Interment spaces being added at Ft. Rosecrans
The Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery is working to add about 3,800 interment spaces to keep a place close to home available for the families of deceased veterans.
With the cemetery already full and space available only for those who have previously reserved lots, the addition of a new columbarium will buy some time for the interment site in lieu of the completion of the Miramar Annex to Fort Rosecrans, slated for completion in early 2009, said Kirk Leopard, Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery director.
“Our goal is to make every effort to ensure that there is no gap in service between now and when Miramar opens,” Leopard said. “We want to make sure the veterans have a burial option here in San Diego County.”
About 800 niches remained in the current columbarium wall as of December 2007. The cost of the additions has not been determined. However, Navy and Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery officials were to have met Jan. 9 to discuss the cost and construction schedule of the added columbarium at Fort Rosecrans, he said.
He added that interment spaces will fill even more quickly as families try to get a space for the remains of their loved ones before hitting full capacity.
However, once completed, the Miramar Annex to Fort Rosecrans would return the casket and burial option to veterans for another 20 years, Leopard said.
Leopard said Navy officials are expected to issue an environmental impact report for the Miramar Annex, a document scheduled for release after the holidays. The document would outline efforts to mitigate impacts of the annex on the local environment.
Progress on the annex has been slowed because of issues related to the impact of construction on habitats of the San Diego fairy shrimp and the California gnatcatcher, Leopard said.
Council eyes oversize vehicles at beaches
The City Council will look at amending the city’s municipal code relating to the regulation of oversize vehicles in the beach communities at its regularly scheduled council meeting at City Hall, 202 C St., Tuesday, Jan. 29, at 2 p.m.
The city is looking at creating rules to regulate motorhomes and recreational vehicles (RVs) that are parked on city streets. This is in response to complaints about RV owners camping on city streets near the beaches and nearby residential streets.
For information call Councilman Kevin Faulconer’s office at (619) 236-6996.
County Supervisors
elect Greg Cox ’08 chair
The county Board of Supervisors has unanimously elected Supervisor Greg Cox to again serve as the board’s chair for 2008. The vote took place Tuesday, Jan. 8.
This is Cox’s third time serving as chairman of the county Board of Supervisors. He previously served in that capacity in 1998 and in 2003, Cox said.
Cox is scheduled to give the annual State of the County address on Feb. 13 at 6 p.m. at the newly renovated Balboa Theatre in downtown San Diego.
During the speech Cox said he will outline county-funded projects he wants to move on, including improvements to regional parks in south county, improvements in border trade and securing resources for firefighting services.
But it’s not going to be easy given the state of the California’s budget, he said.
“With the state’s horrible budget dilemma “¦ they’re looking at a $14.5 billion reduction in revenues at the state level,” he said.
“That’s going to have a tremendous impact on county programs and services that we provide, particularly in the area of health and human services,” he said
However, Cox said San Diego County has one of the highest bond ratings of any county in the state, which could translate into bonds to fund county projects, he said.
“The county probably has never been at a stronger bond rating than it is now,” he said.
As chair, Cox also represents San Diego County on public agencies such as the San Diego Association of Governments, he said.
For more information, visit www.co.san-diego.ca.us.
Celebration of life set for OB icon Buford ‘The Candyman’
An Ocean Beach icon has passed away.
Buford “The Candyman” Seals, a popular figure in the Ocean Beach community who operated Buford’s Candy Store from 1969-1982 on Abbott Street, died of natural causes Sunday, Jan. 20 at the age of 88.
Buford was popular and always had a smile and quip for neighbors in Point Loma and Ocean Beach.
Friends and neighbors will host a celebration of life for Buford on Friday, Jan. 25 from 1 to 3 p.m. at the site of the former store ” now Newbreak Coffee Co. ” 1959 Abbott St.
Friends are welcome and encouraged to attent to honor Buford’s legacy, exchange stories and “remember the good ol’ days,” said caregiver Cherie Booth.