December 2008/January 2009 Issue | Download the Full Issue

One of the most common comments heard about Fallbrook’s venerable holiday tradition, the Fallbrook Christmas Parade, is, “It reminds me of home, just like I remember it as a child.”
A nighttime parade, the event, which has been delighting audiences for 26 years on the first Saturday in December, is a magical cavalcade of holiday lights and enchantment—a slice right out of the America of Norman Rockwell and Thomas Kinkade.
This year it will march down Main Street on Dec. 6, starting at 5 p.m. and will take about 75 minutes for the 150 or so entrants to pass by. But you better get there by 4 p.m. if you want any kind of a seat or parking space—and wear warm clothes and have a blanket!
The parade follows a mile-long course on Main Street, beginning at Ammunition and ending at Ivy.
It is considered to be the largest parade in the County (i.e. outside of the city of San Diego.)
“People just love this parade!” says co-chairman Linda Costello. “It’s a good diversion. It’s always a lot of fun, no matter what else may be going on.”
The parade is produced by the Fallbrook Chamber of Commerce and about 20 committee members and another 30 volunteers on the night of the parade. Under the guidance of Roy & Linda Costello it has been taken to new levels.
It takes about $20,000 to produce each year, and wouldn’t happen if it were not for the generosity of “angels” such as Mrs. Ingold, Major Market, Creature Comforts and “Al & Annette” (who wish to remain anonymous). This year’s honored patroness and Christmas angel is Arlyne Ingold (shown on the cover of this magazine).
This year’s theme is “Fallbrook’s Christmas Spirit” provided by Bennielyn Verrett, winner of the theme contest, which was held around Labor Day.
Grand Marshal will be Carol Eastman, who was the event coordinator with the Chamber for 12 years. She recently retired and moved away, but will be brought back for this event. She will be riding on a fire engine.
“We have a lot of fire engine fanatics!” says Linda Costello. “Last year after the wildfires we had a bunch of engines in the parade. We usually get engines from Camp Pendleton and antiques engines. This year the most impressive antique will be a 1902 Steam Pumper Fire Engineer, The American, drawn by a team of horses.
“The American” has appeared in the Tournament of Roses Parade, and many events throughout the state.  Fallbrook is a part of its story, as firefighters and car collectors met at the Annual Vintage Car Club Show, the collector invited them to his garage to see something they might find of interest.  
In a corner were the pieces of the 1902 Steam Fire Engine.   Following thousands of hours, dollars, and dedicated work, “The American” brings to life a new view of what used to be “state-of-the-art” equipment.
Other notable entries will include, for the second year, the Shriners Tin Lizzies, and possibly the Anheuser-Busch Clydesdale Team.
Units include the Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, the 4-H Clubs bring their animals, churches, schools, local businesses, politicians (such as Fifth District Supervisor Bill Horn, who often rides with the Deluz Volunteer Fire Department), the Sheriff's Department and CHP. Fire trucks from Fallbrook, Camp Pendleton, CAL Fire, Pala, De Luz, and McDonald Contracting have become annual participants.
Also expected is the Escondido Mounted Posse, North County CERT and the Lake Elsinore Storm Baseball team, this time with an ice cream truck.
The commanding officer of Camp Pendleton will be among the dignitaries.
The Fallbrook High School Marching Band and performing units have been joined by appearances of other bands from San Diego and Riverside Counties in past years.  
On the night of the parade you can expect to see about 25,000 happy, enthusiastic members of the community, although about a fifth come from out of town.
Band directors say they like to bring their bands to the parade because the viewers are so appreciative and make the musicians feel so welcome. There will be seven marching bands, including the First Division Marine Corp Band, which the crowd loves, and which usually leads off the parade. Other bands include Great Oaks High School, Temecula; the Fallbrook High School Band, drill team and cheerleaders; Santana High School in Santee; Orange Glen High School, from Escondido; Christian High School marching band; and El Cajon Valley High School marching band.
Because it’s a nighttime parade, the organizations that participate try to outdo each other with the opulence of the lights on their entries and floats. According to Mrs. Costello the local churches put on some of the better floats.
There are always a lot of animals, including many equestrian entries. And this year there will be an airplane from the Fallbrook Air Park entered—as long as the wingspan can fit on the street!
The Fallbrook Christmas Parade started 27 years ago on a bright sunny day with local sheriff’s units with lights and sirens.  The fire department followed with a couple of trucks.  The Fallbrook High School Marching Band, flag unit, and cheerleaders were next.  Santa and helpers were the last unit, being pulled on a flat bed trailer on a red throne.
The parade was so successful it was decided to move it to a nighttime parade.  This allowed more groups to participate, more viewers to watch, the twinkle of lights to add to the mood, and the hint of winter night air to set a joyful mood.  
The number of participating units grew to 20, then 30, so that by 1994 there were a record 80 units in the Parade.  
The length of the parade route grew, doubling its original seven blocks long, to over a mile.  
The success continues with 150 participating units the last few years.  
The Clydesdale “Hitch” (horses, wagon, etc.) was the biggest hit of last year’s parade.
According to Robert K. Leonard, CEO of the Fallbrook Chamber of Commerce, “I still have a soft spot for Mickey Mouse appearing in our parade four years ago.  Following his appearance at the Fallbrook Christmas Parade, Mickey was the grand marshal of the Pasadena Rose Parade; what an honor for all!” 
Questions? Visit www.fallbrookchamber.com and click on Christmas Parade, or call the Fallbrook Chamber of Commerce at (760) 728-5845. Also call them if you can donate a convertible to provide a ride for any of the dignitaries.

Never Too Late To Tri

In 1982, hundreds of thousands of people watched as 23-year-old Julie Moss crawled her way across the Ironman finish line in Hawaii.
Having originally joined the competition as part of her research for an exercise physiology thesis, Moss surprisingly found herself with a substantial lead over her female competitors.
In first place with just two miles to go, a severely dehydrated Moss collapsed. She staggered and struggled her way towards the finish line, and was passed just minutes before the end.
Determined to finish, Moss got on all fours and crawled her way to the goal, stretching her arm out to cross the line. This unforgettable moment was captured by Wide World of Sports and broadcast around the world serving as an inspiration for many to compete in a triathlon.
One such person was Bonsall’s David Smith.
“After I saw that, I thought ‘I have to do that race!’” Smith said. “I trained for my first triathlon when I was 40-years-old.”
Smith is now 66-years-old and hasn’t slowed down. With more than 300 triathlons and numerous wins under his cap, he trains daily and plans to keep going as long as his body holds up.
“I need the competition to stay in shape,” joked Smith, who played football in both college and the military.
A triathlon consists of three events: swimming, biking and running. There are four varying levels and distances of competition: the sprint triathlon, the Olympic distance triathlon, the Ironman Half and the Ironman.
A full Ironman is a 2.4 mile swim, a 112 mile bike ride and a 26.2 mile run.
While such races take place all over the world, the most famous triathlon takes place on the Big Island in Hawaii. Home to the Ironman World Championship, the Big Island is the race…the triathlon of all triathlons...the most prestigious, esteemed and revered competition around.
Hawaii is where the very first Ironman took place in 1978. So qualifying to compete there is the ultimate dream for many tri-athletes. Smith competed in his first Ironman World Championship in 1982. He returned in 1983, 1996 and 2000, and again this past October.
“It’s always a little more difficult in Hawaii,” Smith claims. “The conditions are rough. You’re dealing with the humidity and the heat, and the wind is extreme especially on the bike portion.”
Not only are the conditions difficult in Hawaii, but so is getting into the race. Of nearly 50,000 competitors attempting to qualify, only 1,800 people make the cut. To be eligible, participants must place in their division during one of the qualifying races held throughout the year, or win one of approximately 150 slots awarded through a lottery. Several human interest stories are also allowed to compete.
Upcoming triathlons for Smith include the Oceanside FORD Half Ironman in April 2009. He will also be heading to Germany next summer to race – his first overseas triathlon. Smith’s son’s family lives in Heidelberg, Germany, so he and his wife are planning an extended stay, but the Germany triathlon is special for other reasons, too.
“I lived in Germany for three years when I was in the military,” Smith said. “I’ll be running and biking on the same roads I used to patrol when I was in the service. I am also going to try and qualify for the Half Ironman Championship.”
The Half Ironman Championship is held in Florida next August. Smith usually places first or second in sprint triathlons, and third or fourth in the longer distances, so odds are in his favor to qualify.
“I know who my competition is in my division,” Smith said. “There are always the ones you know you can’t catch, but they may or may not be racing in one of the qualifying races.”
Just as Julie Moss was an inspiration to Smith, he too is an inspiration, as are many tri-athletes. Stories of average people challenging their mind, body and heart to simply cross a finish line serve as a reminder that we all have hidden strength inside us.
“I think people involved in triathlons are some of the best people in the world,” Smith said. “They have a good outlook on life, and know what they are capable of.”
Perhaps the thought that deep down we are all an Ironman or Ironwoman is what motivates us to try. I know I have my running shoes, biker shorts and swimming cap on. Do you?

Shopping Close To Home

What a wild ride 2008 has been economically and politically. And, now it is December already. Whatever your plans are for the Holidays, a little shopping is probably on your list of “to dos”.
With everything that has occurred this year, we thought it might be good to suggest shopping close to home with local business. They are often the ones that support the community groups and organizations for young and old alike. They could really use our support especially at this difficult time.
Let’s go on a little trip in the communities along the Boulevard and offer some ideas to get you started. We are sure you will come up with even more ideas.
One really fun and unusual idea for that favorite senior on your list would be the gift of a disc jockey for a dance party. Lots of seniors love to get together, have fun and dance. Dr. Swing specializes in just that type of party. And, wouldn’t your loved one be surprised!
One of my friends told me that last year she gave her son a palm tree. He was thrilled as he and his family had been saving to buy one. Palm Valley Ranch would be happy to help you with the right palm for your son or daughter’s yard.
Or, perhaps you have parents or grandparents that might enjoy a social membership at Vista Valley Country Club. The initiation fee is very reasonable and the monthly dues are only $60 with an annual food minimum of $800. Included is unlimited use of the tennis courts and golf privileges 12 times a year (with some restrictions/guest fees do apply).
Over at Grangettos, they have a great selection of what some folks might call “man toys” like Echo chain saws, trimmers and blowers. I won’t even attempt to get into the discussion of the political correctness of that title, but I know the items would be really well received. They also have some great sounding chimes, a variety of bird houses and lots of things that could be put together for a gardening gift for the gardener in your family. I also saw a really interesting book called the California Gardener’s Guide.
If you enjoy wine and good food, give the gift of a Wine Club Membership from Pala Mesa Resort. This reasonably priced membership includes monthly “wine events” by various wineries where you are educated on the different types of wine while you dine on the culinary delights from the new Aqua Terra menu. In addition, the membership includes savings of 20-25% each time you dine any day of the week and special “members only” events.
If you have someone in your family who would enjoy a beautiful new piece of art or a nicely framed favorite family photo, be sure to go see Allison at Archives of Escondido at her new location in the Escondido Major Market shopping center next to Rite Aid. Allison has the magic touch when it comes to making every piece of art or every precious photo look its very best.
And, if you are planning to buy a car for that special someone in the near future, who wouldn’t jump with excitement upon seeing a new Mercedes with a big red bow on it in the garage on Christmas morning! (I am sure Mercedes of Escondido would be happy to find you a great bow.)
If you and your spouse are looking to do something a little more practical this year, you might want to consider giving yourselves and your family the immeasurable gift of increased fire safety. Fire Pro USA offers a variety of products to help protect your home.
There are also some other interesting options for Holiday giving in our communities. If you have not yet checked out the pastries and cakes at Sweets at Valley View Casino, I can highly recommend you give them a taste. Not only are they spectacular, but they are also very well priced. You can even special order unique, decorative birthday cakes, sugar sculptures, chocolate sculptures and more by calling 1-866-VIEW-WIN. Starting December 1, for the Holidays, Chef Daniel will be preparing stollen, yule log, and gingerbread all available for purchase at Sweets. Your offer to bring dessert would be a welcome treat for any Holiday host or hostess.
Or, you could give the gift of an evening of fun and food with a gift card to Valley View Casino wrapped and tucked in a Christmas stocking. And, if its for grandma and grandpa, you could make the evening extra special by going with them.
Another gift sure to be enjoyed would be a gift certificate to Rio Rico for some great Mexican food in a festive atmosphere. Rio Rico has a long history of great food and new owners, Jackie and Chris, are continuing and expanding that history. And, did you know you could take dance lessons there on Tuesday nights?
A great place for a break as you prepare for the holidays is The County Farmhouse in Fallbrook. Join new owners Debbie and Fran for their special “Wine-Ding-Down” And, while you are there, pick up a gift certificate to be used for one of their many amazing coffee beverages.
Another really welcome and great gift option to, let’s say, help take care of your loved one after the Holidays would be a gift certificate for a gym membership to the Pala Fitness Center. It is a great facility with state of the art equipment, personal training and upcoming special classes.
Perhaps a family member has a favorite piece of antique furniture that could use a little pick-me-up or fix-me-up. Help is just a phone call away with Furniture Medic. These very professional, experienced and well-trained folks are very pleasant. You could give the gift of caring for that piece that brings back all the memories for your loved one.
All of us at The Boulevard hope you will be blessed with a Merry Christmas with family and friends, and we send you good thoughts for the New Year.

A Helping Hand For The Holidays

The holidays can be trying for families that are trying to make ends meet.
But there is help out there!
Something that is available for anyone who could use a smaller food bill is the Angel Food Ministry, whose closest host site (the first to open a center in San Diego County) is the Fallbrook Presbyterian Church (visit their Web site at www.fallbrookpres.org or call 728-5804 ).
In the three months that this ministry has been open locally it has helped hundreds of families. Some have driven from as far away as Chula Vista, although most come from around the Fallbrook, Vista, Carlsbad areas.
Judy Saunders, who heads the local effort, notes that this Christian nondenominational outreach focuses on grocery relief, providing groceries at a discounted price, often 40-60% cheaper than what you would pay in the market.
It was started by a pastor and his wife who lived in a small mill town where the mill closed and put many families in jeopardy. They first tried giving the food away, but hard-working people like that found it difficult to accept something for nothing. But their pride was not hurt at buying food at a discount.
If you check out their Web site www.angelfoodministries.com, you’ll find examples of their monthly menu as well as special boxes of produce and meats. They also have special heat-em-up meals for seniors as well as special meals for the holidays.
You get high quality groceries, typically 7-8 pounds of meat and poultry and two kinds of frozen vegetables in bulk, all for $30 a box. A regular box of food will feed a family of four for a week.
According to Mrs. Saunders, families will often buy a regular box of groceries and then a special box of meat to go with it. The food is pre-ordered two weeks before it’s picked up. You can pay with cash or EBT coupons.
If you wonder if you qualify—you do. “It is for anyone who needs to stretch their buying dollars,” she says. “We want to meet people who have a need. You don’t have to prove that you need it.” she says, noting that the ministry is expanding to other cities in the area.
Although it is not doing anything special for the holidays, a great resource during the entire year is the Fallbrook Food Pantry (formerly Fallbrook Community Project).
This organization (www.FallbrookFoodPantry.org) has worked to relieve hunger and provide hope and resources to our neighbors in need. It is the largest agency of its kind serving Fallbrook, Bonsall, Rainbow, De Luz and Pala.
It is located at:
1042 South Mission
P.O. Box 3008
Fallbrook, CA 92028
Call director Don Lewellen at 760-728-7608.
The Temecula Pantry, located at 28870 Pujol St. in Temecula, is a nonprofit outreach that provides food, clothing, rehab and counseling. It feeds the homeless, provides eyeglasses and dental care, and emergency bus passes for those who need to see their families and lack the means to do so.
On Mondays and Fridays it provides fruits and vegetables and pastries that can be picked up.
The Temecula Food Pantry appreciates donations and they can be mailed to them. It is open five days a week from 8:30-1 p.m.
Marge Hammersley of the Temecula Pantry provides Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner and all that goes with it as well as Christmas toys for families that have small children.
Families sign up, provide ID, proof of income and proof of each child.
You can reach the Temecula Pantry by calling 951-676-8022.
Finally, the U.S. Marine Corps has become closely identified with the holidays because of its patronage of the Toys for Tots program, which provides toys for needy children.
The Marines collect new, unwrapped toys during October, November and December each year and distribute those toys as Christmas gifts to needy children in the community in which the campaign is conducted.
Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, an IRS recognized not-for-profit public charity is the fund raising, funding and support organization for the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program.
There are several drop off points in the area.
Here they are:
1. Carlsbad Self Storage
2235 Palomar Airport Rd.
Carlsbad, CA. 92009-1529
(760)602-0909
2. Olivehain Self Storage
1605 Olivenhain Rd.
Encinitas, CA. 92024-5671
(760) 632-6800
3. North County Self Storage
3661 Sunset Dr.
Escondido, CA. 92025-8014
(760) 432-8100
4. Encinitas Self Storage
911 Encinitas Blvd
Encinitas, CA. 92024-2832
(760)753-9480

Fredona Jacques Is An "Escape Artist"

“Painting is so much fun—I call myself an ‘escape artist’ because I get to escape and visit the places that I’m painting!” says Fredonia French Jacques.
It’s kind of an unusual matching: a combination art gallery and real estate office, but the recently opened Jacques Company office at 110 S. Main St. in Fallbrook, across the street from the Fallbrook Art Center, does indeed combine both.
Her son and daughter-in-law, Tom & Faith, are Realtors, and they “stage” a lot of the homes they list with paintings that she paints. For several years she had the “French Gallery,” but eventually they combined the two.
You’ll find many of her works throughout the tastefully elegant office. At the old location they occasionally put on shows for other area artists. They hope to do the same at the new location.
Fredonia Jacques began painting near Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa and has used many backdrops as her subjects, although her favorite has to be the many views from her 40-acre ranch on the coast of Oregon. She recently finished four paintings, all set in Oregon.
“It’s a dramatic coastline,” she says. She also occasionally paints landscapes of the Moreno Valley.
She was born in Michigan in 1920, but spent her first eight years in South Africa before moving to New England with her college professor father. New England continues to draw her. “I have to put glue in my shoes or I go back,” she says.
She and her husband Oliver, who have been married “sixty-six good, wonderful years,” 12 of them in Fallbrook, spent four years in Tanzania, Africa’s Livingstone Mountains establishing schools among the natives.
This experience was chronicled in Oliver L. Jacques’s 2006 book, Birth of a Mission, And a boy named Jerusalem. The boy Jerusalem eventually became their adopted son.
There she met a mural artist who encouraged her to try her hand at painting.
“I can’t draw a straight line,” she told him.
“You don’t draw straight lines!” he retorted.
She eventually followed her interest, became an artist, and taught art to students at Loma Linda University and La Sierra University.
Both she and Oliver spent many years in hospital administration in the United States.
They wrote several books together, he has written several books by himself and she has written several books by herself, including, Verdict Pending, a patient representative's intervention. This book chronicles case studies of patients. Using her system for dealing with patients, according to Fredona “hospitals reduced claims by 71% and lowered insurance premiums radically.”
“People who are treated inhumanely or poorly look for ways to get even. But if they are treated well, both they and the hospital can benefit,” she says. “You can give technically good care but stumble over them as people, by keeping them waiting for long periods without explanation.” Tom Peters, author of a series of books on “Excellence” incorporated her work into his books.
She helped found one of the first patient representative advocacy organizations in the U.S., an organization that had several thousand hospitals as members when she “retired” in 1982.
“Retirement” is a relative term. Fredonia Jacques has stayed busy in the intervening years, especially with painting.
“I love landscapes and florals, and my grandchildren intrigued me into doing figures,” she says.
“I’m in love with color!” she says, and although she has done a few paintings in the contemporary style, “I'm really in love with impressionism.”
Her medium includes watercolors, oils and acrylics, depending on her mood. She has been gravitating more towards acrylics because of the fumes associated with oils and turpentine.
“At first I didn’t like acrylics because I wanted the patina of oils,” she says, but she overcame that by using an acrylic gloss medium, which can be built up in layers and textures—and finished by applying a varnish to give a soft look.
The time she spends doing a painting depends on the amount of detail. Some take a couple of weeks.
Teaching painting was a very satisfactory thing. “When you paint you get rid of all of the excess baggage. You escape all worries. You are in another world.
“Painting is learning to see.”
It is like writing in a way—and not like it too. “Writing is more process. Painting is free. Anyone can do it. I probably taught several hundred students over the years, and I had very few who didn’t do something very lovely.
“Writing is painting with words and painting is writing with brushes! It’s all an illusion.”
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The Jacques Gallery of Fine Art is open Sunday–Friday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Its phone number is 760-451-1600.

Memorial Art Show Evolves Into Something Bigger

An art show that was intended to help heal the family of a young artist who was tragically killed has evolved into something bigger, a celebration of young regional artists.
The third annual “Art of Today…Artists of Tomorrow” show will be presented by the Fallbrook Art Center Feb. 22 through March 15, 2009, with the opening reception on Feb. 21, 5–7 p.m. at the Fallbrook Art Center.
Currently sponsors and contributions for the show are being sought. No amount is too small, and all are tax deductible since the Fallbrook Art Center is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
This show was inspired by a Fallbrook High senior, Brooke Thom, who was tragically killed in May of 1999. The daughter of an art teacher mother (Vista High School) and professional artist father, Brooke was planning to continue her education in the arts. In contrast with her sister who excelled in sports, scholarships for art were in short supply, and the opportunity to display her art in a professional facility was nonexistent.
The Thom Family created the Brooke Thom Memorial Art Show in her memory and the Fallbrook Art Center donated the exhibition space and co-produced the show from 1999-2003.
After four years, the show was discontinued; however, the Brooke Thom Scholarship program still makes awards to A/P art students in Fallbrook and Vista pursuing an arts education.
According to Mary Perhacs, executive director, “The Fallbrook Art Center is deeply committed to the arts (this is our 15th year of operation), and a very important element of our program is support of young talent.”
Last year, through the generosity of sponsors, the Fallbrook Art Center was able to create a showcase for these young artists while still honoring the memory of Brooke Thom – “Art of Today, Artists of Tomorrow” was born.
A section of the show is devoted to Brooke, and prints of her works are sold benefiting the Brooke Thom Scholarship.
And while the idea of the show remains what it was, it has been expanded from the original participating high schools, Fallbrook and Vista, to include the Inland Empire, Oceanside, continuation schools, and home schools.
No longer is the qualification for entry limited to Advanced Placement students. It has been opened up to any high school student in the region.
Teachers select the representative art works. Students can show up to three pieces, in any medium, style or discipline.
“While traditional art forms are present, we’re pleased to include installation art as well as performance art making for an extremely dynamic presentation,” says Perhacs.
Prizes are awarded to the students (including free classes at the art center’s companion teaching facility, the Fallbrook Art Campus) and the very popular ‘People’s Choice’.
The students are also encouraged to help with the show. To help set it up, place the lighting, make the signs and take part in all aspects of the show, “behind the scenes.” “We think this is a superb learning experience,” says Perhacs.
The show provides young people the opportunity to present their work in a professional setting and to learn about submission processes, deadlines etc., all skills that they will need if they want to become professional artists.
Home-schooled high school students who wish to participate are encouraged to contact Perhacs at the Fallbrook Art Center directly for information about entering the show.
For more information contact the Fallbrook Art Center at 103 South Main, Fallbrook CA 92028, call 760-728-1414, e-mail Mary Perhacs at mperhacs@fallbrookart.org or visit their Web site at www.fallbrookart.org.

Great Shows For The Holiday Season

There’s a rich holiday chocolate box of stage productions filled with gooey delights that are sure to please almost everyone this season.
The Old Globe Theatre will produce its perennial classic How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Saturday, November 15 - Sunday, December 28.
The show, back for the 11th year, is a whimsical production that will make you think that the characters have jumped right off the page of the Dr. Suess classic.
Contact the Box Office at (619) 234-5623 for more information or to purchase VIP seats.
* * *
The venerable Hotel Del Coronado will take you back 100 years when it puts on its three-hour An American Christmas feast and celebration, every evening but Christmas at 6:30 p.m.
Inside the ballroom of the Hotel Del your hosts are the Marshall family - a large, extended family living in the year 1908, who love to entertain new and old friends in the grand American style at their favorite destination, the Hotel del Coronado.
The cast includes 30 performers who welcome their guests and fill the evening with music, dance, song, and laughter, as all enjoy a four-course Christmas meal in a sumptuous setting.
Reviewers have called the unique offering “Exceptionally entertaining! Far exceeded my wildest expectations!” “A lavish holiday feast with a historical twist!” and “A perfect melding of food, ambience, and showmanship.” Ticket Prices: Adults: $110-$150 . www.hoteldel.com.
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Lambs Players Theater will present Angel's Arms.
The year is 1860, and Jeffrey Scott is a novelist suffering from a bad case of writer’s block.
A picturesque, deserted inn called The Angel’s Arms may be just the thing to revive his inspiration.
But the writer finds that all is not as it seems as the hotel’s inhabitants deliver an unexpected dose of magic to the jaded writer, who discovers a new appreciation of Christmas.
It will be produced December 2 - 28 on Tuesday–Sunday. Visit their Website at www.lambsplayers.org/ for more information.
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Fallbrook's Music Society begins the Christmas season with a rousing concert of familiar Christmas music in a cariety of styles performed by two Southern Califrornia ensembles including the Don Morris singers and the Westwind Brass. Friday, December 5 at 8pm. Visit www.fallbrookmusicsociety.org
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The C.A.S.T. Academy in Fallbrook is putting on a special holiday production called the Best Christmas Pageant Ever. For more information on casting or times for the performance call 760-731 CAST,
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The Welk Resort Theatre is presenting Plaid Tidings, a brand-new show that offers the best of Forever Plaid tied-up in a Christmas Bow. At first the boys aren’t sure why they’ve returned, but a phone call from the heavenly Rosemary Clooney lets them know that they’re needed to put a little harmony into a discordant world. Sprinkled among the Christmas offerings are audience favorites like their riotous three minute and eleven second version of “The Ed Sullivan Show” – this time featuring the Rockettes, the Chipmunks and The Vienna Boys Choir, and a Plaid Caribbean Christmas which puts the “Day-O” in Excelsis! This is a real holiday treat.
The Welk Resort Theatre is located at 8860 Lawrence Welk Drive, Escondido. The show plays through Dec. 28. Call 760-749-3448 or visit www.welktheatresandiego.com.
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The Patio Playhouse Community Theater will present The Night Music Holiday Show on Dec. 12, one time only at 8 p.m. at the theater located at 201 E. Grand Ave in Escondido.
Call the box office at 760-746-6669 or visit patioplayhouse@sbcglobal.net
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The California Center for the Arts, Escondido will present two holiday-oriented shows.
The first is the annual production of George Frideric Handel’s “Messiah” Sunday, Dec. 14 at 4 p.m.
Maestro Jung-Ho Pak and the San Diego Chamber Orchestra with Bach Collegium choir recreate the lush holiday sounds of centuries past.
During the show dramatic video featuring famous classic paintings will enhance and bring a modern element to the program.
CCAE will also present Ho Ho Ho A Pirate’s Christmas, Saturday, Dec. 6, 4–7p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 7.
It’s up to a 7-year-old girl named Eve to save Christmas. The fates of Christmas, Santa Claus and the citizens of the North Pole are in Eve’s hands after the jolly team behind Christmas is kidnapped by a bunch of directionally-challenged pirates. Youngsters will be enthralled as the team of swashbuckling pirates interacts and makes the audience feel like part of the crew in between original songs.
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It’s midnight on Christmas Eve and infamous skinflint and bad tempered holiday hater Ebenezer Scrooge is about to be visited by four ghosts whose mission is to scare him straight!
When times are tough, what better way to enjoy the holidays than an adaptation of Charles Dickens’s timeless classic A Christmas Carol, which has been reworked slightly and retitled Mr. Scrooge’s Christmas combined with a low-cost, family-oriented event called “A Country Christmas?” Check out www.vcct.org for more info.

2009: New Year's Events

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 an evening with live performances by funk bands. 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 9:00pm for the children and another display at midnight. Enjoy the 12 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
Looking for options on staying local? Pala Mesa Resort has a great special menu that it is putting together. With their inspiring new menu, you get to become the chef and create your meal from a wide selection of meats, sides and sauces.
If heading north to Temecula fits into your plans, sail over to Wilson Creek Winery & Vineyards and cruise into the New Year on the SS Wilson Creek (actually the new Champagne Ballroom!) and celebrate a ship full of fun! Live music, gourmet sit down dinner from the galley (the new kitchen) complete with Butler passed appetizers, traditional Lobster Thermadore and Filet Mignon and a spectacular dessert presentation! Of course Wilson Creek Wine and flowing Champagne Bar are included in the per guest price. _
Below are some more options to get you started on your New Year’s Eve plans.
Ponte Family Estate
“2008 New Year's Eve Extravaganza”
951-694-8855
$175 per person
This event is for anyone looking to enjoy an incredible, innovative meal, live music, dancing, Ponte wine and a fabulous time. Count down to midnight in style this year at the New Year’s Eve Extravaganza!
South Coast Winery
“An Elegant New Year’s Eve”
951-587-9463 Ext. 7237
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. You can also stay on-site in one of their beautiful villas.
Keyways Vineyard and Winery
“A Music Extravaganza”
951-302-7888
$175 per person
A fabulous night of music from the 60’s/70’s/80’s and today, performed by Ambrosia, Terry Sylvester (The Hollies), John Ford Coley and Tommy Tutone. Enjoy a four course gourmet dinner and all night party and dancing!
Wiens Family Cellars
“Jungle Boogie”
951-694-9892
$100 per person
Meet animals from the Zoofari Wildwife Refuge, enjoy a plated dinner, champagne reception, live music and dancing.
Whatever you decide, 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.

Let's Hear It For The Boys: The "Bonsall Dude"

The communities along The Boulevard have long since had pageants to recognize outstanding young women. We have Miss Fallbrook, Miss Valley Center Rodeo Queen, Miss Escondido, Miss Murrieta and Miss Temecula, among others.
Enter Leigh Ann Howard.
When Howard took over as president of the Bonsall Chamber of Commerce, she wanted a way to also recognize the outstanding young men in the community. She imagined a competition of character similar to that of a pageant, but minus the pomp and circumstance.
“The Bonsall Dude is for young men at the Bonsall middle school,” Howard said. “It encourages them and gives them a chance to excel, succeed and be acknowledged for their efforts.”
Participants start by filling out a questionnaire that helps define their ethics and character.
“There are six values of character that our school district focuses on. I created a questionnaire using these points as guidelines,” Howard explained. “The winner is chosen based on how well he demonstrates these pillars of character.”
The six pillars of good character are trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring and citizenship.
The questionnaire asks for specific examples of when the participant displayed each characteristic. For instance, one question asks to give an example where they demonstrated fairness at home and school. Another question asks for examples of parents and teachers they respect and why.
In addition to filling out the questionnaire, participants must also include three letters of recommendation: one from a parent, one from a school employee and one from a Bonsall Chamber of Commerce business member.
“Once we narrow down the finalists, we invite them to a sit-down luncheon where we watch their mannerisms,” Howard said. “We watch to see if they demonstrate the traits of a gentleman. Are they polite? Do they pull the chairs out for women? Do they eat neatly and properly? These are a few things we look at.”
Now in its third year, The Bonsall Dude competition is changing the young men who participate.
“We see the winners grow a lot during their reign as the Bonsall Dude,” Howard stated. “Part of their role as ‘The Dude’ is to help out and speak at our Chamber Sundowner Events. They tend to start out so quiet, but by the end of their reign they are very confident.”
Winners of the Bonsall Dude receive $1,000 cash and a plaque. The young men also receive numerous opportunities to network with professionals.
“We try to arrange for winners to work with professionals in careers they have expressed interest in,” Howard said. “Our first winner was very into politics, even at such a young age. He was able to attend a board meeting where he could see politics in action and witness the behind-the-scenes stuff.
“Another winner was interested in being a vet, so we arranged for him to sit in on a surgery at the San Luis Rey Equine Hospital.”
The Bonsall Dude contest is open to young men from the Norman Sullivan Middle School. If you are interested in learning more and possibly participating in The Bonsall Dude, contact Leigh Ann Howard at 760-414-3239.

Aqua Terra: An Enticing, Exciting and Fun Menu!

If you have been searching for an enjoyable dining experience where the menu is full of scrumptious seafood selections, excellent certified natural steaks and an array of chefs specialties in a relaxed and casual dining environment that you don’t need to drive to downtown San Diego or over to the coast to enjoy, then you should try Pala Mesa Resort’s Aqua Terra Restaurant. Food and Beverage Director Kevin Poorbaugh and Executive Chef Sean Sullivan have put together an enticing, exciting, and fun menu, with their unique “create your own meal” concept, and filled it with an abundance of some of the best local fresh seafood selections that you will find.
Our dining experience at Aqua Terra began with an introduction to our server for the evening, Alicia, who was both well informed of menu items, attentive and friendly. Aqua Terra’s main dining room is a comfortable casual room with earth tone colors, open wood beamed ceilings, stone columns, tapestries hanging from the walls, and tables spaced far enough apart that you won’t feel like you are dining with people who you don’t know. The cushioned captains chairs were comfortable and added both comfort and style to the causal atmosphere. General Manager Peter Rockwood described the room and the dining experience at Aqua Terra, as “upscale casual”, and I agree. You could be comfortable in business attire, sport jacket and slacks, or jeans and shirt and not feel out of place. And, if you prefer to dine in the bar adjacent to the dining room, you have a choice of the bar menu or the full Aqua Terra menu in an even more casual dining enviroment with a view out to the patio and it’s fire pits. On warm evenings alfresco dining is available on the patio.
Chef Sean Sullivan, who warmly welcomed us, has been at Aqua Terra for almost 4 years, having previously been the Sous Chef at Roppongi in La Jolla and Tamariado, also in La Jolla. Sean, the architect of Aqua Terra’s new menu, recommended several dishes that gave us a nice sampling of both appetizers and entrees. First, Alicia treated us to the house cocktail the Aquatini. A delightful vodka martini with Ketel One Vodka, Citronage Triple Sec, and Hpnotiq, a French liquor, that got the evening started on a perfect note. The appetizers that we sampled were the Peanut Butter, that’s right I did say Peanut Butter, Stuffed Jalapenos. This combination was tempura fried and was accompanied by a delicious Raspberry Dipping Sauce that had a slight bite to it; it was the favorite of my guest. The Shrimp Stuffed Artichokes were my favorite. Tender Mexican white shrimp served on artichokes in an herb salad and lightly drizzled with a delicious hollandaise sauce that brought the whole dish together like a symphony. We also sampled a Baked Avocado, in keeping with the local flavor of the hills that surround Pala Mesa Resort. The avocado was stuffed with gorgonzola, prosciutto, roasted garlic red pepper and topped with a Chianti Glaze, all working together very nicely and very yummy. All three appetizers were ample servings for two to four people and were not only pleasing to the palate but the presentation was also pleasing to the eye. All of the servings at Aqua Terra were more than ample, especially the entrees that included your choice of two side dishes from a generous assortment of starch and vegetables included in the price that were not going to let you walk away feeling light in either your wallet or tummy. Aqua Terra’s “create your own meal” concept allows you to pick your sauces, side dishes and toppings. An extensive list of side dishes includes roast garlic or sweet potato mashers, a terrific potato soufflé (that I have never seen on a local menu before and was wonderful), white and brown rice, of course, a large baked potato with bacon bits, sour cream and chives, cajun onion rings, sautéed mushrooms, steamed asparagus and grilled beefsteak tomatoes. Our seafood choices on this evening were Salmon, Halibut, Scallops, Ahi Tuna, Mahi and Chilean Seabass, and, of course, all were fresh. The entrees could be prepared with an assortment of sauces and toppings including Cherry and Parmesan encrusted for the seafood, caramelized onions, fresh horseradish and sour cream for the meat; and an extensive variety of sauces from a delightful Dijon cream for the fish to a hearty whole grain mustard sauce for the steaks.
We were served three entrees, the Sea Bass, which was Crab Stuffed and served atop two generous slices of beefsteak tomatoes, which had been slightly grilled, a wonderful combination along with the potato soufflé. The Salmon Oscar with grilled asparagus atop roasted garlic mashers with a bearnaise sauce was my favorite. The Salmon was firm and flakey and had a wonderful fresh taste. The asparagus was grilled just perfect, and very tasteful. Being the meat eater that I am, I thoroughly enjoyed the natural certified bone in ribeye. I had it prepared medium and it was tender, had a wonderful flavor, and was prepared just the way that I requested. One of the side dishes for the ribeye was a large pot of sauté mushrooms. I loved the combination, it was wonderful.
For dessert, we both enjoyed the most scrumptious apple dumpling in a caramel sauce with phyllo dough shredded atop. Aqua Terra prepares their own desserts in house by Pastry Chef Samantha Weisenberg.
Aqua Terra is well worth a visit especially if you haven’t visited for a while. The menu offers something for seafood lovers and meat eaters alike and also features pasta, veal and chicken dishes. Alicia was wonderful, taking the time to explain to us the dishes and was very knowable and able to answer any questions we had. The dining room is a delightfully warm and relaxing environment to enjoy a wonderful dinner that won’t leave you having to increase your credit line. Speaking of deals, Aqua Terra offers an incredible dining membership that is very affordable for $149 annually and allows you to obtain discounts when eating at the resort, playing golf on their championship golf course (ranked as one of the top 200 in the country), or shopping at their pro shop. You can obtain more details about this program by calling 760-731-6805. Aqua Terra is also open for breakfast and lunch. The dining hour begins at 5:00 p.m. seven days a week. The Pala Mesa resort is located about 1 mile north of Hwy 76 on the west frontage road of I-15. Bon Appetit.

Bubbling Up: Champagne

It’s New Year’s Eve. The Times Square Ball is dropping and the crowd is counting down the seconds until 2009. One quick question – what’s in your champagne glass?
This new year, why not celebrate with a tasty glass of bubbly from one of your favorite local wineries?
Known primarily for their grapes and delicious wines, the vineyards in Temecula also produce some incredible estate champagnes and sparkling wines.
Here are just a few sparklers to consider for your New Year’s celebration:
Ponte Family Estate Winery
Moscato Sparkling Wine
Ponte features a subtly-sweet Moscato with green apple and sweet pear flavors. The result is a delicious, light and fruity drink that is great for toasting time. See www.pontewinery.com for more information or call 877-314-WINE.
Wiens Family Cellars
Amour de L’Orange Champagne
Champagne with a fun twist, as the Wiens family likes to say. Stemming from estate Chardonnay grapes, this drink is loaded with coconut, pear and pineapple aromas with a hint of natural orange flavoring. It’s great for mimosas. Check out www.wienscellars.com for more details, or call 951-694-9892.
Thornton Winery
Brut Champagne
If you’re a brut champagne fan, Thornton Winery has several options for you. The winery’s list of premium champagnes includes a 1999 Brut Reserve, a 1999 Brut Reserve Natural and an NV Brut. All promise to be refreshing, clean and crisp – the perfect pour for group parties. See more details at www.thorntonwine.com or call 951-699-0099.
South Coast Winery
Ruby Cuvee
With a separate 15,000 square foot sparkling wine facility and bottling line, South Coast Winery produces several delicious sparkling wines. One of its most popular is the Ruby Cuvee which features the winery’s sweet, berry-flavored Syrah. It’s light, tart and extra bubbly. See www.southcoastwinery.com for additional South Coast sparklers, or call 951-587-WINE.
Wilson Creek
Almond Champagne
Surprise your guests with this unforgettable champagne! This white sparkling wine is naturally fermented with a hint of pure almond that dances on your tongue. Make your New Year celebration extra special by ordering custom labeled bottles! Visit www.wilsoncreekwinery.com for details, or call 951-699-9463.
Falkner Winery
Luscious Lips
Not feeling the bubbly? Falkner Winery’s sweet red Luscious Lips wine lends itself well for any celebration.
For New Years, the winery blends the wine with brown sugar and mulling spices, then heats it in a crock pot and calls it "Hot Lips." Try it for yourself! Check out www.falknerwinery.com, or call 951-676-8231 for more information.

Woods Valley Golf Club: An Enjoyable and Challenging Walk In The Park

If you haven’t had a chance to play one of North San Diego’s county’s newest courses, Woods Valley Golf Course, or if you played it several years ago and were not particularly impressed, you may want to give it a second chance.
The owners that took over a year ago have made several improvements that have turned it into a very enjoyable and challenging walk in the park.
The course, a championship par 71, 6,633 yard layout, offers a front nine that has tight narrow fairways and a back nine that winds through a forest of oaks, giving the golfer plenty of opportunities to exercise his or her shot-making judgment.
This is a course that requires some brainpower to challenge. The new ownership solved the fairway problems by turning the rye grass fairways that were a real challenge to maintain in hot weather, to Bermuda, while still over seeding in the fall with rye to keep the fairways green.
The ownership is in the process of replacing the sand in the bunkers with Augusta White, much more pleasing to the eye and the lie. Several holes have been lengthened, adding about 500 yards to the layout. Hole 11 has been rebuilt to offer players both a par 4 and par 5 option.
You have five different tee box options at Woods Valley, with the average handicapper most likely to play from the blues. The course does not have a full service restaurant yet, but plans are ongoing to complete a 10,000 square foot clubhouse in the near future. There is a driving range.
Now to the course.
Hole #2 is a 531 yard par 5. This hole is a good birdie opportunity providing that you stay right off of the tee, and don’t get too aggressive with your approach shot. The green is well bunkered, and there is water—and lots of it—behind the green if you over power your approach shot.
The fairways and greens at Woods Valley do not have a lot of undulations or slope but there is plenty of sand and water on the course, either the pond or seasonal creeks to beware of. Most of the front nine fairways have mounding, so if you do go slightly off fairway you are protected from disaster.
Hole #3 is a short par 3, 154 yards, but the real challenge here is negotiating all the wet stuff between you and the green. Club selection here is paramount because if you play it too safe and club up, there is a back bunker that will make you pay, and who knows, with the slope of the green to the front pond, you could still put the water in play. This hole will play a lot more difficult with a front hole placement. Good luck.
Hole #6 is a short par 4, the first of two, at 377 yards. Standing on the tee box you would swear that it’s a wide open bring-out-the-driver hole, with a large generous landing area. Wrong! If you use the big club on this hole your landing area narrows considerably and you might find yourself in the fairway bunker on the right or in the environmental out of bounds on the left..
My recommendation is to leave the big guy in the bag and lay up and still have a nice short iron into the green. Good golf holes offer trade offs and No. 6 is a good golf hole that could play much more difficult than its 12 handicap. Use your driver off of the tee and you deal with the narrow landing area. Lay up and your approach is much more difficult because of a very deep green side bunker on the right and very close out of bounds on the left. Pick your poison on this hole.
No. 7 is a short 329-yard par 4, one of the few dogleg holes on the course. Long hitters can reach this green but at the top of the dogleg are bunkers galore. These bunkers are deep but they are below the hole. Better to lay up here and have a nice little pitch into this green and putt for your birdie. This is a fun hole to play.
Back nine. The back nine, especially holes 12–16, winds through the trees and has more terrain and less mounding along the fairways than the front nine.
Hole #10, a 384 yard par 4, has one of the few elevated tee boxes on the course. You could swim your way from tee box to green on this hole and if you go left, that’s pretty much what you will be doing. Stay right and use the mounding along the fairway to protect you from Woods Valley Road. Your approach is a bit of a challenge, because there is enough sand and water in the front of this hole and to the left of this green to call it a beach. This is a great golf hole—enjoy it before you take your walk in the woods.
Hole #11 a long and challenging 447-yard par 4 or par 5 depending on which tee box option you use. The real challenge on this hole begins when you finally reach the green. More about that in a minute. Another elevated tee box that offers a great view of Woods Valley, you want to stay right off of the tee, as there is a seasonal creek on the left.
Likewise with your approach that creek turns into pond by the green. No. 11’s green is undulating and tiered, the most difficult green on the course. Get there with two good shots and hope for the best. This could be one of those holes where you are perfect for 425 yards in two shots, but it takes 3 shots or more to go the final few feet.
Hole #14, the most challenging hole on the course, is a dogleg, right with plenty of trees to be wary of. You must stay left off of the tee to have any chance of reaching the green in two. This 435-yard par 4 really challenges you, starting with your approach.
The green is well-bunkered and overhanging branches around the green make precision on your approach a must. Depending upon the pin placement getting a par on No. 14 is a real accomplishment.
You can check out their Web site at www.woodsvalleygolfclub.com for their attractive rates and book a tee time on line. Woods Valley also offers a terrific junior golf program. Contact PGA Director of Golf David Mowery at 760-751-3007 ext.14.
The course also has a stay and play package with Harrah’s that David can tell you about.

The Boulevard Magazine
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Tel. 760.749.1112 Fax 760.749.1688