Seeing Red, Then Green, Over Motorcyclist’s Moxie

Stories of land, air and sea.

* Paul Braun, a commercial real estate salesman in San Diego, has decided there is justice after all.

He was northbound on Interstate 805 at about La Jolla Village Drive when one of those annoying “Ninja” motorcycles starting doing its annoying thing: weaving, tailgating, passing between lanes, cutting people off.

The “pocket-rocket” motorcycle zoomed past, and a few moments later Braun felt a thump on his car windshield and saw dollar bills floating all around.

The renegade cyclist’s wallet had slipped out and gone flying. The cyclist pulled to the median and looked mournful.

“I loved it,” Braun said.

* Lots of politicians rail about crime, but how many do anything about it?

Here’s one: San Diego Councilwoman Valerie Stallings, who testified Monday for the prosecution in a drunk-driving case.

The boozy driver had been arrested last March while Stallings was doing a ride-along with a San Diego cop in Kearny Mesa. In fact, Stallings had been the first to spot the erratic driving.

After Stallings’ testimony (which backed up the cop’s) the defendant stopped protesting and pleaded guilty.

* Don’t tell the children, but an objection raised by the city of Del Mar has snuffed out any chance for Fourth of July fireworks at the Del Mar Fair.

Because the new racetrack grandstand takes up much of the western area once used for fireworks, the fair had decided to forgo its traditional and heavily attended fireworks extravaganza this year.

But, a few days ago, a lucky break occurred: an offer by a barge company to let the fireworks company shoot off its rockets just offshore. The company usually contracts with Carlsbad, but Carlsbad is broke this year.

Jubilant fair officials made the arrangements and were on the verge of a big public announcement.

But then Del Mar raised concerns/objections/queries about parking/beach crowds/environmental impacts.

Rather than have another fight with litigious Del Mar, fair bosses quietly decided to retreat: no fireworks.

But He’s Not Singling Them Out . . .

As the only minister on the San Diego City Council, George Stevens has talked of government’s need to be more charitable and include all people under its tent.

There are limits, however.

Stevens was the only council member Tuesday to refuse to sign a ( pro forma ) council resolution proclaiming July as “Lesbian and Gay Archives Month” to honor those who have kept records of the civic contributions of lesbians and gays.

Stevens, who faced some flak during his election campaign for seeming unaware of gays and lesbians in his district, sent a terse note to his colleagues: “I will not be able to sign this resolution.”

In an interview, Stevens, who is associate pastor at Calvary Baptist Church, said: “I don’t promote homosexuality. I don’t discriminate against anyone. I will not deny them employment, but I will not single them out for a promotional thing like this.”

Asked if he thinks homosexuality is immoral, Stevens said he opposes all sex between unmarried partners: heterosexual or homosexual. “I oppose adultery and homosexuality,” he said.

Michael Portantino, publisher of San Diego’s Gay and Lesbian Times, said he is saddened but not surprised at Stevens’ refusal, given the campaign flap:

“We’re not asking anyone to promote homosexuality. We’re only asking that the city recognize people who have made significant contributions.”

Holy Roller

Those attending the 8 a.m. service Sunday at St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church in Poway were hoping to catch a glimpse of the Rev. Canon Gethin Hughes, dropping by Poway just a week after being ordained as Episcopal bishop of San Diego.

It proved to be quite a show.

At 8:07, the new bishop had been seated in a place of honor and the service had begun.

Suddenly the church started shaking violently, the windows bulged in and out, and the large crucifix above the altar moved as if it were about to topple.

But the congregation hung tough. Before the shaking, the instruction had been given to turn to Psalm 16.

As the 6.5 temblor continued, the congregation lifted its voice with the psalm’s first line, “Protect me, oh Lord, and be my refuge.”