December 2009/January 2010 Issue | Download the Full Issue

The 28th annual Fallbrook Christmas Parade reminds lots of folks about what Christmas used to be like when they were children. Maybe it’s because it’s held at night and includes a magical cavalcade of holiday lights and enchantment, like a slice of holiday fruitcake—except that it’s good!
It is always held on the first Saturday in December, which this year is Dec. 5. It is the largest parade in the County (outside of the city of San Diego).
This year’s theme is “A Friendly Village Christmas,” which was thought up by Ed Warr, and who will be honored for coining it by riding in the parade. Interestingly, he would have been riding in the parade anyway on a float entered by Grangetto’s!
At least 100 entries will march down Main Street starting at 5 p.m. and will take about 75 minutes for everything to pass by on the mile long course. It is easy to take part in the parade since entry is free.
On that night expect to see about 25,000 happy, enthusiastic members of the community, and healthy sprinkling from out of town.
You are advised to get there by 4 p.m. if you want any kind of a seat or parking space—wear warm clothes and carry a blanket!
The parade runs down Main Street, from Ammunition and Main, south to just about East Mission at Ivy.
When we spoke to Linda Costello, who with her husband Roy have been co-chairmen for many years, she had just signed up another band: Chaparral High School of Temecula, to make a total of seven marching bands. Others include Fallbrook High School Band, Santana High School Band, Great Oak High School Band, Christian High School Band, El Cajon Valley High School Band and Dartmouth Middle School Band. All have been in the parade previously.
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 are usually a lot of fire engines, which were especially popular after the 2007 wildfires.
They usually get engines from Camp Pendleton and antique engines. Last year’s most impressive antique was a 1902 Steam Pumper Fire Engineer, The American, drawn by a team of horses, which had appeared in the Tournament of Roses Parade and many events throughout the state.
Other notable entries will include, for the third 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), 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 and North County CERT (Community Emergency Response Team).
The commanding officer of Camp Pendleton will be among the dignitaries.
There are always a lot of animals, including many equestrian entries. It is not uncommon to see a Santa sled being pulled by a team of llamas!
The parade’s excellence each year is due to the dynamic committee, she says. “We have members from the local ham radio club, the Sheriff’s Dept., California Highway Patrol, interested citizens, the historical society and vintage car club. We have a great committee and we have a good time!” she says. “People just love this parade! It’s a good diversion. It’s always a lot of fun, no matter what else may be going on.”
But it wouldn’t happen without the donation of $20,000 from the main sponsor, Arlyne Ingold, as well as several other sponsors.
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.
Grand marshal will be the now-retired, longtime Chamber of Commerce CEO Bob Leonard, who will lead the parade.
How it Started
The Fallbrook Christmas Parade started 28 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, on a red throne being pulled on a flat bed trailer.
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, to over a mile.
The success continues with 150 participating units the last few years.
Leonard recalls, “I still have a soft spot for Mickey Mouse appearing in our parade five 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!”
For more information on the parade call 760-728-5845. Don’t check the Chamber Web site because at press time they were having problems updating it.

Bonsall Women’s Club’s HIGH TEA Benefits Local Charities

Bonsall Woman’s Club’s 17th annual Magic of Christmas Tea at the Grand Tradition in Fallbrook will be held Dec. 8 and 9, noon–4 p.m.
This year’s theme is “On Candy Cane Lane.”
The event benefits the Boys and Girls Clubs of North County, scholarships and local charities.
The event’s title sponsor is Arlyne Ingold and the Ingold Family Foundation, although there are, of course, other sponsors.
According to event chairman Phyllis Zenz, this event is a little different from the past in that this year a toy drive will be combined with the traditional Magic of Christmas.
“On our invitations that we send, it says to bring an unwrapped toy and they will collect it at the door,” says Mrs. Zenz.
Woman’s Club members, working in concert with the Bonsall Chamber of Commerce, will put together food baskets and wrap toys for needy families, whose names they get from the school district. They also pick some families from the U.S. Marine Corps base at Camp Pendleton.
Mrs. Zenz is expecting about 240 women over the two days of the event. You’ll see the occasional gentleman, but it’s really intended to be an exquisite afternoon out for the ladies, their daughters and children.
“It’s a wonderful afternoon for the ladies,” says Jane Johnson, a longtime member of the club.
Keeping with the “On Candy Cane Lane” theme the Grand Tradition will be decorated with ice blue netting, red white and green candy cane decorations—traditional Christmas colors.
The high tea (that means it occurs just after lunchtime) is always very well-attended, with women coming from communities far and wide. It is the Woman’s Club’s largest and most successful fund-raiser. They start planning it in January.
Members set the tables with their own crystal, china and silver, so each of the dazzling tables is unique, showcasing different sets.
All of the tables have the same centerpieces: miniature Christmas trees. Each centerpiece is created by professional decorators and donated by town citizens, who sponsor them. Eight guests are seated at each table.
Fourteen tabletop trees and 14 opportunity theme baskets are given to winners of drawings over the two days. For example, one basket’s theme might be “an evening for two,” and might include champagne, chocolates and a certificate for a dinner.
Other highlights:
• Sullivan Middle School Show Choir will perform under the direction of Stacey Pecore. Their performance has been described as “absolutely dynamic!” and “almost ready for Broadway!”
• Boutique Shopping is available, with items such as purses, clothing and Christmas decor provided by local merchants and artists.
The high tea costs $50 per person and the menu includes Earl Grey tea, scones, miniature croissant sandwiches, with favorites such as cucumber, and, of course, decadent spreads such as clotted cream and lemon curd.
For more information about the tea and the Bonsall Woman’s Club, visit their Web site at www.bonsallwomansclub.org or e-mail them at BWC@vcweb.org.

Ring in the New Year!

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.
If you are looking for a place for some entertainment and great food, look to Valley View Casino. 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 p.m. for the children and another display at midnight. Enjoy the 12 stages of music and 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? Check out the various restaurants in The Boulevard to see if they offer any dining specials. Da Giorgio’s Restaurant Italiano, for example, is planning a wonderful menu and will have live music.
If driving north to Temecula fits into your plans, head over to South Coast Winery and celebrate with the King and Queen of Carnival.
Southern California says goodbye to 2009 with the greatest spectacle this side of the Mississippi on New Year's Eve when South Coast Winery’s GM turns over the resort to the King and Queen of Carnival. Guests delight in an incredible evening of music and merriment as they team up with Shriners Hospitals for Children to create a Rhythm in Rio extravaganza. They will turn the entire resort into a parade of mischief and excitement filled to the rim with great food, award-winning wines and an array of live entertainment in all the venues—all evening long. Complete with a court jester, flame dancers, games of chance, tarot card readers and more. It’s the New Year's Eve party of all parties and a portion of your ticket price may be tax deductible. To purchase tickets visit www.wineresort.com/
Looking to celebrate a little earlier this year? Visit Keyways Vineyard and Winery where they will celebrate “In a New York Minute” as the ball drops in Times Square.
Keyways Vineyard and Winery are turning the clocks forward and waiting for the Ball to Drop in Time Square. Bypass the crowds and those who have partied too hardy at the normal midnight hour. Instead, join them at Keyways Supper Club, where they will celebrate midnight on New York’s clock.
Keyways Vineyard will be “Keeping it in the Family,” just like they do in NY Supper Clubs, all night long. You will dine at tables, family style. Seating will be assigned in 4s, 8s and 10s. Keyways wait staff will place family portions on the table for you to serve yourself. Just the way Papa would want it!
Have a Safe and Happy New Year.

Shop Locally This Holiday Season!

Could we really be nearing the end of the year already? My prayer for each of you this year is that you will be blessed with the gift of being able to see and spend time with your loved ones and friends this Holiday Season.
And, for those of you who will not, especially those with loved ones and friends in the military, I pray you will be able to communicate with them using some of today’s amazing technology.
This last year has been a tremendous challenge for all of our businesses, including our local businesses, and we know they would really appreciate if you would consider shopping with them. Think of yourself as Santa spreading good cheer! You will probably end up giving gifts more unique and unexpected!
If pampering that special someone is on your list, visit Simplify Your Life Day Spa in Bonsall. A gift of a massage is always welcome. They even offer great stocking suffers such as Pacifica candles made of clean and natural vegetable soy wax that release their scent generously; perfumes with irresistible and imaginative fragrances; fashion and gemstone jewelry, adorable hats and scarves and Karma Gloss, soaps and body butter created with quality natural ingredients.
While you are in Bonsall be sure to swing by Provence Salon & Boutique and pick up that gift card for your spouse’s next haircut or one of their amazing facials by owner, Mary Frank. Her facial chair is out of this world—well it’s from Switzerland.
Surprise the music lover in your family with a new piano from Allegro Piano Services or a custom made guitar from John S. Kinnard Instruments. Both presents are sure to wow your gift receiver and bring both of you years of enjoyment. Just picture family and friends singing holiday tunes accompanied by the piano and guitar.
Looking for a gift that will get them up and going? Give the gift of martial arts at ATA Martial Arts in Bonsall. Owner Andrew Kramer can assist and help the recipient of your gift achieve significant growth, discipline, self-respect and confidence.
Last year one of my friends gave her son a palm tree. He was thrilled as he and his family had been saving to buy one. Palm Valley Ranch is happy to help you with the right palm for your son or daughter’s yard.
Perhaps you have parents or grandparents who would enjoy a social membership at Vista Valley Country Club. The initiation fee is very reasonable and so are the monthly dues.
If you enjoy wine and good food, give 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. The membership includes savings of 20-25% each time you dine any day of the week and “members only” special events.
This year for the first time you have the opportunity to buy some of the most beautiful poinsettias you have ever seen directly from a local grower right in our hometown. Zalinda Farms recently opened to the public. A trip there is fun just to see all the beautiful plants. If you have a gardener on your list, there are lots of plant options to purchase a plant he or she will enjoy for a long time.
If your gift to your family and friends is to host a party this holiday season be sure to call Lido & Enrique Favela at Ace Party Productions. Enrique knows how to get the party started and keep it going with his wonderful DJ skills. Lido can also help you with catering.
If you are attending a holiday party, a great present for your host would be a deep house cleaning following the party. Call Maria’s Extreme Home Care—your host will surely invite you back again!
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 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 and chocolate sculptures and more by call 1-866-VIEW-WIN.
For the plant lover on your list visit Brandon at Desert Theater Nursery in Hidden Meadows. He has over 18 acres of drought tolerant plants, cacti and succulents to choose from.
Shopping for a foodie? Give an evening of fun and food with a gift card to Da Giorgio Ristorante Italiano wrapped and tucked in a Christmas stocking. A night away from cooking is always appreciated and Da Giorgio’s is a great treat.
Another gift sure to be enjoyed is 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 the new owners, Jackie and Chris, are continuing and expanding that history.
For the cook that is always looking to expand his or her repertoire, give a cooking class presented by Fresco Grill. Who better to learn from than the amazing chefs who cook the high quality, award-winning dishes at Fresco Grill.
Another welcome gift that loved ones can use after the holidays is a gift certificate for personal training at Fit By Design. This great facility offers state-of-the-art equipment, personal training and programs that “Fit” you.
If you are having a few more family members over this holiday season than you have tables and chairs for, call the folks at Allie’s Party Rental a call. They have every kind of rental equipment you need.
Thinking of having a nice, quiet evening at home? Call Ruthie at Sourdough Pizza to deliver dinner. They have two national award winning pizzas: ranch and shrimp with tequila lime.
All of us at The Boulevard hope you will be blessed with a Merry Christmas with family and friends, and we send you good wishes for the New Year.

The Hunt For Snow

Snow and Southern California are not normally terms we speak of in the same breath, but it is possible to have a very fresh, bracing snow experience if you live along the Boulevard and not drive for many hours to get to it.
Some tips to make your visit something more rewarding than gridlock in the mountains: visit on a weekday.
If you can see the snow and it’s a weekend, you might want to avoid going to the more well-known and popular snow destinations, simply because everyone—and that includes thousands of people in Mexico—make a bee-line for the white stuff as soon as they can see it out their windows.
Which brings up another tip: If the mountains are shrouded in clouds, and it’s rainy and really cold where you are, it’s probably snowing above the 4,000 foot level.
If you want to see snow and don’t want to struggle with thousands of other folks, pile into your car (don’t forget your chains) and head for the mountains BEFORE it clears up so that everyone can see the snow.
That also means you might be driving on a road while it’s still snowing. This creates other problems and may require you to put chains on your tires at some point. Bring work gloves. Putting on chains is unfun, but your family’s fun once you get to the snow more than makes up for that (I’m lying).
Tip number three is if you are driving up a mountain road and you see lots of people driving in the opposite direction with their car roofs and hoods piled with snowmen, you may have waited too long.
If it gets bad enough, the California Highway Patrol will close access to everyone but local residents to avoid creating an unpleasant situation. Usually they don’t actually close off the roads until the situation has already become extremely unpleasant (and by that we mean that irate mountain residents are getting their shotguns out to shoo people away who are blocking their driveways!).
Despite those caveats, it is still quite possible to have fun in the snow, although, come to think of it, you probably will have to drive more than an hour to get there.
Closest, of course, is Palomar Mountain, which you will find by taking I-15 to Hwy 76 and then take South Grade or East Grade up the rest of way.
But it’s not the best option this year, because for the first time, one of its best places to play in the snow will be closed for the winter: the State Park. The State’s toxic budget situation will close the park Nov. 1–April 1, i.e. most of the snow season. The Silvercrest parking lot at the State Park will stay open, but nothing else.
There are other options. Visit the County’s park, which is just off Crestline Road, but be prepared not to be able to find places to park.
You can also visit the Cleveland National Forest, which covers much of Palomar Mountain. If you go onto national park land you must display the Adventure Pass, which costs $5 per day (see below on how to get one).
You can park and get out anywhere along S-6 or S-7 as long as you don’t block traffic. You’ll find fewer cars along the East Grade, since it is the less well-known road, and because South Grade is the first turn-off for most flatlanders.
In fact, you will find most of them frolicking near where S-6 and S-7 intersect State Park Road, near the post office and Mother’s Kitchen, which is Palomar Mountain’s high-rise district.
You are not encouraged to park along the sides of private roads to play in the snow, or to invade private residences along Crestline. In fact, you will find residents are downright hostile if you do that.
You will also find that if you get in the way of the county Road Dept. and its vital task of keeping the roads clear, you might get yelled at.
If you drive on snowy roads (you DID bring snow chains, right?), don’t speed. You know how easy it is to lose control of your vehicle when it first starts raining? That goes double for snowy roads, and especially roads with black ice.
How can you tell if there’s black ice? You can’t. Black ice is like a black hole, you only know it by what it does to you. But you will often find it in shady areas, and seldom in sunlit areas.
If you do go to Palomar Mountain, keep in mind that there is no gas station there.
Go to Julian
Another great option for visiting the snow is to go to Julian. Although a lot of this charming little mountain town’s surrounding area burned in the wildfires of 2003 and 2007, it’s starting to come back to life. The fire never touched the town itself, which remains a fun touristy destination, with many gift items that you can’t do without, such as mason jars filled with beans and tied up in colorful ribbons.
The elevation in Julian is about 4,200 feet, so you will find snow, plus a whole community whose purpose in life is to make your visit to the snow enjoyable!
Take Hwy 76 east to Lake Henshaw. Turn right at Hwy 79 and take it to Santa Ysabel and then turn left to go to Julian.
There are several hotels and many bed and breakfasts where you can stay the night and enjoy the snow the next morning.
Go to Mount Laguna
If you want to avoid the crowds at Julian, you can continue up Hwy 79 to the Sunrise Highway and follow it to the little community of Mount Laguna.
There’s a small cabin resort there, plus a variety of campgrounds. It’s definitely a nice place to play in the snow.
The Easy Way
If you want to take your kids to play in the snow and don’t want to drive all that far, consider the California Center for the Arts, Escondido’s 5th annual Holiday Tree Lighting and Winter Wonderland on Saturday, Dec. 5, 4–7 p.m.
Besides holiday lights, seasonal music and a tree lighting ceremony, there will be ten tons of snow to play in.
It’s free and no chains are required.
* * *
If you visit areas of the Cleveland National Forest you are required to display the Adventure Pass. Get them at all Forest Service district offices and at vendors for $5 per day or $30 per year. For more Adventure Pass or vendor information visit www.fs.fed.us/r5/sanbernardino/ap/index.php/ Golden Age, Golden Access and Golden Eagle passes are also honored.
For answers to question about the Cleveland National Forest, call their Ramona office at 760-788-0250.

From Wholesale to Retail, Zalinda Farms Welcomes the Public This Holiday Season

What would a holiday display be without the signature holiday poinsettia? This beautiful, brilliant centerpiece can dazzle any home during the holidays, regardless of theme or extravagance.
Whether you go with a traditional red and green color scheme, or with a more contemporary theme such as silver and blue, a poinsettia is the perfect touch… and Zalinda Farms is the perfect place to buy one.
Zalinda Farms is a 35-year-old, family-owned and operated nursery in Pala. It was started by Victor Zaleschuk, who now runs and manages the company with his two sons Christian and Shane, his daughter-in-law Anna, and several other family members.
“We built it from the ground up,” said son Christian Zaleschuk. “From the paving to the design. It’s been a labor of love.”
Originally opened in Encinitas, the family soon grew the need to expand. They found the perfect location ten years ago in Pala with acres and acres of flat land ideal for growing. The move to Pala allowed Zalinda Farms to blossom from 40,000 square feet to 15 plus acres of growing area. While they’ve been an established local wholesale provider, the Zaleschuks have now decided to go retail, and just in time for Christmas.
“We used to provide to the big stores, but decided that just wasn’t the direction we wanted to go,” Christian said. “We like the idea of being a small, family-owned, local provider that can offer top-notch service and give our customers an actual experience by inviting them to the farm.”
Zalinda Farms is currently open to the public Wednesdays through Sundays from 9 a.m.–5 p.m., and the family welcomes one and all to check it out this holiday season.
“We want to become a destination place for the public,” says Shane Zaleschuk. “We want people to bring the family, bring the kids, bring the pets, have a picnic, ride a tractor, and make finding their trees, plants and flowers an adventure. It should be a full-on experience.”
And an experience it is—think of it as a winter wanderland. I say wanderland, not wonderland, because you can literally wander for hours and get lost in the vast expanse of plants and colors.
Speaking of color—have you ever seen a poinsettia crop in bloom? It is an absolutely amazing, endless sea of brilliant color. The thick contrast of red makes for remarkable photo opportunities, which the Zaleschuk family wholeheartedly recommends you take for your family Christmas photo.
“We encourage families to stop by and take their holiday photos among the poinsettias,” says Anna Zaleschuk. “It’s so stunning to see with all the red, and it makes for great Christmas cards.”
She adds that they are an animal-friendly facility too, so feel free to bring your furry family members.
The Zaleschuks take the phrase family business to a new level. With Victor as the master-mind behind Zalinda Farms, the next generation is helping him build an even larger legacy, which the kids say is easy for them because they’ve been around the farm all their lives.
“We were raised in this business,” Christian said. “We come from a family of farmers—my dad, my grandfather, my uncle… agriculture is in our blood. We’ve learned everything from experience.”
In addition to the poinsettia crops, Zalinda Farms also has many other Christmas-related plants and accessories. They have tons of perennials, grasses and hanging baskets, as well as drought-tolerant and water wise plants. And you can’t beat the price.
“Customers get grower-direct prices comparable to box stores, only we are able to provide a much higher quality of plant,” said Shane.
The fact that everything is grower-direct helps leave less of a footprint on the environment, but that’s not the only way Zalinda Farms contributes to a greener world.
“We have biodegradable pots and use organic fertilizers,” said Anna. “Our succulents are trendy because they are water-wise and people are really focused on water conservation these days.”
Christian adds that they plan to be certified organic by this coming spring, meaning all products will come certified organic directly from the seed. In addition to eco-friendly plants, they also strive hard to conserve by using reclaimed water. They start with a micro-irrigation system that decreases the amount of wasted water used on the plants. Any excess water is reclaimed in a catch basin which also catches any rain water runoff. The water is then processed through the reverse osmosis pump and used on the plants.
There is even a system in place to save on electricity. Zalinda Farms doesn’t use fans, rather a passive wind and misting system. They trap heat when needed by using heavy curtains that open and close, and they move plants indoors to outdoors as needed.
You can get a full tour of these systems when you stop by Zalinda Farms to buy your holiday greens. You’re guaranteed to get fresh plants for an amazing price, as well as personal service and assistance from some very knowledgeable folk. And if there is something you want to see or would like to know more about, just ask. The Zaleschuks like to get direct public feedback so they can produce products based on consumer demand.
“We want to focus on growing the best plants possible and ones that customers want,” Anna said. “There is always something new coming down the line to keep up with, so it’s a constant learning process.”
If you would like to plan a day at Zalinda Farms, stop by 10693 Hwy 76 in Pala. You can also call 760-742-4635 for more information or visit online at www.zalindafarms.com/

Toys For Tots

Each year Hidden Meadows resident, Gwen Herbert, works closely with the U.S. Marine Corps and local residents in the holiday Toys for Tots program, which provides toys for needy children. This year is no exception.
The Toys For Tots program starts with the collection of new, unwrapped toys or cash donations at one of the many drop-off points. Then the Marines distribute those toys as Christmas gifts to needy children in the community in which the campaign is conducted.
Marine Corps reservist Major Bill Hendricks started Toys For Tots back in 1947. His wife Diane had crocheted a doll to give to an organization that donated toys to disadvantaged children during Christmas. However, there was not an organization in Los Angeles that distributed toys to disadvantaged children. Hendricks decided to gather all the Marines he could to help him collect and distribute toys to disadvantaged children. Toys for Tots was officially established a year later.
That first year in Los Angeles, the Marines collected and distributed about 5,000 toys. Since then, Toys For Tots has collected and distributed more than 19 million toys to more than 9 million needy children across the nation.
For Gwen, Toys For Tots hits closer to home. “My father joined the Marine Corps at age 17 and served in WWII. I was aware of the Toys for Tots program but really didn’t know much about it except that it had something to do with the Marines. My husband Frank & I moved to Hidden Meadows in late 1997 and, as we started to meet more people and get involved in our new community, I was surprised – given the proximity of Camp Pendleton – when I saw very little about toy collections in our area.
“It seemed like a great opportunity to give something back so I called Camp Pendleton and, with luck and persistence, tracked down the officers and enlisted personnel who were coordinating the drive that year. Through these past ten years, I’ve talked with and met numerous active duty and reservists who give of their time to this worthy cause.”
Several years and thousands of toys later, Gwen and her husband, supported by local Hidden Meadows residents and business, are starting their drive for 2009. Below is a list of the drop-off locations that will accept new, unwrapped toys until Dec. 15. This allows time for the Marines to pick-up and distribute the toys in time for Christmas.
If you would like more information on donating, please call Gwen Herbert at 760-751-1857.
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.
***
Distribution Locations
Meadows Deli-Market (Hidden Meadows)
10326 Meadow Glen Way East
Meadow Lake Golf Club (Hidden Meadows)
10333 Meadow Glen Way East
Castle Creek Golf & Country Club (Castle Creek)
8797 Circle R Drive
Deer Springs Fire Station (Deer Springs)
Mesa Rock Road (near Deer Springs/I-15)
Deer Springs Fire Station (Hidden Meadows)
10308 Meadow Glen Way East
Deer Springs Fire Station (Castle Creek)
8709 Circle R Drive (near Gopher Canyon/I-15)

California Center for the Arts, Escondido Entertains Us With A Great Holiday Season

From Clara and the Sugarplum Fairy to Kris Kristofferson and the inspired improv of Colin and Brad of “Whose Line is it Anyway,” there’s lots of entertainment to be had in December and January at the California Center for the Arts, Escondido.
CCAE presents the Alley Cats in Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree—a Harmoniously Hysterical Holiday Hit
Sunday, Dec. 20 at 3 p.m.
Center Theater
Join the Alley Cats for a special holiday show. Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree—a Harmoniously Hysterical Holiday Hit will feature an evening of holiday spirit, with a special musical tribute to our troops.
The Alley Cats can usually be found at Welk Resorts Theater on Sunday nights, but this night the group of four acapella male singers will perform at CCAE.
Dressed in matching bowling shirts and black slacks, they entertain with humor, topical wit and songs from the 1950s and 60s.
This time they will be doing something close to their hearts, since all four of them: Mando, Toby, Royce and Juan (two tenors, a baritone and a base), are members of military families.
The Alley Cats perform “doo wop,” a new term for “oldies,”—the music that the Baby Boomer generation grew up with.
Tickets cost $20–$23.
Mills Entertainment presents
Colin and Brad
Saturday, Jan. 23 at 8 p.m.
Concert Hall
Colin Mochrie and Brad Sherwood will present several new improve games as well as some of their classics, such as “Sound Effects” and the “Deadly Mousetrap Improv.”
Mochrie and Sherwood worked with Drew Carey in developing the “Whose Line is it Anyway?” format of improv and for the last six years have taken it around the country.
The themes, notes Mochrie, are entirely determined by the audience.
Unlike some improv shows you may have seen, including some involving Drew Carey, this one is entirely family-friendly, he says.
“It’s a show you can bring the kids to,” he says.
If you attend you at least have somewhat of a chance of being involved in the show.
“The thing about improv is that you can’t go in and say, ‘This is how it’s going to be tonight.’ It’s a crap shoot. You can’t go out there totally confident and think that things will go smoothly. The thing with improv is that when things go horribly wrong it’s even funnier.
What are examples of things going “horribly” wrong? we asked.
“Well, one night a guy was sitting in the front row wearing an inflatable horse around his middle,” says Mochrie. “And one show a woman who had too much to drink came up on stage and demanded that we do something on menopause.
“So we did a rap song that went well although she may not have enjoyed it as well as the audience did.”
They pick people at random to be part of the games and “We don’t go for people jumping up and down and waving their arms. We want people who won’t freeze on stage, but we don’t want people who think it is their audition for the big time,” he says. “We pick couples and it’s always a crap shoot. We hope for the best.”
Some other shows that will be going on at CCAE during December and January are as follows:
Meals on Wheels Greater San Diego presents
15th annual Holiday Concert with the Coastal Communities Concert Band
Sunday, Dec. 6 at 2 p.m.
Concert selections include Santa’s Journey, The Bells of Christmas, O Little Town of Bethlehem, Jingle Bells March, Chanukah Celebration, an Armed Forces medley by Thomas Knox and Hymn to the Fallen from the movie Saving Private Ryan. Santa will make an appearance during the Christmas Sing-A-Long.
Tickets: $15, seniors & students $12.
West Coast Ballet Theater & San Elijo Dance and Music Academy present The Nutcracker
Friday, Dec. 18 at 7 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 19 at 1 & 7p.m.
Concert Hall
The West Coast Ballet Theater's production of The Nutcracker promises to instill a love of the arts in young and old alike. The family-oriented performance, featuring a cast of more than 200 performers with internationally acclaimed guest artists, captures the magic, wonder and innocence of Tchaikovsky's beloved ballet as seen through a child’s eyes. Spectacular sets, gorgeous costumes, special effects and live music by the San Diego Civic Youth Orchestra come together to create a stunning, grand-scale event.
Tickets: $12–$39
Squarepegconcerts.com presents Kris Kristofferson
Sunday, Jan. 17 at 7 p.m.
Concert Hall
American writer, singer, songwriter, actor and musician Kris Kristofferson will perform. Kristofferson’s New West album, Closer to the Bone, was released in September. It marks a distinguished career that includes American classics such as Me and Bobby McGee and Sunday Mornin’ Comin’ Down.
Tickets: $40–$49.
For CCAE show tickets call 800-988-4253 or visit their Web site at www.artcenter.org/
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Finally, we present one more show for the holiday season, this one from Escondido’s Patio Playhouse Youththeatre.
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever
Dec. 4–20, Fridays and Saturdays at 7 p.m., Sundays at 2 p.m.
Patio Playhouse
Admission: $10 for adults/seniors/students w/ID, and $7 for youth 16 and under.
The show will play at Patio Playhouse, 201 E. Grand Ave., Suite 1D in Escondido. For tickets, call the box office at 760-746-6669 or visit ticketleap.com/
The play: The Herdmans, terrors of the town, take over the annual Christmas Pageant with surprising results, for both the town and the Herdmans in this classic holiday family comedy.

Holiday Events For The Kids

The holidays are a particularly special time for children, and our area abounds with activities for them, most just a few minutes away. From the myriad of holiday-themed events that will be happening in our area in coming weeks, we cherry-picked the ones we thought would be most appealing to the little people.
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Holly Jolly Holidays at Legoland, Nov 30–Dec 31. The season begins with a tree lighting ceremony Nov. 30 at 5:30 p.m. The month-long celebration features the world’s largest Lego Christmas tree, a Lego Santa, Let it Snow the musical and fireworks Dec. 26–31.
Information: 760–918-LEGO or visit www.legoland.com/
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The California Center for the Arts, Escondido will present the 5th annual Holiday Tree Lighting and Winter Wonderland on Saturday, Dec. 5, 4–7 p.m. at the Lyric Courtyard and Great Green.
This is a free family-friendly afternoon, with dancing lights, seasonal music, the lighting of the center’s Christmas tree, Victorian carolers, a children’s art activity, costumed entertainers, a special visit from Santa Claus, free cookies and a snow play area for children.
The Escondido Children’s Museum will participate in this event, one again doing a puppet show theater on the grass off Escondido Boulevard.
About 300 kids showed up for this event last year, according to Kelly O’Neil, museum manager. There’s no sign-up or application—just show up.
The kids make puppets and then do puppet shows to the music of Charlie Brown.
“It is extremely festive, fun and interactive for the kids. It’s extremely creative. They get behind the puppet show theater while the parents watch them perform to the Charlie Brown music,” says O’Neil.
The puppets are made of fabric. The children make and decorate the puppets and use them to perform. The Center’s theater department sets up the spotlights, so the kids are well illuminated for their performances.
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Christmas Parade—Remember what Christmas used to be and enjoy marching bands, angels, elves, carolers and dozens of other groups—and decorated floats festooned with bright lights. It’s Fallbrook's 28th annual evening Christmas Parade on Dec. 5. The event starts at 5 p.m. on Main Street. For more information on the parade call 760-728-5845.
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Downtown Escondido Holiday Events—The Downtown Business Association will hold special events on Dec. 5, 12 and 19 from noon–7 p.m. These include horse and carriage rides on Grand Avenue, getting your picture taken with Santa and tree lighting. There will also be a ten ton pile of snow at the California Center for the Arts, Escondido.
Questions? Call 760-745-8877 or visit: www.downtownescondido.com/
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Christmas a century ago—Christmas by Lamplight is put on by the Escondido History Center Dec. 5, 6-8 p.m. Learn about what Escondido was like 100 years ago from a guide who will talk to various people in costume who are getting ready to take a holiday train trip. No reservations are needed. Cost: $10 general, $5 EHC members, children under 10 free. Questions? Call 760-743-8207 or visit their Web site: http://www.escondidohistory.org/content/events/other-events.htm.
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Escondido Children’s Museum itself will feature World Traditions—Food and customs from around the world on Dec. 12 at 1 p.m.
Learn how various cultures celebrate the winter holidays. Kids will be able to decorate cookies to take home and share. This is part of the Children’s Museum's regular Second Saturday event.
For more information call 760-233-7755 or visit their Web site: www.escondidochildrensmuseum.org/
Admission is $4 per person, from 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Members and children under 1-year-old are free. Hours: Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. and Wednesday from noon–4 p.m.
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Christmas Parade—Escondido’s 59th annual Christmas Parade, sponsored by the Escondido Junior Chamber of Commerce will be held Dec. 12, 9 a.m.–noon on Broadway between Escondido High School and Grape Day Park. The Jaycees’ theme this year is “Celebrating The Season Of Sports.”
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A Christmas Tradition—The Ballet Society of North County will present The Nutcracker Ballet on Saturday, Dec. 19, 2 p.m. at the Bob Burton Center for the Performing Arts in Fallbrook (part of the Fallbrook High School campus). Tickets are $15.
Find out more at www.balletsocietynorthcounty.com/

Bird Appetit! How to Cook a Turkey in One Quarter the Time of the Traditional Way

I am not a cook. I am far more comfortable in the garage than in the kitchen. For most foods, I am definitely more qualified to eat than cook.
So why am I writing a cooking article? If I can make the juiciest and most tender turkey ever… anyone can. And after making it for the The Boulevard Magazine staff and proving fried turkey’s culinary superiority (meaning it was the best they have had) the editor asked me to do it.
Let’s face it—we all have our dreaded dry turkey stories. Fights used to break out at our house over the last spoonfuls of “turkey lubrication” aka gravy. The chefs in our family are great cooks—but oven turkey is a 50–50 gamble and 20–80 for the white meat.
Deep fried turkey changes those odds. I almost guarantee it to be the best turkey you have ever eaten. Easier, faster and tastier. (Note: Cooking a still-frozen bird is not part of the 100% guarantee!)
I am in my 4th year of holiday deep-frying. I have won over enough doubters that I am now asked to cook the main dish wherever we share this wonderful bird. Great proof!
Deep-frying a turkey is not hard. But it does require preparation, especially the first time. Here are some questions I get asked…
Q) Fried in oil? It has to be greasy!
A) Right and wrong. A 12 lb. turkey will take 4 gallons of cooking oil (peanut preferred) heated to 350-375 °. It will take 40 mins. to cook. That’s it.
It won’t be greasy. Honest. As soon as the bird goes in the fryer, the hot oil sears it up tight, inside and out, leaving it to cook in its own juices. No special marinades or rubs are needed. A plain or Butterball turkey produces a flavorful bird. Even dark meat lovers will be amazed at the juiciness of the white. Be careful with fights over the breast!
Q) It’s dangerous. I saw on the news someone burned their house down.
A) When cooking with hot oil over a propane stove, don’t drink alcohol! That will take care of about 60% of the problems.
Don’t cook inside the house or garage. You just solved the other 40%.
When I deep-fry I’m outside away from the noise. It’s not brain surgery but you do need to pay attention. Meaning… don’t leave it unattended.
Hot oil is dangerous. Really hot oil is flammable (400°+ ). The only way to get it too hot is neglect. I usually set up shop in the middle of the lawn. Away from trees and bushes. A driveway is OK, but you are dealing with oil. It may/will leave a mark.
Q) Expensive to get started?
A) Not really. Been using mine for four years with lots of fowl down and lots to go. Turkey cookers can be pieced together, but I advise buying a package that includes everything.
You’ll find them at Home Depot, Costco, K-Mart, etc. Four to five gallons of oil is heavy, so make sure that you get one with a heavy-duty burner stand.
The package will also include a cook pot (26- 30 quarts is ideal), a turkey holder or basket (to lower and raise, safely), a handle or hook for the basket, an oil thermometer, meat injector and cookbook.
Cost varies, but this a tool. You get what you pay for. Expect to pay $75–$150. My pot is aluminum.
You will also need a full portable propane tank. Why full? Imagine running out of gas half way through! You won’t use even a 1/5 of the tank. But I worry about things like that, so I keep mine full.
Q) Is it hard to do?
A) It is surprisingly easy. If your pot is marked for oil and turkey sizes you are good to go. Otherwise I put the turkey in the pot and fill it with water so it’s about an inch above. I then remove the turkey and mark the water height.
Now I know how much oil to add. Dry the pot off well, fill with oil and turn on the fire. I have great luck with cooking plain turkeys. All we inject is a tube of melted butter.
We once injected Italian dressing because I worried it would be dry. I no longer feel that way. After you heat the oil and are ready to put the bird in, turn off the fire. You will then lower the hopefully dry and somewhat room temperature bird (take out of the fridge a half hour earlier).
Using gloves / mitts (also from past experience wear long pants and closed shoes i.e. not sandals) slowly lower the turkey into the oil. It will hiss and spatter but don’t worry.
Relight the fire. Side note: the oil temp will drop from the comparably cold turkey being introduced into the hot oil. It may never come back up all the way to where you started. But keep the fire going and watch the temp and the time.
For birds less then 14 lbs, I cook three minutes a pound and then add five minutes. Larger birds are not recommended. When time is up, turn off the flame, beat everyone back because it will smell so good. Don your gloves and slowly raise the bird.
My basket has a clip to rest it inside the pot to drain the oil. Using a meat thermometer, measure a couple of different spots. It should read above 165 °. If not, cook a few more minutes.
It’s hard to overcook because it is not losing any moisture. When done and drained, bring inside and cover for 20 minutes with aluminum foil. The bird will continue to cook with a temperature reaching about 170°. Perfect. Carve and enjoy.
After doing his own bird, someone asked me…
Q) I think the turkey shrinks when you deep fry it because we had the same size oven turkey the year before, more people, and had leftovers, This year none. Does it shrink?
A) The scientific answer is while both birds finished the same size; the awesome tenderness and taste of the deep fried bird enticed those consuming to eat more. This is a common problem you will be faced with. If you have a large party I suggest two turkeys? Actually with as cheap as they are during the holidays, I would still do two.
When all is done, there is no need to dump out that expensive oil. Peanut oil can withstand several fry cycles. Strain it and store in a cool place. Later most auto shops will recycle it.
Once tried, you’ll never go back to the oven bird!
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Holiday Specials at Your Favorite Restaurant
If you want to relax and have someone else do the cooking this holiday season, visit Fresco Grill, Rio Rico, Da Giorgio Ristorante Italiano or Sourdough Pizza. They are planning wonderful menus and surprises for the upcoming holidays.
Also, if you are looking for someone to cater your holiday home or corporate parties, be sure to give them a call. Many of them have private or semi-private rooms to host your family and friends. They will also be more than happy to cater.
If you want to order some great desserts, don’t forget Valley View Casino. Give yourself a holiday treat—stop by and try one of their desserts. Deciding which one to try will be the most difficult part!

A Unique Way to Experience Temecula Valley’s Wineries

Ever wanted to meander through Temecula’s beautiful, rolling vineyards of grapes…on a horse? Wine Country Trails by Horseback is a recently-established business that allows you to do just that.
And why wouldn’t you? It’s fun! It’s exciting! It’s charming, romantic and unique. Owner Diana Lefort said she loves being able to make this experience possible for the public.
“When I created Wine Country Trails, I had been riding through the vineyards giving lessons,” Lefort writes on her Web site. “I feel blessed every day to ride these amazing trails and now I have the opportunity to share this wonderful experience.”
The guided tours usually begin at Wilson Creek Winery, which Lefort likes because there are more than 50 acres of vineyards in the back to ride through.
“I wanted a true vineyard ride to show the beauty of the valley,” Lefort explained. “Some rides you spend a majority of the time on the side of the road getting to the trails. We start right off in the vineyards and go around a huge loop. You get to go right down by the vines.”
The rides usually average one to one and a half hours, and the scenery will vary depending on the time of year. Of course, you can expect to see something truly magnificent regardless of the season.
“There are times when the vines are in full bloom,” Lefort said. “And fall is awesome! There are lots of red, orange and yellow colors and then we get the snow-capped mountains in the back.”
She admits that spring is her favorite time. The reason is partly attributed to the amazing scents that you encounter while riding around the loop. Your nose will be tickled with everything from citrus to jasmine – all from Mother Nature.
A trail ride through the vineyards is actually a great gift idea – think Christmas, birthdays, anniversaries and, of course, Valentine’s Day. Or how about a wedding proposal?
“We’ve had 21 wedding proposals,” Lefort said. “In fact, this weekend I have a ride with a couple that got engaged here and are now celebrating their one-year anniversary with us.”
Proposals are no small undertaking at Wine Country Trails by Horseback. Lefort used to be an event coordinator so she plans everything perfectly from long-stemmed roses along the trail, to a private table in the vineyard, to chocolate-covered strawberries and Champagne.
“I like to customize each ride and do whatever I can to make it special,” Lefort said.
The latest addition to guided tours at Wine Country Trails by Horseback is a picnic lunch option. LeFort said they are going with the country theme and offer flexible schedules. Package deals with local wineries are also available. One month, they did a “Ride and Stay” package with South Coast Winery & Resort that included lodging, a sunset horse ride, a gift basket, winery tours, lunch and a $100 certificate to use in the spa—all for $299.
“We work a lot with South Coast Winery,” Lefort said. “We actually go to the villa and pick the guests up and drop them back off after the ride.”
Wine Country Trails by Horseback offers sunrise, afternoon and sunset rides every day of the week. Reservations must be made so be sure to call and schedule your tour. Most tours consist of two to three couples, which Lefort prefers, however, groups of 10 to 15 riders can also be accommodated for corporate parties or family events.
For more information on Wine Country Trails by Horseback, or to make a reservation, call 951-795-1444 or visit www.winecountrytrailsbyhorseback.com.

Gifts For Your Favorite Golfer

It’s that time of the year again. You still need to find that special someone in your life (who just happens to be a golf addict) that special something for Christmas.
This year you find yourself on a limited budget. Aren’t we all? So here are some suggestions that will hardly cost you anything or, at the very least, are bargains.
If your honey is like me, he or she can never have enough golf balls. Most golfers’ relationship with their golf balls is fleeting at best. They just seem to come and go at their leisure and your expense. After all, anything that you beat with a club, just how much is it really worth?
There is nothing more embarrassing than reaching in your golf bag on the 13th tee and coming up with a tube of sunblock and no golf balls. Spare your someone special that embarrassment.
Here are two suggestions: Grab your son’s Charger football helmet and head out to the nearest driving range for the black stripe label brand. They may have a few smiles in them, but it may help their slice.
If you’re not that adventurous and you’re a good swimmer, grab a pair of goggles, a fin and your bathing suit, and go free diving in the ponds at your neighborhood golf course.
If you’re caught, just tell the local authorities that you’re with the Sierra Club and you’re searching their ponds for a rare species of smelt fish. They will not only leave you alone, but they will probably buy you lunch, too. But remember: you didn’t hear it here.
Once you buy the balls, think about monogramming them with your golfer’s name. Now for me that doesn’t work. I don’t want a bunch of guys walking into the bar at the 19th hole saying, “Look here. I found another Dale Good golf ball.” But your recipient probably is a better golfer then I am.
If you want to go big this year, you can give a club membership to your golfing buddy. Although having the membership committee join you and your family on Christmas Eve is about the only way you can keep the surprise element in the gift.
If you want to go real real big, here’s the deal of the season: In Lewes (pronounced Louis), Delaware you can get a free brand new golf cart if you buy one of the homes at the Bay Front Development. Don’t rule it out. There is no sales tax in the state of Delaware and home prices and property taxes are a fraction of what you’ll pay here. But if you are going to do this as an option, make sure when you’re free diving for golf balls that you only take the orange ones, because… it snows in Delaware.
Back to reality. If your loved one happens to be taking golf a little too seriously and you want to calm him or her down, try to find one of those cheap wood burning sets, probably at Michael’s and make him or her a homemade sign of the Third Commandment, Thou shalt not take the Lord’s name in vain, especially on the golf course. It’s either the sign or seven weeks of very expensive therapy.
There you go. Don’t complain about not having any ideas for this Christmas season.
But, really, the best thing you can do this year is book a very expensive Christmas golf outing. Play golf every day. Eat at expensive restaurants every night. Do a little shopping at the pro shop and put all of this of your Visa card. That is truly the spirit of Christmas this year! Help a poor banker in need. Merry Christmas to one and all.

 

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