Million $$$ suit in

the works?

In O’side last month, a Harbor City off-duty cop fired five bullets into a lady’s car wounding her and her young son. It was reported as a road rage incident in a parking lot. But justification for the gunfire? Compounding the issue is that the procedure used for releasing information on the incident has led to speculation of a cover-up. Reportedly the lady was driving with a suspended license and maybe some other infractions but hardly a reason for a hail of bullets into her vehicle. Smells like a multimillion-dollar suit in the works.

Quagga mussels

Freshwater pests that are creating serious concern to water systems have caused banning of fishing boats at several lakes. Identified as quagga mussels, they are the size of a pinkie and are reported to attach themselves to the bottom of boats then move on to drinking water systems. There’s a boat ban at Lake Wolford and five reservoirs.

Sister city review

Flower Capital Deputy Mayor Maggie Houlihan and Councilman Jim Bond have been appointed to review and offer recommendations on the city’s Sister City program between it and the Japanese city of Amakusa. During discussion at the March 26 council meeting, it was evident that there was a great deal of confusion and minimal direction on how the program is handled, who should make the trip, whether student participation should be expanded to other schools in addition to San Dieguito Academy, and the possibility of including an art colony rep. Resident Bob Bonde said not one dime of taxpayers’ money should be spent on the program he called a “boondoggle.”

Chancellor’s historic home

will remain

A proposal to raze University House, which is the residence of UCSD chancellor Marye Anne Fox, and to replace it with an $8 million mansion has been scrubbed by the Board of Regents. It was reported it is situated on an Indian burial ground and is on the historic registry. Built a half-century ago, it is said to be in need of some repairs so UCSD officials plan to spend a $1 million to bring it up to snuff according to published reports.

You read it here 1st

UT columnist Dianne Bell recently had a piece on Sheriff’s Lt. Jim Duffy becoming County Supe Ron Roberts’ chief of staff. She reported he might run for sheriff in 2010. A couple of years ago, when Duffy was the big gun for law enforcement officers who were steamed becuz they couldn’t have their concealed weapons at the County Fair, “Eye on the Coast” opined Duffy was primping to run for sheriff. Bell also noted that Sheriff Bill Kolender would like to see Undersheriff Bill Gore succeed him in 2010. Good reason for Duffy to exit the Sheriff’s Dept. at this time. “Eye” predicts Kolender will retire early, Gore will become sheriff and thus be the incumbent. But what about former Undersheriff Bill Flores, a former San Dieguito Union High School District trustee? When he was leaving the department, he did not deny when asked by a reporter if he was interested in running for sheriff. Currently he heads El Grupo, a coalition of Hispanic-American organizations active in political issues in the North County.

Trustees to appoint

Rather than go through an expensive election campaign to fill the slot that became vacant following the resignation of Linda Crawford, Del Mar Union School District trustees have opted to appoint a replacement. Folks interested in the nonpaying job can pick up an application packet at the district office, 225 Ninth St., or go online to www.dmusd.org. Apps must be filed by fax, mail or hand delivery no later than 3 p.m. April 25. Interviews will be held during a public meeting May 7. Candidates will each have

five minutes to state their qualifications and views.

Walkabout on April 19

Leucadia Nights’ springtime “walkabout” will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. April 19. In addition to great store specials, there will be vintage surf movies and music in Roadside Park. New to the event will be Walkabout Poker. It’s all for fun and there’s fun for all, promises Paula Kirpalani with the sponsoring Leucadia 101 MainStreet Assn.

Merger merits

consideration

During a Del Mar Union School District meeting last month, the possibility of the district merging with Solbeach was mentioned. A thought worth investigating. Both communities share schools, so why not one board of trustees?

One liners

Three Congressional electeds, Jim McDermott, Mike Thompson and David Bonier, were in such a hurry to take advantage of a free junket to Iraq before the war they neglected to find out until much later that badman Sadam Hussien was their gracious host who picked up the tab ... Solbeach Boys & Girls Club is offering Solbeach residents special deals to its new fitness center ... Vista Community Clinic is providing free shuttle service to and from its facility to more than 300 of its patients ... MiraCosta College’s spring enrollment has topped 11,150 students ... Twenty-nine unlicensed contractors were busted in Solbeach recently when they were nailed in a statewide sting operation ...

Hasta la Vista