por Jay Wilson
Tony Pauker, the VP of Acquisitions for ColRich contacted me and stated that [1] he has updated information on the housing development south of the Chevron Station, and [2] he would like to update the community. Del Cerro Action Council (DCAC) Chair Mark Rawlins agreed to hold a special meeting because of the high interest, and not wait for the Jan. 28 DCAC meeting. Temple Emanu-El accommodated our request and we will meet at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 2.
There is no good news regarding a new market in Allied Gardens. Negotiations are on-going, but the closure of two Haggen markets adjacent to the eastern boundaries of the Navajo community, as well as those throughout San Diego County, is making it difficult for the property owners and property managers to negotiate viable lease agreements. There are too many empty buildings of former markets. I will stay in touch with the property manager of the shopping center, and I will post any update.
Now it’s time for some community news regarding the Allied Gardens Recreation Center. After being closed for several months, the parking lot is set to reopen, after extensive renovation, the week of Nov. 23. “When the parking lot reopens, it will be the first ‘green’ parking lot within the city of San Diego Park and Recreation Department’s parking lot system,” said Malo Lutu, the Center Director. It now has a state-of-the-art storm water system that includes permeable bricks in the gutters which will filter out oils and soot before the water enters the storm drain system. The renovation includes repaving the lot and new parking line striping.
Malo also said that winter basketball signups begin at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 21, either online or in person at the Allied Gardens Recreation Center. There are now new hours for open play badminton on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and for ‘pickle ball,’ a modified version of tennis and badminton, on Wednesdays and Fridays from noon to 2 p.m. Players can check out rackets for both sports at the rec center at no cost. Check the web site at bit.ly/1McfFE4 or call the rec center at 619-235-1129 if you have any questions. There are always a variety of programs on-going at the rec center.
Mark Rawlins, the DCAC Chair, is in possession of the American flags that used to adorn the sidewalks on portions of Del Cerro Boulevard on holidays. “I am looking for an individual or a group interested in taking responsibility for displaying the flags,” he said “They enhance our community and deserve to be displayed.” For years, the Grantville-Allied Gardens Kiwanis Club has displayed American flags on holidays on both sides of the street along the shopping center on Waring Road. Elks Lodge 168, John Pilch, and myself routinely display the American flags along Navajo Road from Jackson Drive to Bisby Lake, and the Lake Murray Kiwanis Club displays the American Flags on Lake Murray Boulevard in the median in front of the Big Lots shopping center. If you are interested, please post a note on the Del Cerro Action Council website at delcerroactioncouncil.org.
The holiday season is here and it is time to observe safety and security protocols. Adam McElroy, our Community Relations Officer for the police department, emphasized keeping a sharp eye on your valuables during the holidays. Don’t leave presents in plain sight while shopping, or in plain view for anyone walking by your home. Don’t give criminals an opportunity to acquire some of your valuables or recently purchased presents. At the SCAC, Battalion Fire Chief Dennis Clay emphasized the importance of not overloading electrical circuits with holiday lights and decorations. Responding to electrical fires due to negligence is not one of the items on a firefighter’s “holiday wish list.”
SDG&E has agreed to fund replanting the median in front of Hearst Elementary. Working with Liz Saidkhanian from Councilmember Scott Sherman’s office, Del Cerro resident and landscape architect Doug Livingston is donating his time to create a landscape plan with native plants as required by the city. A community work party will be scheduled soon to take advantage of the pending El Nino.
The DCAC Board of Directors wishes everyone a safe and happy Thanksgiving!
––Jay Wilson is secretary of the Del Cerro Action Council. Write to him at [email protected].
