It was their fundraiser

Nonprofit organizations — churches, schools and fraternal organizations — have depended on bingo profits for years and years to carry on their worthwhile programs. Now they would like to convert to electronic bingo that would be more attractive to folks becuz it would pay higher stakes. Participating charities would be hooked up to the same game and there would be a single pot thus a bigger pay-off.

Currently, bingo offered by nonprofits is losing appeal because casinos are offering glitzier pay offs. A bill to allow electronic bingo by charities is before Sacramento electeds. There’s strong opposition by the casinos who claim it’s an invasion on their turf. Some of the electeds who reap lush campaign support from casinos and are even told what they should have for breakfast aren’t likely to be sympathetic toward nonprofits who can’t afford slick, highly paid lobbists.

Racetracks are facing the same dismal future as the nonprofits. They would like to offer casino-type gambling along with horse racing. Casinos are strongly opposed. Since pari-mutuel wagering was legalized in 1933, racetracks have paid the state billions of bux in fees and taxes but now it has a more lucrative cash bovine. At least one casino in the county currently wants to add even more slots to its huge inventory.

Area codes

Just when you have gotten usta to the 760 area code, Cal Public Utilities Commission is likely to change it to 442. Folks who still use antique dial fones that preceded Blueberrys, Blackberrys and Strawberrys, vividly recall they dialed either 714 or 6l9 in the North County. Now the commish wants 442 to slither up the coast to Campo and east to Borrego and Julian.

Clean beach …

Kristy Rygiel, chief of the Flower Capital’s Clean Water Program, is anticipating a banner turnout for the April 26 beach cleanup from 9 a.m. until noon at Moonlight and Cardiff beaches. All are welcome to volunteer. There will be refreshments, snax and prizes.

Ms. Santa Claus

Third District Supe Pam Slater-Price has awarded a total of $367,6l4 big ones to nine North County organizations to promote tourism, encourage youth to be involved, foster an appreciation of the arts and other worthy reasons.

Major recipient with a check for $254,614 was the Flower Capital city for construction, furnishings, and IT equipment for its information literacy lab at the new state-of-the-art library. San Dieguito Boys & Girls Club in Solbeach was given 50 grand for a new recording studio and equipment. North Coast Repertory Theatre received $l5,000 to stage the premiere of “Madacascar” this summer. Ten-grand recipients include the city of Solbeach for Plaza center improvements including landscaping; Encinitas Rotary Club to help cover expenses for its 11th annual golf tourney May 2; and San Dieguito Heritage Museum for expenses related to the 20th annual barbecue.

Downtown Encinitas MainStreet Association is in line for eight grand for a bronze sculpture of the Encinitas Child. Del Mar Garden Club and San Diego North Convention & Visitors Bureau each received five thousand bux. The Garden Club received funds for beautification projects and the Visitors Bureau for expenses related to its annual meeting May 1.

Spirited incorporation issues

A coppla volunteer organizations in Rancho Santa Fe are locking horns over whether to become the county’s 19th city. Citizens to Protect the Ranch is circulating petitions as the first official step in bringing the issue to a vote. Preserve Country Living is saying not to be bamboozled and not to sign the petitions. The new and enlarged Rancho would include the areas of Hacienda Santa Fe, Horseman’s Valley, Rancho del Rio, Rancho Serena, South PointeFarms, Stoneridge, The Summit, Sun Valley and the coveted Ranch area. Incorporation was talked about in 2001 but never went past that stage. Campaign funds that will be spent will make other campaigns in the area seem like invitations to a garden party.

Rivermouth opening

Hany Elwany of Coastal Environments has advised all concerned that So Cal Edison will pick up the tab for opening the Rivermouth, aka Dog Beach, to the sea starting this week. Heretofore, Surfside City, the county, and 22nd District Agricultural Association, have ponied up the cost of expenses for the project. Dredged sand will be spread on the city beach.

Mother’s Day Garden Tour

San Dieguito Art Guild has scheduled an Artists’ Studio & Garden Tour to coincide with Mothers’ Day on May 10 and May 11. There will be eight stops with lotsa artists and refreshments at each location. Wanna go? Contact Off Track Gallery at (760) 942-3636 or visit www.OffTrack Gallery.com.

Gas producers

Lotsa media attention given to sessions between oil industry barons and congressional electeds. Everyone on camera scowled to express real concern for folks who will (or are) paying $4 a gallon for petrol they need to take their kids to school, their sick grandparents to the doc, go to work, or other insignificant reason. No need to expect relief soon, if at all, from the electeds.

Real enchilada

St. Leo’s Youth Group in Solbeach & Knights of Columbus are celebrating Cinco de Mayo early with a fiesta May 2 between 5 and 8 p.m. at St James community center, 625 S. Nardo. Mariachis, ballet folklorico groups, dancing, kids’ attractions, and lotsa lip-smackin’ tacos and tamales on sale for the hungry.

One liners

A major contribution may be forthcoming soon to jack up the campaign to purchase the Ninth Street Del Mar Shores site ... A plan to slow traffic and improve pedestrian and bicycle safety that was masterminded by Cardiff-by-the-Sea residents is before the Traffic Commission ... Leonard Morris, who passed away March 22, continues to receive heaps of accolades posthumously for his involvement with students at San Dieguito High School where he toiled for many years, for his community endeavors and for volunteer work with his church ... Faithful “Eye On The Coast” readers will recall that several months ago they were made aware that O’side Councilman Rocky Chavez would likely be seeking hizzoner Jim Wood’s job and that appears to now be the case ... Harrah’s, the casino giant, is changing its moniker to Caesar’s becuz it is better known among high rollers around the universe ... Even Vegas, sin city of the West, is reporting a downturn in bizness — usually the last to be affected ... Encinitas Rotary Club is reporting good response for its lavish May 31 wine party at Quail Gardens ... Author, historian and feature writer Diane Welch of Solbeach is putting the finishing touches on a historic epic of the County Fair that will be introduced during its annual run.



Hasta la Vista