Believe it or Not...It's Free
Plus: Parks After Dark Announcement, National Mac and Cheese Day Coming Up, LV News Briefs, LV Library Youth Activities, and Blue Zone Commentary
“It’s free!”
Yes, you heard right. FREE.
In these budget busting, inflationary times, the words “It’s free” are like music to one’s ears. Unfortunately, we don’t hear those words often enough.
It seems that in these price gouging days it is getting harder and harder to find a deal, one that will allow your money to go father. However, we are pleased to report that there is one little known great deal going on here in San Diego. In fact, this deal is going on just outside our Linda Vista borders, so conveniently close to our community. It is SUCH a good deal. How good? We think it’s as good as you can get, because “It’s free!”
If you have recently taken a taxi or an Uber/Lyft ride to the airport, you are well aware that there is no cheap way to get there. Prices have gone up, even for Uber and Lyft. But we discovered a way to circumvent those expensive prices for an airport commute.
The San Diego Flyer Shuttle operates daily from a stop at the Old Town Transit Center to both airport terminals. The shuttle picks up passengers both ways every twenty minutes. And did we mention “It’s Free”? Yes, free! You have to admit… that’s a good deal.
The San Diego Flyer Shuttle will pick you up at the Old Town stop in an electric powered vehicle. The shuttle begins and concludes operations in conjunction with the operation of daily trolley service, beginning with the first daily pick up at 4:45 am, and the final pick up at 12:30 am. You can take a look at the schedule here.
Yes, it would probably be better if a trolley extension would go all the way to the airport, and we San Diegans may see that happen sometime in the next 100 years—around the same time the City fixes all the street potholes--but for right now we think the San Diego Flyer Shuttle is the next best thing. And did we mention “It’s Free”?
For whatever reason, this shuttle, which has been operating since 2021, has remained one of the City’s best kept secrets. Not too many people we know are aware of this “free” opportunity, which is amazing since it is so close and convenient for Linda Vista residents. Now there is no reason to bother family members or friends with the request…”Hey, can you do me a favor and drive me to the airport for my early morning flight?” or the popular “Hey, my flight comes in late at night. Can you come and pick me up?” They may still have you drop you off or pick you up, but now they don’t have to drive as far. Just to Old Town, and that’s not too far at all.
One of our enthusiastic LV Update readers recently utilized the services of this shuttle to get to and from the airport. Judy W. commented that “The shuttle was very convenient. I found it comfortable and quick. I didn’t have to worry about all the hassles involved with airport traffic. I will use it again.” When asked if she had any other comments, she added, “And I especially liked that it’s free!”
When we went over to the Old Town Transit Center to check out the shuttle service site for ourselves, we noticed the scheduled arrival of the shuttle (during afternoon hours) was running a few minutes late, so we suggest that if you are going to use this shuttle you should give yourself a little leeway in terms of time. If you are one of those people who are always running late and testing the limits of when an airline is going to close the gate, then you may want to rely on a taxi, or Uber/Lyft, or that reliable friend/family member. Otherwise, we strongly recommend you check out the services of the San Diego Flyer Shuttle. It’s so close to Linda Vista. And it‘s so free!
Parks After Dark Program this Weekend
Celebrate National Mac and Cheese with Local Flair
Sunday is National Mac and Cheese Day! How do you celebrate such a day? That’s an easy one—you don’t exchange gifts, or send people cards, or attend parades. You simply eat Mac and Cheese. And who doesn’t like to eat Mac and Cheese? It’s one of the country’s top comfort foods. The kind of food you eat after a stressful day.
It just so happens we like to celebrate holidays, so we decided to go out and try some various Mac and Cheese dishes in and around Linda Vista to properly prepare for July 14. We hope after you read this, you will go to your favorite restaurant and order Mac and Cheese to join us in celebrating this Sunday, or even make the dish at home. We have three reviews for you. Frankly any more than 3 Mac and Cheese meals in a week would be too much. In fact, two were enough and we were lucky enough to have our Carnivore Sidekick and his sidekick take the pressure off us. They enthusiastically offered to help us with one of the Mac and Cheese selection by reviewing a meat filled Mac and Cheese dish. Here we go with our reviews.
We first visited Wood Ranch BBQ at Hazard Center. This is one of our favorite restaurants and Betty’s book club has its monthly meeting there. Mostly we have eaten sides there since most of their entrees include meat, but we had never tried their Mac and Cheese. We ordered it to go and took it home to try. It was a very classic Mac and Cheese. Nothing fancy here. Was very orange, so assume it was sharp cheddar cheese. It was very thick and gooey with cheese and very filling. We split an order, and it was plenty to fill us up.
Second, we tried Chick-fil-A on Mission Center Road. Mac and Cheese is one of their signature items, besides the chicken, of course. Their Mac and Cheese was very different from the one at Wood Ranch BBQ. The cheeses were a combination of parmesan, Romano and cheddar. They bake it with cheese on the top so there is a slight crunch to it. The macaroni was smaller and lighter in color. It was excellent. It comes in small, medium and large sizes, and we shared a medium. You can also get one of their sauces, and we tried the BBQ.
The third place we tried was Grater Grilled Cheese at Friars Mission Center. This time there was a variety of Mac and Cheeses including Lobster Mac and Cheese, birria Mac and Cheese, mushroom and truffle oil Mac and Cheese and more. Carnivore decided to try the Birria Mac and Cheese. For those of you who don’t know, Birria is beef. This entrée consisted of their famous 5 blend cheeses, bechamel sauce, cilantro, onions, and of course the mac and beef. I know it will shock you all that Carnivore Sidekick picked the most expensive of the meals to try. But in all fairness, he said he and his sidekick shared it, which may be hard to believe, but true. They really liked it. They said it was very cheesy, the beef very well spiced and tender. They also said there was plenty for two, and since they had to reheat it, they said it reheated well.
You probably make Mac and Cheese at home. Many of you probably use the Kraft blue and yellow boxes. It’s all good and is comfort food reminding us of when we were young, unless you are currently young. The macaroni can take many shapes such as elbow, cavatappi, or whatever you might have in your pantry. The Mac and Cheeses we tasted had different pastas, but they were all cooked to perfection and none of them were mushy or not cooked long enough. So, give them a try and enjoy.
Happy Mac and Cheese Day!
LV Area News Briefs
Here is a brief summary of some of the interesting and noteworthy things going on around our community.
—Art Work at LV Library
The City of San Diego Library system is currently displaying an exhibition by artist John Raymond Mireles titled “The New Colossus: A Photographic Celebration of San Diego’s Immigrant Communities.” The exhibition, which is spread out among several libraries and City administrative buildings, “celebrates and honors the cultural pride of immigration.” In these works, individuals “proudly wear traditional clothing and standing amidst scenes reminiscent of their families’ country or origin.”
Our own Linda Vista Library is host to one of these pieces of art work. You can go there and see the work titled “Bibiche, Republic of Congo” that is on display until October 31 of this year.
You can read more about this art exhibit, to include the location of all the rest of the works of art by Mireles, by clicking here.
—SD Union-Tribune Essay About Howard Wayne
An essay written by Linda Vista resident Felicity Sinoski was recently published in the Opinion section of the SD Union-Tribune. The essay addressed the recent honorary naming of an LV street for distinguished LV civic leader Howard Wayne who passed away this past October. Sinoski is currently the Chair of the Linda Vista Planning Board. She was featured in the June 12 issue of the Linda Vista Update. You can read her essay by clicking here.
—Fiesta Island Dog Park Voted Nation’s Best
The newspaper USA Today recently reported that the dog park at nearby Fiesta Island—just across the I-5 freeway from Linda Vista—was voted the number one dog park in the entire country. Linda Vista may not have its own off-leash dog park, but having the number one dog park in the U.S. so close to us does offer some degree of consolation. You can read the USA Today article by clicking here.
—SD Humane Society New Hours
In order to help alleviate the number of animals being held at the SD Humane Society, the organization will be extending their hours on Thursdays and Fridays through October 25. The hours for the SD Humane Society are as follows:
Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday, Sunday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Thursday, Friday: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
The extended hours were made possible by the generous sponsorship of the BISSELL Pet Foundation’s Empty the Shelters program: <https://www.bissellpetfoundation.org/programs/empty-the-shelters/>
The adoption fee for animals is $25.00 through this month.
—Youth Opportunity Pass
Anyone 18 and under can now ride transit free through the SANDAG Youth Opportunity Pass pilot program. This means unlimited rides on the bus, Trolley, COASTER, and Sprinter. Please go here for details on how to apply for the pass:
LV Library Activities for Kids
There are plenty of things going on at the Linda Vista Library these days for kids. The following recurring youth activities are occurring each week:
—Live Interactive Video Preschool/Kindergarten Storytime with Mr. Luan: Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m. Email Mr. Luan at lpham@sandiego.gov for registration information.
—Live Interactive Video Preschool/Kindergarten Drawing Class with Mr. Luan Thursdays at 10:30 a.m. Email Mr. Luan at lpham@sandiego.gov for registration information.
—Preschool Storytime with Mr. Luan (In-Person Alternating Fridays and Saturdays: 10:30 a.m.
—Lego Time: Every other Saturday at 10:30 a.m.
The Linda Vista Library also has the following special events coming up:
The Summer Reading Program People of all ages can win prizes for reading a choice of either 10 books or 10 hours. Runs through August. Register at the following: https://www.sandiego.gov/public-library/kidsandteens/summerreading .
Wild Wonders Animal Presentation: Small Wonders from Down Under Saturday, July 13 at 2 p.m. For kids 4 to 12. Enjoy a walkabout with some of Australia’s most popular and exotic citizens! This theme contains a pre-set assortment of 6 animals, and may include the wallaby, sugar gliders, or blue-tongued skink! Now THAT’s a g’day, mate!
Hunger Awareness Campaign: Nutrition and Seniors Thursday, July 25 at 12 p.m. Register online at: https://hungerawareness3.eventbrite.com
Clicbitz—Drawing with 3D Pens Saturday, July 27 at 2:30 p.m. For kids in 3rd to 5th grade. Online registration only. Register here: https://sandiego.librarymarket.com/event/clicbitz-drawing-3d-pens-372915
Lifeguard Water Safety Storytime Thursday, August 1 at 12:30 p.m. For kids 4 and up.
Explore the Shore! Thursday, August 8 at 12 p.m. Learn about California Sea Lions and Harbor Seals. For K-8 kids mostly but everyone’s welcome.
Jobs at City of San Diego Information Session Friday, August 9 at 3:00 p.m. The jobs department at the City of San Diego will discuss the application process step by step, benefits the City provides, career advancement, and interview tips and expectations. Register here: https://tinyurl.com/LindaVistaInfo
Toshwerks: Succulent Book Planter Saturday, August 10 at 2:00 p.m. Turn a book into a planter and grow succulents there. For kids in 3rd to 5th grade. Online registration only:https://sandiego.librarymarket.com/event/srp-program-toshwerks-succulent-book-planter-364628 .
Challenge Island: Mt. Vesuvius Eruption Saturday, August 31 at 2:00 p.m. Explore the catastrophic volcanic eruption of Mount Vesuvius and learn strategies for preparing for modern day volcanic events. For kids in 3rd to 5th grade. Online registration only: https://sandiego.librarymarket.com/event/mt-vesuvius-eruption-385426
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The Linda Vista Update wishes to thank Luan Pham, Youth Services Librarian at the LV Library for providing us with this information. We encourage our readers to pass along this information to local families with young children.
Commentary
Can LV Become a Blue Zone?
You have to admire those people in La Jolla. They think they are so special. And they are not afraid to let people know it.
It was just a couple years ago when that community started a bold effort to secede from the City of San Diego. They are still at it. That’s a pretty outrageous action, if you ask me. Yet, just recently a group of La Jollatonians found a way to top that elitist move by asking the La Jolla Town Council to consider the possibility of having their community be considered a Blue Zone. That move generated a lot of positive publicity for La Jolla. People all over the world started asking…what is so great about the La Jolla lifestyle?
Now, I am not at all in favor of Linda Vista seceding from San Diego, but I do contend that if La Jolla can try to become a Blue Zone, then we too should try to do so as well. After all, by becoming a Blue Zone, Linda Vista would get to join an elite world class group of communities. Everyone in the world would want to know about us and our way of life, and they would want to be just like us. We could become a major tourist destination. I’m figuring that becoming a Blue Zone is our best opportunity to burnish our community’s reputation. Why let La Jolla get all the glory?
In case you are not familiar with the term, a Blue Zone is a “geographic area with lower rates of chronic diseases and a longer life expectancy. The following regions are considered to be Blue Zones:
Okinawa Prefecture, Japan
Nuoro Province, Sardinia, Italy
The Nicola Peninsula, Costa Rica
Icaria, Greece
Loma Linda, California, United States.
What accounts for the longevity of the people who live in Blue Zones? The inhabitants of these communities supposedly lead a super healthy lifestyle combining “physical activity, low stress, rich social interactions, a local whole-foods diet, and low disease incidence.” They are known for not smoking, the mild drinking of alcohol, and eating very healthy diets.
Now, do La Jolla people live longer than the rest of us? Who knows? Do they eat healthier diets than we do? I have no idea. But just the fact that they think they do is apparently enough to generate some positive publicity—the kind of positive publicity that Linda Vista should be looking for. Living in a Blue Zone is currently all the rage among the trendy, hip crowd. People like Gwyneth Paltrow and Oprah have surely bought houses in each of those current Blue Zones. As such, I don’t see what is stopping a group of us from going to our very own Linda Vista Town Council and asking that they demand the City conduct a study to determine if Linda Vista people live longer than other people do. The great thing about commissioning a study is that it usually takes a long time for the study to get done, especially a study commissioned by the City of San Diego. During this lengthy time, however, we can promote the fact that we “think” we are living in a Blue Zone. That popular saying “Fake it, till you make it” applies here.
I have no confidence Linda Vista people eat healthier, or are less stressed, or have improved levels of social interaction, etc. Quite frankly, based on my observations, they eat a lot of Yum Yum donuts, especially the ones with sprinkles. But perhaps we can get enough LV residents to sign a document that “promises” we will live longer. We can become a sort of aspirational Blue Zone. Remember, the study to determine if we are a Blue Zone probably won’t get done for another 30 years, especially since we are asking the City of San Diego to conduct it, so there is little chance we can be held criminally or civilly liable for not living up to our promise—there has to be a legal statute of limitations, right? And some of us, ironically, will be dead in 30 years when the longevity study is completed, and won’t have to worry about anything. However, during those 30 years, if we play our marketing cards right, Linda Vista will have established its reputation as some kind of magical region where everyone is special and cool and healthy and long living. We will join the likes of Costa Rica, Greece and Italy.
There is money and fame to be made here. I for one am already looking forward to selling my “Linda Vista is a Blue Zone” printed T-shirts, along with similarly labeled reusable shopping bags, coffee mugs, and Yoga mats. I will hawk my wife’s Linda Vista Blue Zone Recipes cookbook, and market our LV brand of Blue Zone Pho, Tacos and Donuts (with sprinkles).
May we Live long and Prosper, Linda Vistans!
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