Final chapter in Dolan-King saga ends

By Karen Billing

It’s a wrap on Dolan-King vs. the Rancho Santa Fe Association—a battle that has lasted nearly 14 years, with enough twists and turns to fill a novel. On Friday, Sept. 3, the RSF Association closed the sale on the last of the two New York properties it seized from Richard King and Patricia Dolan-King in a civil lawsuit.
The Bronx apartment building netted the Association $72,000 after closing costs and lender pay-off, and an additional $38,000 in rent collection. When added to the $220,000 acquired from the sale of the first apartment building, the Association received $330,000 of the half a million dollars they were looking to recover from their decade’s worth of legal fees.

El Camino Real roundabouts incorporated into proposed senior living facility plans

By Karen Billing

The developers of the Rancho Del Mar senior living facility planned for Via de la Valle have adjusted their plans to accommodate potential traffic circles, even axing an entire three-story, 30,000-square-foot wellness center. As the four new traffic circles, part of the plan to widen El Camino Real, appear to be the preferred direction of the city and Carmel Valley Community Planning Board, the planning board asked the developers in April to move forward with a design that makes room for the roundabouts.

‘Swing for Kids’ golf tournament A great time was had by all at the Rancho Santa Fe Rotary Club’s and Kids Korps’ “Swing for Kids” golf tournament held Sept. 3 at the Del Mar Country Club. The event will benefit the Friends of San Pasqual Academy, Armed Forces YMCA, and Pro Kids Golf Academy. (Left) Cindy Bloch, Denise Hug, Michelle Homan and Madeline Javelet. See pages B10 and B11 for more. Photos/Jon Clark

BACK TO RSF SCHOOL — The first day of school at the upgraded R. Roger Rowe campus on Sept. 7 went smoothly as staff and administration welcomed students and parents to the 2010-2011 school year (below). (Middle) Parker, Samantha, Sydney, and Gina Mellott; (Top)) Sophia, Ella, and Anna Claire Fox at the RSF Education Foundation’s annual Newcomers’ Welcome BBQ & Orientation held Sept. 3 to introduce all new families to the R. Roger Rowe School. See more inside. Photos/Jon Clark

Profile Dee Rich

With a passion for promoting academic excellence,
'Dee' Rich is concluding 29 years as a school trustee

Dee Rich Photo/Jon Clark

By Arthur Lightbourn

In her family, it's been like a good seed passed from one generation to the next — working to earn the best education possible and sharing the results of that good fortune through community service.
For Deanna “Dee” Rich, nurturing that seed resulted in her attending one of the top public high schools in the nation, graduating Phi Beta Kappa from Tufts University, teaching disadvantaged kids for three years in a federally-assisted public school in New York City, and devoting the past 29 years of her life, as a district school trustee, to improving the quality of education in North County.
Now, at 69, Rich has decided to it's a time for a new face.

Local cancer survivor and athlete finds unique support through LIVESTRONG Foundation

By Marlena Chavira-Medford
Staff Writer

Julie Tyson Westcott is an avid runner, so when her back started hurting, she assumed it was a sports injury and went to see her doctor.
What the doctor found, however, was far more serious.
“I found out that I had a malignant tumor on my spinal cord,” she said. “I was in shock. Here I was, 31 and in good shape, and suddenly I was facing cancer. My entire life changed at that moment.”

Science writer’s new book tackles ‘waste’ in space

By Diane Y. Welch

Author Mary Roach is taking toilet humor to new heights: Outer Space. During a recent appearance at Book Works in the Flower Hill Promenade, she entertained the audience talking about seldom-discussed topics such as human waste, an adult diaper brand called “Rejoice,” and treated urine that makes for a palatable drink — each examined humorously in her new book, “Packing For Mars.”

New reward programs offered for spending
dollars in Solana Beach

BuxBack, a rewards system that allows consumers to earn cash for shopping at select stores, is partnering with the Shop Solana Beach First campaign, a grassroots effort that encourages neighbors to shop and dine locally. The initiative is being spearheaded by the Solana Beach Chamber of Commerce, Cedros Design District Association, Highway 101 Merchant Association, Lomas Santa Fe Plaza, Solana Beach Town Centre, and supported by the city of Solana Beach. BuxBack, which was created by local entrepreneur Brian Booth, allows people to securely register their existing credit or debit cards for free at www.buxback.com and earn cash whenever they shop at participating stores. Consumers never have to carry an additional card, print coupons, or remember promotional codes. Consumers can also choose to get cash back, or they can elect to automatically donate their money to a partnering nonprofit organization. Shop Solana Beach First organizers are encouraging consumers to select the Solana Beach Community Foundation or local Solana Beach schools, so that money is funneled back into the community. For more information about BuxBack, visit www.buxback.com. For more information about Shop Solana Beach First, visit solanabusinessforum.com.

RSF Association board briefs Sept. 2 meeting

By Karen Billing

RSF Tennis Club courts to be repaired
The Rancho Santa Fe Tennis Club will begin renovation work on two courts after the Rancho Santa Fe Association board members approved $144,000 toward the improvement projects at their Sept. 2 meeting.

Kids Village Grand Opening
is Sept. 12 at RSF Village Church

The Village Community Presbyterian Church in Rancho Santa Fe will reveal its new education building on Sunday, Sept. 12, when members and guests of the church celebrate a grand opening of the “Kids Village.”

Town Hall meeting is Sept. 13 on Caltrans I-5 expansion proposal

Concerned citizens are hosting a town hall meeting to present information on Caltrans’ proposed expansion of I-5 from La Jolla to Oceanside. The meeting will take place at 7 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 13, at the Encinitas Community and Senior Center, 1140 Oakcrest Park Dr., Encinitas. Experts will discuss environmental impacts, transportation alternatives and the legal aspects of expanding the freeway. Hosted by Prevent Los Angeles Gridlock Usurping Environment (PLAGUE), Citizens Against Freeway Expansion (CAFÉ) and Sierra Club.

Local author and actor Walter Carlin has never quite retired

By Lee Schoenbart

First there was his successful career in the commercial airline industry. Then his commercial success as a published author. Now, at 71 years young, this local resident is appearing successfully in television commercials.
Walter Carlin’s advice is simple with a caveat.

RSF artist donates to
Oct. 4 art auction

RSF artist Debra Gershen has created a work of art for the Memories in the Making® Art Auction on Monday, Oct. 4, 5:30 p.m. at Copley Plaza at the Old Globe Theatre. This first-time auction event has paired a total of 16 professional artists with artists with dementia. Also featured in the auction are 50 palette artists, including Gershen, and 30 stand-alone paintings that will all be part of the event. All proceeds benefit the Alzheimer’s Association San Diego/Imperial Chapter.

Popular Greek Festival 2010 to be held Sept. 11-12

Enjoy food, music, live entertainment, dancing, and more for the entire family at the 32nd annual Greek Festival held at Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church on Saturday, Sept. 11, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sunday, Sept. 12 from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. The event is located half-mile east of I-5 at the Manchester Avenue exit in Cardiff-by-the-Sea.

Local resident’s latest film focuses on the inspiring work of ‘Trackers’

By Karen Billing

Local screenwriter and filmmaker Jeanne McKinney was looking for an inspirational story to tell when she sniffed out a group of people who have devoted their lives to bringing lost people home.