(Mission Times Courier, San Diego, CA) - The most intelligent, talented, good-looking, friendly and creative people go to Lake Murray.  It's true. The people we meet at the lake pique our curiosity. We wonder about their lives, past and present.  There are engineers like Ed Blank, attorney's like Mike Witte, judges like Jay Bloom, singer-songwriters like Peter Bolland, psychologists like John Clapp, artists like Mary Goodbody, police, fire fighters, nurses, doctors and a boatload (I know) of teachers like Jackie Talbert.

Fred Gregory is a bike rider and acknowledges us as he goes by.  With an extended hand or a friendly comment, he glides around slower traffic.  Once he stopped by the fence at the end of the trail where I turn around and I questioned him, as I like to do.  He said he was a painter.  I asked if he paints houses and he said, "yes." I forgot to say that people that go to the lake have a great sense of humor. Fred didn't really fib.  He really does paint houses and much more. With a degree in architecture, his talent comes out in the form of an Italian bridge, a lighthouse, other structures and… houses.

Fred grew up in California's Central Valley and always liked to draw.  He got a degree in architecture from Cal Poly. After graduation, he decided to take some time off.  He and five other guys sailed from California to Tahiti in a 36' sailboat. Fred stayed in Tahiti for a year, working for Club Med. He came back to the mainland and went to work as a structural architect in Berkley, California. He decided it wasn't the right place for him.

Fred then went to work for the U.S. Forest Service for 17 years.  As a civil engineer, he built bridges and other construction projects.  He made roads and trails all over the northwest.  He worked on the Pacific Crest Trail from Mexico to Orange County. Working in rural areas afforded him opportunities to enjoy chance meetings with all kinds of creatures and habitat. His passion for working on Plein Air paintings may reflect his past in the outdoors.

Fred moved to our area in 1985. He says that he loves Lake Murray where he has roller bladed, walked and now rides his bike. One reason Fred might have affection for the lake is that he got engaged at Lake Murray. He and his wife Linda own Avalar, a real estate and loan company on the corner of Cowles Mountain and Lake Murray Blvd.  His office is a showplace for his artwork. Linda thinks that Fred is selfish for not making an effort to share his talent with others. She says that with love. He says she is a national treasure.

Fred's mediums are acrylics, pen and ink illustrations, and watercolors. He is also a photographer. Sailing for 40 years is responsible for a couple of sailboat racing pictures, some watercolors of the ocean and maybe memories of Tahiti? The Gregory's travels to Italy and Alaska inspired his interpretations of those places. His emotions are reflected in all of his work, especially his pieces that depict skies, sunrises and sunsets. Please check out www.fredgregoryart.com.

When you see Ruben Nava at the lake please congratulate him on his promotion to Assistant Reservoir Keeper.  Ruben has worked at Lake Murray for 17 years.  He started as a lake aide and keeps getting promoted.  He is a hard worker. He cares about the animals that live there and the people that go there.  Reservoir Keeper Gayle Havens and lake staff are very happy with Ruben's advancement and so are we.  Way to go Ruben!

Calls came from Stephen Bobrow and a man named Mike to complain about the speed of the bikers and the problem that they cause. Evidently, when the lake road becomes congested, patience is lost. These two men spoke of bikers spitting on people and calling them foul names.  I don't see any of that because I run in the morning when lake traffic is light. The mix of different activities, walking, jogging, and biking are an inherent problem when the lake road is so populated. It is a problem that has been around for a long time. Everyone needs to stay on the right side and pass on the left.

Mike and Stephen's point is that the speed limit is 10 miles per hour and it should be adhered to. I countered back that the walkers and runners aren't blameless. When they take up the whole road, or when pedestrian's dogs are on long leashes that make it impossible for bikers to get around, or someone turns in front of them without looking to see if anyone is behind them, a tragedy could occur and do. Both Mike and Stephen would like some police presence to keep these people under control. That can't happen. Police need to catch robbers and killers. It is important for all patrons to enjoy the lake experience. Each person needs to be vigilant. Bikers need to call out when they pass on the left, slow down and everyone needs to chill.

Annie Calabaugh planned and developed the "Golden Trail" as a scout project when she was younger.  Annie asked biologist Bill Howell to identify plants on the small pathway and signs were made. Now grown and away at college the trail hasn't had the care that it needs. Mom Sandi rounded up a few people and worked to bring the Golden Trail back to its original state. Next time Sandi needs to clear the path and paint signs, I hope that we can get a work crew together to help her and her friends. The Golden Trail is at the ball field entrance to the lake. It is on the left hand side of the road as you pass through the gate. It's a nice little trail.

Dr. Nigella Hillgarth is the executive director of Scripps Birch Aquarium.  She spoke to the Friends last year about climate change.  Nigella was born in Tipperary, Ireland, got a Masters degree in zoology and doctoral degree in animal behavior from Oxford University in England.  She has studied hormone and behavior in birds at the University of Washington.

Nigella was the Executive Director of the Tracy Aviary before coming to the Birch Aquarium.  The Tracy Aviary is the nation's largest bird park, in Salt Lake City. We asked her to come back to speak to us about birds.  We were impressed with Nigella's intelligence and warm personality. She will speak to us on March 19, 2009 at 5:00pm at St. Dunstan's Episcopal Church.  St. Dunstan’s is located on the corner of Park Ridge Blvd. and Wandermere Drive.

Students who need community service hours are always welcome to the Friends of Lake Murray's fishing line and trash pickups on the second Saturday of each month.  We meet at 8:00am at the boat dock.  For more information on this or our meetings, call Barbara at: (619) 463-9706.