Anger turned inward is defined as depression. Anger turned outward is defined as a disaster, although anger is a popular emotion. Who isn’t angry these days? Drivers? Politicians? Neighbors? A book titled “Anger Management for Dummies” is on sale at Barnes and Noble next to “Dating for Dummies.” What’s up with all this anger?
Maybe we should designate March as our celebration of anger month the way we honor other groups. After all, March 15 has special significance. “Beware the Ides of March,” the soothsayer told Caesar. A few guys were angry with Caesar ” even his dear friend, Brutus. Caesar was stabbed to death on that infamous March 15 in 44 B.C.
People living in San Diego shouldn’t be as angry as people living in some freezing hamlet in New Hampshire or North Dakota, but wait ” we all share this emotion of anger. What’s to be angry about living in beautiful downtown University City? Where to begin?
Anger over Regents Road Bridge? The community remains angry and divided over “da bridge,” where rage has reached our councilman, who probably has the keenest sense of humor among his colleagues and needs it. In my humble heart of hearts, I know Kate Sessions would never approve of this concrete monster. If she were alive today and were Councilman Peters’ teacher, she would make him write 100 times: “I will not upset Kate Sessions by ruining Rose Canyon.” What was it Khrushchev said to the American press decades ago? “Politicians are the same all over. They promise to build bridges, even where there are no rivers.” (Please do not write angry responses. This is a one-topic column.)
On a more united front, U.C. residents are angry over the proposed Monte Verde project with its four tall towers hovering over the current Costa Verde buildings in North U.C. or La Jolla East.
However, anyone who knows the developer isn’t angry with him. Stuart Posnock is such a nice guy, but Monte Verde is like an ex-husband’s new, young wife. She’s beautiful, good to your kids and a great choice for your ex, but you’re angry as hell and can’t possibly like her.
Is anyone angry that Swanson Pool closed for three months beginning Feb. 19? I’m angry that no one else seems angry. Surely, U.C. residents should do their fair share to help the city get back on its financial feet, but why is our pool closed and Clairemont’s remains open? Funding was found to keep the Clairemont Pool open.
Many residents, park and rec employees and volunteers are angry that the mayor is dramatically changing the park and recreation department without getting input from communities like U.C. A number of instructors may be walking away from their classes at our rec centers because of several new fees these instructors will need to absorb: business license, liability insurance, workman’s comp for subcontractors the instructors might use. A longtime instructor of Polynesian dance at Standley Recreation Center has left for another site with her students, according to a local.
Stephanie Jed lives in U.C. and is enrolled in programs at Standley Park, as are her two sons, ages 14 and 11. She writes about her anger. “I am alarmed about city plans for restructuring the department of Parks and Recreation. The separation of grounds and maintenance employees from the department has no economic advantage for the city. On the contrary, the city will lose revenues from morning rec center programs that serve seniors and pre-school children. Instructors of outstanding afternoon and evening programs may look for other venues, as they see the city is starting to squeeze the rec centers and communities they serve “¦ Where do we really want our middle school and high school students to go after school, if we send the rec centers down the tubes by restructuring?”
Marilyn Biggica, an associate professor of Foods and Nutrition since 1984, as well as a member of the Standley Recreation Council, has taught three classes at Standley Park for the last 20 years. Her emphasis has been on health and nutrition for seniors especially.
“It has taken many, many years to build up these classes, but I am proud to say that I am serving the older adults in the community and helping them with their health issues through proper nutrition,” she said. “If I lose my classes at Standley Park, you may as well take away my life. The biggest losers would be the seniors who come to these classes, not only for education but to enrich their lives.”
There are also exercise classes offered by folks like Martin Katz, a karate instructor at Standley for more than 20 years. Katz is concerned about the additional fees he will have to pay and in turn will have to raise his tuition to such a degree that he may not have the number of students he now serves. Does the mayor want an empty recreation center or a vibrant one full of activities? Mayor Sanders needs to listen to his angry constituents who frequent the parks and open space rather than just make his decisions from downtown. Let your voice be heard by his chief operating officer, Ronne Froman: [email protected].
With 22,000 San Diegans volunteering for the parks and open space, the city has benefited directly with free fun-filled events and saved beaucoup bucks in the process. In return, the volunteers only ask that the city lead, follow or get out of the way. Several examples of events planned by local volunteers include these: U.C. Celebration on July 4, with the high-energy leadership of Andy Freeburn and a few volunteers; University City Community Association’s Christmas Tree Lighting event; and Sunday summer concerts. This month, UCCA’s Mary Kay Hewitt is organizing a free bike helmet event on March 17 with the help of Supervisor Ron Roberts’ office. Friends of Rose Canyon provide care for the canyon and guided walks.
The University City Racquet Club members are angry over recent vandalism that caused $1,500 in damage. Several holes were cut into the nets and windscreens. While skateboarding isn’t a crime, skateboarders may have been the culprits, according to Jim Ferrari, the head pro. UCRC is offering a $500 reward for information leading to the arrest of the vandals.
Lest you leave in an angry mood, here are a few of the goals listed in the book “Anger Management for Dummies” to help get over anger: “Evaluate your anger level; identify anger triggers; prevent road and office rage; manage anger in relationships; handle anger from the past; help angry children.” It also helps to count to 20 before getting angry at a politician. It helps to pray rather than scream at a speeding motorist on the cell phone with a Starbucks beverage in the other hand. It helps to listen to a Buddhist tape on relaxation rather than an angry talk show host.
Maybe we all should sign up for karate or Polynesian dance. Maybe we should gather proponents and opponents in our community and city hall for an anger management event at the park. Maybe we should heed the words of Ambrose Bierce: “Speak when you are angry and you will make the best speech you will ever regret.”