT INDEPENDENT, LOCALLYO W N E D B U S I N E S S E S ,

52%O F W H AT YO U S P E N DS TAYS RIGHT IN YOUR

C O M M U N I T Y , SUPPORTING LOCALORGANIZATIONS AND SERVICES

SHOP

OB

Available in men’s & womens styles

$20 Available at James Gang1931 Bacon St. 225-1753

www.jamesgangprinting.com

2014 HOLIDAYCOMMEMORATIVE T-SHIRTS

Comes in

Green!

Page 6: The Peninsula Beacon, December 23rd, 2014

Celebrate the Season in Ocean Beach!

For the Art Lover on your list

G ive a gift that is truly one of a kind-an original painting by local artist James

Tunney. John Baker Picture Frames also features otherlocal artists so you are sure to find a painting that is

perfect for that art lover on your list. Give an original local painting at an incredible value.

You can also custom Frame that special memory of a lovedone-a gift that will last forever! Plus, you can take advantage oftheir Custom Framing special now till Christmas SAVE 25% offthe entire job. Just mention this Gift Guide. Gift Certificatesare also available.

4735 Point Loma Ave.619-223-5313

Designs that Inspire

This holiday season we are debuting our charm and birthstone collection. Each piece has been designed and handcrafted by us

from start to finish. We carve, cast, polish and set each stoneby hand, creating truly unique, quality jewelry.

The Birthstone Necklace featured here is available in 14K Yellow Gold, 10K Rose Gold, Sterling Silver and Yellow Gold Dipped, all are

available with the Birthstone of your choice.

Come in and see these and many other wonderfulgift ideas.

4857 Newport Avewwww.gilmorefamilyjewelers.com

619-225-1137

Birthstone Necklace

Holiday Indulgence

C elebrate this holiday season with a delicious box of

holiday themed chocolates from Beach Sweets.

Indulge in our Gourmet Festive Chocolates Treats thatare handmade on site daily, perfect for gift giving,stocking stuffers or perfect hostess gifts! We havesomething special for everyone on your list and for every budget. Beach Sweets offers a wonderful mix of sweets including hard tofind candies, unique chocolates, gummis galore and an impressivelylarge assortment of nostalgic candy. Our store is overflowing inevery nook & cranny with candy, treats and sweets from the classics toclassics-in-the-making.Beach Sweets truly delivers on the idea of having “something for everyone.”

Old-Fashioned Candy Shop5022 Newport Ave

San Diego, CA 92107619-222-3322

OceanBeachSweets.com

Decorate your Tree with a touch of OB

Ocean Beach Commemorative Ornament. Celebrating the artfrom the custom Ocean Beach-opoly game.

Measures 3.5”W x 2”T and comes in a decorative storage tin.$25 each or $20 when you purchase more than one. Buythem online at www.oceanbeachsandiego.com or at theOBMA Office at 1868 Bacon St., Suite A in OB Monday – Fridayfrom 8:30am-5:00pm.

1868 Bacon St., Suite Awww.oceanbeachsandiego.com

Holiday Gif t GuideShop Ocean Beach

LAST MINUTE

Page 7: The Peninsula Beacon, December 23rd, 2014

CHRISTMAS IN OB 7TUESDAY · DECEMBER 23, 2014

THE PENINSULA BEACON

Wishing you a

Merry Christmas &

Happy New Year!Mike Fahey

Wishing you a

Merry Christmas &

Happy New Year!Mike Fahey

PEACE • LOVE • JOY • OB

4857 Newport Ave · Ocean Beach • 619-225-1137www.gilmorefamilyjewelers.com

Thank you for your patronage.

INCORPORATED

4856 VOLTAIRE STREETSAN DIEGO, CA 92107

(619) 223-1232FAX 223-0820

[email protected]

Season’s Greetings!We Specialize

in all auto body work & insurance work

READERSCHOICEAWARDS

2 0 1 2R E TA I L / S E R V I C E S

Over 33 Yearsin OB!

Formerly at1955 Bacon St.Randy Green

V O T E D # 1 A U T O B O D Y S H O P !

ALL GOOD THINGS COME TO AN ENDAnd that's what happened on Dec. 19, when theOcean Beach Food & Toy Drive gave away itslast fare for 2013. The Ocean Beach TownCouncil, which puts on the event every Christ-mas, donates food and toys to more than 80needy kids and families in the neighborhood inthe spirit of giving for which the neighborhoodis known. At right, San Diego CouncilmemberLorie Zapf, whose District 2 includes OB,beams a holiday wish to the drive's supporters,while the left photo illustrates the busy-ness ofthe event. In the middle photo, a kindly volunteerstrains for a good cause amid the weight of herpackage. PHOTOS BY MKE McCARTHY

EVERYTHING YOU WANTFOR CHRISTMAS

IS IN OCEAN BEACH SHOP LOCAL!

Page 8: The Peninsula Beacon, December 23rd, 2014

HAPPY OB HOLIDAYS!8 TUESDAY · DECEMBER 23, 2014THE PENINSULA BEACON

FELIZ NAVIDAD - HAPPY HOLIDAYS!NATI’S MEXICAN FOOD

BEST OVERALLRESTAURANT

2009 • 2010 • 2011 • 2012 • 2013 • 2014

1852 Bacon Street (at Niagara) Ocean Beach 619-224-3369

READERSCHOICEAWARDSBEST RESTAURANTS

Cocktails • Plenty of ParkingCandlelight Dining • Garden Patio

Take a break from shopping and enjoy lunch or dinner at Nati’s.

Bring the whole family; we love kids and large parties. Last minute gifts!

We have gift certificates and a large selection of Nati’s logo T-Shirts.

We will close at 3:00 PM Christmas Eve. Closed Christmas Day.

Join us New Years Eve for a relaxing lunch or dinner. Closed New Years Day.

- Family Owned & Operated Since 1965 -

ITALIAN

POMA’SDELICATESSEN

1846 BACON ST., OCEAN BEACH(619) 223-3027

“HOME OF THE ROAST BEEF” plus great pizza!

Best Deli &Sandwich6 years in a row!

DESSERT TRAYSFOR YOUR HOLIDAY ENTERTAINING

Cannolis, Lemon Bars,Tarts and more!

PLUS SANDWICH PLATTERS25 Sandwiches for $60

New!

A Consistent Award WinnerWe’re on the Pier at the end of Niagara 619.226.3474

If you’re not enjoying your Holidays on the Water…you’re not on the Pier!

Bring your family down to Ocean Beach this Holiday Season!Enjoy great food and great music by the ocean for the holidays.

Whatever you’re hungry for,you’ll find it in OB.

Ocean Beach offers more than 90 restaurants, entertainment and

lodging venues

5050 NEWPORT AVE. • OCEAN BEACH • 619.224.4540

24 CRAFT BEERS ON TAP • 100 BOTTLED BEERSPIZZA BY THE SLICE • FREE DELIVERY IN OB

WWW.OBPIZZASHOP.COM

NEWPORT PIZZA& ALE HOUSE

VOTED #1 BESTBEER SELECTION A Consistent Favorite for Pizza

READERSCHOICEAWARDS

2 0 1 4BEST RESTAURANTS

STOP IN FOR A CHRISTMAS BEER!

Hoppy Holidays!OPEN CHRISTMAS EVE AT 11AM

OPEN CHRISTMAS DAY AT 2PM

Open New Year’s Day

Holiday Dining in Ocean Beach

Happy Hour 5-6 p.m.½ Price Pitchers

Saloon Ltd.

Merry Christmasand Happy New Year!

5028 Newport Ave., OceanBeach 619-222-0722

www.sunshineob.com

Voted Best Sports BarAll UFC Events

Ocean View DeckSports on 110” Screen

Voted Best Sports BarAll UFC Events

Ocean View DeckSports on 110” Screen

The Next OB Hospitality Group Section is Jan. 8th.

Call to reserve your spot!

Happy Hour 5-7pm Weeknight Specials

5034 Newport Ave Ocean Beach 619-223-0558

MARTINIS • CLASSIC COCKTAILS, NEW CRAFT COCKTAILS & CRAFT BEERS

OCEAN BEACH, CA

Voted Best MartiniHome of the Original Manmosa

CELEBRATETHE HOLIDAYS

WITH US!

CELEBRATETHE HOLIDAYS

WITH US!

Join us for ourBIG NEW YEAR’S BASH

Voted Best MartiniHome of the Original Manmosa

Join us for ourBIG NEW YEAR’S BASH

with DJ UniteNew Years Party Favors

Drink SpecialsDancing

LOTS OF FUN

with DJ UniteNew Years Party Favors

Drink SpecialsDancing

LOTS OF FUN

Page 9: The Peninsula Beacon, December 23rd, 2014

A 35-year legal dispute betweenthe city and tenants of the De AnzaCove mobile-home park has beenresolved, with tenants agreeing tovoluntarily move out of the parkwithin a year in return for relocationcompensation averaging $77,000per household — $22 million total.

Peter Zamoyski of the law firmTatro & Zamoyski, representing DeAnza mobile-home park residents,commented on the settlement.

“It was a fair settlement,” Zamoys-ki said. “Was it as much as we hadhope for? No. But overall, it’s enoughto get them (residents) off to a newhome and a new place to live and wasdone in a manner that the courtdeemed completely fair and reason-able.”

Zamoyski noted many De Anzaresidents are seniors, pointing outthat many left the park already priorto the final settlement.

“It was very important to be able tofund those relocating, giving certain-ty, and finality, to a lot of these folks intheir golden years,” Zamoyski said.

In October, the De Anza CoveHomeowners Association voted toaccept the City of San Diego’s termsfor settling the case. City Council hasapproved the settlement. Both sidesagreed to the terms of a SuperiorCourt judgment on the amount andterms upon which the City should

compensate the tenants.The City’s obligation to compen-

sate the tenants had been establishedin 2005, and for the nine years since,the principal dispute centered on theamount the City was required to pay.The legal dispute, which began witha City Attorney’s opinion in 1978,spanned 19 City Councils and eightmayors.

With the close of this chapter, theproperty can return to recreational,commercial and educational uses, asintended by state law, said City Attor-ney Jan Goldsmith.

“Mission Bay was never intendedto be a mobile-home park,” Gold-smith said. “It is an active and acces-sible public park -- the world’s largestwater park – and a place for recre-ation and tourism, for paddle-board-ing and picnics. This settlement fair-ly compensates the tenants who willbe displaced, but most importantly, itreturns to San Diego 76 waterfrontacres we never should have lost.”

In addition to compensating thetenants, the City will pay attorneyfees equal to one-third of the totalamount paid.

Tenant compensation will be deter-mined by a combination of factors. Incases where the coach can be physi-cally relocated, the tenant will receivean allowance based on the coach’ssize plus $1,660 to defray additional

costs. Where it is not feasible to relo-cate the coach, the tenant will receivea $1,660 moving allowance plus therent differential for the first fouryears. Tenants who do not own theircoach will receive a $1,660 movingallowance plus an amount equal totwo months’ rent for a comparablysized apartment.

The property beneath the mobilehomes was originally owned by theState of California, which in 1945granted it to the City of San Diego asa “tidelands trust” to be used solelyfor educational, commercial andrecreational purposes, to includeparks, playgrounds and facilities. Res-idential uses were not permitted bythe terms of the grant.

When the City granted a 50-yearground lease to a master tenant in1953, that tenant agreed to use the

property exclusively for “a tourist andtrailer park,” language that contem-plated camper-trailers, not perma-nent housing. However, De AnzaPark soon evolved into a mobile-home park with long-term residents.

In 1978, the City Attorney’s Officeissued a legal opinion stating that DeAnza Park “may be in violation of thetidelands trust [of 1945]” because ofits residential users.

In 1980, the State Lands Commis-sion agreed that “residential use ofthese lands is not a public use,” set-ting the stage for eviction.

The tenants were given a reprievein 1981 when the state Legislature,in an action that required City con-currence, allowed them to continueliving on Mission Bay until the 50-year ground lease expired in 2003.

On August 27, 1982, the tenants

were notified of an eviction date ofNov. 23, 2003.

Nonetheless, the residents did notleave. Instead, they sued, winning acourt injunction to prevent the Cityfrom enforcing the 1982 evictionnotice.

Although the City argued that itwas not required to compensate thetenants for relocation, the court’s rul-ing in 2005 was to the contrary. Thisyear, the court set forth the amountand terms of payment.

Tenants have 12 months to vacatethe park. Future uses of the propertywill be decided by City Council.

The City, however, is bound by theterms of the trust and may only usethe property for educational, com-mercial and recreational purposes, toinclude parks, playgrounds and facil-ities.

NEWS 9TUESDAY · DECEMBER 23, 2014THE PENINSULA BEACON

Bethany Lutheran Church

Christmas-Eve Candlelight Service8:00pm

Christmas Day Service10:30am

619-222-7295

BethanyLutheranOB.org2051 Sunset Cliffs Blvd., Ocean Beach

Christmas EveLessons, Candles, & Carols

7:00 PM In the Sanctuary

Special music with Cathy Himlin

WestminsterPresbyterian Church

3598 Talbot Street,

San Diego

(corner of Talbot & Canon)

619-223-3193

Christmas Worship Guide

De Anza Cove pact endslegal dispute with City

Displaced De Anza Cove tenants will receive an average $77,000 per household and have 12 months to leave the park.Photo by Dave Schwab

BY DAVE SCHWAB | THE BEACON

When the business pair started,they had an old-style cash registerthat tallied every dog washed. Theystarted marking milestones: 5,000dogs washed, then 50,000, then100,000, 250,000 and now half amillion.

Very little has changed at DogBeach Dog Wash over the years. Thebusiness still carries a variety of dogshampoo and health care accessoriesas well as pet treats given to pets dur-ing the wash to reward them.

The price of a dog wash, like every-thing else over more than 20 years,has increased. It used to cost $5 to

wash your dog. Now it’s up to $14,with a possible nominal hike in storefor 2015.

Dog Beach Dog Wish is strictly self-service, though if someone is injuredor disabled, staff will help them washtheir pets. It’s a very pleasant experi-ence all around.

The owners have also been

extremely active locally with pet-ori-ented issues. They’ve been instrumen-tal in getting free doggie-doo bagsplaced at Dog Beach and DustyRhodes Park. Consequently, dog-walk-ing areas are much cleaner now thanthey’ve ever been, as dog owners aregood about picking up after theircharges.

Owning a dog wash isn’t somethingyou do if you want to get rich. But Pel-lissier and Donley are doing OK.

“You’re not going to get rich in thisindustry unless you’re the founder ofPetco or something,” said Pellissier.“But we’re wealthy in so many impor-tant ways. Our dogs are happy. Theirowners are too.”

DOGWASHCONTINUED FROM Page 3

Page 10: The Peninsula Beacon, December 23rd, 2014

SPORTS10 TUESDAY · DECEMBER 23, 2014THE PENINSULA BEACON

Maid Service

Weekly • Monthly

MOVE OUT SPECIALS FREE ESTIMATES!Call Valentina today!

Reserve now to have your houseSparkle for the Holidays.

(858) 229-0016

Top to Bottomdetailed cleaning

Trendiest New ClothesBeach Toys

Baby Shower GiftsUnique Holiday Presents ages 0-10

and don’t forget the TuTus!!747 Turquoise Street, Suite 100(858) 539-0052 • [email protected] 10 a.m.- 6 p.m.

CustomJewelryDavid ofCalifornia619.291.4977davidofcalifornia.com2725 CONGRESS ST. • OLD TOWN

Eye of BuddhaUnique gifts and services

Psychic, Tarot, Sound and Energy Healing

Massage Therapy,Chakra Cleansing and YOGA

4247 Park Blvd619.296.1150eyeofbuddha.com

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!• Garden & Lawn Maintenance• Valves, Sprinklers / Installation & Repair• Sod Installation, Landscape Lighting

DIAZ GARDENINGAND LANDSCAPEService once a week or twice a monthFree Estimates, Good Prices

Call Alfredo: 858-222-9045

LO O K FA B U LO U S T H I S

H O L I D AY S E A S O N !C h o o s e f r o m h u n d r e d s o f

a m a z i n g o n e - o f - a - k i n df i n d s a n d f a b u l o u s f u r s !

Heidi LarsonOwner/CEO

1002 Prospect, La Jolla(above Smash Burger)

858-459-1737 | 858-220-8515 designerconsigneroflj.com

A Better DealDesigner Tuxedos & Suits

Rental or PurchaseSame Day Service

369 Bird Rock AveLa Jolla, CA. 92037

(858) 551-6044

under zoning laws. Four dispensariesoperated from a building on RosecransStreet that is 600 feet from an elemen-tary school, a violation of state law.

When an illegal dispensary case isreferred to the City Attorney’s Office bythe City’s code enforcement division, acourt order to close the dispensary isusually obtained within 30 days. TheCity Attorney’s Office can later seek per-manent injunctions and penaltiesagainst the property owners and dispen-sary operators.

To date, City Attorney’s Office enforce-ment actions have resulted in courtawards of more than $1.1 million incivil penalties.

“This case underscores that landlordswill be held accountable for renting toillegal marijuana dispensaries,” CityAttorney Jan Goldsmith said. “There is aprocess in place for legally zoned dispen-saries and that process should be fol-lowed.”

All complaints also named MahinNobel. Some named co-owners ParvizHakakha and Judith Hakakha. Othersnamed co-owners David Abeles andMelody Abeles.

The settlement resolves cases against

the following dispensaries in PacificBeach and the Midway district (principaldefendants in parentheses):

• San Diego Organic Wellness,1150 Garnet Ave. (John Nobel, MahinNobel);

• Fresh Alternative Consulting,Inc., 3045 Rosecrans St., #208 (JohnNobel, Mahin Nobel, Parviz Hakakha,Judith Hakakha);

• Green Wellness Association,Inc., 3045 Rosecrans St., #207 (JohnNobel, Mahin Nobel, Parviz Hakakha,Judith Hakakha);

• SB Health, Inc., 3045 RosecransSt., #310 (John Nobel, Mahin Nobel,Parviz Hakakha, Judith Hakakha);

• S.C.C.G., Inc., 3045 RosecransSt., #214 (John Nobel, Mahin Nobel,Parviz Hakakha, Judith Hakakha);

• PB 45 CAP, Inc., 4688 Cass St.(John Nobel, Mahin Nobel);

• Lemoin Corp, 936 Garnet St. (JohnNobel, Mahin Nobel, David Abeles,Melody Abeles);

• Patient Med Aid, 2015 GarnetAve. (John Nobel, Mahin Nobel); and

• Dank on Turquoise, Inc., 841Turquoise St., (John Nobel, MahinNobel)

Complaints on pot dispensaries maybe referred to the Code EnforcementDivision of the City at (619) 236-5500.

The PLNU Sea Lions' first year as anactive NCAA member has been amemorable one, and we are onlythrough the fall seasons. PLNU isranked third in the Pacific West Con-ference Commissioner's Cup Standingsthrough the fall.

The Point Loma women's soccerteam earned the first PacWest title inthe history of the school as it becamethe first team to ever go undefeated(11-0-1) in a 12-match PacWest sea-son. PLNU allowed just two goals inits 12 conference contests, and it shutout 10 of its 12 PacWest opponents.The two goals allowed in conferenceplay is the lowest ever in PacWest play.

Head coach Tim Hall was namedthe PacWest Coach of the Year, whileAriel Oriarte was voted Goalkeeper ofthe Year. Claire Mathews earnedDefender of the Year and Sami Swan-son picked up Freshman of the Year.The Sea Lions advanced to the NCAAWest Regional as a No. 6 seed and metNo. 3 Cal Poly Pomona in the firstround. Point Loma lost in the firstround 3-2 after CPP scored in the final

seconds of regulation.The PLNU volleyball team placed

third in the PacWest standings with a16-4 record (19-9 overall). The SeaLions ranked in the NCAA WestRegional poll on multiple occasions.They ended the season winning sevenstraight matches but were the lastteam out when the regional bracketwas announced. Savannah Wede-meyer was named the PacWest Setterof the Year. She and Heather Leavittwere both voted All-Americans.

The Point Loma men's soccer teamplaced sixth in the 13-team leaguewith a 6-5-1 record. The Sea Lions puttogether an undefeated six-matchstreak in the middle of their scheduleto climb the conference standings.

The Sea Lion cross-country teamplaced eighth at the PacWest Champi-onships. Alexandra Hernandez led theway by placing 23rd. It was the sixthtime in six races that she paced theSea Lions.

NOBELCONTINUED FROM Page 1

Your Holiday Planning GuideMay your season be organized, clean, merry and bright with a little help from your friends!

Reflecting on fall sports at Point Loma Nazarene in 2014

Everybody was all smiles as the PLNU women's soccer team earned the school's firstPacWest title.

Page 11: The Peninsula Beacon, December 23rd, 2014

PARTING SHOT 11TUESDAY · DECEMBER 23, 2014THE PENINSULA BEACON

Senior Friendly Home Adjustments

As we age, we may begin to notice that our homesare not as accommodating as they once were. The toi-let may seem too low, the cabinets seem too high andsteps and throw rugs pose a real risk. Sometimesmajor overhauls to make your home safe are necessarybut other times there are easy and inexpensive fixes tonew problems.

Are you having more difficulty opening and shut-ting the door or turning on faucets? Replacing door-knobs and faucets with a lever handle helps as you areusing your whole hand to turn inside of possibly stifffingers.

Are you afraid of falling in the shower or bathtub?A curbless shower or a walk-in bathtub is a majorchange but a simpler idea could be a shower chair soyou can sit while showering. Add a hand-held show-erhead and cleaning yourself becomes a breeze.

Are you having a harder time getting up and downfrom the toilet? A new higher toilet will help but anoth-er idea might be to purchase a raised toilet seat.Remember to have some grab bars installed next tothe toilet or shower to also help. As we get older, ourextensor muscles that allow us to straighten our kneesget weaker so getting up and down is harder.

Are you having more difficulty reaching for yourplates and glassware? Stop reaching up into the cabi-nets. Move the things you use every day to a lower cab-inet or drawer.

The RN Geriatric Care Managers at InnovativeHealthcare Consultants are knowledgeable in helpingmake your home comfortable and safe for years tocome. They can give you an in-home assessment withideas and improvements to help you continue yourcomfortable lifestyle.

Call them at (877) 731-1442 or visit our website atwww.innovativehc.com.

San Diego Grab Bars Provide Security

SAN DIEGO GRAB BARS is dedicated to helpingyou stay independent and safe in your own home.

We offer grab bars, shower seats, and hand heldshower heads to help make the bathroom a safer envi-ronment. And while the bathroom is where peoplenormally think that they need grab bars, we can install

hand rails and grab bars anywhere in your home: nextto the bed, at the top of the stair case, in the hall or out-side the back door.

When we visit you, we bring along a great selectionof products for same day installation. Decide whatdiameter and texture feels best before you buy. Wecan match the finish of your existing hardware.

Falls are one of the main reasons people leavehome and move into assisted care. Let us help youprevent falls and stay in the home you love.

The Holistic Science Co. Apothecary is now open!

Chances are you've seen our array of artisanal,handcrafted beauty products at the Little Italy Merca-to, Pacific Beach Tuesday Farmers' Market or the Hill-crest Farmers' Market. If not, here's a breakdown ofwhat we're most well known for: eco-chic, non-toxic,cruelty-free, locally made vegan/vegetarian skin care,body care, hair care, baby care, deodorant, toothpaste,mouthwash, body wash, bath soaks, lip balms, vaporrubs, muscle rubs, perfumes, candles and more! Con-sider us as your neighborhood "farmacy".

After a year of carefully searching for the perfectflagship location, we are proud to say that Ocean Beachis now home to The Holistic Science Co. Located in ahistoric black and white brick building at 4852 VoltaireStreet--which by the way was once used as a movie setfor Arnold Schwarzenegger's documentary, "PumpingIron"--one can capture the magical aromas of pre-cious essential oils, listen to an array of beauty prod-ucts being conjured up in the back room and watchstunning beauties working the assembly line througha looking glass. Just walk through the front door andyou'll instantly feel the positive vibes, the warmth andold world charm that was created using vintage,reclaimed or upcycled materials from local business-es such as Vintage Revivals.

Our purpose and mission: to consistently createand offer a unique line of exceptional skin and bodyproducts using time-honored remedies and the finestnatural ingredients. Plant-based and free from animaltesting, our personal care and beauty products are100% handcrafted from scratch right here in SanDiego. Created by and for people who choose naturalelements over artificial, our formulas contain no ani-mal byproducts, carcinogens, petrochemicals, irri-tants, toxins or artificial colors. Our commitment toholistic practices extends far beyond personal careformulation to a passion for homegrown sustainabil-ity, a cleaner global environment and, of course, per-sonal well-being.

Health BRIEFS >>

Colleen Van HornRN, BSN, PHN, CC

� RN Geriatric Care Managers (GCM) to help you make the best choices and advocate for your family member when there are medical issues.

�Our RN’s specialize in Alzheimer’s, dementia, post-operative and rehabilitation care.

� Our Companion Caregivers work hourly or as live-ins.

� The RN GCM’s guidance leads families to the actions and decisions that ensure quality care.

� GCM’s expertise provides answers at a time of uncertainty.

� GCM’s help elders remain independent

� Personalized and compassionate services focusing on the individuals wants and needs

760-731-13341-877-431-1442 (toll-free)www.innovativehc.com

“Assisting with care needs when you need a little help”

He's been called everything from Sinterklaas,the Dutch handle for “St. Nicholas,” to BlackPeter, whose job it is to whup up on naughtykids no matter the time of year – but you and Iand God know him as Santa Claus, the year'sglad-hander in chief, who stokes his multi-tril-lion-dollar empire with nothing less innocuousthan eight arthritic reindeer and a flaming redparka he prolly got on special. He's aged fairlywell since the 1880s, when the fabled Christmaspresent story made him the central figure ofthe secular Western world. His solid reputationprecedes him from his days as the bona fide St.Nicholas, an ancient Greek bishop who used toput little presents in people's shoes and who paidyoung ladies' dowries to save them from theworld's oldest profession (i.e., pillowfighting).

But the real hooker here is the phony-baloneyhimself, who royally punks the world every25th of December with his sleight of hand onland, sea and air. He's sworn his legion of yes-men to secrecy, lining his legacy with the fruitsof their labor as they stand at the back of thebus like so many – well – passengers. I beseechyou: Don't blame the messenger for what you'reabout to read, but do embrace his message inthe true spirit of the season.

Think NASA put one over on the countrywhen it staged those bogus Apollo moon-walks?You ain't heard nothin' yet.

Universe Today says the earth takes 23 hours,56 minutes and 4.1 seconds to complete oneaxial rotation. That's up a mite from, say,600,000 years ago, when our day was thoughtto be about 22 hours long, but it's still nowherenear the time lard-butt needs to make hisrounds. The current day lasts 87,154.1 sec-onds – and if fatso stops for one of those seconds

at each house, he's still only hit that manyhomes. Assuming each household includes fourmembers, he's parceled his booty to 348,616.4people, roughly the population of Santa Ana.Given a global population flirting with 7.3 bil-lion, it would take him about 277 days, asopposed to the fabled 24 hours, to complete hispasses of one house per second everywhere inthe world.

Figures don't lie, peeps.While we're at it, let's take a serious gander at

that measly excuse for a sleigh, which looks sus-piciously like a claw-foot bathtub with a double-wide seat. Claw-foot tubs are made of cast ironand can tip the scales at 300 pounds – couplethat with Santa's weight (which the NorthAmerican Aerospace Defense Command esti-mates on its website at 275) and the weight of7.3 billion gifts (assuming each weighs fourpounds), and we're talking a little over 14 mil-lion tons of payload, which would require twoSpace Shuttle rockets to achieve escape veloci-ty, or 25,000 miles an hour.

True, achieving this speed would leave Fat-Fatthe Water Rat and his cargo weightless, whichis a partial explanation for his maneuverability– but to get him into space, his eight tiny rein-deer would have to generate a force that trans-lates to 3,125 miles an hour apiece. At a paltry425 pounds each, the guys don't stand a chancein hell getting airborne. Even if they did, breath-able air runs out at 65,000 feet – after that,they're instant reindeer steak, with Rudolph'snose the appetizer.

I swear: It's not me. It's the physics of thething.

And the elves? Don't even get me started.Northpole.com says that Santa contracts an

“unlimited” number of helpers, as it takesa lot of upkeep to prepare for the year'sbig day. What nobody ever tells youis that, unlike the South Pole(which sits on a continental landmass), the North Pole is one bigglob of sea ice, whose shift prop-erties make it nearly impossibleto build any kind of station on,let alone one with an “unlimit-ed” cast of characters. The Rus-sians established a weather basethere in 2002, and it's general-ly open for a few weeks in thespring – but with an annualmean temperature of -40, thepole is almost another planet, andthe Russians would be hard-pressed toreport another class of being beyond the polarbear and her kids.

(Full disclosure: Shakespeare says elves areas big as human beings. Assuming that's true,Fatty's charges would be toast before they'd bemissed, as humans die long before they literal-ly freeze.)

Baseball's “Shoeless” Joe Jackson, who after1919 crashed and burned in a World Series bet-ting scandal. Alan Freed, the man who coinedthe term “rock and roll” in the 1950s and waslater shamed in a payola controversy. MilliVanilli. the pop group whose 1990 Emmy waswithdrawn following a falsifying of their voiceson an album. And, of course, the Apollo moon-walk fakes. Yes, these are among the opprobriathat have shaken this nation to its core over itslong and roily history – but the Santa Claushoax assumes otherworldy implications, as itinvolves humanity itself.

No amount of money, time or holiday cheerweighs in the conversation. In one swoop, andyear after year, the planet as we know it is irre-vocably doomed. The blame lays squarely at thefeet of its seasonal harbinger of faith, hope andtrust – and if you listen closely, you can hear hismaniacal screed pepper the interminable,weightless irony.

God bless us, every one. Seriously.

Do the math! Santa works his magic in 24 hours, eh? Humbug!

San Diego Community Newspaper Group hasexpended considerable talent and treasure in the com-pilation of this story, and its staff and managementtrust that its readers will take it for the public serviceit is. The company strongly cautions that this piececontains pointed refutations of a legend central to theworld's sense of itself. It thus disclaims responsibilityfor possible repercussions that might totally messwith your kid's head for, like, a really long time.

BY MARTIN JONES WESTLIN

Page 12: The Peninsula Beacon, December 23rd, 2014

PAGE 12 | TUESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2014 | THE PENINSULA BEACON