WANT TO SEE A SUCCESSFUL COMMUNTY ONLINE DIGITAL JOURNALISM SOURCE? FOLLOW THE STATS FEB. 15 TO FEB. 21, 2012...

YOU REALIZE THE PATCH, NORTH COUNTY TIMES, RANCHO SANTA FE REVIEW, COAST NEWS WON'T TELL YOU HOW MANY PEOPLE COME TO THEIR SITE DAILY. THEY WON'T TELL YOU BECAUSE - IN TRUTH - THE NUMBERS ARE SO TINY AS TO BE EMBARRASSINGLY IRRELEVANT TO TODAY'S COMMUNITY NEWS MEDIA.

WE'RE THE REAL DEAL AND SHOWING YOU THE GOOGLE ANALYTICS FOR THE LAST WEEK. IF YOU'RE A SITE VISITOR: THANK YOU AND FEEL FREE TO PATRONIZE OUR ADVERTISERS. IF YOU'RE A LOSING COMPETITOR: TOUGH LUCK. IF YOU WANT TO GET THE WORD OUT: WE'RE HERE FOR YOU. CALL!

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON HOW TO ADVERTISE ON THIS SITE OR PARTNER WITH US, EMAIL AT 92067FREEPRESS@GMAIL.COM.

STATS FEB. 15 TO FEB. 21, 2012:

Ah-Ha Rancho Santa Fe News

www.AhHaRSFNews.com

ABOUT US:

-  Born out of a desire to bring daily journalism coverage to Rancho Santa Fe, and surrounding communities, Ah-Ha Rancho Santa Fe News was launched in June 2010.

-  Ah-Ha RSF News is one of the top community journalism sites in the nation and is the top in per capita page views.

- Founder, Dan Weisman, is a fellow at Knight Digital Media Center, University of Southern California, Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism, where he, and leading online experts, fine-tuned the groundbreaking Ah-Ha RSF News model.

• The communities in our coverage area are highly sought after by advertisers because of their appealing age and income demographics. The majority of our readers are college educated, professionals and have a greater amount of disposable income than other areas reached by the big dailies.  

BENEFITS OF ONLINE ADVERTISING

-  Online advertising is one step ahead over others, as more people are going online for their news than ever before.

-  The primary benefit of online advertising over offline is that online advertising offers maximum exposure for a minimal cost.  Everyone who visits Ah-Ha RSF News will see your ad, including local, regional, national, and global.  This is an exceptional advantage to many businesses.

-  Online advertising has no time limitations and is viewed day and night throughout the globe. 

-  Online advertising is much more cost-effective, is targeted to your audience, and has much higher viewership than advertising in a regional newspaper.

-  As more people rely on computers there is a change in trend, shifting from print to online news.  It is an “immediate medium”.

-  By using Google Analytics, we are able to keep an eye on the performance of advertising campaign by how many page views we receive, and how many “clicks” your specific ad gets.  This is impossible in other types of media. This data enables you to modify your campaign to achieve maximum effectiveness thus targeting potential customers.

Ah-Ha Rancho Santa Fe News Visits The Cradle of Mardi Gras...

Enjoy

Bilbray-Saldana (Peters, Stahl) square off in first debate for new 52nd. Cong. Dist.(spans La Jolla to Rancho Bernardo)

The newly redrawn 52nd Congressional District offers candidates a challenge: its voters are neither predominantly registered Republicans nor Democrats.

The four main candidates in the 52nd Congressional District race talked gas prices, illegal immigration, small business and bailouts during a debate at the Country Club of Rancho Bernardo on Tuesday.

The lunchtime crowd at the Country Club of Rancho Bernardo provided a welcome setting for Rep. Brian Bilbray (R-Carlsbad), who is competing against Democrats Scott Peters, a port commissioner and former president of the San Diego City Council, and Lori Saldaña, a former state assemblywoman and educator.

The debate, hosted by the Conservative Order of Good Government, brought together three challengers—Peters, Saldaña and John Stahl—and the incumbent, Bilbray, who is fighting to retain a seat after redistricting shifted him out of his current District 50.

The new 52nd covers several communities. In addition to Rancho Bernardo and nearby Poway, it reaches west to include La Jolla and Coronado.

Bilbray was at the center of several barbs against Washington, with all of the challengers arguing it is time for someone different to head to the nation's capital.

Bilbray, who first ran for Congress in 1995, has been in and out of the House for more than a decade. He lost his seat to Democrat Susan Davis after redistricting in 2000.

But in 2006 he won the 50th congressional seat after Randy Cunningham resigned, and he has represented it ever since.

"We need a new approach in Washington," said Democratic candidate Scott Peters, a former city councilman who represents San Diego on the Board of Port Commissioners. "Let's get the right person and stop worrying so much about the party."

The candidates answered a series of questions on a variety of topics, with one-minute each to respond. A couple of questions were targeted for specific candidates, with one providing Peters the chance to respond to Bilbray's characterization of him as the "father of San Diego's pension mess."

Peters, who admitted he made mistakes as a councilman, said the pension problems didn't begin with him but rather in the 1980s. Since then, he has worked to end pension underfunding and make city employees pay more for their benefits, he said.

Saldaña, a former Democratic state assemblywoman, focused on education and green energy during the debate, arguing that investing in education and reducing costs for small businesses by better energy efficiency are the keys to protecting the American Dream and turning the economy around.

Stahl, a Republican who served in the U.S. Navy and worked in the semiconductor industry, said he will work to balance the federal budget within the next three to five years and reduce the nation's dependency on foreign oil by the end of the decade.

"I have lived the American Dream and I'm not going to watch it die," Stahl said.

On illegal immigration, the candidates agreed that something must be done.

"If we do not have the rule of law in this country, we have nothing," said Stahl, who said benefits should not be provided to people who are not citizens.

Bilbray said while many focus on border security in illegal immigration talks, it is not the problem; it's just a symptom of the real problem which is people hiring illegal immigrants and the government providing benefits for them. 

Peters said the U.S. needs to be "tough, fair and practical" with its illegal immigration and border policies, making legal crossings more efficient and looking at the income disparity between this country and Mexico which entices people to come here.

Saldaña said there needs to be an improved path to citizenship, with deportation for those who break the law, as a way to bring in the high-tech expertise this country does not have because of a subpar education system.

On gas prices, which recently climbed above an average of $4 per gallon locally, Peters said anyone who claims an ability to lower prices quickly isn't being honest. It's going to take a while, he said, so the focus should be on developing an alternative energy plan and creating incentives for conservation.

To raucous applause, Bilbray said the government needs to permit a pipeline between Canada and the U.S. to bring in oil, a nod to the stalled Keystone Pipeline project recently delayed by President Barack Obama.

As for the 2008 bailout of the financial industry, Bilbray proudly said he did not vote for it because of the financial burden it would place on his grandchildren.

While Saldaña argued that she didn't like the rushed process to create the bailout plan, most of the money has been paid back, she said.

"The process was flawed, but the outcome remains to be seen," she said.

Peters said he was surprised no one has gone to jail in connection with the fiscal crisis, and the government needs to regulate banks in a new way.

"No more bailouts," Peters said.

Stahl, who said he would not have voted for the bailout, said it wasn't right that banks made bad bets but still got their money back.

Machel Penn Shull of 'Machel's Ranch' TAKES CHARGE AT MILLE FLEURS Mardi Gras 2012...

 Think its easy organizing social events? Check out Machel Penn Shull, of Machel's Ranch Social Column, taking charge of the photo opp at Mille Fleurs on Mardi Gras Day for an upcoming column. Identify the ladies in the photo for bonus points. Or check them out next month at Machel's Ranch. 

And then there's the observer from fringe unit...

 MEANWHILE, BACK AT THE ABBEY...

Adios...

Occupy This: Eight Protestors Marching From Del Mar, Calif. to Delmar, Del. or thereabouts...

#OccupyWalk

The Occupy Walk is a National March starting at San Diego, California February 11th, walking across the United States taking a southern route to bypass winter in the first months of the walk. They plan on meeting up with people from other Occupations, groups who plan their own route to meet up with the national march, and anyone in any town that wants to walk for the cause. This walk will help promote the Occupy cause by drawing attention to the injustices that were first presented by the Occupy Wall Street Movement in 2011. Roll tide...

The group was scheduled to spend Monday night at a home in Leucadia and Tuesday night in Oceanside. They had hopes of reaching the Temecula area by sometime Wednesday night.

Members of the Occupy movement have launched a coast-to-coast walk that will bring them through North County and Southwest Riverside County, it was reported today.

A group of eight walkers ---- some from Occupy San Diego and some from Los Angeles ---- left Sunday from San Diego, and by noon Monday had reached Del Mar, publicist Nan DiGiovanni said.

They plan to walk to Washington, D.C., staying with host families along the way, DiGiovanni said. She did not have an estimated time for when they are expected to arrive at their destination, but said walkers are inviting people to join them along the way.

Beyond arranged stays the first few nights, the walkers are looking for backyards to camp in, DiGiovanni said.

People wishing to host them can submit information to the group's website at  http://occupywalk.org/.

The Occupy movement began with protests against corporate greed and quickly spread across the nation. Occupy events have been held regionally, including ones in Encinitas and Oceanside.

San Diego gas prices HIT NEW LOWS while reaching new seasonal HIGH, HIGHER, HIGHEST PRICES...

(EDITOR'S NOTE; WE HAVE ADDED A LOWEST GAS PRICE WIDGET TO THE MARGIN TO HELP IN THE QUEST FOR CHEAPER GAS.)

The average price of a gallon of self-serve regular gasoline in San Diego County rose today to its highest amount since May 24, increasing 1.2 cents to $4.071.

The average price has risen for 26 consecutive days and is 20.3 cents more than one week ago, 34.2 cents higher than a month ago and 50.9 cents more than a year ago, according to figures from the AAA and Oil Price Information Service.

The average price has risen 31.4 cents over the past 26 days, including 2.5 cents on Sunday.

Analysts have cited increasing oil prices and the closure of some refineries that supply California customers as reasons for the rising gasoline prices.

Crude oil costs account for two-thirds to three-quarters of the price of a gallon of gasoline, according to Tupper Hull of the Western States Petroleum Association, a trade association representing oil companies in six western states.

THIS JUST IN FROM CHARLES LANGLEY, SAN DIEGO UCAN.ORG FUEL TRACKER. FOR MORE VISIT HERE...

 In the last 48 hours, gas prices in San Diego have surged by nearly 10¢ a gallon. At $4.07 a gallon, San Diego's gas prices are the highest on record for any February in County history, including the year 2008, when gasoline prices hit an all-time record high of $4.64 a gallon on June 13, 2008. This trend is paralleled by a a national average of more than $3.54 a gallon, which is also the highest price on record.

Since last Monday, San Diego prices have increased 17.6¢ a gallon.

According to a report published in Businessweek last Wednesday, two major Southern California refineries have shut down for maintenance in order to comply with State and Federal clean air mandates.  These annual shutdowns are famous for causing shortages and price spikes.  Every spring, refineries must change their gasoline formulation to accommodate seasonal changes in air quality. The summer blend is more expensive to produce and requires a shutdown of the refinery. Refiners must then buy their fuel on the "spot market."

How the spot market affects your gas prices

When a refinery shuts down, it will often buy the fuel it needs from other refiners, who sell it for cash on the spot.   This is where the term "Cash on the barrel head" and "cash on the spot" come from, and it is where the term "spot market" originates. 

Spot fuel is surplus fuel.  In San Diego, there are a large number of gas stations that sell surplus fuel at deep discounts. These stations are the independents that aren't affiliated with a major brand such as Chevron, Shell, Arco, etc.  Normally, unbranded independents are the most competitive players in San Diego's retail gas market. Usually, an unbranded station will charge as much as ten or twenty cents a gallon less for its gasoline than a brand-name competitor.  Brand name retailers, on the other hand, must pay a predetermined "rack price" for their gasoline, which is almost always higher.

Because the unbranded stations are intensely competitive, they tend to force the prices down. But right now, surplus gasoline is hard to find.  On Thursday, we reported that average retail price in San Diego was $3.96 a gallon, but our estimate of the price an independent dealer must charge to break even was $4.06 a gallon, which is more than many brand names stations are charging as their retail price.  This phenomena, where unbranded dealers pay more for their gasoline than brand-name dealers is called a "rack inversion," and in our experience, rack inversions are always accompanied by higher gas prices on the street.

Presidents Day and U.S. History with a twist @ Rancho Santa Fe Senior Center Feb. 24

 Richard Lederer who co-authored “American Trivia: What We Should All Know about U.S. History, Culture and Geography.” with Caroline McCullagh, Lederer will speak about U.S. presidents and their role in history at 2 p.m. Friday, Feb. 24 at Rancho Santa Fe Senior Center.

Lederer will offer “a treasury of fascinating firsts, mosts, and onlys about American presidents,” according to event organizers program staff. He has written more than 40 books about language, history and humor. Drawing from what he learned while researching his newest book, Lederer will regale listeners with other interesting tales that slipped between the cracks of history.

“Writing is an amazing way to learn,” Lederer said. “I discovered a wealth of things I didn’t know before, and it’s a lot. For example, take the interesting deaths of presidents 20 years apart.”

Lederer... (more)

New York Fashion Week Goes to the Dogs at Helen Woodward Animal Center

Last week so many wonderful things happened for dogs, many I was able to report to you on a very timely basis, this event actually occurred on February 15th and was inspired by Fashion Week and the models hitting the runways in New York.  The emphasis last week during this fashion event was that ‘Saving Lives Never Goes Out of Style!’

The Helen Woodward Animal Center out of Rancho Santa Fe, California mimicked Fashion Week and conducted their very own extremely special photo shoot.  The fashion models that strutted their stuff in California were more of the furry canine variety though.

The wonderful Jessica Gercke, Public Relations Manager of the Helen Woodward Animal Center provided me with all of the details.  With every other good dog thing going on locally and throughout the U.S., I certainly wanted to give this event the due it deserved albeit a few days after it occurred.  It is wonderful to be able to pay respects to those whose hearts exist in the canine world; appreciating all of the great efforts that are made by outstanding individuals each and every day of the year!

Ricki Douglas, Volunteer Photographer for the Helen Woodward Animal Center caught the swankier-sides of adoptable canine friends.  Ricki’s intention was to capture the sweet dispositions displayed candidly so that potential adopters would be just begging to meet these beloved pets and make them a forever family member rather than seeing them as abandoned.  Just because the animal was left on its own to defend its own life, does not mean that the animal is not deserving of love and attention!

As with training, metrics display proof positive that adoption rates increase when an animal has a great photo of it as opposed to showing a photo of the animal in its original surroundings; those photos proving much less flattering.  Just as with a home that is up for sale but untidy, people have a hard time imagining an animal being happy when its photo displays it as unhappy and solemn, appearing behind bars many times.  Seriously, wouldn’t you rather see an animal displaying its gentle nature and true beauty in a photo where the dog has been saved and is ready to love again?

Ricki Douglas, of Ricki Douglas Photography, agrees that photo shoots in pleasant settings with the focus on happiness and love, are much more appealing and she was thrilled at the opportunity to be able to provide the photos that could potentially help these animals locate their forever homes.  Ricki also provides Pet-of-the-Week photos for the Center, helping to increase the turn-around time for many pets; helping place abandoned animals more frequently.

Where fashion goes in and out of style, the love of an animal, a devoted companion, will always be in style!  There is great footage of this adorable, trendy photo shoot available at:  http://youtu.be/CFXp_ICGZCc  (Please click on link).

 To review more in depth data on this event, to adopt, make a donation, or would simply like more information, please contact the Helen Woodward Animal Center Adoption Department at  858.756.4117, extension #313 or visit them online at  www.animalcenter.org or stop by at 6461 El Apajo Road in Rancho Santa Fe, California – if you just happen to be in their neighborhood!  Thank you, Jessica, for all the details!

Gourmet Veggie Tales - Chino's Farm: Story, Paintings-Keiko Tanabe; Photos-Dan Weisman

 There is a farm sitting quietly in the middle of one of the America's most expensive communities, Rancho Santa Fe, just north of San Diego, California.  I drive by it often and see a few workers tending the vegetables.  Considering suburban sprawl rapidly approaching to nearby communities, I can hardly believe there is still a place so simple and serene right here.

The Vegetable Shop at The Chino Family Farm

Featuring: Multiple varieties of most produce: Tomatoes, squash, squash blossoms, beans, shell beans, dried beans, melons, cucumbers, sprouts, greens and lettuces, celery root, carrots, turnips, parsnips, salsafy, radishes, brussels sprouts, okra, onions, Jerusalem artichokes, peppers, herbs, strawberries, strawberry figs, Concord grapes.

Location: 6123 Calzada del Bosque, Rancho Santa Fe (off Via de la Valle, S6)

Open year round:
Fall/Winter: Tuesday-Saturday 10-4; Sunday 10-1
Spring/Summer: Tuesday-Saturday 10-5; Sunday 10-1
Closed Mondays.

Recorded farmstand information: (858) 756-3184

 Chino's Farm is one of the best-kept secrets here in San Diego as the owner family keeps a very low profile (there’s not even a sign nearby) and their higher prices make it a little harder to reach the mainstream market (but you get the money's worth).  That being said, their produce is much sought after by many gourmet chefs from all over California as well as people looking for the best-tasting vegetables.  As a Japanese, I am also intrigued by the story of the Japanese immigrant family and their children who are behind the success of this farm (read more).

Wolfgang Puck, one of their customers, wrote this recipe, Chino Farm Carrot and Ginger Soup.  I haven't tried it yet but it sounds awfully good especially in the cooler months.  Bon appétit!

RANCHO ENCINITAS ACADEMY NURTURES STUDENTS UNDER THE SHADE OF ONE OF THE CITY’S OLDEST LIVING TREES

Students at Rancho Encinitas Academy Unknowingly Experience a Piece of History Every Time They Step onto their Playground

 Situated on the former site of Stallings Ranch Nursery, the Rancho Encinitas Academy Campus holds much more history than just the text books in its library. A majestic oak stands over 40 feet high on the park-like campus and is thought to be one of the city’s oldest living oak trees. The namesake of the city – Encinitas is Spanish for “little oak” – the oak is presumed to be among the original little oak trees on the Rancho Las Encinitas, owned by Don Andres Ybarra in 1842.

The magnificent tree is thought to be more than 275 years old, and is the perfect centerpiece to the school’s sprawling green campus; which covers two acres of landscaped grounds with its sister school, Edison Academy. There are 7 separate buildings custom designed and constructed especially for the school. The campus, with its architecture, landscaping, and proximity to the ocean is conducive to a safe, relaxing and tranquil learning experience.

“Our goal is to nurture a student’s natural wonder and joy of learning, facilitated by a positive and relaxed atmosphere,” said Paul Wulle, Director of Rancho Encinitas Academy. “With it’s rich history and lush grounds, we were able to design a campus that reduces stress and anxiety so that a child’s focus may be on learning.”

Rancho Encinitas Acadmy’s unique learning environment is enhanced by bird aviaries and bunny hutches, and three outdoor playground areas. “Jobs time,”a learn-by-doing activity at Rancho Encinitas Academy, includes recycling, grounds keeping and feeding the animals, activities which promote responsibility and personal development.

San Diego North County Japanese-Americans recall World War Two internments

 In all, 120,000 Japanese-Americans were interned in the camps. In 1988, President Ronald Reagan signed legislation apologizing for the internment on behalf of the U.S. government. More than $1.6 million in reparations to surviving interned Americans and their heirs was later disbursed.

In San Diego County, which had a population of 2,076 Japanese-Americans in 1940, families were sent to Poston, 12 miles south of Parker, Ariz. Poston was one of 10 internment camps created during World War II after an executive order authorized the Secretary of War to designate specific areas as military zones and excluded certain people from living in them.

President Franklin Roosevelt signed Executive Order 9066 on Feb. 19, 1942.

In San Diego County and other Pacific coast communities, the reverberating terror of the Pearl Harbor attack by the Japanese in 1941 fueled fear of conspiracies, treason and espionage from within.

Historian... (more)

Doggone for it at Del Mar Fairgounds Saturday, Feb.26 for Silver Bay Kennel all-breed show

San Diego's annual dog spectacle, the Silver Bay Kennel Club Dog Show, sets up at the Del Mar Fairgrounds on Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 26-27, 2011. And what better way to spend the weekend than to check out all the amazing breeds: small, large, huge, cute, ugly, prim, sloppy...but they're all lovable. And the best thing is that admission is free.

A motorcyclist was seriously injured in Encinitas Saturday when the rider hit an SUV that was making a U-turn on South Coast Highway 101, sheriff’s officials said.

The driver of a Nissan Pathfinder sport utility vehicle made the U-turn in front of the southbound motorcycle south of Santa Fe Drive about 3 p.m. Saturday.

Sheriff’s officials said the motorcycle rider suffered serious, but not life-threatening injuries, and was taken to a hospital.

Authorities did not release the age or gender of either driver.

Whooping Cough Case Reported At San Diego Jewish Academy, Carmel Valley, Health Dept. Says

A Carmel Valley high school student potentially exposed others to whooping cough, County Health and Human Services Agency officials said today.

The 17-year-old, who was up-to-date with immunizations, attends the San Diego Jewish Academy. The County reported eight cases of whooping cough, also known as pertussis, to date for 2012. The case total remained at 436 for 2011.

“Symptoms of the disease can take weeks to develop after an exposure and may initially appear to be a common cold,” said Wilma Wooten, M.D., M.P.H., County Public Health Officer. “Anyone who may have been exposed to pertussis should be alert to symptoms and seek treatment if necessary. To prevent the spread of whooping cough, or at least lessen the severity of symptoms, a booster shot or regular vaccinations are recommended.”

A record 1,144 cases, which included two infant deaths, were reported in San Diego County during... (more)

Two From Don Bauder on Rancho Santa Fe's Own: Lady Catarina, Charles Brandes and 'The News'

(Photo:  Lady Catarina Pietra Toumei, left, with attorney Gretchen Von Helms at U.S. District Court, San Diego.)

Daily newspapers still report titillating items regularly. Early in February, the shapely Lady Catarina Pietra Toumei was charged in Manhattan with claiming she was a representative of the storied Guggenheim family as she tried to peddle fake diamond, gold, and oil investments. She is a social butterfly residing in Rancho Santa Fe (where else?). Trouble is, prurient readers could get this news for free online many hours before the newspaper reported the story the next morning.

So, it was not surprising that only a few days after the lady (who may or may not be a countess) dominated front pages that the big Sacramento-based newspaper chain McClatchy reported a 10 percent plunge in its January advertising revenue, compared with a year earlier. McClatchy’s earnings were about cut in half during the period. The stock plunged 12.2 percent that day.

Admittedly, the adventures of the comely Lady Catarina Pietra Toumei are more captivating than the plunging profits of McClatchy Company. But the ad sales drop of the newspaper company does interest us old fogies who concentrate on (1) money and (2) the media. Bottom line: it’s clear that investors, and perhaps the daily newspaper industry itself, are convinced that advertisers will continue to migrate to digital media, and even though dailies are stepping up their own efforts to make money online, it’s a losing battle. Ink and paper will continue in sick bay.

Daily newspapers are slashing costs, but that won’t be enough. There are rumors that the San Diego Union-Tribune, Los Angeles Times, Orange County Register, and smaller papers owned by MediaNews Group could consolidate under common ownership. Hedge funds that have scooped up debt of overleveraged Southern California papers “are intent on driving consolidation,” says columnist James Rainey of the Los Angeles Times. The individual newspapers would retain their identities and news staffs but would combine efforts in advertising sales, distribution, printing, and human resources, says Rainey.

Such consolidation would no doubt lead to even more personnel head chopping. But would more pogroms work? Wall Street analysts don’t think so. They think the future of the daily newspaper is grim. “We are skeptical of the New York Times’ ability to keep reducing costs, and are concerned that the company will run out of fat to trim and have to cut into muscle, hurting the quality of its product,” says Joscelyn MacKay of Morningstar Research. “The growing number of free online information sources continues to weigh on New York Times’ core business,” which is newspapers, representing 84 percent of sales.

Newspapers are 78 percent of the revenue of Gannett, the largest publishing chain. Free online competition hurts. “Circulation volumes are falling, and advertisers are shying away from newspapers,” says MacKay.

Standard & Poor’s says McClatchy suffers from “migration of advertisers to the Internet.” Ditto for the Washington Post, which is also burdened by its ownership of Kaplan, Inc., a for-profit college operation that could lose some of its federal funding because of past and present misbehavior.

Morningstar quit doing research on E.W. Scripps stock. In 2008, E.W. Scripps created a new entity for its fast-growing cable networks and interactive media. Now the original media chain has only laggardly newspapers and TV stations; the websites associated with the company account for a small percentage of revenue.

Today, the question is whether the iPad and other “tablet revolution” products will rescue the daily newspapers. Investors doubt it.

The stock market seems to agree with analysts’ skeptical views. Newspaper stocks are far off their all-time highs, although they are now up from their very depressed 2008–2009 lows. Example: Gannett stock sold for $91.38 in 2004. In the depths of the bear market in early 2009, it plunged to $1.85. On Friday, it closed at $16.98. McClatchy sold for $76.05 in 2005 and sank below 50 cents in 2009, as Morningstar warned it was worth nothing. On Friday, it closed at $4.24.

(Investor Charles Brandes, with ...third wife Tanya, has seen money under his management drop dramatically.)

This brings us to Charles Brandes, San Diego money manager. His firm, Brandes Investment Partners, bought into McClatchy at $44.50, becoming the media company’s largest institutional shareholder, with 14.63 percent of the stock. Then the Brandes firm committed one of Wall Street’s unforgivable sins: selling near the bottom — in McClatchy’s case, 70 cents. Similarly, the firm bought into Gannett between $36.50 and $55.50, becoming the largest shareholder with 11.25 percent of the stock. It dumped the stock in late 2009 for an average price of $7.21 — less than half the price it closed at on Friday, $16.98. (Copley Newspapers dumped the Union-Tribune near the bottom of the market too.)

Brandes also got into a lot of other stinkers, such as Countrywide Financial, the scandal-plagued mortgage pusher that Bank of America tried vainly to purify; Washington Mutual, a similar organization seized by the government in 2008; Royal Bank of Scotland, which fell under the watch and ward of the British government; and Freddie Mac (Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation), which went under U.S. conservatorship.

Charles Brandes’s investment strategy is to buy undervalued assets and wait until the stock price gets more realistic. A couple of decades ago, newspapers’ profit margins were around three times those of the average company. A former manager with the firm thinks that Charles Brandes kept expecting newspapers’ profits and stock prices to return to the good old days. He was not grasping “the reality of what was going on in print media — falling subscriptions, falling revenues. There was a paradigm shift” that more alert analysts perceived.

In 2005, Brandes Investment Partners had $101.9 billion under management. That’s down to $47.8 billion. But Charles Brandes built one of San Diego County’s most expensive homes. It’s 54,000 square feet on 30 Rancho Santa Fe acres and is worth at least $35 million. He lives there with his third wife, the lovely Tanya, and their enormous collection of cars and other chattels of the rich and chic. Meanwhile, he is having a knockdown, widely publicized divorce battle with his second wife.

Charles and Tanya are quintessential Beautiful People of the San Diego party set — pictured in the Union-Tribune in mid-2008 with David Copley at Cannes, for example.

On October 23, 2009, the Scripps Institution of Oceanography and David Copley put on a soiree to honor His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco. Charles and Tanya were there to socialize with the prince — and with Lady Catarina Pietra Toumei, another invitee.

I didn’t see it covered in the daily newspapers.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 (While attending the University of Wisconsin, Don Bauder held a number of posts at the campus newspaper, including editor in chief. He received a bachelor's degree in business (1959) and a master's in journalism (1961) and then spent four years in advertising and PR. In 1964, he joined the Chicago bureau of Business Week magazine as reporter/writer. In 1966, he got the job as bureau chief in Cleveland.

Don left Cleveland in 1973 to become financial editor and columnist for the San Diego Union. When the Union and Tribune merged in the early 1990s, he remained at that post; in '95, he was named senior columnist at the Union-Tribune. He retired from the U-T in March of 2003 and began writing his weekly column for the Reader in April of 2003. He started up his Reader blog — Scam Diego — in September of 2007.

In 1985-1986, Don wrote Captain Money and the Golden Girl (a book about a local Ponzi scheme), which stayed on the L.A. Times best-seller list for more than two months. He's been married for nearly 50 years and has two sons.)

It's a weiner, it's a burger; it's a burger in a weiner. Ah, just visit Dog House Diner

(Erin Jackson is a food writer and photographer who is obsessed with discovering the best cheap and tasty eats in San Diego, including all things sweet and sugary, for her dessert blog San Diego Sugar. On Twitter, she's @ErinJax.)

Dog House Diner

1001 N. El Camino Real, Encinitas CA 92024 (map); 760-635-3647;thedoghousediner.com
Cooking method: Griddled
Short Order: A burger inspired by Chicago-style hot dogs that's surprisingly tasty
Want Fries With That? Go for it. The lightly salted shoestrings are classic and simple
Price: Cheese weiner burger, $6.50; fries, $3.50

Most hamburger innovations involve tweaking toppings, high shock factor bun swaps (doughnuts come to mind), or making them mega- or micro-sized. Until last weekend, I'd never seen anything like what's happening at Dog House Diner, home of the Weiner Burger. The registered trademark item features a hot dog-shaped cylinder of beef served in a toasted hot dog bun, with tomato, a pickle spear, and house-made special sauce. Owner Sandy Cherman describes it as a "family creation." His son, Justin, (a Culinary Institute of America grad) dreamed up the idea when he was 12 years old, and perfected the recipe for the sauce on top with his wife over a decade later.

There's a version with cheese, another with cheese and bacon, and the "Mammoth Wiener Burger", which is served between grilled cheese sandwiches. Since it was my first time, I took things slow and started with the cheese wiener burger.

It made a funny first impression, but dismissing the wiener burger because of its quirkiness would be a mistake. The elongated Twinkie-shaped angus beef had a nice sear on all sides and deep, beefy flavors. It was fairly moist, despite being cooked to medium well. A slice of American cheese and Russian dressing-style special sauce upped the moisture and flavor significantly. I'm not a fan of most special sauces, but the sweet and spicy composition of this version was supremely addictive—five days later, I'm still thinking about it.

There were a few executional flubs, all of which could be easily corrected. The giant pickle spear does give the wiener burger most of its whimsy, but it was so large that most bites were too pickle heavy. Pickle slices or a sandwich stacker would be a better move. The sauce and cheese were also not uniformly applied, meaning some bites were sadly under sauced. Still, a Home Depot parking lot isn't the place to get too picky, and even though each bite was a bit different, they were all good.

 There are plenty of permutations of fries (garlic, cheese, and chili cheese), but the wiener burger was enough excitement for one morning, so I kept it simple with an order of plain french fries. It was a good call. The golden brown, lightly salted fries were a good compliment to a "burger" with a lot going on.

I'll admit I didn't have the highest expectations for the wiener burger, but what may look like a gimmick actually turned out to be a worthy reconstruction of an item I previously considered sacred. It's good as is, but with a few adjustments, it could easily be great. For now, it's definitely worth the drive to North County.

A bemused Gary Carter discusses something with me at the Astrodome. Me and Felix Culpa (and a camera) were at the baseball game. Naturally, the Expos offered up The Kid.

Rancho Santa Fe Association Trails Committee LAYS DOWN THE LAW in 'TRAIL SAFETY' 

The Rancho Santa Fe Association maintains 50 miles of the finest trail system within San Diego County, strictly limited for use by RSF Association members and their guests. Over the years, the Trails Committee has developed the “Trail Rules and Etiquette.” These rules are meant to enhance safety among all the users on the trails and minimize disturbances to homeowners, many of whom have provided easements for the trail system to cross their property or simply own property adjacent to the trails.

Thankfully, most Association members and their guests are respectful and very considerate to other trail users. There is nothing more enjoyable than riding or walking around the golf course on a weekend morning, greeting neighbors and friends, and taking in the scenery. There are, however, some safety guidelines that are worth highlighting from time to time.

The “Trail Rules” are easy to learn and simple to follow and are for everyone’... (more)

View from Machel's Ranch: 'Sunshine fills Rancho Santa Fe with inspiration and parties'

(From left: 1. Timothy Nunn, Artist Joelle Blouin and her agent, Edward at Legends Gallery in La Jolla; 2. Make your Valentine’s reservations at Mille Fleurs this year! Chef Martin Woesle is featured here with Jill Drouin and Joe, two of Mille Fleurs’ fantastic staff members; 3. Order you flowers or chocolate covered strawberries from Lemon Twist on Valentine’s Day, located on Del Dios Highway across from Cielo. Photos: Machel Penn Shull.)

How do you keep yourself inspired every day? Do you ever get up and think, “This is it, same thing as yesterday. How long will life continue on with this same routine?” Yes, life can be boring, methodical and sometimes just plain humdrum. What do you do when this happens? Do you decide to pity yourself? Feel like life is predictable and what is the point?

 I admit the reason I am writing this is because I encountered these feelings this week. Yes, I too, can find the eucalyptus trees and the design of the perfect landscape in California just a bit on the blah side. While winter is happening elsewhere in the world, we are constantly blessed with pretty amazing weather. No reason to whine about that, right? Well, we must hibernate, recharge, regroup and reinvent ourselves. Even though there are moments that can eclipse us that make us feel bored, we must remind ourselves of each and every blessing. I recently looked through some of my photos and thought, “These pictures show a beautiful life.”

I soon realized that although it’s tempting to indulge in idleness, we must stop ourselves from this pitfall. The challenge is to remain upbeat, youthful and hopeful with each new day. We may think we know what’s going to happen and that we’ve got it all figured out. However, life still remains a mystery … just like the nature of true love. With the “Month of Love” upon us, I found some fun events in and around the Ranch. Happy Valentine’s Day Rancho Santa Fe!

Around Town

On Jan. 28, Karian Forsyth, one of the top five women I love to feature in “Machel’s Ranch” held her first 2012 monthly spa party in The Crosby. On a hot Saturday afternoon, these ladies enjoyed fine pampering, good company and excellent food that day.

I turned out to be the unlucky one that at the last minute was unable to make it due to some unexpected events, which prohibited me from indulging with some of my favorite friends. I have included a stolen moment from that day that shows these women making the most of their time by sharing their souls and time with each other. How wonderful.

On Jan. 30, I received some exciting news about one my favorite friend’s family members. Claude Whitney — a superior judge in Orange County for over 30 years — turned 81 on a fabulous Sunday with his loved ones. Talk about making life fun and worth living; Claude is a black diamond skier who “Skis for Free” as he is more than 70 years old. From Skiing in Aspen and Telluride to Deer Valley, nothing is going to slow down Claude Whitney.
I have include a beautiful photo of him surrounded by his wife and loved ones. Happy birthday Claude. Meredith MacDonald is the very proud stepdaughter of Claude Whitney.

(From left: 1. Hostess, Karian Forsyth poses with some of her gorgeous guests at the Forsyth’s Super Bowl party Sunday; 2. Claude Whitney celebrates his birthday with his wife Cici Whitney and the MacDonald clan; 3. First Spa party of 2012 under a golden sun.)

On Feb. 1, I stepped into my husband’s shoes and helped out at Lemon Twist — the flower shop/fruit-stand in the Ranch across from Cielo. While the sunny day brought in steady customers, I helped organize and figure out new exciting gifts for Valentine’s Day for locals in the Ranch. Lemon Twist is famously known for the delicious chocolate-covered strawberries, which is a mouth-watering, pleasing gift for any loved one. But did you know Lemon Twist is also a gift/floral shop with specialty items, gift baskets, orchids, caramel chocolate popcorn, and beautiful bouquets? For any questions or to order in advance, call (858) 756-0826.

Ask about the “special” for chocolate covered strawberries, too. I will be there all day on Valentine’s Day. Stop in and see us. I will have my camera to capture this wonderful holiday we love to celebrate at Lemon Twist.

On Feb. 2, I stopped in at my favorite restaurant in Rancho Santa Fe — Mille Fleurs. If you have read my column over the years then you know that this restaurant has always had a special place in my world. From amazing birthday parties to summer parties, I have enjoyed the ambience, the food and the staff at the best French restaurant in Southern California. I met briefly with Chef Martin Woesle. Chef Martin has been the chef at Mille Fleurs for more than 27 years. I found out the skinny on Valentine’s Day at Mille Fleurs. Check out millefleurs.com for details on this amazing special going on if you want to woo your loved one. Call (858) 756-3085 for details.

On Feb. 3, I ventured to La Jolla to Legends Gallery where I work part-time weekly, which I absolutely love. Art has been one of my passions and obsessions most of my life. So when I met Roree Mayhew, the director of Legends, a few months ago, you can just imagine me doing a little “Audrey Hepburn” smile all the way to my car parked a couple of blocks away, ironically next to a chapel. (Prayers do work wonders you know.) A few months later, I am excited to be selling art and meeting the artists there. On that note, Joelle Blouin — a top selling Canadian artist from Quebec City — has risen to quick acclaim in the art world. Only 26 years old, Joelle has gone from one gallery to seven in under one year. Her bold colorful paintings of city skylines are magnificent. Visit joelleblouin.com or contact me directly for more information on her paintings.

On Feb. 5, I attended Karian and Tom’s Super Bowl party in the Crosby. What can I say? These photos speak for themselves. Here are two group shots of the guests that came in high style for one of America’s favorite past times.

SAVE THE DATE

On Feb. 16, don’t miss out on a must-attend Fashion event happening in La Jolla. San Diego Food Bank’s Chris Carter was kind enough to invite me to this fabulous day at the second annual Fashion Plates Luncheon and fashion show designed by TV personality Leonard Simpson. The silent auctions starts at 10:30 a.m. sharp, which is followed by the luncheon and fashion show. This event will be held at the Hyatt Regency in La Jolla. To reserve your tickets, contact Megan Mills at (858) 863-5121 or visit sandiegofoodbank.org.

Saldana v. Bilbray in newly reconstituted 52nd Cong. Dist. (Oh yeah, Scott Peters, too, but who cares.)

 

Former California state legislator Lori Saldaña, a Democrat, is seeking to represent San Diego's redrawn 52nd District in the U.S. Congress with a campaign based on her work in education, environmental causes and the defense of immigrants.

The daughter of Frank Saldaña, a Marine veteran who pursued a career as a reporter at the San Diego Evening Tribune, she grew up in the city's Claremont neighborhood.

Lori Saldaña will compete in the June 5 open primary against fellow Democrat Scott Peters, chair of the Port of San Diego; Republican Rep. Brian P. Bilbray, who currently represents the 50th District in Washington; and two other GOP hopefuls, John Stahl and Wayne Iverson.

Under California's new election law, the top two vote-getters in June regardless of party will face off in the November general election.

Saldaña was elected to the state Assembly for the first time in 2004, was reelected twice and also has been an instructor for San Diego Community College, associate dean at San Diego Mesa College and is an acknowledged expert on water quality.

"Traditional Democrats and Republicans don't know what to do with me. I'm not a traditional Latina, since instead of participating in established organizations I directed the Sierra Club and grew up in the middle class neighborhood of Claremont," said Saldaña in an interview with Efe, adding that she is very proud of her Panamanian and Mexican roots.

Her work in the state Assembly led her to sponsor bills to reduce greenhouse gases, make solar energy cheaper and train small businessowners to take advantage of development opportunities.

"I was married to an oceanographer, and so for many years I crossed over to Ensenada every day so that I learned the trans-border dynamics," said Saldaña, who has a B.A. and M.A. in education from San Diego State University.

"After college I taught at the community college where I also administered the scholarships for the technical training of students by the Labor Department. Due to budget cuts, those scholarships disappeared, which made me take note of the need to do legislative work to restore them," she said.

The 52nd District, where the population is about 15 percent Hispanic, is facing challenges mainly associated with the high cost of education and the reduction of well-paid jobs.

"The Republicans accuse us Democrats of wanting to raise taxes and spend, while they are borrowing and spending. Our position is more responsible," Saldaña said.

The candidate, who opposes walls along the border arguing that she considers them costly and inefficient, said that it is key for the regional economy to implement an intelligent immigration policy that recognizes the contributions of undocumented immigrants.

She also said that she believes undocumented foreigners should be able to obtain U.S. citizenship if they prove that the only laws they have violated are the immigration statutes.

Saldaña received the support of Emily's List, a non-profit political organization supporting women candidates.

"This shows my popularity among the organizations of the Democratic base and activists. It's paradoxical that the traditional sectors of my party, including Hispanic organizations, have supported Peters. However, I believe that my platform is the most progressive and the best," said Saldaña.

Rancho Santa Fe Second Graders Aid Kids Korps In Sending A Little Warmth To Homeless Children In Ensenada, Mexico

 Mrs. Kim’s second grade class at RSF’s Roger Rowe Elementary took time from their scheduled holiday festivities on December 16th to focus on some goodwill.  Rather than painting pine cones or making gingerbread houses that would eventually end up tossed aside like used wrapping paper and bows — this year the children, together with their parents, turned their attention to creating something that would be a blessing to someone else.

 At the urging of Lynn Frank, class mom, Mrs. Kim’s class teamed up with Kids Korps. After enjoying a spirited class performance and some yummy treats, parents assisted their children in weaving soft fleece strips into snuggly scarves.  The scarves, along with other cold weather staples such as blankets will be delivered to Ensenada, Mexico and distributed to homeless children.

(Kids Korps offers more than... (more)

'What Fresh Hell Is This?' Failure on the 763, first morning Amtrak San Diego train to LA

 For more tales from the Surfliner on Amtrak's front lines, visit here....

A failure in management

Things have been rough for those of us on Pacific Surfliners 763 lately.  This is the first train out of San Diego, and is very heavily used by commuters.The big stop is Irvine, but a surprising number of us are power commuters going all the way to LA on a daily basis. 

From LA, 763 goes on up to Goleta, where it turns around and comes back down as train 784.  This is the 5.10 departure out of LA and is also a heavily used commuter service.  Of course, if 763 is late going out, 784 is late coming back. 

For the last few weeks 784 has been a disaster, mainly due to trackwork north of LA.  Finally, Amtrak decided to have 763 terminate in LA, and use the Amtrak coaches to bring everyone down from up north.  (This was suggested by one of the regular tweeters some days before they did it.... did Amtrak listen to him?)   That helped. Now the trackwork is done and 763 is again going up to Goleta.

But 763 has been having problems.  There have been cancellations, mechanicals, and a trespassing incident last week (= railspeak for fatality, probably suicide) .  This last caused me to get a ride to Irvine from a fellow commuter, D;  he dropped me at the Irvine station so I could get on Metrolink.  My mother would be horrified that I'm getting into cars to drive 50 miles with men whose last names I don't know!  ;-)

Monday this week 763 was 30 min late which had me really peeved.  But yesterday, it exceeded even that, by throwing a mechanical just before it reached the LA river, about 15 min outside of LA Union.  We came to a stop and sat waiting.

Normally, if there is a locomotive failure, they sweep it up by coupling the dead train to the next Amtrak coming by, making a double-length train that limps the rest of the way into LA.  The yard is there and they can swap out the engine.

Foolishly, we assumed that since we were at most 2 miles from the yard, they would just send out a locomotive and pull us in.  Right?

Wrong!  Turns out the worst place it could have happened was near the yard.  We waited, and waited, and waited.  Apparently they drove some mechanics over who couldn't fix it.  They offered to let people off and walk them to the street, but we were in industrial east LA/Vernon, in the middle of the freight yards-- not exactly a place where you can catch a cab, and not easy to direct a colleague with a car.  We watched as Amtrak 599 (the express) went by an hour later, and then, another hour after that, we saw 567 go by. Finally, FINALLY, a rescue locomotive arrived and took us into LA Union, 2.5 hours late.

A conductor told me today that the problem was that the rescue locomotive didn't have a conductor and they had to have one to leave the yard. (Conductors are the commanders of the train; the engineer is the driver).  If that is the case, why didn't they just hook us up to 599 when it came through, and go in together?  Yes, 599 would have taken a 20min delay to do that, but the hundreds of people on 763 would have gotten to LA much earlier and 599 is often late anyway. 

Whose brilliant idea was it to leave 763 sitting there stranded for 2.5 HOURS?   

The first goal should be to get passengers where they are going.  Especially for 763, which is not full of vacationers, but full  of people trying to get to work.  I should have been at work at 9.15;  I needed to be at work by 10;  I got there at 12.

If we'd thrown the mechanical in San Juan Capistrano, we would have been to LA by 10 and I'd have been to work by 10.30--not good, but not nearly as awful as it was.

Every morning when I get on 763, I feel like Dorothy Parker:  What fresh hell is this?

SDSU WATCHDOG INSTITUTE: Big money Super PACs eye San Diego County election scene

  (For more from the San Diego State University Watchdog Institute visit here...)

San Diegans may soon witness the war of the super PACs up close, as some of these mega spenders zero in on contests right here at home.

A couple of super committees are locally based, including one with cosmic interests.

Super PACs, nonprofits that can raise and spend unlimited funds from corporations, unions and individuals to support and oppose politicians and causes, are watching the 52nd Congressional District, a traditionally Republican safehouse in North County until its boundaries were redrawn last year. Now incumbent Brian Bilbray faces two challengers in the primary, and the Democrats are preparing to make it a real contest.

Alixandria Lapp, executive director of the House Majority PAC, a super PAC dedicated to helping Democrats win back the House, said the 52nd District is in their sights. It has raised about $3 million so far, according to records filed with the Federal Elections Commission. Its biggest donors are unions, some of which have written six figure checks.

“I feel relatively confident that we will be investing resources in this race and ensuring the voters in San Diego understand the choice they have this fall,” she said. “It’s only logical that groups like ours would see this as a strong pickup opportunity.”

Also keeping a close eye on the 52nd is American Crossroads, a conservative super PAC that has raised about $18 million so far, according tofederal elections data. Its largest donors–to the tune of $2 and $5 million–are wealthy individuals.

 Nate Hodson, spokesman for American Crossroads, was wary of discussing specific strategies but said they are monitoring the 52nd District.

“Races in San Diego are becoming competitive, certainly the opportunity will be great there for a number of groups,” he said.

Super PACs — Political Action Committees — mushroomed after the federal courts blew the cap off the amount these organizations can raise and spend. They can’t be directly tied to candidates, but they can spend as much as they want to support or oppose them. And they already have in the first primary states, especially on television advertisements.

Richard Briffault, a campaign finance expert and professor of law at Columbia University, said super PACs are going to home in on close races where “they think their money could make a difference.”

“Sometimes it’s a good thing; people might become more attentive—something real is happening, something exciting,” he said.

Super PACs are uncharted territory. Anyone can form one by sending a letter to the FEC. And there is no law saying what they must do with the money they raise.

“Other than being barred from giving their money directly to candidates or political parties, super PACs can do what they want with their money,” said Viveca Novak, spokeswoman for the Center for Responsive Politics, a nonprofit organization that monitors and analyzes campaign data.

Some can be left with a lot of cash on their hands.  One in La Jolla, for instance, was dedicated to electing Rick Perry. It raised about $430,000 and spent about $409,000 through the end of 2011, according to federal records. Its biggest donor is Texas billionaire investor Harold Simmons.

Once Perry was out of the race, the group changed its name to the Restoring Prosperity Fund and created a one-page website that says it “continues to advocate for Conservative Causes and take an active roll in House and Senate races in the coming election cycle.” Longtime San Diego-based Republican political consultant Bob Schuman is the group’s national campaign director, and the PAC shares an address on Faye Avenue in La Jolla with his firm.

As of Feb. 13, 318 super PACs had reported raising a total of $98.6 million, according to the Center for Responsive Politics. Some appear to be among the growing number of spoof groups like comedian Stephen Colbert’s Americans for a Better Tomorrow, Tomorrow.

There is one registered to an apartment in La Jolla called A Completely Legitimate Super PAC, though it’s not legitimately a super PAC because it didn’t register to accept unlimited contributions.

Another super PAC in San Diego is called Reaching Stars –  Securing Our Future. It is dedicated to the establishment and flourishing of sustainable life on other planets.

Erik Hanley, who lives in Texas but registered the PAC at his parents’ address in Scripps Ranch, said he formed the super PAC in response to steep cuts in NASA funding and space exploration. He wants to start a dialogue about how to ensure life will exist elsewhere when the this planet can no longer support it.

“Part of the reason I started the PAC is that I know nothing happens without political support,” he said.

Hanley said he hopes that like-minded individuals and companies will donate money to further this mission. So far, his super PAC hasn’t reportedspending or receiving money.

“People are thinking about the economy, people are thinking about jobs, people aren’t thinking about far off places,” he said. “I don’t think people are going to agree with my view point today or tomorrow, but I think time is on my side.”

Some wealthy individuals in San Diego have donated to more election minded super PACs.

A few months before he bought The San Diego Union-Tribune, Doug Manchester gave $25,000 to Restore Our Future, which is has raised about $30 million and is dedicated to electing Mitt Romney. San Diego real estate investors Lawrence and Suzanne Hess have donated $120,000 toProgressive Kick, a Super PAC based in Oakland. The group has raised about $130,000 and hasn’t reported any expenditures.

Hess said he and his wife donated the money for races in Iowa and Wisconsin. So far, he said, they haven’t contributed with a local race in mind.

Experts in campaign finance say super PAC spending isn’t just amplifying in San Diego but all around California where newly redrawn districts are putting formerly safe congressional seats in jeopardy.

Richard Hasen, an expert in election law and campaign finance and law professor at the University of California, Irvine, said he expects super PAC spending to “explode” if control of the House comes into play. In fact, the organizations could spend more than the candidates themselves.

Lapp said the House Majority PAC hasn’t done any fundraising in California yet, but she expects that to happen soon, especially since donors can earmark their money for specific races.

“Something that is really exciting to California Democrats is that for the first time in a very long time there are a lot of really competitive Democratic elections in California,” she said. “Previously, that money went to congressional races in Michigan or Missouri.”

Brooke Williams is an investigative reporter based in Washington, D.C.

TOM CHINO RULES!!! Del Mar Fairgrounds Board St. Valentine's Day Massacre..Shame on the Bashar Al-Assads on the Del Mar Fairgrounds Board...

ON THE TRIALS AND TRIBULATIONS OF TOM CHINO, A FIGHTER FOR FULL DISCLOSURE OF DEL MAR FAIRGROUNDS MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES AND END TO UNETHICAL PRACTICES.

"It is my personal hope that at some point the Board will pursue the reform agenda that I feel is critical to the long term well being of the district. Under the present circumstances, however, I feel it is best for me to step off the board, and I offer this memo as my resignation effective immediately. I have been considering my position as a board member and I was finally able to discuss my situation with the governor's office this morning and they are respecting my decision."

-- Tom Chino resignation e-mail 2/14/12

(Photo above: Tom Chino, r, with Trey Foshee, one of the many celebrity chefs who flock to his Rancho Santa Fe farm for world renowned fruits and produce.)

We don't follow the machinations of the 22nd District Agricultural Association District AKA Del Mar Fairgrounds, Board due to its longstanding record of corruption and below-board dealings with no public oversight allowed. Don't care because it is a cesspool of personal gain for some of those so-called protectors of the public interest and, frankly, the 99 percent, have been powerless in this case to date.

This nine-member board controls a megamillion dollar enterprise including use of the facilities by the San Diego County Fair, Del Mar Thoroughbred Club racetrack as well as ownership of golf, equestrian and exhibition facilities. The Fairgrounds alone is valued at more than $120 million. Directors are appointed by the governor to four year terms and don't get paid, above the table anyway.

However, we did note with interest and great enthusiasm a deus ex machina thrown in the mix by Gov. Jerry Brown last year to try to right the listing Fairgrounds ship. And that was Tom Chino, probably the most stand-up, forthright guy on this or any other planet. Chino is a guy who fights for you and me, and that's not even going into his world-class, renowned vegetable farm and farm stand.

Highly educated, and motivated by his devotion to our community, Chino had his work cut out for him as he went to battle for us against the power of the entrenched 22nd District Agricultural Association District management and enablers on the Board. He tried to let some sunshine into this board's obscenely private dealings and quasi-public meetings. (That group has so much liigation they discuss behind closed doors it would be ludicrous, if it were not obscene.)

Chino let everybody know about state investigations that revealed what everybody knew but could not say aloud: Board members allowed Fairgrounds employees to be paid for unused vacation time. Board members, their friends and associates, received lots of free fair passes and perks, as well as who knows what else in the form of influence peddling and sundry as-yet undisclosed activites.

For all Tom Chino's  defense of you and me against the special interests that have controlled Fairgrounds management for years, all he got was hassles and even implied legal threats over absolutely nothing, i.e. consulting his personal attorney on a Fairgrounds issue. That attorney represented the San Dieguito Joint Powers Authority, which was suing the Fairgrounds over creepy and unpopular expansion demands. Oh, snap.

The Chino family has a long history of standing for the people around here. Losing Tom Chino from the Fairgrounds Board is a sad day for us, but who can blame him. He was like the Free Syrian Army against Bashar Al-Assad's thugs. They may have all the weapons -- for now -- but Chino has something more powerful on his side -- The Truth.

SHAME ON THE FAIRGROUNDS BOARD. Show your solidarity for Tom Chino. Visit Chino Farm today and power to the people.

General plan, Cielo sign, tiered equines: San Dieguito Planning Group meets 7 p.m. 2/16 ...

PUBLIC NOTICE

SAN DIEGUITO PLANNING GROUP

P.O. Box 2789, Rancho Santa Fe, CA, 92067

February 16, 2012

Place of Meeting:    RANCHO SANTA FE FIRE STATION  (meeting room), 16936 El Fuego, Rancho Santa Fe, California.  TBM 1168-D3, (El Fuego intersects Linea del Cielo at the west end of the village.)

Preliminary Agenda --- REGULAR MEETING

A final agenda, including changes and additions if any, may be posted in front of the U.S. Post Office, Rancho Santa Fe, seventy-two (72) hours before the meeting.   Certain matters, as may be noted, will be set for a time certain.  Matters on the agenda are NOT necessarily heard in the order listed.  Continuances, if any, will be announced at the start of the meeting or may be contained in a final agenda.  Time devoted to an item will vary depending on its complexity, importance to the group and public, and the length of the agenda.... (more)