'Belle at the Castle' featured show at Arts & Learning Conservatory Theater

Background

The Arts & Learning Conservatory is an outgrowth of Artistic Director Debora Wondercheck (Professor of Instrumental Music, Vanguard University) and her desire to envision youth of all backgrounds with a love of the arts through hands-on learning. A&L began in 2004 as a summer performing arts camp with 13 string musicians and 8 actors. The following summer the program had an enrollment of 142, and a successful school year program was launched in the fall. In 2005 Arts & Learning became Incorporated and recognized as a non-profit organization. Today the Arts & Learning Conservatory performs for over 3,500 people yearly and provides arts education to nearly 800 children of Orange County annually.

Mission

The Arts & Learning Conservatory creates a fabulous experience on & off stage for each student through its unique performing arts program offering dynamic instruction in theater, voice, instrumental classes, and dance. Arts & Learning'... (more)

The Rancho Santa Fe Art Guild Bites the Dust -- Union Bank Forecloses Art Show 

The latest Rancho Santa Fe Art Guild Show titled "Passions" opened this week to record gallery crowds but it didn't go off quite as advertised.

The show was scheduled to run until July 5. However, Union Bank, the Guild's landlord foreclosed on the Guild and the show. They have been evicted from their Paseo Delicias space with two weeks notice and must vacate the premises by the end of the month.

Looks like the Rancho Santa Fe Art  Guild has outs own problems with financial institutions, namely the Union Bank a subject of frequent criticism for its financial practices.

A larger than usual crowd gathered at the Rancho Santa Fe Art Guild on Thursday, it turned out because this was the final art show ever after 15 years at the location in the rear of the Union Bank building on Paseo Delicias.

Union Bank officials who were not named told Guild officials last week they had to be off the premises by the end of May. They said they needed to expand the bank facility.

Also evicted with one months warning, the Rancho Santa Fe Foundation. 

Guild officials said they had no new location identified or idea how they would find one. However, they said they had several good options they hoped to pursue. Until that time, it was unclear how members or the guild would show work locally.

The new show will be held at a member's house, according to officials.

Union Bank officials could not be reached for comment.

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

For more information, visit: http://ranchosantafeartguild.org

The Rancho Santa Fe Art Guild was formed in 1993 for the following purposes;

1. To support and encourage visual artists in our community and county

2. To provide funds for art education and outreach efforts such as scholarships for art majors, programs in schools, art programs, art teaching, education to the public on the benefits of art education and collecting. 

3. To provide talks on how important the arts are to our lives and society.

4. To host field trips to view collections and artist's studios.

5. To support a gallery with art for sale for the purpose of supporting guild activities and outreach programs.

The majority of our Artist Members are residents of Rancho Santa Fe (51%) and the surrounding area. Each member serves on one or more committees, or holds a position on the board of directors, or both.  Committees are organized around guild functions or events, and each committee has a chair who reports to the board.

 The Rancho Santa Fe Art Guild maintains 501 c3 status.

The primary Guild functions and events are as follows;

Hanging and promoting new art exhibits in our main gallery and several satellite galleries every 2 months.

Fund Raising events throughout the year in support of the guild and our charities.

The Rancho Santa Fe Art Guild strives to provide a focus on art in our lives, community, and county. We provide a place where our residents can browse the latest show in our gallery, attend receptions and fundraisers, and purchase art knowing that proceeds support local charities and outreach programs. Please join us and visit our gallery!

 One of Shakespeare’s most famous plays, the tragic tale of two young star-crossed lovers, Romeo and
 Juliet, whose romance will leave you believing in
 everlasting love.

“But soft! What light through yonder window breaks?”

 Romeo talks directly to the audience. He seeks their advice. He includes them in the story as characters who may either help him or hinder him.

 In North Coast Rep. Theatre School’s 2013 production of Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare, director Benjamin Cole takes his cues directly from Shakespeare and invites the audience to participate as active members of the character’s world.

 Observing techniques that Shakespeare’s original acting company may have used will hopefully make the play more active for the actors, and more engaging for the audience. The lights will remain ON the entire performance to remind both audience and actors that in Shakespeare’s world there was no electricity. The actors could see who was watching them and indeed intended to use them to help... (more)

Le Style Francais

The French have a legendary sense of style.  French Country design is characterized by charm, warmth, and sophistication with roots in the sunny hillsides of rural France.  The versatility of being relaxed, yet refined, draws its inspiration from the country homes and rustic farmhouses in the south of France.

 With the comfort and tradition French Country design offers, it gives life and a reference to the past in a room.  French Country interiors can be rustic and humble, or sophisticated and glamorous.  It’s all about creating a space that is inviting, elegant, yet relaxed, and full of comfort and character.

 French Country furniture has the ambiance of curved panels, handcrafted details, rush seating, and other natural materials.  The emphasis for furniture leans towards a rustic feel.  The more lived in, the better.  Furniture is often distressed in finish, but ornate with detailed carvings.  Dark woods are often used, as are pieces that have been stripped and softly washed with paint.  Well worn and loved antiques, and eclectic furnishings from different eras mix well, as they have that sense of being passed down through generations.  They bring personality to a space that is French Country at its best.  

 Large scale furniture and accessories bring an authentic note into a French Country interior.  Even in a smaller space, scale up pieces to suggest roominess and individuality to be appreciated more.

Textures are important in creating French Country rooms.  Rooms are more interesting when you layer an intriguing mix of textures.  Chipped paint, rusted iron, crackle, or weathered patina finishes with a timeworn look, create that undeniable sensuous French feel.  Ironwork is very popular as well.  Iron accent pieces such as wall grilles, sconces, candleholders, and wire baskets are often used when designing a room.  Adding chicken wire to cabinetry, especially when you show off your finest china and glassware, is another very French detail.

The colors of Provence are the centerpiece of French Country design.  When you think of the Provencal countryside, you think of rich vivid hues such as sunny golden yellows, azure blues, soft lavender, deep reds, bright greens, and creamy whites.  Part of the fun of French Country decorating is that you can use these colors at the same time by combining them so they compliment each other without competing.  Add fresh color by pairing an exuberant yellow paisley with a blue check fabric, or mix a rustic red Provencal floral with a green plaid, and c’est si bon!  In France, a room isn’t finished unless it has many different patterns and colors, so throw away the idea that everything has to match.

One of my favorite lines of French furnishings, fabrics, and accessories is Pierre Deux.  I spoke with their marketing director in New York, Heather Ryan, about some of their recent introductions.  She said, “In French Country decorating, color, often vibrant, sunny colors reflecting the natural elements of the countryside dominate.  We continue to feature lots of our signature yellows and blues.  Last but not least, Pierre Deux has gone to the dogs.  We know the French love their pets, and now we have introduced our first collection of pet accessories.”

The French certainly do have a way with their approach to design.  Every detail in designing their interiors is well thought out.  By combining natural materials, a mix of unique textures, vivid Provencal colors, traditional French Country fabrics, and a little je ne sais quoi, French Country style can turn your home into a cheerful refuge!

Swedish design uses pale colors to lighten rooms...

 In a country that is dark for half of the year, the Swedes have come to cleverly use color to lift their spirits and brighten dark, gloomy spaces.

White and the palest, powdery soft shades of blue are often seen in Swedish design, and bring a lightness to the interiors of this northern European style.

Subject to many influences, Swedish design closely identifies with the Gustavian style, named after King Gustav III. Inspired by French court pieces, Swedish style simplifies the ornateness and busy details of the French influence, as this region has plainer taste.

The Swedes love their simplicity. Pared down versions in furnishings with clean lines, minimal carved detail, gentle curves and legs that are delicate and taper to the floor are common in Swedish homes.

Wood is crucial in Swedish style.  Much of the country is forested and virtually all of the furniture is made of those woods. Through the centuries, the Swedes have developed a talent for painting pieces to make them look sophisticated and refined with soft finishes and subtle backgrounds.

Painted, bleached or stained woods in pale tones of white or gray with distressing retains its elegance that is 18th century Neoclassical design.

Today, reproduction furniture is made by Swedish craftspeople.  Ann Millang, owner of St. Barths Home in Laguna Niquel (formerly Swedish Blonde Furniture Inc. in North Carolina), recently had her home photographed in Laguna Beach by Edie Van Breems who authored a book titled “Swedish Interiors in America.”

“Things are changing in the industry due to competition from China,” Ann said.  “I have tried very hard to remain loyal to my Swedish factories since we have developed most of the designs with them and want them to do well. They are still using Swedish hardwoods and doing hand carved details on all the chairs and our bed finials. We are working with other countries such as Belgium, that still have the Northern influence of light finishes and woods, but with a bit more edge.”

In traditional Swedish interiors, accessories are kept to a minimum, allowing open space and light to take center stage.  Chosen for their usefulness and their virtual appeal, accessories include crystal and painted chandeliers, wood gilt framed mirrors to reflect what light there is, natural raffia or light colored woven textured rugs, soft, pale ceramics and clear glass pieces in simple shapes.

Simple woven and textured  cotton and linen fabrics are commonly used for upholstery, window treatments and bedding in Swedish design. Padded headboards and canopy beds are popular.  

Yards and yards of white fabric mounted on a coronet or attached with ring on the ceiling are often seen. When patterns are used, they are in the form of checks, stripes or delicate florals.

Predominant colors are pale blues and soft grays on a white background. The overall effect is minimalist. There is a lot of harmony with the simplicity of these colors and fabrics that create a serene Scandinavian feel.

Calm interiors, soothing pale color palettes, elegance with a lightness in color and mood, formal but not stuffy with a comfortable, casually aged feel – that is the essence of Swedish style.

AWE Center non-profit foundation holds day camp, offers health and alkaline water plans...

 For more info: http://bheauviewranch.com/home

Arts. Health and wellness. Equestrian education. And more. The AWE Center Foundation at Bheau View Ranch is coming on strong in 2013 with a variety of programs and opportunities fit for fulfilling resolutions, not to mention helping create a better you and yours.

The AWE Center is a non-profit 501.c foundation whose mission is to preserve the balance of nature for  future generations amidst the ever-growing pressure of development.  In association with Bheau View Ranch, it shares the property that has been the home of hundreds of rescued horses.

Ideally situated in the Merriam Mountains on the east side of Twin Oaks, San Marcos in San Diego’s North County, it has the unique feature of high alkaline, high mineral content waters from a 1,000-foot deep well.

 "I came here because Dr. Vaughn Harada, who was treating me, told me about the water and later held a regenerative lifestyle seminar. The only water that tested higher than this water is in Japan. I could really feel the difference. It was like my body just craves it now. The water is smoother and has more texture to it."

-- Merle Morgan-Grainge, M.S. Oriental Medicine, Dipl. Ac, L.Ac.,  a highly regarded Physician of Oriental Medicine, lecturer and Medical Qigong instructor with a private clinical practice in Los Angeles.

Bheau View Ranch hosts its winter camp 2013 for students ages 7 to 17. The daily 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. program continues through Jan. 18. This camp gives children a healthy program of activities with the emphasis on active. This means horse and pony introductory training, grooming and basic vet care. Students learn how to communicate with horses through body language and also learned what horses were trying to communicate through their movements. Camp also includes jewelry making, painting with watercolors, and story writing stories.

New for 2013, the center has been accepting new memberships. These represent valuable savings and help support the community.

Annual $199 Membership $199 

Includes:

--1 Free Gallon of Water a Month ($60 Value)
--1 Free Mud/Water Hole Soak a Year ($55 Value)
--10% Discount off of Spa Services and Water Hole Soak ($10-$50 value)
--10% Discount on Gift Certificates
--Members Only Appreciation Event Once a Year
Referral Rewards: 20 Referral Rewards for each person that a Member refers and purchases 5 Gallons of water or purchases a Spa Service.
-- Members Accumulating 100 Rewards receive 5 Free Gallons of water ($25 value).

To purchase memberships visit: Membership Link

For more information and to make reservations, call 760-877-1055, or visit  http://bheauviewranch.com/home .

22 years ago John Elway sent me to the Pro Bowl armed with many Sony Watchman TV's...

  (The National Football League today plays its Pro Bowl all-star game in Hawai'i. This marks the 22nd anniversary of my one, and only, appearance with the NFL all-stars at Aloha Stadium. I'm DVR'ing the BIG GAME, so don't tell me no stinkin' scores. This is MY Super Bowl in some respects, and I can thank John Elway for the honor.)

John Elway sent me to the Pro Bowl. Guess who is my favorite all-time NFL player.

The Pro Bowl generally is a laid-back affair, past and future, at Aloha Stadium. It features special rules such as no blitzing, no zone defenses, no trick offensive formations.

The games are low-key for a while, that is until the second half when the all-star competitive juices -- not, those kind, lighten up -- kick in and some rules are better honored in their breach than their observance.

But the Pro Bowl is an afterthought as yet, the week before the Super Bowl this year, and in past years the week following the Super Bowl when most everybody has gone football home.

Not for me. The Pro Bowl is mine, baby, all mine, thanks to Elway.

ESPN, 22 years ago, staged a "You Pick the Play -- Quarterback Challenge" contest. For four Sundays in November, viewers of the ESPN game of the week could call a 1-900 number at $5.95 a pop, limited to one call per quarter with the objective of picking the next play a team would run.

ESPN divided the field into sections by yard markers and hash-marks. Plays were assigned point totals. A running play to the right side was one point. A 10-yard pass to the left side was three points. A completed pass of more than 25 yards between the hash marks of the middle of the field had the highest point total. It was five freakin' points.

Under the very fine print section of the rules, ESPN deigned to disclose a toll-free number would be provided if requested. I believe there was some kind of law requiring this. I requested, baby, and I got to work. I studied the offenses of the teams that would appear in the four contest games.

 Elway's Broncos de Denver was one of the teams, and even played in two of the games. It soon became apparent Elway was the guy who was going to punch my golden ticket to Diamond-head. This was the one guy with the arm, desire and ability to max out my point total with long bombs down the middle of the field. I figured he was good for at least one per quarter of any game he played.

So it went and so I went. I missed one the four games for some reason. Guess I had a life beyond football then, can't remember. But basically, I won every quarter of the three games -- two by Elway -- I played. It all came down to that toll-free number and Elway's brain. People didn't much hanker to the $5.95 per call price tag. As an Elway expert, I rode his arm all the way to paradise.

I ended up with eight Sony mini-TV's, a sports video collection, and an all-expenses paid trip to Hawaii, and cash, for the Pro Bowl.

Add 2011:

I won two more Sony watchman TV's, too.

However, I was watching one of the Sunday night games with -- believe it or not, one of my 89 Facebook Friends today for random reasons -- Also Aswell. We had just finished watching that darn new show at the time, "Fresh Prince of Bel-Aire" starring Will Smith.

I told him about the contest. Being a highly intuitive artist, Also also known as Chuck said if I won a TV during the next quarter, I should give it to him for the sake of karma. So, he got one TV.

Another TV was lost when Bruce, the curator of the Tulane Jazz Archive, and my supervisor, answered the archive phone. (I used several phone numbers as I recall as a safety measure.) He said, no, Dan would never enter a  contest like that. As I tried to yell from the back of the library to give me the damn phone, he hung it up with a grand flourish. Frenemy to the end,  me bad, he said with a wry smile.

I kept two TVs and sold the rest, mainly to Asian immigrants, although to an Iranian native as well. No matter what price I set, or how we negotiated, the final price always seemed to be $150. Guess that was market value.

One time, a scraggy-looking semi-street guy came around with several small kids and his wife in some ragged kind of jalopy. He said they were living in the car and wanted the mini-TV for entertainment. Was it true? Dunno, but I just gave him the TV. What the heck, they worked like s*** anyway. Sony only sold the model a few years.)

The trip was awesome, of course. I hung out with Japanese girl tourists who gave me strange tasting candy and a...well, PG-rated here. I sat behind the Miami Dolphins offensive line in the stands, amazing them with my play calling expertise as I shouted out each play before it happened.

Saint Morten Andersen, a favorite of mine, one of the top kickers in all-time accuracy, shanked the game-winning field goal attempt. A Dolphin turned around, laughed and advised how he saw Morton partying his arse away the night before at Waikiki.

Ah, good times. ESPN discontinued the contest after that. However, whatever, Elway earned a fan for life.

GOOD GRIEF: (Voice of) "Peanuts" Charlie Brown in a San Diego jail, accused of stalking and terroristic threats

Maybe Lucy jerked away one too many faux footballs. Perhaps Peppermint Patty piddled away too many brain cells. Or Linus, Snoopy and the gang got snared in a web tangled by 50 years of arrested development.

For GOOD GRIEF, the voice of Charlie Brown on several "Peanuts" television specials, now languishes in a San Diego jail, after authorities arrested him 8 p.m. Sunday at the San Ysidro Port of Entry as he returned from Tijuana. A background check revealed a San Diego County Sheriff's Department warrant for his arrest.

Peter Robbins (right) — aka the voice of Charlie Brown — poses more than a decade after the mid-60s “Peanuts” classics with creator Charles Schulz and Sally Dryer, who voiced Lucy Van Pelt. (courtesy of PETER ROBBINS )

Peter Robbins, the 56-year-old voice actor best known as the voice of Charlie Brown in the 1965 classic "A Charlie Brown Christmas" and the 1966 sequel "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown" is accused of stalking and threatening a former girlfriend as well as the plastic surgeon he paid to give her a boob job.

Robbins officially was charged Wednesday in San Diego Superior Court with two counts of stalking and 10 counts of making criminal threats. He pleaded not guilty and remained incarcerated on Friday, unable to make bail set at $550,000 by San Diego Superior Court Judge David M. Szumowski. A conviction could translate into a maximum sentence of nine years in prison, attorneys said.

 What's more, the longtime Oceanside, Calif. resident and former voice of Charlie Brown, reportedly has terminal pancreatic cancer. The arrest warrant cited his "increasingly erratic behavior," adding, "he told others he has nothing to lose."

Charlie Brown may have been a bit of a slacker, to say the least, but the voice of Charlie Brown, now all growed up and out on his own, was nothing if not persistent  when it came to the alleged pursuit of love. He is accused of threatening his former girlfriend with up to 37 calls to her cell phone in a 24-hour period demanding repayment for the breast augmentation surgery.

Robbins also said he would kill the ex-girlfriend, and her son, if she did not give back his dog and car. In a twist sure to pluck the heartstrings of devoted Peanuts fans, Robbins named his dog, what else, Snoopy.

The voice of Charlie Brown continued to be a clown, according to authorities, by continuing his threats during a confrontation New Year's Eve at a San Diego hotel room. In this case, he demanded, in person, a full refund for the breast augmentation surgery his former girlfriend had when they were together.

Robbins allegedly beat Snoopy, his dog, in front of her on New Year's Eve, saying he would continue beating the dog and kill her if she didn't get his money back. Prosecutors said Robbins grabbed his ex-girlfriend by the neck and shoved her to the floor before fleeing the scene.

Robbins also is accused of threatening the plastic surgeon, harassing her office with so many phone calls, she hired an armed guard for the La Jolla clinic. Prosecutors said Robbins recently bought a gun and started practicing at a shooting range.

During a jailhouse interview Friday with KFMB-TV, Channel 8 in San Diego, Robbins said he needed a mental evaluation to make sure he was OK and not a threat to himself or others. It may have been a more effective plea if the jailed former child voice actor hadn't a bunch of snot dripping down his nose throughout the interview.

And it may be a while before he gets back to his folowers on Facebook, where his page is dedicated to Peter "Charlie Brown" Robbins and recently featured a series of posts about Lance Armstrong's Oprah interview and solicitations for recipe ideas from "fans."

iPhoneography: An art form exploding at Macworld/iWorld

 With better lenses being packed into tinier phones, photography has become something almost anyone can participate in now.

At this year's Macworld/iWorld, the convention is highlighting the explosion of photo-themed apps and gear that has come out for the iPhone. These “iPhoneography” sessions will teach attendees how to turn the iPhone into a mobile photography lab.

“It's becoming an emerging area of interest for Apple product users,” says Paul Kent, Macworld vice president and general manager. “It's one of the hottest areas for both products and what people are doing interesting things with.”

It's an art form that's beginning to explode, and in the last two years a flood of apps and equipment have sprung up to support it. That's why Macworld/iWorld is featuring a host of Tech Talks and showroom floor space devoted to iPhoneography, Kent said.

The photo theme kicks off Wednesday with a full-day workshop on the subject, called “iPhoneography: The Mobile... (more)

The Lemon Twist also rises: From the ashes to fresh strawberries and more...

Once a lonely spot on the wide open road from nowhere to far away, the Lemon Twist Fruit Stand has weathered fires, frost and floods over the last 30-plus years, only to emerge in 2013 with fresh local strawberries and much, much more. 

The legend that is the Del Dios Highway farm stand began in 1981 with two recent college graduates, best friends Katie Shull and Trudy Tunstall. They figured the scenic two-lane road from Escondido to Rancho Santa Fe would be the perfect spot for local fruit and fresh produce.

(Photos: Kaie Shull et al at this used to be the Lemon Twist after the 2007 fire.)

The surrounding area featured significant citrus production, including world class lemons and oranges. The Shull family, as well as the McKrinks on the maternal side, ran significant citrus acreage, later opening packing and growing operations still in business at nearby Vista.

The San Dieguito River Valley that runs alongside the stand has flooded several times. Cold weather, on occasion, has hurt the nearby citrus farms. All that was trivial, however, compared to the 2007 Witch Creek Fire that raced down Del Dios Gorge to Lusardi Preserve utterly devastating the small wood farm stand structure along with anything that stood in its path.

With only a small, fragmented outer gate still standing, Robin Shull, the 30 year old co-owner and manager, and family, set out to rebuild the Lemon Twist, going bigger and better, to the delight of an ever-growing number of highway travelers. The reconstructed stand is several times larger, featuring expanded facilities and offerings.

Since it's strawberry season in North County, dammit, the fresh crop of locally grown berries are going into everything from chocolate confections made with fresh daily fruit to salads, desserts and kitchen tables from hither to yon. The Lemon Twist has created a national name for itself in this regard with chocolate-dipped strawberries, and other fruits and gourmet products shipped from its online store.

Also available: Seasonal organic produce an citrus; gifts, local gourmet items, fruit and gift baskets; flowers, orchid, plans and succulent gardens; local, raw, organic Rancho Santa Fe honey, Talavera pottery, garden art, fountains and statuary.

The Lemon Twist is  at 8175 Del Dios Highway. It's open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday to Sunday. The website features additional information and online orders visit http://lemontwistfruitstand.com/ . The stand can be reached by phone at (858) 756-0826.

it's not all champagne and roses in the skies above Rancho Santa Fe, Calif.

 Or: Another day, another hot air balloon crash...

With the second downed hot air balloon in 10 days just after 5 p.m. Thursday, this time at Rancho Diegueno Road, not far from San Dieguito Road at Fairbanks Ranch, it's not all champagne and roses in the skies above Rancho Santa Fe. 

This was the scene on Jan. 8 at Rancho Penasquitos where, according to San Diego Fire-Rescue Department spokesman Maurice Luque, a hot air balloon landed in the back of a home on Calle de los Ninos at Avenida De La Cantina shortly after 4:45 p.m.

The balloon operator who emergency landed Thursday scoured the brush topped hills for a landing space before touching down in a rural residential area near Fairbanks Village Plaza shopping center, according to San Diego County sheriff’s Lt. Mario Zermeno who shied away from saying the balloon crashed. No one was injured, Zemeno said. The "landing" site was within shouting distance of Rancho Santa Fe's newest fire station as well as the Helen C. Woodward Animal Center.

The forced landing followed a more eventful tilt at disaster's windmill on Jan. 8 when one person was slightly injured during a forced landing of a balloon carrying a 14-person wedding party at Rancho Penasquitos, about 10 miles southeast of Thursday's crash. The balloon crashed into a suburban home's yard.

Residents have cited numerous instances of balloon companies abusing landing rules, cutting gate locks, trashing areas including damaging environmentally sensitive landscapes, lying about emergency landings and generally disrespecting community norms.

"We have had confrontations with the balloon people calling us all sorts of names when they land on our properties," said Lynn Diamond, a Rancho Santa Fe Covenant resident who retired in 2010 as Carlsbad Police Department spokeswoman.

"They have put up chains, cut locks and put up their own locks on people's property," Diamond said. "Then, they claim they are landing due to an FAA emergency. Homeowners who try to ask them to leave private property are subject to verbal abuse, threats, lies and profanity.

"They are driving around with their trucks dragging equipment and trashing away," Diamond said. "They are also abusing open spaces and endangered habitat. They land wherever they want. It's definitely not what it is portrayed to be. They are a constant problem."

Likewise, Annie Fonte, a property owner and resident in the covenant area just beyond the Zumaque Gate, along the environmentally sensitive San Dieguito Riverbed, said balloon companies on several occasions had trespassed, scared her animals and generally ravaged the landscape.

"I'll be walking with my dogs and horses," Fonte said, "and often see the champagne corks, napkins and clues as to where they landed. You ask these folks who they are and they are elusive. They won't answer questions. It can be dark and you don't know who these people are. 

The end result, God forbid, is they crash into somebody's home. It would be a tragedy."

(Photo: A pumpkin patch in October, this area by Rancho Santa Fe Village shoppng center serves as a take-off and landing spot for hot air balloon operators although it is unclear if they have the property owner's permission)

Balloonists for hire have landed on her property without authorization three times in the last year, according to Fonte, who also has traced balloon skid marks along several parts of the nearby, and environmentally protected, Lusardi Creek Preserve.

Furthermore, balloon companies said a root cause of local communication problems and complaints stemmed from development in the area depriving them of once available open space landing areas.

Due to the fly-by-sunset nature of the commercial balloon ride for profit industry, it was impossible to determine how many companies offer such services locally. However, those involved in the industry put the number of operators at around nine. About four, or five, operate from San Diego County with the remainder based in the Temecula area
Generally, they offer flights along the Pacific Coast through Carmel Valley and into the Rancho Santa Fe area, starting around dusk and taking place on weekends.

Rides offer champagne or cider, photo opportunities and tours, generally lasting from 30 minutes to several hours. Costs vary but generally are around $80 per person for a half-hour ride to $200, or more, for an hour. A private charter may cost around $650 to $800 for one to two hours.

These businesses typically operate out of homes and meet customers at pre-designated open field areas. Currently, many meet customers near Flower Hill Mall off Via de la Valle or near MiraCosta College off Manchester Road in Olivenhain.

Local operators included Rancho Santa Fe resident Frank Reed and Sunballoon, Connie Von Zweck of Skysurfer from Del Mar, David Bradley of Temecula-based California Dreamin', Panorama Balloon Tours with a Del Mar post office box and apparent home-based location in Carlsbad, Sky's the Limit operated by James Lawson out of Encinitas and Balloon Addicts, location unknown.

Only Reed and Von Zweck agreed to speak on the record about the industry and their activities.

"The balloon companies have not done a good job of promoting themselves," Von Zweck said. "You only hear from people who don't like something. You don't always hear the positive. We need to communicate with the public to educate people and raise public awareness of ballooning."

Reed said, "For the most part, the people in the Rancho Santa Fe area have worked exceptionally well with us. Some people, who have been vocal about us, don't even own the properties. We don't trespass on properly posted property. But landing is an imperfect science."

The Balloon Federation of America is considered the leading voluntary, balloonist membership organization with 3,000 members.

The Federal Aviation Administration, or FAA, regulates hot air balloonists, according to Ian Gregory, the FAA Western-Pacific Region communications manager. Balloon pilots must pass a variety of written and hands-on flight tests to be commercially rated and allowed to charge people for rides, he said.

The FAA requires any emergency landings to be reported to the agency within 48 hours, but had no record of any in San Diego County from 2002 to 2008, according to the last available sources. There were eight reported balloon accidents in the state and 97 nationwide during that period, Gregor said.

As for liability to property owners would a balloon crash, "Balloonists in such circumstances are trespassers," Gregor said. "When they enter they have no right or privilege, the responsibility is theirs, and they must assume the risk of what they may encounter."

Dear Abby, Dear Abby: No local angle, but IT'S DEAR ABBY DAMMIT and she's gone

(For more from Amee Ellsworth visit: http://www.allvoices.com/users/VoiceforHope)

California housewife Pauline Phillips wowed writers for almost 60 years with her advice, twists on situations and valued perspectives. She has died at the age of 94 in Minneapolis. Universal Uclick announced her death on its website. Mrs. Phillips suffered from Alzheimer's for many years.

Under the pseudonym “Abigail Van Buren,” Mrs. Phillips went from being an ordinary housewife to becoming America’s psychological counselor. Her syndicated column was read in more than 1,200 newspapers. It was read by 95 million people per day, who enjoyed her advice and guidance. It all started when she began writing for the San Francisco Chronicle.

“They gave her a bunch of letters, thinking that, that they would never see her again — and she immediately took all of the letters to my dad’s nearby office and whipped out answers... (more)

Del Mar, Calif. gets 'D' grade for lousy tobacco policy from American Lung Association

The American Lung Association in California gave the city of Del Mar a D rating for its tobacco policies.

The annual report, which was released Wednesday, issues grades for all cities and counties in California on local tobacco control policies including those for smokefree outdoor environments, smokefree housing, and reducing sales of tobacco products.

Despite the city's overall low grade, Del Mar along with Solana Beach and El Cajon lead the pack with A grades in the Smokefree Outdoor Air category.

Overall, the association said the state of California "falls short in adequately funding tobacco prevention programs to protect children and curb tobacco-caused disease." California earned an A grade for its smokefree air policies but received a D for its low cigarette tax, an F for failing to adequately fund tobacco prevention and control programs, and another F for poor coverage of smoking cessation and treatment services.

“Safeguarding... (more)

Police sketches released of two suspected of Rancho Santa Fe, Calif. home invasion

Authorities asked the public Wednesday for help in identifying two men who forced their way into a Rancho Santa Fe home five days before Christmas, holding a housekeeper at gunpoint while stealing valuables and handcuffing her before fleeing.

The thieves, suntanned white men who appeared to be in their late 20s or early 30s, confronted the victim at the large house in the 5000 block of El Mirlo shortly after noon on Dec. 20, according to sheriff's officials.

A housekeeper was home when two unknown men – one of whom was armed with a handgun – forced their way inside, holding the housekeeper at gunpoint.

The men allegedly handcuffed the woman to something so she couldn’t call for help while they ransacked the home, stealing jewelry, antique clocks and other expensive items, deputies said.

After gathering jewelry and antiques, the bandits handcuffed the maid to a door to keep her from calling 911, then... (more)

Casting Couch: Real Housewives San Diego seeks Rancho Santa Fe women...

It looks like the Real Housewives concept is coming to San Diego, and for more than just  the great weather. The company making the TV show - Asylum Entertainment - has a casting call out right now looking for women who live in the area.  

The producers are looking for upscale, women who live fabulous, glamorous lives along with their busy social calendars. They say they are looking for the best and brightest, so to speak, when it comes to wealth, glamour, and if you've seen those type of shows, a certain amount of panache and drama.

A series of 50 Tweets sent by the casting agents this week said they were focusing on the La Jolla and Rancho Sante Fe areas.

No word yet on a production schedule or when the show might hit the air.

If you are interested in auditioning for the potential new “Real Housewives of San Diego” show, email your name, age, bio, current photos and phone number to: alex@alexshaw.tv .

Alex Shaw, Director of Casting at Asylum, reached out to a variety of influential San Diegans and media reps via Twitter. Her post read: “Bravo CASTING Housewives of affluent SD areas (Rancho, La Jolla etc). Gorgeous, living the life!” Sources followed up with Shaw for the real story behind the Tweet.

Shaw sent  the Asylum release for the ‘Untitled Housewives Show.’

“Asylum Entertainment is casting its next show in the San Diego area. We are seeking upscale, affluent women living fabulous and glamorous lives.

“We along with a Major Cable Network are looking for outgoing, exciting, strong, focused women who reside in and around the San Diego area that want to share their lives. We are looking for women who are lively and energetic, with defined opinions and views. Our featured women should have busy lives, be involved with the community, have a strong work ethic, and an active social calendar. Most importantly, they should be enjoying the good life.”

The housewives concept launched in 2006 with “The Real Housewives of Orange County.” The original O.C. series is still filming new seasons, although characters have come and gone over the years. The Bravo network also chronicles the lives of housewives in New York City, Atlanta, New Jersey, Beverly Hills and Miami.

Should an artist employ a sales rep? Rancho Santa Fe Art Guild members consider...

It wasn't easy being green for Kermit the Frog and it isn't easy getting greenbacks through selling art, according to Rancho Santa Fe Art Guild members at the group's winter show opening.

Guild members agreed most contemporary artists who haven't established an enormous reputation (i.e. 99.9 percent of artists) generally establish themselves at one, or two, local galleries; or show, and sell, through an art guild or club. Otherwise, it's not like literature or the music business where agents and reps are able to create careers, sometimes even demand.

Longtime art guild officer Cindy Klong had several pieces at the winter show, a valuable opportunity to display and publicize her efforts, she said. She also maintains online galleries and shows at other galleries.

Unfortunately, the chance to connect directly with audiences through galleries is becoming ever rarer, said Barbara Dawson, who owned galleries in La Jolla and Del Mar before returning to full-time curating and creating.

Economic conditions have caused most art collectors to pare down on purchases while rising property values have forced galleries into costly rental situations resulting in cutbacks and closures, Dawson said.

Long story short, unless you're in the $50,000+ per piece sales category, the best way to succeed and sell, for now,  is do it yourself, guild members say, which means aligning with a guild, group and gallery. Then, see if you can take it up a notch from there, fate willing and the Visigoths don't rise.

(Photo left: incoming RSF Art Guild president Kim Doherty)

As for the rest of the story, the new show was OK, the wine was good. They need to do a better job on appetizers and have healthy choices rather than pigs-in-a-blanket mini-hot dog cuisine. In other words, stay classy Rancho Santa Fe Art Guild.

And wait, here's more, straight from the art guild's mouth:

'Impressions of the Soul'

Award winning photographer Manss Aval, as featured artist, unveils his latest collection. 

Join us for a reception Thursday January 10th, 2013 from 5PM-7PM.  Wine & appetizers will be served. 

The show runs through March 2nd.

The gallery is located next to the Union Bank at 6004 Paseo Delicias in Rancho Santa Fe, California. 

Gallery Location
6004 Paseo Delicias (Faces Avenida de Acacias) Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067
(858) 759-3545    
Gallery hours
Tuesday 10:30 - 1 Wednesday - Friday 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m
Saturday 11:00-2:00 pm  

Visit: http://ranchosantafeartguild.org/

email: ranchoart@sbcglobal.net

....

Holy Cow! Harry Caray's ghost, The Pantry sold and Rancho Santa Fe, Calif.

 Famed Chicago restauranteurs, the Jahanguiri family have purchased The Pantry at Rancho Santa Fe. A soft opening is expected later this month with classic touches and continuing commitment to classy, elegant new American comfort cuisines.

(6024C Paseo Delicias, PO Box 1297, Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067)

However, we digress.

Hall-of-Fame baseball broadcaster Harry Caray was a legend of the brightest sort, known as much for his effervescent personality and reputation as the bon vivant of all bon vivants, as for his knowledge and love of baseball, which was immense.

During Caray's picaresque journeys through life including stints with the St. Louis Cardinals, Chicago White Sox, Oakland A's and, of course the woebegone Chicago Cubs, he not only led the second line, but took over the band when it came to haunting bars and restaurants throughout the land.

Two of Caray's FAVORITE places: Toulouse on Rush Street and Yvette, also in the Chicago entertainment hub known as the Gold Coast.

The Jahanguiri family were the folks behind Toulouse and Yvette, famously known for  dark and mysterious, intimate and romantic ambiance punctuated by terrific jazz stylings and classy classic French cuisine.

Bob Jahanguiri (photo, left)  was the man behind Caray's prime haunts and a longtime friend and confidante. He was at The Pantry on Monday helping brother Mozy Jahanguiri, a Plano, Texas business and mediation consultant who also -- it's all in the family -- has a Dallas restaurant, remodel and get ready for a soft opening expected later this month.

Mozy Jahanguiri will own and operate The Pantry, which retains the name and much of the menu, supplemented by the magic Jahanguiri touch. The Jahanguiri's declined to disclose the purchase price. Dan and Michiro Bohlen, The Pantry proprietors, will continue with their Encinitas restaurants, notably East Village Asian Diner, as they continue to develop local restaurant properties.

As Rancho Santa Fe residents know well, the very popular The Pantry on Paseo Delicias featured a casual neighborhood atmosphere, delicious made from scratch new American comfort food and remarkable wine list at reasonable prices.

And as Ranch residents also know, one of America's 10 wealthiest communities features its unfair share of professional athletes and baseball players, including Padres manager Bud Black, Trevor Hoffman, Mike Sweeney, Brad Ausmus, Mark Loretta, Steve Finley, Rick Aguilera, Kirk McCaskill, Jack McDowell to name but a few. Not to mention fellow A-list sports broadcasters Dick Enberg and Jim Lampley and former Padres owner John Moores.

Add to this mix of cuisine, baseball and fun, the ghost of Harry Caray, now at The Pantry plate as Bob Jahanguiri spun a few (tall) tales of Harry Caray gone wild.

To wit:

Caray used to sing 'Take me out to the Ballgame' to the crowd during the traditional 7th inning stretch. It became so popular, Chicago White Sox owner Bill Veeck, as-in-Wreck, Jr., turned on the mic at the ballpark so people could hear the -- shall we say -- definitive rendition. Caray, and company, transferred the tradition to the tonier climes of Chicago's North Side and Wrigley Field where he ruled, and waved somewhat unsteadily at the crowd due to alleged Budweiser consumption for nearly 20 years.

Jahanguiri often visited Caray in his WGN-TV and radio booth, although not as often as Caray visited Toulouse, one of his favorite haunts. On one fine Cubs off-day, Caray, Jahanguiri and the portable party people went back to the South Side, Comiskey Field, sitting, of course, in the press area. As 'Take me out to the Ballgame' began on the stadium organ, Caray grabbed the hot mic and started bellowing out the song to the crowd's utter delight.

Ah, the only problem with this fine act was the fact the Veeck regime had long since wrecked. Current Sox ownership didn't take kindly to their former announcer, now with the arch-rival Cubs, taking over the crowd's beer and booze-soaked vibes. The powers that were abruptly killed Caray's mic.

Caray didn't care. He kept singing anyway, even louder if that were possible, and you know what, so did the fans, who Jahanguiri swore, sounded louder than ever, their enthusiasm trumping good sense and tired lungs.

Another time, Caray kept saying he was going to Toulouse throughout the broadcast, maybe a dozen times, or more, during a Cubs game. "I'll meet you at Toulouse after the game," he kept saying. "After the game, Toulouse, Rush Street."

Not that Jahanguiri minded the publicity, what restaurateur doesn't; only problem was Toulouse was not scheduled to Lautrec after the night game, i.e. it was supposed to be dark.

As they say somewhere, oy vey, Jahanguiri rushed to Rush Street and kept the jazz club eatery open after the game. Sure enough, Caray, and entourage, showed up late, way late as was his wont, keeping the joint jumping through dawn.

Yet, as the Sphinx held its mysteries, Caray unlocked one of his.

"Why did you keep telling people, Toulouse was going to be open?" a confused Jahanguiri said. Caray looked at him and laughed. "I was supposed to meet a bunch of people with (the) Kansas City (Royals) for dinner tonight," he said, "but forgot to tell them where to go. I wanted to make sure they knew where to go."

Rim shot.

Another time during a national broadcast of the Cubs game, when Caray went radio-only for Chicagoland, he insisted Jahanguiri sit next to him in the booth. But again, why? As Caray said, he knew the national cameras would shoot him during the game and wanted to get Jahanguiri some air time, just or fun. "Harry was the greatest," Jahanguiri said.

Good times on The Pantry patio, then. With remodeling soon to be complete and a brand new downtown bistro's time to shine soon at hand, expect more sweet sounds, fine food, and if you're lucky, the ghost of Harry Caray just this side of Wrigleyville, Chicago or Paseo Delicias, Rancho Santa Fe.

(Photo: Mozy Jahanguiri supervises remodeling at The Pantry, 6024C Paseo Delicias, Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067)

Encinitas, Calif. resident and famed pop singe Patti Page dead at age 85

Grammy Award winning 1950s music legend Patti Page died Jan. 1 at the age of 85 at an Encinitas, Calif. nursing home after suffering congestive heart failure, her manager, Michael Glynn, told Reuters.

"She'd been having some health issues for the past couple of years," Glynn said. "She was actually doing better yesterday. I spoke to her and she sounded well."

Ms. Page was scheduled to receive the Lifetime Achievement Award at the February 10 Grammy Award ceremonies from The Recording Academy for Recording Arts and Sciences.  Reportedly Page recorded over 1,000 songs in her 60 plus year career – over 100 albums and sold over 100 million albums.

Seeing artists “crossover” between musical... (more)

Brian Bilbray's last hurrah: Appropriate last speaker at the 112th 'Do-Nothing' Congress

                        (Photo: Brian Bilbray at the Inn at Rancho Santa Fe, 2007.)

The 112th "Do-Nothing Tea Party" Congress ended just before midnight eastern time, Wednesday with a bang of the gavel that followed the last disjointed one-minute whimper from our favorite retiring congressman, Brian Bilbray, R-Carlsbad.

Representing Rancho Santa Fe, Calif. and the 50th Congressional District following the imprisonment on federal corruption charges of Randy "Duke" Cunningham, Bilbray was known as the congressional cigar club proprietor as well as leader of the anti-immigrant caucus, obviously a pressing issue at Rancho Santa Fe, one of the top 10 wealthiest communities in America.

 Or: Say goodnight, Gracie.

It was a busy day of doing nothing but arguing over nonsense for the GOP Tea Party and its House leadership throughout New Year's Day, but finally, at long last, a two-month stop gap fiscal cliff measure passed the House in painfully bipartisan fashion, just before midnight.

As the GOP House leadership refused to consider a $60 billion funding request passed by the Senate to provide Hurricane Sandy relief, Republican and Democratic congressmen representing Sandy-affected districts spoke in shock and disbelief on the House floor. They passionately assailed the GOP House leadership for adjourning the session before taking action.

Just before the 112th House adjourned for all time, one last speaker strode to the podium, asking for a minute of the House's precious time before dissolving in the mists of history, and not in the good way.

Was it Henry Clay or John C. Calhoun, Sam Rayburn or the second coming of...nah. As Gilda Radner's Emily Litella used to say on "Saturday Night Live," NEVER MIND.

It was the esteemed Imperial Beach native, lifeguard-turned-Washington lobbyist-turned Rancho Santa Fe congressman Bilbray. And he wasn't talking about the fiscal cliff compromise or hurricane relief, he was talking about, d'uh, immigration. IMM-I-F'IN-GRATION.

"In leaving, I just want to say one thing," Bilbray said. "I hear one of the new, major issues you're going to address when this new congress comes is the issue of immigration and those of us in California understand that. 

"I'd ask the one place Democrats and Republicans should be able to agree on this, especially with the budget crisis is when are we going to stop the practice of people who are committing a crime by employing illegal immigrants.

"Take the tax deduction away and require that if a business wants to claim a business deduction for employing somebody that we make sure those employees are legal just by requiring e-verify.

"Again Mr. Speaker, I'm going to miss a lot of these faces around here in Washington but as a San Diegan let me assure you, I will not miss the weather. God bless and thank you."

Say goodnight Gracie, I mean Brian. And for the rest of us, see ya at the next fiscal cliff next month. Immigration issues will have to wait.

They got a little sloppy at Poppy

They got a little sloppy at Poppy...

  POPPY BOUTIQUE

16087 San Dieguito Rd, Ste D2
Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067

phone 858.756.5528

Store Hours:
Mon-Wed
10am-5pm
Thurs-Sat
10am-6pm

Journey to the top of Rancho Santa Fe, Calif. (from the lemon twist to artesian road)

Tackling the three hills from the Lemon Twist Farm Stand to Artesian Road, a hearty journey to the very top of the world at Rancho Santa Fe, Calif., Dec. 28,2012.

 Me, and tired at top of Hill#2

Heading up the road feeling glad...

 Anonymous secret lake

 Gravel rock trail

 Crosby Estate featuring golfing opportunities for the .1 percent.

 Trail on top of Hill#1, Hill#2 in the background

Osuna Property

 High fallutin' stables

Going up Hill#3

   Cutting through the haze towards home...

Actually, needed to jump this due to page break glitch, really, sorry...

This guy is driving his BMW M3 E46 from Rancho Santa Fe Road to Zumaque for 27 minutes

Course I take, warning, Zumaque St is a dead end unless you know the gate code.

I start off in the abandoned parking lot on Rancho Santa Fe Road:

1 Turn left onto El Camino Del Norte

2 Turn right onto Lago Lindo

3 Turn right onto El Montevideo

4 Turn left onto Via De Fortuna

5 Turn left to stay on Via De Fortuna

6 Turn right onto San Elijo Ave

7 Turn right onto La Granada<... (more)

'You Got a New Christmas Puppy! Now What?'/'Don't Ignore New Year's Eve Safety for Pets'

 You Got a New Christmas Puppy! Now What?

Encinitas, CA -- My puppy cries, whines, trips me, nips me, jumps, pees on the carpet, and won’t come when it’s called. WHAT HAVE WE GOTTEN OURSELVES INTO? That’s normal for a new puppy, but the animal experts at Rancho Coastal Humane Society (RCHS) in Encinitas remind families with new Christmas puppies that it’s temporary.

“They were so cute at the shelter, rescue, or pet shop, but when you got home they started acting like puppies” says RCHS spokesman John Van Zante. “Like human babies, they’re learning every day. It’s never too soon to teach them the rules. Start with a routine, and stick to it.”  

Breeders and pet stores sell puppies as young as 5 weeks old. Experts agree that pups need at least 8 weeks with their mom and littermates or a trained puppy raising to avoid problems later.  

Here are some tips to help you and your puppy get started on the “right paw.” 
*          Relax and stick to the basics. Meals at regular times, trips outside, playtime, and naps.
*          Socialization and exposure to household noises, surfaces, and handling by humans. 
*          Teach the kids how to handle the puppy and be sure to supervise the interaction. 
*          Older kids can help with the leash, training, and tricks.  

Along with the “Do’s” there are also some “Don’ts.”
*          It’s okay to hug your puppy, but keep it away from your face.
*          No dragging by the leg, the collar, or a leash. 
*          No feeding from the table. 
*          No spanking.  

If you’re still looking for a pet, consider breed characteristics, your home situation, how much time you have for a dog, and your activity level. “Some smaller breeds bark a lot because that’s what they were bred to do. Dachshunds generally don’t make good running companions, while Dalmatians need lots of exercise. Get the dog that fits your lifestyle.”

Barney and friends from Rancho Coastal Humane Society on Vimeo.

Van Zante adds, “Getting a puppy should be fun! Your family needs to work together as a team.”  

The adoption kennels at RCHS, 389 Requeza Street in Encinitas, are open Wednesday through Monday from 11 to 5, but will close at 3:00 on New Year’s Eve and be closed New Year’s Day. For more information call RCHS at 760-753-6413 or log on to www.sdpets.org.

 It Can be Dangerous! Don't Ignore New Year's Eve Safety for Pets.

Whether you got a new puppy or kitten for Christmas, or you want to protect your current dog or cat, Rancho Coastal Humane Society (RCHS) in Encinitas is sharing a few simple rules to follow to help keep them safe on New Year’s Eve.  

"More pets run away on New Year’s Eve than any other time of the year, except the 4^th of July,” says RCHS spokesman John Van Zante.

“With the commotion, guests, and midnight gunfire pets look for a safe place," Van Zante continued. "That could be under the bed, or out the door and down the street, where they just find more noise, so they keep running until they don’t know where they are.”  

Tips to keep your pets safe (and home) on New Year’s Eve include:
*          Provide them with a crate or other safe place away from the party.
*          Make sure they have food and water….and NO table food.
*          Remind your guests NOT to feed your pets.
*          NO ALCOHOL!
*          Keep pets away from the tree, packages, and other holiday decorations.
*          Even during the party, dogs need “potty breaks.”
*          Don’t put them in the yard and forget about them.
*          Watch out for “door dashing” as guests come and go.
*          If you’re going to go out on New Year’s Eve, leave the TV or radio on. 
*          There’s still time to have your pet micro-chipped so it can be identified if it escapes.  

Families that got new puppies for Christmas have been trying to get their pups into a routine with consistent behavior. Van Zante says New Year’s Eve can jeopardize the training. “Your guests will be there for a few hours, but your puppy will be with you for the next 10 to 15 years. Ignoring your puppy’s routine or allowing guests to teach it bad habits could impact the rest of its (and your) life. Keep your best friends…animal and human…safe this New Year’s Eve.”   

Ash from Rancho Coastal Humane Society on Vimeo.

The adoption kennels at RCHS, 389 Requeza Street in Encinitas, are open Wednesday through Monday from 11 to 5, but will close at 3:00 on New Year’s Eve and be closed New Year’s Day. For more information call RCHS at 760-753-6413 or log on to www.sdpets.org.

'Christmas Time for the Jews' -- Darlene Love, Robert Smigel (VIDEO)

HAPPY HAPPY...

'Christmas Time for the Jews' -- Darlene Love, Robert Smigel (VIDEO)

Scenes from a region: Cardiff to Rancho Santa Fe to Campo Del Dios, Calif. 

Welcome to our world. ...

Cardiff State Beach where the surf meets the parking lot.

The Cardiff Plein-Air Playas.

 Tom Chino, Tom Chino, where are you???

 Water, water everywhere at Bheau View Ranch's Awe Center.

 The guys who used to be IndyMac. The failure of IndyMac cost US taxpayers almost $8 billion. Then, the IndyMac leaders got money from the US Treasury at 10 cents on the dollar and opened OneWest Bank. This is its office at the historic downtown plaza on Paseo Delicias, Rancho Santa Fe. Note the sign, middle right, warning people about bank burglaries. Anyone find this to be financial pornography?

 Hanukkah Harry visits Rancho Santo Fe Community Center, Dec. 10, 2012.

 HMMMMM...LATKES, otherwise knows as potato pancakes, with apple sauce for good measure.

Campo Del Dios...

Buddha or somethin'

Who Dat?