Linda Vista Enters a Dark Age
Linda Vista Enters a Dark Age
Plus: Treeline Art Project Installed in Baca Park; Pure Pet Wellness at the Farmers Market, LV News Update, and "Late August Clouds" Poem
-Joke: How many psychiatrists does it take to change a light bulb?
-Punchline: Just one…but the light bulb has to really want to change.
In a recent issue of the Linda Vista Update, we let our readers know about the importance of using the city’s “Get It Done” app to report maintenance problems related to such things as pot holes, graffiti, and street light outages. We pointed out the city’s growing reliance on data to make decisions, and how the city has no choice but to ignore problems that are not reported via the “Get it Done” app. In short, the more a problem is reported, the more likely a response from the city! Though readers were appreciative of the information provided, many continued to point out the absurdity of the prolonged street light outage along Ulric Street in downtown Linda Vista (along the blocks where the current apartment construction is occurring).
It turns out this area has a two-block swath of street lights—18 total—currently out of service. As Linda Vista residents are finding out, this is a really bad time to have a light bulb problem, much less 18 of them. According to the “Get it Done” web site, there is a lengthy city backlog of street lamp repairs—the web site says it will take approximately 300 days to get this kind of maintenance done! According to community representatives from District 7 Councilmember Raul Campillo’s office, and the city’s own web site, the backlog is mainly due to a shortage of electricians employed by the city. Believe it or not, the city currently employs only 17 electricians. Apparently, the city is desperately looking to hire a few more electricians and isn’t enjoying much success.
Hence, we find ourselves faced with the situation which we at this newsletter are now referring to as “The Great Ulric Street Blackout.” Because of the maintenance backlog, it appears a Linda Vista Dark Age, at least along Ulric Street, remains in our foreseeable future.
Theories are starting to circulate regarding “The Great Ulric Street Blackout.” These theories range from the baffling, to the conspiratorial, all the way to the humorously absurd—all of which adds an even more mysterious element to the situation.
For example, no one can say for sure how long the street lights have been out. Did all the streets lights go out at once, or was it a more insidious process spread out over several months? And why so many bad light bulbs in a particular two-block area?
One LV resident offered that the street lamps haven’t worked since the Bank of America left its former building on Ulric Street. That’s a long time ago! I am not sure about the possibility of any bank-street light connection; I can only add to the conjecture with more related questions. Did the bank, for some reason, abscond with the light bulbs? Did thy not pay their final electric bill? Or was a common electrical wire severed by a bulldozer when the bank was demolished?
One Ulric Street resident painted a pessimistic picture of the situation, complaining that the city’s expensive 101 Ash Street building debacle will only result in adding more days to the delay. “The city will need more time to save up and buy those 18 light bulbs.” He added, “And even then, there will only be enough money left to buy hand-me-down light bulbs from La Jolla.”
One other resident proposed that this street light situation provides the perfect opportunity for some creative performance art protest activities. He commented, “We should protest this extended outage by having a couple hundred LV residents line up each night along the blacked-out block of Ulric Street. One night all the residents will line up and hold flashlights, the next night candles, the next night the flashlights on their cell phones, the next night glowing chem light sticks, and so forth. Later in the year, in the days leading up to Halloween, they can carry illuminated Jack O’Lanterns. For Guy Fawkes Day (November 5), British citizens residing in Linda Vista can light small bon fires (under the supervision of the Fire Department, of course). During the Holiday period, festive strings of green and red lights can be strewn around the light posts. And on John Travolta’s birthday (February 18), everyone can hold up shiny Disco balls.”
On the other hand, one LV resident I spoke to, while claiming a personal bias against protest of any sort pertaining to city matters, proposed a unique theory. In optimistic fashion, she insisted there is nothing wrong with the street lights; rather, they are in all likelihood just turned off at night as part of a city energy conservation program.
I contend that with a wait time of approximately 300 days, all we can do is grin and bear it, and continue to ponder the mystery of the Great Ulric Street Blackout.
-Joke: How many city electricians does it take to change a light bulb?
-Punchline: Apparently, more than 17.
New Art Installation in Linda Vista
Community art work happens to be one of the Linda Vista Update’s favorite subjects. Previous issues have highlighted some of the colorful murals in the area, along with some of the interesting graffiti street art that can be seen in the tunnels under Genesee Avenue (in Tecolote Canyon). We are happy to report that as of this past Saturday, Linda Vista has one more impressive art piece in the community. The Treeline-Park Social Project has been temporarily installed at John Baca Park. It will be on display for everyone to enjoy until October 20. The art work was completed by artists Kasi Munoz and Kline Swonger.
The Treeline project initially involved a community engagement activity that occurred on July 16, during which local residents and the artists participated in dancing, playing, weaving and knitting with different fabrics. Munoz and Swonger then took that combination of material and made it part of the Treeline art work. According to Swonger, the knitted and woven material represents the bringing of fragmented pieces together, just like a community. The blue and magenta colored lines of webbing that stretch from tree to tree also emphasize the concept of connection. As expressed by Munoz, the art work is meant to be a display of connection, wonder, curiosity, playfulness, and experimentation.
The artists hope that the art installation brings something new and different to the park. They hope it will inspire other neighborhoods to try their own pop-up art projects.
As explained on a city web site, "Park Social is a citywide initiative introducing social-specific public art into San Diego's vast and varied park system. Held for six months in 2022, Park Social engages with a broad and constantly shifting audience of park goers, intervening and interacting in the social spheres of public parks and exploring topics ranging from environmental justice to belonging and social cohesion through responsive artistic projects"
We encourage all Linda Vista residents to stop by John Baca Park to view the art project.
New Farmers Market Vendor in the Spotlight
Pure Pet Wellness
The Love, Linda Vista Farmers Markets keeps adding new vendors each week. Recently Pure Pet Wellness was added. This vendor specializes in pet wellness by the use of such things as cannibidiol, or CBD. CBD is an active ingredient in cannibis that is derived from the hemp plant. It is more commonly known as a possible treatment for many human health issues, but as explained in this article, pets can benefit as well. In an effort to help Farmers Market customers become familiar with this product and how it can help pets, we asked Linda Vista resident Nicolas Shirey some questions about his company.
—Can you tell me a little about your business Pure Pet Wellness? How you got started? When you started?
Our German Shepherd mix rescue was diagnosed with dual hip dysplasia so we packed up from beautiful downtown San Diego and moved to be closer to our vet. The surgery went as well as expected but the recovery process was intense. That’s when we first learned the potential benefits of CBD. The follow up appointment with the vet who initially recommended surgery on both legs determined it was no longer necessary.
This is around the same time I started developing websites for CBD companies. In this process, I saw how most companies' main concern was profit and not pet wellness. They would use the cheapest carrier oils, along with synthetic flavors, and chemical binders. I decided to start making our own products using the highest quality ingredients I would feel comfortable giving to myself along with my pets.
—What is your background in pet wellness?
I spent my early years in a small Spanish village watching and living the same way the people have for hundreds of years. When the working dogs would drink from rivers and get leeches the men would use a small pinch of tobacco soaked in water to remove the leeches without causing the dogs pain. If a dog had fleas, garlic would be mixed in with their food. When coming to the United States it seemed strange that any issue a dog could have was treated by either pills or surgery. A lot has changed since then and we now have vets recommending dietary changes and natural supplements like our CBD products everyday.
—How do I know if my pet would benefit from your products? What signs do I look for?
If your pet suffers from inflammatory problems, seizures, pain, headache and anxiety. If you like to walk a lot with your dogs, you should really invest in a high quality paw balm to help them maintain healthy paw pads. As well as, skin issues, itchy paws, some tumors, dry or flaky skin.
—Are the products for other pets besides dogs?
Our products are designed with dogs and cats in mind. However, they have been used by a wide variety of pets and even race horses.
—If I take my pet for walks in the summertime, what products would benefit my pet in the way of foot balms, CBD, etc? How does the pet balm work on the paws?
Our balm is an organic blend of carefully selected high quality ingredients. Specially formulated to create a barrier to protect sensitive paw pads against the elements. Great for using after outdoor activities like hikes, walks, the beach, going outside in hot or cold weather, fresh snow or salt. It may also help to reduce effects of contact with allergens, like grass, pollen, or mold.
—Will an animal get high from using pet CBD products?
No, your pet will not get high from taking our CBD products. Our CBD is extracted from hemp grown organically in the United States and contains less that 0.3% THC
—Will CBD products help my pet’s anxiety?
CBD may be beneficial for those looking for natural options instead of prescription anti-anxiety drugs and their potentially harmful side effects. With our pets it's been a huge help.
—Can any of your products be used by humans?
They absolutely can be used by humans. Our family uses them daily. The ingredients are the highest quality we could find after years of researching.
—Are your products recommended by vets?
Yes, they have been recommended by vets in the United States and Mexico.
—Do pets ever have bad reactions to products, and how will I know?
All our products have the ingredients clearly labeled to avoid any potential rare allergic reactions. There has never been a bad reaction yet to any of our products but that's not to say it's impossible that a dog may have a rare allergy. That is another reason why it is so important we use organic ingredients and our formulas are free of chemicals, dyes, artificial flavors, or preservatives.
—Are you in other Farmers Markets? Why did you choose Linda Vista Farmers Market?
We are Linda Vista locals so starting out at this Farmers Market was a simple choice. However, we are planning to expand to at least 3 more in the next few weeks.
—Do you use your products on your personal pets?
Currently our 10 year old Doberman Kaia uses our 1000MG Spray Bottle CBD. She was prescribed CBD to help her with severe seizures she started having 4 years ago. At first it only seemed to reduce the duration and intensity but I am happy to say she has not had a major seizure since. Edu & Sasha our sibling German Shepherd rescue mixes use CBD as well for anxiety when we leave the house. Before long walks they all get CBD to help reduce potential damage on their aging joints.
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Our thank to Nicolas for answering our questions. He will be happy to answer your questions at the Farmers Market, so stop by and say “Hi” and find out how these great products can make your pet happier and healthier.
And don’t forget to mention that you read about him and his products in the Linda Vista Update.
LV News Update
Farmers Market: The Love, Linda Vista Farmers Market will be held today Thursday, August 25 from 2:00 pm to 7:00 pm at the Linda Vista Plaza Shopping Center. Come get your fresh fruits and vegetables from certified farmers. There are plenty of other vendors and food trucks to choose from for your shopping and eating needs, including home baked breads, cookies and ice cream. It’s also a great place to meet other members of the community.
Parks After Dark Final Weekend: The city’s Parks After Dark program continues through August 27. A host of park activities will be held this Thursday, Friday and Saturday (from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm) at the Linda Vista Neighborhood Park and Recreation Center ( 7064 Levant Street). Check out the city’s Parks After Dark web site for further details.
LV Community Garden: The Linda Vista Grows Steering Committee will be joining the Linda Vista Neighborhood Parks and Recreation Center’s "Parks after Dark" event this evening Thursday, August 25th. The Steering Committee will have a planting activity, propagating a popular culinary herb to take home. The Steering Commitee will also be available to discuss the re-establishment of the Linda Vista Community Garden in the Linda Vista Neighborhood Park. The Community Garden’s Schematic Garden Design will be available for all to view. This is the first of the Steering Committee’s “Garden Get Togethers” to engage community members around the planned LV Community Garden, to answer questions, and to find out how residents may want to get involved.
Kearny High Varsity Football: The 1-0 Kearny Komets football team plays its first home game of the season this Friday August 26 at 7:00 pm against the Monte Vista Monarchs (Spring Valley).
The LV Update Poetry Corner
Ed. Note: This is the time of the year when we can look out to the east on most any afternoon and view the monsoonal clouds rising high in the sky. The clouds look like they are about to unleash a heavy rain, however, they never seem to follow through with any moisture, at least not in the Linda Vista area. But they do put on a good show! Here is a poem that celebrates these summer visitors.
LATE AUGUST CLOUDS
(as seen from Linda Vista)
Late August clouds collect in the east;
they ramp up against the summer sky’s edge.
High above the brown mountains, dry desert brush,
rattler knells, the traffic and the trafficked.
Accumulating, escorting sticky air, rising angrily
upon a final drift across the border.
Blown north from Baja, like migrants below;
they posture, masquerading as genuine outlaws.
A monsoonal pose of power and menace,
straddling the horizon, opposing ocean shimmer.
Taunting, flashing intermittent light and roar,
appearing to bear down and flood desperate valleys
whose up-stretched arms beg for rain.
Yet, late August clouds pose little threat or expectation.
Swirling, loud in volume, but collapsing before the coastline,
they form a vaporous spectacle, phantoms to enjoy.
Like notes of mariachi mirth wafting in the nearby Old Town air,
These clouds are mere entertainment, performing on a seasonal stage. Subscribe to the Linda Vista Update
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