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IB Local News June 15 2015

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    I.B. Local News - June 12, 2015 - 1

    June 12, 2015Vol. 2 No. 11 Highlighting our Community and Businesses for Imperial Beach & South Bay

    2015 MAR VISTA SENIORS GRADUATEThursday, June 4th, the Mar Vista Senior Class of 2015 took center stage as theygraduated high school. The 65th Commencement Graduation Ceremony was held onthe football field at MVHS. Parents, friends and family filled the bleachers watchingtheir loved ones graduate. The Sweetwater School Board, MVHS Staff and MayorDedina all came together and congratulated the Senior Class of 2015.The NJROTCColor Guard did the presentation of the colors and Senior James Young sang the

    National Anthem. Class Valedictorian Mariaesther Diaz gave a very moving and touch-ing speech to her class and inspired others to stay true to who they are and to followtheir dreams. Students received their diplomas and Class President, John Ramirez led

    the tassel ceremony. The very last thing the seniors did was sing the class theme song,The Call, and toss caps into the air. Congratulations MVHS Mariners!! -Jeannette Shambaugh

    SOUTH BAY SCHOOLS CELEBRATE PADRES FAMILY NIGHT

    Saturday, May 30th SBUSD celebrated their annual family night at Petco Park. Everyyear SBUSD has a family nig

    ht at the park where students, teachers, staff and familiespack the park for family night. This year, the South Bays Visual and Performing Arts(VPA), Performance Band and Lets Dance Kids Show Group performed for parentsand families at Petco as patrons entered the park for the Padres vs. Pirates game. All 3groups performed Take Me out to the Ball Game together for the finale. Studentsalso received complimentary Padres shirts and bandanas before enjoying the gamewith friends, family and their teachers. It truly was a magical night full of Padre

    baseball and fun that students will not forget. -Jeannette Shambaugh

    PORTTENANTS EXPRESS CONCERNSThe start of the summer has seen a noticeable rise in the number of beachgoersflocking to Imperial Beach. One has only to look at the crowds gathered at the baseof the pier to see that the season is once again in full swing. While the businessesaround Portwood Pier Plaza are experiencing an increase in consumer traffic, theyrealso noticing a rise in what many see as harassment from the city itself.

    Cow-A-Bunga, ParAmour and Sound of Beach, the three businesses operating just

    OPTIMIST CLUB RECOGNIZES STUDENTS IN IMPERIAL BEACHThe Imperial Beach Optimist Club held their Distinguished Scholar Recognition Cer-emony May 26th. The Club recognized 14 outstanding students in the Imperial Beacharea. Barbara Elliott-Sanders was the Master of Ceremony with notable speakers inattendance to wish the students well: Imperial Beach Mayor Serge Dedina, OptimistGov. Dr. Angie Hawkins, Gerrilyn Gacco, a representative from David Alvarezsoffice; Francine Maquie, representative from Lorena Gonzalezs office and Cheveel

    Newell, representative from Toni Atkins office. The Imperial Beach Club has beenpresenting this award since 1992.

    (Contd Page 3)

    LIBRARY PLANS WILL BE REVEALED J UNE 16TH

    BY SUPERVISOR GREG COX AT THE I.B. LIBRARY

    MAR VISTA ACADEMY STUDENTS HEAD OFF TO HIGH SCHOOL.

    GRADUATION CEREMONY HELD TUESDAY, JUNE 2ND

    Submitted Photo

    Libby

    Libby

    Jeannette Shambaugh

    Jeannette Shambaugh

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    2 - I.B. Local News - June 12, 2015

    IB LOCAL CALENDAR

    Want Your Club, Organization or Event listed in our Calendar Section?Contact us at: [email protected] or (619) 779-7846

    IB Local News is published by IB Local News Corpof 757 Emory St., P.O. Box 174

    Imperial Beach, CA 91932www: IBLocalNews.org

    Opinions expressed within are not necessarily the views or opinions of management.

    Publisher / General Manager: Ed KravitzEditor / Office Manager: Stacey R. Long

    Graphics: Priscilla Villalpando * Stacey R. LongSales: Priscilla VillalpandoStacey R. Long * Ed Kravitz

    Printing: Advance Web Offset PrintingDistribution: Priscilla Villalpando * Richard Schmitz

    Writers / Contributors: Jeannette ShambaughEd Kravitz * Stacey Long * Jordan Jacobo

    Photographers: Jeannette Shambaugh * Ed KravitzJordan Jacobo * Libby

    Please call our newsdesk at(619) 779-7846,or e-mail [email protected]

    Re: Advertising, Story Coverage/Calendar items/Letters to the EditorSend all Ad copies to: ib lnews@hotmai l .com

    CHURCH OF CHRIST

    640 10th Street * Imperial Beach, CA 91932

    Phone: (619) 423-9450

    OCEAN VIEW CHURCH

    2460 Palm AvenueSan Diego, CA 92154

    (619) 424-7870

    JUNE 2015

    108

    5

    11 12 13

    14 15 16 17 18 19 20

    21

    41 2

    7

    22 23 24 25 26 27

    Farmers Market

    Farmers Market

    IMPERIAL BEACH UNITED

    METHODIST CHURCH

    455 Palm AvenueImperial Beach, CA 91932

    (619) 424.5181

    IB Collabrative Mtg@ 9am

    ChamberNetworking

    Bkfst @ 7:15am

    3

    MILITARYORGANIZATIONS

    AMERICAN LEGION POST 8201268 Palm Ave., Imperial Beach, CA 91932 (619) 423-7662

    FLEET RESERVE ASSOCIATION (FRA)IMPERIAL BEACH BRANCH 289659 Silver Strand Blvd., Imperial Beach, CA 91932 (619) 429-3485

    VFW POST 5477 SILVER STRAND123 Palm Ave., Imperial Beach, CA 91932 (619) 424-6666

    28 29 30

    City Hall Closed

    Optimist Club Mtg@4:30pm

    Fleet Reserve

    UPPER ROOM PENTECOSTAL CHURCH631 12th Street

    Imperial Beach, CA 91932(619) 395-1981

    ST. JAMES LUTHERAN CHURCH

    866 Imperial Beach Boulelvard

    Imperial Beach, CA 91932

    (619) 424-6166

    SOUTH COAST CHURCH 588 9th Street

    Imperial Beach, CA 91932(619) 424-6452

    CALVARY IB CHURCH

    485 Imperial Beach BoulelvardImperial Beach, CA 91932

    (619) 217-0717

    CITY CHRISTIAN CENTER

    631 12th Street * Imperial Beach, CA 91932Phone: (619) 271-6321

    City Council Mtg.@ 6pm

    6

    9

    Palm Ave.Revitalization

    Plan

    Farmers Market

    Farmers Market

    City Hall Closed

    City Council Mtg.@ 6pm

    Global

    Wellness Day

    LibraryWhats Cooking IB?

    B.I.D. Mtg.

    IBCOC Ex Board Mtg.IBCOC Board Mtg.

    Car Lovers Unite

    @ 5pm

    Flag Day

    Home DepotFree

    Kids Workshop@ 9am

    SDG&E

    Energy Showcase

    Event

    Dear Editor,

    Yesterday evening, I was brought a copy of your paper.I read it from front to back and enjoyed the experience.

    Your investigative journalism is a reminder of some ofthe lessons I was taught in high school (Anchorage HighSchool, Class of 1958).

    Because my wife and I own and operate a few rentalproperties, I particularly was interested in the piece aboutthe Schaumburg family and firm.

    The article about Greg Wade left me wondering how hecould have gone long unchecked.

    Perhaps your investigative journalism will inspire morecommunity involvement in IB government.

    I look forward to reading future issues, when and whereI find them.

    Gail Brownlow

    Dear Editor,

    WOW, I just ran across your May 29,2015 Editionabout a week ago. Great articles. I feel the same wayon 99% of the topics you covered.

    I was going to write about the lunacy of many of GregWades projects, but you covered them all so well thereis no need for me to continue or add on with my rant,

    other than to say THANK YOU!!!I too was wondering how the PALM Avenue Projectwas going to fly with Caltrans. Recently the office incharge of the project went to the public at large forcomment and I sent in a long e-mail detailing much ofwhat you discussed. Local IB Safety and traffic flowin an out of Coronado Island was not even consideredfor whoever smoked up that project.

    Well Thanks. Good to see a local IB Paper again.

    Sincerely, Bill Dube

    Letters to theEditor

    We inviteLetters to the Editorfor publication.What do you think? We want to hear from you.

    (619)779-7846 or [email protected]

    Last week, someone losttheir Drivers License ona random street in Impe-rial Beach. A few weeks

    be fo re that , a loca lresidents dog got looseand was found wander-ing the neighborhood.While these incidentsmay seem trivial to theaverage person, it canmean the world to those

    ONLINENEIGHBORHOOD

    WATCH

    directly affected. Luckily, Imperial Beach residents are now able to turn to an online resource tostay informed of the little things that could potentially impact an entire community.

    Thanks to social media sites like Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, entire groups of people withsimilar interests are now able to stay connected. Thats certainly the case with the I.B. Neighbor-hood Watch, a Facebook page composed of vigilant, socially-conscious Imperial Beach residents.Started by Heidi Blue and managed by Cody Burns, two concerned locals, the site now boasts over2,000 members.

    The page has been extremely useful to update the community, says Val Saldana, an ImperialBeach local and subscriber to the online forum. Lost children, major crimes, minor crime, lostanimals, and neighbor conflicts.

    As of late, locals have been taking to the Facebook page to warn other residents of a rash ofvehicular break-ins that have been occurring recently. While some pinpoint specific car-theft hot-zones, others have taken to asking questions concerning the vehicles themselves and their loca-tions, trying to identify any possible patterns in the thefts and potential solutions.

    I think recently it has been helpful in alerting us about where the crime is and which streets arebeing targeted and what type of crime is happening, says Maria Duran, another online member.This page has served a purpose in keeping us informed about whats going on in our neighbor-hood.

    If anything, the I.B. Neighborhood Watch Facebook page is a testament to the sense of pride theresidents have for their community. The locals are what makes it what it is. Says Donna Alsum,a longtime member of the page. We watch out for one another and when you are in need ofanything, you can count on any local of Imperial Beach will step up to help. Its a little city with a

    great heart!

    By Jordan Jacobo

    Coffee With The

    Community

    Public Library

    T.J. River Valley

    Clean Up

    Movie - Pier Plaza

    I.B. Womens Club

    Spring Luncheon

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    I.B. Local News - June 12, 2015 - 3

    *** custom swim & musicians

    Seashells

    IBLOCALNEWS REPORTERJEANNETTE SHAMBAUGH

    COMPLETES 1ST MARATHON

    On May 31st, The SuJa Rock N Roll & Full Marathon

    took place in San Diego. It was a 13.1 mile run starting

    at Balboa and ending at Petco Park. There was over

    3,000 participants. Jeannette Shambaughs husband

    and two sons cheered her on the entire time. Shambaugh

    stated that she could not have done it without them.

    She earned her 1st medal at the finish line with a time of

    1:58:09. At the finish line, the band O.A.R performed

    for the runners. It was one of the best experiences of

    my life and the hardest. I loved every second of it and

    look forward to doing it again says Jeannette. Thanks

    IBLocalNews for your support!

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    off the plaza, where the sidewalk meets the pier, haverecently received a series of warnings and citationsfor temporarily parking in the lane just next to theirshops in order to quickly load and unload supplies fortheir businesses.

    Shirley Yap, one of the business owners at the plaza,says she was rudely reprimanded by a member of thesheriffs department who claimed she was blockingthe emergency lane. When Ms. Yap asked why theFarmers Market vendors were allowed to use the very

    same space to load, unload, and occasionally park, the officerclaimed to have never seen any such thing.

    How is it possible not to see the Farmers Market people whentheyre parked there for hours, Says Yap. And how is it that

    they manage to only see my car when I park briefly to drop offsupplies? Ms. Yap also claims to have witnessed Imperial Beachmaintenance crews parked in the very same spot for extended

    periods of time.

    Another local business owner, Marc Demas, recently attemptedto reach out to Tony Serrano, supervisor of the Tidelands Divi-sion of Imperial Beach, who told him that there was very littlehe could do. When asked about why the Farmers Market peoplewere given more leeway, Demas was told that they had ob-tained a special permit. Why should we even have to apply

    for such a permit if were regular tenants, Mr. Demassaid. Since the spaces are leased through the Port of SanDiego, Demas and the adjoining business owners thendecided to reach out to Bill Miller, with the San DiegoPort Tenants Association, who told them that he wouldlook into the issue. He said that hed come down to seethe spot in person, but he never came, said Ms. Yap.When we park there, its only quickly, said anothertenant, further adding that they make it a point to park asclose to the side of the building so as not to block theemergency lane itself. Despite that, all the tenants con-tinue to regularly receive citations from the SheriffsDepartment.

    When we first opened our shop, the Cities Tidelandspeople would handle maintenance and other issues likethis, said Marc Demas. Now, if even a single light bulb

    goes out, they say it isnt their responsibility. If we dontfix the problem ourselves, the Port of San Diego passesthe cost onto us.

    In response to inquiries made by this newspaper, the Pub-lic Information Officer for the Port of San Diego has

    promised to look into the issue. As for the residents, whohave now been forced to park at what they see as unrea-sonable distances for the mere purposes of loading andunloading supplies for their shops, their only hope is for aquick resolution to the issue. -By Jordan Jacobo

    (Local Businesses - Contd from Front Pg)

    Submitted Photo

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    4 - I.B. Local News - June 12, 2015

    Open 7am-8pm

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    Celebrating 36 Years! (Working with Young Children)

    Our Excellent School Offers: * Low student/Teacher Ratio * Highly Academic * Part Time or Full Time for working Parents

    Preschool, Pre-K, Transitional Kinder/ Kinder Classes (students must be toilet trained prior to enrollment)

    St. James Lutheran School, 866 Imperial Beach Blvd., Imperial Beach, CA Phone # 619-423-8648 e-mail [email protected]

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    a Tour!!

    My grandson Krystopher Paldi had a bone marrow transplant when he was five anda half months old. Krystopher will be 6 years old on Halloween. Im walking aroundwith the Red Boot raising money for the Ronald McDonald House in San Diegoevery day until the 25th of June. I will walk miles for the kids in the Ronald McDonaldHouse. We actually had to live in the Ronald McDonald House in Seattle for almosta year and then were able to come home to Imperial Beach once the Doctors at

    Radys in San Diego took on his challenge. He has IPEX syndrome; theres onlyabout 200 cases world wide. Theres no cure for this syndrome except a bonemarrow transplant. Krystopher still has a feeding tube; the syndrome attacks his

    belly. He is my super hero! So when you see me, please help me to help all the kidsat Radys Childrens Hospital! Thank You - Donna Alsum

    Submitted Photo

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    I.B. Local News - June 12, 2015 - 5

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    6 - I.B. Local News - June 12, 2015

    Council Watchdog is only a briefsynopsis of what took place at theApril 1st City Council Meeting inImperial Beach. If you are inter-ested in any of these subjects weinvite you to view the entire videoor read the Council Minutes formore details. Both can be viewedon the Citys website.

    COUNCIL WATCH DOG......... JUNE 3, 2015

    2.1-2.3 Consent Agenda Items Passed UNANIMOUS.3.1 Coastal Zoning Issue. California Coastal Commission wantedmodifications to the Housing Element of the adopted Coastal Plan.Councilman Spriggs challenged the wording and meaning of the pro-

    posed modifications on the grounds that the Coastal Commissionwas over-reaching their authority in regards to Policies, Practicesand Procedures. In Spriggs mind, those are the purview of the Cityto make those decisions and not the Coastal Commission. AlthoughJim Nakagowa encouraged Council to just go along with what theCoastal Commission wants..Spriggs stood his ground and de-manded the language be changed and that the redundant and gram-matical errors be removed before consideration of the document.4.1 Approval of the demolition of one dwelling unit at 951 SeacoastDrive and permit new construction to exceed the height variance by5 ft. Also allowing elements such as stairs and parapets to exceedthe height limits. Similar to another project approved down the block,ceiling heights in the lower commercial units will only be 13.5 ft.Council then went on to review additional options the owner/builderhad prepared. Location of the light pole seemed to garner as muchattention as the design and appearance issues. All indications implythere is about to be a major shake-up in street and pedestrian lightingcoming in the near future on Seacoast Drive. Council finally ap-

    proved alternative #2 with wood and copper exterior trim/minus theteapot handles. Consensus to approve the project was unanimous.It was refreshing to hear a developer who is also the property ownerand will also dwell in the new master unit when construction iscompleted.5.1 Elm Street Improvements from Seacoast to 7th Street werediscussed. Workshops with the schools and the neighbors have beenongoing for almost a year. The proposed project is primarily funded

    by a $709,000 Active Transportation Grant Program from SANDAG.Additional funds from a Sewer Account are also being used. HankLevine described some of the project including what he called aSpeed Table or raised portion of the pavement at 5th and Elm.Apparently, this also gives them additional access to a sewer liftstation. A spokesperson appointed by the resident who live on thisstretch of street expressed some concerns that the School District

    pretty much took over the design meetings and some of their con-cerns have not yet been resolved. Street Parking is going to be lostdue to the design of the drop off zones in front of the Schools.Students who drive their cars to school frequently use these streetspaces near the school instead of parking on school property. Whilethe school district says they have plenty of parking, people dontseem to want to drive past the gated cyclone fence to get to it.TRAFFIC FLOW and PARKING ISSUES remain to be resolved.Also of concern is when could such a construction project be un-dertaken without disrupting school sessions, drop-offs and pick-ups? How long will it take to complete this project once undertaken.Artistic motifs are planned for sidewalks in front of the Schools.The Council voted unanimously to approve the Elm Street Projectwith Mayor Dedina commenting that a collaborative democratic pro-cess is not supposed to be easy. If you get everything you want outof a deal its probably not the best it could be. This process involvedthe residents, school and staff and the final designs seemed to meeteveryones approval that was involved in the public hearing.5.2 Started with our Director of Finance Mr. Brady updating CityCouncil on some minor changes that had occurred to the budgetsince he last reported to Council at a Public Workshop. The first

    presentation of the new budget was at the outdoor open house April23rd. The workshop was May 13th and this presentation was thethird time presentation was supposed to be made. It is anticipatedthat on June 17th, the Council will approve this draft budget. He saidafter examining the use of TRANSNET funds, some Street Repairshad been moved up so that the funds would be utilized before thegrant period ran out. CIP Projects will use those remaining funds

    before expiration. He also mentioned the repayment of a $1.1 milliondollar loan from the former Redevelopment Agency and that there isanother million outstanding the city will get next June. By law 20%must go to affordable housing. The changes made to the budget

    based on this new money shows $527,000 for the purchase of newcommunications equipment and **$389,000 for a parks fund andresolution of park maintenance. 2 pages of the report showed capi-tal projects identified on a map.When the Mayor asked if there were any speakers cards, Council-man Spriggs argued that most people had not seen the budget andthere was no public record of the two previous presentations. Al-though most council members had seen much of this material be-

    fore, Spriggs insisted that staff give an overview and go on recordas to the financial condition of the city.This was followed by a report on Code Enforcement. Jack Holdengave a power-point slide show of before and after photos of proper-ties that had come into compliance with codes. When pressed byone public speaker, it became known that two problem propertieswill be on an upcoming agenda for abatement. These are propertieswhere being nice has not been effective in resolving long standingCode issues. A future workshop on Code Compliance will give citi-zens more input as to what neighborhood based ideas and prioritiesthe public might have in their neighborhoods. Neighborhood revital-ization programs were also mentioned. Habitat for Humanity hasrecently started one and I.B. Beautiful used to have contests foraesthetics of front yards.Overall, there is a new tone at City Council Meetings. It does appearthat Council Members are working together to gain consensus, morethan we have seen in the past. Since the door is open for public inputthese days, it comes as quite a surprise how few public speakers

    came to speak before the City Council.

    Best wishes to Public Safety Director Tom Clark who will be retiring on June 25th. Clark wonsignificant support in the community by expediting the permitting process to have fireworks lastyear. He has also been instrumental in resolving a number of citizen complaints related to local lawenforcement practices. He has set an example for professionalism and compassion and he will bemissed.

    Our last issue set new records. Besides the thousands of newspapers that flew off local news stands;over 8000 reads on our Facebook site the first week. Other media outlets have jumped on the storywe broke about Local Realtors and missing Chamber of Commerce funds. The Chamber of Com-merce is looking to make an official comment that will clarify what has happened without compro-mising ongoing investigations or creating additional liability. The flood of news media that have

    jumped on this story since our first publication has overwhelmed Chamber Office Staff who havenot been authorized to make official statements on the matter as of press time. Mike Osborne waselected new President of the Chamber this week to replace outgoing President Joann Barrows. The

    B.I.D. Chair was uncontested and only Christine LaPausky ran for the position. The B.I.D. hadanother meeting this week with only 3 members present and a secretary taking minutes. B.I.D.Chairperson LaPausky announce that she has purchased an additional 16 surfboard shaped bikeracks making the total now 24! She commented that the City might need to donate some storagespace until their placement is approved. Although City Manager Andy Hall and Public Works DirectorHank Levine met again with LaPausky this week, the project has not been approved and locations forthe new bike racks have not been designated. It is not clear if the City will allow placement of the bikeracks in the right-of-way or whether or not advertising and sponsorships would actually be allowedunder current law. There is a process for doing these projects and City Manager Hall indicated againthat LaPausky might be just a little ahead of herself on this project.

    Movies at the beach are coming again! The Port of San Diego is also sponsoring a movie SoulSurfer at Pier Plaza June 26th.

    It was many years ago that local residents Steve and Martha Futterman started the Imperial BeachInternational Film Festival. The outdoor films at Portwood Pier Plaza have been so popular that, eventhough the Festival no longer happens, several groups have tried to continue their legacy by screen-ing popular family fare films.

    The Sun and Sea Festival is also coming up next month and promises to be another spectacular

    event.McDonalds Grand Opening has been delayed however, a SOFT OPENING is set for a RestaurantOpening for the week of the 22nd and an official grand opening early in July. Well post more detailsabout Ronald McDonalds visit and Grand Opening Specials. Other local fast food places haveexperienced an increase in business while McDonalds was closed for renovation.

    Fireworks are still planned for the 4th of July at the Pier. The Port of San Diego is picking up half ofthe cost with a $25,000 donation. Last year locals collected money to help defray the balance of thecost. The bike parade last year drew record crowds and promises to be even bigger this year.

    The demolition at Imperial Beach Blvd. and Seacoast Drive is almost completed. There is still notvisible activity at the 9th and Palm Breakwater Project.

    The T.J. River Valley Cleanup is June 28th. A free lunch will be served to volunteers sponsored byOutlets by the Border. For more information: swtndssd.org/nds.

    Tai Chi at the Sports Park from 11:30 2:30 on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

    Coffee with the Community with The Sheriffs Department at the Public Library June 16th from 9-10 at the Public Library. Saturday June 20th is the I.B. Womens Club Spring Luncheon.

    A Global Wellness event at Pier South Hotel Saturday, June 13th from 9 am to 1 pm. An electronicsdisposal location to drop off electronics, fluorescent lights or sharps medical waste is each Wednes-

    day and Saturday from 9-1 at 1800 Maxwll Road, Chula Vista. More information at 1-800-223-2583.The Palm Avenue Master Plan is still moving ahead! Now the City of San Diego is exploring similargrants from SANDAG to change lane configurations from 13th towards Saturn Blvd. to match whatis proposed in Imperial Beach with local access lanes and a median while reducing lane widths.Grants being offered through SANDAG are a great temptation for elected officials however, thedesigners at SANDAG obviously dont live here and wont have to personally deal with the results.Many people that have spoken to us think that the project is a waste of money and after its com-

    pleted, they may have to re-do the project to put things back the way they are now. Nobody atSANDAG seems to be fully aware of the approved Tsunami Evacuation Routes they will furtherconstrict. Also the proposed Navy Base expansion will render these changes obsolete almost beforethey happen. Traffic restrictions during a year and a half construction period may kill local busi-nesses along the right of way by restricting customer access. With grid lock already occurring onPalm Avenue, why would anyone in their right mind want to narrow lanes, remove traffic lanes or

    build medians in an already overcrowded corridor? Unless citizens voice their views to SANDAGtransportation committee or your local City Council Members in Imperial Beach or South San Diego,it will be a done deal.

    City Council have been displaying a remarkable C-Change in the way they deliberate local issues.

    Even with the improved transparency, locals should not become complacent and need to continue tospeak to the City Council to insure that their opinions are heard and considered. If you dont tell themwhat you want or expect, how do you think they can vote to represent you? Exercise your freedoms.

    Were thinking about sponsoring a contest to build a self contained device that will convert sea waterto potable drinking water. With the current water shortage, people need to be thinking more abouttheir water footprint. Citizens might actually want to think about alternatives to the water company to

    provide household and drinking water. Were looking for other businesses and individuals to helpsponsor and provide prize money for our local inventors and innovators. Imperial Beach could

    become the first City in California to become water independent. The contest should be open toindividuals and teams to display their innovations for producing local drinking and agricultural water.Your thoughts and opinions are needed. Send us a letter with your ideas.

    Wed like to thank the people of Imperial Beach for supporting your own local newspaper. We alsoinvite you get an IB Local News T-shirt or Bumper Sticker to show your support.

    PUBLISHERS NOTES.......

    CALLING ALL KIDS TO COMPETE IN SANDCASTLEBUILDING CONTEST SATURDAY, JULY 18

    The Kids N Kastles sandcastle building contest, sponsored by the Optimist Club of Imperial Beach, isback as a part of the Sun & Sea Festival on Saturday, July 18. The Optimist Club is hoping to have 20

    teams of five kids per team registered ahead of the festival. Teams are asked to register online at http://sunandseafestival.com/kids-n-kastles/

    On the day of the event, teams are asked to check-in at 11 a.m. by reporting to the booth in front ofthe Dolphin Statue in the Nathans Famous Hotdog Kidz Zone. Teams will receive their assigned

    building plot and pay $10 donation per team to the Optimist Club of Imperial Beach. All team memberswill receive a gift bag for their participation.

    The kids sandcastle building competition will take place from Noon to 1:30 p.m. on the beach, northof the pier, adjacent to Nathans Famous Hotdog Kidz Zone. There will be two categories: BestSculpture and Creatures of the Sea. Prizes will be awarded for first, second and third place finishes.Additional drawing prizes will also be awarded.

    11 am - Teams meet at canopy in front of the Dolphin Statue in the Nathans Famous Hotdog Kidz Zone. Teams will get plot assignments, gift bags and pay $10 donation per team. Noon to 1:30 pm - Sandcastle Building Contest Two categories Best Sculpture and Sea Creatures 2 pm - 3 pm - Teams and families report to the Dunes Park Stage for award ceremony prizes given to 1st place, 2nd place, and 3rd place finishes along with additional drawing prizes

    Team registration online at http://sunandseafestival.com/kids-n-kastles/

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    I.B. Local News - June 12, 2015 - 7

    HAVE A FUN EVENT COMING UP?

    HAVE A SPORTS STORY OR PICTURES?

    SEND TO US AT:

    [email protected]

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    8 - I.B. Local News - June 12, 2015