Clowns weren’t funny

The greatest show of mirth blew through the area and there were plenty of donkeys, elephants and clowns. Your attention was directed to the center ring where a bevy of clowns direct from the hallowed halls of Sacramento were performing sleight-of-hand tricks right before taxpayers’ eyes. The Governator was the ringmaster and was superb in fooling the audience. He invited all the boys and girls and their mommies and daddies to gather around the ring so he could tell them a fairytale. He had pink slips with his name embossed in gold, which he gave to the grown-ups, and the slips read they were not needed becuz this was not an election year for him. The addresses of the unemployment offices were listed in alphabetical order.

The Governator then turned to the kiddies and told them with a smile that it was with great pain that he had to confiscate their lunch money becuz the clowns who traveled worldwide on fact-finding junkets on the taxpayers’ dime, were having difficulty making ends meet after the airlines raised the price of booze, pretzels and baggage — including golf bags. After the circus performance was over, the children and their mommies and daddies had no place to go becuz their homes have been foreclosed. So they moved into their cars that were no longer being driven becuz of the obscene price of petrol. They are living unhappily ever after.

Drought alert 1

Olivenhain Municipal Water District has declared a Level 1 Drought Watch and suggests folks operate their dishwashers only when full, turn off water while brushing teeth, use buckets instead of hoses to wash their cars and other water-saving tips.

Future airport

Airport Regional Policy Ad Hoc Committee has met to brainstorm about the future of Lindbergh Field. The consensus was to bring all transportation facilities into one central terminal. A dozen ideas were on the table for discussion. The committee will make its recommendations to San Diego County Regional Airport Authority next year.

Jellyfish

Increased presence of jellyfish on beaches throughout the world is blamed by scientists on the declining health of the oceans. These marine nuisances inflict pain when they sting but are relatively harmless; however, they are known to have caused death on rare occasions. During certain times of the year they are found on local beaches.

On the block

Widespread publicity was given to the announcement that the UT, the Harbor City’s daily publication, was seeking suitors for a potential sale. Several names of national media chains have been bandied about. Briefly mentioned is Rupert Murdoch, who recently purchased the Wall Street Journal and is well-acquainted with Bob Page of Rancho Santa Fe, who is the former owner of Rancho Santa Fe Review and a frequent Coast News columnist.

Back again

Attny. Theodore Pinnock, who is a champion of the Americans With Disabilities Act and makes a living suing businesses who may be noncompliant, has filed a bunch of lawsuits against Southbay merchants. His last major venture in the county was in Julian when he sued 60 businesses.

The Garden Del Mar

on ballot

After announcing The Garden Del Mar development was dead, co-developer Bryn Stroyke was persuaded by Mayor Dave Druker and Councilman Richard Earnest to change his mind. Stroyke was visibly incensed by outbursts of Art Olson and Brooke Eisenberg-Pike during a council meeting when they insisted on a bigger bite of the apple. He understood the action at the meeting was to confirm his plan for placement on the November ballot. The next morning he advised all concerned he was no longer interested. For more than a year, The Garden Del Mar project has been studied, restudied and massaged by a committee that includes a large number of residents.

Purse cuts

For the first time since 1976, purses at Del Mar have been trimmed by 3.5 percent due to the soft economy and reduction of advance deposit wagering. The latter is a system for betting on races off-site conducted by Television Games, a wagering company. TVG has refused to approve the extension of an agreement. Del Mar Thoroughbred Club prexy Joe Harper has indicated the purses will be restored if conditions improve. Purses are the dollar amount to be paid to winning horsemen in each race.

O’side MainStreet group revamps

MainStreet Oceanside is looking for a full-time executive director while at the same time has streamlined its special events programs. Among activities that have been axed are the Arts Alive promotion and some July 4 activities.

Pay as you drive

Several insurance companies are considering charging policy holders based on the miles they drive. Concept is standard in 34 states. Cost of a policy could be reduced by more than 10 percent in most cases according to reports.

One liners

Surfside City residents are well-versed on the Naylor Act having restrictions on the sale of surplus school property, but most Flower Capital folks are just learning about it after the possible sale of the Pacific View school property came to light ... Friends of Cardiff Library is having its annual half-price book sale from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Aug. 18 in the library patio ... Rancho Santa Fe Fire Marshal Cliff Hunter has been honored as Fire Prevention Officer of the Year by San Diego County Fire Prevention Officers ... Cardiff-by-the-Sea’s specific plan for its business area has been reviewed by the planning commission and may be going to City Council soon after seven years of foot-dragging ... Lotsa big money for campaign issues is reported to be flowing in from outside the state with one of the major beneficiaries being Prop. 8, the gay marriage decision.