By John F. Pilch
The next meeting of the San Carlos Area Council (SCAC) is scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 4 at 6 p.m. in the Winer Family Community Room at the San Carlos Branch Library, 7265 Jackson Drive.
Our guest speaker is scheduled to be Dan McAllister, San Diego County Treasurer/Tax Collector. McAllister plans to discuss how property tax bills are compiled, how the funds are distributed and how he invests the funds collected by his office. If you want to learn more about this process, please plan to attend. The meeting is open to the public and there is no charge to attend.
Many thanks to David Akin, Esq., customer advocate for the Public Utilities Department, for his presentation at the SCAC meeting on Sept. 2. Akin discussed the rate-setting process and the proposed 17 percent increase in water rates (and sewer rates) that will be the subject of a vote by the entire City Council on Nov. 17. He also responded to a myriad of questions from the audience. We are awaiting electronic receipt of his PowerPoint presentation, which will be distributed to the SCAC “Interested Party” email list.
Our efforts to schedule Mayor Kevin Faulconer as a guest speaker continue. As previously reported, we joined with Jay Wilson, on behalf of the Del Cerro Action Council, and are working with the mayor’s office to have him address the residents of the Navajo communities on Wednesday, Oct. 7 at Tifereth Israel Synagogue at 6:30 p.m. We advised his community representative, Anthony George, that we’d like to learn more about the mayor’s plans for the city, the Chargers issue and infrastructure issues, among others.
The Navajo Community Planners, Inc. (NCPI) board met on Wednesday, Sept. 9 at 6:30 p.m. at Tifereth Israel Synagogue on Tommy Drive and Cowles Mountain Boulevard. (Please note the new day and time of their meetings.) The proposal for development of the Cleveland Elementary School on Lake Atlin was not on the agenda. The applicant informed us that they were waiting for a review of the project from Development Services before appearing before NCPI for a recommendation to approve or oppose.
The Planning Group heard a presentation about an affordable housing project proposed for the strip center at 7811 Mission Gorge Road (where Kurt’s Cameras is located). The SCAC voiced its opposition to the project, citing parking, traffic and height issues, as well as the lack of public transportation for the low-income residents, who will be residing in the 90-unit complex. The owner of the complex stated they will accept qualified Section 8 applicants, with a voucher, to reside there. In spite of the many negatives that were brought up and discussed by audience members and the board, the vote was 12-4 in favor of recommending approval. We are concerned that absent a deceleration/acceleration lane to access and egress the site, the potential for major collisions exists. Further, given the limited “guest” parking spaces (nine), residents and guests must park elsewhere, such as across Mission Gorge Road on the streets in the Mariposa complex. Jaywalking and increased pedestrian traffic are also concerns.
On another action item, the NCPI board voted 9-7 to recommend approval of the application for a Conditional Use Permit for a Medical Marijuana Consumer Cooperative at 4410 Glacier Ave. in Grantville. The Grantville Greens personnel, who made the presentation, agreed to 10 conditions to be placed on the permit and will sell edibles, but will not sell hash oil or wax. The applicant now moves forward to a presentation to the city Hearing Officer and then to the Planning Commission. Dates are to be determined. More information and NCPI agendas are available on their website: navajoplanners.org.
On local issues, the proposed Joint Use Agreement for artificial turf at Gage Elementary School was again continued by the city Parks and Recreation Board and may be heard at its meeting in September 2015. The sewer re-do project on Blue Lake Drive is moving forward and we hope the cuts in the pavement are repaved soon, so it doesn’t feel like you’re driving over tank traps in the roadway. We’ve brought this to the attention of the District 7 office.
We’re also working with the District 7 office to determine what can be done to make the intersection of Navajo Road and Golfcrest safer for pedestrians. This follows a fatality in August when a driver, under the influence of alcohol, ran a red light and struck and killed a female pedestrian who was headed to the Cowles Mountain trail. A traffic study is underway and more info will be reported as it’s made known to us. In the interim, please be extra careful in this area. The subject of distracted pedestrians was brought up by the audience and discussed at the SCAC meeting. Community Relations Officer Adam McElroy and Lt. Mike Swanson, provided their insight into the incident and what measures drivers and pedestrians can take to be safer.
McElroy reported that violent crimes are low and property crimes are a bit lower. There were six residential burglaries, three through open windows; three were unsuccessful. He also mentioned the latest scam, involving folks posing as city utility workers. If they don’t have an appointment and official city identification, don’t allow them into your home. Report the contact to the San Diego Police Department at 619-531-2000.
We are pleased to report that the San Carlos Community Garden continues to flourish in spite of the heat. If you’re interested in raising your own fruits and vegetables in this garden, please visit their website at sancarloscommunitygarden.com for details. The community garden is located at the corner of Lake Adlon and Boulder Lake Avenue, adjacent to Springall Academy, 6440 Boulder Lake Drive. We just learned that open houses will continue in September on Saturday mornings from 9 to 11 a.m., so stop by to see for yourself.
We have resumed the collection of dues, reinstituting the SCAC newsletter electronically and becoming more actively involved in community events and activities. A letter and return envelope was mailed to all members on the most recent list, with a request for $7 per household and $15 for a business, which will be listed in the electronic newsletter and other electronic mailings from the SCAC. We’d like prior members to return and are soliciting new members in this article. Please send your check to SCAC, P.O. Box 19246, San Diego, CA 92159-0246. We’ll work to develop a website and enhance the bi-monthly meeting experience. Many thanks to those who have already sent in their dues checks. We’re interested in hearing from residents about ideas to enhance our community and ask that you send your thoughts and suggestions to [email protected] to be considered by our 11-member board.
For information about speakers, meeting reminders and agendas and other local news, please send an email message to [email protected] and request that your name be added to the SCAC Interested Party email list. Rest assured that your privacy will be respected and neither your name nor your email address will be shared with anyone. Messages are sent “Bcc” to prevent you from being spammed.
Finally, if you have an issue you wish us to consider or just have a question about the community, please contact me at 619-462-1408 or by email at [email protected]. Thank you.
–John F. Pilch is president of the San Carlos Area Council. Write to him at [email protected].
