Rediscovering San Diego

California Center for the Arts Escondido 1/16/18 What a splendid day spent exploring the Center and accompanying grounds. The various groups and agencies that were true visionaries in wanting their community to celebrate the arts and art education collaborated to bring their dream to fruition in October 1994. Visited the museum first before viewing the campus grounds. Even before you venture inside there is beauty to behold just outside the front doors. Besides large, rare, black granite rocks, the main entrance is graced by a large LithoMosaic called Star Streams, a permanent exterior public artwork combining small pieces of colored materials with concrete. It was installed last month and the first of its kind at a U.S. museum. Niki de Saint Phalle's Grande Step Totem Lucky for me/us, the Niki de Saint Phalle exhibition had just opened to the public last week. So many gorgeous pieces to see with so many intricate details, not only by Niki but by so many ot

Pure Water San Diego Demonstration Facility 1/9/18 The walking tour of the Pure Water Facility was inviting despite the rainy weather and very interesting. Only open since mid 2011, the Facility is a marvel of ingenuity. It uses wastewater that is treated, recycled, purified, blended with existing water supplies, treated again and then distributes it to the community. Our region faces numerous water challenges including limited local supplies, the high cost of imported water, population growth, and recurring drought conditions. Because 85% of San Diego's water supply is imported, it is critical for us to find ways to produce safe, reliable, and cost effective water. Pure Water San Diego (Pure Water) is "a phased, multi-year program that uses proven technology to produce a safe, reliable, and sustainable water supply for the City of San Diego."  By 2035, it is expected to produce one-third of the area's water. It was fascinating to lear

S.W.A.T. - 1/2/18 The presentation by San Diego Police Department (SDPD) Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Team at the Ray and Joan Kroc Community Center was excellent. It was fascinating to learn about the history that led to the formation of this elite unit of the police force. Unlike agencies in other parts of the state or country, we have the privilege of having nine police stations/divisions, spanning Carmel Valley to San Ysidro and in between, all of which have SWAT units. The specialized and rigorous training that people must endure to not only make it through the police academy, but then to complete the SWAT Academy is truly mind-boggling. Add to that the daily routine of having to wear a load of heavy gear on any given day, despite the weather, location, or any mitigating factors that make the job so much more challenging, along with having the ability to think on their feet and be a problem solver in dangerous, life-threatening situations is truly amazing. I was alwa

Journey into 2018 - 1/1/18 “Fortify your self with contentment, for this is an impregnable fortress.”     – Epictetus                                                             As we begin the new year, many of us may be inclined to make New Year resolutions – lose weight, etc. It is tradition to open up the new year with thoughts of improving ourselves, for all that we strive to do and become. Often times, life and old routines get in the way of our plans. We may get down on ourselves and fret about our lack of progress in reaching the goals that we set for ourselves. What’s important to remember is that we are okay, just as we are, at any particular moment. In the present time, we should be proud of that, despite whatever shortcomings we may perceive ourselves to have. This year I am not making any resolutions. I am focusing on appreciating all that I have become, rather than what I am not or have not achieved. I believe that this will help me to live in the mome

Rediscovering Yourself in San Diego 12/17/17  "We live in a wonderful world that is full of beauty, charm and adventure. There is no end to the adventures that we can have if only we seek them with our eyes open."       Jawaqharial Nehru Went on a hike this past weekend with my two dogs on the "Hemingway Trail," a trail I had not been on for a long time. The weather was great and the dogs were good. It made me think of the RSD class because we have so many fantastic places to roam and adventure in San Diego. My beloved Roxy, an 11 year-old chocolate Lab, died on May 3, 2017. After her death, my husband Brent and I were so depressed we did not walk on our usual daily outings to one of the local parks or trails for two whole months, not wanting to see anyone we knew or their dogs who would remind us of our grief. Roxy in 2/2017 at Liberty Station  I was scheduled to interview for the job at SDCCD (thought I was interviewing for teaching an exercise cla

St. Paul's Cathedral Visit 12/12/17 I visited the Cathedral for the first time and had no idea such a beautiful, historic place existed so close to Balboa Park. Part of the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego, which is one of 111 units/dioceses worldwide, the Cathedral is a welcoming congregation that embraces our diverse San Diego community. The staff was warm and welcoming. There are 41 stained glass windows within the Cathedral. St. Paul's produces a booklet which describes the window placement and descriptions of the scenes and people found in the windows. Judson Studios, the company that created the windows, is located in Pasadena, CA, close to where I grew up. If you go, be sure to take binoculars to view all the details in the windows. The highlight of the tour was listening to Gabriel Arregas, Sub-organist and Asst. Choirmaster 1. Partial to the compositions from Bach, he played gorgeous music that resonated beautifully throughout the Cathedral. We were treated to