The operator of the Del Mar Fairgrounds announced today that it would move forward with renovations after settling a lawsuit over its master plan.

Political leaders of Del Mar and Solana Beach sign the Del Mar Fairgrounds agreement with Adam Day, president of the 22nd District Agricultural Association.

 Political leaders of Del Mar and Solana Beach sign the Del Mar Fairgrounds agreement with Adam Day, president of the 22nd District Agricultural Association.

Political leaders of Del Mar and Solana Beach sign the Del Mar Fairgrounds agreement with Adam Day, president of the 22nd District Agricultural Association

Photo By Alison St John

The 22nd District Agricultural Association, the state agency that runs the fairgrounds, agreed to take several steps to settle the court action filed in May 2011 by the cities of Del Mar and Solana Beach and the San Dieguito River Park Joint Powers Authority.

The litigation challenged the plan's environmental impact report. The sprawling park is home to the annual... (more)

Solana Beach-Del Mar-River Park environmental impact lawsuit against Fairgrounds settled

The 22nd District Agricultural Association, the cities of Solana Beach and Del Mar, and the San Dieguito River Park Joint Powers Authority have settled litigation over the District’s Master Plan Environmental report.

The cities of Del Mar and Solana Beach and the San Dieguito River Park had sued the 22nd District Agricultural Association, which operates the state-owned Del Mar Fairgrounds regarding the district’s master plan for upgrading its facilities. The lawsuit challenged the adequacy of environmental studies conducted in support of the master plan.

Concerns about the Master Plan impacts were addressed to the satisfaction of both cities and the SD River Park JPA, officials said.

“The settlement over our Master Plan EIR paves the way for the 22nd DAA to work towards the renovation of the Fairgrounds’ old and outdated exhibit facilities, and at the same time implements additional measures beyond what is called out in the EIR,... (more)

Back to lobbying: Bilbray (R) concedes to Peters (D) in Cal's 52nd Cong. Dist.

Rep. Brian Bilbray (R-Calif.) has conceded defeat in his San Diego-area district, handing Democrats another pickup with just two intra-party races yet to be determined.

Bilbray trails San Diego Port Commissioner Scott Peters (D) by 3,877 votes. He called Peters to congratulated him and issued a statement acknowledging Peters’ victory.

Rep. Brian Bilbray (R-Calif.). (AP photo)

“While Scott and I differed sharply on how to handle the issues facing our nation, now is the time to put those differences aside and find common ground to address our country’s many challenges,” Bilbray said, according to the San Diego Union-Tribune.

Bilbray has served more than 12 years in Congress, returning to the chamber in 2006 by winning a hotly contested special election to replace jailed Rep. Duke Cunningham (R-Calif.). California’s citizen redistricting commission drew Bilbray a swing district this year.

With the win, Democrats have now gained six House seats in the 2012 election, with the GOP’s House majority reduced to 234-199.

Democrats also lead in the last two undetermined races, with Reps. Mike McIntyre (D-N.C.) and Ron Barber (D-Ariz.) holding small leads.

Reps. Charles Boustany (R-La.) and Jeff Landry (R-La.) will compete in a runoff next month in a merged district, but that race has no implications for the partisan balance of the House.

The Peters campaign released this statement:

“This afternoon, I received a very gracious phone call from Congressman Brian Bilbray. He wished me luck and offered his support. We agreed that while it was a tough, hard-fought campaign, now is the time to put it behind us. I thanked him for his service and look forward to his support as I transition into office.

“I’m in our nation’s capitol this week, working hard, and getting ready to hit the ground running on behalf of the people of the 52^nd District. I am very grateful to the hundreds of people who walked, called, contributed and gave me their support; it was their energy and enthusiasm that put us over the top in this close race.

“There’s much to do.  I’m encouraged by the tremendous group of colleagues I’ve met here so far: freshman members of Congress, because like me, they all heard loud and clear during their campaigns that voters are tired of the partisanship, tired of politicians who put party over people.  I look forward to working with everyone to get things done for San Diego and the American people.”

Peters said in a brief phone interview with the San Diego Free Press that Mr. Bilbray was very gracious when he called to concede.  ”He said something like ‘I’m making that phone call you’ve been working so hard to get.’”  He said that Bilbray suggested that he find a place close to the Capitol to live while in D.C., and offered to assist in any way he can to ease the transition.

Peters said he would “absolutely” carry on the work that Bilbray had touted in the closing days of the campaign on cancer research.  ”Not only is it an important cause, but it’s critical to the San Diego economy.  We need to continue to promote basic scientific research, and hopefully San Diego will be the place that finds a cure for cancer.”

Asked about his experience at the orientation in Washington for newly elected members of Congress and the reception he had received despite not yet having been officially declared the winner, Peters said “I’m just here trying to learn this job so that we can hit the ground running,” adding  ”I can’t wait to get back and visit Ocean Beach.  It’s cold out here!”

Peters (D) near win; lead widens to 2,660 votes over Bilbray (R) in 52nd Cong. Dist. tilt

WED. MORNING UPDATE: Democrat Scott Peters is near an official, and hard-fought, victory over Congressman Brian Bilbray in the 52nd Congressional District race with a 2,660 vote lead that continues to expand as more votes are counted. Results must be finalized by Dec. 4,  according to state law. Peters traveled to Washington D.C. this week where he took part in the orientation sessions for new members of Congress.

As of Tuesday night’s update from the San Diego County Registrar of Voters, with approximately 210,000 mail-in and provisional ballots from around the county yet to be counted -- about 40 percent of the vote -- Peters’ lead grew to 2,660 votes, further dimming Bilbray’s re-election hopes. Workers have been able to get through approximately 60,000 to 90,000 ballots per day, the Registrar’s office said.  Mail and provisional ballots should be counted by the weekend. However, election results for San Diego County might not be certified until Dec. 4, the deadline by which the final results must be turned in to the California Secretary of State, sources said.

(For more visit I-Newsource and KPBS Investigations Desk .)

Spark Photography

Congressional candidate Scott Peters (D) speaks with reporters at the Westin Gaslamp, November 6, 2012.

Port of San Diego Commissioner Scott Peters continues to pad his lead over Rep. Brian Bilbray, in their close congressional race.

Peters led by 1,899 votes out of about 235,000 cast for the general election, a net gain of more than 500 votes since Friday.

Bilbray has been a top target of Democrats for years, but survived previous attempts to oust him. However, redistricting moved him into some unfamiliar inland territory for this re-election bid.

"I didn’t see us quite this good. I think it’s going to really tighten up," Bilbray said after early results were announced showing him in the lead Tuesday night.

Then, when he spoke to supporters several hours later, he warned them it may take days to iron out the race.

After many San Diegans went to bed, Peters pulled ahead with a slight lead and held on until all precincts were in.

The fight for California's newly-drawn 52nd was targeted with some of the most campaign cash and coverage nationwide.

“This district was drawn to be the battleground for the Congressional seats the other Congressional seats are pretty darn safe,” Bilbray told NBC 7 San Diego. “I think this is a great process even though I happen to have to be in the battleground again.”

Bilbray is a Republican has represented the 50th District since 2006 as well as the former 49th District for three terms ending in 2001.

Bilbray voted Tuesday morning with his daughter, who was featured in one of his many campaign ads. Before voting, Bilbray went surfing. He told NBC 7 San Diego that if the warm reception he received from fellow surfers was any indicator of the night’s results, he felt confident in a win.

Peters is a Democrat who represented District 1 on the San Diego City Council for two terms, serving as Council president in his second.

In the region's other close race, Solana Beach Councilman Dave Roberts maintained a lead of 2,641 votes over Bilbray's chief of staff, Steve Danon, in their election for county supervisor. That's an increase of about 400 for Roberts since Friday.

The winner will replace the retiring Pam Slater-Price to become the first new supervisor in 17 years.

Peters only won 13 more precincts than Bilbray in the 420 precincts where votes were cast, including the vote-by-mail. If vote-by-mail locations are excluded, Peters only took four more precincts than Bilbray.

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The 52nd congressional district stretches from Poway west to Del Mar and then down the coast to Coronado. A slice of its voters also live in the city of San Diego.

The district is known for its fairly even numbers of Republicans, Democrats and Independents, and when when it comes to political tastes, many don’t appear to mind crossing party lines.

While they’re still counting ballots in the congressional district because it’s too close to call, I-Newsource analyzed the unofficial returns in precincts that overlap the congressional district and the city. We found that nearly two-thirds of the precincts that favored Democrat Scott Peters favored — Republican Carl DeMaio for mayor.

A lot of those voters were in neighborhoods such as La Jolla, Bay Park, Bay Ho, North Clairemont and University City south of UCSD.

It probably stands to reason precincts that favored Republican Brian Bilbray within the city limits almost perfectly favored DeMaio as well.

Here’s the breakdown for the non-vote-by-mail precincts:

- Of the 189 precincts Scott Peters carried, DeMaio won 120.
- Of the 157 precincts Brian Bilbray won, DeMaio carried 156 — almost a perfect match.
- Filner carried only 69 of the precincts Peters won, and one of the precincts Bilbray won.

So why did Peters do so well in areas that wanted to elect DeMaio?

Political scientist Carl Luna says this is a textbook case of all politics being local. Peters served two terms on the San Diego City Council representing the first district, which included some of the neighborhoods that turned out for him in the election.

“When you have a choice between voting for somebody you know and kind of thinks like you, or somebody you don’t know that you’re not quite sure how they’re going to think, you go with the guy you know,” Luna said. “And Scott Peters was a known quantity to many of his voters. And Carl DeMaio, coming from the city government, was a known quantity.”

Luna also said Bilbray’s campaign might not have gotten as much mileage out of some attack ads as they’d hoped.

“The (National Republican Congressional Committee) ad about Scott Peters’ performance on the city council probably played well in areas outside of (Peters’) council district, but obviously did not sway voters within it.”

As for mayor-elect Bob Filner, a lifelong Democrat?

Luna said, “Bob Filner comes from South Bay, he has no real play in that part of the city.”

-- I-Newsource and KPBS Investigations Desk

Congressional candidate Scott Peters (D) speaks with reporters at the Westin Gaslamp, November 6, 2012.

Big Changes Afoot at Del Mar National Horse Show Next Month...

The 67th edition of the Del Mar National Horse Show is scheduled for Thursday, April 19 through Sunday, May 6 at the Del Mar Fairgrounds Arena. The Del Mar National Horse Show continues to be among the most respected, distinguished and popular equestrian events on the West Coast, if not the entire nation. Consisting of three distinctly different equestrian disciplines — Western, Dressage, and Hunter/Jumper — the Del Mar National represents the best in competitive opportunities for world-class equestrians and is unrivaled in its entertainment appeal for everyone. 

“The difference between ‘good enough’ and ‘top of the line’ can make or break a reputation and a career," said Kenny Baker, Equestrian Manager. "The Del Mar National Horse Show management remains committed to continually improving the facility to accommodate the comfort and safety of horses, riders, and spectators. Upgrades started with the&... (more)

Bilbray-Saldana (Peters, Stahl) square off in first debate for new 52nd. Cong. Dist.(spans La Jolla to Rancho Bernardo)

The newly redrawn 52nd Congressional District offers candidates a challenge: its voters are neither predominantly registered Republicans nor Democrats.

The four main candidates in the 52nd Congressional District race talked gas prices, illegal immigration, small business and bailouts during a debate at the Country Club of Rancho Bernardo on Tuesday.

The lunchtime crowd at the Country Club of Rancho Bernardo provided a welcome setting for Rep. Brian Bilbray (R-Carlsbad), who is competing against Democrats Scott Peters, a port commissioner and former president of the San Diego City Council, and Lori Saldaña, a former state assemblywoman and educator.

The debate, hosted by the Conservative Order of Good Government, brought together three challengers—Peters, Saldaña and John Stahl—and the incumbent, Bilbray, who is fighting to retain a seat after redistricting shifted him out of his current District 50.

The new 52nd covers several communities. In addition to Rancho Bernardo and nearby Poway, it reaches west to include La Jolla and Coronado.

Bilbray was at the center of several barbs against Washington, with all of the challengers arguing it is time for someone different to head to the nation's capital.

Bilbray, who first ran for Congress in 1995, has been in and out of the House for more than a decade. He lost his seat to Democrat Susan Davis after redistricting in 2000.

But in 2006 he won the 50th congressional seat after Randy Cunningham resigned, and he has represented it ever since.

"We need a new approach in Washington," said Democratic candidate Scott Peters, a former city councilman who represents San Diego on the Board of Port Commissioners. "Let's get the right person and stop worrying so much about the party."

The candidates answered a series of questions on a variety of topics, with one-minute each to respond. A couple of questions were targeted for specific candidates, with one providing Peters the chance to respond to Bilbray's characterization of him as the "father of San Diego's pension mess."

Peters, who admitted he made mistakes as a councilman, said the pension problems didn't begin with him but rather in the 1980s. Since then, he has worked to end pension underfunding and make city employees pay more for their benefits, he said.

Saldaña, a former Democratic state assemblywoman, focused on education and green energy during the debate, arguing that investing in education and reducing costs for small businesses by better energy efficiency are the keys to protecting the American Dream and turning the economy around.

Stahl, a Republican who served in the U.S. Navy and worked in the semiconductor industry, said he will work to balance the federal budget within the next three to five years and reduce the nation's dependency on foreign oil by the end of the decade.

"I have lived the American Dream and I'm not going to watch it die," Stahl said.

On illegal immigration, the candidates agreed that something must be done.

"If we do not have the rule of law in this country, we have nothing," said Stahl, who said benefits should not be provided to people who are not citizens.

Bilbray said while many focus on border security in illegal immigration talks, it is not the problem; it's just a symptom of the real problem which is people hiring illegal immigrants and the government providing benefits for them. 

Peters said the U.S. needs to be "tough, fair and practical" with its illegal immigration and border policies, making legal crossings more efficient and looking at the income disparity between this country and Mexico which entices people to come here.

Saldaña said there needs to be an improved path to citizenship, with deportation for those who break the law, as a way to bring in the high-tech expertise this country does not have because of a subpar education system.

On gas prices, which recently climbed above an average of $4 per gallon locally, Peters said anyone who claims an ability to lower prices quickly isn't being honest. It's going to take a while, he said, so the focus should be on developing an alternative energy plan and creating incentives for conservation.

To raucous applause, Bilbray said the government needs to permit a pipeline between Canada and the U.S. to bring in oil, a nod to the stalled Keystone Pipeline project recently delayed by President Barack Obama.

As for the 2008 bailout of the financial industry, Bilbray proudly said he did not vote for it because of the financial burden it would place on his grandchildren.

While Saldaña argued that she didn't like the rushed process to create the bailout plan, most of the money has been paid back, she said.

"The process was flawed, but the outcome remains to be seen," she said.

Peters said he was surprised no one has gone to jail in connection with the fiscal crisis, and the government needs to regulate banks in a new way.

"No more bailouts," Peters said.

Stahl, who said he would not have voted for the bailout, said it wasn't right that banks made bad bets but still got their money back.

Saldana v. Bilbray in newly reconstituted 52nd Cong. Dist. (Oh yeah, Scott Peters, too, but who cares.)

 

Former California state legislator Lori Saldaña, a Democrat, is seeking to represent San Diego's redrawn 52nd District in the U.S. Congress with a campaign based on her work in education, environmental causes and the defense of immigrants.

The daughter of Frank Saldaña, a Marine veteran who pursued a career as a reporter at the San Diego Evening Tribune, she grew up in the city's Claremont neighborhood.

Lori Saldaña will compete in the June 5 open primary against fellow Democrat Scott Peters, chair of the Port of San Diego; Republican Rep. Brian P. Bilbray, who currently represents the 50th District in Washington; and two other GOP hopefuls, John Stahl and Wayne Iverson.

Under California's new election law, the top two vote-getters in June regardless of party will face off in the November general election.

Saldaña was elected to the state Assembly for the first time in 2004, was reelected twice and also has been an instructor for San Diego Community College, associate dean at San Diego Mesa College and is an acknowledged expert on water quality.

"Traditional Democrats and Republicans don't know what to do with me. I'm not a traditional Latina, since instead of participating in established organizations I directed the Sierra Club and grew up in the middle class neighborhood of Claremont," said Saldaña in an interview with Efe, adding that she is very proud of her Panamanian and Mexican roots.

Her work in the state Assembly led her to sponsor bills to reduce greenhouse gases, make solar energy cheaper and train small businessowners to take advantage of development opportunities.

"I was married to an oceanographer, and so for many years I crossed over to Ensenada every day so that I learned the trans-border dynamics," said Saldaña, who has a B.A. and M.A. in education from San Diego State University.

"After college I taught at the community college where I also administered the scholarships for the technical training of students by the Labor Department. Due to budget cuts, those scholarships disappeared, which made me take note of the need to do legislative work to restore them," she said.

The 52nd District, where the population is about 15 percent Hispanic, is facing challenges mainly associated with the high cost of education and the reduction of well-paid jobs.

"The Republicans accuse us Democrats of wanting to raise taxes and spend, while they are borrowing and spending. Our position is more responsible," Saldaña said.

The candidate, who opposes walls along the border arguing that she considers them costly and inefficient, said that it is key for the regional economy to implement an intelligent immigration policy that recognizes the contributions of undocumented immigrants.

She also said that she believes undocumented foreigners should be able to obtain U.S. citizenship if they prove that the only laws they have violated are the immigration statutes.

Saldaña received the support of Emily's List, a non-profit political organization supporting women candidates.

"This shows my popularity among the organizations of the Democratic base and activists. It's paradoxical that the traditional sectors of my party, including Hispanic organizations, have supported Peters. However, I believe that my platform is the most progressive and the best," said Saldaña.

TOM CHINO RULES!!! Del Mar Fairgrounds Board St. Valentine's Day Massacre..Shame on the Bashar Al-Assads on the Del Mar Fairgrounds Board...

ON THE TRIALS AND TRIBULATIONS OF TOM CHINO, A FIGHTER FOR FULL DISCLOSURE OF DEL MAR FAIRGROUNDS MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES AND END TO UNETHICAL PRACTICES.

"It is my personal hope that at some point the Board will pursue the reform agenda that I feel is critical to the long term well being of the district. Under the present circumstances, however, I feel it is best for me to step off the board, and I offer this memo as my resignation effective immediately. I have been considering my position as a board member and I was finally able to discuss my situation with the governor's office this morning and they are respecting my decision."

-- Tom Chino resignation e-mail 2/14/12

(Photo above: Tom Chino, r, with Trey Foshee, one of the many celebrity chefs who flock to his Rancho Santa Fe farm for world renowned fruits and produce.)

We don't follow the machinations of the 22nd District Agricultural Association District AKA Del Mar Fairgrounds, Board due to its longstanding record of corruption and below-board dealings with no public oversight allowed. Don't care because it is a cesspool of personal gain for some of those so-called protectors of the public interest and, frankly, the 99 percent, have been powerless in this case to date.

This nine-member board controls a megamillion dollar enterprise including use of the facilities by the San Diego County Fair, Del Mar Thoroughbred Club racetrack as well as ownership of golf, equestrian and exhibition facilities. The Fairgrounds alone is valued at more than $120 million. Directors are appointed by the governor to four year terms and don't get paid, above the table anyway.

However, we did note with interest and great enthusiasm a deus ex machina thrown in the mix by Gov. Jerry Brown last year to try to right the listing Fairgrounds ship. And that was Tom Chino, probably the most stand-up, forthright guy on this or any other planet. Chino is a guy who fights for you and me, and that's not even going into his world-class, renowned vegetable farm and farm stand.

Highly educated, and motivated by his devotion to our community, Chino had his work cut out for him as he went to battle for us against the power of the entrenched 22nd District Agricultural Association District management and enablers on the Board. He tried to let some sunshine into this board's obscenely private dealings and quasi-public meetings. (That group has so much liigation they discuss behind closed doors it would be ludicrous, if it were not obscene.)

Chino let everybody know about state investigations that revealed what everybody knew but could not say aloud: Board members allowed Fairgrounds employees to be paid for unused vacation time. Board members, their friends and associates, received lots of free fair passes and perks, as well as who knows what else in the form of influence peddling and sundry as-yet undisclosed activites.

For all Tom Chino's  defense of you and me against the special interests that have controlled Fairgrounds management for years, all he got was hassles and even implied legal threats over absolutely nothing, i.e. consulting his personal attorney on a Fairgrounds issue. That attorney represented the San Dieguito Joint Powers Authority, which was suing the Fairgrounds over creepy and unpopular expansion demands. Oh, snap.

The Chino family has a long history of standing for the people around here. Losing Tom Chino from the Fairgrounds Board is a sad day for us, but who can blame him. He was like the Free Syrian Army against Bashar Al-Assad's thugs. They may have all the weapons -- for now -- but Chino has something more powerful on his side -- The Truth.

SHAME ON THE FAIRGROUNDS BOARD. Show your solidarity for Tom Chino. Visit Chino Farm today and power to the people.

San Diego County District Attorney Jeff Dort Snubs Family Court Crime Victims

Just received a copy of a phone message left by Jeff Dort to a crime victim from family court.  The victim had funds stolen by her attorney, Patricia Gregory, over two years ago.

(Photo left, Jeff Dort)

Gregory admitted to stealing money from a "Trust" (no play on words) account, from two client/victims. There could be more but there is no investigation.  The known amount Gregory admitted to is over $100,000.00.  However, Dort's message only sparked more questions.

But the Patricia Gregory case - now going on two plus years, is interesting on another level.  As is revealed by the accompanying video, it's the victims who are doing the legwork.  It's the crime victims who are supplying the information, almost like unpaid staff of the District Attorney's office.

However, the District Attorney has not subpoenaed a single record.

Instead, the DA continues to ask the victims who have steadfastly provided evidence, for more evidence.   How much more is needed when the thief admits guilt I'm not sure.  DAs don't return calls.

How DA inaction benefits criminals

The case could have been filed immediately after Patricia Gregory's signed a statement admitting she took the money.  After the State Bar ordered Gregory inactive in 2011 (although she continued to keep her website active in spite of the State Bar's request to remove it from the internet) and accepted new clients, then the DA could have added a "Crime, bail, Crime" charge which would qualify Gregory for more prison time.  Oh wait. Scratch that.  More on that later.

DA's holding pattern

Still, after two years of what can realistically be referred to as a non-investigation, District Attorney Jeff Dort rejected the case.  The money remains gone.  The thief admitted guilt and - nothing.  This is same Jeff Dort who prosecuted personal injury attorney David G. Ronquillo for stealing from clients under similar circumstances.

In the Ronquillo case Judge Charles Rogers said Ronquillo would be eligible for about eight years of prison time, but would likely receive probation. 

San Diego judges aren't real fond of sentencing attorneys to prison.  It's a clubby kind of thing.

Other ways the DA aids criminals

The victims are aware given the non-responsiveness of the DA, coupled with the DA's philosophy of dealing with crimes after the State Bar deals with Administrative issues, the Statute of Limitations is approaching. 

Thus the phone message featured on the video ended with Dort wishing the crime victim a nice weekend. 

Other factors

One other thing.  We've heard Patricia Gregory used to work for the County. 

Child Support enforcement.

SAINTS ALIVE! Drew Brees and the Saints visit with Del Mar jocks and ponies Sunday...

Who is going to make it to the practices in Oxnard? Saints practice today through Friday. 4-6:30 pm PDT at the Residence Inn By River Ridge Fields - all practices are open to the public!

Enjoy!

Del Mar racing briefs for opening week: Owners given lounge by one Del Mar trainer, TVG, Jim Cassidy...

The largest crowd in Del Mar history of 46,588 turned out Wednesday, July 20, for the opening day card at the seaside oval in Southern California. Attendance exceeded the record set a year ago on opening day when 45,309 were on hand. Total pari-mutuel handle for the opener this year was $13,234,590 compared to the $12,461,600 wagered last year, for an increase of 6.2%. In the day’s feature race, even-money favorite Mr. Commons and jockey Mike Smith rolled to victory in the $112,100 Oceanside Stakes. Outrun in the early stages of the race for 3-year-olds, Mr. Commons, a son of Artie Schiller, circled his rivals on the stretch turn and wasn’t pressured in the final sixteenth as he won by 1 1/2  lengths. Final time for a mile on grass was 1:34.96 (VIDEO). Smith was later arrested on suspicion of DUI during a massive drunk driving "multi-agency" task force traffic net rung around the track during the day resulting in 15 DUI arrests.

  OWNERS GIVEN LOUNGE BY ONE DEL MAR TRAINER

The backside area of most racetracks is not normally the most luxurious part of the facility. Barns are primarily utilitarian, the comfort of the horses and not much else involved.

This summer at Del Mar trainer Doug O'Neill is providing a little bit of luxury for the owners of his horses. An 'Owners Lounge' is now available next to O'Neill's office at the track.

"It can get too tight in here," O'Neill assistant Leandro Mora said recently. "Lots of times we have 10 or 15 owners and their kids and families and we built this thing to keep everybody happy."

O'Neill, the defending training champion, converted one stall next to his office for an 'Owners Lounge' with seating and refreshments. Precautions have also been provided for the visitors from the thoroughbred traffic that goes on.

"Especially at Del Mar, we have owners who want to come around the barn," Mora said. "We have plenty of visitors at Santa Anita and Hollywood Park, but we're used to it and we know what to do there. And we get more here than we do anywhere else."

A large painting of Lava Man decorates the converted stall, though not the one that the millionaire gelding used. The picture depicts Lava Man, 2006 Pacific Classic winner, in the company of ONeill's father and the fathers of the three ownership connections of the champion runner. 

-- The Sports Network

                                         (Photo: Ron Ellis, Simon Bray, Todd Schrupp, TVG Network at Del Mar.)

TVG TO PRESENT DEL MAR RACING COVERAGE

TVG, America’s Horseracing Network, will be the exclusive broadcast network of the 2011 Del Mar race meet, offering live, on-site coverage beginning opening day, Wednesday, July 20.

In addition to airing all the action from the 37-day meet, TVG will serve as title sponsor of Del Mar’s signature event, the $1 million TVG Pacific Classic (gr. I) Aug. 28 The race also is part of the Breeders’ Cup Challenge series, with the winner guaranteed a spot in the $5 million Breeders’ Cup Classic (gr. I).

“Del Mar is home to the best in summer racing and is an unmatched horseracing destination that lends itself to an exciting telecast for our audience,” said Tony Allevato, TVG Executive Vice President.

“TVG’s sponsorship was critical to maintaining the $1 million purse level,” said Josh Rubinstein, Del Mar’s Senior Vice President, Development. “We look forward to partnering with TVG in the years to come.”

Racing will be held Wednesdays through Sundays and on Labor Day. In addition to the TVG Pacific Classic, the meet will feature seven other grade I races – the Eddie Read Stakes, the Bing Crosby Stakes, the Clement L. Hirsch Stakes, the Del Mar Oaks, the Pat O’Brien Stakes, the Del Mar Debutante, and the Del Mar Futurity.

TVG account holders can wager on all Del Mar races at www.TVG.com.

-- Blood-Horse.com

TRAINER JIM CASSIDY READY TO RUMBLE AT DEL MAR OPENING WEEK STAKES RACES

Trainer Jim Cassidy plans to start Oceanside nominee Robbie’s War in an allowance race on turf and Kid Edward in Saturday’s $300,000 Eddie Read Stakes, a Grade 1 over 1 1/8 miles on turf.

The Cassidy team for Del Mar will not feature the multiple Grade  1 winner The Usual Q.T., who is currently turned out, the trainer said. The Usual Q.T. has not started since finishing third in the Grade  2 American Handicap on May 20. “He’s getting 90 days and he’s already gotten 30 days,” Cassidy said.

Kid Edward will be tested in the Eddie Read, which is expected to draw Aggie Engineer, Buenos Dias, Caracortado, Celtic Princess, Jeranimo, Smart Bid, and Victor’s Cry.

Second in the Grade 2 La Jolla Handicap at Del Mar, Kid Edward was second in an optional claimer at Hollywood Park on July 2, his first start since a third in the Grade 2 Oak Tree Derby last October.

Jeranimo has not started since a fourth as the 7-5 favorite in the Grade  2 American Handicap at Hollywood Park in April. Owner B.J. Wright and trainer Mike Pender considered the Hollywood Gold Cup on the synthetic main track on July  9, but opted to wait for the Eddie Read.

“There was no reason to take his favorite surface away from him,” Pender said. “All systems are go.”

Jeranimo won the Grade 2 San Gabriel Handicap over 1 1/8 miles on turf at Santa Anita last December, but is winless in three starts this year. He was third in the Grade 1 Frank Kilroe Mile at Santa Anita in March.

-- Steve Anderson, Daily Racing Form

Socal regional water authority standoff will not affect Carlsbad, Calif. desalination, Poseidon says...

Plus bonus coverage: EXCITING LEGO-INSPIRED INFORMATION VIDEO FROM MS. KRUEGER'S SIXTH GRADE CLASS. -- DESALINATION AND YOU.

Poseidon Resources on 16 June 2011 denied reports that the current standoff in Southern California between the Metropolitan Water District (MWD) and the San Diego County Water Authority (SDCWA) will affect the Carlsbad Desalination Project.

"This claim is incorrect and shows a disappointing lack of understanding about the project's status and financing." Poseiden officials said to the Desalination & Water Reuse Quarterly industry website.

On 14 June 2011, the MWD voted to cancel funding to increase water recycling at the San Vincente facility in the Ramona Municipal Water District and for programs to encourage local water-use efficiency and retrofit homes with low-water-use landscaping. MWD also said it would refuse to fund any pending or future local water supply projects in San Diego County.

A press release from SDCWA stated, "The pending agreements included the Carlsbad Seawater Desalination Project, which would have been eligible for up to US$ 14 million in annual payments, and an agricultural water conservation audit program, which would have been eligible for up to US$ 500,000 in annual funding." 

MWD's move is the latest in a dispute about SDCWA contributions to MWD projects that goes back decades. In June 2010, SDCWA filed a lawsuit challenging MWD's 2011 and 2012 wholesale water rates. The water authority alleged that MWD improperly overcharged for the transportation of water and used that money to lower artificially the cost of MWD water. 

The next hearing in the lawsuit is on 17 June 2011, and a final decision is not expected until 2012.

Appearance fees ain't just for celebrities -- Del Mar track giving $1,000 a horse to race during July 20 to Sept. 7 summer meet...

Del Mar will launch an incentive program that will pay a $1,000 appearance fee, and a 20 percent bonus for initial purse money earned in overnight races, to the owners of horses from outside of California who start at the upcoming meeting from July 20 to Sept. 7, the track announced on Sunday.

The program will be financed equally by Del Mar and the Thoroughbred Owners of California, through the purse fund, according to director of racing Tom Robbins.

The appearance fee will be paid to horses shipped to the track for any race, including stakes, while the 20 percent bonus will be paid on purse monies earned for finishing first through fifth in overnight races. If a similar program had been in place last year that approximately 50 horses would have been eligible for the incentives, Robbins told The Daily Racing Form.

“There is a shortage of horses, not just in California, but nationally,... (more)

Del Mar racing season looking good as July 20 opening day looms large...

 If early indications are any barometer, the 2011 racing season at historic Del Mar Racetrack will be a good one. The 72nd race meeting "where the turf meets the surf" will get underway Wednesday, July 20. 

"It's just looking like one of those years," said Del Mar's chief executive officer Joe Harper. "The vibe, as they say, is good. There appears to be lots of interest out there and I think we're going to be in position to combine good business with good fun."

A first day sales record was achieved when the track's ticket office opened for on-line and call-in sales on May 13, More than $300,000 in sales was recorded on the initial day, an increase of better than eight percent over last year. 

The track's full compliment of 13 full-season luxury suites are sold out and the sales department said that sales of its three daily-basis suites are proceeding well. 

"We've been a magnet for people here in the summer for more than 7... (more)

Congressman Brian Bilbray, R-50th Congressional District, voting record April to May 2011...Voting record courtesy Megavote.

Upcoming Votes

PATRIOT Sunsets Extension Act of 2011 - S.1038 The Senate is scheduled to take up this four-year extension of provisions in the Patriot Act that are set to expire on May 27. The House may also take up its version of the bill. House Budget Resolution, FY2012 - H.CON.RES.34 The Senate is expected to vote this week on the House’s 2012 fiscal year budget resolution. Defense Authorization, FY2012 - H.R.1540 The House is scheduled to work on this bill authorizing defense spending in the next fiscal year.

Recent House Votes

Putting the Gulf of Mexico Back to Work Act - Vote Passed (263-163, 5 Not Voting) The House passed this bill that would expedite the permitting process for lessees seeking to drill for oil and natural gas in the Gulf of Mexico. The Interior Department would be required to review applications within 30 days, with the option of extending the review period to 60 days. The Senate is unlikely to take up the bill. Rep. Brian Bilbray voted YES......send e-mail or see bio  Reversing President Obama’s Offshore Moratorium Act - Vote Passed (243-179, 9 Not Voting) This House bill would require the Interior Department to open certain unused areas of the Outer Continental Shelf for oil and natural gas drilling. The bill is unlikely to advance in the Senate. Rep. Brian Bilbray voted Not Voting......send e-mail or see bio  Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2011 - Vote Passed (392-15, 24 Not Voting) The House approved this bill authorizing intelligence-related programs for the current fiscal year. Funding levels authorized for the 16 intelligence gathering agencies are classified, but it is estimated to be around $80 billion. The Senate version of the bill is currently at a standstill. Rep. Brian Bilbray voted YES......send e-mail or see bio

To repeal mandatory funding provided to establish American Health Benefit Exchanges - Vote Passed (238-183, 11 Not Voting)

The House passed this bill to eliminate federal grants to states to set up health insurance exchanges. The grants are part of the 2010 health care bill which requires each state to establish an exchange by 2014. The bill is unlikely to advance in the Senate.

Rep. Brian Bilbray voted Not Voting......send e-mail or see bio 

To repeal mandatory funding for school-based health center construction - Vote Passed (235-191, 6 Not Voting)

The House passed this bill that would repeal a section in the 2010 health care bill providing funding for the construction of school-based health centers. The bill is unlikely to advance in the Senate.

Rep. Brian Bilbray voted Not Voting......send e-mail or see bio 

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No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act - Vote Passed (251-175, 6 Not Voting)

This bill would prohibit federal funds from being used for abortions, except in the cases of rape, incest or danger to the woman's life. A similar bill has been introduced in the Senate, but it is unlikely to gain any traction.

Rep. Brian Bilbray voted Not Voting......send e-mail or see bio 

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Restarting American Offshore Leasing Now Act - Vote Passed (266-149, 17 Not Voting)

This House bill would require the Interior Department to sell oil and gas leases in the Gulf of Mexico and off the coast of Virginia. The bill's future in the Senate is uncertain.

Rep. Brian Bilbray voted Not Voting......send e-mail or see bio

To repeal the Prevention and Public Health Fund - Vote Passed (236-183, 13 Not Voting)

This House bill would eliminate funding for the Prevention and Public Health Fund, which was established by the health care law. Supporters of the bill say there is no accountability to determine where the money is spent. Opponents of the bill say it would defund important prevention programs. The Senate is unlikely to take up the measure.

Rep. Brian Bilbray voted YES......send e-mail or see bio 

Energy Tax Prevention Act of 2011 - Vote Passed (255-172, 5 Not Voting)

The House passed this bill that would prevent the Environmental Protection Agency from regulating greenhouse gases for the purpose of addressing climate change. A similar measure failed in the Senate earlier in the week.

Rep. Brian Bilbray voted YES......send e-mail or see bio 

Net Neutrality Disapproval - Vote Passed (240-179, 13 Not Voting)

This resolution would nullify a Federal Communications Commission rule prohibiting broadband Internet service providers from blocking content or traffic. Supporters of the resolution say the FCC does not have the authority to regulate the Internet, while opponents contend the regulations are necessary to provide unfettered access to the Internet. A companion resolution has been introduced in the Senate but its future is unclear.

Rep. Brian Bilbray voted YES......send e-mail or see bio 

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Further Additional Continuing Appropriations Amendments, 2011 - Vote Passed (348-70, 14 Not Voting)

The House passed this one-week appropriations measure, giving negotiators time to draft the full-year appropriations measure. The Senate passed the bill by unanimous consent earlier on Friday night. The president signed the measure into law on Saturday.

Rep. Brian Bilbray voted YES......send e-mail or see bio

Fiscal 2011 Spending Agreement - Vote Passed (260-167, 6 Not Voting)

The House passed this bill to fund the government through the end of the current fiscal year. Based on the agreement negotiated to prevent a government shutdown, the bill provides $1.055 trillion in federal spending. The Senate passed the bill later in the day, clearing it for the president.

Rep. Brian Bilbray voted YES......send e-mail or see bio 

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Fiscal 2011 Health Care Overhaul Funding - Vote Passed (240-185, 7 Not Voting)

Following passage of the 2011 spending bill, the House adopted this enrollment correction resolution that would have blocked funding for the implementation of the health care law. The Senate rejected the resolution so it will not be part of the final spending bill.

Rep. Brian Bilbray voted YES......send e-mail or see bio 

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Fiscal 2011 Planned Parenthood Funding - Vote Passed (241-185, 1 Present, 5 Not Voting)

Following passage of the 2011 spending bill, the House adopted this enrollment correction resolution that would have blocked funding for Planned Parenthood. The Senate rejected the resolution so it will not be part of the final spending bill.

Rep. Brian Bilbray voted YES......send e-mail or see bio 

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Fiscal 2012 House Budget Resolution - Vote Passed (235-193, 4 Not Voting)

The House passed a budget resolution that calls for $1.019 trillion in discretionary spending in the 2012 fiscal year. The budget resolution would allow for $2.859 trillion in overall spending. The resolution is non-binding but is used as a guideline for appropriators. The Senate is expected to work on its budget after the recess.

Rep. Brian Bilbray voted YES......send e-mail or see bio 

The HAMP Termination Act of 2011 - Vote Passed (252-170, 1 Present, 9 Not Voting)

The House voted to end the Home Affordable Modification Program, a home foreclosure prevention program that uses Troubled Asset Relief Program money to help homeowners modify their mortgages. The Senate is unlikely to take up the bill.

Rep. Brian Bilbray voted YES......send e-mail or see bio 

Scholarships for Opportunity and Results Act - Vote Passed (225-195, 12 Not Voting)

The House voted to revive a voucher program that would help low-income Washington D.C. residents send their children to private schools. The bill faces an uncertain future but could be attached to the 2011 spending bill currently being negotiated between the House and Senate.

Rep. Brian Bilbray voted YES......send e-mail or see bio 

FAA Reauthorization and Reform Act of 2011 - Vote Passed (223-196, 13 Not Voting)

The House passed this bill reauthorizing the Federal Aviation Administration for four-years. The Senate passed a two-year bill in February. The two chambers will now work out a compromise bill.

Rep. Brian Bilbray voted YES......send e-mail or see bio 

Government Shutdown Prevention Act - Vote Passed (221-202, 1 Present, 8 Not Voting)

This bill would declare the House-passed spending bill, H.R.1, to be enacted if the Senate does not pass a FY2011 spending bill by April 6. Supporters say the vote highlights the Senate's inability to pass a budget, while opponents say the bill is unconstitutional.

Rep. Brian Bilbray voted YES......send e-mail or see bio...

Del Mar Thoroughbred Club looking at five racing days a week starting July 2...

 The vice president/racing for the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club is looking for more than a few good horses for this summer's annual race meet. His job: Fill seven, five-day race weeks beginning July 20.

It might not sound like a big deal, but considering the Southern California racing circuit has raced five days in a week only four times in the first five months of 2011, it becomes a very tall order.

"We're working hard at recruiting horses," track president Craig Fravel said Friday. "We're going to give it our best effort.

"There always has been a surge in the (horse) inventory in the summer months. We do have some stables that ship in here that don't stay all year round. We hope those kinds of trends continue."

Robbins spent part of last week in Northern California trying to convince trainers and owners to come to Del Mar.

"We hope to match last year in the number of races," Robbins said

Fravel said Del Mar projects its overnight purse... (more)

Rancho Santa Fe School District upcoming events: Ocean Weeks Are Here! RSF Players Proudly Presents...Summer Camp Flyers...

(Information courtesy Rancho Santa Fe School District. For more visit http://www.rsfschool.net/.)

Ocean Week Kick-off Assembly, May 23

Rancho Santa Fe’s annual Ocean Weeks will kick off on Monday, May 23

Environmental artist Teresa Espainola will present beach trash art projects, including the “Ride the Wave to a Cleaner Ocean” sculpture, and the K-3 “Keep Track of your Beach Toys” mural and accompanying song.  All students are encouraged to wear MARE shirts, beach or surf-themed clothing and bring their beach towels to sit on during the performances. 

Ocean Week Activities

From May 23 – June 2 students will engage in a variety of ocean-related activities and experiences.  ... (more)

Soap opera continues at Whispering Palms, Rancho Santa Fe, Calif. now playing in EIR form at San Dieguito Planning Group on June 9.

Whispering Palms soap opera continues due to play out, or act out depending on one's viewpoint -- This time before the San Dieguito Planning Group following an appearance at Vista Superior Court...

 It is the neighborhood controversy that will not die. Whispering Palms once again goes center stage at yet another agency as local planners consider Richard Cavanaugh's long-standing plan to build something, anything, at the giant vacant lot at his luxury development. However, his demeanor, past history of conflict with homeowners, and controversial plans to put in condos, rental units and even continuing care facilities has raised hackles, lawsuits and the usual suspicions.

The latest: Cavanaugh's environmental impact report for the project, attached here in pdf form. Interested parties have until June 15 to tell planners what the heck they think.

"If you have any interest in the environmental consequences of the proposed project, you should follow up with the county.  I anticipate this matter will be on the planning group’s agenda at our next meeting on June 9

^th, although input directly to the county will be more valuable than providing us the information at that meeting."

Paul Daniel Marks

Attorney at Law

Certified Specialist, Family Law

www.divorceandmediation.com 

The Wild Wild West of Deadwood and Dodge City had nothing on Whispering Palms.

Perhaps a Joseph Heller screenplay with a splash of Thomas Pynchon novel tossed in the mix could do the place justice.

Move over Peyton Place, Pine Valley and Port Charles. Whispering Palms is in da house. And this time, there’s no Erica Kane on a forklift to clear the way.

In the latest chapter of 'As Whispering Palms Burns,' Vista Superior Court Judge Earl H. Maas III ruled controversial Whispering Palms developer Richard Cavanaugh's long-desired mixed-use project at the vacant 4.3-acre lot at the community's entrance had to go back to ye olde drawing board.

Prompted by a 2007 lawsuit from Whispering Palms residents at odds with Cavanaugh, Maas ruled the project lacked a full environmental impact report, despite the project's approval by San Diego County Supervisors. Maas found the traffic impact section of the report to be inadequate.

Cavanaugh's attorney Wayne Bechtel said the developer would prepare that report although the previous report was done properly.

Cavanaugh’s proposal to develop the final 4.3-acre open space parcel at the community’s only entrance/exit includes a mixed-use commercial center featuring 9,600-square-feet of retail space, 19,500-square-feet of office space and 54 apartments, each 900-square-feet.

Before the mixed-use proposal, Cavanaugh sought to build an assisted living facility at the vacant lot raising the community's wrath and opposition. County officials rejected this concept.

The property as now constituted represents a prominent eyesore dating back to the inception of the development in the mid-1960s.

The parcel has been zoned commercial for quite a while. All Cavanaugh lacks is that environmental report which will allow him to secure a grading permit before he can proceed.

Well, a grading permit and the cooperation of Whispering Palms residents who threaten noisy opposition and litigation should he proceed with plans.

Not that residents oppose development of that hallowed piece of empty ground. Indeed, they want it to become something useful and attractive in the worst way.

There’s just this Cavanaugh thing. Residents say he promised a smaller commercial development at Palma de la Reina with fewer, larger homeowner-owned condominiums rather than his proposed rental apartments. Cavanaugh says whatever he proposes will be opposed by residents because they hate him.

Although the judge focused on traffic impacts in his ruling, Brechtel said the environmental impact report will have to address all aspects of the project, along with public comments. That draft report was submitted to the San Dieguito Planning Group and will be considered June 9, 2011.

Oak Tree: Rancho Santa Fe, Calif. resident Dr. Jack Robbins changes posts

 

 (Photo: Laffit Pincay, Jr., center, presents the seventh annual Laffit Pincay, Jr. Award to the directors of the Oak Tree Racing Association, from left, John Barr, Thomas Capehart, President Jack Robbins, Dr. Rick Arthur, Richard Mandella and Bob Zamarripa, Sr. during a winner’s circle ceremony Saturday, July 10, 2010 at Hollywood Park.)

Dr. Jack Robbins has switched titles at the Oak Tree Racing Association, giving up presidency of the not-for-profit organization to be chairman of the board of directors, Oak Tree announced on Wednesday.

Robbins, who is retired and lives in Rancho Santa Fe, Calif., is the last remaining founding director of Oak Tree, which operated an autumn race meeting at Santa Anita from 1969 to 2009 and at Hollywood Park in 2010.

Robbins will be replaced as president by California breeder John Barr.

In Wednesday’s statement, Oak Tree executive vice-president... (more)

RANCHO SANTA FE WIKILEAKS: County allegedly stiffs local planning group, fire dept. CONTINUED....

Look below for last week's e-mail chain and issue backstory. Or visit http://tiny.cc/9mkqb

I just received a call from Vince Nicoletti from the contracts section at DPLU.  He was very apologetic about the e-mail to which I responded, and he’s agreed to find a solution.

He recognizes that I shouldn’t be signing a contract with the fire department, for example, that I agree to indemnify it for any riots that break out, and he assured me that a minor charge per meeting is not a big deal to them, they just need to figure out a way to structure any arrangement.

In the meantime, we may need to continue to explore other venues, as the 911 people will ultimately be taking over the space, as he understands it.

He also agreed that planning groups serve a valuable purpose, saving the county huge amounts of staff time gathering input.

Another squeaky wheel gets greased.

Paul Daniel Marks

Attorney at Law

Certified Specialist, Family Law

www.divorceandmediation.com

RANCHO SANTA FE WIKILEAKS: County allegedly stiffs local San Dieguito Planning Group and Rancho Santa Fe Fire Protection District. At issue? Some $25 per month to rent a fire agency conference room for regular monthly volunteer planning group meetings.

(Editor's Note: This is the actual e-mail trail regarding a somewhat mind-blowing bit of penny-pinching on the part of San Diego County government. Keep in mind that the San Diego Watchdog Institute found San Diego County paid more than $100,000 in annual salaries to 1,016 employees in 2009.

"County Board of Supervisors Chairwoman Pam Slater-Price said many of the employees making over $100,000 are well educated and highly skilled. She called a $100,000 salary 'pretty cheap' for an attorney, for example, and said the proportion of county workers making that salary is smaller than in some local governments. She also cited the influence of labor unions whose contracts drive the raises."

The San Dieguito Planning Group is a volunteer position advising county planners on local planning applications and issues. Many members have served for many years devoting much personal time to investigating, and analyzing, local public land use issues.

This e-mail exchange between Paul Marks, the planning group chairman, and county officials involves the county not paying the $25 per meeting rental fee to the Rancho Santa Fe Fire Protection Department at whose offices planning group meetings take place.

Your county government in action -- follow this edition of RANCHO SANTA FE WIKILEAKS!!!)

Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, Keeneland Forge Partnership for 2011 Season 

 Del Mar and Keeneland have announced a partnership for the 2011 season that the tracks hope will enhance and encourage horse ownership.  

Keeneland, the Kentucky track that hosts two limited race meets and conducts public auctions, will team with its Southern California counterpart during Del Mar’s seaside summer meeting that runs this year from July 20-Sept. 7. 

According to a release, Del Mar Thoroughbred Club’s assistance, Keeneland representatives will host several events both at Del Mar and nearby sites for potential new owners and their guests over the course of the seven-week season. 

“The purpose of the hospitality events will be to explain and expedite entry into the Thoroughbred racing game, especially through use of a high-end, high-potential avenue such as the Keeneland sales,” the release stated.

“Building interest in Thoroughbred ownership is crucial to our sport,” said Keeneland president and CEO Nick Nicholson. “One of the best ways to generate interest among potential new owners is to give them the opportunity to see and experience the beauty of Thoroughbred racing up close. The high caliber of racing, coupled with its outstanding hospitality and scenic backdrop, make Del Mar the ideal partner for the Keeneland sales.” 

Keeneland’s efforts will be noted in stakes tie-ins, on-site signage and TV promotional spots, the track’s program, and in its horsemen’s publications.  

 “Keeneland is a natural ally and a long-standing friend of Del Mar,” said Craig Fravel, DMTC’s president and general manager. “For us to work together to try to bring new people into our exciting game of racing makes sense from start to finish.” 

As it has for the past two years, Del Mar will race on a five-day-per-week basis from Wednesdays through Sundays. First post on most days is at 2 p.m.

Read more: 

Keeneland and Del Mar, two of racing’s iconic locations that conduct their business using similar styles and strategies, have announced a partnership for the 2011 season with the primary goal of enhancing and encouraging horse ownership.

The Kentucky track, known for its short, classy spring and fall race meetings and the world-class Thoroughbred sales it conducts on its bucolic Lexington grounds, will team with its Southern California counterpart during Del Mar’s seaside summer meeting that runs this year from July 20 to September 7. 

With Del Mar Thoroughbred Club’s assistance, Keeneland representatives will host several unique gatherings both at Del Mar and nearby for potential new owners and their guests over the course of the seven-week season. The purpose of the hospitality events will be to explain and expedite entry into the Thoroughbred racing game, especially through use of a high-end, high-potential avenue such as the Keeneland sales.

“Building interest in Thoroughbred ownership is crucial to our sport,” said Keeneland president and CEO Nick Nicholson. “One of the best ways to generate interest among potential new owners is to give them the opportunity to see and experience the beauty of Thoroughbred racing up close. The high caliber of racing, coupled with its outstanding hospitality and scenic backdrop, make Del Mar the ideal partner for the Keeneland sales.”

Keeneland and their efforts will be noted throughout the Del Mar meet in various ways, including stakes tie-ins, on-site signage and TV promotional spots. They also will be noted daily in the track’s program and in its horsemen’s publications. 

“Keeneland is a natural ally and a long-standing friend of Del Mar,” said Craig Fravel, DMTC’s president and general manager. “For us to work together to try to bring new people into our exciting game of racing makes sense from start to finish.”

As it has for the past two years, Del Mar will race on a five-day-per-week basis from Wednesdays through Sundays. First post on most days is at 2 p.m.Pacific.

Devo Rocks Belly-Up This Week. Video At Right Now...Michael Pilmer/Devo-Obsesso Reporting

DEVO performs "Uncontrollable Urge" in Solana Beach, CA - 3/20/11. Video shot by Michael Pilmer/Devo-Obsesso. For more visit here or contact michael@devo-obsesso.com.

DEVO's lyrics exposed me to a whole new way of thinking when I was in my teens, and helped me snake through the chaos of Planet Earth. I realized that there was an escape from being caught up in what I saw going on around me, another way of thinking that made more sense. I saw the light - We're ALL Devo. 

I was able to meet the members of DEVO way back in the mid 1990's, and helped them with a few graphic projects as a hobby in those days. I now work for DEVO, Inc. on an official basis, and maintain several DEVO-related sites: Devo-Obsesso.com (of course),Club DEVO (Official DEVO site), DEVO's Myspace Page,Mutato Muzika's web site, & Mark Mothersbaugh's Art Gallery Tours.

-- - Michael Pilmer (aka Devo-Obsesso)

Find me on Twitter and Facebook

DEVO AT BELLY-UP

“Thirty years ago, people said that we were cynical, that we had a bad attitude,” says Devo’s Mark Mothersbaugh. “But now, when you ask people if de-evolution is real, they understand that there was something to what we were saying. It’s not the kind of thing you want to see proven right, but it does make it easier to talk about.”

“The world is in sync with Devo,” says his band-mate and co-writer Gerald Casale. “We’re not the guys who freak people out and scare them—we’re like the house band on the Titanic, entertaining everybody as we go down.”

 And so, now is the time. More than three decades after the release of its visionary debut, Q: Are We Not Men? A: We Are Devo, and a full 20 years since its last studio album, Devo is back with the aptly titled Something for Everybody. The long rumored, wildly anticipated album (which was launched with a memorable performance in Vancouver at the Winter Olympics) features the band’s classic line-up—Mark and Bob Mothersbaugh, Gerald and Bob Casale—joined by drummer Josh Freese (Nine Inch Nails, Guns n’ Roses). Produced by Greg Kurstin (The Bird & The Bee), the album also includes contributions from John Hill and Santi White (better known as hip-hop star Santigold), John King of the Dust Brothers, and the Teddybears.

Though the 12 songs on Something for Everybody are built on Devo’s signature mechanized swing, the recording and presentation of the album saw the band experimenting with an entirely new approach. Greg Scholl was brought in to serve as COO for Devo, Inc., and—working with the advertising agency Mother LA—conducted a series of studies through the www.clubdevo.com site to help the band with its creative decisions, from color selection to song mixes.

“We decided to actively seek comment and criticism from outside people and use that as a tool, rather than shunning or ignoring it,” says Gerald Casale. “Our experiences participating in secondary creativity—things like corporate consensus building, focus groups—make you appreciate the connection that an artist has to society.”

“In the past, Devo was very insular,” says Mark Mothersbaugh. “This time, I became intrigued with the idea of having people who understood Devo actually work on the songs, and to do to our songs what we did to ‘Satisfaction’ on our first record. Don’t put any boundaries on their production style, let them bring what they needed to make Devo be what it should be after waking up from suspended animation for 20 years.”

His revelation came when the Teddybears did a remix of the song “Watch Us Work It,” an idea initiated by the Mother agency. “They took Josh Freese’s drums off and put on a sample from something we did back in, like, 1982. And I thought, ‘That actually is better!’ That was when I first really saw that Devo had something to absorb, as well as something to impart.”

Certainly Devo has had plenty to convey since Gerald Casale founded the group in Akron, Ohio, in 1973. The band was an extension of a multi-media exploration of the concept that mankind’s progress had ceased, and the process of de-evolution had begun. Devo’s early work caught the attention of such icons as Neil Young and David Bowie, and, with such hits as “Whip It” and “Girl U Want,” and the accompanying, revolutionary music videos, the group became one of the defining acts of the 1980s.

Devo’s sound, style, and philosophy have been an influence on artists from Rage Against the Machine to Lady Gaga. Kurt Cobain once said, “Of all the bands who came from the underground and actually made it in the mainstream, Devo is the most challenging and subversive of all.”

In 1990, Devo morphed from a recording and concert act to putting more focus on individual pursuits and various creative enterprises. Mark Mothersbaugh, along with brother Bob, and Bob Casale, began making music for films and television, working on Pee-Wee’s Playhouse and Rugrats and the movies of Wes Anderson. Gerald Casale directed scores of commercials and music videos for the likes of Miller Lite Beer and Mrs. Butterworth’s to Rush, The Foo Fighters, and Soundgarden respectively. (“Everything we’ve done outside of Devo is basically a permutation on the theme we started with,” says Mark Mothersbaugh.) Meanwhile, Devo’s music remained a staple in movies, commercials, and videogames.

After appearing sporadically in concert and working on 2006’s Devo 2.0 project—with kids providing the vocals to Devo songs—the band began the stop-and-start project of making new music. “It was now or never,” says Gerald Casale. “We’re all still alive, and we can all play and sing—probably better than we ever did in the past. These new songs, like ’Don’t Shoot (I’m a Man)’ or ‘What We Do,’ are as Devo as anything Devo has ever done.”

Especially notable on Something for Everybody is the focus its songs bring to the vapid absurdity of so much contemporary speech (don’t miss the closing wail of “Don’t tase me, bro!” on “Don’t Shoot”). Mark Mothersbaugh points out that, for all the attention usually given to Devo’s funky robot sound, this has always been a central aspect of its work.

“We grew up in a time when we saw hippies become hip capitalists, when the real punks truly destroyed themselves, and we came to the conclusion that rebellion was obsolete,” he says. “We saw subversion as the most successful form of change, so we always had an attraction to loaded phrases that you can reshape and subvert to fit your own needs.”

Gerald Casale adds that Devo really was looking at today’s world when writing the new songs. “The tautology of a line like ‘What we do is what we do’ is taken straight from hip-hop,” he says. “And words like ‘bro’ and ’dude’—we’re surrounded by it all the time, 20-year-olds don’t even see any irony in it anymore.”

A Devo for our times. A band that evolves, even as the world around them confirms the decay they have long suspected. With Something for Everybody, Devo has gained from experience, honed its attack, and stands ready to sound the alarm for another generation.

“As angry young men who have been validated, we have the possibility to do something that resonates like it did back in the early days,” says Mark Mothersbaugh. “It’s the same car, just now with air bags, power brakes, and steering.”

“We’re inspired by reality,” says Gerald Casale, “because the world is so ridiculous and stupid. DE-EVOLUTION IS REAL.”

Tracy EmblemTakes on Nukes: America Should Reconsider its Bail-out of the Nuclear Power Industry...

America Should Reconsider its Bail-out of the Nuclear Power Industry

No new nuclear power plants have been built in the United States since the late 1970's.

However, in 2009, Senator Lamar Alexander from Tennessee unveiled his blueprint to build 100 nuclear power plants within the next 20 years.  Even with the nuclear power plant crisis unfolding in Japan, the senator insists that nuclear energy is safe and continues to call on the federal government to guarantee loans for nuclear power plants with tax payer dollars.

According to the Institute for Southern Studies, the nuclear industry has spent at least $640 million lobbying during the last decade.

Although there are several deep budget cuts proposed for social and environmental programs, President Obama has budgeted another $36 billion dollars in loan guarantees even though the nuclear industry should be seeking private marketplace financing for new construction. This amounts to a bailout for the nuclear industry.

The federal guarantees were first authorized by Congress in 2005. The New York Times reports that "a one-sentence provision" was buried in the energy bill and inserted without debate at the urging of the nuclear power industry, making nuclear plants classified as clean energy and eligible for tens of billions of dollars in government loan guarantees.

Apparently the lessons learned from the 1986 Chernobyl power plant reactor meltdown that caused the worst nuclear accident in history were forgotten. In the United States in 1979, we almost had a partial meltdown at Three Mile Island but the reactor was brought under control just in time.

With the meltdown of nuclear reactors in Japan, our government leaders, charged with protecting the health and safety of our citizens, should carefully evaluate the risks of nuclear power plants.

No matter how the industry spins it, nuclear power is not safe and will never be until the waste problem is solved. Thirty years later, we have not solved the dilemma of storing nuclear waste or the problem of what to do with the weapons-grade plutonium. It only takes about 18 pounds of plutonium to build a nuclear weapon. 

In the United States, more than 60,000 metric tons of nuclear waste is stored in temporary storage facilities at 131 civilian and military sites around the country. The current storage solutions are only expected to last 100 years, while nuclear waste can remain lethal for 100,000 years or more.  The government has no long term plan to store the waste and insure the waste does not remain an environmental hazard.

We must also consider the weapons proliferation risk in an age of transnational terrorism in addition to the risk of an environmental accident. These are just some reasons why we must adopt alternative renewable energy standards and use renewable energy sources rather than build 100 more nuclear power plants.

In the United States, a conservative solution is to invest in clean energy sources that do not pose risks inherent in nuclear energy production and storage. These sources include creating bio-energy from plant matter or animal waste. For example, in Northern California, Pacific Gas and Electric Company and BioEnergy Solutions are building an innovative bio-gas project in Fresno County to deliver renewable natural gas derived from animal waste, reducing the carbon footprint at its source.

In San Diego, San Diego Gas and Electric Company has announced a partnership in a wind project on the Campo reservation using renewable energy. This month SDG&E also announced a 25-year contract to generate solar energy from a proposed 1,057-acre solar energy facility near El Centro which would create almost 300 construction jobs in a two-year period.

Rather than subsidizing nuclear power plants or off-shore drilling, an alternative approach is needed. Using concentrated solar energy we could power the entire United States annually.  The public already owns the right-away along the state and interstate highways. It does not take a lot of imagination to conceive of a solar-electric array 100 feet wide and 100 miles long, or any number of miles. Since the highways pass through cities that need electricity we would have connectivity where every American could see their tax dollars at work.

While those in favor of building nuclear power plants argue that nuclear energy is inexpensive, they have not factored in the costs and risks associated with the building and maintenance of storage facilities for the nuclear waste or the cost to our people's health and the environment if there is a problem with the nuclear reactors.  If they had to factor in the cost of insurance to pay for these risks, nuclear energy would not be inexpensive.

America should have vision. Consequently, the United States should consider phasing out its nuclear power plants over the next generation and begin investing in other safer renewable energy sources. We can lead the world in clean energy technology.

Short Shorts II: Lagoon clean-up, Bilbray votes, Wyland salute, RSF Fire protection tips...

The view from Torrey Pines...Ben Sever for Ah-Ha

San Dieguito Lagoon clean-up set for March 27

Make a change, make a difference in the San Dieguito Lagoon, next to the Del Mar Fairgrounds, by rehabilitating the habitat for the hundreds of birds and other species that call it home.

Date: March 27, 2011

Time: 1 – 3:30pm

Location: North Bank Restoration site, Del Mar Fairgrounds

Activity: Removing invasive plants to enhance native habitat

Activities are suitable for all ages and we welcome individuals, school groups, community service organizations and corporate employees who want to volunteer with us. 

Tools, training and work gloves provided! Please bring water, sun protection and wear sturdy, closed-toed shoes. Reservations are required for all volunteer events. 

Please contact volunteer@sdrvc.org or (858) 674-2275 x12 to reserve a space and for directions.

(Visit http://www.congress.org/?ref=mv for more votes...)

 

Recent House Votes

Short-term Continuing Resolution - Vote Passed (335-91, 6 Not Voting) The House passed this continuing resolution funding government operations through March 18, 2011. Passage of the CR gives lawmakers time to work out a long-term solution to the 2011 fiscal year budget. The president signed it into law the next day. Rep. Brian Bilbray voted YES......send e-mail or see bio  Small Business Paperwork Mandate Elimination Act of 2011 - Vote Passed (314-112, 6 Not Voting) The House voted to repeal a provision of the 2010 health care bill requiring businesses to report payments to vendors over $600 to the Internal Revenue Service. There is support in the Senate for repeal, but the two chambers disagree on how to offset the cost of repeal. Rep. Brian Bilbray voted YES......send e-mail or see bio

Upcoming Votes

Patent Reform Act of 2011 - S.23 The Senate is scheduled to work on this bill that would overhaul the nation's patent laws. FHA Refinance Program Termination Act - H.R.830 The House is scheduled to take up this bill that would end a Federal Housing Administration program intended to aid homeowners who owe more than their homes are worth. Emergency Mortgage Relief Program Termination Act - H.R.836 The House is also expected to take up this bill that would end a Department of Housing and Urban Development program that provides loans to unemployed homeowners facing foreclosure.

Sens. Wyland, Vargas honor the late Sen. Dave Cox at State Capitol, Wednesday, March 9, 2011 Senate Chamber... 

Meanwhile, a portrait of the late Sen. Dave Cox will now grace the Senate Coffee Lounge, otherwise known as Cox's Club House.

Sens. Mark Wyland, R-Solana Beach, and Juan Vargas, D-San Diego, helped present the portrait of the University of San Diego alumnus at a ceremony in the Senate Chambers.

The university commissioned the portrait from artist Greg Shed, who based it on a photograph taken by Jay Mather for The Sacramento Bee. 

The University of San Diego commissioned a portrait of Senator Dave Cox (Class of 1961) by artist Greg Shed (based on a Jay Mather photo originally published in the Sacramento Bee) for an article in USD Magazine. A copy of that portrait will now grace the Senate Coffee Lounge, officially known as“Cox’s Club House” as adopted by the Senate with SR 46 on August 9, 2010. 

From the Rancho Santa fe Fire Department. To read the full presentation, visit the attached pdf file here...

RANCHO SANTA FE, Calif. — Wildfires are a constant threat for those of us living in Southern California, especially within wildland-urban interface areas like Rancho Santa Fe and its surrounding communities. The Rancho Santa Fe Fire Protection District (RSFFPD) employs hazard abatement inspector who surveys properties for fire hazards and mails violation notices to property owners not in compliance with District Ordinance 2004-02 and 2011-01, which can be found on our website at www.rsf-fire.org.

Residents within the RSFFPD service area should have recently received a letter reminding them of the local hazard abatement requirements. Here are some ways you can safeguard not only your home, but your entire community.

These requirements can also be found in their entirety on our web site.

Defensible space is a term used to describe a 100-foot “buffer zone” around all structures on your property. Create and Maintain Defensible Space and 30-foot zone along either side of roadways and driveways in which dead and dying vegetation is removed and excess growth is thinned. Defensible space will not only give firefighters a safe place to make a stand against threatening flames, but it has been proven to save homes and minimize property damage.

Defensible space can be created by removing combustible vegetation and flammable materials and replanting with drought-tolerant, fire resistive trees, shrubs and plants. Keep vegetation well-maintained and remove any dead foliage throughout the year. Weeds and grasses must be cut below six-inches in height. Trees and native vegetation should not come into direct contact with structures or parts thereof. Tree limbs and foliage must be trimmed 10 feet from rooftops, chimneys, and outdoor barbecues. Mature trees must be pruned back at least four to six feet from structures and branches trimmed six feet off the ground.

FOR MORE SEE THE ATTACHED PDF CAUSE WE GOTTA RUN AND HIDE...