SUNDAY NOVEMBER 24, 2019 sandiegouniontribune.com

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SUNDAY SECRETARY UNWRAP IDEAS OF NAVY: TRUMP’S FORGREAT GIFTS TWEET NOT INSIDE: The Union-Tribune presents its annual AN ORDER Holiday Gift Guide, 28 pages of ideas for unique Spencer, SEAL leader gift-giving, seasonal activities and more. said to be challenging intervention in reviews

U-T NEWS SERVICES

Navy Secretary Richard Spencer said Saturday that he would comply with any order by President Donald Trump regard- ing the case of a Navy SEAL whose continuance in the elite unit is be- ing reviewed by the service after a controversial murder charge. However, at the Halifax Inter- national Security Forum in Nova Scotia, Canada, where he is a key- note speaker, Spencer said he doesn’t consider a tweet by Trump an order and would need a formal order to stop a review of Chief Petty Officer Edward Gallagher, who faces the loss of his status as a Navy SEAL. “I need a formal order to act,” Spencer said, and referred to the tweet posted Thursday by Trump. “I don’t interpret (tweets) as a for- mal order.” The statement came as Spencer denied a New York Times report Saturday that he and Rear Adm. Collin Green had threatened to resign or be fired if Trump inter- SEE NAVY • A7

CRIMINAL

JOHN GIBBINS U-T PHOTOS JUSTICE The weighing of marlin is a momentous occasion each day of the Bisbee’s Black and Blue marlin tournament in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, because the difference of a few pounds can turn a potential $1 million catch into one worth several thousand dollars. REFORMS IN DEPTH SLOW TO Fishing for a big payday TAKE HOLD Some prosecutors, Hundreds converge in keting ploy and sun-soaked tax judges oppose two deduction hatched by the late Bob Cabo to chase marlin Bisbee, who owned a fuel dock and major bills in particular tackle store in Newport Beach. and the potential of The unique undertaking grew into BY GREG MORAN abait-chasing behemoth, luring million-dollar catches anglers such as television’s Dr. For more than half a decade the Phil, the late actor Jan-Michael state Legislature has churned out BY BRYCE MILLER Vincent, mixed martial artist Tito scores of bills and new initiatives Ortiz and four-time Indianapolis aimed at disassembling a vast CABO SAN LUCAS, Mexico 500 winner Rick Mears to join in- criminal justice system built over s the crew of the Stella ternational teams sprinkled from nearly 40 years on tough-on-crime June dug into plates of Israel to South Africa. laws that increased punishments Asian fusion at the For three days each October, it and swelled state prison popula- Chubby Noodle on transforms into Las Vegas on wa- tions. A The blizzard of new laws has sleepy Paseo del la ter — boasting a record $4,591,950 Marina, captain Evan Salvay ran in prize money this year, dangled put the state at the leading edge of fingers through hair shaped by a at the end of fishing lines extend- the national criminal justice re- day’s worth of salt water, wind, ing from 126 boats. form movement that aims at re- broiling sun and spiking anxiety. One year, a vessel caught fire versing mass incarceration poli- The 27-year-old had ridden Stella June Captain Evan Salvay (left) and Seth Dubois react and sank just a mile into the three- cies by reducing prison sentences, both sides of the exhilarating and as their 466-pound black marlin is weighed. day tournament. Another year, opting for rehabilitation over puni- sometimes cruel waves at the Bis- participants refused to abandon shment, and mandating new ap- bee’s Black and Blue marlin tour- pounds as the paycheck plum- the dock. The estimated payout the beachside awards dinner proaches to policing and prose- nament, the richest sportfishing meted … to $7,020. for the day’s biggest catch ebbed when a storm tide rushed in, con- cution. chase on the planet. A year ago, a In this year’s tournament, the around $1.23 million. tinuing to drink at tables with legs Yet since the start of the re- fish the part-time Point Loma and Stella June caught a 466-pound The glazed ribs? The salt and submerged. There was a down- forms in 2011, when the Legislature Huntington Beach resident black marlin that held up as the pepper shrimp? The thought of town bar crawl on local firetrucks passed a law known as public safe- landed translated to just over $3 day’s best for hours on end. Two food nauseated Salvay. as organizers flung beads Mardi ty realignment that reconfigured million. Two years ago, a potential and a half blocks away, the only re- “I can’t eat, dude,” he said. Gras-style. Last year, a Louisiana the state penal system and kept $1 million catch was edged by 14 maining fish to weigh was nearing The Bisbee’s began as a mar- SEE IN DEPTH • A16 SEE REFORMS • A8

BIKE LANE CREATION ON A PEDESTRIAN PACE Ambitious program for the region is $79 million over budget and a year behind schedule

BY JOSHUA EMERSON SMITH

Ayear behind schedule and millions of dol- lars over budget, an ambitious plan by regional officials to build a sophisticated network of bi- cycle lanes and pedestrian crossings has proven more complicated than first anticipated. Obstacles include everything from neigh- borhood outrage at the loss of parking spaces to the technical challenges of overhauling streets designed primarily for cars. The San Diego Association of Governments —the agency undertaking the now-$279 million project — has found itself in the crosshairs of frustrated groups on all sides of the issue, from business associations to homeowners to sup- porters of cycling. The issue has become so contentious that a number of prominent bicycle advocates refused to go on record for this story, citing the fear of DENIS POROY reprisal by neighborhood groups. Several A construction crew builds the Rose Canyon Bikeway along elected officials also declined requests for Santa Fe Street, adjacent to Interstate 5. That portion of the SEE BIKING • A15 $279 million infrastructure project has proceeded smoothly.

TRAVELU-T INDEX OAKLAND BY RAIL Books E7 Te levision E8 In Local: In U-T Offers: Lottery A2 Weather A18 Editorials Crossword An Amtrak trip, with a stop in Santa Barbara, lived up to tourists’ great expectations. E9 Movies A24 Wheels D15 Obituaries Dear Abby 22 THE SAN DIEGO UNION-TRIBUNE SUNDAY • NOVEMBER 24, 2019 HOLIDAY EVENTS and menorah lightings

hristmas is about a month away. We’re busily Square, 13490 Pacific Highlands making shopping lists and checking them Ranch Parkway. Highlights include live SeaWorld music, free photos with Santa, train Ctwice, planning holiday dinners for friends San Diego’s rides and holiday treats. phrvillage- .com and family or spending a day at a nearby tree lot or tree lighting. Vista: Vista Village welcomes visitors farm picking out that perfect . But to WinterFest from 2 to 7 p.m. Dec. 8 there’s one thing we can all share together: annual at Vista Village Complex, 25 Main St. Activities include live entertainment community tree lighting ceremonies. Some are also and music, roaming mariachis, holiday movies, ugly sweater contest, home- hosting menorah lightings to mark the eight-day made competition, a holiday Jewish holiday of Hanukkah. Here is a list of some marketplace, visits with Santa and a tree lighting ceremony. bit.ly/32Z5eBh of the major neighborhood gatherings — organized Poway: A community tree lighting by region and then by date. They are free and open kicks off Christmas in the Park at 5:15 p.m. Dec. 14 at Old Poway Park, 14134 to the public. Midland Road. Carolers, live music, horse-drawn hay and pony rides, visits Central San Diego Norfolk Pine tree for the lighting of the with Santa and other activities will be tree at 6:15 p.m. Nov. 29 at Liberty held from 3:30 to 8:30 p.m. (858) SeaWorld San Diego: Guests of the Station, North Promenade, 2848 668-4576. poway.org marine park can gather at Rudolph’s Dewey Road, San Diego. From 4 to 9 Christmastown at 5 p.m. through Jan. p.m., there will be live entertainment, North Coastal 5 for the lighting of the park’s Happiest festive firetruck rides, free pictures Christmas Tree. Rudolph (and his shiny with Santa, food vendors, a screening Carlsbad: The 17th annual “The nose) and friends lead a sing-along of “How the Stole Christmas,” Lighting of the Forum” will be held ceremony, illuminating the 40-foot, and ice skating at Rady Children’s Ice from 6 to 9 p.m. Nov. 30 at The Forum animated tree, which dances and Rink in Central Promenade will be Carlsbad, 1923 Calle Barcelona. A twinkles to classic songs from the open all evening. libertystation.com holiday tree lighting ushers in the nostalgic “Rudolph the Red-Nosed season just after Santa’s arrival at Reindeer” TV special. In addition to the Christmas on the Prado: The sixth 7:20 p.m., followed by a light show tree lighting, SeaWorld’s Christmas annual family-oriented and charity toy and magical snowfall. Free refresh- Celebration also features Santa’s drive (not affiliated with Balboa Park’s ments, prize drawings and musical Christmas Village, “Clyde & Seamore’s December Nights) will be held from 1 performances are part of the event. Christmas Special” sea lion and otter to 8 p.m. Nov. 30, with a Christmas (760) 479-0166. eventsforumcarlsbad- show and more. The Christmas Cele- tree lighting at Spreckels Organ .com Pavilion, 2125 Pan American Road E., bration festivities, including the tree Carlsbad: Omni La Costa Resort & lighting, are included with park admis- San Diego, and from noon to 4 p.m. at the International Cottages’ Music Spa, 2100 Costa Del Mar Road, sion. 500 SeaWorld Drive, San Diego. welcomes the holiday season with (619) 222-4732. seaworldsandiego.com Stage, 2191 Pan American Road W., San Diego. Bring an unwrapped toy for Carols of Carlsbad and Tree Lighting Bankers Hill: The 22nd annual Holiday the Toys for To ts Toy Drive. christma- Dec. 7. Festivities run from 3 to 8 p.m. Lighting Display at The Forward House sontheprado.com and include a holiday market, live (Bankers Hill mansion built in 1905 for performance, cookie decorating, hot San Diego Mayor John Forward Sr.) Pacific Beach: Christmas on Crystal chocolate and cider, and a visit from begins at 5 p.m. Thanksgiving Day. Pier takes place from 2 to 5 p.m. Dec. skydiving Santa (weather permitting). Santa will be making a pre-Christmas 7 with Santa and Mrs. Claus, followed (760) 438-9111. by the lighting of the pier tree at stop in his sleigh on Dec. 7 from 5:30 Encinitas: San Diego Botanic Garden to 8:30 p.m., and all visitors will sunset. Pictures are $10, or $5 with a donation of school supplies. paci- will illuminate 37 acres of flora, receive a . Walk or drive by including pine trees, pony tail palms from 5 to 10 p.m. nightly through New ficbeach.org/event/pacific-beach- christmas and aloes, dragon trees and bamboo, Year’s Eve. 108 Ivy St., five blocks west with more than 125,000 sparkling of Balboa Park and three blocks south Ocean Beach: The Ocean Beach Town lights during its Botanic Wonderland of Laurel Street. (619) 533-7900. Council hosts its 39th annual Ocean Holiday Nights in the Garden. There’s AmericanSecurityMortgage.net Beach Holiday Parade on Dec. 7. It nightly entertainment, visits with La Jolla: La Valencia Hotel’s annual kicks off at 5:05 p.m. down Newport Santa, holiday crafts, twinkling light Tree Lighting and Holiday Party will be Avenue and includes the lighting of the tunnel, dazzling 10-foot poinsettia held Dec. 5 in the La Sala Lounge with Christmas tree. obtowncouncil.org tower, a musical light show and a Kids warm holiday beverages, homemade South Park: The Holiday Walkabout & Fun Zone with nightly “snowfall.” cookies, classic carols and children’s Tree Lighting will take place all in the There’s a food truck court, a beer, wine crafts. 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., with tree same day starting at 5:30 p.m. Dec. 7 and garden, hot choco- lighting countdown at 6:30 p.m. 1132 at Grape Street Square, San Diego. Live late, coffee and more. Visitors can Prospect St. (858) 424-0771. entertainment, complimentary treats stop by from 5 to 8:30 p.m. Dec. 3-8, 10-15,17-23 and 26-30 at 230 Quail Point Loma: Gather around the 88-foot and special offers. southparksd.com Gardens Drive, Encinitas. sdbgarde- n.org COURTESY SEAWORLD SAN DIEGO Encinitas: Santa will light the Christ- Hillcrest: Mama’s Kitchen and Village mas tree lighting in Center Court at 4 host its annual lighting of the Christ- mas tree at 5 p.m. Dec. 7 at the Hillcrest host its annual Tree of Life p.m. Nov. 29. Families can visit and mas tree at 4 p.m. Dec. 15 at 5178 Lumberyard courtyard (near Star- Tree Lighting Ceremony at 6 p.m. Dec. take a photo with St. Nick at Santa’s Japatul Spur. Enjoy some hot chocolate bucks), 937 S. Coast Highway 101, 1 at 3965 Fifth Ave., San Diego. The Hut from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Nov. 29-Dec. and cookies, and visit with the animals followed by a holiday parade at 5:30 event includes a candlelight vigil and 23. 5500 Grossmont Center Drive, La all dressed in their finest coats and p.m. along the 101. (760) 633-2760. singing and sharing. (619) 233-6262. Mesa. grossmontcenter.com ready to celebrate the holiday season. bit.ly/2pUMepa mamaskitchen.org El Cajon: The annual Holiday Lights on Included with admission price. Reser- Carlsbad: The Leo Carrillo Ranch Little Italy: At 6:30 p.m. Dec. 7, gather Main Street will be held from 1 to 7 vations: (619) 320-4942. childrensna- Historic Park, 6200 Flying Leo Carrillo around as the now permanent, p.m. Nov. 30 at Prescott Promenade. A tureretreat.org Lane, will host Holiday at the Rancho, more-than-25-foot-tall live tree lights special tree lighting ceremony takes an evening of festivities, from 5 to 8 up the Piazza della Famiglia on West place at 6 p.m. at the corner of Main p.m. Dec. 7. Activities include crafts, Date and India streets. Nearby, in the Street and Magnolia Avenue. There’s a South Bay snowball fight, entertainment, a Piazza Basilone, a brand new 25-foot Santa Village with ice skating, carnival holiday movie, and a tree lighting at tall Christmas tree designed by Bonita: The Bonita Museum and 5:45 p.m. on the sand near the pool. rides, vendors, holiday music, food and Cultural Center presents its annual Tree California artist Joshua Hubert will . downtownelcajon.com Food, beverages and souvenir photos dazzle like a disco ball with all differ- Lighting festivities from 5 to 7 p.m. are available for an additional cost. Julian: The mountain community’s ent colors all night long. A Christmas Dec. 14 at 4355 Bonita Road. (619) Tickets are available for presale or annual Country Christmas Tree Lighting Village will be open from 4 to 8 p.m. 267-5141. Activities include crafts, onsite. For more information, call kicks off the season at 5:30 p.m. Nov. littleitalysd.com cookie decorating, cider, music and (760) 602-7519. 30 at Pioneer Park, 2811 Washington Santa Claus. bonitahistoricalsociety.org Coronado: Celebrate 131 years of a St. (760) 765-1857. visitjulian.com Cardiff-by-the-Sea: Cardiff 101 Main holiday legend as the Hotel del National City: The 12th annual A Street will host Kringle Mingle from 1 Coronado lights the menorah to Lakeside: The 21st annual Spirit of Kimball Holiday will be held from 3 to to 5 p.m. Dec. 1 at the North Court- celebrate the eight nights of Hanukkah Christmas celebration includes a 9 p.m. Dec. 14 at Kimball Park, E. 12th yard of Cardiff Town Center. The event from Dec. 22 to Dec. 29 in the lobby tree-lighting ceremony at 5 p.m. Dec. 7 St., National City. Winter activities features a children’s craft pavilion, at 1500 Orange Ave. Celebrate on Maine Avenue. Activities take place include ice skating and sledding, train photos with Santa in his vintage Hanukkah on Dec. 26 at “Chanukah on from 3:30 to 8:30 p.m. and include rides, food trucks, entertainment, a Camera Camper Sleigh, live music, Ice” at Skating by the Sea, with a local area school performances, food, Ferris wheel and a tree lighting. (619) holiday treats, including acai bites, hot HAYNE PALMOUR IV U-T FILE special skating session, menorah kids’ activities, craft booths and photos 336-4290. bit.ly/330dsJL chocolate and hot coffee. Drink up for The Spreckels Organ Pavilion at Balboa Park during lighting and Hanukkah treats, hosted with Santa. bit.ly/2Pi1dEe a cause at the Lost Abbey Confes- December Nights. by the Chabad of Coronado. Ramona: The 27th annual Christmas North Inland sional, a happy hour fundraiser to hoteldel.com/events/c hanukah Tree Lighting happens at 6 p.m. Dec. 7 benefit the Cardiff community. The in front of the Guy B. Woodward Fallbrook: Along with the annual event concludes with the tree lighting Point Loma: Liberty Station will host a ceremony at 5 p.m. cardiff101.com Hanukkah Celebration and Menorah Museum, 645 Main St. Family-friendly Holiday Tree Lighting, there’s music, Lighting from 5 to 9 p.m. Dec. 22. events such as sleigh rides, a classic face painting, games, food, balloon Del Mar: Hosted by Del Mar Village, very own Check the website for details. car display, carolers, visits with Santa artists and more. 5 to 7:30 p.m. Dec. 6 the Santa by the Sea holiday festivities iego’s bit.ly/34egUk1 and a “Find the Elf” contest will be at the Fallbrook Community Center, 341 start at 3 p.m. Dec. 8 on the north- an D held from 5 to 8 p.m. ramonachamber- Heald Lane. (760) 728-1671. fallbrook- west corner of Camino Del Mar and S Coronado: The 44th annual Holiday .com communitycenterfriends.org 15th Street, followed by a 5 p.m. tree Parade and Open House kicks off the lighting. Festivities include holiday season with the Christmas Parade Alpine: The Alpine Mountain Empire San Marcos: The annual Tree Lighting Chamber of Commerce hosts the and Vendor Market takes place from 1 treats and refreshments, crafts, along Orange Avenue at 6 p.m. Dec. 6, including designing your own Rad followed by the Christmas tree lighting annual tree lighting from 6 to 7:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Dec. 7 at the San Marcos e Nov. 30 at the Historic Town Hall, 2156 Civic Center, 3 Civic Center Drive. The Hatter holiday hats, live music, photos slamp,w and Santa’s arrival at Rotary Plaza, with Santa and Mrs. Claus and letters the Ga 1100 Orange Ave. coronadochamber- Alpine Blvd, Alpine. The 24th annual event includes free festive crafts and of ight to Santa workshop. bit.ly/2jjiZJa In the heart inable -e .com Village Christmas Parade of Lights and activities, as well as vendors selling ng imag Snow Festival kicks off Dec. 6 with a their wares and snacks. Entertainment Solana Beach: The city’s annual erythi Balboa Park: The tree at the Organ have ev all under parade at 6:30 p.m. at Alpine Boule- will be featured in the courtyard. Santa Holiday Tree Lighting starts at 4:30 ... Pavilion will be lit around 6:15 p.m. chandise vard, from West Victoria Drive and will light the San Marcos tree at 5:35 p.m. Dec. 8 at Fletcher Cove Park, 111 of mer Dec. 6 during December Nights’ floors Tavern Road, ending at the Alpine p.m. bit.ly/2PipfPs S. Sierra Ave. Live music, cookies, opening ceremony. sandiego.gov/ of. Creek Town Center, 1347 Tavern Road, cider and a visit from Santa Claus at one ro december-nights Escondido: The annual Winter Wonder- where the celebration continues with land Festival at the California Center 5:20 p.m. (858) 720-2453. ones Coronado: Naval Base Coronado snow sledding, kids’ activities and for the Arts, Escondido, will be from 3 bit.ly/2CUc95I Gemst presents a Holiday Concert & Tree vendors. visitalpine.org/special-events to 8 p.m. Dec. 7 at 340 N. Escondido Oceanside: The annual Holiday Tree iamonds, Lighting Dec. 8 at North Island Naval •D Lemon Grove: Mayor Racquel Vasquez Blvd. There will be carolers, children’s Lighting takes place at 6 p.m. Dec. 5 Air Station, Lowry Theater, 650 McCain earls will light the Community Bonfire at 6 crafts, holiday-themed entertainers, live at Regal Cinema Plaza, 401 Mission &P Blvd. The concert starts at 7 p.m., p.m. Dec. 6 at Civic Center Park, 3200 reindeer and Santa. At dusk, the Lyric Ave. Visitors will enjoy holiday music followed by the tree lighting at 8:15 rItems Main St. Event attractions will be at the Court will be illuminated with thou- and carolers, family-friendly entertain- &Silve p.m. A Christkindlmarket will be open •Gold park from 4 to 8 p.m., including live sands of twinkling lights to usher in the ment and games, horse-and-carriage from 3 to 7 p.m. (619) 437-3190. music, food trucks, vendors, a Kids holiday season. (800) 988-4253. rides, amusement rides, zip lines, & sandiego.navylifesw.com •Watches Zone, spaghetti-eating contest and ugly artcenter.org bounce houses, free cookies and milk hRepair East County sweater contest, hot chocolate and Carmel Valley: The Village at Pacific for the kids and free holiday arts and Watc cookies. (619) 825-3815. lem- Highlands Ranch hosts a tree lighting crafts projects from 5 to 8:30 p.m. ongrove.ca.gov bit.ly/32SpkNM esigns La Mesa: Grossmont Center will Light ceremony and holiday festivities from 5 •CustomD Up the Holidays with a giant Christ- Alpine: Children’s Nature Retreat will to 7:30 p.m. Nov. 30 in the Village CAROLINA GUSMAN • U-T &Sizing

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