City council makes decision on bridge issue
The divisive Regents Road Bridge issue was put to a city council vote on Dec. 5, and the council members voted 6-2 to remove the bridge construction from planning maps. Many University City residents attended the meeting and voiced their concerns for and against the bridge during three hours of public testimony. The council decided that there were too many doubts about the bridge actually reducing congestion, and too many environmental concerns about the project being built across Rose Canyon. Those who were pro-bridge and voiced concerns about public safety problems without a bridge were told that emergency response times would be better alleviated by building new fire stations in the area, one in south University City and another on the UC San Diego campus. It was also noted that traffic congestion problems will be helped by the current construction of the new trolley line. Additionally, the proposal to widen Genessee from four to six lanes, and one to re-stripe the road to increase capacity were also deleted from the plans. While the Regents Road Bridge is officially off the planning maps, the issue continues to be a touchy subject in University City. Is it really over? We shall see. Spreckels Elementary Teacher a Hero. Spreckels kindergarten teacher, Lisa Alessio, was presented with the “Teachers Are Heroes” award by the Entercom San Diego stations in partnership with Azusa Pacific University San Diego Regional Campus and the San Diego County Toyota Dealers. The award has been given out since 2001, and 12 recipients are selected each year. The monthly recipient is chosen based on nomination letters. Alessio was nominated by Spreckels parent Jennifer Harper, whose comments included “Mrs. Alessio not only taught them but she loved, cared for, and nurtured them. She turned my children into bright and beautiful young students, introducing them to the world of learning. Not only did she follow them through kindergarten, she has followed them throughout their entire academic career.” Well done Lisa Alessio! Buy Local UC. The University City Community Association created the Buy Local program a few years ago to help support local businesses. For as little as a $20 membership, a local business can become a Buy Local member. UCCA members receive incentives for supporting a Buy Local business by showing their membership card. Perks in supporting the Buy Local businesses range from 20-percent off JK Computer Services, to 10-percent off from Klassen Painting, to 10% off your meal at Lorna’s Italian Kitchen, and much more. The Buy Local businesses are also listed on the UCCA website for a year, featured in membership info sent to UCCA members, and social media posts. For more info: www.universitycitynews.org. UCHS Band Marches Into History. After five Southern California competitions, University City High School’s Band Field Show was ranked number one in the 2A division heading into the Southern California School Band and Orchestra Association Field Championships at Ramona High School in Riverside last month. The band ended up coming in fourth place at that state level competition and finished the highest in school history. The band also marched during the La Jolla Christmas Parade, and during their recent Barnes & Noble fundraiser. Congrats to the UCHS Band Field Show! Good Deeds. Curie Elementary teaches the value of community service to their students, and parents, through the school’s Curie Community Service Group. Each month they select a different organization to support. In December, they are having a coat/blanket drive. Gently used coats, jackets, pajamas and blankets for children and adults are being collected and delivered to Father Joe’s Villages homeless shelters. For November—a big pat on the back to the Curie Elementary Community Service Group for collecting enough items for the St. Innocent Orphanage in Mexico to help more than the one child assigned to them, practically for the entire orphanage. As part of the Santa’s Helpers Program they collected all sorts of gifts, including bikes, shoes, games, and grooming supplies. Information about the orphanage is at www.projectmexico.org. Group Co-chair Lucina Case noted that the “community is always tremendously generous and giving.” The Service Group is truly teaching the value of community service during this holiday season.