Fletcher launches veteran-supporting nonprofit

Former California assemblymember and Marine Corps veteran Nathan Fletcher recently announced the launch of the Three Wise Men Foundation, a nonprofit aimed at raising awareness for issues veterans often face transitioning from combat duty to civilian life.“It’s a tragedy that between as many as 50 veterans kill themselves every day in America, often as a result of untreated psychological trauma inflicted by combat,” Fletcher stated in a press release. “If we truly honor those who gave their last full measure of devotion, it’s our duty to ensure that those who survive combat can also survive the transition home.” The organization derives its name from Fletcher’s three cousins: brothers Ben, Jeremy and Beau Wise. The latter two were killed in action serving in Afghanistan; the former is an active duty marine. The foundation’s first event will take place on the deck of the USS Midway on Oct. 18. Proceeds will go toward increasing veteran access to support and services addressing veteran suicide. Visit threewisementribute.org for more information.

On the Go marks its 200,000th ride

The “On the Go: Transportation Solutions for Older Adults” recently delivered its 200,000 ride on Aug. 28. More than 50 older adults were transported to the San Diego waterfront, where they were to enjoy front row seats at the Festival of Sail’s Tall Ship Parade. A program of Jewish Family Service of San Diego, On the Go was founded in 2008 and is funded by Charitable Adult Rides & Services. Its mission is to help older adults stay mobile, independent and connected to their community by providing them safe and timely transportation to medical appointments, social events, synagogues, shopping centers and other needs. Several local civic leaders joined in on the celebration, including Sachiko Kohatsu from Supervisor Dave Roberts, Allison Don from Senator Marty Block’s office, Brian Lane and Dave Schumacher from SANDAG, Melanie Rubin from Lawrence Family Jewish community Center and Steve Ewart from RideScheduler. To learn more about On the Go, call 858-637-7320 or visit jfssd.org/onthego.

Hoffman inducted into Padres Hall of Fame

On Aug. 30, Padres all-time saves leader Trevor Hoffman was inducted into the Padres Hall of Fame prior to the team’s game against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Hoffman was unanimously elected to the Padres Hall of Fame by its committee comprised of local sports media and San Diego Padres officials. He is the ninth player inducted, flowing Buzzie Bavasi, Nate Colbert, Jerry Coleman, Tony Gwynn, Randy Jones, Ray Kroc, Dick Williams and Dave Winfield. During his 16 seasons as a member of the Padres, Hoffman had a 54-64 record with 552 saves in 618 opportunities, a 2.76 ERA, a .211 opponent batting average, and 1,029 strikeouts in 902 relief appearances.

Hoffman currently serves as the Padres’ upper-level pitching coordinator.

Police department foundation to hold annual gala

The San Diego Police Foundation will hold their annual Gold Shield Gala, “The Future’s So Bright You Gotta Wear Shades,” on Oct. 4 to raise money for the San Diego Police Department (SDPD). This year’s gala specifically benefits the foundation’s “K9 Crimefighters Campaign,” which aims to fund new canines for SDPD’s K9 Unit. Seventeen of the department’s 31 police service dogs are expected to retire within the next three years. Each canine costs approximately $30,000. Tickets for the formal even are available for $185 per person or $1,750 for a 10-person table. They may be reserved by calling 619-232-2130 or by visiting sdpolicefoundation.org.

Padres dedicate Selig Hall of Fame Plaza

The San Diego Padres recently announced the dedication of Selig Hall of Fame Plaza at Petco Park, honoring outgoing MLB Commissioner Allan H. (Bud) Selig. “Moving forward, this area of the ballpark will serve as the cornerstone of a project celebrating the history of this franchise throughout Petco Park,” said Padres Executive Chairman Ron Fowler in a press release. “It will bear Commissioner Selig’s name in recognition of, and with gratitude for, all that he has done for the game of baseball, both in San Diego and around the world.” Selig was present to thank the team for the honor, and Mayor Kevin Faulconer and Supervisor Ron Roberts were also in attendance. However, many San Diegan’s met the announcement with disdain, citing Selig’s role in an ill-received Padres ownership transition, among other qualms with the former commissioner, reported the UT San Diego. An online petition on change.org to rename the plaza has 1,771 supporters.

King Tut exhibition tickets go on sale

Tickets are now on sale for the upcoming Natural History Museum exhibit, “The Discovery of King Tut.” The exhibition will make its West Coast debut in San Diego on Oct. 11, featuring over 1,000 replicated artifacts hand-crafted by Egyptian artisans. It also walks visitors through the historically iconic tomb of Tutankhamen. In honor of the San Diego Museum Council’s “Kids Free in October” program, the museum will admit the first 500 children (ages 3-12) for free when accompanying a ticket-purchasing adult. General admission tickets are $27 with discounts for members and certain demographics. Purchase tickets and find more information at sdnat.org/kingtut or call 877-946-7797.

30th Annual Costal Cleanup Day

The California Coastal Commission recently announced the 30th Annual California Cleanup Day, reportedly the state’s largest volunteer event, will take place on Saturday, Sept. 20 from 9 a.m. – noon. The cleanup is expected to draw tens of thousands of volunteers to more than 850 cleanups across the state to help remove trash accumulated on California’s beaches and inland shorelines. According to the California Costal Commission, more than 1.2 million volunteers have removed over 20 million pounds of coastline debris since the cleanup began in 1985. For those unable to attend the cleanup on Sept. 20, the coastal commission holds several events taking place during the three weeks that follow. Visit coastalcleanupday.org for more information.

Local landscape architect awards now open

The San Diego Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects is now accepting nominees for its 2014 Design Awards Program, which recognizes outstanding works of landscape architecture and environmental planning. Entry form and payments are due by Sept. 12. Entry submissions must be sent by Sept. 26 to the San Diego chapter office, 1050 Rosecrans St., Suite B, San Diego, CA 92106. Late submissions are not acceptable. The entry fee is $120 for ASLA members, $200 for nonmembers. Design award categories include Communications, Commercial, Environmental, Historical/Landmark, Institutional, Parks/Rec/Trails, Planning/Analysis, Public/Municipal, Pro Bono, Single Family, Multi Family and Un-built Works. The entry form and more information are available at asla-sandiego.org.

Rocking in Balboa Park

1990s San Diego post-hardcore band Drive Like Jehu recently performed a one-off reunion show at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion in Balboa Park on Sunday, Aug. 31 and were accompanied by civic organist Dr. Carol Williams. Although the band released just two albums before disbanding nearly 20 years ago, it drew a large audience at the outdoor venue traditionally known for hosting orchestral acts rather than alternative rock music.