Featured Stories

The Rancho Santa Fe Art Guild Bites the Dust -- Union Bank Forecloses Art Show 

The latest Rancho Santa Fe Art Guild Show titled "Passions" opened this week to record gallery crowds but it didn't go off quite as advertised.

The show was scheduled to run until July 5. However, Union Bank, the Guild's landlord foreclosed on the Guild and the show. They have been evicted from their Paseo Delicias space with two weeks notice and must vacate the premises by the end of the month.

Looks like the Rancho Santa Fe Art  Guild has outs own problems with financial institutions, namely the Union Bank a subject of frequent criticism for its financial practices.

A larger than usual crowd gathered at the Rancho Santa Fe Art Guild on Thursday, it turned out because this was the final art show ever after 15 years at the location in the rear of the Union Bank building on Paseo Delicias.

Union Bank officials who were not named told Guild officials last week they had to be off the premises by the end of May. They said they needed to expand the bank facility.

Also evicted with one months warning, the Rancho Santa Fe Foundation. 

Guild officials said they had no new location identified or idea how they would find one. However, they said they had several good options they hoped to pursue. Until that time, it was unclear how members or the guild would show work locally.

The new show will be held at a member's house, according to officials.

Union Bank officials could not be reached for comment.

... (more)

Le Style Francais

The French have a legendary sense of style.  French Country design is characterized by charm, warmth, and sophistication with roots in the sunny hillsides of rural France.  The versatility of being relaxed, yet refined, draws its inspiration from the country homes and rustic farmhouses in the south of France.

 With the comfort and tradition French Country design offers, it gives life and a reference to the past in a room.  French Country interiors can be rustic and humble, or sophisticated and glamorous.  It’s all about creating a space that is inviting, elegant, yet relaxed, and full of comfort and character.

 French Country furniture has the ambiance of curved panels, handcrafted details, rush seating, and other natural materials.  The emphasis for furniture leans towards a rustic feel.  The more lived in, the better.  Furniture is often distressed in finish, but ornate with detailed carvings.  Dark woods are often used, as are pieces that have been stripped and softly washed with paint.  Well worn and loved antiques, and eclectic furnishings from different eras mix well, as they have that sense of being passed down through generations.  They bring personality to a space that is French Country at its best.  

 Large scale furniture and accessories bring an authentic note into a French Country interior.  Even in a smaller space, scale up pieces to suggest roominess and individuality to be appreciated more.

Textures are important in creating French Country rooms.  Rooms are more interesting when you layer an intriguing mix of textures.  Chipped paint, rusted iron, crackle, or weathered patina finishes with a timeworn look, create that undeniable sensuous French feel.  Ironwork is very popular as well.  Iron accent pieces such as wall grilles, sconces, candleholders, and wire baskets are often used when designing a room.  Adding chicken wire to cabinetry, especially when you show off your finest china and glassware, is another very French detail.

The colors of Provence are the centerpiece of French Country design.  When you think of the Provencal countryside, you think of rich vivid hues such as sunny golden yellows, azure blues, soft lavender, deep reds, bright greens, and creamy whites.  Part of the fun of French Country decorating is that you can use these colors at the same time by combining them so they compliment each other without competing.  Add fresh color by pairing an exuberant yellow paisley with a blue check fabric, or mix a rustic red Provencal floral with a green plaid, and c’est si bon!  In France, a room isn’t finished unless it has many different patterns and colors, so throw away the idea that everything has to match.

One of my favorite lines of French furnishings, fabrics, and accessories is Pierre Deux.  I spoke with their marketing director in New York, Heather Ryan, about some of their recent introductions.  She said, “In French Country decorating, color, often vibrant, sunny colors reflecting the natural elements of the countryside dominate.  We continue to feature lots of our signature yellows and blues.  Last but not least, Pierre Deux has gone to the dogs.  We know the French love their pets, and now we have introduced our first collection of pet accessories.”

The French certainly do have a way with their approach to design.  Every detail in designing their interiors is well thought out.  By combining natural materials, a mix of unique textures, vivid Provencal colors, traditional French Country fabrics, and a little je ne sais quoi, French Country style can turn your home into a cheerful refuge!

Swedish design uses pale colors to lighten rooms...

 In a country that is dark for half of the year, the Swedes have come to cleverly use color to lift their spirits and brighten dark, gloomy spaces.

White and the palest, powdery soft shades of blue are often seen in Swedish design, and bring a lightness to the interiors of this northern European style.

Subject to many influences, Swedish design closely identifies with the Gustavian style, named after King Gustav III. Inspired by French court pieces, Swedish style simplifies the ornateness and busy details of the French influence, as this region has plainer taste.

The Swedes love their simplicity. Pared down versions in furnishings with clean lines, minimal carved detail, gentle curves and legs that are delicate and taper to the floor are common in Swedish homes.

Wood is crucial in Swedish style.  Much of the country is forested and virtually all of the furniture is made of those woods. Through the centuries, the Swedes have developed a talent for painting pieces to make them look sophisticated and refined with soft finishes and subtle backgrounds.

Painted, bleached or stained woods in pale tones of white or gray with distressing retains its elegance that is 18th century Neoclassical design.

Today, reproduction furniture is made by Swedish craftspeople.  Ann Millang, owner of St. Barths Home in Laguna Niquel (formerly Swedish Blonde Furniture Inc. in North Carolina), recently had her home photographed in Laguna Beach by Edie Van Breems who authored a book titled “Swedish Interiors in America.”

“Things are changing in the industry due to competition from China,” Ann said.  “I have tried very hard to remain loyal to my Swedish factories since we have developed most of the designs with them and want them to do well. They are still using Swedish hardwoods and doing hand carved details on all the chairs and our bed finials. We are working with other countries such as Belgium, that still have the Northern influence of light finishes and woods, but with a bit more edge.”

In traditional Swedish interiors, accessories are kept to a minimum, allowing open space and light to take center stage.  Chosen for their usefulness and their virtual appeal, accessories include crystal and painted chandeliers, wood gilt framed mirrors to reflect what light there is, natural raffia or light colored woven textured rugs, soft, pale ceramics and clear glass pieces in simple shapes.

Simple woven and textured  cotton and linen fabrics are commonly used for upholstery, window treatments and bedding in Swedish design. Padded headboards and canopy beds are popular.  

Yards and yards of white fabric mounted on a coronet or attached with ring on the ceiling are often seen. When patterns are used, they are in the form of checks, stripes or delicate florals.

Predominant colors are pale blues and soft grays on a white background. The overall effect is minimalist. There is a lot of harmony with the simplicity of these colors and fabrics that create a serene Scandinavian feel.

Calm interiors, soothing pale color palettes, elegance with a lightness in color and mood, formal but not stuffy with a comfortable, casually aged feel – that is the essence of Swedish style.

AWE Center non-profit foundation holds day camp, offers health and alkaline water plans...

 For more info: http://bheauviewranch.com/home

Arts. Health and wellness. Equestrian education. And more. The AWE Center Foundation at Bheau View Ranch is coming on strong in 2013 with a variety of programs and opportunities fit for fulfilling resolutions, not to mention helping create a better you and yours.

The AWE Center is a non-profit 501.c foundation whose mission is to preserve the balance of nature for  future generations amidst the ever-growing pressure of development.  In association with Bheau View Ranch, it shares the property that has been the home of hundreds of rescued horses.

Ideally situated in the Merriam Mountains on the east side of Twin Oaks, San Marcos in San Diego’s North County, it has the unique feature of high alkaline, high mineral content waters from a 1,000-foot deep well.

 "I came here because Dr. Vaughn Harada, who was treating me, told me about the water and later held a regenerative lifestyle seminar. The only water that tested higher than this water is in Japan. I could really feel the difference. It was like my body just craves it now. The water is smoother and has more texture to it."

-- Merle Morgan-Grainge, M.S. Oriental Medicine, Dipl. Ac, L.Ac.,  a highly regarded Physician of Oriental Medicine, lecturer and Medical Qigong instructor with a private clinical practice in Los Angeles.

Bheau View Ranch hosts its winter camp 2013 for students ages 7 to 17. The daily 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. program continues through Jan. 18. This camp gives children a healthy program of activities with the emphasis on active. This means horse and pony introductory training, grooming and basic vet care. Students learn how to communicate with horses through body language and also learned what horses were trying to communicate through their movements. Camp also includes jewelry making, painting with watercolors, and story writing stories.

New for 2013, the center has been accepting new memberships. These represent valuable savings and help support the community.

Annual $199 Membership $199 

Includes:

--1 Free Gallon of Water a Month ($60 Value)
--1 Free Mud/Water Hole Soak a Year ($55 Value)
--10% Discount off of Spa Services and Water Hole Soak ($10-$50 value)
--10% Discount on Gift Certificates
--Members Only Appreciation Event Once a Year
Referral Rewards: 20 Referral Rewards for each person that a Member refers and purchases 5 Gallons of water or purchases a Spa Service.
-- Members Accumulating 100 Rewards receive 5 Free Gallons of water ($25 value).

To purchase memberships visit: Membership Link

For more information and to make reservations, call 760-877-1055, or visit  http://bheauviewranch.com/home .

22 years ago John Elway sent me to the Pro Bowl armed with many Sony Watchman TV's...

  (The National Football League today plays its Pro Bowl all-star game in Hawai'i. This marks the 22nd anniversary of my one, and only, appearance with the NFL all-stars at Aloha Stadium. I'm DVR'ing the BIG GAME, so don't tell me no stinkin' scores. This is MY Super Bowl in some respects, and I can thank John Elway for the honor.)

John Elway sent me to the Pro Bowl. Guess who is my favorite all-time NFL player.

The Pro Bowl generally is a laid-back affair, past and future, at Aloha Stadium. It features special rules such as no blitzing, no zone defenses, no trick offensive formations.

The games are low-key for a while, that is until the second half when the all-star competitive juices -- not, those kind, lighten up -- kick in and some rules are better honored in their breach than their observance.

But the Pro Bowl is an afterthought as yet, the week before the Super Bowl this year, and in past years the week following the Super Bowl when most everybody has gone football home.

Not for me. The Pro Bowl is mine, baby, all mine, thanks to Elway.

ESPN, 22 years ago, staged a "You Pick the Play -- Quarterback Challenge" contest. For four Sundays in November, viewers of the ESPN game of the week could call a 1-900 number at $5.95 a pop, limited to one call per quarter with the objective of picking the next play a team would run.

ESPN divided the field into sections by yard markers and hash-marks. Plays were assigned point totals. A running play to the right side was one point. A 10-yard pass to the left side was three points. A completed pass of more than 25 yards between the hash marks of the middle of the field had the highest point total. It was five freakin' points.

Under the very fine print section of the rules, ESPN deigned to disclose a toll-free number would be provided if requested. I believe there was some kind of law requiring this. I requested, baby, and I got to work. I studied the offenses of the teams that would appear in the four contest games.

 Elway's Broncos de Denver was one of the teams, and even played in two of the games. It soon became apparent Elway was the guy who was going to punch my golden ticket to Diamond-head. This was the one guy with the arm, desire and ability to max out my point total with long bombs down the middle of the field. I figured he was good for at least one per quarter of any game he played.

So it went and so I went. I missed one the four games for some reason. Guess I had a life beyond football then, can't remember. But basically, I won every quarter of the three games -- two by Elway -- I played. It all came down to that toll-free number and Elway's brain. People didn't much hanker to the $5.95 per call price tag. As an Elway expert, I rode his arm all the way to paradise.

I ended up with eight Sony mini-TV's, a sports video collection, and an all-expenses paid trip to Hawaii, and cash, for the Pro Bowl.

Add 2011:

I won two more Sony watchman TV's, too.

However, I was watching one of the Sunday night games with -- believe it or not, one of my 89 Facebook Friends today for random reasons -- Also Aswell. We had just finished watching that darn new show at the time, "Fresh Prince of Bel-Aire" starring Will Smith.

I told him about the contest. Being a highly intuitive artist, Also also known as Chuck said if I won a TV during the next quarter, I should give it to him for the sake of karma. So, he got one TV.

Another TV was lost when Bruce, the curator of the Tulane Jazz Archive, and my supervisor, answered the archive phone. (I used several phone numbers as I recall as a safety measure.) He said, no, Dan would never enter a  contest like that. As I tried to yell from the back of the library to give me the damn phone, he hung it up with a grand flourish. Frenemy to the end,  me bad, he said with a wry smile.

I kept two TVs and sold the rest, mainly to Asian immigrants, although to an Iranian native as well. No matter what price I set, or how we negotiated, the final price always seemed to be $150. Guess that was market value.

One time, a scraggy-looking semi-street guy came around with several small kids and his wife in some ragged kind of jalopy. He said they were living in the car and wanted the mini-TV for entertainment. Was it true? Dunno, but I just gave him the TV. What the heck, they worked like s*** anyway. Sony only sold the model a few years.)

The trip was awesome, of course. I hung out with Japanese girl tourists who gave me strange tasting candy and a...well, PG-rated here. I sat behind the Miami Dolphins offensive line in the stands, amazing them with my play calling expertise as I shouted out each play before it happened.... (more)

GOOD GRIEF: (Voice of) "Peanuts" Charlie Brown in a San Diego jail, accused of stalking and terroristic threats

Maybe Lucy jerked away one too many faux footballs. Perhaps Peppermint Patty piddled away too many brain cells. Or Linus, Snoopy and the gang got snared in a web tangled by 50 years of arrested development.

For GOOD GRIEF, the voice of Charlie Brown on several "Peanuts" television specials, now languishes in a San Diego jail, after authorities arrested him 8 p.m. Sunday at the San Ysidro Port of Entry as he returned from Tijuana. A background check revealed a San Diego County Sheriff's Department warrant for his arrest.

Peter Robbins (right) — aka the voice of Charlie Brown — poses more than a decade after the mid-60s “Peanuts” classics with creator Charles Schulz and Sally Dryer, who voiced Lucy Van Pelt. (courtesy of PETER ROBBINS )

Peter Robbins, the 56-year-old voice actor best known as the voice of Charlie Brown in the 1965 classic "A Charlie Brown Christmas" and the 1966 sequel "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown" is accused of stalking and threatening a former girlfriend as well as the plastic surgeon he paid to give her a boob job.

Robbins officially was charged Wednesday in San Diego Superior Court with two counts of stalking and 10 counts of making criminal threats. He pleaded not guilty and remained incarcerated on Friday, unable to make bail set at $550,000 by San Diego Superior Court Judge David M. Szumowski. A conviction could translate into a maximum sentence of nine years in prison, attorneys said.

 What's more, the longtime Oceanside, Calif. resident and former voice of Charlie Brown, reportedly has terminal pancreatic cancer. The arrest warrant cited his "increasingly erratic behavior," adding, "he told others he has nothing to lose."

Charlie Brown may have been a bit of a slacker, to say the least, but the voice of Charlie Brown, now all growed up and out on his own, was nothing if not persistent  when it came to the alleged pursuit of love. He is accused of threatening his former girlfriend with up to 37 calls to her cell phone in a 24-hour period demanding repayment for the breast augmentation surgery.

Robbins also said he would kill the ex-girlfriend, and her son, if she did not give back his dog and car. In a twist sure to pluck the heartstrings of devoted Peanuts fans, Robbins named his dog, what else, Snoopy.

The voice of Charlie Brown continued to be a clown, according to authorities, by continuing his threats during a confrontation New Year's Eve at a San Diego hotel room. In this case, he demanded, in person, a full refund for the breast augmentation surgery his former girlfriend had when they were together.

Robbins allegedly beat Snoopy, his dog, in front of her on New Year's Eve, saying he would continue beating the dog and kill her if she didn't get his money back. Prosecutors said Robbins grabbed his ex-girlfriend by the neck and shoved her to the floor before fleeing the scene.

Robbins also is accused of threatening the plastic surgeon, harassing her office with so many phone calls, she hired an armed guard for the La Jolla clinic. Prosecutors said Robbins recently bought a gun and started practicing at a shooting range.

During a jailhouse interview Friday with KFMB-TV, Channel 8 in San Diego, Robbins said he needed a mental evaluation to make sure he was OK and not a threat to himself or others. It may have been a more effective plea if the jailed former child voice actor hadn't a bunch of snot dripping down his nose throughout the interview.

And it may be a while before he gets back to his folowers on Facebook, where his page is dedicated to Peter "Charlie Brown" Robbins and recently featured a series of posts about Lance Armstrong's Oprah interview and solicitations for recipe ideas from "fans."

The Lemon Twist also rises: From the ashes to fresh strawberries and more...

Once a lonely spot on the wide open road from nowhere to far away, the Lemon Twist Fruit Stand has weathered fires, frost and floods over the last 30-plus years, only to emerge in 2013 with fresh local strawberries and much, much more. 

The legend that is the Del Dios Highway farm stand began in 1981 with two recent college graduates, best friends Katie Shull and Trudy Tunstall. They figured the scenic two-lane road from Escondido to Rancho Santa Fe would be the perfect spot for local fruit and fresh produce.

(Photos: Kaie Shull et al at this used to be the Lemon Twist after the 2007 fire.)

The surrounding area featured significant citrus production, including world class lemons and oranges. The Shull family, as well as the McKrinks on the maternal side, ran significant citrus acreage, later opening packing and growing operations still in business at nearby Vista.

The San Dieguito River Valley that runs alongside the stand has flooded several times. Cold weather, on occasion, has hurt the nearby citrus farms. All that was trivial, however, compared to the 2007 Witch Creek Fire that raced down Del Dios Gorge to Lusardi Preserve utterly devastating the small wood farm stand structure along with anything that stood in its path.

With only a small, fragmented outer gate still standing, Robin Shull, the 30 year old co-owner and manager, and family, set out to rebuild the Lemon Twist, going bigger and better, to the delight of an ever-growing number of highway travelers. The reconstructed stand is several times larger, featuring expanded facilities and offerings.

Since it's strawberry season in North County, dammit, the fresh crop of locally grown berries are going into everything from chocolate confections made with fresh daily fruit to salads, desserts and kitchen tables from hither to yon. The Lemon Twist has created a national name for itself in this regard with chocolate-dipped strawberries, and other fruits and gourmet products shipped from its online store.

Also available: Seasonal organic produce an citrus; gifts, local gourmet items, fruit and gift baskets; flowers, orchid, plans and succulent gardens; local, raw, organic Rancho Santa Fe honey, Talavera pottery, garden art, fountains and statuary.

The Lemon Twist is  at 8175 Del Dios Highway. It's open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday to Sunday. The website features additional information and online orders visit http://lemontwistfruitstand.com/ . The stand can be reached by phone at (858) 756-0826.

it's not all champagne and roses in the skies above Rancho Santa Fe, Calif.

 Or: Another day, another hot air balloon crash...

With the second downed hot air balloon in 10 days just after 5 p.m. Thursday, this time at Rancho Diegueno Road, not far from San Dieguito Road at Fairbanks Ranch, it's not all champagne and roses in the skies above Rancho Santa Fe. 

This was the scene on Jan. 8 at Rancho Penasquitos where, according to San Diego Fire-Rescue Department spokesman Maurice Luque, a hot air balloon landed in the back of a home on Calle de los Ninos at Avenida De La Cantina shortly after 4:45 p.m.

The balloon operator who emergency landed Thursday scoured the brush topped hills for a landing space before touching down in a rural residential area near Fairbanks Village Plaza shopping center, according to San Diego County sheriff’s Lt. Mario Zermeno who shied away from saying the balloon crashed. No one was injured, Zemeno said. The "landing" site was within shouting distance of Rancho Santa Fe's newest fire station as well as the Helen C. Woodward Animal Center.

The forced landing followed a more eventful tilt at disaster's windmill on Jan. 8 when one person was slightly injured during a forced landing of a balloon carrying a 14-person wedding party at Rancho Penasquitos, about 10 miles southeast of Thursday's crash. The balloon crashed into a suburban home's yard.

Residents have cited numerous instances of balloon companies abusing landing rules, cutting gate locks, trashing areas including damaging environmentally sensitive landscapes, lying about emergency landings and generally disrespecting community norms.

"We have had confrontations with the balloon people calling us all sorts of names when they land on our properties," said Lynn Diamond, a Rancho Santa Fe Covenant resident who retired in 2010 as Carlsbad Police Department spokeswoman.

"They have put up chains, cut locks and put up their own locks on people's property," Diamond said. "Then, they claim they are landing due to an FAA emergency. Homeowners who try to ask them to leave private property are subject to verbal abuse, threats, lies and profanity.

"They are driving around with their trucks dragging equipment and trashing away," Diamond said. "They are also abusing open spaces and endangered habitat. They land wherever they want. It's definitely not what it is portrayed to be. They are a constant problem."

Likewise, Annie Fonte, a property owner and resident in the covenant area just beyond the Zumaque Gate, along the environmentally sensitive San Dieguito Riverbed, said balloon companies on several occasions had trespassed, scared her animals and generally ravaged the landscape.

"I'll be walking with my dogs and horses," Fonte said, "and often see the champagne corks, napkins and clues as to where they landed. You ask these folks who they are and they are elusive. They won't answer questions. It can be dark and you don't know who these people are. 

The end result, God forbid, is they crash into somebody's home. It would be a tragedy."

(Photo: A pumpkin patch in October, this area by Rancho Santa Fe Village shoppng center serves as a take-off and landing spot for hot air balloon operators although it is unclear if they have the property owner's permission)

Balloonists for hire have landed on her property without authorization three times in the last year, according to Fonte, who also has traced balloon skid marks along several parts of the nearby, and environmentally protected, Lusardi Creek Preserve.

Furthermore, balloon companies said a root cause of local communication problems and complaints stemmed from development in the area depriving them of once available open space landing areas.

Due to the fly-by-sunset nature of the commercial balloon ride for profit industry, it was impossible to determine how many companies offer such services locally. However, those involved in the industry put the number of operators at around nine. About four, or five, operate from San Diego County with the remainder based in the Temecula area
Generally, they offer flights along the Pacific Coast through Carmel Valley and into the Rancho Santa Fe area, starting around dusk and taking place on weekends.

Rides offer champagne or cider, photo opportunities and tours, generally lasting from 30 minutes to several hours. Costs vary but generally are around $80 per person for a half-hour ride to $200, or more, for an hour. A private charter may cost around $650 to $800 for one to two hours.

These businesses typically operate out of homes and meet customers at pre-designated open field areas. Currently, many meet customers near Flower Hill Mall off Via de la Valle or near MiraCosta College off Manchester Road in Olivenhain.

Local operators included Rancho Santa Fe resident Frank Reed and Sunballoon, Connie Von Zweck of Skysurfer from Del Mar, David Bradley of Temecula-based California Dreamin', Panorama Balloon Tours with a Del Mar post office box and apparent home-based location in Carlsbad, Sky's the Limit operated by James Lawson out of Encinitas and Balloon Addicts, location unknown.

Only Reed and Von Zweck agreed to speak on the record about the industry and their activities.

"The balloon companies have not done a good job of promoting themselves," Von Zweck said. "You only hear from people who don't like something. You don't always hear the positive. We need to communicate with the public to educate people and raise public awareness of ballooning."

Reed said, "For the most part, the people in the Rancho Santa Fe area have worked exceptionally well with us. Some people, who have been vocal about us, don't even own the properties. We don't trespass on properly posted property. But landing is an imperfect science."

The Balloon Federation of America is considered the leading voluntary, balloonist membership organization with 3,000 members.... (more)

Casting Couch: Real Housewives San Diego seeks Rancho Santa Fe women...

It looks like the Real Housewives concept is coming to San Diego, and for more than just  the great weather. The company making the TV show - Asylum Entertainment - has a casting call out right now looking for women who live in the area.  

The producers are looking for upscale, women who live fabulous, glamorous lives along with their busy social calendars. They say they are looking for the best and brightest, so to speak, when it comes to wealth, glamour, and if you've seen those type of shows, a certain amount of panache and drama.

A series of 50 Tweets sent by the casting agents this week said they were focusing on the La Jolla and Rancho Sante Fe areas.

No word yet on a production schedule or when the show might hit the air.

If you are interested in auditioning for the potential new “Real Housewives of San Diego” show, email your name, age, bio, current photos and phone number to: alex@alexshaw.tv .

Alex Shaw, Director of Casting at Asylum, reached out to a variety of influential San Diegans and media reps via Twitter. Her post read: “Bravo CASTING Housewives of affluent SD areas (Rancho, La Jolla etc). Gorgeous, living the life!” Sources followed up with Shaw for the real story behind the Tweet.

Shaw sent  the Asylum release for the ‘Untitled Housewives Show.’

“Asylum Entertainment is casting its next show in the San Diego area. We are seeking upscale, affluent women living fabulous and glamorous lives.

“We along with a Major Cable Network are looking for outgoing, exciting, strong, focused women who reside in and around the San Diego area that want to share their lives. We are looking for women who are lively and energetic, with defined opinions and views. Our featured women should have busy lives, be involved with the community, have a strong work ethic, and an active social calendar. Most importantly, they should be enjoying the good life.”

The housewives concept launched in 2006 with “The Real Housewives of Orange County.” The original O.C. series is still filming new seasons, although characters have come and gone over the years. The Bravo network also chronicles the lives of housewives in New York City, Atlanta, New Jersey, Beverly Hills and Miami.

Should an artist employ a sales rep? Rancho Santa Fe Art Guild members consider...

It wasn't easy being green for Kermit the Frog and it isn't easy getting greenbacks through selling art, according to Rancho Santa Fe Art Guild members at the group's winter show opening.

Guild members agreed most contemporary artists who haven't established an enormous reputation (i.e. 99.9 percent of artists) generally establish themselves at one, or two, local galleries; or show, and sell, through an art guild or club. Otherwise, it's not like literature or the music business where agents and reps are able to create careers, sometimes even demand.

Longtime art guild officer Cindy Klong had several pieces at the winter show, a valuable opportunity to display and publicize her efforts, she said. She also maintains online galleries and shows at other galleries.

Unfortunately, the chance to connect directly with audiences through galleries is becoming ever rarer, said Barbara Dawson, who owned galleries in La Jolla and Del Mar before returning to full-time curating and creating.

Economic conditions have caused most art collectors to pare down on purchases while rising property values have forced galleries into costly rental situations resulting in cutbacks and closures, Dawson said.

Long story short, unless you're in the $50,000+ per piece sales category, the best way to succeed and sell, for now,  is do it yourself, guild members say, which means aligning with a guild, group and gallery. Then, see if you can take it up a notch from there, fate willing and the Visigoths don't rise.

(Photo left: incoming RSF Art Guild president Kim Doherty)

As for the rest of the story, the new show was OK, the wine was good. They need to do a better job on appetizers and have healthy choices rather than pigs-in-a-blanket mini-hot dog cuisine. In other words, stay classy Rancho Santa Fe Art Guild.

And wait, here's more, straight from the art guild's mouth:

'Impressions of the Soul'

Award winning photographer Manss Aval, as featured artist, unveils his latest collection. 

Join us for a reception Thursday January 10th, 2013 from 5PM-7PM.  Wine & appetizers will be served. 

The show runs through March 2nd.

The gallery is located next to the Union Bank at 6004 Paseo Delicias in Rancho Santa Fe, California. 

Gallery Location
6004 Paseo Delicias (Faces Avenida de Acacias) Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067
(858) 759-3545    
Gallery hours
Tuesday 10:30 - 1 Wednesday - Friday 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m
Saturday 11:00-2:00 pm  

Visit: http://ranchosantafeartguild.org/

email: ranchoart@sbcglobal.net

....

Holy Cow! Harry Caray's ghost, The Pantry sold and Rancho Santa Fe, Calif.

 Famed Chicago restauranteurs, the Jahanguiri family have purchased The Pantry at Rancho Santa Fe. A soft opening is expected later this month with classic touches and continuing commitment to classy, elegant new American comfort cuisines.

(6024C Paseo Delicias, PO Box 1297, Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067)

However, we digress.

Hall-of-Fame baseball broadcaster Harry Caray was a legend of the brightest sort, known as much for his effervescent personality and reputation as the bon vivant of all bon vivants, as for his knowledge and love of baseball, which was immense.

During Caray's picaresque journeys through life including stints with the St. Louis Cardinals, Chicago White Sox, Oakland A's and, of course the woebegone Chicago Cubs, he not only led the second line, but took over the band when it came to haunting bars and restaurants throughout the land.

Two of Caray's FAVORITE places: Toulouse on Rush Street and Yvette, also in the Chicago entertainment hub known as the Gold Coast.

The Jahanguiri family were the folks behind Toulouse and Yvette, famously known for  dark and mysterious, intimate and romantic ambiance punctuated by terrific jazz stylings and classy classic French cuisine.

Bob Jahanguiri (photo, left)  was the man behind Caray's prime haunts and a longtime friend and confidante. He was at The Pantry on Monday helping brother Mozy Jahanguiri, a Plano, Texas business and mediation consultant who also -- it's all in the family -- has a Dallas restaurant, remodel and get ready for a soft opening expected later this month.

Mozy Jahanguiri will own and operate The Pantry, which retains the name and much of the menu, supplemented by the magic Jahanguiri touch. The Jahanguiri's declined to disclose the purchase price. Dan and Michiro Bohlen, The Pantry proprietors, will continue with their Encinitas restaurants, notably East Village Asian Diner, as they continue to develop local restaurant properties.

As Rancho Santa Fe residents know well, the very popular The Pantry on Paseo Delicias featured a casual neighborhood atmosphere, delicious made from scratch new American comfort food and remarkable wine list at reasonable prices.

And as Ranch residents also know, one of America's 10 wealthiest communities features its unfair share of professional athletes and baseball players, including Padres manager Bud Black, Trevor Hoffman, Mike Sweeney, Brad Ausmus, Mark Loretta, Steve Finley, Rick Aguilera, Kirk McCaskill, Jack McDowell to name but a few. Not to mention fellow A-list sports broadcasters Dick Enberg and Jim Lampley and former Padres owner John Moores.

Add to this mix of cuisine, baseball and fun, the ghost of Harry Caray, now at The Pantry plate as Bob Jahanguiri spun a few (tall) tales of Harry Caray gone wild.

To wit:

Caray used to sing 'Take me out to the Ballgame' to the crowd during the traditional 7th inning stretch. It became so popular, Chicago White Sox owner Bill Veeck, as-in-Wreck, Jr., turned on the mic at the ballpark so people could hear the -- shall we say -- definitive rendition. Caray, and company, transferred the tradition to the tonier climes of Chicago's North Side and Wrigley Field where he ruled, and waved somewhat unsteadily at the crowd due to alleged Budweiser consumption for nearly 20 years.

Jahanguiri often visited Caray in his WGN-TV and radio booth, although not as often as Caray visited Toulouse, one of his favorite haunts. On one fine Cubs off-day, Caray, Jahanguiri and the portable party people went back to the South Side, Comiskey Field, sitting, of course, in the press area. As 'Take me out to the Ballgame' began on the stadium organ, Caray grabbed the hot mic and started bellowing out the song to the crowd's utter delight.

Ah, the only problem with this fine act was the fact the Veeck regime had long since wrecked. Current Sox ownership didn't take kindly to their former announcer, now with the arch-rival Cubs, taking over the crowd's beer and booze-soaked vibes. The powers that were abruptly killed Caray's mic.

Caray didn't care. He kept singing anyway, even louder if that were possible, and you know what, so did the fans, who Jahanguiri swore, sounded louder than ever, their enthusiasm trumping good sense and tired lungs.

Another time, Caray kept saying he was going to Toulouse throughout the broadcast, maybe a dozen times, or more, during a Cubs game. "I'll meet you at Toulouse after the game," he kept saying. "After the game, Toulouse, Rush Street."

Not that Jahanguiri minded the publicity, what restaurateur doesn't; only problem was Toulouse was not scheduled to Lautrec after the night game, i.e. it was supposed to be dark.

As they say somewhere, oy vey, Jahanguiri rushed to Rush Street and kept the jazz club eatery open after the game. Sure enough, Caray, and entourage, showed up late, way late as was his wont, keeping the joint jumping through dawn.

Yet, as the Sphinx held its mysteries, Caray unlocked one of his.

"Why did you keep telling people, Toulouse was going to be open?" a confused Jahanguiri said. Caray looked at him and laughed. "I was supposed to meet a bunch of people with (the) Kansas City (Royals) for dinner tonight," he said, "but forgot to tell them where to go. I wanted to make sure they knew where to go."

Rim shot.... (more)

Brian Bilbray's last hurrah: Appropriate last speaker at the 112th 'Do-Nothing' Congress

                        (Photo: Brian Bilbray at the Inn at Rancho Santa Fe, 2007.)

The 112th "Do-Nothing Tea Party" Congress ended just before midnight eastern time, Wednesday with a bang of the gavel that followed the last disjointed one-minute whimper from our favorite retiring congressman, Brian Bilbray, R-Carlsbad.

Representing Rancho Santa Fe, Calif. and the 50th Congressional District following the imprisonment on federal corruption charges of Randy "Duke" Cunningham, Bilbray was known as the congressional cigar club proprietor as well as leader of the anti-immigrant caucus, obviously a pressing issue at Rancho Santa Fe, one of the top 10 wealthiest communities in America.

 Or: Say goodnight, Gracie.

It was a busy day of doing nothing but arguing over nonsense for the GOP Tea Party and its House leadership throughout New Year's Day, but finally, at long last, a two-month stop gap fiscal cliff measure passed the House in painfully bipartisan fashion, just before midnight.

As the GOP House leadership refused to consider a $60 billion funding request passed by the Senate to provide Hurricane Sandy relief, Republican and Democratic congressmen representing Sandy-affected districts spoke in shock and disbelief on the House floor. They passionately assailed the GOP House leadership for adjourning the session before taking action.

Just before the 112th House adjourned for all time, one last speaker strode to the podium, asking for a minute of the House's precious time before dissolving in the mists of history, and not in the good way.

Was it Henry Clay or John C. Calhoun, Sam Rayburn or the second coming of...nah. As Gilda Radner's Emily Litella used to say on "Saturday Night Live," NEVER MIND.

It was the esteemed Imperial Beach native, lifeguard-turned-Washington lobbyist-turned Rancho Santa Fe congressman Bilbray. And he wasn't talking about the fiscal cliff compromise or hurricane relief, he was talking about, d'uh, immigration. IMM-I-F'IN-GRATION.

"In leaving, I just want to say one thing," Bilbray said. "I hear one of the new, major issues you're going to address when this new congress comes is the issue of immigration and those of us in California understand that. 

"I'd ask the one place Democrats and Republicans should be able to agree on this, especially with the budget crisis is when are we going to stop the practice of people who are committing a crime by employing illegal immigrants.

"Take the tax deduction away and require that if a business wants to claim a business deduction for employing somebody that we make sure those employees are legal just by requiring e-verify.

"Again Mr. Speaker, I'm going to miss a lot of these faces around here in Washington but as a San Diegan let me assure you, I will not miss the weather. God bless and thank you."

Say goodnight Gracie, I mean Brian. And for the rest of us, see ya at the next fiscal cliff next month. Immigration issues will have to wait.

They got a little sloppy at Poppy

They got a little sloppy at Poppy...... (more)

Journey to the top of Rancho Santa Fe, Calif. (from the lemon twist to artesian road)

Tackling the three hills from the Lemon Twist Farm Stand to Artesian Road, a hearty journey to the very top of the world at Rancho Santa Fe, Calif., Dec. 28,2012.

 Me, and tired at top of Hill#2

Heading up the road feeling glad...

 Anonymous secret lake

 Gravel rock trail

 Crosby Estate featuring golfing opportunities for the .1 percent.

 Trail on top of Hill#1, Hill#2 in the background

Osuna Property

 High fallutin' stables

Going up Hill#3

   Cutting through the haze towards home...... (more)

'You Got a New Christmas Puppy! Now What?'/'Don't Ignore New Year's Eve Safety for Pets'

 You Got a New Christmas Puppy! Now What?

Encinitas, CA -- My puppy cries, whines, trips me, nips me, jumps, pees on the carpet, and won’t come when it’s called. WHAT HAVE WE GOTTEN OURSELVES INTO? That’s normal for a new puppy, but the animal experts at Rancho Coastal Humane Society (RCHS) in Encinitas remind families with new Christmas puppies that it’s temporary.

“They were so cute at the shelter, rescue, or pet shop, but when you got home they started acting like puppies” says RCHS spokesman John Van Zante. “Like human babies, they’re learning every day. It’s never too soon to teach them the rules. Start with a routine, and stick to it.”  

Breeders and pet stores sell puppies as young as 5 weeks old. Experts agree that pups need at least 8 weeks with their mom and littermates or a trained puppy raising to avoid problems later.  

Here are some tips to help you and your puppy get started on the “right paw.” 
*          Relax and stick to the basics. Meals at regular times, trips outside, playtime, and naps.
*          Socialization and exposure to household noises, surfaces, and handling by humans. 
*          Teach the kids how to handle the puppy and be sure to supervise the interaction. 
*          Older kids can help with the leash, training, and tricks.  

Along with the “Do’s” there are also some “Don’ts.”
*          It’s okay to hug your puppy, but keep it away from your face.
*          No dragging by the leg, the collar, or a leash. 
*          No feeding from the table. 
*          No spanking.  

If you’re still looking for a pet, consider breed characteristics, your home situation, how much time you have for a dog, and your activity level. “Some smaller breeds bark a lot because that’s what they were bred to do. Dachshunds generally don’t make good running companions, while Dalmatians need lots of exercise. Get the dog that fits your lifestyle.”

Barney and friends from Rancho Coastal Humane Society on Vimeo.

Van Zante adds, “Getting a puppy should be fun! Your family needs to work together as a team.”  

The adoption kennels at RCHS, 389 Requeza Street in Encinitas, are open Wednesday through Monday from 11 to 5, but will close at 3:00 on New Year’s Eve and be closed New Year’s Day. For more information call RCHS at 760-753-6413 or log on to www.sdpets.org.

 It Can be Dangerous! Don't Ignore New Year's Eve Safety for Pets.

Whether you got a new puppy or kitten for Christmas, or you want to protect your current dog or cat, Rancho Coastal Humane Society (RCHS) in Encinitas is sharing a few simple rules to follow to help keep them safe on New Year’s Eve.  

"More pets run away on New Year’s Eve than any other time of the year, except the 4^th of July,” says RCHS spokesman John Van Zante.... (more)

'Christmas Time for the Jews' -- Darlene Love, Robert Smigel (VIDEO)

HAPPY HAPPY...

'Christmas Time for the Jews' -- Darlene Love, Robert Smigel (VIDEO)... (more)

Indian music star, and longtime Encinitas, Ca. resident, Ravi Shankar dies at age 92

Ravi Shankar died this afternoon in San Diego after being admitted to Scripps Memorial Hospital last week complaining of breathing difficulties. He underwent heart-valve replacement surgery on Thursday. The legendary musician and his daughter Anoushka were both nominated last week for 2013 Grammy awards in the world music category. Recording star Norah Jones is also the daughter of Ravi Shankar.

Shankar had lived in Encinitas, on the coast north of San Diego, since 1992. The Ravi Shankar Foundation, based there, posted a note tonight saying "With profound grief and sorrow, we mourn the passing of Pandit Ravi Shankar on December 11, 2012. He died in San Diego at 4:30 pm Pacific time." A new DVD was released today of a live concert last year in Escondido.

The prime minister of India has confirmed the death and called Shankar a national treasure.

Three time Grammy Award winning Indian born sitar virtuoso and father of singer Norah Jones died on December 11 in San Diego at the age of 92.  He was surrounded by family members at the time of his death.  No official cause of death has been listed, but Shankar has had upper respiratory difficulties and had a heart valve replacement recently.

“We know that you all feel our loss with us, and we thank you for all of your prayers and good wishes through this difficult time. Although it is a time for sorrow and sadness, it is also a time for all of us to give thanks and to be grateful that we were able to have him as a part of our lives. His spirit and his legacy will live on forever in our hearts and in his music,” said family members in a statement.

Shankar’s last public performance was on November 4 with his daughter, fellow sitar player Anoushka Shankar.  Shankar’s latest album “The Living Room Sessions, Part 1” was nominated for a Grammy Award when the 2013 Grammy Award nominees were revealed on December 5.

Shankar is credited with being an influence of musical icons The Beatles - especially George Harrison – the Byrds, and Phillip Glass; and he is the first Indian artist to be recognized in the western world.

He was born Robindra Shankar in what was known as Benares, Uttar Pradesh, British India but is now the Indian city of Varanasi on April 7, 1920.  Shankar made his performance debut at the age of 10 dancing and singing as a part of his oldest brother Uay’s troupe introducing the world to Indian classical and folk music.  Shankar went on to become a teacher and prolific composer – including compositions for Jean-Pierre Rampas, Mstislav Rostropovich, Hosan Yamamoto, Musumi Miyashita, and the score for “Gandhi” - and recording artist.  Believing that he got better as he got older, Shankar composed his first symphony when he was 90 years old.... (more)

Former 'General Hospital' star Bobbi Jordan dies at age 75 at Encinitas, Calif.

Actually, Bobbi Jordan was a lot more than Rick and Jeff Webber's older sister on "General Hospital," she starred in "The Rounders" and "Blondie" and appeared in the films "Mame" and "A Guide for the Married Man," among other television, film and stage projects over a 40 year career.

Ms. Jordan died of a heart attack at her Encinitas home on Nov. 9, but details were released today. A memorial service is set for 3 p.m. Dec. 9 at the Self-Realization Fellowship Temple, 939 Second St., Encinitas, CA 92024.

She is survived by her son, writer-director Jordan Roberts (March of the Penguins); her grandchildren, Brandon Roberts, a rock musician and songwriter; Cameron Roberts, a high school sophomore and aspiring actor; her sister, Reba Sue Waters; and her stepdaughter, Jessie Jacobson.

Ms. Jordan, born Roberta Carol Bartlett, moved from her hometown of Hardinsburg, Ky., to Chicago, then settled in Los Angeles to study opera. While working as a cocktail waitress, her manager at the club heard her singing in the kitchen and offered her a chance to audition for a musical the place was producing.

Ms. Jordan was cast as the lead in a modern-day telling of the Cinderella story and signed by William Morris. She then landed a role on The Rounders, an ABC Western that debuted in 1966.

Throughout her career, she performed onstage around the country, including a lead role in the first national tour of Stephen Sondheim's musical "Company," as well as regional theater productions of "Guys and Dolls," "Damn Yankees" and "South Pacific."

She appeared in films including "A Guide for the Married Man" with Walter Mathhau in 1967 and "Mame" with Lucille Ball in 1974.

Ms. Jordan transitioned into television in 1966, landing a series-regular role on the ABC Western "The Rounders," followed by roles on "Blondie," "Barbary Coast" and "Joe and Sons."

In the 1970s, she did a two-year stint as Terry Arnett on the daytime soap opera "General Hospital." In one memorable story arc on the ABC daytime soap, she crashed her car after the wife of the man she was dating -- just released from a sanitarium -- tampered with her brakes. (Of course, he would operate on her to save her life.)

 Terri Arnett (née Webber), left, was a fictional character on the popular ABC soap opera 'General Hospital'. She was portrayed by actress Bobbi Jordan from 1976 to 1977.

Background

Terri came to Port Charles to take care of her younger brother Rick and Jeff After their parents died. She married Dr. David Arnett, but he died soon after. After coming to Port Charles, she dated Dr. Mark Dante, but soon found out that he was married. Jeff later tried to commit suicide, and while he was lying in the hospital, Terri revealed to Steve Hardy that she had a secret. Terri's mother Helene had told her on her deathbed that that there was a letter that was to only be opened if Jeff's life was in danger. Terri and Steve went and got the letter. The letter said that Steve, not Lars, was Jeff's father.

Later, Mark's wife Mary-Ellen was released from a sanitarium, and she wanted to break up Mark and Terri. She had someone tamper with the brakes on Terri's car, and it crashed. Mark performed surgery on Terri and saved her life. Mary-Ellen later went back into a catatonic state. Terri then moved to Hollywood to pursue a singing career.

Relatives

Lars Webber (father; deceased) 

Helene Webber (mother; deceased) 

Rick Webber (brother; deceased) 

Jeff Webber (maternal half-brother) 

Laura Webber (adoptive niece) 

Mike Webber (nephew) 

Rick Webber Jr. (nephew) 

Steven Lars Webber (maternal half-nephew) 

Sarah Webber (maternal half-niece) 

Elizabeth Webber (maternal half-niece)

Later in the decade, Ms. Jordan had regular roles on the primetime comedies Turnabout, written by Steven Bochco and starring John Schuck and Sharon Gless, and Joe and Sons, with Richard S. Castellano and Jerry Stiller.... (more)

Artist Larissa Gorikh paints the town fantastic with colorful displays of emotive power 

 "Each work I create is a report in itself, which examines the status of my role as an artist in the society within which I function. I believe that the artist must work for the society, to which he or she belongs. This is my assignment as an artist, and my mission in life."

-- Larissa Gorikh

(For more: Visit  Larissa's new web site at http://larissag.artspan.com/)

Larissa Gorikh took the long way to 4S Ranch, Rancho Bernardo and Rancho Santa Fe -- the long, long way.

"I started to draw very early in my childhood," she said. "My grandmother encouraged me: 'Larissa will be an artist!' I copied the great Russian artist, Valentin Serov’s illustrations very often, which pushed my passion to a new world, and my direction to attend art school."

That was in a faraway place called Ussuriysk, a modest city of 160,000 people in Primorsky Krai, about 60 miles north of Vladivostok and 60 miles east of China. Graduating from art school, she went to art college at Irkutsk in Siberia,  prepping for a prestigious place at the St. Petersburg Institute for Painting, Sculpture and Architecture, founded in 1757.

Unfortunately, the time was not right; 1991 and the dissolution of the old Soviet arts structure forced a change in plans. "The fall of the Socialist system in 1991 marked a long and profound crisis in Russia, and unfortunately, my desires did not materialize," she said. "I returned to the East and attended the Vladivostok Academy of Arts, where I continued to study and learn the secret of the profession."

 C'est La Vie. Larissa has painted murals at high-toned Cielo mansions and taught art and exhibited at Balboa Park, more recently at 4S Ranch and Rancho Bernardo.

"After completing my academic study, I discovered the theme that would define my paintings," she said. "I found my muse in the theme: 'People and the City'. I explore people’s attitude to life in general and their interaction with the urban situation in my paintings.

To this end, to wit:

"The city is full of noise; a conglomeration of skyscrapers, signs, facades, lamps, auto, rushing roadside pedestrians...I love all the heroes of my paintings. Picturing people close to me in spirit-young, energetic movement.

"Movement is life. I chose an elongated horizontally format, take turns of acceleration and deceleration, strain/energy and lightness. Through the asymmetry of construction suddenness, perspectives try to transmit live feeling of reality. I continue to work on the series: Restaurants, Billiards, Carnivals, and Beaches that continuously refine once found."

 Larissa adds: "I am not indifferent to flowers. I paint them often; in paintings, especially portraits. Flowers recur frequently in my works, in a decorative sense, to evoke emotions, or to add commentary to the subject of the painting."

Living at San Diego since 1999, the artist herself has won many awards and contests in fine art. She is a member of the San Diego Art Institute, Museum of the Living Artist at Balboa Park. She has won jurors choice awards there. She exhibits at many San Diego art festivals, such as ArtWalk, Little Italy, Rancho Santa Fe Art Festival, Harvest Festival, and Del Mar Art Fesitval.

Even better, her new web site at http://larissag.artspan.com/ shows all the latest and greatest work available for purchase as well as other information about Larissa and her quest for beauty.

Back to lobbying: Bilbray (R) concedes to Peters (D) in Cal's 52nd Cong. Dist.

Rep. Brian Bilbray (R-Calif.) has conceded defeat in his San Diego-area district, handing Democrats another pickup with just two intra-party races yet to be determined.

Bilbray trails San Diego Port Commissioner Scott Peters (D) by 3,877 votes. He called Peters to congratulated him and issued a statement acknowledging Peters’ victory.

Rep. Brian Bilbray (R-Calif.). (AP photo)

“While Scott and I differed sharply on how to handle the issues facing our nation, now is the time to put those differences aside and find common ground to address our country’s many challenges,” Bilbray said, according to the San Diego Union-Tribune.

Bilbray has served more than 12 years in Congress, returning to the chamber in 2006 by winning a hotly contested special election to replace jailed Rep. Duke Cunningham (R-Calif.). California’s citizen redistricting commission drew Bilbray a swing district this year.

With the win, Democrats have now gained six House seats in the 2012 election, with the GOP’s House majority reduced to 234-199.

Democrats also lead in the last two undetermined races, with Reps. Mike McIntyre (D-N.C.) and Ron Barber (D-Ariz.) holding small leads.

Reps. Charles Boustany (R-La.) and Jeff Landry (R-La.) will compete in a runoff next month in a merged district, but that race has no implications for the partisan balance of the House.

The Peters campaign released this statement:

“This afternoon, I received a very gracious phone call from Congressman Brian Bilbray. He wished me luck and offered his support. We agreed that while it was a tough, hard-fought campaign, now is the time to put it behind us. I thanked him for his service and look forward to his support as I transition into office.

“I’m in our nation’s capitol this week, working hard, and getting ready to hit the ground running on behalf of the people of the 52^nd District. I am very grateful to the hundreds of people who walked, called, contributed and gave me their support; it was their energy and enthusiasm that put us over the top in this close race.

“There’s much to do.  I’m encouraged by the tremendous group of colleagues I’ve met here so far: freshman members of Congress, because like me, they all heard loud and clear during their campaigns that voters are tired of the partisanship, tired of politicians who put party over people.  I look forward to working with everyone to get things done for San Diego and the American people.”

Peters said in a brief phone interview with the San Diego Free Press that Mr. Bilbray was very gracious when he called to concede.  ”He said something like ‘I’m making that phone call you’ve been working so hard to get.’”  He said that Bilbray suggested that he find a place close to the Capitol to live while in D.C., and offered to assist in any way he can to ease the transition.

Peters said he would “absolutely” carry on the work that Bilbray had touted in the closing days of the campaign on cancer research.  ”Not only is it an important cause, but it’s critical to the San Diego economy.  We need to continue to promote basic scientific research, and hopefully San Diego will be the place that finds a cure for cancer.”... (more)

Peters (D) near win; lead widens to 2,660 votes over Bilbray (R) in 52nd Cong. Dist. tilt

WED. MORNING UPDATE: Democrat Scott Peters is near an official, and hard-fought, victory over Congressman Brian Bilbray in the 52nd Congressional District race with a 2,660 vote lead that continues to expand as more votes are counted. Results must be finalized by Dec. 4,  according to state law. Peters traveled to Washington D.C. this week where he took part in the orientation sessions for new members of Congress.

As of Tuesday night’s update from the San Diego County Registrar of Voters, with approximately 210,000 mail-in and provisional ballots from around the county yet to be counted -- about 40 percent of the vote -- Peters’ lead grew to 2,660 votes, further dimming Bilbray’s re-election hopes. Workers have been able to get through approximately 60,000 to 90,000 ballots per day, the Registrar’s office said.  Mail and provisional ballots should be counted by the weekend. However, election results for San Diego County might not be certified until Dec. 4, the deadline by which the final results must be turned in to the California Secretary of State, sources said.

(For more visit I-Newsource and KPBS Investigations Desk .)

Spark Photography

Congressional candidate Scott Peters (D) speaks with reporters at the Westin Gaslamp, November 6, 2012.

Port of San Diego Commissioner Scott Peters continues to pad his lead over Rep. Brian Bilbray, in their close congressional race.

Peters led by 1,899 votes out of about 235,000 cast for the general election, a net gain of more than 500 votes since Friday.

Bilbray has been a top target of Democrats for years, but survived previous attempts to oust him. However, redistricting moved him into some unfamiliar inland territory for this re-election bid.

"I didn’t see us quite this good. I think it’s going to really tighten up," Bilbray said after early results were announced showing him in the lead Tuesday night.

Then, when he spoke to supporters several hours later, he warned them it may take days to iron out the race.

After many San Diegans went to bed, Peters pulled ahead with a slight lead and held on until all precincts were in.

The fight for California's newly-drawn 52nd was targeted with some of the most campaign cash and coverage nationwide.

“This district was drawn to be the battleground for the Congressional seats the other Congressional seats are pretty darn safe,” Bilbray told NBC 7 San Diego. “I think this is a great process even though I happen to have to be in the battleground again.”

Bilbray is a Republican has represented the 50th District since 2006 as well as the former 49th District for three terms ending in 2001.

Bilbray voted Tuesday morning with his daughter, who was featured in one of his many campaign ads. Before voting, Bilbray went surfing. He told NBC 7 San Diego that if the warm reception he received from fellow surfers was any indicator of the night’s results, he felt confident in a win.

Peters is a Democrat who represented District 1 on the San Diego City Council for two terms, serving as Council president in his second.

In the region's other close race, Solana Beach Councilman Dave Roberts maintained a lead of 2,641 votes over Bilbray's chief of staff, Steve Danon, in their election for county supervisor. That's an increase of about 400 for Roberts since Friday.

The winner will replace the retiring Pam Slater-Price to become the first new supervisor in 17 years.

Peters only won 13 more precincts than Bilbray in the 420 precincts where votes were cast, including the vote-by-mail. If vote-by-mail locations are excluded, Peters only took four more precincts than Bilbray.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The 52nd congressional district stretches from Poway west to Del Mar and then down the coast to Coronado. A slice of its voters also live in the city of San Diego.

The district is known for its fairly even numbers of Republicans, Democrats and Independents, and when when it comes to political tastes, many don’t appear to mind crossing party lines.

While they’re still counting ballots in the congressional district because it’s too close to call, I-Newsource analyzed the unofficial returns in precincts that overlap the congressional district and the city. We found that nearly two-thirds of the precincts that favored Democrat Scott Peters favored — Republican Carl DeMaio for mayor.

A lot of those voters were in neighborhoods such as La Jolla, Bay Park, Bay Ho, North Clairemont and University City south of UCSD.

It probably stands to reason precincts that favored Republican Brian Bilbray within the city limits almost perfectly favored DeMaio as well.

Here’s the breakdown for the non-vote-by-mail precincts:

- Of the 189 precincts Scott Peters carried, DeMaio won 120.
- Of the 157 precincts Brian Bilbray won, DeMaio carried 156 — almost a perfect match.
- Filner carried only 69 of the precincts Peters won, and one of the precincts Bilbray won.

So why did Peters do so well in areas that wanted to elect DeMaio?

Political scientist Carl Luna says this is a textbook case of all politics being local. Peters served two terms on the San Diego City Council representing the first district, which included some of the neighborhoods that turned out for him in the election.

“When you have a choice between voting for somebody you know and kind of thinks like you, or somebody you don’t know that you’re not quite sure how they’re going to think, you go with the guy you know,” Luna said. “And Scott Peters was a known quantity to many of his voters. And Carl DeMaio, coming from the city government, was a known quantity.”... (more)

A cautionary tale In honor of 'How To Not Write Bad'

I worked at the Suncoast News at Port Richey, Fl. It is owned by the Tampa Tribune and covers Pasco and North Pinellas counties. It also had the distinction of being a free twice-weekly newspaper with a huge circulation of like 150,000 copies.

This one guy who had been there forever was the worst writer I have seen -- EVER. His stories made absolutely no sense. However, the editor above us was extremely lazy and also couldn't write a lick. Issue after issues the abomination blighted actual journalistic efforts.

It pissed me off that I was working my ass off writing great stories that nobody at the paper cared about, and this guy was walking around like he was dong an equivalent job. I decided to take some action.

Silly me, as a joke, I decided to mimic his style and see if anybody noticed the difference or if they would say anything. I was inspired by the example of John Robert Starr, my editor at the Arkansas Democrat who incidentally gave Bill Clinton the nickname "Slick Willy."

One day Starr shaved off half his mustache and walked around the newsroom all day waiting for somebody to say something. Nobody did. Either they figured it was just another day of weird or were too afraid he would fire them if they said anything.

So inspired, I set out to write like this fool. First lesson: It was REALLY difficult writing like him because it was so screwy. The closest I can think of was it was kind of like writing like Yoda speaks, but not nearly as "wise."

Despite the degree of difficulty -- stories took longer to write in this convoluted way and I was laughing so hard it hurt --  I approximated this guy's style for three issues. Grammar, basically, was free-form and words askew left and right. The stories were horrible bad full of sound and meaningless fury, signifying what.

Nobody said anything. Finally, I ended the experiment because, well, it was ridiculous and embarrassing to boot.

That wasn't the end of it though. When I tried to write back in my usual style, I flat-out COULDN'T. Writing like this freak totally threw my actual writing out of whack. It took like two weeks to unlearn that guy's style and get back to writing semi-well.

The lesson I learned: Writing bad is not as simple as it seems, so some reverse respect for people that take it to the limit (of bad taste etc.) And, writers, don't try this at (your) home (page).

Taxicab Confessions

 Ed, the Escondido, Calif. cabby, piqued our interest. As he waited for a fare outside a local Albertson's, we asked Ed a few questions about those who also drive ---- for hire.

Let's put it this way: In New York, Chicago, San Francisco, even Orange County and Orleans Parish, Louisiana, cabbies are more than useful. But Escondido, Fallbrook, and even Solana Beach in suburban San Diego County... taxi cabs? What's the deal? Where are they all hiding?

North County San Diego cabs are expensive to take, for one thing. Plus cab companies come and go, literally. They merge, split, reform and change names constantly. And the bottom line: It's very, very hard to get a cab in North County, and good luck getting one if you are in a hurry.

Now, back to Ed. He was laid off from a computer manufacturer's job and lived near the Escondido Yellow Cab office. Plus, he didn't have a car of his own. So hey, what the heck, he walked on over and started driving passengers for a living.

Apparently, the job has its moments. Ed said fares have run away without paying several times. He has had people pop into his taxi for $160 rides to LAX. Most of his fares are locals, such as the one that found him waiting outside Albertson's for a lady to emerge with groceries. Her car was broken and she needed to stock up. A seemingly short round-trip like that, though, can cost $20 to $30.

Ed had a lot more to say but to make a long story short, I let my fingers do the walking after that. I took to the telephone book and called. And called and called and called.

We called North County Cab. They advertise as "Anytime Anywhere On Time." Good luck with that one. "We're too busy to talk," said the dispatcher who wouldn't even say where they were located. It's 4986 Voltaire St. in Pacific Beach by the way. Not even North County.

Then, we swept through the "color" cab companies. Orange Cab, White Cab, Yellow Cab and something called Pinky Transportation. Then there was Taxi Fiesta, which isn't a color but still a pretty good name.

(Below is a special Ah-Ha Solana Beach taxicab confessional...)

And Courtesy Cab of Vista. At last, a North County cab company worth something.

Courtesy owner John Gazdayka was the only manager of a local cab company to give me the courtesy of some insight into the state of the state of North County taxi cabs. He is a longtime cab company employee and owner in several different taxi-cabal incarnations. He has owned Vista-based Courtesy Cab since 1997, running 11 vehicles that his drivers lease.

"You license with communities to pick up people there," Gazdayka said. "The fees vary. Some places have a flat fee plus a per-passenger. It usually comes out to a couple of hundred dollars for each place.

"A lot of guys who drive cabs operate on their own," Gazdayka said. "They get a (taxi driver) license and the better the company, the more drivers you can attract. The drivers got to make money. If they can't make money, I can't make money."

Cab companies set their own fares which generally are about $2 per mile. However, some smaller, or even solo, operators may charge more and some companies may charge less depending on the competition.

Gazdayka said it was hard to know how many taxi companies operate in North County but three, or four, probably handle the bulk of the traffic.

As for what it takes to succeed in the business: "It's not overly hard," Gazdayka said. "You have to have a certain amount of people skills, take directions well, read a map. But there are some people driving who are over-educated for what they do."

Local taxi traffic consists of business travelers to airports and hotels, local trips and a lot of contract work with school districts, hospitals, senior groups and even the North County Transit District for passengers who can't ride buses, Gazdayka said.

Passengers, by the way, leave all sorts of items behind in cabs.... (more)

Want to learn about Rancho Santa Fe, Calif. -- Let the Manions be your guide (VIDEO)

(Editor's note: Who knows more about Rancho Santa Fe living than the Manions, longtime residents involved in all aspects of Ranch life since the word Go...Here's a video from their real estate company that, in the words of the cognoscenti such as nguyen chelinh: "Now, that's what I call a good video!" Enjoy.)

Well whadya know -- Rowe School gets into online journalism

(Editor's note: Yes, it's true. The first few issues of RSF Daily News has arrived via the web. While the few stories are on a corporate education website program with hundreds of other schools, and the links and widgets might be a bit, shall we say, rough, the first major stories by Andrew Conley, an eighth grader, was brisk and informative. In fact, thread-bare to date, the Rowe School's RSF Daily News makes the rsfreview and coastnews look like kid's play. Kudos to you, Rowe School, for entering the present and future of journalism...Here's Master Conley's effort ala' RSF Daily News.)

Organizer of upcoming race addresses potential concerns

Sunday, November 04, 2012

By Andrew Conley

SOLANA BEACH — In an effort to garner support for a race that will shut down Coast Highway 101 on a Sunday morning in 2014, the promoter, as promised, held an informational meeting Oct. 25 to better explain the event and address potential concerns. But only a handful of people attended and none of their questions focused on what the organizers and city officials expected to be the major issues — parking, noise and inconvenience from the closure of a main thoroughfare along the coast.

In August, race producers Peter Douglass and Rick Kozlowski presented plans to Del Mar, Solana Beach and Encinitas for the California 10/20, a 10-mile run along Highway 101 that would start and end at the Del Mar Fairgrounds, beginning at 7:30 a.m. on Feb. 17, 2013.

The California 10/20, beginning and ending at the Del Mar Fairgrounds, will take runners along Coast Highway 101 to the Cardiff Kook statue. The race is slated for Feb. 16, 2014, but the promoters have already started a public outreach campaign to better inform areas residents and businesses. Courtesy artwork

The route will include 20 bands along the way to motivate runners.

Douglass, president of Turnkey Operations and co-creator of San Diego’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon, received approval from officials in Del Mar and Encinitas.

But council members in Solana Beach had concerns because the stretch of Highway 101 along which most of the race would be run is currently undergoing major renovations that aren’t expected to be complete until fall 2013.

In response, Douglass postponed the event for a year, saying it would give him more time to better market the race, now scheduled for Feb. 16, 2014, the Sunday during Presidents Day weekend.... (more)