Our ‘Thumbs’ for September

THUMBS UP

to the local, state and federal law enforcement agencies responsible for the successful “Operation Mountain Shadow” drug busts that resulted in the arrest of more than 70 individuals in Poway and Ramona. The scope of the year-long undercover operation was impressive, with more than $2.1 million worth of drugs and dozens of weapons taken off the streets. While we’re on the subject of law enforcement,

THUMBS UP

to the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department for keeping the crime rates in the City of Poway and the unincorporated community of 4S Ranch the lowest in the county. While volunteer patrols and Neighborhood Watches add greatly to our sense of safety, ultimately the job falls on the shoulders of the well-trained and dedicated professions. We’re lucky that they have our backs.

THUMBS UP

to the Rancho Bernardo Historical Society for never giving up on members’ dreams of creating a permanent museum in which to preserve and present Rancho Bernardo’s history. The 1,610-square-foot museum that opened on Sept. 12 near the entrance of Bernardo Winery has plenty of exhibit and work space. It just needs more volunteers so hours can be expanded. For details, go to www.rbhistoricalsociety.org or call 858-775-5788.

THUMBS DOWN

to the Poway Unified School District board for taking so much time to respond to a May San Diego County Grand Jury report that was highly critical of the use of capital appreciation bonds by the PUSD and other school districts in the county. While just about every other school district in the county managed to prepare and submit a required response to the report by the Aug. 20 deadline, the PUSD needed an extension, to Sept. 17. When the response finally came in, on Sept., 17, it was rather argumentative in overall tone. As to several of the jury’s specific recommendations, the PUSD replied that more time would be needed to evaluate their impact on the district. That strikes us as being non-responsive and a bit disrespectful of the grand jury’s efforts.

THUMBS UP

to the volunteers who stepped up to organize and run the 49th annual Poway Days Parade. With over 100 entries and more than 3,000 participants, the parade went off without a noticeable hitch, much to the delight of adults and children along the Poway Road parade route. The Rotary Club of Poway Scripps deserves credit for sponsoring this year’s parade and the related 5K Run/1-Mile walk.

THUMBS UP

to the more than 30 students from Del Norte and Rancho Bernardo high schools who, independent of their campuses, started For Your Eyes Only, a nonprofit organization that collects prescription eyeglasses and sunglasses for distribution to the poor in India. Through two collection drives since forming in April, members collected and sorted almost 700 pairs. This summer the first 200 were distributed.

If you have old glasses, consider donating them during the Oct. 1 to 19 collection drive. Drop-off locations in 4S Ranch are Panera Bread, Jamba Juice and 4S Ranch Library. In Carmel Mountain Ranch they are Staples, Sports Authority and Which Wich. For details, go to www.fyeosd.org or contact the group at admin@fyeosd.org or 858-774-3282.