Is Morena Boulevard a “Stroad” or a “Reet”
Locals were surprised last year when “Historic 101 Route” signs appeared on Morena Boulevard. Few knew that from 1926 until 1933, Morena was a vital link in the north-south highway between San Diego and...
Clairemont’s Long Forgotten Little League Ballfields
Although Jim Bouton won 21 games for the 1963 New York Yankees, he is better known as the controversial author of the tell-all baseball classic, Ball Four. John Thorn, the official historian for Major League...
The Heart and Soul of Clairemont
By Bill Swank
When I began writing this column in 2014, my goal was to tap into the heart and soul of Clairemont.
I've lived here for almost 60 years and frequently heard that Clairemont had...
Kitty’s Zoo
In March 2016, while my wife and I were dining at Troy’s Family Restaurant in the Clairemont Square, an attractive and charismatic African-American woman was enthusiastically telling owner Pete Likomitros that she had just...
CLAIREMONT MOTHER CONFESSES, “THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS AN UNMARRIED BEAUTY.”
CLAIREMONT MOTHER CONFESSES, "THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS AN UNMARRIED BEAUTY."
When 23-year-old Frances Cloyd was crowned Mrs. America in 1949, she confessed, "There is no such thing as an unmarried beauty. It's probably...
The Butcher N Cheese: Home on the Range
It took 22 years for McDonald’s to turn a profit with vegan burgers in India.
Judging from initial reaction to the June 17th opening of The Butcher N Cheese, customers immediately fell in love with...
American Legion Baseball Returns to San Diego
American Legion Baseball has a rich tradition in San Diego. Local teams won the National American Legion Baseball Championship in 1938, 1941 and 1954 and were runners-up in 1940 and 1952. Now, after more...
Rays Nip Red Sox, 5-4, In Last Inning of Thrilling Clairemont Hilltoppers Championship Game
In 1939, the stated purpose of Little League Baseball was to teach “the ideals of sportsmanship, fair play and teamwork” to the boys of Williamsport, Pennsylvania. Little League is supposed to be fun, but...
First Kiss – A Valentine Story
Who can forget their first kiss? But, what if you never had a first kiss?
This is a true story. I know it's true, because it didn't happen to me.
In 1951, I was captain of...
100 Things Padre Fans Should Know
by Bill Swank
The 2016 Major League Baseball All-Star Game will be played next month at Petco Park.
Brown robes are traditionally worn by Franciscan Friars. When the 1969 San Diego Padres debuted in beige uniforms...