December/January 07-08 Issue | Download the Full Issue

An Artist At Work: Gale Pruitt decorates downtown Escondido | Ride in Comfort and Convenience
How San Diego's Green Gold Got Its Start: The History of the Avocado
The Most Christmasy Place This Side of the North Pole | Winter Planting in Inland North County
Pala Fitness: A Workout Sanctuary | The Home for Parties | The Movies & Classical Music: What A Bill!
Out On The Town This New Year's | Everything You Need For Your Equine Friend | Mysterious Nessy Burgers
Wilson Creek's "Oh My Gosh!" Almond Champagne: The Perfect Holiday Wine | Golfer's Wish List
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An Artist At Work: Gale Pruitt decorates downtown Escondido

Gale Pruitt of Hidden Meadows is living proof that you NEVER have to decide what to do when you grow up. She didn’t take up the art of bronze sculpting until 12 years ago. Yet this month her three sculptures honoring veterans of all of America’s 20th century wars were unveiled at Escondido’s Grape Day Park on November 11, Veterans Day.
Meanwhile she did all sorts of interesting things with her life—most of them have had something to do with creativity and artistry.
She started in the antique business in Orange, California. She was supplied by a buyer who haunted estate sales in England. She then became a manufacturer of whimsical large sized decorative models with names like the Stutz Bear Car and the Goose Caboose.
For awhile she manufactured leather faces and unique leather jackets, and owned and operated an exercise salon.
More than a dozen years ago she hosted sculpture classes in her home in association with a Palomar College art teacher. That’s when she began to get seriously interested in sculpture.
She has done perhaps 20 bronzes over the years.
The bronze sculpture begins with a clay sculpture, which is then used to make a wax cast. The wax is then melted away to form the cast in which the molten bronze is poured. This is called the “lost wax” method.
Pruitt was brought in to do the military sculptures at Grape Day Park at the insistence of the lady she describes as her “patron,” Patti Bourgeois, who is paying for part of the memorial.
When the statues are in place five of Pruitt’s sculptures will decorate downtown Escondido, including one in front of Starbucks at the corner of Escondido Boulevard and Valley Parkway and another that stands near the entrance to the Regal Cinema center.
The three statues in the park stand for the military of the past, present and future.
The first sculpture is of Jackie Cochran, an American aviatrix, one of the most talented of her time, who helped form the Women’s Auxiliary Army Corp (WAAC) and Women’s Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) of World War II. These female flyers performed many hazardous duties during the war, although they didn’t participate in combat. She was, for instance, the first woman to fly a bomber across the Atlantic.
The sculpture of the modern day soldier is a very strong male, with facial features suggested by the handsome yet stolid features of film star Jean Claude Van Damme. The third statue is of an ROTC student, someone who will be tapped to be a soldier if we ever participate in another war.
The three statues will be framed by a curving wall on which there will be tiles honoring those who have served in the armed forces, living and dead.
Interesting people often tend to live in interesting homes. The Pruitt home was built in Hidden Meadows from a design by the renowned artist and architect James Hubble, a Julian artist who is known for building organic structures that suggest Hobbit Holes. He comes up with the visual ideas and his son, Drew, converts them into architectural drawings.
The Pruitts decided they didn’t want a house built into the earth. “We didn’t want a cave feeling,” she recalls. Their house is built of cement and Styrofoam rastra (cement, water and expanded polystyrene) and it won’t burn.
They did most of the construction themselves, with the help of one or two others.
Gale describes herself as “the dreamer,” while husband, Bob “is the man who knows how to make it work.”
Inside their dream home are many pieces of myrtlewood carved into fantastic shapes, or often left as they were made by the forces of the sea that drove them onto the beaches of Oregon.
It’s a house of people who know how to make their dreams into a reality.

Ride in Comfort and Convenience

The comfort and convenience of taking a train from Escondido to Oceanside and San Diego, including the communities of Vista and San Marcos will be available to commuters, students and shoppers beginning December 2007.
Many of us in North County would go to San Diego more often, except we don’t like dealing with the increasingly nasty traffic situation along I-15 and I-5. Another factor is finding a place to park. Some also worry about contributing to pollution with their automobiles.
The Sprinter light rail will solve those problems as well as provide a pleasant way to get where you are going while you read a book or newspaper, or just enjoy the scenery.
The Sprinter, which the North County Transit District has been working on for a couple of years now, will run 22 miles following the route of Hwy 78, stopping at 15 stations along the way.
That work included rebuilding the entire rail line between Escondido and Oceanside, including a link to Cal State San Marcos.
The last few months work have included finishing all of the crossings and synchronizing the signals with the existing traffic crossings.
The 22-mile trip from Escondido to Oceanside will take an estimated 53 minutes. It’s another 60 minutes from Oceanside to San Diego, a total of 41 miles and eight stations. The trains never travel faster than 55 mph.
On the Highway 78 corridor, trains will leave every 30 minutes in each direction. There will at any one time be eight cars in the Hwy 78 corridor.
Passenger service will be offered seven days a week from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Fares will be the same as for the Breeze bus. Monthly Breeze passes will work on the Sprinter.
Depending on how you choose to travel, you should be able to go to San Diego and back for less than $15 combining the Sprinter with either a bus or the Coaster.
The trains were designed to be very comfortable and are air-conditioned. They feature wide aisles, padded seats, luggage racks, extra-large windows and generous lighting.
These self-propelled mid-sized, modern diesel multiple units (DMUs) are rare in the U.S., although they are used extensively in Europe.
They were manufactured in Germany by the Seimens Co. and were all delivered to San Diego County in the summer. They were built to European emission standards, and produce much less pollution than trucks that will be running parallel to them on Hwy 78.
Each train car holds 220 passengers and usually two cars will run together.
They have room for bikes and for people in wheelchairs. They can wheel on directly because it’s level boarding. It’s totally ADA (Americans With Disabilities Act) compliant.
You won’t be allowed to take food or drink on the Sprinter. It’s like a NCTD bus in that regard.
Sounds like a very comfortable way to get to the coast and back. I can’t wait to take my first ride!

How San Diego’s Green Gold Got Its Start: The History Of The Avocado

Today San Diego’s North County is the avocado capitol of the world. The so-called “green gold” is one of the biggest cash crops in Southern California and everywhere in the country where people enjoy guacamole; chances are it came from here.
But it wasn’t always that way.
Although the avocado was known to the Aztecs, George Washington spoke of eating “agovago pears” when he visited the Barbados in 1751, and the first avocados were planted in California in 1850, it wasn’t introduced commercially into San Diego County until 1924.
Avocados had been growing commercially in Los Angeles for several years and the first association of avocado growers in the state began meeting in that city in 1915. It was that association that gave the green fruit its current spelling, which was preferred over “ahuacate” and definitely preferred over a nickname that was common in Florida, the “alligator pear.”
Gil Henry, of the Henry Avocado Co. in Escondido, who was recently honored as Farmer of the Year by the San Diego County Farm Bureau, tells how his father, Charles Cole Henry, started working with avocados when he was a kid as a gardener in Bellaire, California in 1914.
“The owner could see that my father was interested in avocados so he gave my father the fruit and he would sell them to the bigger hotels and Young’s market.”
Then Charles Henry went “over there” to France to fight in WWI. When he returned, he and his wife bought property in 1924 on El Norte Parkway, which was then Hill Street, at the east end of Lincoln. Their son Gil Henry was born in 1925.
“My father started by planting the avocado trees in Escondido,” says Henry. “He raised them commercially and I guess you can say that they survived the Depression.“
In those days the trees were cultivated with furrows because no one had sprinklers. They also didn’t plant the steeper hillsides that you see today for the same reason. Pipe was very expensive. The avocado was cultivated much as the citrus is today.
That was in the days before the San Diego Aqueduct brought water in abundance. Well water was used to irrigate the trees, although some additional water was available, brought from Lake Henshaw to Lake Wohlford.
“In those days,” says Henry, “there weren’t too many grown throughout the state. They would sell them to Los Angeles stores, as far north as San Francisco, and even to Lake Tahoe.”
That changed in the years following WWII. The lands near Whittier and La Habra were subdivided and farmers who had grown there found their way south to towns with names like Fallbrook, Escondido and Valley Center.
“The population in Escondido when I was a child was only about five thousand and then it grew,” recalls Henry.
The coming of the aqueduct in the 1950s made a big difference. “That’s when all of the avocado production started to boom and they started to plant heavily in Fallbrook,” recalls Henry.
The most popular avocado variety today by far is the Hass avocado, a darker skinned fruit hybrid developed by Rudolph Hass in La Habra in the 1920s. That original tree was still alive until just a few years ago. The Hass fruit was better tasting: nuttier, creamier, with less fiber. It had a longer picking period. It soon outstripped what had been the most common fruit, the Fuerte, in popularity.
The Hass, besides tasting better, also traveled better because of its thicker skin. It withstood the gentle attentions of housewives pawing through piles of green gold and squeezing them to determine their ripeness.
This opened new commercial vistas for the fruit.
So did another development, according to Henry. “One of the biggest things that happened in the history of the avocado was getting into pre-ripening. We developed the ethylene ripening process.” Henry credits consultant Victor Tokar with developing this process, which allows the fruit to be ripened after they are picked. Today avocados and bananas are ripened by temperature control and in ripening rooms.
“The housewife wants convenience. She doesn’t want to buy something and leave it on the kitchen sink for three or four days,” says Henry.
Although the process was discovered decades ago, it took 20 years before everybody got into the act. Today most major packers pre-ripen the avocados before shipping them to every point of the compass in refrigerated rail cars.
“What’s really been great for the avocado,” says Henry, “is the acceptance of guacamole and Mexican cuisine. The addition of all these things have helped the avocado.”
Not to mention the legions of football fans who line up bowls of guacamole and giant bags of chips every Thanksgiving, New Year’s Day and on Super Bowl Sunday.
* * *
Thanks go to Gil Henry and Dr. Gary Bender, Farm Advisor for the University of California Extension for their help in preparing this article.

The most Christmasy place this side of the North Pole

The day after the recent fires swept through their town, several people who had lost their homes dropped by Canterbury Gardens, in Escondido.
“I tried to think of a place that would make me happy after my loss. We thought of this place,” one told David Hansen, who, with Al Klein co-owns this Christmas tradition.
The store is in its 25th year and will celebrate by bringing back all 36 themed trees it has put up over the years.
Each year Canterbury completely recarpets and redecorates so that it’s a new experience for the shopper. They close for 12 days (a number to conjure with!) in order to get ready for Christmas shoppers.
One tree highlights ornaments related to different professions. There’s also a pet tree, a bon voyage tree and a “jingle jungle” tree.
“We have become a lot of people’s Christmas tradition,” says Hansen. “We have people who were in strollers when they first visited us. Now they have kids!”
A large business like Canterbury Gardens, which retails Christmas decorations globally via its Internet sales, is a rarity. He likes to say that “We’re a 24-year overnight success. Our suppliers just love us. They don’t have to work hard to hit a lot of people.”
Although when you step through the door, you’ll think you’re in Santa’s headquarters. What Canterbury Gardens does is sell keepsakes and fun traditions.
Don’t ask them how to decorate on the cheap. That’s not their thing.
They will tell you how to do it with style. That means that if you are only going to buy one or two things, make them special. Make them Christmas traditions that you’ll pass down from generation to generation.
The holidays have their trends and traditions. This year, says, Hansen, “We are returning to the traditional reds and greens and some gold to glitz it up. We went haute culture for a few years with things like purple Christmas trees, but this year people are doing a Christmas to remember.”
To do that Hansen suggests buying old-fashioned hand-blown ornaments by Christopher Radko. “These are very popular.” They take hours to make and are painted with vegetable colors so they are safe.
“People like a little bit of whimsy in their decorations,” says Hansen. “For that you can’t go wrong by buying Fairies by Mark Roberts.”
A favorite with kids who visit the store are the displays featuring L.G. Trains and Department 56 Villages. Some of these trains have been running for 15 years or more in the store.
Santas and snowmen are also very popular, “Even though most people in southern California haven’t seen a snowflake for years, they like to be reminded of their childhood.” Canterbury has a wide selection of collectible snowmen and santas.
Here’s a tip for make your collectible special: “I tell people to write the date on the bottom of the decoration,” says Hansen.
Lots of people like to build collections of ornament animals. For instance, there’s a tree in the store devoted to dogs.
“I have a lady who collects skunks and when she saw that we had a jelly-fish ornament asked if many people collect them.
“Not that I’m aware of,” he told her.
She immediately bought one and declared, “Now I’m a collector of jelly fishes too!”
Canterbury is famous for selling beautifully crafted trees that belie the word “artificial,” because they look so real.
The Barcana brand trees carry a 25-year guarantee.
“A lot of developers who have model homes to show are buying these trees and decor at Canterbury Gardens so people can see what their new homes will look like during the holidays. Warmth and a family Christmas is a great combo!” says Hansen.
Not only will he sell you a tree, he will keep its lights working as long as humanly possible.
“If we have the lights we will get it running again,” he says. He doesn’t mind doing that because, “If their tree is in our shop being worked on, they are looking through our store.”
Oftentimes grandparents will take their grandchildren through the store, reintroducing them to the Christmas magic of their own childhoods—and buying them an ornament of their very own.
“If the only thing we do for Christmas is get a tree, then decorate it fully. Give it some Canterbury style!” says Hansen.
He adds, “Use the holidays to remind us of all of the wonderful things we are doing for each other. Give the gift of a wreath. We won't all have a place to put it, but we will all be someplace for the holidays.”
* * *
Canterbury Gardens is located at 2402 S. Escondido Blvd., Escondido, CA 92025
Store Hours are Mon-Sat: 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Closed Sunday. Call them at 800-214-9474 or (760) 746-1400.

Winter Planting in Inland North County

The weather in North County has been harsh this year. First we had the devastating freeze last spring that killed or damaged many plants that are normally hardy in Valley Center, then there was that unusually hot spell that was so hard on our gardens. In addition to those woes, we have drought and water conditions to contend with.
So what is a gardener to do? We cannot rely on rain to help us and it looks like we can’t rely on the faucet either. We have to come up with better ideas about how we garden in the future.
Early winter is a good time to think about making some changes in plant material for next year, and even to reduce the size of our gardens.
Trevor Nottle, occasional contributor to Pacific Horticulture magazine, reports ominously that Adelaide Australia is in the tenth year of drought and has mandated no water use for gardens at all. Until our government, water moguls, and developers find a solution to our own water problems, be it water from the sea or some remote place, we face a similar fate here.
We need to think about using more hardscape such as paving materials and mulch, organic or mineral, instead of so much plant material.
If you have a lawn that seems to struggle, consider paving at least a part of it with flagstone to create a sitting area instead. The water saved could be used in another area more productively.
Plant natives… “ugh” you say? Granted, natives have gotten a bad reputation for being ugly, but there are natives that look good all year long, not just in their short blooming season. Heteromeles Arbutifolia (Toyon) is a great small tree or large bush. It is evergreen with glossy green foliage, white flowers in spring and red berries in the fall. It is trouble free and draught tolerant.
Carpinteria (Bush Anemone) has bright white flowers in spring and summer. It is very pretty and needs a little more water than some natives. Arbutus Unedo (Strawberry Tree) is another good looking, trouble-free choice. Not a native, but an excellent tree for North County is Crape Myrtle with it’s many color choices.
There are some good looking shrubs that use less water than those six-packs of annuals at the nursery and need less attention too. For instance, instead of planting a sunny area with shallow rooted annuals, plant a group of one gallon or five gallon shrubs, such as Dwarf Bottlebrush “Little John.” Lay a soaker hose down around each plant and add attractive mulch and a few large rocks.
Other shrubs that work as well are Berberis “Rose Glow” with it’s rich purple leaves or try Psidium (Strawberry Guave) or dwarf Pomegranate. A group of the same shrubs spaced three or four feet apart with a thick mulch can look quite elegant and allow each plant to look its best. When choosing your shrub or tree, consider its mature size so you won’t need to do much pruning to keep it within bounds.
But, what about flowers? Instead of flowers here and there among trees and shrubs with different water needs, group them together in one area. Most annuals are shallow rooted and need water more often but less deeply that trees and shrubs.
If you are new to soaker hoses and drip irrigation systems, don’t guess about how much water to apply. Before and after irrigating, pull back the mulch and turn over a shovel full of soil. You may be surprised what you discover about watering.
Dozens of annuals and perennials await you at the nursery. Some good early winter bloomers are Pansies, Violas, Calendulas, Foxgloves and Chrysanthemums. Mix a slow release fertilizer (10-30-10) into the soil when you plant to keep those blooms coming.
With the appropriate plant material, wise irrigation and a lot of mulch, you can still have a beautiful garden during periods of draught.

Pala Fitness: A Workout Sanctuary

On the scenic drive along Highway 76 between Pauma Valley and Fallbrook, most travelers will no doubt be struck by the breathtaking, rugged landscape interspersed with the rustic charm of several small communities along the way.
But when travelers pass through the small town of Pala on the Pala Reservation, they will find themselves greeted by an ultra-modern facility that stands out against the historic backdrop of the village.
The Pala Fitness Center may look out of place to some, but for the many members who have come to know it as a workout sanctuary, it's more like a diamond in the desert.
Manager Bruce Guachino and the staff at the Pala Fitness Center are used to the usual questions from first-time visitors. Guachino says that it’s only a matter of time before everybody knows about the state-of-the-art facility.
“A lot of people think it’s just for tribal members, but we're open to the public,” he says. "A lot of our members are from Pauma Valley and Valley Center, but now a lot of workers from the casinos have become members because it’s so close that they can get in a workout before or after work without having to drive very far."
Not only is the facility nearby, it boasts all the amenities of any first-rate fitness center in the area.
The Pala Fitness Center has more than 18 pieces of cardio equipment, state-of-the-art dual-pivoting weight machines, and a variety of free weights. A personal trainer is also available to help members reach, maintain and exceed their fitness goals through “Challenge By Choice,” a program that encourages members to guide their own lifestyles through well-being of mind and body.
The fitness center also has an indoor basketball and volleyball court, complete with a top-of-the-line playing surface, electronic scoreboards, sound system and viewing bleachers, and is equipped to host regulation tournaments.
Throughout the fitness area are several 30 inch LCD flat-screen televisions, allowing members to watch sports, news and other favorite shows while working out.
The facilities also include showers and day lockers.
Guachino is excited about the facility and its upcoming events designed to give members a good workout and a great time.
“We’re starting up an adult volleyball league, which will play every Wednesday at 6 p.m.,” he says. “And since we have a shooting range on site, we’re starting up a shooter’s club very soon. We also have a number of seniors who come in on Wednesdays and Thursdays to swim in the heated pool. It’s a great place to be active.”
The Pala Fitness Center is located at 12194 Pala Mission Road in Pala, and is open weekdays from 6 a.m.–11 p.m. and on weekends from 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Membership fees are $25 per month, with a one-time administration fee of $25.
For more information about the fitness center and its programs, contact sports director Mary Guachino at (760) 613-6469. To find out more about becoming a member, contact the fitness center at (760) 891-3504 or by e-mail at sports@palatribe.com.

The Home For Parties

If you like to golf and have daughters who may wed someday soon, this just might be your dream house!
Its unique, beautifully designed and landscaped exterior boasts a four-hole putting green and flagstone dance floor.
So while the bride-to-be is out shopping for the perfect gown, dad can practice his putts knowing that the wedding and reception can be held at home.
The yard has several areas and levels and includes five imported African thatches, in several sizes, each in separate and engaging gathering and relaxing points. The largest would be a beautiful place for a wedding ceremony.
There are two streams. One is man-made, emanating from a waterfall and flowing through the upper portions of the yard under a small bridge, past the putting green to a fishpond.
The other flows naturally in the spring and is reinforced with river rock. It is bordered by the grassy “grandchildren’s play area” with seating for the grandparents once those little ones arrive.
There is also an area for badminton and other lawn games. Close by are the pool and Jacuzzi perfectly placed next to the outdoor cooking area and bar both of which are tiled and covered. On the other side of the outdoor games area, is a set of steps that lead up to the basketball area which doubles as parking for your RV complete with 220, propane and sewer hook-up.
This 1.25 acre property is fenced and landscaped for easy maintenance with drought-tolerant plants. Three gated entrances serve the property and a “road” has been blended into the design so cars can be parked at the rear of the property on a forty-foot easement (for that big wedding reception).
Oh yes, a house does come with this property. It is about 4,000 square feet with double entry doors to a grand marble foyer with coffered ceiling. Straight ahead as you enter is the staircase from which your daughters could make their fond farewells as they leave on their honeymoons. A beautiful stained glass window crowns the staircase landing.
The kitchen is made for big parties, and/or a gourmet cook. There is a six-burner commercial grade Viking cook top, Viking double ovens, microwave, two Bosch dishwashers, Subzero refrigerator/freezer, and a wine cooler. There is a huge center island with a sink and granite countertops. The floor is tile that you must touch to convince yourself it is not wood. Next to the kitchen is a large family room with fireplace as well as a dining alcove.
Across the foyer is a cozy living room and dining room combination complete with fireplace. Also on the main floor are an office, bedroom and bath and laundry room.
At the top of the stairs, there is a spacious and comfy retreat with another stained glass window. This is the perfect place to read or nap once the big wedding is over.
The spacious master bedroom boasts two walk-in closets complete with closet organizers and skylights. Beyond the closets, you will find a Jacuzzi, separate shower and double sinks. Two additional bedrooms with walk-in closets are serviced by a spacious Jack & Jill bath with lots of additional storage and sky lights. All of the bedrooms have ceiling fans.
In addition, the home has a security system, safe and dual heating and cooling systems.
Whether you have those marriagable daughters or just like to entertain, this home can comfortably handle parties of up to 200, but has lots of private space for a small group or just mom and dad.
For complete information on this Hidden Meadows home, contact John or Maryann Jacobs at Meadows Realty, Inc., 760-749-1874, 27725 Mountain Meadow Road #35, Escondido, CA 92026 or go to www.meadowsrealtyinc.com.

The Movies & Classical Music: What A Bill!

If Beethoven and Mozart were alive today, they would probably be writing movie scores. “They were both businessmen as well as composers,” says Conductor Jung-Ho Pak, who will conduct a concert Sunday, Jan. 20 at 2 p.m. at the California Center for the Arts, Escondido, entitled “Hollywood Hits.”
The program provides a bridge between film and classical music. It shows how classical music has entered our pop culture through movie scores and how those scores are created. It is part of a new classical music series, the Center Pops Concerts at CCAE.
Pak loves making classical music accessible to the general audience, as he is like a conductor he admired very much, Leonard Bernstein.
“I was inspired by Leonard Bernstein, and how he would sit down and play Beatles music, or a cowboy song to show how it related to classical music,” says Pak. This series aims to make classical music accessible to younger audiences and to those not already initiated into the folds of the classical world.
Pak is the artistic director and conductor of the San Diego Chamber Orchestra which is playing all three concerts. “Hollywood Hits” is the second in the series.
“I was given the goal, almost a mandate, to create a series for the Escondido community to have a different relationship with classical music,” says Pak.
“I was asked to create a series that would mean something to a completely new generation of people—who feel that classical is for someone else. A series that is entertaining yet inspiring.”
The series was born when a prestigious donor approached the center and commented that she didn’t see many young people in the classical music audiences. She asked what could be done about it.
“Usually you have to go to a donor and convince them,” said Pak, delighted to see the dynamic stood on its head a bit.
The first of the Center Pops Concerts was very interactive with video to make it as current and relevant as possible.
It was called “The Ten Most Famous Classical Pieces Ever.”
In one piece, music from Bizet’s opera Carmen was accompanied by a Cecil B. DeMille silent film about the Spanish temptress. In others they played Pachelbel's Canon accompanied by a video from YouTube and Wagner’s Ride of the Valkyries to scenes from Apocalypse Now and Bugs Bunny.
Each piece had a completely different feel and story and video accompaniment.
“We make a connection to classical music that many people intuit but never tied together,” says Pak.
The response was great. “Many said it was the most entertaining show they had seen,” he says. “We want anyone from elementary school age to someone getting their doctorate to come and say, ‘Wow! I totally get this!’”
This isn’t the first time Pak has worked to make classical music accessible to young people.
From 1997–2002 he led the San Diego Symphony. He created the “Light Bulb Series,” which used multimedia technology, drama and theatrical staging to reach a younger audience while widening the appreciation for classical music among its traditional audience.
“That series was unlike anything that San Diego had seen before,” recalls Pak. “We did draw young audiences. It was so laborious that it was like giving birth to an elephant and having the elephant live one day!”
Decades ago Arthur Fiedler, legendary director of the Boston Pops Orchestra made a career out of making classical music more accessible.
It’s harder today, says Pak.
“Arthur Fiedler had a special context. People knew who Arturo Toscanini and Jasha Heifitz were. Now if you have people name one classical musician they might tell you Yo Yo Mah. Today’s public doesn’t have that kind of general knowledge. I have to create a new social context for them and connect the dots for them.”
“Hollywood Hits” will show film clips to show how important film is to music and vice versa. “The Hollywood program is quite a natural one,” says Pak.
For most of the public that’s the only time they hear orchestral music.
The third in the series features the music of Gershwin, but with a twist.
Gabriella Montera, an extremely talented musician with the gift of improvisation, will use that talent on George Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue. Also featured will be I’ve Got Rhythm, An American in Paris, and Porgy and Bess. This third and final Pops Concert will be held Sunday, April 20 at 2 p.m. at CCAE.

Out On The Town This New Year's

Ringing in the New Year offers lots of ways to get together with family and friends. Sometimes it is fun to get together at home, but other times it is fun to go out on the town. There are many choices close by when it comes to celebrating the New Year.
Valley View Casino is offering a blast into the past with a 1960s-style evening with live performances by 60s chart toppers Jay and the Techniques, The Box Tops and the Shadows of Knight. Remember to bring your appetite and indulge in their award-winning buffet, order from the menu at BLD, or if dessert is your favorite, you will be challenged to make a choice at Scoops. All the desserts look so good you may need to try more than one over the course of the night. The evening will be topped off in style with a midnight countdown. For more information call 1-866-VIEW-WIN.
If you are looking for a family affair, head to Escondido for their annual First Night Celebration complete with two fireworks shows, one at 7:30pm for the children and another display at midnight. Enjoy the 13 stages of music & dance and the wonderful food from the many restaurants and vendors. For admission pricing and more information go to www.firstnightescondido.com.
If heading north to Temecula fits into your plans, venture over to Wilson Creek Winery & Vineyards for their “White Hot” themed extravaganza! A sizzling night of great ambiance, great food, great friends and great wine! A delicious five course sit-down dinner featuring tray passed appetizers, braised chicken, roasted flat iron steak and a mouthwatering dessert. Live music provided by Tony Suraci and unlimited Wilson Creek Wines, including their famous Almond Champagne, which is sure to create a memorable New Year’s.
Below are some more options to get you started on your New Year’s Eve plans.
OTHER TEMECULA OPTIONS
Ponte Family Estate • “2007 New Year's Eve Extravaganza”
951-694-8855 – $175 per person – This year the inspiration comes from City Nights around the world and everything that goes along with them. As in years past, there will be endless Ponte wine, exciting live music and entertainment, festive noisemakers, and a champagne toast as the clock strikes 12.
South Coast Winery • “An Elegant New Year’s Eve”
951-587-9463 Ext. 7205 – Reservations from 5:00pm-10:00pm – $120 per person – The Vineyard Rose Restaurant is hosting a New Year's Eve Engagement where you can dine, dance, and delight in life as you welcome in a brand new year filled with a host of magnificent promises! You can also stay on-site in one of their beautiful villas.
Thornton Winery • “Hollywood Nights”
951-699-0099 – $175 per person – King Biscuit Review will be performing and there will be a balloon drop and champagne toast at midnight. Menu includes Tray Passed Hors D’Oeuvres, Jumbo Crab Tower, Prime Fillet of Beef and Petite Lobster Tail.
Keyways Vineyard and Winery • “A Black and White Affair”
877-539-9297 – $162 per person – Enjoy a wonderful New Year’s Eve dinner with wine, music and dancing. Menu includes Prime Fillet of Beef and Prawns. At midnight there will be a champagne toast. There will also be live Jazz music.
Wiens Family Cellars • “Flashback to the 80s”
951-694-9892 – $160 per person • There will be live music in the event pavilion featuring The M-80’s (a 80’s Cover Band) and DJ Gabe Real spinning at Club Vine in the Barrel Room. Their menu includes Tray Passed Appetizers with paired wine and dinner includes slow roasted prime rib, pacific oyster shooters and king crab legs.
OTHER CASINO OPTIONS
Pala Casino • Special performances in the restaurant. Call 1-877-946-7252 for more information.
Harrah’s Rincon Casino & Resort • Special live musical performances and events happening throughout the casino. Contact 760-751-3100 for details.
Casino Pauma • Palm Club members will receive 1 free swipe starting at 8am, December 31, through 12:25 am January 1. An entry ticket for New Year's Eve drawings will be issued to everyone who swipes their Palm Club Card. Drawings will be held at 6:30pm, 7:30pm, 8:30pm, 10:30pm, 11:30pm and 12:30am. There will be one (1) winner selected at each of the drawing times. Each winner will receive $1,000 to be paid with a cash voucher. Call 1-877-687-2862 for more details.
Don’t forget to check with your favorite restaurant—many times they offer special options for New Year.
Have a Safe and Happy New Year!

Everything You Need For Your Equine Friend

Whether you've owned horses all your life or you're just starting a journey with a new equine friend, there's one place you can go to find everything you need.
Local horse owner Teri Johnson opened Performance Horse Supply more than five years ago when she saw a need for specific performance supplies for the local horse-riding community.
"We're primarily all English, and we cater to the dressage, hunter/jumper and eventing riders," she said. "We also have a lot of equipment for ponies. But we also do a lot of special ordering, so if you can't find it locally, we'll get it for you."
Since then, the store's reputation has grown, and Johnson says that the good buzz comes primarily from the work of her sales staff.
"Everybody who works here is a horse owner, and they all work in different disciplines," she said. "They're all trained to answer questions on bits, helmets, supplements, grooming products—everything. And if a customer can't find what they need here, we'll help guide them to where they can find it."
Johnson said that the biggest reason for the company's ongoing success is the relationship she and her staff have built with their customers.
"We're here to help people find what they need for their horses," she says. "We aren't going to sell you something you don't need, or something that's more expensive than what you need. It's a relationship that goes both ways, and I believe that is the most important thing in business."
Performance Horse Supply is located at 5256 Mission Road (Route 76) in Bonsall, and is open Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., on Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. You can also contact the store by phone at (760) 630-7808.

Mysterious Nessy Burgers

It was recently confirmed that the quaint Fallbrook eatery, known affectionately as Nessy Burgers, has been sighted doing a brisk business at its I-15 and Hwy 76 location, much to the relief of its many faithful followers.
The little establishment recently “disappeared” for a time due to our recent fires, but thankfully resurfaced Monday, October 29.
Legend has it that Nessy Burgers is the creation of an ex-gamekeeper from Inverness, Scotland, who has blessed us with what is to the best of his ability, the closest thing to a great big Aberdeen Angus burger from “home.”
In fond remembrance the condiment bar hosts a picture of the famous Loch Ness, and offers a tidbit of history of that long-ago lore.
This humble eatery is housed in what is reported to be an old Navy Exchange trailer, turned canteen, surrounded by a HUGE Park-and-Ride parking lot.
Directly next door to the west is a large Mobil station. Out front are three picnic tables, complete with squeeze bottles, napkins, salt and pepper. Wrapped log seats embrace the entire eating area, adding a special closeness to the dining experience. (Not to mention additional seating.)
Speaking of the Park-and-Ride, there’s a bit of a mystery to that parking loch. Like its distant relative in Scotland, our modern day Nessy jealously guards it, waiting for the faithful to come. And come they do!
Often in droves, appropriate out here in the west, because many of these customers ride in on the big rigs, the 18-wheelers.
Truckers have found the mysterious Nessy Burgers to be a roadside haven, and continue to spread Nessy Burgers fame across the airways.
And they are not the only ones. Now others come, all sizes and shapes, ages and interests. Everybody it seems, loves Nessy Burgers!
So what is the secret of the famous little dinette?
It’s the FOOD.
So how’s it possible for this 1/2 lb. Angus burger (offered at $4.95) to taste so good?
Served open-faced, the burger nestles in a large, fresh sesame seed bun, cushioned by a substantial iceberg lettuce leaf, an ample slice of tomato and a hefty onion wheel rounded out with a slice of American cheese. Condiments available allow the consumer to choose between mustard, mayo, ketchup and Nessy Sauce. (It’s also hinted that there’s a bin of sliced jalapenos and green Chicago-style relish, but the day of this visit these items were lost from sight in a sea of people.)
Or, perhaps it is the side of hot fresh, crisp, crinkle-cut fries ($2.25) that increase the flavor, or is it the ambiance of the faithful? Or secret seasonings? It’s hard to say. But for some reason even the “pop!” of the soda cans add flavor and excitement to the meal.
Know too, that besides these humongous, mysterious burgers, you can also order nachos, with or without cheese, a Polish sausage sandwich, a jumbo dog, or an egg and cheese sandwich. Don’t hesitate to give their turkey burger, ham and egg, and/or chicken breast sandwiches a try too, or maybe go all out for the top sirloin steak.
But a word of warning. It’s near impossible to ignore the sights and sounds of the surrounding Nessy Burgers being wolfed down all around. On the occasion of this visit, with about 25 people eating Nessy Burgers, (with a steady line ordering more), only one lone order of nachos with cheese was being shared between two small children.
Meanwhile, at our table, two neighbors were getting acquainted; one coming in from Palm Springs, and the other down from a road trip to a Temecula winery.
It was a bit of a chuckle to learn that one lived upstairs from the other in Ocean Beach, yet were virtual strangers. But here at Nessy Burgers they were chatting like old friends, each eagerly awaiting his and her order.
So next time you frequent the I-15 corridor, remember that small, hidden gem, “Nessy Burgers,” in the little trailer tucked between San Diego and Fallbrook. This little North County nook offers a bit of Southern California Americana that can’t be beat.
With 11 years of Nessy Burgers expertise under their belts, the owners of this mighty (albeit miniscule) eatery have fulfilled their dream of bringing a little bit of Nessy mystery to our shores.
Oh! And please keep in mind that you may have to squeeze your vehicle in-between some pretty big rigs, because the truckers will be frequenting one of their favorite spots, (‘cuz they’re still busy burning up the CB airways, sharing the “Messy Nessy” news!) Ten-four good buddy. Open M–F 7am–7pm, Sat. 9am–4pm. Sundays take a rest, they’re closed. See ya there!

Wilson Creek’s “Oh My Gosh!” Almond Champagne: the perfect holiday wine

The candles are lit, the table is set, the hors d'oeuvres are simmering on the sideboard, and the guests are due to arrive.
You anticipate your friends’ and family’s reactions to your newly discovered wine from the Wilson Creek Winery in Temecula, their “OH MY GOSH” (aptly phrased, due to a typical first reaction) Almond Champagne.
You just can’t wait to share your “secret” of this delicious, white sparkling wine. With just a hint of pure almond added to the naturally fermented mixture, made from Estate Chardonnay grapes, you know you have a guaranteed party winner that will be remembered and shared for many holidays to come.
To understand the mindset behind the inception of this delightful gold-medal winning champagne, a bit of family history is in order.
According to Bill Wilson, family co-owner of the beautiful Wilson Creek Winery, “This (the beginning of the winery) was basically my mid-life crisis.” Having tried the financial industry, and several other ventures, Bill turned to his best friend, Ger, and asked him, “What I should do for a living?” Without hesitation, he said “I know exactly what you are going to do.”
Ger informed Bill he had just returned from Temecula, where a gentleman wanted to sell his small winery, and Bill needed to buy it. The idea seemed a bit crazy, but also a whole lot of fun, and after checking with family members who felt amazingly the same, the pursuit of buying a winery in Temecula officially began.
However, after six months of negotiating for the purchase of the small winery, it was back to the drawing board. (Bill thinks it’s because the previous owner, an older gentleman, was having too much fun, and didn’t really want to sell it.) As Bill told us, “It was the best decision that he ever made for us.”
There had to be a better way. So it was on to Plan B. This meant buying an established vineyard and “planting” the buildings. And that is just what the family did.
They bought a 20-acre vineyard in 1996 and then everyone slowly moved to the area: parents Gerry and Rosie from South Pasadena, sister Libby and husband Craig from Solvang, Bill and wife Jenifer from Mission Viejo, and Mick relocated from Arcadia. After several years of hard work, the Wilson Creek Winery was officially opened in 2000 with over 1,100 people present for the occasion.
With the wine-making experience firmly in the grasp of Gerry and Rosie (who had made rhubarb and dandelion wine in their basement years ago in Minnesota), the family began looking for a special something that no one else had, a trademark item, something everyone would talk about (and purchase!) for years to come.
That special something was their Almond Champagne. Born of daring and adventure, you can taste the excitement in the tiny bubbles.
It is produced in the Methode Champenois, where more sugar and yeast are added directly to the bottle during the second fermentation, then it is capped, laid on its side, and allowed to ferment for three to four months. This is an expensive way of producing the wine, as the bottle must be turned (riddled) often. This is natural fermentation, which allows the wine to be legitimately called “champagne.”
And don’t forget that addition of the natural almond, which gives the sparkling wine its distinctive flavor and creates an olfactory delight. Because it is so distinctive, this wine is wonderful to serve as a stand-alone treat as the party commences. It’s the welcome drink! (Also a great treat for the hot tub, and to serve with decadent desserts such as chocolate mousse or rich crème brûlée.)
Be sure to chill your wine before the guests arrive. The best way is by placing the bottle in ice, surrounded by two parts of water. This allows more cold to contact the bottle surface. White wines should be served between 45-50 ° F.
Once your bottle is chilled appropriately, gently remove the cork. Yes, it is true, particularly at parties, there is excitement in the “pop!” of the cork, but with this special sparkling wine, it is a shame to risk wasting a single drop! Try slowly twisting the cork and pulling it out.
For that added elegant touch, be sure to showcase your Almond Champagne in a freshly washed, well-designed flute glass that directs the flavor and bubbles to the top, bringing the full experience toward your nose. Fill the glass a little more than half full.
Hold the glass by the stem; try not to warm the bowl with your hand.
Next, enjoy the elegant beauty of the wine, as viewed through clear class. (Crystal is gorgeous but decreases the visual appeal.) Enjoy the aroma as you gently swirl your glass. Savor the flavor as it glides smoothly over your tongue and the bubbles explode spontaneously with their surprising burst of almond flavor.
Congratulations! You have just experienced your first taste of Wilson Creek Almond Champagne, truly an experience to remember.
But don’t just take my word for it. Plan ample time for a road trip to the winery located at 35960 Rancho California Road, Temecula. Phone: 951-699-WINE (9463), or visit their Web site at: www.wilsoncreekwinery.com. You’ll be glad you did. And be sure to pick up some award-winning Almond Champagne to grace your holiday table. And let the party begin!

Golfer’s Wish List

At this nostalgic time of the year, we thought it would be fun to give the golfer and the loved ones in the family searching for that perfect gift for the golfer a “catalogue” of sorts.
If you are the golfer, simply leave The Boulevard open to this page in a conspicuous place so your loved ones cannot miss this clue. You can even circle a particular item or two if you wish to be more “helpful.” If you are a loved one trying to find that perfect gift, we hope we can help with some ideas.
You could go to your golfer’s favorite course pro shop and purchase a hat, visor, or golf shirt that bears the logo of the course. If you wish, you could also add a round of golf for your golfer or the two of you.
A trip to the Golfsmith store in Vista offers many options in a wide price range. If your favorite golfer is talking about getting a personalized set of clubs, you could buy a “Smartfit” custom fitting and swing analysis session for your golfer at a very nominal price, to help determine whether the golfer needs to have clubs with an increase or decrease in the lie, flex of the shaft and size of the grip.
Greg at Golfsmith made a great point when he said, “Uncle Bob’s clubs are not going to work for his niece Darlene.”
He also recommended that you not try to buy a putter for your favorite golfer, because the type of putter that works best for a golfer depends on that golfer’s putting motion.
It’s probably best to give gift certificates for clubs or a putter.
The exception might be the junior golfer in your family. There were sets that look just like mom/dad’s (except for the plastic balls) for the 2-5 year-old group for about $40.
There are also sets by age group for juniors up to 12 years old.
If you know what kind of golf balls your favorite golfer prefers, you can go online and order personalized golf balls or perhaps some towels or tees.
Also, did you know that there is a new tee out where the ball sits on a “brush” with bristles rather than a traditional wood tee? This provides less resistance and eliminates the marks caused by traditional tees on the driver. What a great stocking stuffer!
An intriguing practice accessory (and there are many for golfers) that makes a great gift is a Medicus Dual-Hinged Swing Trainer. The swing trainers come in wood and iron versions.
The training aids are designed to “break” when a flaw occurs as you practice your swing at home. They apparently not only help “groove” your swing, but can also help improve your club speed. There are also hitting nets, practice mats and many, many more options.
One of the most technologically advanced golf accessories your favorite experienced golfer would be thrilled to get is a GPS unit such as the SkyGolf SkyCaddie SG5.
A GPS unit can provide distance to front, back and center of greens as well as hazards. Up to 10 courses either in California, the US, or the World can be entered at a time and switched in and out through an online library membership.
This particular model is about the size of a cell phone and has an outdoor-readable color display,
Another great gift is golf lessons. One option is lessons from the golf pro at your favorite golfer’s favorite course. Another option is indoor lessons with video and motion analysis at golfTEC inside the Golfsmith store.
A special feature of these lessons is that each is recorded and made available on the Web so that the golfer can review the lesson to reinforce elements of the lesson as well as drills. There are special Holiday packages available for gift giving through December at very reasonable prices.
If you have a really avid golfer consider the gift of the special TaylorMade Kingdom Experience. Described as a unique, unparalleled and unforgettable golf experience that includes access to an incomparable club-fitting process previously reserved for tour professionals alone, it includes a full set of TaylorMade clubs precision-built to the golfer’s personal specifications by TaylorMade’s renowned Tour Department.
Don’t forget that the U.S. Open will be held at Torrey Pines this June. A trusted reseller should be able to offer tickets.
There are also 20 Ultimate Tour experiences available through the PGA that might be a dream come true for your favorite golfer.
And, of course, there could be the trip to the hallowed St. Andrews golf course in Scotland.
A new Mercedes would also be a great gift for your golfer to travel to the course in style.
We will return in our February issue with a review of another local golf course. Happy Holidays!

Find a gift that’s JUST RIGHT!

Hard to imagine it’s time to find all those “just right” gifts for our loved ones again.
It is the good news, and the bad news. It is wonderful to see the anticipation, excitement and joy of the recipients of our choices, but the thought of finding a parking space and going shoulder to shoulder with everyone else looking for that perfect gift at the mall is exhausting.
Fortunately, there is an alternative. You can shop right here in the communities along The Boulevard. Following are some ideas to get you started.
At Howell’s Gift Gallery (#901 River Village, Bonsall) you will find many fine gifts and home décor pieces.
Walking into the store is a feast for the eyes. They have an amazing selection of Swaroski items including jewelry and figurines.
Make sure you have time to take in the display cases full of beautiful pieces. There are wonderful décor glass pieces, including Murano glass. You will also find Lladro, Lalique, Chilmark, Olszewski, Armani, Goebel, including M.I. Hummel, pieces. There are some very special nativity options to consider, too.
You will also find enchanting Rhythm clocks with marvelous sounds. They plan to have a Department 56 sale in December.
If you have the chance, say hi to Jim Howell, the owner. He has a fascinating background, and you’ll never guess his age.
A few steps away is Simplify Your Life Boutique with some lovely and comfortably designed clothing. You will also find numerous other items that are sure to please someone on your list.
Take a little longer stroll and right at the “circle” across from the “tower” you will find Annabelle’s, named after owner Debbie Hagen’s precious little pug.
Most days Annabelle is on duty greeting visitors. When you enter, you are immediately drawn in to explore the many wonderful offerings in the store. All are beautifully displayed to give you lots of ideas.
There are all sorts of gift possibilities for babies, young children and grownups.
Every little girl will be thrilled with the purses in the shapes of dogs or a bear from the Bearington Collection. There is also an extensive selection of beautiful Christmas ornaments and lots of holiday décor items, including Byer’s Choice Caroler’s Collectibles, figurines, nativity sets, kitchens accessories and so much more.
Careful! When you behold the table set for the holidays, you may not be able to leave without buying the entire ensemble!
There are also lots of non-seasonal décor items that make wonderful gifts, as well as cozy blankets and pillows, lots of Crabtree & Evelyn products to consider and Archipelago candles. There is also a great decorative pillow that says “Dear Santa, Define Good.” Surely there is someone on your list who would appreciate that pillow.
Before you leave River Village, stop by the Bonsall Village Florist to ogle their displays. Sharon, the shop manager, tells us that they make it a point to be aware of the trends each year. She says there are actually two trends this year. First, the colors brown and amber are at the forefront. The other trend is icy and penguins.
That might explain the icicle decorations that are so numerous this year. The Bonsall Village Florist offers fresh arrangements, wreaths, ornaments as well as a variety of gift baskets.
If you head over to the Bonsall Village Center a short distance down the road on Hwy 76, visit the Bonsall Veterinary Clinic and pick up a new Christmas themed leash or some healthy treats for your family friend. They also recommend a filtered water bowel as a wonderful gift for your pet. According to the very helpful ladies at the Clinic, these are available at Petco.
Also in the Bonsall Village Center is Kramer’s ATA Black Belt Academy. They offer a variety of classes for students ages 3 to 103.
Classes make a great gift for someone who doesn’t need more ties or perfume.
You could also buy a membership for your loved one over at the state-of-the-art Pala Fitness Center. A personal trainer is available to help members take advantage of all they have to offer.
Or go over to Curves and take advantage of their “30 to Give” program. You can call or stop by, give them the name and address of the person you are giving to and they will give you a certificate you can wrap up (or they will mail it if you wish). The certificate has a value of $50 and allows the recipient to come in to exercise as often as she likes for 30 consecutive days.
At nearby Lawrence Welk Resort Village, the Galleria offers special festive clothing for the holiday-loving lady. They also have wonderful Christmas decorations and tableware. If you know a Red Hat lady who needs a new chapeau, they have a great selection. They also have some very fun stuffed animals with very humorous sayings on their shirts, sure to be a hit at holiday exchange parties or as a fun gift.
Or, drive over to Mss Ellie’s Country Lace in Valley Center for handmade quilts, or to make a selection from a unique and beautiful collection of outfits for babies and young children including holiday clothing.
There are also very special keepsakes of all kinds for little ones and heirloom bracelets that are handmade to order using sterling silver and seed pearls or crystals. In addition, there are many special gift items for grownup ladies.
If you are too busy shopping or getting ready for holiday visitors, consider giving yourself the gift of calling Roslyn at Charming Flowers to professionally decorate your home for the holidays.
Another special treat you can give yourself to relax before company arrives is a massage by Jana at VC Wellness. She came from the LaJolla Beach & Tennis Club and has great hands. Happy Shopping!

The Boulevard Magazine
P.O.B. 1529, Valley Center, CA 92082
Tel. 760.749.1112 Fax 760.749.1688