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!

Sneak a peak at Helen Woodward Animal Center's new high-tech hospital on Feb. 25

 Helen Woodward Animal Center will offer the public a chance Feb. 25 to view its new 10,000-square-foot animal hospital.

Donors paid for the high-tech hospital, which has nine exam rooms, a dental ward, surgery rooms, an isolation area for infectious cases, and a natural healing center.

The hospital, which will offer lease space to local veterinarians, will open for business March 5.

The public is invited to take a peek from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Feb. 25 at the hospital on Helen Woodward Way in Rancho Santa Fe.

A morning at BlogPaws conference with Mike Arms, Helen Woodward Animal Center director...

BREAKING NEWS 11 P.M. - HELEN WOODWARD ANIMAL CENTER 'SPRING FLING' KICKING IT  UNTIL DAWN...

 Several hundred of Rancho Santa Fe and San Diego's finest are dining, dancing and doing the Bow-Wow-Wow at Helen Woodward Animal Center as the Wayne Foster Entertainment conglommeration fills the Big Tent with the sounds of forever.

 (Robin Shull and Machel Shull hosted the best Lemon Twist table ever at the best Spring Fling in memory.)

The event kicked off at 5:30 p.m. with hors d-oeuvres for those who dared compromise appetites before the big restuarant for-all. I couldn't get to ALL of it, but what I did BLEW MY MIND (and stomach buds).  Everything was so good, ummmm, yum. Some faves were the lambchops from somewhere that wasn't listed in the program, Sbicca Bistro's I don't what it was, but it was gooood, Zel's Del Mar pizza, Trulocks fish in batter something that brought me to my knees, Lemon Twist choco-covered-strawberries. I couldn't find Phil's BBQ, but they were supposed to be there. Roy's Hawaiian Fusion, Firenze Trattoria, Cin Cin, THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!

 Broadway Tails, as the 'Spring Fling' was known also feaured silent and live auctions, presentations and awards, opportunity awards and even a special lounge where people and the pets that own them could hang for a few.

As soon as we know, we'll let you know what they took in to help the center's varied and important operations throughout the year. But we gotta get ito our doggie bag for some more of them lamb chops. YEOWWIE...

(Photos above: Live auction and dancing or somethng done in the 'impressionistic' style...)

Helen Woodward Animal Center’s 23rd Annual Spring Fling is Saturday, June 4

 Promises! Promises! That’s Entertainment! 

Helen Woodward Animal Center’s 23rd Annual Spring Fling

We’re making, “Promises Promises” that guests will say, “That’s Entertainment” when Helen Woodward Animal Center (HWAC) hosts its 23^rd annual Spring Fling fundraiser, “Broadway Tails,” on Saturday, June 4, 2011. 

The Spring Fling presented by The Fish Market and EDCO, is San Diego’s premiere black tie event in support of animals and people in-need. The curtain rises at 5:30 PM (until Midnight) under the Center’s covered arena at 6461 El Apajo Road. 

“Most of the upper level tickets have been sold, but we still have a few seats in the other levels,” says HWAC Special Events Supervisor Meghan Trejo. “Co-Chairs Kerry Appleby Payne, Elizabeth Wohlford MacLeod, and Charlene Hooker, with Honorary Chairs Steve and... (more)

Helen Woodward Animal Center Dedicates New Worldwide HQ With Pomp And Circumstance

 Helen Woodward animal center's new multimillion dollar headquarters was dedicated Saturday, April 16 with speeches and festivities. The new address is 6523 Helen Woodward Way -- formerly Calle Del Nido.

“It’s not exactly Noah and the Ark,” said John Van Zante,  Helen Woodward Animal Center spokesman. “But this move is a major undertaking after more than 35 years in the first building that Helen erected to care for orphan animals and to educate children.” 

Bryce Rhodes, Chairman of the Center’s Board of Directors and grandson of Helen Whittier Woodward, believes his grandmother would be pleased. “She had a great love of animals. It would definitely make her happy to see what has become of the work that she began when she bought this property 40 years ago,” he said.

HWAC President Mike Arms says that the new facility has been a long time coming. “Even before I arrived at HWAC in 1999 there was already talk about the need to expand in order to continue serving the community that has grown around the Center," Arms said. "It’s been my honor to lead us through this phase of construction and into the future of the Center.” 

The new building, located near the original entrance of the center on San Dieguito Road, covers 20,358-square feet., acording to Van Zante.

While the mailing address for HWAC will remain as P.O. Box 64, Rancho Santa Fe, CA, the physical address will become 6523 Helen Woodward Way, Suite 100. 

Phone service and computer operation will be temporarily interrupted on Monday morning, April 18 as communications links are moved to the new building. Until that time, contact Helen Woodward Animal Center at 858-756-4117 for more information.   

Yo-Up! Vote for Most Heartwarming Pet Adoption Story @ Helen Woodward Animal Center.com

What's the most heartwarming pet adoption story of 2010?  Helen Woodward Animal Center is inviting the public to help make that decision by casting their vote for one of the top four stories of the holiday season!

TIPS FOR EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS FOR PETS FOLLOWS AS WELL...

 Each year Iams Home 4 the Holidays (IH4TH) creator Helen Woodward Animal Center invites participating animal shelters and pet rescue organizations worldwide to submit the adoption stories that touched their hearts.

Our judges have selected four amazing pet adoption success stories (two about dogs and two about cats) that took place during the 12th annual Iams Home 4 the Holidays adoption drive.

The public is invited to log on to http://helenwoodwardanimalcenter.wordpress.com/2011/03/08/ih4th-most-heartwarming-story-contest,  read the four contest finalists, and cast their vote for the most heartwarming story.

Deadline for voting... (more)

Charlie Sheen available at Helen Woodward Animal Center at Noon, Friday, March 4...

 Whether you think Charlie Sheen is a dog that will sniff anything that walks past, or you wonder if he’s really human….you can meet him face-to-furry-face at Helen Woodward Animal Center (HWAC). Charlie and his two girlfriends (“caught in the act” in the attached photo) have passed their medical and behavior exams and will be looking for safe houses when they become available for adoption Friday at Noon. 

“Yeah. Charlie Sheen is a dog,” admits HWAC celebrity dog spokesman John Van Zante. “But regardless of anything you may have read about these celebrity animals, Charlie has come a long way. He passed his medical and behavior screenings and is well on his way to becoming a family dog that you can trust.” 

Van Zante says Charlie Sheen and his girlfriends, Gigi and Fifi, are 3-1/2 month old Newfoundland-blend puppies. “Charlie’s a bit thin right now at 20 pounds. But he’s clean. Yep. We gave him a bath. Now it’s time... (more)

This weekend…. even a real fur coat won’t be enough! Helen Woodward Animal Center advice about coping with cold weather for pets...

          (Photo: Helen Woodward Animal Center during the last rain event. Expect more of the same Saturday.)

With extremely cold temperatures, strong winds, rain, and snow down to 1,000 feet in the forecast for this weekend … even a real fur coat may not be enough to protect San Diego area pets. The animal experts at Helen Woodward Animal Center (HWAC) say that, with a few precautions, you can help to keep your pets healthy, safe, and warm. 

“This is a triple-whammy,” says HWAC spokesman John Van Zante says, “The cold temperatures present one danger to any domesticated animals that are left outdoors. The strong winds can break tree limbs and send other potentially dangerous materials flying through the air. Add rain or snow and the danger multiplies. Some people still think that their pets are meant to be outdoors. But since we’ve domesticated them... (more)

Helen Woodward Animal Center has its own Street! Move over Calle Del Nido, here comes Helen Woodward Way, Rancho Santa Fe, Calif...

After 40 years the street that originally ran in front of Helen Woodward Animal Center (HWAC) in Rancho Santa Fe has been re-named to honor the founder of one of the nation’s most recognized animal welfare facilities. The sign on San Dieguito Road marking its intersection with Calle Del Nido has been taken down and replaced with new one proclaiming, “Helen Woodward Way.” 

“It’s long overdue,” says HWAC spokesman John Van Zante. “Yet it’s appropriate that the street be renamed in Helen Woodward’s honor at this point in our history. We’re about to take a step into the future of the Center and the community when part of our operation will move into a new building located on Helen Woodward Way.” 

HWAC President Mike Arms points out that Rancho Santa Fe today is very different than it was when Helen and... (more)

'Machel's Ranch' - Ranch’s own Julien Hug remembered on his birthday

Julien Hug’s birthday is in the beginning of February. I want to acknowledge his beautiful parents, Denise and Bertrand Hug.

You raised an amazing son and all us who were lucky enough to know him feel blessed that he was part of our lives.

I hope this town keeps his memory alive by supporting Mille Fleurs. 

I even wrote a column a couple of years ago and called it my “My happy place, the secret’s out,” based on different vignettes that all took place under the stars at their beautiful restaurant.  Thank you, to the Hug family for filling my life with so many wonderful memories. Sometimes, it’s more important to remember than to forget.

It’s more important to keep those memories alive, with fond wishes and gratitude toward his family.

Around town

On Jan. 26, Little League had makeup evaluations at Richardson’s field in Rancho Santa Fe. Boys from all age groups that missed the weekend tryouts showed up in droves for this popular division in San Diego. Let’s just say if makeup day is any indication to how this season is going to be, it going to be a dynamite season. I just want to say thanks to all of those in charge in the Rancho Santa Fe Little league for taking time out of your busy schedule to be a coach or an assistant.

You know what they say, “Play ball!”

I have featured a photo from the Celebrity Tournament at Rancho Valencia on Jan. 29. I have it on good authority that was also local resident Jason Barry’s birthday that very day. Happy belated birthday Jason.

 

Later that day, Ranch resident Violet MacDonald’s daughter-in-law, Meredith MacDonald, celebrated her stepdad’s 80th's birthday up in Newport at the luxurious Balboa Bay Yacht Club & Resort. If you’ve ever been privy to eating lunch or dinner there, you know firsthand that the view from your dining table is filled with expensive yachts lining the harbor.

 

 

Claude Whitney — a former judge in Newport — enjoyed his long life with all family members, along with his wife CC Whitney of Newport Beach. Thank you for sharing your lovely event with me. Here is a photo from that day, which features their family together for that special day.

On Jan. 30, longtime Ranch residents Dottie and Ed McCrink celebrated their 90th birthdays (they both turned 90 in January) in style with family and friends at the Rancho Santa Fe Country Club. More than 100 guests arrived in fine fashion for this special occasion. Some events eclipse others, and this was definitely a special night. I feel blessed to say that Dottie and Ed are my grandparents by marriage.

The McCrinks moved here in the early 1970’s, and have been an integral part of this community since then. All six children were on hand, including their many grandchildren. I have included four photos from that evening. Also Patrick Galvin, president of the Rancho Santa Fe Rotary, was there as well with his gorgeous wife. They are featured here, along with Dottie and Ed McCrink. Ranch residents Bill and Carolyn Fleischman were there, and I have featured Laurel McCrink with her niece, Natalie Shull.

On Feb. 2, Elaine Gallagher sent some very important information to me regarding someone local who is spreading the word in fighting breast cancer. Local San Diego resident Andrea Scheider has written a book called, “You A Not Alone: Life After A Breast Cancer Diagnosis,” in hopes of educating and reaching women on how to prevent and detect breast cancer. I have included a photo of Andrea here. If you know someone with breast cancer or would like to find out more information for yourself, please check out Andrea’s website at thriveandsurvive.net. She has a wonderful quote listed on her home page that states, “The only courage that matters is the kind that gets you from one moment to the next,” by Migon McLaughlin. Elaine Gallagher, thank you for connecting me with your good friend Andrea Scheider. Her book looks like a winner read.

Save the date

Don’t miss the Grand Opening on March 12 — just around the corner. In case you don’t know, Lemon Twist is the only business that burnt down during the massive Witch Creek Fire in 2007. Local resident Katie Shull started the business, which is located across from Cielo, more than 30 years ago. In the meantime, before the grand opening, Lemon Twist is already open again, after temporarily closing due to wintertime. I have featured a photo here of it, so you can make your way down to buy some local organic produce. For more history on Lemon Twist, visit www.lemontwistfruitstand.com. If you would like to order some chocolate covered strawberries for your sweetheart or a large tray for your co-workers, call (858)-444-6060 with your order in advance.

 

Rancho Santa Fe Community Center upcoming events -- Business to Business Sundowner, Neighbor Night, Rummage Sale...

Business to Business Sundowner – Mark your calendar for Feb. 10
Calling all local business men and women; Join us for a fun evening of food, drinks and mingling with other business owners in the community at The Inn on Feb. 10. $10 for business members and $20 for all other attendees. Call 858-756-2461 for more information and to RSVP.
Sunset Soiree & Kids Night Out – Feb. 25

Meet new neighbors while having fun with your friends. This popular event is held inconjuction with our Kids Night Out Program. All attendees are asked to bring a plated appetizer and bottle of wine to share. Held at a private residence from 7 – 10 p.m.

Rummage Sale: In partnership with the RSF Rotary and R. Roger Rowe School we are still collecting rummage at the RSFCC. Drop offs happen weekly all day Wednesday and Thursday until noon. Now’s a great time to clean out your closets! Stay tuned for... (more)

Event preview review: Rancho Santa Fe Garden Club organizing; San Dieguito, Helen Woodward half marathon run/walk; Rotary club rummage sale...

 Organizing your life with the RSF Garden Cub (Feb. 10)

Did you remember to circle 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 10 on your to-do calendar?

WHAT? GET ORGANIZED!

The Rancho Santa Fe Garden Club hosts  “How to Organize Your Life – Practical, Easy Ideas and Techniques for Your Home, Office or Business” with Brenda Morrison at that appointed date and time.

FREE for Garden Club members, $10 for non-members, the workshop at Avenida de Acacias discuses why people are disorganized, how to handle paperwork overflow and organize your life.

Get energized, organized, focused, productive in less than two hours with tips including computer organizational skills and three simple steps to de-clutter your space.

Questions? Contact Betty Williams at (858) 756-3866. And visit Rancho Santa Fe Garden Club. 

San Dieguito Half Marathon and 5K Run Walk (Feb. 13)

Getting around town may be difficult early Sunday, Feb. 13, unless, that is, you're a half marathon 5K runner or walker. Then, you'll have a clearly marked route beginning and ending at San Dieguito Country Park.

It's the 43rd year for the U.S. Track & Field (USAT&F) certified race sponsored by the San Diego Hash House Harriers. Some proceeds benefit the San Diego County Parks Society.

Parking is recommended at Del Mar Fairgrounds with a free shuttle service leaving for the starting line from 6 to 7 a.m. Registration packets are available  beginning at 6:30 a.m. Registrations must be made in advance.

Everybody who participates receives a long sleeve high tech t-shirt and an award medal.

Cost: $60/half marathon, $42/walk. Register for the half marathon here. Contact Kathy Loper at 619.298.7400 for more information. 

Puppy Love, too, 5K Run Walk for Helen Woodward Center on Feb. 13

San Dieguito half marathoners/walkers will not be alone on Sunday. Running, walking around town on Feb. 13 to benefit Helen Woodward Center is all the rage at the annual Puppy Love 5K Run Walk. starting at 7 a.m.

Meet up at the corner of Via de la Valle and Highway 101 at Solana Beach. Spend some time at the Wagging Wellness Festival there as well.

Your better dog self can enter the “Furry Valentine Costume Contest.”   Dogs may be dressed as cupids, hearts, love bugs or whatever else you may dream up.  Judges will determine the best “Love Dog.” 

Free samples and food for you and your dog will be there, as your best friends get to try “Doga Yoga” and “Dog Agility” with you as a tag-along partner. 

Runners and walkers can register by clicking here.  Fees to participate as adult Puppy Love Runners are $35.00 and children are $15 (under 12).  The Doga Yoga class is $10, as is the Furry Valentine Costume Contest.

For $55?  You attend all events. Just $40 will allow you to enjoy the run and Doga Yoga.  Proceeds from the event benefit the Helen Woodward Animal Center.

Rancho Santa Fe Rotary Rummage Sale

 Rummaging around anyone? The Rancho Santa Fe Rotary has changed the date of their Rummage Sale to Saturday, March 26. Selling, and buying, begins 7 a.m. at the R. Roger Rowe School field.

Rummage sale donations have also been extended and you can donate your items on Wednesdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Thursdays from 8 a.m. to noon, through March 11th, at the Rancho Santa Fe Community Center

Rotary club organizers are looking for, among other items, housewares, toys and games, books, linens, jewelry, clothing, bicycles and sports equipment, furniture, pictures, and more. (For a list of items that the Rummage Sale cannot sell, click here.)

Put your rummage wares in boxes or bags to make transport and storage easier.  Tax receipts are available for donated items, as well.  Contact the Rancho Santa Fe Community Center with questions, or to donate larger items, at (858) 756-2461.

Second Annual Puppy Love 5K Run/Walk and Woodward Center KSWB-Channel 5 'Puppy Bowl' 

Event Information

VIDEO: Madeleine Pickens on Issues with Jane Velez Mitchell and NEWS UPDATE with the BLM

NEWS UPDATE:

 I met with Bob Abbey, the Director of the BLM, last week in Washington. We discussed his statement to the press rejecting our sanctuary proposal.  He reassured me that he is still committed to going forward with our plan. He said some of what he said to the press was misinterpreted.  I made it clear to him that we are very disappointed that they are going through with the Antelope Complex gather on our land in Nevada, despite thousands of comments opposing it. I did ask him to cancel the gather, but he didn’t seem too keen to do that. We look forward to proving that our plan work.  

Thank you all for your continued support. Please share our updates with your friends and family. Together, we can make a difference.

Madeleine Pickens & all the mustangs

Here’s the latest reporting from the first week of the Antelope Complex gather

Please see the sequence of photos below from Day 6 of the gather. A mustang trying to escape once captured, trying to jump the fence. After 4 attempts, he is still not successful. It's heartbreaking.

Follow Madeleine on Twitter:http://twitter.com/mpickensBecome Madeleine Pickens' Friend on Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#

'Machel's Ranch' -- Special moment restores faith in life's beauty -- Mille Fleurs, Luanne Rice, Rowe School and more...

Sometimes life takes time to heal. There could even be a few moments when it feels like the gray clouds won’t break. But when we least expect it, a ray of sunlight will find us and remind us that this world is still a beautiful place. Dreams can come true. Of course, I am speaking from my own personal experiences recently. I am speaking of loss from last year and how circumstances can change our outlook when we aren’t prepared for the change.

 

This week in my column I feel so lucky to share with you a dream-come-true moment for me. How this day brought the hope back to my eyes and showed me passages and chapters in my own journey. How what we cannot change will change us forever but there are gifts in unseen circumstances that can teach us beautiful life lessons. Don’t forget to keep believing in your fondest desires. When you least expect it, your shining moment could unfold for you, too.

Around town

On Jan. 7, Mille Fleurs’ bartender Jill Drouin invited my husband and I over for dinner. Can you say gourmet cook and should enter one of those cooking reality shows? Jill made us a delicious exotic salad with European cheeses, candied pecans on top of mixed wild greens. Sounds simple but so mouth wateringly delicious. The main course was a risotto with candied pumpkin squash in a white sauce. Then boyfriend Paul Savage, Robin and I enjoyed a fun game of Scrabble and discussed things like the Droid verses the iPhone. I have included a gorgeous shot of Jill and Paul for my column. I might add that Jill and I bonded two years back when we went skydiving together. You could say an experience like that could make anyone become fast friends!

On Jan. 10, I had the incredible privilege to meet my favorite author walking this planet, New York Times Bestseller, Luanne Rice. If you haven’t discovered her trademark fiction novels yet, she has written 30 novels and is promoting her next novel, “Silver Boat,” which comes out in April 2011. The back story on this meeting is quite contemporary really. We became friends on Facebook five years ago, becoming pen pals via the Internet. So imagine me this month finally meeting my mentor in the writing world as I walked across the San Diego Convention Center in the midst of the Library Conference coming face to face with Luanne. I am sharing with you my ray of light moment that reminded me that little dreams do come true on occasion. Coincidentally, 12 years ago when I started reading Luanne’s novels, I had no idea we would become friends through a social network and be I would considered “her best friend on Facebook.” I’ll take that, thanks Luanne.

So to any of you reading this who might be experiencing a rough patch right now, just know it’s only temporary great moments will come again. Take my advice, don’t miss out on Luanne’s newest novel, “Silver Boat.” There is indeed a silver lining inside this beautiful novel. I had the privilege of reading the unedited version last year.

On Jan. 13, ...My good friend Krista Lafferty attended the grand opening event of Massage Heights in Encinitas. Ranch residents, this is an amazingly short drive to this new wonderful business that caters to relaxation at its finest. Heavy thread count sheets are just one of the perks you might miss at other locations. I met owner Dean Goldschmidt and Retreat Director Brenda Videnoff that night. Krista and I received a private tour of all of the rooms and then enjoyed fabulous finger-foods with other invited guests. I have included two photos from this event.

On Jan. 14, the fifth-grade class at R. Roger Rowe Elementary participated in The Walk Through the American Revolution. I was thrilled to watch the three competing classes re-enact this monumental moment in U.S. history. Each classmate was asked to memorize certain vocabulary words, plus act out what character they were assigned. I’ve never seen more enthusiastic children that actually seemed to care and love being in school that afternoon.

I have included a photo from that day. Congratulations to the R. Roger Rowe fifth grade class members and to your exuberant spirits. I walked away inspired.

Later that evening, my husband I and joined previous ad manager Denny Fallon in celebrating the purchase of his new beautiful condo in Old Towne San Diego. Denny is a fabulous host. He made a delicious fish with pasta, and fresh Dungeness crabmeat with homemade cocktail sauce for his guests. Charlene Done and Johnny Nipkur were also there celebrating the start to a wonderful year to Mr. Denny Fallon. I have included one photograph from that evening.

On Jan. 16, I drove to Fairbanks to pick up my son from a sleepover he had in the Ranch. Tony and Jill Sorge have been Ranch residents for years. Their son Matthew is one of Jackson’s closest friends. Tony is actively involved in The Rancho Santa Fe Little League, and had a championship under his belt from 2006. He will definitely be assisting this year again. I have included this photo of Tony with my husband Robin from that beautiful sunny day in the Ranch. Tony had just shown us his own personal batting cage he had built that even had a radar detector for pitching! Now that’s what I call first class practice for any lucky boy.

Thanks so much for letting me share that day with the readers Tony, and good luck this season.

No wild mustangs for you: Madeleine Pickens fought the BLM and the BLM won...For now.

                   Madeleine and T. Boone Pickens talk wild mustangs at Oklahoma State football Saturday night.

RENO, Nev. (AP) — A proposal from the wife of Texas billionaire T. Boone Pickens to create a sanctuary in Nevada for wild horses removed from public rangeland around the West has been rejected, the U.S. Bureau of Land Management said Friday.

Madeleine Pickens' plan wouldn't save taxpayers' money and doesn't include enough water and forage for the mustangs, agency Director Bob Abbey told The Associated Press.

Rawhide was flying on Friday as Madeleine Pickens went "No, you d'int" to Bureau Of Land Management officials who, once again, rejected her overtures to create a private-public partnership preserving habitat for an estimated 40,000 wild mustangs.

Owner of the exclusive Del Mar Country Club and married to oil tycoon T. Boone Pickens, Madeleine Pickens has advocated for animals for decades. While married to Gulfstream Air founder and top horse breeder Alan Paulsen before his death in 2000, Pickens was involved in the thoroughbred industry, and later helped lobby the passage of the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act by Congress.

Pickens has been going round with BLM officials since 2008 when the agency said it was considering putting to death about one-quarter of the mustangs running wild across 10 western states, including roughly half of Nevada.

 About 33,700 wild horses roam freely in 10 Western states, about half in Nevada, according to BLM officials. The BLM set a target level of 26,600 horses and burros in the wild, removing 10,637 of the animals from the range in the fiscal year ending Sept. 30.

Pickens bought the 14,000-acre Spruce Ranch and the adjoining 4,000-acre Warm Creek Ranch last year to serve as a wild mustang sanctuary. She renamed the ranches the Mustang Monument preserve. The preserve also has grazing rights for 564,000 acres of public land.

Pickens' most recent proposal calls for a nonprofit foundation to take care of the animals under a government stipend of $500 a head, per year. BLM officials said they only pay $475 a head in holding costs for horses kept on midwestern farms.

"Her prospectus, as presented, does not demonstrate an obvious cost savings to the American taxpayer," said BLM director Bob Abbey, who also criticized Pickens' media campaign supporting the sanctuary, telling Associated Press some of the information requires clarification and context, and that other information is "just plain false." Pickens defended her statements.

Pickens has been mounting a very active publicity and email campaign about the wild mustang issue, saying her proposal would result in "huge savings" because it would involve the government initially turning over 1,000 wild horses in short-term holding facilities where costs run $2,500 a head, per year.

Holding costs totaled about $37 million of the $63.9 million designated for the BLM's wild horse and burro program in the last fiscal year. Activists maintain the mustang roundups and removals  were being conducted to appease ranchers and make room for cows.

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MADELEINE PICKENS RESPONDS TO BLM’S 1/21/11 ANNOUNCEMENT REGARDING

SAVING AMERICA’S MUSTANGS ECO-SANCTUARY PLAN

 On behalf of America’s wild horses, American taxpayers, and my Saving America’s Mustang Foundation, I would like to express my deep disappointment in the BLM’s late Friday (January 21st) evening press release announcing its rejection of my proposal to create a eco-sanctuary for wild horses in Nevada.

Not even one month ago, on January 4, 2011 in Las Vegas, BLM director Bob Abbey stated publicly that my idea “has merit and deserves serious consideration.” Today, he has rejected the project, notifying the media, but providing my foundation with no explanation, despite our three years of hard work on the plan.

My eco-sanctuary proposal offers a cost-effective solution to the problem of the BLM’s roundup and warehousing of as many as 40,000 wild horses in off-the-range holding facilities. It is exactly the kind of public/private partnership solution that Interior Secretary Ken Salazar has stated is essential to reform of the wild horse and burro program.

So imagine my astonishment when I read in the news release that my plan didn’t save money.  During our three years of work, BLM officials at every level acknowledged in meetings with me that the eco-sanctuary plan saves the taxpayers money.

Mr. Abbey’s suggestion that the area lacks enough water or forage to support wild horses is also perplexing. I’m puzzled by his statement to the media that my proposal seeks to place 10,000 horses on the Spruce Ranch, site of the future eco-sanctuary. In fact, our most recent proposal to the BLM was for approximately 1,000 horses on the approximately over half a million acres encompassed by the Spruce. This was made clear in numerous meetings with the BLM, and is explained on our website as well. (See Sanctuary Q & A #19, November 2010.)

The target number of 1,000 horses is consistent with the number of cattle the BLM has consistently authorized on the public lands portions of the ranches I purchased. It seems that the BLM believes there is enough forage and water for cows, but not enough for horses on those same lands, from which the cows have been removed.  In addition, in every meeting we’ve attended with the BLM, we’ve been consistent in agreeing that the BLM would ultimately determine the number of horses allowed on the land.

We have presented a plan to take care of the 30,000-40,000 wild horses that are currently being warehoused by the BLM. The additional horses would, of course, be housed on land purchased in the future. The Spruce is a pilot program, undertaken with the intent of showing the BLM how this proposal will be possible. It was never intended to put 30,000 -40,000 horses,  or even 10,000 horses,  on the Spruce.

-Madeleine Pickens

Also, please continue TAKE ACTION to stop the upcoming Antelope Complex gather in late January 2011.

Also, please join in on the discussions on our Facebook fan page today.

Visit our website for up to the minute information:www.mustangmonument.com

Also check out the Mustang Monument Wild Horse Eco Sanctuary Page:www.mustangmonument.com

Become a supporter of the wild horse issue:  Click here

'Machel's Ranch' - Wrapping up holidays and looking to the new year in the Ranch...

 Happy New Year Rancho Santa Fe! With New Year’s resolutions in full swing, don’t expect to read my thoughts on what to do this year. Instead, look forward to those offbeat stories the other papers might miss, plus photos that capture the smiles of residents around town that have their own story to reveal this year in “Machel’s Ranch.”

Since I was out of town for the last two weeks, luckily I have Ranch residents that were kind enough to share their stories and photos with me in this issue. 2011 will be exciting for all of us! Thanks so much for continuing to support our paper by picking it up and reading our pages. The Rancho Santa Fe News is a family-owned and operated business that has been here in North County for more than 24 years.

Around town

On Dec. 13, Ranch resident Gary Bobileff embarked on an amazing journey called, “Operation Christmas Spirit: The 2010 Believe in Santa Tour.” Departing from Carlsbad, Gary flew to Washington, D.C., first to visit “Wounded Warriors” at Walter Reed. Then on to New York City to connect on a flight to Kuwait City. In Kuwait, Gary was met by representatives of our Armed Forces, then transported to Command Headquarters located at Camp Speicher just outside of Bagdad. Make sure you don’t miss a more in-depth look at Gary’s trip in Rancho Santa Fe News reporter Patty McCormac’s featured story this issue. Thanks Gary for the photos, and I look forward to seeing both you and Maggie in the New Year (Maggie is his wife, who I feature quite often in my column). Also, In case you are looking for a Ferrari this year, Gary sells them! His website is www.bobileff.com.

On Dec. 27, Elaine Gallagher shared some exciting news about her son Michael Gallagher — a YouTube sensation with his Totally Sketch Channel — who was spreading the word this holiday season about some good news on cancer research. Elaine asked in her e-mail, “Please take 8 minutes of your time to see this video ... you’ll be glad you watched this. It’s about hope and second chances in life.” That sounds absolutely wonderful to me. Since I just lost a good friend to cancer last year, I just had to share this with my readers. Here is the link: youtube.com/watch?v=IaOyY1NAVLQ . I have also featured a photo of Elaine with her son Michael last summer at the Del Mar Turf Club. Don’t they look picture perfect?

On Dec. 28, while Rancho Santa Fe was being drenched in rain storms, I was stuck back in zero degree weather in ice and snow with my family for seven days. Cabin fever and lots of movies and too much food basically sums up the trip, with of course the wonderful fact my entire family was under one roof for seven days. Grandparents, parents, teenagers, young babies, you name it, 17 in one house, stuck in the snow. Let’s just say, luckily I love my family. However, California has been my home for 22 years and I’ve grown used to the sunny weather here in San Diego. Here is a photo of my sister with her husband and my son, and nieces and nephews from the day we unwrapped gifts. This photo felt sort of “Norman Rockwell-ish” to me.

On Jan. 3, The Rancho Santa Fe Rotary held their first Rotarian meeting of the year at the Inn at Rancho Santa Fe. President-elect Alan Balfour was introduced by President Patrick Galvin and Michael Taylor was named Rotarian of the Week. A rummage sale is coming up at the Community Center on Jan. 22. Please drop off items for donation on Wednesdays between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. I have featured two photos from that first meeting of the year. Thank you to Chief Matt Wellhouser for always keeping me up to date on the Rancho Santa Fe Rotary.

On Jan. 5, I met with Byron Spratt, one of the owners of one of the coolest new workout places near Rancho Santa Fe — The Greenasium. Located just right off of Encinitas Boulevard, this is an accessible, upscale alternative for Ranch residents to get in shape for the New Year. The owner’s philosophy is to “provide the best customer service in an environmentally friendly fitness studio setting has ahs human-powered electricity generating equipment.” Sound futuristic? It’s not. It’s contemporary with a relaxing spa appeal with first class personal attention, The Greenasium is located at 1465 Encinitas Blvd. right by Brett’s BBQ. For more information, visit www.the greenasium.com. Thanks for the tour Byron! Get in shape for 2011.

Save the date:  Jason Barry shared some exciting news with me right before Christmas regarding The Celebrity Poker Tournament he is hosting at Rancho Valencia on Jan. 29. Here are some the exciting celebrities that will be there: Mike Sweeney, Bud Black, Bruce Bochy, Trevor Hoffman and Bret Boone, just to name a few. Featured here is Jason Barry last year with the owner of La Jolla’s CJ Charles. First prize will be a $10,000 men’s watch, second prize is a trip to Cabo San Lucas. For inquiries, please call Jason at (858)-756-4024.

Save the date:  One of the biggest events of the year, Helen Woodward’s  Broadway Tails, will be the 23rd annual Spring Fling held on the Helen Woodward Animal Center Campus. Black tie is optional, but take my advice and look fabulous. It’s one night this year New York Broadway meets Rancho Santa Fe. Buy your tickets now, or if you are looking to sponsor this event, call Kerry Appleby Payne at (858) 204-7920.

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Machel Penn Shull is a mother and is involved in marketing and sharing time with her friends and loved ones. Machel’s background includes PR/Marketing, advertising and copy-writing for multi-million dollar companies in North County in the San Diego area.With Two years of extensive writing programs at UCLA and one full length novel under her belt, Machel now concentrates primarily on her column, Machel’s Ranch, and writing stories for digital and print magazines.Her previous background includes:Model for  in Los Angeles. ST. IVES APRICOT SCRUB Campaign; National commercial and print. This campaign reached Mademoiselle, Goodhousekeeping, Cosmopolitan, and Entertainment Weekly, The Women’s Home Journal.

***Appeared on NBC’s Reality Show, “Who Wants To Marry My DAD, Season 2,

Sitcom appearances on: Married with Children, Flying Blind, and Life Goes OnStarred in action thriller the Shining Blood, as the lead heroine.Wrote and produced the play, “Carried Away”, which was picked up by HBO workspace theatre.Machel currently lives in Rancho Santa Fe and writes as a freelance columnist.What you may not know about Machel Penn was that she was an accomplished flutest for over 10 years, competing on a national level. She also performed Improv at the world renowned Comedy Store in Los Angeles during the mid-1990s..For more of Machel's blogs and columns visithttp://www.machelpenn.com/

Meetings, Shmeetings and Shtuff This Week: Orphan Dogs, Rancho School Board, Encinitas Week, Botanic Garden celebration...

Take an Orphan Dog for a “Test Drive” this WednesdayDuring January’s “Take an Orphan Dog to Work Day!”

Rancho Santa Fe, CA – Out of the kennel and into your office! Dog lovers are invited to take an orphan dog to work during January’s, “Take an Orphan Dog to WorkDay” this Wednesday, January 19. Contact Helen Woodward Animal Center(HWAC) to learn how you can adopt a dog for one day and take it to work.

“Make sure it’s okay with your boss for you to bring an orphan pooch from HWAC to work,” says HWAC spokesman John Van Zante. “And make sure that it’s okay with your co-workers. This needs to be a positive experience for everyone involved.”

Van Zante says the best thing that could happen would be if you fall in love with the dog and adopt it. What’s the worst? “There really is no down side. Maybe you just give the dog a day-cation from the kennels and it gets to meet your friends and co-workers. That alone is something worth barking about!”

Here are some tips for a successful, “Take and Orphan Dog to Work Day:”Bring water and food dishes and a blanket or dog bed. (HWAC provides.)•Don’t forget lunch and snacks for your dog-for-a-day.•Remember to take some walk breaks. (Good for both you and the dog!)•

A limited number of dogs are available for Take an Orphan Dog to Work Day. One-day adopters must pre-qualify the same as long-term adopters. .

Call (858) 756-4117 or visit Helen Woodward Animal Center at 6461 El ApajoRoad in Rancho Santa Fe to find out how you can take an orphan dog to work thisWednesday. To see pets available for adoption log on to www.animalcenter.org.

If you’re afraid of dogs, ask for information about HWAC’s, “Dog Smart” classes tohelp people of any age overcome their fears and apprehensions.

The Rancho Santa Fe School Board of Trustees is scheduled to hold a special meeting at  8:15 a.m. Friday, January 21 in Room 203 (west of the Library). The agenda has not been released. However, the district canceled a meeting scheduled for Jan. 13.

The following was the Jan. 13 Agenda:

AGENDA

Agenda for Regular Meeting of the Board of TrusteesRancho Santa Fe School District – Library5927 La GranadaRancho Santa Fe, CA 92067Thursday, January 13, 2011Closed Session 5:00 p.m.Open Session 6:00 p.m.

NOTE: All Board members and guests are requested to TURN OFF their cellular phone ringers duringthe meeting.

I. Call To Order

II. Pledge of Allegiance

III. Closed Session

1. Superintendent’s Evaluation2. Matters Related to Real Property Acquisitions – Conference with Real PropertyNegotiators Government Code 54956.8. The Board will meet in Closed Session with legalcounsel Richard Currier and Superintendent Delaney, regarding parking spaces ownedby the Rancho Santa Fe School District on El Fuego-negotiations with the Rancho SantaFe Association.

IV. Minutes

1. Approval of Special Meeting of December 7, 2010

V. Public Comment

It is at this time that anyone wishing to speak regarding an item on the agenda or othertopic is given an opportunity to do so. If you wish to speak under Public Comment,complete a comment card. Advance written information regarding the subject will beappreciated so that all might be better informed regarding the matter. In the interest oftime and order, presentations from the public are limited to three (3) minutes per person.

Members of the public who require disability accommodation in order to participate in themeeting should contact the Superintendent at (858) 756-1141, or in writing, at least 24hours prior to the meeting. (Government Code section 54954.2)

In accordance with the Brown Act, unless an item has been placed on the published agenda,there shall be no action taken. The Board may 1) acknowledge receipt of the information, 2) referto staff for further study, or 3) refer the matter to the next agenda.

VI. Reports

Ms. Lindy Delaney, Superintendenti. Rowe Facilities Update – Tim Ireland, Project Manager and SuperintendentLindy Delaney

OFFICIAL AGENDA, Regular Meeting, December 13, 2011

1. Change Orders

2. Budget2010-2011 School Year Update

VII. Discussion/Action Items

1. Staff Development Opportunities for 2010-2011 by Cindy Schaub, AssistantSuperintendent2. Student Information Systems by Ben Holbert, Director of Technology and Cindy Schaub,Assistant Superintendent3. Discuss/Approve contract with Webb Cleff Architecture & Engineering for architecturalservices for future District renovation projects.

VIII. Consent Calendar Items

The following items are routine business matters of the Board and will be handled by a singlemotion unless Governing Board members or members of the audience request to have an itemremoved from the Consent Calendar for discussion.

1. Business Reports:a. Fund Report (November)b. Purchase Ordersc. Payrolld. Revolving Fund (October/November/December)e. Commercial Warrants (December)2. Approve Change Order 14 for DSA Application #04-109900 (Main Campus) for an increase incontract amount of $26,397.00 for a total contract sum of $30,935,708.00 (from$30,909,311.00).3. Approve payment of $1,242,916.60 (6.4%) retention reduction to C.W. Driver for contractorswho have closed out their services from the R. Roger Rowe Modernization Project.4. Approve 2009-2010 audit report for Rancho Santa Fe School District.5. Approve Authorization for Participation of the 2011-2012 Application for FundingConsolidated Categorical Aid Programs, Part II.6. Approve First Period Attendance Report for 2010-2011 School Year.7. Approve Master Contract with HMS Systems, Inc. for occupational therapy services providedby Francean Williams, not to exceed 15 hours per week, effective December 17, 2010 toJune 30, 2011.8. Accept check from the Rancho Santa Fe Foundation in the amount of $9,300.00 from theRancho Santa Fe School District Performing Arts Center Fund.

IX. Personnel

1. Recommended Personnel Actions: Employment, Resignations, Retirement, Dismissals,Leaves of Absence, Change of Status:

i. Personnel Actions: Employment, Resignations, Retirement, Dismissals, Leavesof Absence, Change of Status:

1. Approve leave of absence from Rosie Martinez, purchasing agent,effective December 10, 2010 through December 31, 2010.2. Approve full-time employment of Helena Galvin, school nurse, for the2010-2011 school year.

X. Board Member Requests re Agenda Items and Future Agenda Items

ENCINITAS:

---- City Hall is closed Monday and Friday.

---- 1:30 p.m., Tuesday, San Dieguito Union High School District board of trustees, district office, 710 Encinitas Blvd.

---- 6 p.m., Tuesday, first of two City Council goal-setting workshops, City Hall, 505 S. Vulcan Ave.

---- 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, Encinitas Union School District board of trustees, district office, 101 S. Rancho Santa Fe Road.

---- 6 p.m., Wednesday, City Council, City Hall, 505 S. Vulcan Ave.

---- 6 p.m., Thursday, Planning Commission, City Hall, 505 S. Vulcan Ave.

February 12, 2011 - Through the Eyes of an Artist: 

Tours of the sculptures in the Garden. (Tour times: 10, 12:15, 1pm, 3:15)

This is a unique exhibition of talented artists displaying their sculptural creations throughout our lush and natural 36-acre setting. Through April 18, 2011, sixteen artists are displaying a range of sculptures set against the beautiful backdrop of dragon trees, fruit gardens, bamboo groves, and many more unique garden areas as part of Sculpture in the Garden.

For kids and the young-at-heart: Make a community sculpture using recycled materials. 10 am - 2 pm

Panel Discussions:

Session One: 11:00 am – 12 noon
Artists: Alber De Matteis and Charles Bronson
Garden Designers: Debra Lee Baldwin and Patrick Anderson 

Session Two: 2:00 – 3:00 pm
Artist: Cheryl Tall and Becky Guttin
Garden Designers: Peter Jones and Bobbi Hirschkoff

Music provided by Willowood

Lunch from the Garden’s Coffee Hut 

10 am - 4 pm. Free with admission or membership. www.SDBGarden.org

Call: 760 436-3036

Brand spanking new $$ Helen Woodward Animal Center administrative center ready to roll

World-renowned Helen Woodward Animal Center has a date with destiny this week as the first administrative employees are scheduled to begin moving into parts of the new multimillion dollar administration campus,  6402 El Apajo, at Fairbanks Ranch.

This completes phase one of the multimillion dollar project started five years ago to replace a 40-year-old facility never intended for the range of activities now hosted by the groundbreaking center.

The main administration building capacity expands from 24,000 to 80,000 square feet to include the adoption kennels and education programs. Woodward officials have not provided an updated overall cost for the project. However,  fund raising continues through an ongoing capital campaign including up to $10 million for naming rights to the campus. Administrative wing naming rights are $2 million. Most naming rights range from $10,000 to $100,000, and there are lots of them available.

The small-animal hospital would increase from 6,000 to 15,000 square feet, while the 38,000-square-foot equine hospital center would be remodeled and the therapeutic horse-riding facility enclosed.

(Video below: Construction update from last summer)

The center's pet-boarding center, which accommodates about 90 cats and dogs, will add space for an additional 75 animals, and will even offer luxury time shares in one-week increments, with the degree of pet comfort dependent on how much the owners wish to spend on furnishings,  according to center president Mike Arms.

These suites, amounting to about 75 percent of the available space, will come with camcorders so owners can check up on their pets from anywhere in the world with an Internet connection.

Donations provided much of the $12 million needed for Phase One. Center sources haven't disclosed the full cost of the project that went through years of planning and permit hearings.

For more, visit the center web site at:

http://www.animalcenter.org/

'Machel's Ranch' - Reflecting on my year 2010 at Rancho Santa Fe...

In February of the year, I had the good fortune of being invited to Julien Hug’s 35th birthday party. That evening I had never seen Julien more thrilled to celebrate his birthday with his loved ones.

Jen Keslick — Julien’s girlfriend — presented the most marvelous chocolate cake that I have ever seen. After he blew out the candles, everyone cheered and clapped for our dear friend. I will never forget that night in February when we all sat under the stars enjoying each other, celebrating Julien’s birthday. Thank you Jen for inviting us that evening. It will truly always be a night to remember.

In the end of springtime, I started writing a “Hat Feature,” which basically entailed me running around the Ranch looking for women wearing hats (I should have thought of that issue before I decided to do it!). However, I had some great fun stressing about the feature and managed to find some lovely women looking fabulous. I have included a photo of Ranch resident Karian Forsyth featured with one my best friends, Meredith MacDonald. We met on a Friday at Mille Fleurs and you can imagine how excited I was when I had found someone in a hat to photograph. Good times, pretty girls and a hat to feature in my column! Thanks Karian and Meredith for always looking so lovely in the photographs around town.

At the beginning of the summer, Rancho Santa Fe Little League came to a close with heavy hearts for my son’s team — The Durham Bulls. They lost in the playoffs. However, look at this photograph! Have you ever seen a happier group of boys? I felt like this photo was worth repeating because it represents the glory and the fun all young boys must feel even after not winning the game. Their spirits are alive and they do not look sad with defeat and proud to be part of a team. Thanks so much to all of the parents who lend their time and support to make Rancho Santa Fe Little League a wonderful experience for everyone. I look forward to next year’s season, too. Beware! I will be there with my camera.

In early June, I woke up early one morning to help make 1,000 strawberries for the Spring Fling Event, Best in Show, held at Helen Woodward. If you’ve ever attended one of the Spring Fling Events, you know firsthand it’s on the “must attend” event list in Rancho Santa Fe. I had so much fun that night! I wore an apron, cleared trays, sampled food and ran into some of my favorite Ranch residents. I am sharing a photo here of myself with Katie Holcomb and her sister Rosie. They are both long-time residents who I am always thrilled to see when I am around town. I believe my smile tells the story of how much I love these two beautiful women.

In August, Karian and Tom Forsyth had their first co-ed spa party. Let me tell you it was a great success. Hot and sunny with drinks in hand, guests mingled as they sat poolside in the Crosby. I took this group photo of some of the guests that day. One of the best hot summer days of the year! A big thank you to Tom and Karian for always being so fashionable and making Rancho Santa Fe look feel like Hollywood. But most of all, for being my good friends and always including me at your incredible parties.

In September, I attended a Rancho Santa Fe Rotary meeting in late September. I had the honor of being the guest of President Patrick Galvin. He had asked me to attend so I could be privy to hear the guest speaker, the executive director of Susan G. Komen for the Cure in San Diego, speak about her own personal fight against cancer. With heart, love and conviction, I was moved by Laura Farmer Sherman’s imploring speech urging all of us to help in the fight against breast cancer. Krista Lafferty is featured here with the guest speaker and John Farris. Krista is all smiles, too, because her mother is also a cancer survivor.

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Machel Penn Shull is a mother and is involved in marketing and sharing time with her friends and loved ones. Machel’s background includes PR/Marketing, advertising and copy-writing for multi-million dollar companies in North County in the San Diego area.With Two years of extensive writing programs at UCLA and one full length novel under her belt, Machel now concentrates primarily on her column, Machel’s Ranch, and writing stories for digital and print magazines.Her previous background includes:Model for Elite in Los Angeles. ST. IVES APRICOT SCRUB Campaign; National commercial and print. This campaign reached Mademoiselle, Goodhousekeeping, Cosmopolitan, and Entertainment Weekly, The Women’s Home Journal.

***Appeared on NBC’s Reality Show, “Who Wants To Marry My DAD, Season 2,

 National commercials for Budweiser, Adidas, GM Motors and ST. IVES and other regional spots for California and other areas of the United States.

Sitcom appearances on: Married with Children, Flying Blind, and Life Goes OnStarred in action thriller the Shining Blood, as the lead heroine.Wrote and produced the play, “Carried Away”, which was picked up by HBO workspace theatre.Machel currently lives in Rancho Santa Fe and writes as a freelance columnist.What you may not know about Machel Penn was that she was an accomplished flutest for over 10 years, competing on a national level. She also performed Improv at the world renowned Comedy Store in Los Angeles during the mid-1990s..For more of Machel's blogs and columns visithttp://www.machelpenn.com/

National Weather Service Wednesday Night Through Thursday Forecast For Local Conditions: 

A strong winter storm will strike southwestern California today through late tonight. Look out for rain, mountain snow, and gusty onshore winds. Moderate to heavy precipitation is expected Thursday morning as a cold front moves by. Snow levels will drop to 4,000-feet late Wednesday. Onshore winds will increase late Wednesday and will further strengthen behind the cold front. Winds could gust over 60 m.p.h. in the mountains and high deserts late Wednesday. Rainfall will be less than one inch in the coastal areas and valleys, 0.75 to 1.25 inches in the mountains, and a half inch or less in the deserts. The storm could also produce locally a foot of snow at the highest peaks of the San Bernardino County and Riverside County mountains.

Weather Notes:

1. Between midnight and 11 a.m., Wednesday, the California Highway Patrol logged 86 accidents on local freeways and rural roads. In fair weather, by comparison, the CHP typically responds to between 50 and 75 crashes over a full day. The final tally late Wednesday was more than 150 collisions.

2. On Thursday and Friday, temperatures throughout the county will likely drop 10 or 20 degrees below seasonal averages, causing widespread overnight frost in low-lying inland communities.

 3.  Acting Gov. Abel Maldonado sent a letter Wednesday to President Barack Obama urging him to declare a major disaster in California because of the recent series of storms, citing damage in San Diego and 10 other counties.

Storm sinks Helen Woodward Animal Center; adoptions and operations continue, officials say

The Great Rainstorm of 2010 sank Helen Woodward Animal Center on El Apajo Wednesday, but officials said the center continued to operate and adopt out pets.

Portions of Helen Woodward Animal Center are flooded," said John Van Zante, the center public relations manager. "Our back parking lot -- known as 'Lake Helen' to the staff -- is completely under water. A tree beside the lot fell down. We have had to evacuate some of our animals from their regular enclosures to higher ground on our property.

"The goats and horses were moved to higher ground on our property," Van Zante continued. "Sunny and Angel, the twin foals, have been moved back in the Intensive care stall...high and (for the most part) dry." 

 It wasn't as much the rain as it was the sudden influx of water that caused pumps on the grounds to malfunction causing the flooding, officials said. No time frame was furnished for when the waters would recede completely from the center that also was undergoing a large re-construction project.

 "Please note that Helen Woodward Animal Center is still open for business," Van Zante said. "Families planning to adopt an orphan dog or cat before Christmas can still come out! The "Santa Paws" delivery of 3,000+ toys for dogs, cats, and other animals is still scheduled for 1:00 this afternoon...but it will be moved to our front parking lot on El Apajo Road."

It's beginning to look like a lotta, lotta rain before Christmas, or at least through Thursday with rain possibly resuming on Sunday, according to the National Weather Service.

News Flash -- not exactly -- it's raining. Sunday was a sog and slogfest although the Village of Rancho Santa Fe escaped the brunt of it.

Rain totals weren't that much on Sunday, but a lot more is about to come, according to the National Weather Service.

The rain won't fully move out of the region until Thursday morning, the day before Christmas Eve, forecasters said.

The National Weather Service issued a flash flood watch for all of San Diego County, which continued to be soaked by a seemingly endless stream of moisture from the sub-tropics. Forecasters said heavy rain from Orange County will drop into northern San Diego County late today (Monday), and continue moving south.

 As it stood, rainfall totals for the 24-hour-period ending Sunday at 4 p.m. included: 1.6 inches at Palomar Mountain; 1.22 in Temecula; 1.06 in Fallbrook; 0.51 in Oceanside; 0.33 in Escondido; 0.22 in Poway and 0.17 in Carlsbad.

The California Highway Patrol late Sunday reported dozens of spinout and rollover accidents across the region, along with a few rock slides on backcountry highways.

"it's been crazy," said CHP Sgt. Jerry Matheson. "You tell (drivers) to slow down and it doesn't do any good."

            (Photo: Lake Hodges on Monday)

Ah-Ha Rancho Santa Fe News will be updating the stuation although you may not want to hear any more wet news. However, as they used to say on 'Hill Street Blues', be careful out there.

Rain from the past three days will total up to 1 1/2 inches at the coast, 2 inches inland, and as much as 5 inches in the mountains, according to the weather -- or not -- service.

This,  also, from the weather service on Monday:

 "A large Pacific plume of moisture ahead of an advancing trough of low pressure is expected to bring heavy rains and the potential for serious flooding from noon Monday through Wednesday afternoon.

"Rainfall rates near or greater than one inch per hour are possible at times, especially in the mountains. Excessive runoff may also cause flooding or most streams and washes, and along low lying areas adjacent to major rivers.

"Mud and debris flows areas also possible, especially below steep terrain and areas with little or no vegetation."

Here is the seven day forecast courtesy of the National Weather Serrvice.

This Afternoon: Rain. The rain could be heavy at times. High near 59. South wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.

Tonight: Rain likely. The rain could be heavy at times. Cloudy, with a low around 57. South wind around 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%.

Tuesday: Rain. The rain could be heavy at times. High near 61. South wind between 10 and 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%.

Tuesday Night: Rain. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. Low around 55. South wind between 10 and 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.

Wednesday: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. High near 61. South wind around 20 mph, with gusts as high as 35 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%.

Wednesday Night: A 50 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 49. 

Thursday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 60. 

Thursday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 47. 

Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 60. 

Friday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 49. 

Christmas Day: Mostly sunny, with a high near 62. 

Saturday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 47. 

Sunday: A chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 60.

Helen Woodward Animal Center Urgent Appeal - A Kitten, “Epidemic” with No End in Sight!

(Photo below: Mike, one of the dozens of kittens needing a new home...)

"'Inter-mews' available," said John Van Zante, Helen Woodward Animal Center public relations manager, but he wasn't kidding on Thursday when he quoted one of the center's care providers as saying, “It’s kind of an epidemic and, unfortunately, we don’t see an end in sight!”

The care provider was describing the number of kittens currently available for adoption, in foster care waiting for space in the Center’s, “Kittery,” and the number of calls still coming in from families that have litters of kittens that they can’t keep, according to Van Zante.

“Kitten season started later than usual and that gave us a false impression of the onslaught of what was on the way,” Van Zante added. “Now we’re facing near-epidemic conditions.”

Currently, 40 to 50 kittens are at the El Apajo center seeking new homes. “Our Kittery can hold about 30 kittens at a time," Van Zante said. "We have 10 to 20 more that will become available for adoption as soon as there’s room for them in the viewing area."

And that's ot the end of it, unfortunately. Volunteers in the center's foster program are providing in-home care for another 30 to 40 kittens, oVan Zante said.

“Some of these babies are old enough to be adopted as soon as we have space for them," Van Zante continued. "Others are still too young, but they will be available within the next few weeks. As we said, there doesn’t appear to be an end in sight.”

Helen Woodward Animal Center officials are not resting in the matter by any means. The center has two programs underway to help combat the kitten epidemic. 

#1: The, “Velcro Kitten” program allows families that adopt one kitten at the standard adoption fee to take home the, “attached” kitten with no adoption fee. 

 #2: Through HWAC’s, “Spay – Don’t Litter” program, if the Center is able to accept a litter it provides for the, “Mommy” cat to be spayed at no cost.

All dogs and cats, puppies and kittens at Helen Woodward Animal Center are spayed or neutered, have up-to-date vaccines, and have passed health and temperament testing before going, “home” with their new families. 

Adoption kennels are open from 11 AM to 6 PM every day. The center is at 6461 El Apajo Road in Rancho Santa Fe. For more information call 858-756-4117 or visit http://www.animalcenter.org.