Excellent Site for Taco Tuesday
Plus: LV News Briefs, Tecolote Canyon Advocate Mourned, Tempering Padres Expectations, LV Library Offers Classes, Slurry Seal Poem, and LV Multi-Cultural Fair/Parade Announcement
The Linda Vista Update
We were out and about driving on Aero Drive when we spotted a restaurant we hadn’t noticed before located adjacent to Montgomery Airfield. We had previously done a review on Christy’s Donuts in that same area, and since it is only a few minutes from Linda Vista, we thought we would see what else was back there. Turns out the restaurant is called La Fuente Mexican Food, located at 8690 Aero Drive.
We decided to give it a try on Taco Tuesday. We went about noon, and the place was doing a brisk business. There was a line, but it went quickly. You order at a counter, take a seat and your number is called for pickup. Since we went on a Tuesday, we observed a busy taco bar. We were told tacos are on special at $2.00 each on Tuesdays. You order at the counter, go over to the taco bar and pick out your protein and how you want it prepared, and the tacos are prepared to order. There was quite a line at the taco bar so they must be good. There is a great salsa bar.
It is a very open space with bar type seating, booths, tables, and some outdoor dining space as well. The staff seemed very friendly and helpful. We had checked out the menu online and basically knew what we wanted. They have an extensive menu consisting of Breakfast burritos served all day, salad bowls, wraps, sopes, soup, specialty and regular burritos, tortas, hard shell tacos, regular tacos, rolled tacos, tostadas, enchiladas, seafood, quesadillas, fries and chips and combo plates, burgers, kids’ menu and beverages and desserts. Something for everyone.
Steve ordered the shrimp enchiladas, two
for $10.99. They were stuffed full of shrimp, cheese, and veggies, on a flour tortilla covered with a red enchilada sauce. It was a lot of food, and Steve said it was very good Not spicy and very filling. He gave me one shrimp and it was delicious.
I opted for the potato and egg breakfast burrito for about the same price. It was the biggest burrito I ever saw. It was filled with egg, cheese, French fries and Pico. I cut about a fourth of it off and rewrapped the rest to take home. It also came with some chips which I am sure were house made and excellent. My burrito was very tasty and filling. I never had French fries on a burrito so that was interesting. Steve had about one half for dinner that night and the final quarter for breakfast the next day so all in all that burrito was three meals. Steve really liked it both times heated up.
The Carnivore Sidekick opted for a specialty burrito called Surfin Cali which consisted of angus steak, shrimp, salsa, cheese onions, tomatoes and chipotle crema. Did I mention it was one of the most expensive items on the menu. You probably already guessed that. It was humongous – weighed 2 lbs. It was so big that Carnivore shared it with his sidekick. They both loved it. You can see from the picture that it was filled with large pieces of tender steak and shrimp. The Carnivore said it was delicious, and his sidekick said that it was very flavorful and surprisingly fresh tasting. Although it was dense, she said the tomatoes and onions added freshness. What is more surprisingly is that the Carnivore and his sidekick each ate half. I never thought she would be able to pull that off, but apparently it was so good, they shared equally.
There was quite a crowd at the restaurant. Many folks in blue jeans who seemed to be construction workers from all the construction sites in the area, people from the airport, and people we heard talking about Google, so quite a mixture. I imagine La Fuente was doing more business since it was Taco Tuesday, but perhaps it is always full of people. I hope so. The restaurant has many windows and a beautiful view past the airport toward some mountains which may be part of Mission Trails, but don’t quote me on it since I am directionally challenged.
I believe La Fuente has other locations in Chula Vista and University Avenue, but this one is close enough for Linda Vistans to pop over anytime of the day for a Mexican treat. Their hours are 7AM to 11 PM daily.
LV News Briefs:
—Friends of the Linda Vista Library: The Friends of the Linda Vista Library will hold its monthly meeting this Saturday April 5 from 12:30 to 1:30 in the library community room. Check out the article we wrote about this organization in the March 6 issue of this newsletter.
—Linda Vista Multi-Cultural Parade: The LV Multi-Cultural Parade is extending its participation registration deadline to Monday April 14 (6:00 pm). You have until that time to submit your participation form. Go to lindavistafair.org for further details.
—Civil Penalty for LV Apartment Complex: An LV apartment complex made local headlines recently, but not for a good reason. The owners of The Carl apartment complex located close to the University of San Diego agreed to pay a $200,000 civil penalty for leasing units without a working fire alarm system. You can read more details about this case and the apartment complex by clicking HERE and HERE.
—Bayside Community Clean-up: Bayside Community Center will holds its monthly community clean-up on Sunday April 6 from 10:00 am to 11:30 am. Volunteers meet in the Linda Vista Library parking lot (2160 Ulric Street). Contact tortiz@baysidecc.org for more information about volunteering.
—Spring Egg Hunt: The Linda Vista Neighborhood Park and Recreation Center will hold its annual Egg Hunt on Saturday April 5 from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm. Festivities will include a jumper, crafts, music, a bunny, and egg hunts. Location: LV Recreation Center (7064 Levant Street).
—Mission Heights Park Easter Egg Hunt: Linda Vista realtor Bree Partington will hold her Third Annual Easter Egg Hunt on Sunday April 13. The hunt will take place at Mission Heights Neighborhood Park and is open to all families. Check out the below flyer for details.
LV Area Mourns Tecolote Canyon Advocate
While attending recent meetings of the Tecolote Canyon Natural Park Citizens Advisory Committee (TCCAC), I have found myself learning so much about the many unique aspects of the park. Though I had often walked or jogged through the park, taking advantage of it’s many trails and peaceful, secluded settings, the various people who speak at these meetings and the information they present has given me a far better appreciation of this natural gem, to include the assortment of vegetation and animal life that thrives there.
However, one of the significant things I have learned more about pertains to the origins of the park—how the park earned its designation as an Open Space Park—and about a local resident who during the 1970’s played an essential role in getting the City of San Diego to avoid building a major highway through the middle of what today constitutes Tecolote Canyon Natural Park. That person is Eloise Battle and I noticed her name and presence has been a vibrant fixture at all these meetings. The 95 year-old attended the last two meetings virtually to offer her input. Unfortunately, Ms Battle passed away this past week.
Based on her strong advocacy for the park, she is a person who all local residents should know about as she set a great example of what an individual citizen is capable of accomplishing when mobilizing community support for a good cause. As many long-time residents of this area know, during the 1960’s builders proposed adding 1500 apartments and a four lane road in the canyon. In 1972, Ms Battle, residing on the rim of the canyon since 1958, led the effort to save the canyon. She helped form a group called Citizens to Save Open Space which marched on City Hall and conducted demonstrations. As a result of her efforts, the City purchased the land, and in 1978 the park was officially dedicated and named Tecolote Canyon Natural Park. She eventually chaired the newly formed TCCAC which went on to write the master plan for the park.
Since that time she has continued to play a key role as a volunteer supporting/ advocating for Tecolote Canyon Natural Park.
We at the Linda Vista Update wish to make all of our readers aware of her many contributions to a park that is deeply valued by many organizations and individuals in the local community.
Readers can read more about her by clicking on articles posted HERE, HERE, and HERE.
Staying Cautiously Optimistic on Catching Padre Fever
The San Diego Padres are off to their most successful start in franchise history with a remarkable 7-0 record, winning all games of their opening home stand. After all this success, one might think Padres fans throughout Linda Vista would be demonstrating blatant evidence of public celebration. However, as I drove around Linda Vista this week, I saw little evidence of any such celebration. No Padres signs or banners hanging from balconies or posted on front yards. No enthusiastic Padres rallies at the LV Plaza Shopping Center. No tar and feathering of L.A. Dodgers fans. The only example of Padre fever I observed was a plastic promotional figure of Luis Arraez inside the Comstock Market, located across the street from the LV Post Office.
I guess I shouldn’t be too surprised that LV Padres fans are somewhat hesitant to display any public hoopla about the team. After all, this baseball franchise has yet to win a World Series, and we’ve been waiting 56 years. Every year hope springs eternal—fans expect the team to go all the way—but in the end the team brings us a degree of disappointment. In light of this past history, it’s easy to understand why Linda Vista fans would temper any enthusiasm for the Padres’ fast start. Who wants to be set up for all that possible disappoint down the road?
Accordingly, I suggest we Linda Vista fans carefully regulate our enthusiasm for the Padres by following the below “Padres Stages of Enthusiasm” system. Instead of getting overly enthusiastic all at once, I suggest we do it in stages with each stage increasing the “fever” in bite-size pieces of publicly displayed enthusiasm that will prevent us from getting too carried away and setting us up for major end-of season grief.
Be aware this system only goes out to mid-season. At the point we will reassess how the season is going and readjust our expectations and modes of public Padre celebration. Check out the system and see what you think.
If the Padres are in first place in the Western Division standings by April 15, then the Linda Vista Town Council will identify a blank storefront wall in Linda Vista and hire an artist to paint a giant Fernando Tatis mural.
If the Padres are in first place in the Western Division standings by May 1, every house in Linda Vista will display a Padres bobblehead in their front window, or on their car dashboard, for the rest of the month. A bobblehead of any Padre player from any era will suffice. If you are a long-time Padres fan, this is your chance to break out your vintage Nate Colbert or Al Ferrara bobblehead.
If the Padres are still leading the Western Division by June 1, all Linda Vista residents will be required on each Tuesday and Thursday in June to wear official Padres jerseys, hats, pajamas, or socks when frequenting local work sites, restaurants, shops, bike lanes, yoga sessions and while walking the dog (official Padres doggie wear is optional).
If the Padres are still leading the Western Division by the mid-July All Star break, any children born to Linda Vista parents during the remaining days of July will be named either Manny, Fernando, Jake, Jackson, Yu, Luis, or Xander.
Let is know what you think about this proposed system. We think it represents a balance of passion and practical realism. In the meantime, continue playing it cool, Linda Vista. Don’t get too excited about the Padres. Let’s do it gradually. It’s a long season, and the L.A. Dodgers aren’t going anywhere anytime soon.
Upcoming Community Event
Class Offerings at LV Library
The Linda Vista Library will be offering the following classes in the coming weeks. The public is invited to attend each of these classes:
OASIS Workshop for Adults: Pen! Paper! Prompts.
Friday, April 11 1:00 pm
Come play with your imagination. Maybe the genesis of a memoir, novel? Your story is waiting. In English and Spanish. Presented by OASIS San Diego
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READ San Diego Family Literacy Workshop and Breakfast
Wednesday, April 16 10:00 am
Parents, grandparents, and caregivers who have at least one child under 12 years old: learn how to teach your child early reading and writing skills. Enjoy breakfast! FREE children's books to keep! Call 619-238-6605 ahead of the program for registration! (Adults must qualify for Adult Literacy Services)
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Mad Science Show: Spin, Pop, Boom
Saturday, April 19 2:00 pm
Join us for this action-packed science show! Explore physical and chemical reactions using fire, foam, and music. Experience endothermic reactions that produce shivering results and exothermic reactions like elephant toothpaste.
LV Poetry Corner
When I say the words “Slurry Seal” you might think I am referring to those popular animals that hang out at the La Jolla Cove. Rather, I am referring to the “pavement preservation method consisting of asphalt emulsion, sand and rock” that is applied to many a San Diego street. According to the City website, “this cost effective maintenance treatment (averaging 1/4 of an inch in thickness) extends the life of streets already in good condition.” This method is cheaper than a much thicker asphalt overlay.
I like the look and feel of a recently slurry sealed street. It makes for a smooth drive. But a few months later, as quite a few Linda Vista residents have noticed, cracks and holes appear. And then we must wait months for the City maintenance crews to come out and cover these cracks and holes. After a rain, the cracks and holes reappear. We use the City’s “Get it Done”app for relief, and after a long wait, the maintenance crews do their thing once again. And then a few months later…well, you get the idea.
We thought the vexing subject of San Diego street maintenance has already been covered in many local newspaper articles and TV news pieces, so it was time to address it in the more unique format of a poem. And besides, it’s National Poetry Month, so we are eager to do our part to celebrate the occasion!
San Diego Slurry Seal Cycle
Say the words slurry seal
and listen as the playful sound
evokes images of street surfaces
accorded a layered makeover.
Visualize city work teams
summoned forward, rescuing
rattled drivers plagued by potholes
resembling the Tycho lunar crater.
Anticipation of their app-beckoned
arrival makes us welcome maintenance
crews like they were galloping cavalry,
despite our time spent on the wait list.
Picture white helmet, orange vested
laborers paving over potholes with
coarse asphalt mixture, eventually
smoothing away deep gaps under
the weight and heat of steamrollers,
sealing a deal between city
and steaming voters. No more sudden jolts.
No more filing broken axle claims.
Say the words slurry seal after
a meek San Diego rainfall.
Then envision this asphalt mixture
eroding here and there, sand castle like.
Say the words slurry seal and
let the amusing sound roll off
your tongue and joyfully down the street,
careful to swerve around new potholes.
We re-text the cavalry, begging
their return to this uneven setting.
Fissures once again mended, one or
two at a time — after an eight-month wait.
We are left with patchwork stretches
of rough road speckled by darker colored
splotches; like the scarred mug of a boxer
worked over by the corner cut man.
Our City pothole cycle continues.
Swiss cheese streets appearing almost
as regular as the full moon above.
Orange vested squads stay on-call.
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Thank you for sharing the lovely tribute to Eloise Battle. She was a local legend and a shero in my book. Many memories of her on my board of the Linda Vista Leaders program in the late 1990's Is there a memorial service or celebration of life that we may attend?
Thank You,
Emalyn Leppard