Our ‘Thumbs’ for October
THUMBS UP
to the City of San Diego for finally paving that Third World stretch of pavement on Camino del Norte, from Interstate 15 to the Poway city limits, albeit about 15 years late. That said, here’s a
THUMBS DOWN
to the contractor the city hired who managed to close all left turn lanes from westbound Twin Peaks from Pomerado all the way to I-15 with no notice or signage, creating a huge unnecessary two-mile traffic snarl on the last day of paving. And what’s the deal with cutting into the fresh pavement to install a traffic light control system?
THUMBS UP
to Poway City Councilman Steve Vaus for creating the “Poway Secret Service” program, where residents can receive word of, and respond to, small service needs in town via texting. A very cool idea.
THUMBS UP
to the Palomar Amateur Radio Club and the Poway Amateur Radio Society, for spending a recent Saturday helping 50 local Boy and Cub Scouts learn how to operate amateur radios and explaining to them the vital role “hams” play in emergency preparedness. Here’s a related
THUMBS UP
to the Poway City Council for approving a resolution to waive the $719 fee for applications for amateur radio antennas up to 35 feet in height. The fee is supposed to reflect the actual cost for city staff to review the application, but for some radio operators, especially seniors on fixed incomes, it sometimes presented a financial hardship.
THUMBS DOWN
to whoever vandalized Rancho Bernardo High prior to its Oct. 18 homecoming game. Tagging near the football field, on its turf and other areas of campus included explicit sexual language and racist graffiti. A $500 reward has been offered for information leading to an arrest.
THUMBS UP
to Midland Elementary School second-grade teacher Kerry Ariaza for being selected one of five San Diego County “Teachers of the Year” during the annual televised “Salute to Teachers” program. Kudos also to two other Poway Unified School District teachers, Willow Grove Elementary’s Heather Smith and Mesa Verde Middle School’s Jay Posteraro, who were nominated for the honor.
THUMBS UP
to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater San Diego for changing the vending machines at its 17 facilities — including in 4S Ranch and Poway — so healthier snacks and non-soda beverages can be offered. The clubs are now in line with state regulations that require public schools to provide better food options. Countywide the organization annually serves 25,000 youths ages 5 to 18, including more than 600 in Poway and 1,800 in 4S Ranch.
THUMBS UP
to a group of Del Norte High students who created a magazine to spark greater interest in science-related topics and careers among their fellow Nighthawks. The Beaker, first published at the end of June, became an official campus organization this school year, with the first of five issues expected this week.
THUMBS UP
to 10-year-old 4S Ranch resident Jessica Carscadden for being named a Peace First Prize winner for her We Care Bears project that collects new and gently used stuffed animals so law and emergency personnel can comfort children in traumatic situations. Jessica won a $50,000 two-year fellowship to support her project and contribute to her educational and professional development.