The 'Tree Drugger' award

A raspberry to Andrew Watkins, aka "Jru," the notorious Encinitas tree-sitter, for getting arrested on drug charges in that same city.

Jru became a local folk hero of sorts when he climbed up a Tipuana tipu tree in Encinitas's Orpheus Park for several days in late January and early February in an attempt to save it from the axe.

Given that he didn't live in Encinitas -- in fact, his permanent residence was always a bit elusive -- it was never clear exactly what Jru's attachment to the park, or the particular tree, was. That didn't keep him from taking on a role as the patron saint of doomed foliage.

Jru recently resurfaced in Encinitas. On the evening of April 13, he had a confrontation with sheriff's deputies at Moonlight Beach. In addition to being uncooperative and yelling profanities, he admitted to having smoked a large quantity of marijuana. Police believe that other drugs may have been involved.

We realize that people in Encinitas care about the environment, but maybe they should think twice before they make a hero of any ne'er-do-well who climbs up a tree.

The 'Dog Gone Shame' award

A raspberry to Gabriel Miguel Moreno, the San Juan Capistrano man arrested for beating his dog at the Del Mar Horse Park after the animal ate his lunch.

Moreno was arrested last week at the County Animal Shelter in Carlsbad after he showed up at the facility in an attempt to reclaim the dog. At that time he admitted to beating his Australian Cattle dog with a branch.

The animal is recovering from a laceration to its left eye but should be available for adoption soon.

The 'Service Above Self' award

A rose to North County Rotarians for participating in the club's annual Work Day.

Two Saturdays ago, Rotary Clubs throughout San Diego and Imperial counties devoted the day to working on 84 projects, providing more than 2,200 volunteers. The work included cleaning up schoolyards and doing deferred maintenance for nonprofit organizations. North County Rotary clubs were involved in 37 of those projects, with about 950 members volunteering.

Rotarians at Work Day has grown dramatically since its inception in 2006.

Worldwide, more than 12,000 members committed to demonstrate their dedication to the organization's motto: Service Above Self.

Additional information:

 Tree-sitter arrested on drug charges

DEL MAR: Man arrested after beating dog

 ESCONDIDO: Rotarians will get hands dirty on annual service day