August 2011 Issue | Download the Full Issue

Get your fix of Broadway tunes on Thursday, August 18, when acclaimed director, Matthew Garbutt, leads the San Diego Symphony in a salute to Broadway at Fallbrook’s Grand Tradition.
It’s all part of the 26th annual Fallbrook Music Society Symphony Pops on the Green.
According to Brenda Montiel, president of the Society and co-chairman of the summer concert, “It’s a Fallbrook favorite. We have had this for twenty-six years now, and we get calls from all over from people who have moved away who want to make sure they get tickets for this particular event.
“People who are old timers here reserve tables, decorate them with flowers and bring their special picnic dinner. You look out over the venue and see these tables. It’s a big deal for many, many people.
“It’s an event that appeals to the entire community. It’s outdoors under the stars and a wonderful community experience. There is something for everybody. A lot of children are introduced to good music at these concerts. Usually there are at least a hundred young people attending,” she says.
Usually from 1200-1300 people attend. You can either sit on the grass or order a reserved table. Otherwise audience members can bring short lawn chairs. If you have higher backed chairs there is a special section off to the side reserved for you.
Either way you will enjoy a singular experience. As darkness falls at the Grand Tradition, with the orchestra on one side of the lake, reflected in the water with the stars, and the audience on the other side, it is a truly magical moment worth savoring.
The society is 34 years old. It offers four professional symphony concerts with the Redlands Symphony Orchestra and two chamber concerts and a Christmas concert and this summer concert each year. Most concerts are at the Bob Burton Center for the Performing Arts in Fallbrook.
Garbutt has earned critical acclaim in the U.S., Canada and the Far East where he has done innovative programming and conducting. He conducts a wide range of music from symphonies to pop music. This Los Angeles native has been the resident “pops” conductor of the San Diego symphony for several summers and has conducted in Fallbrook twice before.
The San Diego Symphony will play a mixture of American music and Broadway selections from West Side Story by Leonard Bernstein, George Gershwin’s Fascinatin’ Rhythm, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s highlights from Evita and selections from My Fair Lady, among many others. Guest vocal soloist will be Melissa Chaty, Miss California 2007, who finished in the top eight in the Miss America Pageant in 2008.
The evening will begin with the local Veterans of Foreign Wars who will do the unfurling of the colors. The orchestra will play the National Anthem and the Services Salute, which consists of the hymns of all of the military services. The flag bearers will lower the flags for each of the services.
It is a very moving and patriotic moment and is sure to stir your heart.
The Grand Tradition Estate is indeed a one-of-a-kind venue, and the sound is great.
“We have a large sound system to carry the music across the lake,” says Mrs. Montiel.
Remember, the gates open at 5:30 p.m., and the concert starts at 7:30 p.m. at the Grand Tradition, 1602 S. Mission Road, in Fallbrook. Parking is free and easy in front of the Grand Tradition Estate, with overflow parking close by.
Tickets are $25 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under. You can preorder picnic dinners for $11.
For tickets call the Fallbrook Music Society office at 760-451-8644, buy them at Major Market or on the Web site at www.fallbrookmusicsociety.org.

Quilting: It’s An Art Form!

Quilting isn’t just your grandmother’s arena. Younger people, children, even men, are finding it to be a vibrant art form that provides many ways to express creativity.
In recent years, technological advances like the Long Arm quilting machine and rotary cutters have reduced the labor intensity of quilting—so that those who are more interested in its artistic aspects than maneuvering their quilts through a home sewing machine can let their creativity flow!
And yes, it IS an art form. At least if you ask people for whom it is a passion. It is also an American art form, although as Herlinda Samaniego, president of the North County Quilters’ Association points out, “It started back in China and Japan, and a lot of it was basically for repair and warmth. But over the centuries, it turned into an art form for women to express themselves. Even the Amish, who can’t have embellishments, can do that on their hand quilting.
“There are quilt-related crafts, but quilting itself is an art form,” she says.
I’m not a quilter. Nor do I play one on TV, but I write about artists. So a year ago on a visit to Nebraska, I found myself driving by the International Quilt Study Center & Museum at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. It piqued my interest. I learned that it houses the largest public collection of quilts in the world, more than 900.
Then, when I heard about this year’s Southern California Quilter’s Run, in which hundreds of quilters participated, I realized there was more to this than an antique craft whose name suggests pioneers in covered wagons and womenfolk in gingham dresses and bonnets working in groups sewing squares of cloth by lamp light.
Of course, that is definitely part of its history, as Ruby Hoffman, events coordinator for the Fallbrook Quilt Guild, told me.
The guild started in September 1987 with 50 members. Today it has 130. Over the years, it has inspired many people to learn about quilting and quilting skills.
“Quilting started as a necessity for people to cover their bodies. Back then they threw nothing away—they used every scrap of fabric. But it has become an art form,” says Hoffman, who calls herself “a fabric painter.” “I do it with fabric instead of paint,” but she also paints with acrylics and oils. “They definitely do overlap,” she replies when asked if she finds herself thinking in both media. She has, for example, taken a watercolor and transferred the image onto a quilt.
She makes landscapes using fabric as paint and thread to enhance the image.
Hoffman does “free motion” quilting, a method of stitching complicated and curving designs by machine or by hand.
She agrees that the introduction of labor-saving devices such as the rotary cutter (replacing scissors) have brought more people into it. But not her. “I’ve been quilting on and off for the last thirty years,” she says. Back then you had to make your own templates and you spent a lot more time on drudge tasks.
Samaniego dates the labor saving changes to about 15 years ago. “Everyone today is on a speed mode. Can we get it done faster? The invention of the rotary cutter and the acrylic rulers helped bring about that change in quilting. You could not do it without acrylic rulers. Along with the self-healing mat that sits on your table where you slice your strips.”
When she started out 41 years ago, she used cereal boxes to cut the strips and made templates out of cardboard.
One of four daughters, she was raised without any knowledge of sewing or quilting. “When I heard about quilting, all I could think of was ‘I need to do this!’” she recalls.
You will find as many kinds of designs as there are quilters. Some do the “square within a square” pattern. Fallbrook Quilt Guild member, Sharon Wilhite, is known as the “dragon lady” because among the patterns she designs are often dragons.
Some guild members have gatherings like the old “quilting bees,” to do “quilts of love” to donate to babies or to Wounded Warriors.
The North County Quilters’ Association also does charitable work. “We have one quilt show in November and every penny goes into our charities,” says Samaniego.
Jan Chow, one of the proprietors of the Quilter’s Cottage in Fallbrook, is encouraged that quilting is becoming popular among young people and even men.
Among nationally known male quilters, count Ricky Tims, a pianist/composer, whose quilts have won international awards and who has put on shows of music and quilts at the California Center for the Arts, Escondido.
Says Samaniego, “We have twenty-two men who authored their own book patterns and have shows.”
It can be difficult to tell a quilt done by a man from one done by a woman. “I saw a quilt in Houston, and I was amazed that it was done by a man. It was hand quilted. So much is done by a machine but some of the best work is done by hand.”
On the other hand, some quilters show off their masculinity with quilts that are sports oriented or have a hunting theme.
Chow is helping to reintroduce quilting to a younger generation. “I do quilts for my kids and grandkids, and as they grow older, it will be something they will cherish,” says Chow, who has had 6-year-olds in quilting classes. “Sewing missed a generation, but it is coming back.”
Samaniego agrees. “We have four- year-olds starting out. There is a guild in Corona, and those children are given donations of fabrics and scraps. I saw a little girl who was six years old who was so excited about what she had created. A lot more boys are doing it. My two boys are self taught. They can do anything a woman can do.”
In Chow’s opinion, quilting is a hobby or an art form depending on how someone approaches it. But for all who do it, it IS a passion.
“It is such a multifaceted thing that to put people in a niche is tough. But it’s definitely creative, whether you consider yourself an artist or not. We all love fabric.”
Everyone who comes into her store wants to reach out and touch the fabric. “It’s part of the experience,” she says. “It’s very tactile. Quilts are meant to be seen and felt.”
Hoffman adds, “It’s hard for me not to want to touch any I see.”
And, as Samaniego says, “Once you’re hooked, you’re hooked!”
To find out more about the North County Quilters’ Association visit www.ncountyquilters.com.
The North County Quilters' Association meets the third Monday of each month, except for July and August, at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Escondido.

Quilting Resources
* * *
Quilter’s Cottage
131 E Fig St # 2, Fallbrook, CA 92028
760-723-3060.
Quilter’s Paradise
1451 Montiel Road,
Suite 140
Escondido, CA 92026
760-738-9677
Fallbrook Quilt Guild
P.O. Box 1704, Fallbrook, CA 92088
Meets the first Thursday of each month at 6 p.m. at the Fallbrook Community Center. To find out more visit http://fallbrookquiltguild.com

Craft Beers and Charities: Stone Brewing Co. Celebrates 15th Anniversary

Stone Brewing Co. is celebrating another ‘hoppy’ year this month at its 15th Anniversary Celebration and Invitational Beer Festival.
Leave it to Stone Brewing to use its anniversary celebration as a way to serve a higher purpose by inviting fans to join them in drinking beer and raising money for local charities. You can feel warm and fuzzy without drinking a drop knowing your entrance fee is going to organizations like the Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos, Palomar Family YMCA, the Surfrider Foundation and Fight ALD (adrenoleukodystrophy).
“With just this one event alone, through our customers and fans, we have been able to give more than $1 million to local charities over the past years,” said Randy Clemens, Public Relations Coordinator for Stone Brewing Co.
The chosen charities are near and dear to Stone Brewing co-founders Greg Koch and Steve Wagner, as well as the rest of the Stone Brewing Co. family. Clemens said that Wagner has been involved with the Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos for years, and that as a community member and the father of two, he knows the importance of the Surfrider Foundation and the Palomar Family YMCA. Fight ALD is a research and education foundation started by Janis Sherwood, the wife of Bill Sherwood, who is Stone Brewing’s facilities manager.
The Sherwoods lost their son, Sawyer, to ALD in 2003 and have made a commitment to educating the public and medical professionals about this rare and often misdiagnosed disease ever since. In addition to donating funds from the anniversary celebration, Stone Brewing also helps raise money and awareness for ALD by brewing a special craft beer called “Sawyer’s Triple.”
“Not only is it a way to honor the Sherwoods’ son, Sawyer, but one hundred percent of all proceeds from purchases go to Fight ALD,” Clemens said. “All the ingredients to make the beer are donated, so every cent is profit for the charity.”
Stone Brewing’s main anniversary celebration is scheduled to take place Saturday, August 20, at Cal State University, San Marcos and will feature two sessions: 11 a.m. –2 p.m. and 3–6 p.m. The cost per session is $40 and includes a commemorative 15th anniversary tasting glass, ten samples, free homebrewed sodas by the Society of Barley Engineers, samples of Mike’s Beer Cheese, Arrogant Bastard Ale onion rings and more. Participants can choose from over 100 beers including one-offs and special releases from more than 40 breweries. The main tent will also have a special cask section with six featured Stone brews.
All day passes are also available to attend both sessions. However, these exclusive passes are already sold out (likely because all day access includes everything from the main festival, plus access to a much less crowded, rare beer tent that has live music, special brewer appearances and complimentary food by Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens.)
A separate Brewers Reception will be held from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday night. The cost of this event is $75 and includes dozens of beers and complimentary gourmet food and the opportunity to meet with world-class brewers who are bringing their beers to Saturday’s festival.
“Friday night is always a lot of fun,” Clemens said. “We limit it to 750 attendees, so it’s less crowded, more relaxed and just a really great time. We expect around seven thousand people for Saturday’s event so Friday is definitely a different experience.”
As always, Stone Brewing Co. promotes responsible drinking and is offering $25 tickets for designated drivers at the door. In addition, they are pushing public transportation.
“One of the great things about holding the event at Cal State San Marcos is the fact that a Sprinter stop is right there,” Clemens said. “We encourage people to take the Sprinter or get a cab.”
It takes all hands on deck plus some additional volunteers to make the event go off without a hitch, and according to Clemens, they have a pretty good, well-oiled machine.
“Cal State San Marcos has always been receptive and very accommodating for our event,” Clemens said. “We bring in our ideas and they have theirs. Together we dial it down to make sure everyone has a good time and help do good for the community.”
Stone Brewing Co.’s 15th Anniversary Celebration and Invitational Beer Festival is scheduled for Friday, August 19 and Saturday, August 20. The event is for adults only. Ticket sales and additional information can be found on their website at www.stonebrew.com/anniv.

The One Man Band That Is Rez Radio

Rez Radio is definitely not a “tower of power” or a “blowtorch covering all of Southern California.” It is a 100-watt specialized radio station that serves the residents of the Pala Reservation, i.e. “the Rez.” It began broadcasting in February of this year.
If you turn the station on at random, you might hear a local talk radio show, a broadcast of a local softball game, or even bird dancing, which is a cultural activity of many local tribes. Tune in after midnight, and you’ll hear some old time radio shows, such as The Great Gildersleve, Fibber McGee and Molly, Red Skelton and Tales of the Texas Rangers.
Rez Radio, KOPA 91.3 FM, does have a tower. At the foot of the tower is a small office that houses the radio station, including a studio, which is essentially a one-man band operated by John Fox, general manager.
“I think it blows people away that we can get by with a skeleton staff and some volunteers,” he says.
Fox is a Fallbrook native who has been in the radio business for 35 years, announcing for stations such as KFMB, B-100, and several stations in the Los Angeles area.
He first got involved in the radio station last summer, but its story goes back to the wildfires of 2007, when the Pala tribe realized that it had no real way of communicating during emergencies with the several hundred residents of the community.
Shortly after the fires, the tribe began the application process with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to get an FM station license.
By the time Fox came along, they had renovated the building where the station is located—a one time sewage treatment plant.
“A few years ago, it would have been ridiculous for one man to run a radio station, but the technology today now makes it possible for one person to run a radio show 24-7,” says Fox. Obviously, he does that with a lot of recorded shows, although there is also some live programming, mostly in the mornings and early afternoons. Some shows are done by volunteers.
Recently, they experimented with carrying a live softball game. “The hold up was doing a professional play-by-play of the game,” says Fox.
Recently, they also did a live broadcast of a hearing involving one of the local hot button issues: the proposed Gregory Canyon Landfill.
Any show you hear on the weekend, or outside of 8 a.m.–8 p.m. on a weekday, is pre-recorded.
The radio station’s frequency is “shoe-horned into Southern California, which is one of the most over-radioed airwaves in the nation.”
FM has limited range, basically line-of-sight, unlike AM radio, which you can sometimes pick up thousands of miles away if atmospheric conditions are right. So the range of Rez Radio is about five miles, which takes in most of the community. You can also get the show on streaming Internet (http://216.240.145.44:9000/stream.m3u) anywhere in the world, which, Fox suspects, will probably be the way that most people listen to radio stations in the not-too-distant future. Especially once automobiles are equipped to receive it. Many people already receive it on their telephones.
Obviously, when you have that small of a broadcast radius, thousands of people are not hanging on to your every word. In fact, if 100% of those who could be listening to it were listening to it, the audience would be about 2,000.
However, Fox says that every day he hears someone say they heard something on the streaming Internet show. And he gets plenty of feedback from the radio shows.
“None of it is negative. I am getting compliments without getting criticism,” he says.
He considers “microcasting” to be very much the wave of the future, “because traditional broadcasting is very homogenized and predictable.”
People have their favorite shows and favorite times to listen. From 10 a.m.–1 p.m., talk shows and news are programmed, including ones with local hosts.
Fox does Pala Today, a half hour news show, every weekday at noon. On Thursdays, Kilma Lattin, the tribal secretary, hosts Pala Nation a call-in and opinion on headlines, current affairs and other topics of interest.
Right now Rez Radio is a wide-open opportunity for those who have always wanted to get into radio but haven’t had the opportunity. As a recruiting announcement on the station’s Web site puts it: “Claim your own hour or two per week playing your favorite music or just host our usual REZ RADIO 91.3 music mix. Talk about hobbies, current affairs, or whatever you like. Amaze your friends and neighbors! We welcome whatever you have to offer that will enrich life here in Pala. Your show might even lead to a new career.”
There are no commercials. FM band radio stations below 92 are noncommercial. However, advertising is allowed on the streaming Web page.
After the old-time radio shows, for the rest of the night you’ll find pre-recorded music, including, rock, country, reggae (“always huge,” says Fox), native music, soul and rhythm and blues. The mix was determined through surveying the listeners.
“We need more local programming,” he says. “We need more hosted hours, a little more network programming.”
Fox spends a lot of his time reading local papers for his news show. “I try to stay away from sensational police blotter type of news, but I’m interested in anything that affects development or that affects Pala.”
He adds, “You don’t have to be a Pala resident to be a volunteer. “For people who have been bitten by the radio bug, there is a lot of promise here. If you’ve been bitten by that bug, we’re happy to give you a voice.”

Pala Raceway: A Mecca for Speed Junkies

Speed junkies from around the country are quickly discovering a premier racing facility right here in San Diego County.
Pala Raceway, located just minutes from where Highway 76 crosses the I-15, opened in 2008 and has gained a reputation in the motocross and off-road racing communities as a state-of-the-art race park that’s sure to put on a good race for the fans.
The raceway features 12 separate professionally-designed and prepared tracks, including: Main Motocross, Vet Motocross, Grand Prix Motocross, Amateur Supercross, 80cc-150cc Moto-cross, 50cc-65cc Mini, Adult Mini, Stadium Side x Side/UTV, Quad, Mini Quad, Professional Supercross and Super Moto tracks. In addition, the facility includes more than 300 campsites, a clubhouse, a restaurant, a three-acre fishing pond, a BMX race track, and a bike wash for all park visitors.
Ongoing projects, either in progress or in the plans for the future at the facility, include a three-process watering system that allows optimum track conditions for riders and dust control for neighbors and the environment, as well as a series of custom garages for racers and an outdoor park for families in the community.
The track itself is focused mainly on motocross, offering full-size tracks ranging in difficulty and experience for every level of riding participant. Pala Raceway also has tracks for mini motorcycles, giving kids ample room and time to develop into confident riders that can eventually progress to the adult tracks.
The raceway is also currently constructing a Quad track for ATV use, which will feature wider lanes allowing more passing, big but safe jumps, and natural elevation changes that will thrill Quad riders. There are also plans to build a Mini ATV area for kids to learn in a safe and controlled environment all the skills of off-roading.
In addition to great racing, the facility also offers a wide variety of restaurants to help keep race fans very well-fed throughout the action on the track.
Pala Raceway shares a strong interest in community development, and those involved with the raceway are committed to working closely with the Pala Band of Mission Indians to ensure that the property improvements are designed to enhance the master environmental plan.
Park-like settings, picnic areas, children's play areas and premium camping facilities are all designed to create a memorable family vacation or televised major event. Every part of the property will be designed to create a fun, safe and drug free environment that the Pala Band of Mission Indians, neighborhood, community and county will be proud of.
For more information about Pala Raceway, visit their Web site at www.palaraceway.com.

Hairspray: A Happy Play That Will Light Up Your Evening

Hairspray, the wild and funny musical about a big girl who doesn’t let anyone tell her that she can’t dream BIG, will play August 17–September 3 at the Moonlight Amphitheater in Vista.
Steven Glaudini, who started his acting career at the Moonlight and has gone on to be a become a multiple-award-winning director (of the San Diego Theater Critics award among others) and artistic director of Musical Theater West in Long Beach, will direct this summer’s offering of Hairspray, based on John Waters’ classic film and on the recent musical film.
I caught up with the director as he was beginning his first rehearsal of the show.
Although every director brings his own interpretations to a show, Glaudini wants to make his version look like the original Broadway show, with scenic elements that reflect that experience.
“I thought that the performances in that version were sincere. My intention as the director is to keep the sincerity of the piece and the laughs are sure to come. At the center, it is a story about acceptance of this chubby girl who has big dreams and who is not going to let her weight get in her way.”
The part of the mom, Edna Turnblad, is always played by a man. It was played by John Travolta in the musical film, and in the original non-musical film by the drag queen Divine, an actor director Waters used in several of his films.
“So it was an homage that if you were going to do Hairspray with John Waters’ blessing, you would do it with a man in the part of Edna Turnblad,” explains Glaudini.
Randall Hickman will play the part in the Moonlight production. Hickman is a big star at the Moonlight, although he hasn’t appeared there in about ten years because he has his own production company.
For Glaudini it will be a pleasure working with Hickman again. In his first show at the Moonlight, Glaudini played Mr. Smee to Hickman’s Captain Hook in Peter Pan.
Tracy Turnblad, the star, will be played by Kimberly Zolozabal, who is new to the theater. “She has never auditioned for me before. She is brand new and had the joy in her eyes,” says Glaudini.
In Hairspray, Tracy Turnblad is a chubby girl who refuses to take no for an answer, and, says Glaudini, Zolozabal captured that spirit. “She lit up the audition. It’s a dream for any kid to light up the show and get the boy. It’s a perfect role.”
Although Glaudini has directed many serious shows, such as Miss Saigon, West Side Story, Cabaret, Children of Eden and Les Miserables, he occasionally likes to get away from that and direct something that is just fun.
“I think one reason Hairspray became so successful is because the first Broadway version of it hit post-9/11. That’s when this big, fat, joyous hit opened. It was a time when no serious pieces were lasting in New York City. That was one thing that shot Hairspray to the top. I think it is perfectly constructed. It’s a great score, too.
“Being made into a musical again with John Travolta and Michelle Pfeiffer helped too. I think people are attracted to an underdog story. We all have our own flaws, and you see a kid who is being told by her parents that you have to be big to dream big. If you want to do something, whether you are fat or skinny—go for it! There is a lot to admire in the story and in the heroine.
“What I love about the show is that it is a feel good musical that inspires the audience to get up and dance with the actors.”
Although Glaudini is the Artistic Director of Musical Theater West, he enjoys coming out during the summer to direct a show at the Moonlight. Next year he will direct Spamalot, a musical comedy based on Monty Python and the Holy Grail.
“It’s nice to have a light show, because I tend to have the heavier shows. I’m also looking forward to working with choreographer John Vaughan.
“There is nothing wrong with going to the theater and having a great time. It’s a feel good play that has a nice message. That’s my favorite kind of theater—theater that can touch you and at the same time you are totally entertained.”
Glaudini adds, “And no one dies in it, unlike Le Mis and Miss Saigon.”
To find out more about the Moonlight’s summer series, visit their Web site at: www.moonlightstage.com.

Archives of Escondido: 25 Years of Doing What She Loves

Allison Waning has been doing what she loves for 25 years. Waning is the owner of Archives of Escondido, Inc., and her love is the creativity of framing and showcasing beloved works of art and cherished memorabilia.
“This is all I’ve ever really done. Now I’m getting my clients’ kids as clients!” she says.
Picture framing was her first job when she was still in high school. “After twenty-five years of picture framing, I still love coming to work and finishing a project. I feel so blessed to have a career that I love. How lucky am I?”
She designs each custom framing to order, then goes in the back and creates it. She gets a thrill the first time she shows off the finished product.
Before it became Archives, it was known as J&J Gallery. Retired original owner, Jean O’Connor, still drops by to visit and has been a customer for years.
“When you bring your family heirlooms, photos or fine art pieces, even objects for shadow boxing, I can show you a variety of ways to frame it, as well as different price ranges to fit your budget.”
She moved to her present location in the Major Market and Trader Joe’s shopping center three years ago. “I like the location a lot. A lot of my old clients find me. They are loyal, and they find me.
“My customers are truly the greatest. They stop by just to say ‘hi,’ to check on me, even to have a cup of coffee and a quick visit. This community has been so caring and thoughtful as well as loyal. My house is full of wonderful pieces of art that have been given to me by local artists, and that I will keep forever. They are truly gifts from the heart, and it is a pleasure to represent so many of them over the years.”
Some of the artists whose works are on display at the gallery include:
Burton Enquist—A talented photographer who takes beautiful scenic photos in his travels, many of them of Italy and Paris. According to Waning, “Burton’s photos are appreciated by many!”
Carole Duebbert — Waning describes her as a “photographer I have enjoyed for many years at Archives. She captures beauty in so many things, like flowers and fruit. Her best seller has been a photo of lemon slices. She also does all my photos for advertising and marketing.” Her work can be seen at www.caroleduebbertphotograph.com.
Alicia Sotherland—A national award winner. “This talented pastel artist is best known for her portraits. She also does workshops and shows out of her own studio. This artist has a long list of awards.” See her work at www.aliciasotherland.com.
Don Garret—This photographer has captured beautiful scenic photos, from desert scenes to oceans.
Lise Martinez—Waning says, “I framed her pictures when I first started picture framing. I was only seventeen! She is a longtime friend and once was a business partner here at Archives. Lise is also an award-winning photographer. Her works are on display for many to enjoy and includes a greeting card line.”
Darrel McPherson—An award winning plein air artist who was featured in the July issue of The Boulevard Magazine. His work can be found at www.darrelmcpherson.com.
Lee Otsubo—A talented fine art photographer who also does portraits. He also teaches classes, workshops and events. You can find his work at www.thedigitalphotoguy.com.
Lenore Combs—Waning describes her as “a very talented Valley Center portrait artist whose work is done in pastels or oils. Lenore has been commissioned to do many of my clients’ pet portraits, as well as family portraits.”
Waning says, “These are just a handful of artists that are on display at the moment. They have all been very loyal framing customers, as well as displaying their works of art in the store. I appreciate all their support over the years.”
All picture framing is done right in the store by Waning herself. She has no employees and doesn’t send anything out. “This is where I cut the moulding, matting and glass and the backboard and do the assembly,” she says with professional pride. “I’m not transporting peoples’ work. I treat every picture as if it was my own.”
She also offers an ultraviolet (UV) laminate film that goes over any photo or poster, which gives a lustrous finish while protecting against fading. The great thing about this finish is that it can be used with or without glass. She also offers museum glass, which is a high quality anti-reflective glass.
She works with local artists who do photo restoration and clean-up of oil paintings. She also knows art appraisers who can help you value your artwork.
The store was formerly on Escondido Boulevard, and is now located at 1815-B South Centre City Parkway in Escondido.
Store hours are Tuesday–Friday, 10 a.m.–6 p.m. and Saturday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. They are closed Sunday and Monday, but are always available for appointments.

Spend Your Summer Evening at a City Park

Looking for the perfect family event? Try the City of Temecula Summer Sunset Film and Concert Series, which began in early June and will conclude in August with a couple of Disney movies and two rock and roll concerts.
The Moonlight Movies in the Park series is part of the fun. Think of it as a drive-in movie, except in a park. It is held in a rotating series of parks to make it convenient for families in different parts of the city. According to Gail Zigler, administrative assistant with the city’s Community Services Dept., “Each movie night we are at a different park, Temeku Hills Park, Temecula Duck Pond, Harvest and Community Park, Patricia H. Birdsall Sports, and two of the movies are held inside the Ronald Reagan Sports Park in the outdoor Temecula Amphitheater located at the Community Recreation Center [30875 Rancho Vista Road].”
The concerts are held every Thursday night at 8:30 p.m. at the amphitheater.
The movies begin at dusk, with activities such as crafts and games starting at 6 p.m.
Because Temecula’s school kids return to class in August, there are only two more concerts and two more movies left to go.
On August 4, celebrate the end of summer with the Sam Morrison Band, a premier showcase of Southern Rock classics and originals, performing hits from Lynyrd Skynyrd, Allman Brothers, .38 Special, ZZ Top, Bob Seger and many others.
On August 5, see Disney’s Beauty and the Beast at the Temecula Duck Pond.
On August 11, dance and listen to Roadwork, a classic rock band.
On August 12, see Disney’s Beverly Hills Chihuahua at Temeku Hills Park.
According to Zigler, the concerts have been going on for 11 years, and this is the sixth year for the movies.
The free concerts average 800 attendees. Besides the music, there are face painters and light refreshments, such as kettle corn and funnel cakes that people can purchase.
The movies average about 500 people.
“The community appreciates it,” says Zigler. “Every year we get half a dozen people writing into the city saying thanks so much, and many families have been coming since the beginning. I’ve seen their kids growing up in front of my eyes.”
For more information visit Temecula’s Web site: www.cityoftemecula.org/Temecula/Residents/SpecialEvents.

Garden Center Cafe and Grill: Worth Driving For!

When I visited the Garden Center Cafe and Grill in Fallbrook to sample their outstanding (and huge!) bread pudding with vanilla and brandy sauce, I noticed a middle-aged couple sitting nearby.
“What are you having?” I asked. Whatever it was, it looked like they were enjoying it enormously.
“The Huevos Rancheros! We always come for the Huevos Rancheros for breakfast,” they said, introducing themselves as Jerry and Sue.
“We come all the way from Temecula for Huevos Rancheros. And we rush too because they stop selling it at 10:30!” he added.
This breakfast dish IS popular at the Garden Center Cafe, and what’s not to like? A tortilla, two eggs, ranchero sauce (that’s the key ingredient, of course), cheese, avocado and black beans.
According to Clayton Porter, the manager, there are loyal customers who eat breakfast at the cafe just about every morning. “They come to hang out and socialize. It’s kind of a meeting place in the mornings.” What else would you expect from a restaurant that has a sign on the door that says, “Enter as Strangers, Leave as Friends.”
When the weather is fine—like it is now—they can take advantage of the 85 seats in the covered patio which is framed with a waterfall, seasonal flowers, twinkle lights and a fountain. Because it has such generous outdoor seating, the restaurant is very popular for rehearsal dinners.
But eggs and rancheros sauce aren’t the only savory attractions at the cafe. It has a wide variety of fresh American cuisine. It does breakfast and lunch seven days a week, and dinner three nights: Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
The favorite restaurant of many diners in Fallbrook, it is definitely one of the higher-end dining experiences, a place where you can get prime rib, different kinds of fresh fish and certified Angus beef, served with a white tablecloth and black linen. But you don’t have to dress like you’re in Mr. A’s, unless you are in the mood. But however you dress, be prepared for some outstanding food.
“If you want a great steak, this is the place to be!” says Porter, who is the son of Bill & Vicki Porter, who have owned and operated the restaurant for the past 11 years. Many of their employees have been with them for many years, too, including chef Huventino Mendoza, who has been there from the beginning.
He and his colleagues use the freshest ingredients and make everything from scratch—and that includes the incredible desserts such as the bread pudding that I told you about earlier.
For lunch, remember that everything at the restaurant is based on fresh produce and homemade sauces. One of the most popular items is the Fresh Berry Salad, made with mixed greens, fresh strawberries, blackberries and raspberries, diced chicken breast, carmaleized walnuts, and bleu cheese with a champagne raspberry vinaigrette dressing. “We make all of our dressings in house,” says Porter. “It’s labor intensive, but worth it.”
Equally in demand for lunch is the Garden Center Salad, which includes mixed greens, bacon, feta cheese, golden raisins, pine nuts and sweet onion vinaigrette dressing.
Soups are also popular, with the most popular being the Turkey Tortilla Soup.
There are ten sandwiches on the lunch menu. Clayton Porter’s personal favorite is the Lemon Basil Chicken sandwich, made with marinated and grilled chicken breast.
I mentioned earlier that the Garden Center is the place to go for a steak, but if you have a hankering for seafood, you can’t beat the salmon stuffed with spinach and mascarpone cheese. That’s a BIG favorite. So is the certified Angus fillet of beef smothered in mushrooms and gorgonzola sauce.
“We try to change the dinner menu every six months,” says Porter, “We keep the favorites all through the year, but we have somewhat heavier sauces in the winter.”
They also have a well stocked wine and beer list, with many of the wines very moderately priced. “I see some of the same bottles of wine that we sell going for three times the amount at other restaurants,” he says.
Their hours are as follows:
Dinner on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, starting at 5 p.m. and seating through 8 p.m.
Breakfast and lunch every day, 7:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m.
Sunday, 8 a.m.–2 p.m.
For reservations call 760-728-4147.
The Garden Center Cafe and Grill is located at 1625 S. Mission Road in Fallbrook. Visit them online at www.gardencentercafeandgrill.com.

Orfila Vineyards and Winery Jump Starts Stomping Season!

Grape harvesting season is just around the corner—which can only mean one thing—it’s grape stomping time! Kicking off the season on Saturday, August 27 is Orfila Vineyards and Winery in Escondido.
“We’re usually the very first of all the wineries from Escondido to Temecula to hold a grape stomp,” said Steffi Habermann, Events Manager at Orfila. “There actually aren’t that many wineries that do stomps anymore, but we do it every year in August, and we sell out every time.”
This year’s event will run from 4–8 p.m. and features live music, hors d’oeuvres, grape stomping, dancing, tractor rides through the vineyard, wine tastings and a huge dinner buffet.
The food always gets rave reviews, says Habermann. The main menu includes oven roasted lemon-herb drenched chicken, grilled flat iron steak, vegetable lasagna, asparagus spears and lots of amazing sides and fixings. There will also be grazing stations featuring baked mushroom-topped Brie, pates and gourmet crackers, fresh fruit, garden vegetable spears and an assortment of California cheeses and sliced La Brea baguettes.
While the food might be a great highlight, the grape stomping is still the headliner of the day.
“Everyone has a blast at the stomp,” Habermann said. “We have a large vat full of grapes where ten to fourteen people can stomp at a time, and we have individual vats as well. We empty and refill them throughout the day so participants get fresh grapes to stomp.”
Habermann said the large vat is a favorite because a whole group can experience stomping together. If you’re picturing the famous I Love Lucy episode, that’s exactly what it’s like. In fact, Habermann said every year they have a handful of groups that dress up like Lucille Ball to do the stomp.
“It’s hilarious,” Habermann exclaimed. “There is one Lucy group that comes every year. The same group dressing up as Lucille Ball and doing the stomp. It’s fun to watch them enjoy themselves so much.”
The stomp is for adults, and Habermann said they encourage guests to make a weekend out of it.
“We have arranged for discounted rooms at several hotels nearby, and they actually have shuttles that will take you to and from the grape stomp,” Habermann said. “This makes it easy to have a good time and not have to worry about anything. You can just kick back, enjoy some wine and dance. Everyone seems to love to dance after drinking wine.”
The cost of Orfila’s 18th Annual Grape Stomp is $85 a person ($68 for OWL club members). If you would like to learn more about the event or purchase tickets, call 1-800-868-9463 or visit www.orfila.com. Tickets are also on sale in the tasting room located at 13455 San Pasqual Road in Escondido.

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