Measure X revenue allowed the development of the Fire Department’s EMT program. Seven ambulances are now staffed 24-hours a day citywide to respond to emergency medical calls. Oceanside EMTs are mentored and provided the flexibility to attend Fire Academy and Paramedic School. A proposal to increase EMT pay and include stipends for education and further training is included in the next fiscal year budget, which is expected to be discussed at the next City Council meeting on Wednesday, June 7, 2023 at 5:00 p.m.
Erickson-Hall Construction Co. and San Marcos Unified School District to Celebrate Agriculture Farm Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
San Marcos, CA – Erickson-Hall Construction Co. is thrilled to host the ribbon cutting ceremony, marking the successful completion of San Marcos Unified School District’s (SMUSD) new Agriculture Farm (AG Farm)–a project that will provide a dynamic learning environment, enhancing learning opportunities and ultimately empower students to thrive. The ribbon cutting ceremony will take place on June 1st at 4pm, at the site of the new AG Farm, 99 Cassou Road, San Marcos, 92069.
“Witnessing the completion of a project is always gratifying, especially when it expands avenues for student learning,” said Erickson-Hall President, Mat Gates. “We eagerly anticipate the unveiling of the new facility and look forward to seeing how the students of San Marcos Unified will flourish with the enhanced AG Farm.”
The project involved the demolition of the existing AG Farm and the construction of an upgraded and expanded AG Farm. Designed exclusively for animal husbandry, the new AG farm will accommodate a diverse range of animals, including full-grown cows, pigs, chickens, ducks, sheep, goats, turkeys and llamas. The farm also includes support facilities for these animals, such as bathing/grooming areas, exercise areas, grazing area, trailer storage, individual and shared pens. The new 6,938 square-foot barn structure offers ample shade to protect students and animals from both sun and rain.
“We are so proud that the San Marcos Unified School District AG Farm project will increase awareness and understanding of agriculture among the students and educators in our district,” said Dr. Andy Johnsen, Superintendent of San Marcos Unified School District,
“With this farm in place, our mission to engage students and inspire their futures is achieved through hands-on instruction and education about the importance of agriculture in our daily lives.”
HED Architects and Engineers created the design and Erickson-Hall worked closely with the district to construct this important project for students in SMUSD, which took a total of nine months to complete. The farm will host many programs and opportunities that will increase students’ agricultural literacy as well as provide programs, inspiration and training opportunities for educators.
About Erickson-Hall Construction Co.
Celebrating 25 years of excellence in the construction industry, Erickson-Hall is a recognized industry leader completing over $2 billion in successful construction projects, of which $1.5 billion has been for K-12 and higher education developments. The employee-owned company has been serving the Southern California markets of San Diego, Imperial, Orange, South Los Angeles LA, and Riverside Counties since 1998. Services include preconstruction, general contracting, construction management, design-build, design assist-build, lease-leaseback and program management for educational, fire, essential services, civic, parks, recreation, faith-based, office and healthcare facilities. The company has an award-winning portfolio of completed projects and has received numerous awards for safety. For more information, visit www.ericksonhall.com. Find us on LinkedIn and follow us on Instagram and Facebook.
About San Marcos Unified School District
The San Marcos Unified School District (SMUSD) is one of the top five school districts in San Diego County, providing an unparalleled educational experience. SMUSD operates 19 schools and serves over 19,000 students annually. Led by Superintendent
Dr. Andy Johnsen and a five-member Governing Board, together they seek to cultivate an engaging and supportive environment by retaining the region’s top educators, where students are challenged, inspired, and poised to excel. For more information, please visit www.smusd.org.
Celebrate O’side Surfers and Lifeguards at the Pier-side Movie Screening of Big Wave Guardians
Celebrate O’side Surfers and Lifeguards at the Pier-side Movie Screening of Big Wave Guardians
International Surfing Day
Saturday, June 17 • 7:30-9:30pm
Junior Seau Pier Amphitheater, Oceanside Pier
To celebrate Oceanside’s surf culture and love for our beautiful beaches, USA Surfing and Visit Oceanside, along with the Prevent Drowning Foundation and the City of Oceanside are joining forces to produce an entertaining public film screening to raise awareness about ocean safety and the powerful synergy between surfers and lifeguards in keeping the ocean safe and fun.
Join us at Oceanside’s Junior Seau Pier Amphitheater for a screening of Big Wave Guardians: First Responders of the Sea, a documentary film written by California Surf Museum Oceanside President Jim Kempton that explores the interplay between the roles lifeguards and surfers in rescuing swimmers in distress.
A short film featuring Oceanside’s Caitlin Simmers will precede Big Wave Guardians. Pro surfer 17-year-old Caitlin, a world junior Gold Medalist, is currently ranked #5 on the World Surf League Championship Tour.
The screening will mark the culmination of USA Surfing’s Championship event, held in Oceanside June 13-17, which brings together some of the world’s best surfers from multiple surf disciplines – para surfers, longboard, adult shortboard, SUP surf and SUP distance racers.
The movie will start at approximately 7:30 p.m. Free. Bring a beach chair if you would like to sit on the amphitheater floor.
California Surf Museum | 312 Pier View Way, Oceanside, CA 92054
San Diego County’s Wine Industry Thrives with Record-Breaking Sales, 166 Wineries
According to a recent report by the San Diego County Vintners Association, the local wine industry experienced significant growth last year, with a record-breaking 11% increase in sales. Gross sales for San Diego County wineries reached $49.1 million, and the number of wineries expanded to 166. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the industry found new opportunities through outdoor events and dining, resulting in positive changes and increased employment. While the wine business continues to face obstacles such as wildfire insurance costs and competition from the liquor industry, the overall trend remains promising, with 45% of wineries rebounding to pre-pandemic levels and the industry adding 709.5 jobs to the region. The wine industry in San Diego County ranks among the top 10 agricultural industries, underscoring its significance and potential.
San Marcos Lane Closures on Mission Ave. and Woodward Street
Surface improvements/paving operation for the Mission Villas condo project is scheduled for this Wednesday evening, May 31, from 7:30 p.m. until 5:00 a.m. the morning of Thursday, June 1 for the area of Mission Ave. and Woodward St. Standard traffic control devices will be in place with advanced warning. Slight delays are anticipated, and motorists are encouraged to use alternate routes during the work period.
For additional information, please contact the City of San Marcos Public Works Inspection Division at (760) 744-1050, ext. 3213.
Carlsbad Hosts Guided Hike on National Trails Day
Join the City of Carlsbad on a guided hike on Saturday, June 3 from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. in celebration of National Trails Day. Each year people all across the country unite on the first Saturday of June in celebration of the American Hiking Society’s National Trails Day. It is a day to create community and connect with the people in your area who share your love of being outside.
Event staff will lead participants along the Rancho Carrillo Trail. Event parking, registration/check-in, and information tables will be available beginning at 8:30 a.m., at Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park, 6200 Flying Leo Carrillo Lane, Carlsbad, CA 92009. National Trails Day pledge forms will be available for participants to complete at that time. The pledge is to commit to leaving trails and the outdoor environment better than you found them.
About the Rancho Carrillo Trail:
The approximately 4- mile trail is divided by Melrose Drive into two routes, one on each side of Melrose Drive. The trail to the east of Melrose connects to the San Marcos trail system in the open space corridor at Carlsbad’s eastern border. The trail west of Melrose connects with the trails of Bressi Ranch, The Greens, and Alga Norte Community Park. While hiking the trail be sure to stop by Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park, the jewel in the center of the trail system.
Closed-toed shoes/boots, comfortable hiking apparel, a protective hat/sunscreen and refillable water bottles are recommended for this easy-paced nature hike, led by Parks & Recreation Staff. For further information, please contact Carly Davis, carly.davis@carlsbadca.gov or 442-339-2824.
More Information
Should You Consider 401(k) Loans or Withdrawals?
At some point, you may have more money in your 401(k) than in any other investment. And even though your 401(k) is intended for your retirement, you may one day think you have to tap into your account early — but should you? And if you do, how should you go about it?
If it’s possible to avoid taking money from your 401(k) before you retire, you probably should do so. You could spend 25 or more years in retirement, and you’ll need to pay for those years, so you may want to look for alternatives to your 401(k). If you’ve built an emergency fund containing several months’ worth of living expenses in cash or cash equivalents, you could use some of this money. If you have a Health Savings Account (HSA), you could use it to pay for qualified medical expenses. Or you could sell some of your taxable investments, rather than going into your tax-deferred 401(k).
But if you have determined that you must look at your 401(k) plan to meet a short-term funding need, you’ll want to carefully consider how to go about it. You typically have two main choices: loans or withdrawals.
For plans that allow loans, employees can generally borrow up to 50% of the vested amount of their 401(k)s, up to a maximum of $50,000 within a 12-month period. Administrative fees may apply, and Interest will be charged, but it will be added back to the 401(k) account as part of the loan repayments. Except when they’re used for a home purchase, loans must be repaid within five years, with equal payments made at least quarterly, unless payments are allowed to be paused temporarily. If you leave the company or don’t repay the loan according to the agreement, the loan balance will likely be treated as a taxable distribution.
Now, let’s consider withdrawals. For 401(k) plans that allow current employees to make withdrawals, the withdrawal requests are usually considered either hardship or non-hardship. To qualify for a hardship withdrawal, you must demonstrate an immediate and heavy financial need to pay for certain expenses, including a home purchase, college, a medical issue or other specified costs, and your withdrawal is limited to the amount necessary to meet the need. Non-hardship withdrawals can typically be taken for any purpose but usually are not granted until you’re 59½ or older.
Unlike with a loan, a hardship withdrawal can’t be repaid, while a non-hardship withdrawal can usually only be repaid by rolling over the amount to an IRA within 60 days. But the bigger issue may be taxes. If you withdraw funds from your 401(k), any previously untaxed money is generally taxed as ordinary income and a 10% penalty will apply if you’re younger than 59½, unless you qualify for an exception. Plus, your 401(k) plan typically must withhold 20% of the withdrawal for taxes, so you’d have to take an even larger withdrawal to meet your needs.
Before embarking on a 401(k) loan or withdrawal, you may want to consult with a financial professional and your tax advisor. Taking money from your 401(k) is a big move, so make sure you know everything that’s involved.
This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor.
Edward Jones, Member SIPC
New Deliciousness At The Farmers Market
A fresh Tomato Burrata Salad is a perfect summery dish bursting with flavor! The State Street Farmers Market is not only home to fantastic local tomatoes but it is now also where you can pick up fresh burrata cheese from Chez Christophe. Why settle for anything but the best!
The State Street Farmers Market is open every Wednesday from 2:30pm to 7:00pm. For information on all of the fresh, local, inspiring products and hot food to-go available at your downtown Carlsbad Farmers Market, and more, click here »
North County San Diego Anti-Human Trafficking Collaborative UPDATE
By Jackie Huyck
May’s Anti-Human Trafficking Collaborative meeting was held in United Methodist Church of Vista’s newly refurbished community room on the upper level. Our guest speaker was Flavio Nominati, San Diego Assistant DA on the Human Trafficking Task Force. He works with our original guest speaker Carolyn Matzger, who had a unexpected conflict.
Kaye Van Nevel opened the meeting by having all attendees stand and introduce themselves. There were quite a few new people attending, so Kaye talked about the Soroptimist mission and our recent Live Your Dream Awards, which included a survivor of trafficking among our six awardees. (Her award was made possible by donations received during our “30 Miles in 30 Days” to fight human trafficking walkathon and the Awareness Walk.)
Our legislative guru, Penny Harrington, updated us on the status of legislation, specifically SB 14, which includes human trafficking within the definition of a serious felony for the Three Strikes Law. To pass out of Public Safety, Sen. Grove had to amend it to apply only to minors 18 and under. AB 1740, to post HT notices in pediatric care facilities has passed committee, which is a great first step.
Kaye introduced Flavio Nominati. Flavio is Assistant DA in the Human Trafficking Task Force. He told us about his path to law school and his background. Although he originally wanted to get into theater, he is glad he pivoted to law, because he enjoys helping victims of abuse and trafficking. He told us about the unintended consequences of the passage of Bill 375 which repeals California Penal Code Section 653.22, the law that criminalized loitering for the intent to engage in sex work. This new act took effect January 1, 2023…and the result has been a sharp increase in “street level trafficking” state-wide! He cited a particular street in downtown San Diego (Main St. and Roosevelt) that has seen “bumper to bumper” traffic of men seeking sex from women who are there, some as young as 14. Law Enforcement has temporary cameras to document the activity, but they are constrained from having the cameras there permanently.
On a positive note, their recent “Operation Better Pathways,” which focused on making contact with victims, was a “dramatic step in the right direction” and “sent a message to traffickers,” he said. He cited one victim who is now back in school, has a job and is close to being able to be reunited with her kids. He said if we suspect someone is being trafficked don’t intervene but call the Task Force Tip Line: 888-373-7888 or text 233-733 (BE FREE)
Next meeting will probably be in September, Kaye will notify Collaborative members.
2023 Earth Day Festival at Alta Vista Botanical Gardens – Celebrating Nature!
With music, crafts, and a scavenger hunt, this year’s Earth Day Festival on April 22 was a great event for families! 1000 people enjoyed a sunny day honoring our Earth and discovering Vista’s own Botanical Gardens, located at the top of the hill inside Brengle Terrace Park.
The day started with a Walk for Earth Day organized by Beleaf in Fatherhood – a chance to explore the Garden’s 14 acres of filled with unique plants, intriguing sculptures, and meandering pathways. Families posted photos online to share their discoveries from the scavenger hunt.
CA Sen. Catherine Blakespear’s representative Fernando Hernandez presented a Certificate recognizing the Gardens on Earth Day.
“We are grateful for the work you do to create and maintain a space that educates our communities on the importance of environmental protection”
as environmental stewards sharing nature and appreciation of natural resources with North County communities. “Thank you for making a meaningful impact on our local families and youth,” the certificate states.
During the Festival, 60 student volunteers helped families create bubbles, discover worms, make macaroni necklaces, and paint Earth Day Rocks and a flowery Earth Day banner. Girl Scouts shared their projects and made caterpillar swap pins. The San Diego Beekeeping Society shared their hives at their Pollination Information Station. The Woman’s Club of Vista shared about Penny Pines and collected funds to support reforestation. Adult volunteers set up the event, organized children’s activities, led the walk, sold plants, managed parking, and cleaned up after closing time.
Vic Moraga on guitar added instrumental music, song and sing-alongs to the beautiful green setting of the Gardens. Vendors offered plants, crafts, jewelry, handmade cards, facepainting, books, rocks, and shared about childcare, leaf filters, and replacement windows. Information about wastewater, climate education, and human rights was also available.
Our Plant Sale was busy, filled with GrowGetters succulents along with flowers, veggies and herbs from Progressive Growers. BBQ lunch was tasty thanks to Amigos de Vista Lions. The raffle offered Garden memberships and baskets, United Plant Growers plants, gift cards, and drew in generous donations to support the Gardens. Sorting out recyclable cans and plastic bottles before our visitors tossed their trash helped divert some of the event’s waste from the landfill.
Earth Day 2023 was an amazing day in our beautiful Alta Vista Botanical Gardens.
Our Kids in the Garden class at Alta Vista Botanical Gardens is offered monthly by Farmer Jones – $5 per person or free for Family Members. Our schedule is posted on the website and pre-registration is required. Field trips and tours are available.
AVBG Memberships for families and individuals offering daily access to the Gardens and special events are available for a reasonable fee. Alta Vista Botanical Gardens are open every day; we are located at the top of the hill inside Brengle Terrace Park in Vista. altavistabotanicalgardens.org
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