Around Lakeside – The “lake” in Lakeside

One thing most Lakesiders will agree on: something needs to be done about Lindo Lake. Not only is that precious body of water what puts the “lake” in “Lake”-side, it is the figurative centerpiece of the town – the reason for its being.

There are many things going on with the lake, including revitalization, redesign, and even redevelopment (to a degree). Lots of minds and organizations and people are making plans for the future of Lindo Lake. So what can you do, as an individual?

One thing most Lakesiders will agree on: something needs to be done about Lindo Lake. Not only is that precious body of water what puts the “lake” in “Lake”-side, it is the figurative centerpiece of the town – the reason for its being.

There are many things going on with the lake, including revitalization, redesign, and even redevelopment (to a degree). Lots of minds and organizations and people are making plans for the future of Lindo Lake. So what can you do, as an individual?

Senior Park Ranger David Collins has a few ideas and he’s sharing them with the community. David offers a public tour twice a month to highlight the things that can be and are being done to maintain Lindo Lake.

The modern lake survives totally on runoff and (two) wells. Back in the old days, flowing creeks and rainwater kept the lake filled, though in years of drought the water could virtually disappear. But dams and altered water flow have severed nature’s ability to maintain the lake, so storm water is now its major source. But this runoff brings with it trash and silt and causes erosion. The solution is twofold: fight gravity and filter the incoming flow.Top of Form

Fighting gravity means slowing the speed of the water as it enters the lake. Ranger Collins has initiated a number of simple ideas and most of them are fairly evident. You may have seen the new type of wattle being used. The green tubes are filled with mulch instead of the conventional straw, making them much more efficient and effective. And, after serving its purpose, the mulch can be used under trees and wherever else it might be needed. Other gravity fighting plans include terracing and planting bottlebrush bushes in rows along inclines. The roots and mulch around the plants will slow the runoff and keep unwanted soil and other things out of the lake, such as trash, animal feces, and leftover food.

The filtering part of the equation has begun as well. The south parking lot was raised and a new modular wetlands system installed. Street runoff has lots of organic and non-organic matter and the catch basin will improve the health of the lake by keeping it cleaner. Another similar project is over by the community center. The sidewalks were removed and an improved gutter system constructed to redirect water flow into a similar catch basin before it hits the lake just behind the Teen Center.

So how can you – the community – help Lindo Lake? Pickup your trash and other materials from park grounds – bottles and cans and paper do not help the lake. The surrounding neighborhoods can follow suit. Some pretty easy stuff.

A more controversial problem is feeding of wildlife, something that causes regular conflict between the public and the park rangers. Collins understands the joy and thrill of feeding animals, but there are inherent problems. The senior ranger suggests to avoid excess – throwing a dozen loaves of bread onto the shore is not helpful. Leftover food gets into the lake, which can result in algae, or into the rocks, which just sits and spoils. A pile of food on the shoreline diminishes the quality of the park. It’s not natural for ducks and geese in any case – they are foragers. When they come upon a pile of food, it can make them aggressive with each other, an issue that is exacerbated during mating season. It may also inhibit birds from their natural migrating patterns. And it takes time for the rangers to clean up.

If you’re going to feed the birds, be reasonable. Feed one at a time. The wildlife is not starving there (some of the fattest squirrels I’ve ever seen reside in the park).

Getting the message out is David’s goal. He’s visiting schools, offering tours, and talking to everyone who will listen. Some neat stuff is being planned here – trails on the shoreline, more trees and greenery, deepening of the lake (the depth is now only about three feet), and more. Let’s get into the habit of caring for our natural beauty. As a student at Lindo Park School recently told David after his presentation, if we don’t take care of the park, we won’t be “Lakeside” anymore – we’ll be “Field-side.”

Other news

If you’re a regular traveler on Winter Gardens Boulevard, you’ve more than likely noticed the two new signs announcing the coming of a traffic signal – the first such signals along the busy boulevard in many years. The new traffic controls will go up at Winter Gardens Drive.

A long time coming, the intersection was placed on the Traffic Signals Priority List back in 2012, but such a placement only meant County Staff could seek funding. That being accomplished, the final cost posted on the new signs is $645,000.

Recognized as a community connector between State Highway 67 and Interstate 8, Winter Gardens Boulevard was formerly known as Cajon Way – the way to El Cajon from Lakeside. There is actually a little piece of Cajon Way left, off of Pepper Drive.

While many community members hope the new signals will slow down cars, traffic engineers will tell you this is not what they are designed to do, though it may be a byproduct. Residents and parents driving their kids to Winter Gardens Elementary School will experience increased safety and accessibility once the lights go up. In the meantime, be aware and slow down during construction.

For your February calendar

Lakeside’s very own 103-year-old Edna Kouns will be featured on Ken Kramer’s About San Diego program on Thursday, Feb. 1, at 8:00 p.m. on KPBS!

The Lakeside Community Center is hosting an “It’s How We Live! Health Fair” for families on Feb. 3, from 9:00 a.m. to 12 noon. It’s free! (619) 443-9176 for info.

As mentioned earlier, join Senior Park Ranger David Collin for his Storm Water Walk at Lindo Lake on Feb. 5 or 26 at 10:00 a.m. (meet at the Kiosk by the Main Entrance). Also at the Park: Junior Rangers on Feb. 3 and the Butterfly Garden Experience every Sunday at 2:00 p.m. Call (619) 449-1666 for more information.

The Woman’s Club of Lakeside is hosting their annual Children’s Art Show at the VFW on Feb. 9 and 10. Students from all over Lakeside will be represented. It’s free and you will see some remarkable artwork.

Hike with the Executive Director of Lakeside’s River Park Conservancy, Robin Rierdan, on Feb. 16. Call the River Park to RSVP at (619) 443-4770.

The next “One Street at a Time” community cleanup is Feb. 17 from 8 to 10 a.m. Meet in the parking lot at 12421 Woodside Avenue. A great way to help our town!

On Feb. 24, learn about Kumeyaay Cosmology at the Barona Museum from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. It’s free, but space is limited. RSVP by Feb. 16 at (619) 443-7033, x219.