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.

The Country Friends 57th Annual Art of Fashion Show transforms Rancho Santa Fe into center of fall/winter fashion on Thursday, Sept. 20... 

Something very happening catwalks Rancho Santa Fe way on Thursday, Sept. 20, across a plain public green magically transformed into one of the largest outdoor fashion shows in the nation.

The Country Friends, in partnership with trendsetting South Coast Plaza, and The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe, stages the ultimate in outdoor fashion events, the 57th Annual Art of Fashion runway show. 

It's a must-attend event for fashionistas, usually featuring creations from the world's leading designers and front-line, center-stage fall/winter collections. Upwards of 550 people generally make the day's activities.

The amazing festivities begins at 10:30 a.m. with boutique shopping on the lawn at The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe followed by lunch at 11 a.m. The ultimate in outdoor runway shows kicks its heels "PROMPTLY" at 1:30 p.m. Then, an Apres' Affair Wine Tasting hosted, by Falkner Winery, Lemon Twist and Allure Chocolates, back at The Inn toasts off around 2:30 p.m as boutique shopping continues until credit cards are maxxed.

 The show highlights fashions from the 2012 fall/winter collections of renowned international designers such as Yves Saint Laurent, Dior, Valentino, Celine, Donna Karan, Roberto Cavalli, as well as clothes from Saks Fifth Avenue and Gucci. It's garnished with jewelry from such as  David Yurman and Black, Starr & Frost.

The Country Friends was founded in 1954 with 167 members. It has grown to more than 1,200 members and has distributed more than $12 million to San Diego County charities.

 The group funds more than two dozen charitable agencies each year, through events such as the Art of Fashion, and also proceeds from its consignment shop at Rancho Santa Fe, specializing in exquisite furniture, antiques, rugs, silver, china and objets d’art. Its mission is “helping people to help themselves.”

The event usually is sold out, so tickets probably are not available. However, it never hurts to check even at this late date. 

Valet parking is available at the event entrance. Tickets cost $225 for the fashion show and lunch, or $125 for the fashion show alone. They are available online at www.thecountryfriends.org or by calling (858) 756-1192, ext. 4.

Big Changes Afoot at Del Mar National Horse Show Next Month...

The 67th edition of the Del Mar National Horse Show is scheduled for Thursday, April 19 through Sunday, May 6 at the Del Mar Fairgrounds Arena. The Del Mar National Horse Show continues to be among the most respected, distinguished and popular equestrian events on the West Coast, if not the entire nation. Consisting of three distinctly different equestrian disciplines — Western, Dressage, and Hunter/Jumper — the Del Mar National represents the best in competitive opportunities for world-class equestrians and is unrivaled in its entertainment appeal for everyone. 

“The difference between ‘good enough’ and ‘top of the line’ can make or break a reputation and a career," said Kenny Baker, Equestrian Manager. "The Del Mar National Horse Show management remains committed to continually improving the facility to accommodate the comfort and safety of horses, riders, and spectators. Upgrades started with the&... (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.

@Bonnie Russell...Allison Morelli -- The follow up: What was the 'Today Show' thinking?

In response to Allison Morelli's interview with Matt Lauer on the TODAY SHOW, I wrote "Why My Psycho Ex Wife was not about free speech" examining the many reasons why the interview missed the obvious.

Someone sent it to Allison and she contacted me. I subsequently learned in the five hours TODAY Show free-lance producers spent with Ms. Morelli, much which was very important didn't air.  Turns out the Today Show piece was worse than most could have imagined.

Not mentioned

That the Psycho Ex-Wife did not solely slam Allison Morelli.  The site also featured posts that were highly critical of both boys. Criticism that will not be repeated here.  That was not featured in any part of the interview regarding a court system that is supposed to oversee the best interests of the children.

Morelli runs a website called Mrcustodycoach.com where he "advises" members paying a monthly fee for "custody coaching" services starting as low as $29.00/month. (Sane people are likely to immediately demand a refund.)

Also not mentioned

Allison learned of the blog from her two kids....one of whom is now annoyed she read it.

But wait - there's more!  (Also not mentioned)

The initial blog wasn't "My Psycho Ex Wife."  Spoiler Alert!

No, the original free spew hate was created by Misty Weaver-Ostinato, Anthony's girlfriend, as far back as 2004 or 2005.

Misty's initial hatred for Allison erupted via divorcingforever.blogspot.com...which apparently Misty created to express her feelings about her extra-marital affair....with a another man.  Sometime later she met Anthony Morelli and they've been together since.  (It is not clear whether Misty ever divorced). 

However, once Misty and Anthony hooked up Misty's attention was diverted to focus on Allison.

Allison learned of Misty's original blog after a woman in another state half-way across the country tipped her.  Allison read it, but said nothing, and posted nothing in response. 

divorcingforever.blogspot.com remains current, but private. 

Some entries before it went private are below:

"Entering the Real World" Misty wrote:  "We will have to work out how Mr. M will get paid so as not to give 50% of every fucking dollar we own to Psycho Mom.  We have no problem with child support, but she isn't getting her fat grubby litle hands on my empire."

(Misty works in personal training, search engine optimization, selling house plans...whatever works in this economy.) 

Misty's not overweight.  Apparently Allison has consumed her.

Feb. 24 2005:  By Misty:   "Psycho Mom can die.  Maybe I shouldn't print that for all to read, but really.  She's a fucking psycho whore."

May,  2005:  "That bitch deserves to fry in hell.  Psycho Mom decided to go Pro Se (to save money of course, the cheap idiot) so I hope they bury her"
 
Oct. 2007 "Psycho Mom, still psycho. Ha! How come only the good die young"
 
Dec 12 2007  "The bitch will not fucking die"

The above represents some of the nicer entries.  More recent ones amp up the hate. 

Also Not mentioned

No mention during the Today Show interview of guns and wishes for Allison's suicide.

No mention during the Today Show concerning the now seven year steady drip of toxic hate not seriously addressed in the interview, by the evaluator, or that the judge is giving Allison former husband and his venomous girlfriend, four extra months to decide to change their ways.

The interview concentrated instead, on Anthony Morelli's right of free speech. 

But wait, there's more!  Also Not mentioned

The latest evaluation (they're been four - Allison's fine) produced a report that moderately criticized Anthony Morelli - but not enough to result in any kind of change to encourage Mr. Morelli to change his behavior.  In short, the latest evaluation produced - nothing.  No parenting consequences.

So I interviewed Allison.  Click on it, here.

The rest of the interview is on-line.  However, as I wrote yesterday, media mostly misses the mark in family court.  That's why Familylawcourts.com exists as a cheat-sheet for those who would like to know how the courts work?

The shame being what's happening to Allison Morelli and her two sons isn't really parental alienation, although clearly it's partly that.  Allison confided seven years of hate has negatively impacted their attitude towards her. 

But the shame is all three have had to endure year seven of full-on, outright hatred.  Which continues.

None of this was any part of the Today Show interview. 

With coverage like that, it's easy to understand why the public still (mistakenly) believes family court is about the best interests of the children.

The 37th annual Fred Hall Del Mar Show returns to San Diego County March 24-27

See New Fishing Gear -- and Much More -- at the Fred Hall Del Mar Show

The 37th annual Fred Hall Del Mar Show returns to San Diego County March 24-27, giving sport anglers, boaters and other outdoor enthusiasts a chance to see the latest in fishing gear, tackle and accessories -- along with new boats, expert seminars, fun attractions, an expanded hunting and camping section, and much more. 

Kayak Winner -- Candace Smith of Pomona won a Malibu Stealth 9 Kayak in FishRap’s Goodies & Gadgets Giveaway, at the recent Fred Hall Long Beach Show.

It all takes place at the Del Mar Fairgrounds, at 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd. 

Be sure to visit The Log/FishRap booth, where you can sign up for a free digital subscription and e-newsletter to be automatically entered in FishRap’s Goodies & Gadgets Giveaway drawing. Prizes include a Malibu Sierra 10 kayak, a Saltiga lever-drag reel and boat jig rod from Daiwa, Sebile Magic Swimmer... (more)

April 30 and May 1 from 10-4 each day

2048 Ridgecrest Place, Escondido 92029

View the one acre gardens overlooking Lake Hodges seen in SD Home and Garden mag. 360 views from succulents to tropicals.

Artwork includes: Spain, Tuscany,  Maui and southwest paintings, Paintings of many local scenes. Hand painted jewelry

Look for signs for two other art shows in the Lake Hodges area

760-489-9109

cathy@artstudiosandiego.com

www.artstudiosandiego.com

Two Fox 5 KSWB-TV views of 'V'-Day - Ex-boyfriend blows up real good for Jeff 'n Jer; Vows renewed at San Diego County building...

Say what one will about V-Day, Valentine's Day -- and this year, for some reason, seemed to feature a lot of backlash in the form of 'Single Awareness Day,' thanks for the heads-up, Kimi Evans -- but it went from heads (mannequins resembling ex-boyfriends blowed up, blowed up real good) to kind hearts (county-officiated wedding renewal vows) and coronets on Monday around San Diego County.

For those curious about the day, Fox 5/69, KSWB-TV, had two reports, fair and balanced, presenting each side in the Valentine's Day argument. First video up, the con, as in now-KyXy 96.5 radio personalities Jeff and Jer blowing up the holiday in the viral way. Second video, a look at the pro-, as San Diego County officials continue a local Valentine's Day tradition of $100 wedding vow reneals at the county building on the embarcadero. This years renewals also were available for gay couples married legally during the 6-month window before state law changed.

BRIEFLY SPEAKING: Home Prices FALL at Rancho Santa Fe; Surfer down at Leucadia; Coast Highway 101 Solana Beach and Encinitas; Cat fancier show Del Mar... 

 RANCHO SANTA FE -- Home prices continued heading the wrong way.  Altos Real Estate Research this week reported the average asking price on a 92067 home at around $2.9 million with 238 properties on the market for an average of 256 days. Inventory has been increasing while days on the market are climbing, a negative indicator.

Altos Research Finds:

• The median single family home price as of January 16 2011 for RANCHO SANTA FE is $2,948,269.
• With a Market Action Index as of January 16 2011 at 13.30, RANCHO SANTA FE is currently a buyer's market.
• The average property in RANCHO SANTA FE as of January 16 2011 has been on the market for about 252 days.
• The median price per square foot for homes in RANCHO SANTA FE as of January 16 2011 is about $526.  

LEUCADIA -- A 58-year-old surfer died in the waters off Beacon's Beach on Tuesday morning. Surfers, then emergency medical workers, tried to revive the man who was spotted drifting on top of his surf board around 11:30 a.m. The surfers "did a really good job and I’d like to thank them for that,” Encinitas lifeguard Capt. Larry Giles said. The man was transported to Scripps Memorial Hospital Encinitas where he was pronounced dead at 12:41 p.m. .  The victim later was identified as David Alan Kim, 58. He drowned, according to authorities who did not release any further information. .

SOLANA BEACH, ENCINITAS: 

Walk San Diego Forum - Jan 21

For anyone in the SD region, WSD is holding its first lunchtime forum of the year:

Coast Highway101 – Our region’s next complete street?

Special guest presenters will be:

Diane Langager, Principal Planner, City of Encinitas

Mike Nichols, Councilman, City of Solana Beach

 Come hear what the cities of Encinitas and Solana Beach are doing with the planning of Coast Highway 101 to make it safer for bicyclists and pedestrians and how public participation has made road diets and roundabouts part of the solution.

 Date: January 21, 2011

Time: 12:00-1:00 P.M.

Location: 193 Horton Plaza, 1st level, (Next to Victoria’s Secret)

Suggested: Lunch Donation is $5.00, RSVP by January 19th, $7.00 at the door

Please RSVP to Cynthia Offenhauer

Free Parking at Horton Plaza Garage...

DEL MAR:

San Diego Cat Fanciers Show in Del Mar Jan. 22-23

The Food and Water Bowl XIX, sponsored by the San Diego Cat Fanciers, will be held Jan. 22 and 23 at the Del Mar Fair Grounds, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar. The hours are Saturday10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Sunday
 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

The event includes cat agility competition, household pet competition, top show cats on display, educational seminars, unique gift items, and pedigreed kittens for sale as well as rescue cat adoptions.

Admission is $8 for adults, $6 for seniors, children and military. Visit www.sandiegocat.org for full schedule and discount coupon.

There are about 265 properties on the market in RANCHO SANTA FE as of January 16 2011.

Country Friends 55th Annual Art of Fashion Show VIDEO Presentation

A record crowd of more than 550 incredibly fashionable patrons showed up for the big tent on Thursday, Sept. 23 as the Country Friends, in partnership with South Coast Plaza, turned heads with its 56th staging of that grand annual tradition the Art of Fashion outdoor runway show. It all happened from 10:30 a.m. to well past 3 p.m. in, and around, the Inn at Rancho Santa Fe.

 It's one of the largest, if not the largest, outdoor fashion show in North America. The latest in haute couture for the fall/winter season from some of the leading designers and fashion houses in the world strolled, strutted and amazed a highly attentive, and appreciative gathering.

"We are thrilled to have such an incredible line-up of designers," said Jeanne Lucia, president of the Country Friends.

Added Debra Gunn Downing of South Coast Plaza, which partnered in the event for the sixth consecutive year: "It's a pleasure to bring our stellar cast of luxury boutiques to this show."

This year's runway show featured fall/winter collections from Emilio Pucci, Ermenegildo Zegna, Marni, MaxMara, Michael Kors, Oscar de la Renta, Saks Fifth Avenue, St. John, TOD'S, and Versace.

Aloha Taylor, KSWB 5/69 Fox San Diego meteorologist, and former Miss USA Hawaii, emceed the fabulous event, noting how the weather was perfect and so were the fashions. Andrea Naverson, chair of the Art of Fashion, welcomed everyone to the special event and introduced Country Friends Art of Fashion committee members and special guests.... (more)

BREAKING NEWS 4 P.M. - GOING, GOING, GONE TO THE COUNTRY FRIENDS 'ART OF FASHION SHOW'

Midnight UPDATE: Video of the event will be posted later today...

A record crowd of more than 550 incredibly fashionable patrons showed up for the big tent on Thursday, Sept. 23 as the Country Friends, in partnership with South Coast Plaza, turned heads with its 55th staging of that grand annual tradition the Art of Fashion outdoor runway show. It all happened from 10:30 a.m. to well past 3 p.m. in, and around, the Inn at Rancho Santa Fe.

 It's one of the largest, if not the largest, outdoor fashion show in North America. The latest in haute couture for the fall/winter season from some of the leading designers and fashion houses in the world strolled, strutted and amazed a highly attentive, and appreciative gathering.

"We are thrilled to have such an incredible line-up of designers," said Jeanne Lucia, president of the Country Friends.

Added Debra Gunn Downing of South Coast Plaza, which partnered in the event for the sixth consecutive year: "It's a pleasure to bring our stellar cast of luxury boutiques to this show."

This year's runway show featured fall/winter collections from Emilio Pucci, Ermenegildo Zegna, Marni, MaxMara, Michael Kors, Oscar de la Renta, Saks Fifth Avenue, St. John, TOD'S, and Versace.

Aloha Taylor, KSWB 5/69 Fox San Diego meteorologist, and former Miss USA Hawaii, emceed the fabulous event, noting how the weather was perfect and so were the fashions. Andrea Naverson, chair of the Art of Fashion, welcomed everyone to the special event and introduced Country Friends Art of Fashion committee members and special guests.

 Those guests included family members of the late Betty Mabee and Betty Zable. These ladies were honored at the event. "Mrs. Zable and Mrs. Mabee, longtime members of the Country Friends, are being honored for their commitment to the community," Naverson said.

The Country Friends was founded in 1954 with 167 members. It has grown to more than 1,200 members and has distributed more than $12 million to San Diego County charities. The Art of Fashion show, the consignment shop on El Tordo, and the Hats and Flats event at the San Diego Polo Club were the annual fundraising events with proceeds going to 18 county nonprofit groups.

Much more to report, including a great video about the event, all of which will appear at Ah-Ha Rancho Santa Fe News later today and tonight.

La Granada at Via de Santa Fe gets a makeover

 After years of talk, and months of prep work, La Granada and Via de Santa Fe's fabled Y-intersection is being reformed into a 4-way intersection providing access to Camino Selva and La Flecha.

Construction is expected to continue through late September. Traffic will continue to flow during construction although detours and open streets will vary.

San Diego County taxpayers through the half-cent dedicated TransNet sales tax approved by voters in 1987 are paying for the $325,000 project that includes realigning the intersection, curbs, gutter and sidewalk, as well as creating conforming driveway entrances and utility corridors.

"This project will enhance traffic flow, drainage and pedestrian facilities in the neighborhood by constructing 450 feet of new sidewalks," county officials said.

 Once the road is re-arranged, the Rancho Santa Fe Association will provide new landscaping.

Hola to the new Fairbanks Ranch Fire Station aka RSF Station No. 3

 The new $4.5 million Rancho Santa  Fe Fire Station No. 3 on nearly an acre at 6424 El Apajo, across the street from Helen Woodward Animal Center, rapidly is taking shape.

Officials broke ground on July 1. Actual work recently began in earnest, as the long-awaited solution to earthquake resistant building standards as well as modern firefighting techniques comes to Fairbanks Ranch. Ledcor Construction is managing contractor.

The two-story, nearly 11,000-square foot building will house a two-bay, double-stacked drive-through apparatus room for engine companies, as well as first-floor workshop, laundry, "clean room" and captain's office.

The second floor provides living quarters for six firefighters, a day room, kitchen, study and fitness room. Firefighters will be assigned on a daily basis with one fire engine and one brush engine.

The old fire station at the same location was torn down in February. Since then, firefighting operations have taken place from double-wide trailers, and a portable shelter, behind Horizon Christian Fellowship Church, next to Helen Woodward on El Apajo.

Country Friends honor Betty Zable and Betty Mabee at Art of Fashion Show

Two of Rancho Santa Fe's leading ladies who died in recent years are being honored by The Country Friends charitable group at its annual Art of Fashion luncheon and outdoor fashion show.

Art of Fashion, presented on Sept. 23 in partnership with South Coast Plaza and The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe, is one of the largest outdoor fashion shows in North America. It's a must-attend event for fashionistas, usually featuring creations from the world's leading designers and front-line, center-stage fall/winter or spring/summer collections.

Mrs. Mabee died at age 88 in February, following a long battle with Alzheimer's disease. Survived by her son Larry Mabee, and their Eagle Farms thoroughbred breeding operation, Mrs. Mabee and husband John, who died in 2002, formed Rancho Santa Fe's premier power couple.

High school sweethearts, the Mabees founded the Big Bear supermarket chain, then founded, and operated, Golden Eagle Insurance Company, which became the state's third-largest workers' compensation carrier with more than 1,300 employees.

Starting in 1957, when the Mabees bought their first horses at the Del Mar Yearling sale, they created Golden Eagle Farm, which had 800 horses at its height in the early 2000s. They won the Eclipse Award as the nation's leading breeder in 1991, 1997 and 1998. 

Mrs. Mabee contributed to many charitable organizations and programs, especially emphasizing children in need. 

"My mother mentored many women in the ways of fundraising and the charitable world,” Larry Mabee said in February. “That was where she created her own identity and left her own mark separate from the things she did with my father.”

Mrs. Zable was first secretary of Cubic Corp., a global leader in defense and transportation fare collection services, now with 4,800 employees at locations in 23 U.S. states and 20 countries. She founded the company with her husband Walter Zable at Point Loma in 1951. 

The Zables met at the College of William & Mary, living at New York before moving to San Diego and Rancho Santa Fe where they founded Cubic Corp. Mrs. Zable was a major contributor, and supporter, to the Zoological Society of San Diego and aided in its building of the Wild Animal Park.

Mrs. Zable died at age 88 in August 2007 at an assisted-living facility in Carmel Valley. She had suffered from Alzheimer's disease for seven years.

“My mother held everything together,” Karen Cox, Mrs. Zable's daughter, said at that time. “My father was off building and running his company, and he depended on her to hold things together at home.”

Tickets cost $225 for the fashion show and lunch, or $125 for the fashion show alone. They are available online at www.thecountryfriends.org or by calling (858) 756-1192, ext. 4.

And finally, The Liliian, and Joe Pinnsoneault, bite the dust -- An Ah-Ha opinion

Argh, the so-called Lilian project for the corner of El Tordo and Avenida de Acacias, first proposed by Coronado developer Joe Pinsonneault in 2007.

I was the first person to speak to Pinsonneault when he showed up at the Rancho Santa Fe Association with his proposal to build a 13,000-square foot mixed use commercial/residential project at the parking lot behind Paseo Delicias banks and real estate offices, across the street from The Country Friends consignment store.

And you know what was the first thought I had and expressed to him? I said, it will never happen, you're insane.

And you know what, part two? He argued with me about it, calling me -- ME!!! -- ill-advised.

As usual, I was correct.

That didn't stop Pinsonneault, and fellow travelers, who shall go nameless since I'm in a good mood these days, from wasting everybody's time, and energy, with meetings, presentations, those dumb building pole markers, expensive brochures and displays, more meetings and self-promotions, not to mention all those BS self-promotional, butt-kissing articles by the Rancho Santa Fe Review.

Thanks for nothing, pinheads.

As predicted, the very instant Pinsonneault showed his face in town, The Lilian simply was a no-brainer, as in you have greed in lieu of brains, moron.

It pissed off people, never got anywhere with county leaders, and now, finally thank goodness, has bit the proverbial dust, drowning in a sea of liens, debts and well, its own BS.

Who needed it (besides the developer)?

Good riddance and Gracie, good night.

The “Buckets of Money” Seminars: Who Pays?

Ray “Buckets of Money” Lucia, the host of an investment radio talk show, has been going around the country hosting retirement seminars with actor Ben Stein.

The seminars are free to attend, but they’re not free. Someone is paying for them. If you’re considering investing with Lucia, it’s important to understand that the person who may wind up paying is you.

 Money for the “Buckets of Money” seminars comes out of the pockets investors in RJL Wealth Management, according to Lucia’s own client disclosure.

In addition to being the main sponsor of Lucia’s seminars, RJL Wealth Management advertises on his radio show. It pays Lucia a fee for referring potential clients. It also pays him hourly consulting fees. The amount of this compensation is not disclosed.

RJL manages more than $300 million in assets in 4,880 accounts, according to its filing with federal regulators.

As I noted in an earlier post on Lucia’s fees, the RJL Wealth Management Program charges staggeringly high fees of as much as 2.9 percent annually.

Lucia’s SEC disclosure states that for his solicitation and consulting, he receives a portion of the fees collected by RJL Wealth Management that “shall not exceed 1 percent” annually. One percent of $300 million is $3 million a year.

You would be forgiven that Lucia is essentially paying himself. In fact, Lucia is being paid by his son, Ray Junior, who runs RJL Wealth Management. Dad is listed as a consultant and member of the advisory board (along with Ben Stein).

The arrangement between the Lucias leads inexorably to a conflict of interest.

Both Lucia junior and senior are SEC registered investment advisers. Registered investment advisers are considered fiduciaries, which means they have a legal duty to put their clients’ interests first. So whose interests come first clients or Lucia father and son?

I think the answer can be found in a complaint against Lucia Senior that was filed with the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority in December.

An unnamed client accused Lucia of breach of fiduciary duty for failure to execute stop loss orders in between June and December 2008 when markets plummeted in the depths of the financial crisis.

The client claimed $24,631 in damages. Lucia settled for $18,000 for “business considerations in order to avoid the cost of arbitration,” according to FINRA.

According to FINRA’s summary of the case:

Mr. Lucia was listed as a joint representative on the account for administrative purposes, but did not interact with the client and made no recommendations or representations, as those alleged or otherwise.

In other words, Lucia really had nothing to do with the account or the client. His name was on the account only “for administrative purposes.”

Caveat emptor.

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

Seth Hettena is a freelance writer and author based in San Diego, California. He writes frequently about law and finance.

A former reporter and correspondent for The Associated Press, Hettena has exposed the torture death of an Iraqi prisoner in CIA custody. He has also discovered photos posted on the Internet of Navy SEALs treating prisoners harshly and revealed that a secret Navy office contracted planes that were used in the CIA’s rendition program.

Hettena grew up in New York, attended The Fieldston School and spent his summers in high school working on oil tankers and coal carriers running to Panama, Alaska and the Netherlands.

He is a graduate of The Johns Hopkins University and holds a Master’s Degree in journalism from Columbia University in 1994. Before joining the AP in 1997, he worked for two Iowa newspapers.

He and his wife have two sons and live in San Diego.

Visit Seth's exclusive blog at  http://www.sethhettena.com/

Ah-Ha Rancho Santa Fe is an exciting online media experience dedicated to the culture, economy, politics, environment and lifestyle of the Rancho Santa Fe region. Our core mission is to serve the region with innovative, participatory journalism promoting conversation that helps us understand, and make the most of the dramatic changes shaping our lives.

The average, annual income of 4,000 residents is $246,631 while homes sell for a median price of $2.6 million. Sports and rock stars, CEO's, millionaires and billionaires, people such as Phil Mickelson, Tom DeLonge of blink 182, Gary Kremen who founded Match.com, Jenny Craig live at the Ranch. It's home to world class golf courses, restaurants, hotels, spas, equestrian activities.

While 100 percent Internet connected, Rancho Santa Fe also suffers through a communication vacuum. Daily and specialty newspapers as well as online sites barely, if ever, cover the community. But we do and we're longtime community members who also happen to be award-winning... (more)