City agrees to put logo on toy fire trucks, helicopters
The San Diego City Council approved a licensing agreement April 22 with the toy company Mattel, Inc. in which the city’s logo will be used on toy helicopters, fire trucks and other fire apparatus.
The city won’t receive any money from Mattel, however, in this agreement. City staff members told the City Council the longtime toy company has similar agreements with other cities in their line of Matchbox toys, which have been manufactured for 55 years.
Councilwoman Donna Frye asked what does the city receive in return for the agreement. “Bragging rights,” publicity for the fire department and possible recruitment efforts, said a staffer. If the city demanded any money for the agreement, Mattel would move on to another city, said a staffer.
Wouldn’t Mattel want to throw in any free toys for poor children, Frye asked. City staff said the city would receive 12 free Mattel toys with the city’s logo and permission to distribute the dozen toys to whomever they wanted.
Councilwoman Jim Madaffer made the motion to authorize Mayor Jerry Sanders to enter into a licensing agreement with Mattel for three years. The fire department will have complete review and approval authority of the toys’ designs and finished models with the city’s logo.
The agreement is considered as a non-monetary product endorsement. The council approved it in an 8-0 vote.
Kate Sessions chips in for classmates with cancer
Students at Kate Sessions Elementary are rallying to help two fellow students, a kindergartner and 2nd grader, that have been diagnosed with cancer.
Principal Sue DeVicariis said the student council is organizing a month-long Coins for a Cure fundraiser, with students donating their loose change.
“The kids are raising money to help cancer research for children’s cancer,” DeVicariis said. “The big push is for nontoxic medication. [The money] will go toward a group that awards grants to groups researching nontoxic drugs so they’ll be less sick and lead a more normal life.”
The event kicks off with a short skit Monday, May 5, at 8 a.m.
For information, call the campus at (858) 273-3111
PB Dems invite public to hear candidates speak
The Pacific Beach Democratic Club is inviting the public to listen to a presentation by City Attorney Mike Aguirre, city attorney candidate Councilman Scott Peters and mayor candidate Steve Francis Thursday, May 1, from 7 to 8 p.m.
The meeting will be held at the Pacific Beach Recreation Center, 1405 Diamond St.
The three candidates will address the club and discuss beach-area issues.
For information email Maritza Gates at [email protected] or call (858) 274-8173.
White elephant sale returns to Taylor Library
The Friends of Pacific Beach Library are holding its fourth annual white elephant sale Saturday, May 3, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Sunday, May 4, from noon to 2 p.m., in the Community Room at the Earl & Birdie Taylor Library. All money from the sale will go directly to the library.
Donations for the sale will may be dropped off at the Community Room Thursday, May 1, and Friday, May 2, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Unfortunately, the group cannot accept clothing or furniture for the sale.
The Taylor Library is location at 4275 Cass St. For information call Billie Crow at (858488-2916.
Surf contest raising money for literacy
UCSD’s Pi Beta Phi is encouraging surfers to hit the waves this Sunday for a good cause. On Sunday, the sorority is holding its fifth-annual surf competition.
The competition will take place at the foot of Felspar Street from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. All proceeds from the event will benefit Pi Beta Phi’s philanthropy, Links to Literacy. The sorority’s goal is to raise at least $6000.
The surf competition will feature three categories: mens open, womens open and Greek open. Mens and womens open are both open to the public. Cost is $35 per entry. There is also a tag-team contest for teams of four, with an entry fee of $20 per team. In addition to the surf competition, the event will feature a volleyball tournament and raffle.
Local business can participate by sponsoring the event. Those interested in either participating in or sponsoring the competition can register by calling competition chair Michele Yoshioka (916) 397-1148 or emailing her at [email protected].
Pet owners sit and stay at Walk for the Animals
Creatures and critters of all shapes and sizes can be found at Crown Point for the San Diego Humane Society’s 14th annual Walk for the Animals May 3, from 7:30 a.m. to noon.
More than 3,000 owners and pets are expected for the “Happy Trails and Waggin’ Tails” western-themed walk. The event will also feature a free pancake breakfast, vendors, live music, refreshments and plenty of opportunities to win prizes.
Volunteers are raising money through pledge forms and organizers are hoping to raise $350,000.
For information visit www.sdhumane.org.