Tecolote Canyon Faces Threat
Plus: LV News Briefs, Pinocchio's Pantry On-Line Shopping, Where is LV's Padres Spirit Commentary, Upcoming Community Event Flyer
Tecolote Canyon Natural Park has long been recognized as one of the jewels of the Linda Vista area. With its many trails, it is a favorite place for hikers, runners, and cyclists to exercise and stay fit, as well as for just getting away from the hustle and bustle of normal traffic and all of society’s distractions. It is also a place to observe nature, with its many plants and trees serving as a safe haven for wild animals. You would think City officials would unquestionably do all they can to preserve this natural habitat, however, the park is currently facing a threat posed by a city sanctioned decision that involves the cutting down of many trees.
The City of San Diego is about to begin construction on a trunk sewer line within Tecolote Canyon Natural Park. This construction involves repairing/replacing 4.7 miles of trunk sewer lines and water main in Tecolote Canyon. No one is questioning the need for such construction, however, as currently planned and approved this construction will require the cutting down of three large native trees near the entrance to the park (next to the Nature Center) as well as the cutting down of a large swath of trees through the Forest Grove area in order to dig an open trench with 10 feet clearance on both sides. The trench is required for the sewer line. Critics of the open trench construction, which include the non-profit Friends of Tecolote Canyon and the civic organization Tecolote Canyon Citizens Advisory Committee, contend that trenchless construction can and should be used in order to avoid taking down the trees. These organizations have pointed out in recent days that the threatened cottonwood trees in the Forest Grove area serve as valuable nesting areas for hawks and owls, while the Sycamore trees near the Nature Center, which were first planted in the 1980’s, serve as an important symbol for the park as they were planted at the same time as the Nature Center was constructed.
Both organizations contend that no warning was given by the City regarding the initiation of the construction, which is supposed to begin this week. Accordingly, no one was given the time to adequately protest the City decision to use Open Trench construction in the contested areas. These organizations also claim that trenchless construction, though more expensive, is being used in other segments of the project.
On this past Saturday morning, a Save the Tecolote Canyon Forest Grove rally was held in front of the Nature Center to inform area residents of what is occurring and to generate support for stopping the current construction plan in favor of trenchless construction. As pointed out by Darrel Madison, president of the Tecolote Canyon Citizens Advisory Committee, the City first informed people of the planned construction in 2020, however, no one ever identified plans for the currently impacted areas. He emphasized that there have been previous incidents that showed a lack of communication/coordination between Park and City officials in regard to other construction projects. Madison encouraged the rally crowd to “let the mayor know” of the sewer line construction concerns by writing the mayor as soon as possible, as the mayor is the only person at this point who can stop the construction. Madison also pointed out the apparent conflict the current plan poses with the City’s highly touted Climate Action Plan, which encourages the planting of trees.
Other speakers at the rally spoke about the need to stop and reconsider the current plans for tree removal in order to “Let the Canyon thrive,” and remain “An island of green.”
Since the rally, the Friends of Tecolote Canyon and the Tecolote Canyon Citizens Advisory Committee have begun working with the City to schedule a biology—construction site alignment walk and hope to do so in the next week. The City has suggested a Design Consultant to look at innovative methods by the Forest Grove in lieu of the current trenching and habitat removal plan.
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We at the Linda Vista Update will keep you informed about the fate of the trees and the City’s plans for the Park. In the meantime, you can go to a web site established by the Friends of Tecolote Canyon that provides additional information and updates on the project.
LV News Briefs
—Kearny High Varsity Football: The Komets (4-2) host Hoover High School (3-2) this Friday October 4 at 7:00 pm.
—USD Torero Football: The University of San Diego football team hosts Presbyterian College this Saturday October 5 at 1:00 pm.
—LV Community Clean-Up: Celebrate Clean Air Day by participating in a Community Clean-Up on Sunday October 6 at 10:00 am (check in beginning at 9:30 am at 2160 Ulric Street (LV Library)). Lunch will be served at 11:30 am. The Clean-Up is sponsored by the Bayside Community Center, in partnership with the County of San Diego Department of Homeless Solutions & Equitable Communities, Jewish Family Services, the Linda Vista Resident Leadership Academy, and California Clean Air Day. For more info, contact Tyana Ortiz at tortiz@baysidecc.org.
—New EV Charging Stations: The Fashion Valley Mall recently installed 20 new “hyper-fast” EV chargers capable of speeds of up to 350 kilowatts, with 24 hour access, on site security, and easy mall access. You can read more about these new chargers HERE.
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Pinocchio’s Pantry Provides More Than Pasta
While trying to find someplace new to dine and review, I came across something called Pinocchio’s Pantry with a Friars Road address. I got very excited thinking a new Italian establishment was now open in our immediate area. I looked at the website and saw it was a place to buy an array of real Italian food products. I further learned that it is an on-line Italian grocery store, and the actual warehouse is in Kearny Mesa. Even so, I thought that our Linda Vista readership would be interested in learning about this method of purchasing Italian products without having to go to Little Italy or beyond. I immediately placed an order myself (being a first generation Italian-American) for items including pecorino cheese, panettone, eggplant caponata and more. There is free shipping over $79.00; my products arrived very quickly and so far everything I tried is excellent.
I asked the owner and founder, Vincenzo Lattanza, if he would answer some questions for me and he said he would be happy to highlight their products and share a bit of Italian culinary tradition with the community. Although I thought this was a new business, he informed me they have been in San Diego since 2020. Here are some of my questions and a summary of his responses which have been edited due to space restrictions.
—How did you come up with the name?
The name “Pinocchio’s Pantry” was inspired by the whimsical and adventurous spirit of one of Italy’s most beloved characters, Pinocchio, whose journey was about exploring the world and discovering new aspects of life just as our store aims to take customers on a culinary adventure, introducing them to authentic and lesser-known Italian delicacies. We chose “Pantry” to evoke a sense of a stocked and vibrant kitchen, filled with the enchanting aromas and flavors of Italy. Together, the name reflects our mission to bring a piece of Italian magic into every home.
—What is your background in the food industry and Italian food in particular?
While I may not have a traditional background in the food industry, my deep-rooted experience with Italian cuisine comes from a lifetime of living in Italy, where food is not just sustenance but a vital part of our culture and daily interactions. Born and raised in Italy, I was immersed in a world where the quality of ingredients is paramount, and every meal an occasion. This upbringing instilled in me a profound appreciation for authentic Italian flavors and the stories behind each dish and ingredient. I moved to the USA when I was 25, bringing a treasure trove of culinary knowledge and a passion to share it. At Pinocchio’s Pantry, I bring this personal and cultural heritage to the forefront, offering not just products, but a slice of Italian life. Here, it’s not about industrial food production; it’s about sharing the authenticity and tradition of Italian cuisine with a personal touch. Each product has been chosen or created with the aim of providing an authentic experience that honors the traditions I grew up with.
—Are your products sourced throughout Italy or only in certain regions?
Our products are imported from various regions across Italy. We aim to showcase the rich diversity of Italian culinary traditions and the distinct flavors that each region brings to the table. By offering a wide selection of goods from the northern Alps to the southern shores of Sicily, we not only provide authentic taste experiences but also educate our customers about the regional differences and unique food cultures scattered throughout Italy. I personally travel to Italy to source our products and conduct quality control.
—What are some of your most popular products?
Flours and pastas, complemented by our authentic Italian sauces. These are cherished for their minimal use of preservatives, reflecting the traditional Italian approach to food preparation that emphasizes natural ingredients and healthfulness. During the holiday season, Pandoro and Pannetone are very popular. Personally I enjoy our artisanal pasta and have a soft spot for our olive oils.
—What brought you to San Diego?
I was drawn to San Diego by its vibrant culture and the dynamic blend of traditions it offers, mirroring a melting pot that is reminiscent of diverse Italian regions. The city’s renowned innovation in gastronomy, its beautiful weather, and its welcoming community also played a significant role in my decision. It has been a fulfilling journey!
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We thank Vincenzo for telling us a little about his unique “Pinocchio’s Pantry”.
You can find the on line store at pinocchiospantry.com. Take a look at the mouth-watering products and get ready for some great Italian meals and delicious holiday treats for the upcoming holiday season. You can call Vincenzo at 858-264-9032 if you have any requests for items you don’t see listed on the website.
Commentary
Where is Padres Spirit in Linda Vista?
What in the heck is going on with Linda Vista? Have we lost our collective civic sports pride?
With apologies to Clement Clark Moore, who wrote the famous poem A Visit from St. Nicholas, I wish to adapt the opening stanza to his poem and express the following:
Twas the week of the MLB Playoffs,
and all through the ‘hood,
not a Padres banner was stirring,
no one in LV displayed a World Series-bound mood.
Now, I realize we live in challenging times where such problems as war, inflation, hurricanes, and climate change can make us worry 24/7. However, this is all the more reason we should take advantage of the San Diego Padres’ successful season and the team’s current participation in the Major League Baseball playoffs. We need such a pleasant, positive distraction. It’s not every year they are so successful. In fact, it doesn’t happen very often at all. They are now on their way to L.A. for the next leg of the playoffs. And who knows, they may go all the way to the World Series this time. This should be an obvious time of celebration here in Linda Vista.
Much of San Diego is very excited about the Padres being in the playoffs. But you would never know it driving around Linda Vista. There are no Padres banners fluttering in the ocean breeze. There are no motivating Padres rallies occurring at the Linda Vista Plaza Shopping Center, rallies in which a dummy dressed in a Dodgers uniform might be burned in effigy. No Padres’ murals gracing our Linda Vista graffitied walls. No brightly lit sign on Linda Vista Road announcing “Go Padres, and Get Your Tacos or Pho Here”.
As depicted in the photo below, communities like Cardiff, for example, can always take advantage of something like the famous Cardiff Kook surfer statue to commemorate an event and build up some sense of community spirit. Locals dress it up for various occasions. Do we need a similar type statue in Linda Vista? Perhaps so. We could then assign a committee of high spirited residents to dress it up for every notable occasion. That would be awesome! Maybe a statue of skater… call it the Linda Vista Loon.
I suggest Linda Vista civic and non-profit groups should put their heads together in anticipation of times such as these (and long before) and come up with different ways to publicize local sports team success as a way of getting residents in a good mood and easing their worried minds. When it comes to sports, we San Diegans don’t often have much to cheer about. On those rare occasions when we do, we need to be prepared to fully enjoy the moment.
For now, we will have to do with the iconic LV Man figure that sits on the farthest reaches of Ulric Street. At least, he isn’t shy about displaying hometown spirit!
We commend you, LV Man.
Upcoming Community Event
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Steve and Betty,
Just wanted to express my deep appreciation for your timely article about the peril facing Tecolote Canyon--one of my favorite places where I often go to re-create, mountain bike and enjoy a slice of nature. When conditions are right there are spots along the Battle trail where one can slow down, pause for a moment, close one's eyes and imagine they're immersed in nature's bigger picture--not in the middle of the city.
I think of this priceless amenity as a place of sanity surrounded by a sea of urbanity--a place of refuge. We must not allow the City and SDGE to ride roughshod here, despite the need for gas line repairs and sewer replacement. Their projects are needed, but there are ways to proceed without causing such a heavy impact that will destroy much of this priceless amenity.
Once the trees are gone, they're gone. Replacing them with one gallon saplings isn't going to work. I'm hopeful that your piece will inspire others to get involved, write letters and make phone calls to elected officials urging them to require trenchless construction methods instead of open trenching as is now being considered. Doing so would devastate many mature trees and forest groves that are currently on the chopping block. Please provide updates as the projects move forward. You are helping to raise awareness it is much appreciated. Many thanks again! Skip Shaputnic