VetDepot at Encinitas makes Inc. 500 fastest growing private companies list...

 VetDepot, an industry leader in saving pet owners both time and money, announced the company made this year's Inc. 500 list of the nation's fastest growing private companies. The prestigious Inc. 500 represents many of the top businesses in America today. VetDepot ranked in the top 300 of the list at #261 and was the seventh fastest growing retailer, with an extraordinary three year growth rate of 1,235%. The list represents the most comprehensive look at the most important segment of the economy--America's independent entrepreneurs. VetDepot joins the ranks of past honorees such as Microsoft, Zappos, Intuit, Jamba Juice, Zipcar, Clif Bar, Vizio, Oracle, and many other American business icons.

VetDepot is a rapidly growing pet medications and pet supply company that offers discount prices on brand name pet products for dogs, cats, horses and fish. By offering stellar customer service and wholesale prices direct to its customers, VetDepot caters to the needs of both pet owners and industry professionals including groomers, breeders, trainers, shelters, rescue groups, pharmacies and veterinarians.

According to the APPMA, pet industry sales have more than doubled since 1998 and pet owners are expected to spend over 50 billion dollars in 2011. Approximately 62% of U.S. households own at least one pet. VetDepot is proud to serve the growing number of U.S. pet owners by providing them with substantial discounts on all of their pet meds and pet supply needs with the added convenience of fast delivery direct to their door.

VetDepot is at http://www.vetdepot.com/

Community Resource Center (CRC) Uses Rancho Santa Fe Fund to Deal with Looming Food Shortage 

Tickets:  $75 each

VIP Table Packages:  $1,000 

(Reserved seating for 8 guests with select wines and extras) Tickets are available online at  http://www.crcncc.org or by phone at 760.230.6305.)

Community Resource Center’s 29th Annual Holiday Baskets Program is the largest comprehensive holiday distribution program of its kind in San Diego County, and expects record registration requests among North County families this year.  However, current food shortages at CRC could force dramatic cuts in the numbers served at Holiday Baskets this December.  

“We serve over 9,000 individuals a year through our food, shelter, and domestic violence programs, and the current food crisis is having a ripple effect on everything we do for the community,” says Laurin Pause, CRC Executive Director.  Federal budget cuts have significantly reduced food allotments nationwide to distribution centers like CRC.  The agency has struggled to keep pantry shelves stocked, and has been unable to stockpile supplies of food for Holiday Baskets and other emergency distributions.  “San Diego County still has not received its federal allotments for food distribution to households in crisis, and when we do get it, we expect a twenty five-percent reduction in the allotment.  It’s not looking good.”  This news comes on the right as CRC begins its planning for the renowned Holiday Basket’s Program which distributed more than 48 tons of food to local families in need last year.

For the first time since the endowment fund was established at the Rancho Santa Fe Foundation, CRC has decided to withdraw earnings to help bridge the gap.  “It’s not ideal, but we feel compelled to access our auxiliary funds to ensure our food supplies remain adequate in the face of these reduced allotments.  If CRC doesn’t do this, there’s nowhere else in our community these struggling families can turn to.  We are it.”

In 2010, over 200 groups and organizations and more than 1,600 volunteers come together to brighten the holidays for over 1,400 households through CRC’s Holiday Baskets program.   A total of 6,400 individuals were served by the annual program, with children accounting for roughly half of those served.  CRC manages year-round programs for food and rental assistance as well as a comprehensive domestic violence services program that includes Carol’s House, a confidentially located shelter in North County.

CRC’s annual fall fundraising event will take place in Rancho Santa Fe this year, and is part of the organization’s effort to bring critical funding to its programs.  The event, “Autumn Equinox – September Soiree in Rancho Santa Fe,” will take place at Villa de Flores and aptly promotes themes of harvest and passage.  Autumn Equinox includes an array of auction packages, hors d'oeuvres, wine, and much more.

Downtown Encinitas Becomes a Major Destination for Businesses, Merchants Assoc. Says...

Icons Interior at 687 S. Coast Hwy 101, Suite 155.

The number of service and goods merchants that have relocated to downtown Encinitas is growing by leaps and bounds. The sleepy little beach town has become a major commerce destination while maintaining its charm and unique character-two of the main reasons cited by relocating businesses.

From boutiques to branding agencies to high-end skin care destinations, downtown Encinitas has become the optimal headquarters to growing businesses. With the influx of specialty merchants choosing downtown Encinitas as a place to call home, the variety of goods and services continues to increase.

Icons, a clothing boutique established 10 years ago, with previous locations in Rancho Santa Fe and Solana Beach opened December 23, 2010 in the new Pacific Station plaza. Thanks to an established clientele, owner Jenna Motta said she chose to make the move to propel her business to the next level. Motta is hoping to increase foot traffic at the boutique and exposure to new local clients and visitors alike. “Downtown is a destination,” she said. “This location really creates a town center feeling.” 

Naming her boutique in honor of famous women in fashion such as Jackie Kennedy and Audrey Hepburn, Icons sells women’s clothing, accessories and jewelry, placing a huge emphasis on friendly customer service and quality merchandise. 

“We strive for one-on-one customer service,” Motta said. “We help to define a woman’s style and achieve her styling goals.” Icons caters to women with mature tastes who are “trend-conscious but not trendy,” according to Motta. With over 100 different lines represented in the store the tasteful, quality clothing achieves an all around boutique atmosphere that continues to thrive in its new downtown location.

Parallax, a branding and interactive agency recently relocated to a storefront location at 555 Second Street. Owners Jonathan Hanwit and his wife, Guusje spent seven years building the business in San Diego before making the move. After six months searching for the perfect site, Hanwit said he hit pay dirt in downtown Encinitas. “It had the right energy, the right mix of businesses,” he said. “For us it was the right fit of art and culture.”

When the couple moved to Leucadia last year they searched for a suitable location that provided both a creative space for the design studio and to serve as a professional meeting destination. “With clients such as Qualcomm and La Jolla Country Day, it’s a treat for them to visit us here in our studio Hanwit said. “It’s also nice to be able to ride my bike to work and go for a surf or a swim during lunch.”

The new location of the business is indicative of the majority of the work that the business endeavors. “The majority of our projects in the last two or three years have been about making a positive impact on society,” according to Hanwit. “We come up with the look and feel that connects a client to their audience.”

Many of the clients include educational institutions, including the San Diego Community College District and can last in duration anywhere from three weeks to nine months. “We have six regular staff combined with up to 10 freelancers at any given time,” Hanwit said. “This is a good environment for us to do what we do.”

 (Photo: Interior of NobuNau at 553 S. Coast Hwy 101)

Another unique business that is making a big impression on locals and visitors is NuboNau, a natural and organic skincare boutique that opened its doors at 553 Coast Hwy in March of this year. With an international collection of products to choose from, skincare specialists tailor each consultation to the client’s individual needs.

The business does booming internet sales of hard to find product lines, but it is the special attention to clients in a one-on-one setting at the peaceful boutique that allows the customer to truly experience the full range of pampering services. “One of the comments I hear most is that people are just overwhelmed with how many different products we have,” said manager Sophia Castillo.

Partners Hazel and Phil Walker created the NuboNau “concept” while still residing in England in 2007. Following the couple’s emigration from the UK to the United States and their subsequent arrival in San Diego, NuboNau opened its first retail shop in Carlsbad in 2009.

“In the Forum, there was limited space so that we couldn’t provide the specialty facials that clients were asking for,” said marketing manager Clemence Coussy. With most of the boutique’s clients residing in Encinitas, making the move to downtown was a natural fit.

The health-oriented, healthy lifestyles of area residents also served as an impetus for relocating. “The owners were driving by the location and though it provided the perfect exposure,” Coussy said. “Here you feel like you’re able to express who you are as a boutique and as a retailer.”

Whole Foods Market Opens at Pacific Station, Encinitas, Calif. @ 9 a.m. Wednesday, June 29

 Whole Foods Market WFM -1.06%, a leading natural and organic foods supermarket and the nation's first certified organic grocer, will open its newest Southern California store in Encinitas at Pacific Station, 687 S. Coast Highway 101, at 9 a.m. Wednesday, June 29.

Serving the local coastal and Rancho Santa Fe community, the new 23,000-square foot store will feature more than 30 local producers alongside Whole Foods Market's wide selection of the highest quality organic and natural produce, meats, seafood, beer, wine, baked goods, specialty items and prepared foods, while not forgetting pantry staples from the grocery aisles -- all without artificial colorings, flavorings, preservatives or hydrogenated fats.

A 'Whole Body' section will boast a complete selection of natural sports nutrition products including supplements, energy bars, protein bars and other functional products. The store also offers shoppers an array of all-natural and certified organic body care and beauty products. Selections range from value oriented bulk selections of natural soaps, bath salts, shower gels, shampoos, conditioners and lotion to books and makeup.

-- Grand Opening Bread Breaking Ceremony on June 29: Join Whole Foods Market for the bread breaking ceremony at 9:00 a.m. The first 300 customers in line will receive a complimentary demi-baguette. Throughout the day, the store will be holding a BBQ and local vendors will be providing free samples.

-- Community Support Day on July 20: Demonstrating Whole Foods Market's commitment to the community, through a Facebook poll, Encinitas residents voted the Community Resource Center as the first recipient of a 5% Community Support Day. On July 20, five percent of net sales will be donated to the Community Resource Center: communityresourcecenter.org.

Easy and ample parking is available below the store at the Pacific Coast Highway entrance or around the corner at Vulcan and E Streets. The store is also seconds away from the Encinitas Coaster Station. For additional information about the new Whole Foods Market Encinitas store, as well as grand opening festivities beyond opening week, please visit wholefoodsmarket.com/encinitas.

Store officials say the store will provide easy one-stop grocery shopping, the store will have a relaxing outdoor courtyard eating area where customers can enjoy a variety of freshly made salads, sushi, sandwiches, pizza and prepared foods, and refresh with cold drinks and coffee.

Exclusively for the Encinitas store, the Seaside Delight Smoothie, named by a local resident at the Rob Machado Seaside Pro Junior Experience Surf Competition held in April, is anticipated to be a local favorite. Other tasty varieties of smoothies, fresh juices and gelato will also be available daily.

"With a courtyard eating area and a wide variety of cooking, eating and educational events created to serve the healthy and active Encinitas neighborhood, we see Whole Foods Market Encinitas as a gathering hub for the local community," said Patrick Bradley, president of the Whole Foods Market Southern Pacific Region.

"Whether it's ingredients for cooking delicious meals at home or convenient snacks to take to the beach or work, we have everything our customers need, and we are excited to showcase all the best of natural and organic foods," Bradley said

Dedicated to sourcing products from the best local businesses, Whole Foods Market has San Diego-focused foragers who search for local products at farmers markets, artisan shops and community nonprofit organizations to bring products from the community into our stores. Whole Foods Market foragers Don Nishiguchi and Dwight Detter have discovered numerous San Diego growers and producers to sell their wares at the Encinitas store, including local favorites such as:

 -- Stehly Farms Organics, (Photo, left) owned and operated by brothers Jerome and Noel Stehly in Northern San Diego County, grows organic avocados, citrus and berries.

-- Archi's Acres, a small-scale organic farm that offers combat veterans meaningful employment through its Veterans Sustainable Agriculture Training (VSAT), provides organic living basil.

-- Chua Chocolatier, local Venezuelan Chocolatiers who use a secret blend of premium chocolate and fresh natural ingredients to create unusual, unexpected and delicious flavors

-- Avaria Parkway Farms, located in Carlsbad, grows strawberries, and has been for more than half a century. -- Go Green Agriculture, also located in Encinitas, grows hydroponic lettuce in mini-farms near large cities, harvesting in the morning and delivering to the store within hours.

-- Backyard Bees Honeybee Rescue keeps more than 60 rescued hives from San Clemente to Fullerton, providing pure, unfiltered, treatment-free local honey.

-- Sage Mountain Farm, growing from a hobby into a local business, organically grows heirloom tomatoes, sage candy onions, and crimson red watermelons.

Encinitas, Calif. 'Surfing Madonna' Flakes Off The Wall...Next Stop: Oblivion?

San Diego sheriffs blocked traffic from traveling under the bridge on Encinitas Boulevard between Coast Highway and Vulcan Avenue as crews worked on taking down the mosaic of the Virgin of Guadalupe on a surfboard. It took crews almost two hours to complete the removal, and there was no damage to the piece.

The nearly 10-by10 foot mosaic was crafted from hundreds of pieces of stones, tiles, and stained glass, but was not permitted to be constructed on the city property. 

Mark Patterson who installed the mosaic on Earth Day 2011, reached an agreement Tuesday with the city to help remove the artwork so it can be relocated somewhere else.  He paid for the removal and was on scene as a technical consultant to help crews disassemble the mosaic.

Patterson said the mosaic was not for sale and was a gift to the community. He did not disclose the new location for the piece.

Peter Pupping Picked a...Never mind: Guitar Ensemble Seminar Now Forming in Encinitas, CA.

 Guitar Ensemble Seminar Now Forming in Encinitas, CA

Led by noted performer and teacher Peter Pupping, it focuses on learning and performing

Noted Encinitas guitar performer and teacher Peter Pupping is inviting guitarists of all levels to participate in a summer guitar ensemble seminar. The purpose of the seminar is to deepen a guitar student’s knowledge of guitar techniques, while playing music in a group setting. work

 on improving sight reading, tone, fingering, understanding chords and strumming, music theory, and overcoming performance anxiety. 

The summer ensemble’s theme will be surf and reggae music. The ensemble will meet for eight consecutive Mondays from 7 – 9 p.m. at Ranch View Baptist Church, 415 Rancho Santa Fe Rd., in Encinitas. The session begins Monday, June 20. There will be a concert during the final session, Aug. 15. Participating in the ensemble costs $200.

“People appreciate playing in an ensemble for different reasons – some want to play in a group setting, some want to learn new things, while others want to learn to perform,” Pupping said. “Ensemble students can get all of that and more.”

Pupping has been teaching and performing in Southern California for more than 30 years. He earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in music from San Diego State University. Pupping has studied with internationally known classical and jazz guitarists. He organizes and directs the Encinitas Guitar Orchestra twice each year.

Encinitas, Calif. is Funky Town - The View from AspenSpin.com, Living the Dream Since 2006...

(AspenSpin.com has been documenting the over-the-top ski-town lifestyle in Aspen since 2006.  For more, visit here...)

Encinitas is Funky Town

Encinitas, California might just be the funkiest town in the United States.  The small coastal berg which is pushed up against the Pacific Ocean is home to about 60,000 residents many of whom are living in their vans.  Encinitas is made up of 5 distinct neighborhoods.  Historic Encinitas which runs along the famous 101 and borders the ocean. It's a small and super-funky beach inspired downtown.

New Encinitas is East of I-5 (so we've never  really been there) and is basically like any other suburban, strip mall lined town (Target, Bed Bath and Beyond , Walgreen's etc.)  Olivehain is also a bit inland and is mostly olive groves and has a more rural ranch-like setting.

Bordering the 6 miles of pristine coastline are the beach blanket areas of Cardiff-by-the Sea (or simply Cardiff) which was named after the town in Wales and Leucadia, famous for its towering Eucalyptus trees.  Encinitas is 25 miles North of San Diego and about 100 miles south of L.A.  Other than surfers, skaters, tri-athletes and hippies; Encinitas is famous for its flowers...and its generally considered the poinsettia growing capital of the world.

Juanita's in Encinitas.There are some very cool places in Encinitas, but its the beach and the mild climate that attracts the most attention.  Consignment shops, used record stores, florists, bead vendors and funk inspired coffee shops and restaurants line the 101.  Swami's one of the most famous surf spots in the world is about 20 feet off the main road.

A-Spin always stops at Juanita's Taco Shop whenever we're in Encinitas.  Talk about funky--this place has bars on the windows, like a jail and apparently has never been cleaned. It's open from 7 am to 3 am. Juanita's serves the best carnitas in San Diego to a clientele ranging from bare-foot homeless surfers to Bentley driving billionaires.

Funky art is a big part of the overall vibe in Encinitas.  Recently an unusual, unauthorized and controversial gift of art was illegally mounted under a train trestle just east of Moonlight Beach.  THE SURFING MADONNA, a hand painted mosaic was attached to a concrete wall just before Earth Day by official looking workmen wearing jumpsuits and hard hats. No one was suspicious.

The  10' x 10' installation took place in broad daylight at an intersection that sees 18,000 cars per day.  The Surfing Madonna depicts Our lady of Guadalupe riding a surf-board with the inscription "Save the Ocean".  Tons of Encinitas residents and tourists think the Surfing Madonna is extremely cool.  She even has her own twitter account @SurfingMadonna. It's estimated that the mosaic contains at least $1000 of raw materials and took at least 100 hours to complete. 

The Cardiff kook having it's costume removed. Click 2 ENLARGE.Nice gift ---right? --but the artist and his henchmen remain silent.  Who created the Surfing Madonna is a big secret because even in funky Encinitas the politicians need to interject their 2 cents.

The Encinitas City Council is insisting that the piece be removed because it did not go through the proper public review process.  According to the City Fathers, The Surfing Madonna is considered graffiti and would set a terrible precident for other potential taggers.   The Council voted unanimously to remove the artwork from it's seemingly permanent spot under the bridge.  Not to appear to harsh, they allocated $2000 to conduct a study to ensure that the mosiac can remain in tact and find a home on private property.  Really?  Good Stuff?

An example of "city authorized" art is the surfing statue known as The Cardiff Kook.  The Kook gets its name because of his unorthodox and unwieldy surfing stance.  The Kook has become a place for good natured practical jokers to express themselves.  The Cardiff Kook has been dressed in many elaborate costumes since it became a reality about 2 years ago.

A huge paper mache shark's head was one of the best efforts.  Recently, The Kook was dressed as Oprah to honor her last show.  According to the city workers who are responsible for removing the costumes "it happens a lot....every holiday for sure".  If you stop by to see The Cardiff Kook...do yourself a favor...have a maple bar at VG's Bakery across the street...ask anybody--even Rob Machado.

Pretty Funky.

The Surfing Madonna in Encinitas, Ca. Unauthorized Art under the bridge.

 The Cardiff Kook without a costume. Cardiff-by-the-Sea.

Swami's Beach. One of sweet spots cited in Surfin' USA.

Encinitas, Cal. Erases Monster Art But Not The Surfing Madonna To Date...

(Report courtesy of KPBS, public radio in San Diego. For more visit the source, or so they say, here.)

The city of Encinitas speedily erased a painting that appeared on a bridge over the San Elijo lagoon. The city wants to prevent graffiti from springing up in the wake of a surfing Madonna mosaic that appeared mysteriously last month. There was no sign on Friday of a large painting of a monster, which appeared in a photo in a local media outlet as a colorful image filling a smooth concrete wall below Highway 101 near Cardiff state beach.

Enlarge this image Photo by Alison St John Above: Veronica Gianecolla walking her dogs by the bridge next to Cardiff State Beach where the city removed the monster painting from a concrete space below Highway 101. May 27th 2011.)

The city is already grappling with what to do about another piece of unsolicited public art that appeared overnight under a bridge off Encinitas Boulevard. In that case, public support has been strong to preserve the colored glass mosaic of a surfing Madonna.

Encinitas City Council has already spent a couple of thousand dollars on a consultant to advise how to remove the mosaic, which is attached to the concrete with strong glue.

Several nearby businesses say they would like to have it, and a local art store is selling T-shirts to raise money for the move.

Several nearby businesses say they would like to have it, and a local art store is selling T-shirts to raise money for the move.

(Enlarge this image Photo by Alison St John: Small pieces of the mosaic of the Surfing Madonna have disappeared)

Small pieces of the Madonna mosaic have already begun to disappear, and one observer who came to take photos said he hoped the city would take steps to preserve it.

The monster on the San Elijo lagoon bridge disappeared so fast most locals did not even get a glimpse of it.

Paul Howard, who lives a block from Cardiff state beach, said he never saw the monster painting, but he suspected it might be connected to the Kraken Bar in restaurant row.

“It’s disappeared - the kraken under the bridge,” he said, “but we still have the bar. And rumor has it there’s still trolls under the bridge. If the painting was a sea monster it could well have been the kraken.”

(Enlarge this image Photo by Alison St John: The Surfing Madonna mosaic under the railroad bridge at Encinitas boulevard)

Wipeout! Surfing Madonna under the Encinitas, Calif. highway pass...to pass (away).

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

After weeks of debate, Encinitas city leaders decided a mosaic that mysteriously appeared on an Encinitas train trestle last month will be removed.

 Anonymous artists put up the so-called “Surfing Madonna,” a 10 x 10 stained-glassed tile mosaic. The piece some consider art, others consider graffiti, mysteriously appeared Easter weekend under the train trestle on Encinitas Boulevard between Highway 101 and Vulcan Avenue in Encinitas.

Read the original story with video at NBCSanDiego.com

It has drawn the admiration of onlookers. But it’s been a costly headache for city leaders.

After its meeting last night, the Encinitas City Council unanimously voted to spend up to $2,000 for a Los Angeles-based art conservation firm to test various removal techniques, according to our media partners the North County Times.

The artwork, which shows Our Lady of Guadalupe on a surfboard, has drawn complaints because some feel it is offensive as a religious symbol. They say it should be taken down. But not everyone agrees.

“Calling this graffiti is absolutely appalling and ignorant,” said Tricia Takacs of Encinitas. “I’ve never seen a Madonna on a surfboard with booties.”

The phrase "Save the Ocean" runs along the side of the mural but so far, no one has claimed responsibility for it.

The city has already paid $2,000 to a Los Angeles art studio to study the piece. Among the findings: Whoever put it up, doesn’t want it to come down easily. Eight panels are attached with high-strength epoxy glue. The artwork could last up to 10 years.

Switchfoot's 7th Annual Bro-Am is set to take place on Saturday, June 18th, at Moonlight Beach in Encinitas, CA.

The surf contest/beach concert is the centerpiece in a weekend full of activities conceived by Switchfoot to give back to their local community and benefit the San Diego and Oceanside chapters of StandUp For Kids (www.standupforkids.org), a national nonprofit volunteer outreach organization dedicated to making a difference in the lives of at-risk, homeless and street kids. The line-up for the concert will be announced soon.

Since its inception in 2005, the Bro-Am has raised more than $400,000 for San Diego-based children's charities. Last year's event was the most successful to date, drawing over 7,500 attendees and raising more than $135,000 for the local chapters of StandUp For Kids. While admission to the beach event is free, funds will be raised at an Auction Night Soiree (set for June 16 at a private residence), sponsorships, beach vendors and an after-party held on the evening of June 18th at the Belly Up Tavern in nearby Solana Beach (tickets on sale next week).

"The Bro-Am has been my favorite day of the year ever since we started it back in '05," says Switchfoot's Jon Foreman. "To see our hometown come together to help out a deserving group of kids is an incredible experience. The StandUp Kids are true survivors, unsung heroes who have endured so much. The Bro-Am is our chance to celebrate their journey: a day at the beach with friends, surfing, and a little rock and roll. Last year was our biggest year ever, and we hope to top it again this year.

Military dogs to be honored with memorial at Encinitas, Calif., 9 a.m. Saturday, April 16...

 A local humane society is dedicating a memorial on a portion of its property to dogs that have served in the nation’s armed services and is inviting the public to get involved.

The dedication ceremony Saturday for Military Working Dogs memorial will mark the first private memorial of its kind west of the Mississippi, according to Simran Noon of the Rancho Coastal Humane Society.

The memorial has dual purpose for dog enthusiasts.  First, it allows the public to honor highly trained companions, who have saved an average of 150 lives during their careers, Noon said.  The other is to educate the public on the need to adopt these animals.

The public is welcome to attend the ribbon-cutting ceremony Saturday at 9 a.m. at the Rancho Coastal Humane Society at 389 Requeza Street in Encinitas.

Breaking news 3 p.m. - Get ready, get set, STOP on Interstate 5 around Del Mar for a spell longer due to a collision just north of Birmingham Drive...

Yeah, it's Friday, so you know what that means. TRAFFIC HASSLE bleepin' so-and-so commute north. That's a real-time Caltrans photo of what's going on there so either avoid getting on Interstate 5 or else.

Considering traffic gets insane after 3 p.m. on Friday, this accident made it worse. The scene was cleared in an hour. Traffic is proceeding at around 15 miles per hour, or slower, from the Highway 56 merge at Carmel Valley north through Lomas Santa Fe.

So, that's the April Fools Kommute Killer for now. Expect tough going through early evening.

Sorry to report, but that's the way it goes, April Fools Friday. Don't say you weren't warned.

Everything you ever wanted to know about TOMATOMANIA at San Diegto Botanic Garden and weren't afraid to ask...

Herb Festival, Spring Plant Sale, and Tomatomania®

March 19 and 20

9:00 am – 5:00 pm

Download Your Coupon Now >>

This Coupon is good for $2.00 OFF admission • March 19 and 20, 2011 • 9 am - 5 pm
Only one coupon per car needed. FREE Parking. May not be combined with any other special offer.

Cost: Free with admission or membership
FREE PARKING

We are happy to announce that Susan Belsinger will be our honored guest at this year’s Herb Festival. Susan is a culinary herbalist, educator, food writer, and photographer whose articles and photographs have been widely published. She has co-authored several best-selling, award-winning cookbooks. Another book, the creative herbal home, co-authored with Tina Marie Wilcox, is the second in the living with herbs series published by herbspirit. 

Susan will give a program each day at 1 pm. On Saturday, she will show her power point Up Close and Personal: Getting to Know the Mediterranean Herbs. She takes you on a hike across a hillside in Syros, Greece, which helps “herbies” and gardeners see how these native herbs grow in hot arid climates, tenaciously hanging on rocky cliffs. She will discuss how to keep the grey and green Mediterranean herbs happy in our own gardens. To experience more, return on Sunday for her cooking demonstration featuring these hardy, flavorful herbs along with seasonal ingredients of this sun-drenched cuisine. It will be a sensual experience of fragrance and flavor.

To find out more about Susan, visit www.susanbelsinger.com, a great and informative web site. 

In addition to Susan’s presentation, there will be on-going speakers on garden and herb-related topics, guided tours of the Herb Garden, Herb Festival Market-place, the A-Z or Herbs information booth, and the SDBG Spring Plant Sale with a multitude of vendors. Back by popular demand is Tomatomania® with lectures on culture and care and plenty of tomato seedlings.

For Kids: Now, That’s a Horse of a Different Color
Saturday and Sunday, 11:00 am - 2:00 pm
Children can learn about the Herb of the Year, the noble horseradish, make potpourri “saddle bags” with herbs from the garden, and more. Everyone is invited to help in the community art project using recycled material, inspired by artist Rodney Rodrigo. You can also make a book mark using natural materials with guidance from Botanical Printers.

San Diego Botanic Garden presents herb festival, Susan Belsinger, gourd basket workshops

Award-winning cookbook author and herbalist Susan Belsinger to give two presentations at San Diego Botanic Garden's Herb Festival, March 19 - 20, 2011

Award-winning cookbook author and herbalist Susan Belsinger to give two presentations at San Diego Botanic Garden’s Herb Festival, March 19 – 20, 2011

 Growing vegetables, herbs, and flowers organically, harvesting them at their peak, and bringing them into the kitchen to create healthy, good-tasting dishes is a way of life for Susan Belsinger. She is a culinary herbalist who delights in kitchen alchemy—the blending of harmonious foods, herbs, and spices—to create real, delicious food, as well as libations, that nourish our bodies and spirits and titillate our senses.

Susan teaches, lectures, and writes about gardening and cooking, and is a food writer, editor and photographer who has authored/co-authored 20 books and been published in numerous national magazines and newspapers. She blogs for  and has been contributing editor to Herb Companion for ten years.

To find out more about Susan, visit www.susanbelsinger.com.

 Susan will give a program at the Herb Festival each day at 1 pm. On Saturday, she will present Getting to Know the Mediterranean Herbs, a visual journey across a hillside in Syros, Greece, which helps “herbies” and gardeners see how these native herbs grow in hot arid climates, tenaciously hanging on rocky cliffs. She will discuss how to keep the grey and green Mediterranean herbs happy in our own gardens. On Sunday, Susan will offer a cooking demonstration featuring these hardy, flavorful herbs along with seasonal ingredients of this sun-drenched cuisine. It will be a sensual experience of fragrance and flavor. 

In addition to Susan’s presentation, the Herb Festival will feature on-going speakers on garden and herb-related topics, guided tours of the Herb Garden, Herb Festival Market-place, the A-Z or Herbs information booth, and the SDBG Spring Plant Sale with a multitude of vendors. Back by popular demand is Tomatomania® with lectures on culture and care and plenty of tomato seedlings for sale.

Kids’ Crafts, Community Art Project, Botanical OriginalsSaturday and Sunday, 1 a.m. 2 p.m. Children can learn about the Herb of the Year, the horseradish, make potpourri “saddle bags” with herbs from the garden, and more. Everyone is invited to help in the community art project using recycled material, inspired by artist Rodney Rodrigo. Botanical Originals will offer guidance in making bookmarks designed from plant material. 

For a $2 off admissions coupon visit www.sdbgarden.org.

San Diego Botanic Garden is located at 230 Quail Gardens Dr., Encinitas, CA 92024.

Gourd and Basket Weekend at San Diego Botanic Garden, April 30 - May 1, 2011

Gourd and Basket Weekend at San Diego Botanic Garden

 April 30 and May 1, 2011, the Misti Washington Gourd and Basket Guild presents its tenth Gourd and Basket Weekend at San Diego Botanic Garden. Throughout the weekend, 35 classes will offer students of all abilities the opportunity to show off and develop their basketweaving and decorative gourd skills. There will be artisan displays and vendors with their creations and basketweaving materials available for purchase, as well as an opportunity drawing for gourds and baskets from the artisans.

Nineteen instructors from around the country will offer classes ranging from Ornate Pine Needle Basketry and Twill Shoulder Bags to Basket Rainsticks and a Woven Rocker for a Toddler.

Polly Jacobs Giacchina, of La Mesa, has been teaching various fiber techniques for many years. Her goal is a creative process that helps the student discover the maker within everyone. Her own sculptural fiber art is shown in galleries and exhibitions nationally and internationally. Polly will help students create Woven Beads and Brooches in one class and a 3-D Sculptural People Rattle in another.

Don Weeke, of Julian, and a former student of Misti Washington has been working with gourds and baskets for 30 years. His work is featured in The Complete Book of Gourd Craft. He will lead two classes: Gourd Basketry and Gourd Masks.

Misti Washington was a highly respected, nationally known, basket maker, artist, craftswoman, teacher and author who lived and worked in Solana Beach. She generated enthusiasm and inspiration, and fostered the development of countless basket makers until her death in 1997. The guild is named to honor her life and memory.

For complete class catalog, registration and information, visit www.baskets-gourds.com.

San Diego Botanic Garden is located at 230 Quail Gardens Dr., Encinitas, CA 92024.

 www.SDBGarden.org

Breaking News 4 P.M. -- Rear-end collision on I-5 at Leucadia Blvd. sends one to hospital with minor injuries...

It's slow going from downtown San Diego clear to Oceanside during Friday rush hour. Following a 2:30 p.m. rear-end collision on Interstate 5 north, just south of Leucadia Blvd.

California Highway Patrol officers closed one lane of the northbound road to accommodate an ambulance. One person was taken to a local hospital with minor injuries. The lane re-opened just before 4 p.m., but traffic continued backing everywhere. No further details were available.

Another I-5 accident just north of Carlsbad Village Drive at 3:50 p.m. was slowing traffic further north and south.

Roads starting to slick from light rain may have contributed to a 3 p.m. collision on Interstate 15 just past Rancho Penasquitos Blvd. Traffic on that freeway was slowing, but nowhere near the rate on the coast.

Expect to move only the lonely 10 to 20 miles per hour from Via de la Valle at Del Mar all the way to Highway 76 at Oceanside, about  20 miles, the same 20 miles Caltrans has so controversially proposed for lane expansion and widening.

Bar Karma? A guy walked into Encinitas' Lumberyard Tavern...and found its service 'choppy'

Jeffrey Lambkin, is a co-owner of liquidsyndicate.com, a competition-level flair bartender and certified mixologist. Employed as a a bartender since he legally could, Jeff has opened venues, created menu's and done trainings while working at almost every type of bar imaginable for companies large and small. Contact Jeffrey. Or find more here...

Lumberyard Tavern; Encinitas Pub with Choppy Service

On a slow Tuesday night around 7:00 pm, I visited the Lumberyard Tavern in Encinitas for a friend's birthday.  We had been there before and really liked the vibe of this relaxed, friendly establishment.  The Lumberyard's happy hour offers minor discounts on beer, wine, and appetizers, and they seem to promote sporting events well. Offering a wide range of both local and macro brews, this establishment has the potential to be a great new gem for the "lumberyard" area of Encinitas. 

Unfortunately, the beer selection is where the excitement ends.  The cocktail menu was pretty unimpressive; your standard issue sports bar martinis and margaritas were listed for those people that have perhaps never ordered a mixed drink before.  While some local venues likeHensley's and The Stadium have shown creative cocktail menus, The Lumberyard hasn't gotten there quite yet.  

The food was reasonably priced, and I always enjoy a unique idea like a pretzel hamburger bun (pretty good). However, if I may offer a bit of food advice; order sauces and dressings on the side, as the burger and salad we ordered were swimming in their respective condiments.

As a bartender, I generally don't get a chance to get out during games or on the weekends, and am able to give an establishment the benefit of the doubt by evaluating them when they are generally slow and should be at their best.  I feel like this keeps me from being another Yelp'er who complains that they got slow service for a UFC fight or couldn't find a spot at the bar on a Saturday night.  I understand these service setbacks and that bars and restaurants are going to be busy, the same way you know you're going to hit traffic on the freeway at 5 pm on a Friday. But when bad service happens when a restaurant is slow and the quality is at the hands of the staff and management, then it is worth mentioning.

Having sat at the bar and in the restaurant, I noticed that the service was fairly poor on both occasions.  This time, however, there was an obvious lack of knowledge and experience and the server seemed apathetic at best.  We saw her a handful of times, and it was always after we flagged her down to ask for something, never for her to ask us if we wanted a refill, some ketchup, or to just find out if we were enjoying our meals. 

Although there were only a few full sections of the restaurant, our completely empty beer, wine and soda glasses went unnoticed. We also never received a check-back on how our food was as my wife's salad was drenched in dressing and I desperately needed a soda refill for my spicy burger.  The only time we really saw our server was when she brought the check, which we didn't ask for. At this point, she was extremely efficient at closing us out, but absent and unconcerned when we needed things throughout the meal.

I seemed like all of the servers could use some multitasking and table management skills, as well as a quick briefing in general concern for the tables in your section.  At least feign a slight interest in your job!  We were never shown any appreciation for having a birthday there, or received an apology for the extended wait periods.  They either need to have more servers, hire more experienced staff, or have management that holds their employees accountable for service. 

 The good food, quality beer selection, and great Encinitas location make me want to like this place, but until the service is dramatically improved, I think it will be awhile before I consider myself a regular.

 Lumberyard Tavern & Grill

967 South Coast Highway 101

Encinitas, CA 92024

(760) 479-1657

Breaking News Noon: Encinitas former mayor Dalager lodges surprise corruption guilty plea ...

                                                   (Photo montage courtesy Leucadia Blog, visit...)

After a lot of heated discussion over the last two years around council chambers and town, as well as denials of wrongdoing, Dan Dalager, a former Encinitas council member and mayor, has pleaded guilty to conflict of interest. He has been been banned from public office for four years and ordered to pay a $1,000 fine. Dalager was defeated for re-election last fall.

Dalager, 60, acknowledged he received discounted appliances -- a cooktop, oven and exhaust fan -- from a local merchant, according to evidence, and then voted in favor of the merchant in a dispute with the city over his home encroaching on public property.

The appliances were worth more than $2,000, but Dalager paid $150, according to evidence in the Vista branch of San Diego County Superior Court. Dalager should have recused himself from the vote, prosecutors said.

Dalager, longtime owner of a local tool-sharpening business, was defeated for reelection last year amid controversy over his dealings with the merchant. He had served eight years on the City Council including a term as mayor, a post that is rotated among council members.

More will follow in coming days as the active Encinitas blogging community goes Leucadia all over this breaking story.

Relate & TapHunter Present Craft Beer Night Opening Night on Thursday, Feb. 3 at Encinitas...

WHERE:

Relate Restaurant @ St. Germain's Cafe, 
1010 South Coast Highway 101
Encinitas, CA  92024

Map it on Google Maps

START TIME:

Thursday, February 3, 2011 06:00 PM - 10:00 PM 
Pacific Time (US & Canada) (GMT-08:00)

DESCRIPTION

Thursday, February 3rd San Diego will get a taste of something completely different. 

As part of the TapHunter community you undoubtedly seek out rare and exclusive experiences in both beer and food. We've got just what you're looking for. Join us on OPENING NIGHT at Relate, San Diego's FIRST pop-up restaurant. 

Chef Dan Moody's Relate Restaurant and TapHunter present a unique craft beer pairing night featuring two of San Diego's top breweries and Chef Dan's contemporary French cuisine with a down-home American flair. Be part of something special during the first of only 19 nights of business for this incarnation of Relate. Relate will be taking over dinner at St. Germain's Cafe in Encinitas Tuesday through Saturday nights February 3rd through 26th. 

February 3rd will be a special night with two group seatings of 45 people each at 6:00pm and 8:30pm. Tickets for the night's 5 course prix fixe menu are $55 plus the cost of the optional beer or wine flights. You can reserve your seat for February 3rd now for only $5. Your $5 reservation fee will be deducted from the cost of your meal. 

During the night you're encouraged to interact with the Chef and Brewers, Peter Zien from Alesmith and Chuck Silva from Green Flash will be there to talk about their beers. Ask them questions, take pictures, heck give em a hug. The night's 2nd seating will even include a live cooking demonstration by Chef Dan. 

Menu Preview - 5 courses for $55

 - Sous vide petite fillet mignon, spinach avocado puree, crispy porcini spatzle, stout gastrique. 

- Year of the Rabbit cassoulet. 

Beer Flight - 4 beers for $10

 - Alesmith Barrel Aged Wee Heavy 

- Green Flash Trippel 

- 2 more to be announced 

Wine Flight - 5 wines for $15

 - Mount Palomar Winery

Who: Chef Dan Moody, TapHunter and 2 San Diego Breweries

What: 5 course prix fixe meal with beer pairings

Where: Relate Restaurant at St. Germain's Cafe - 1010 South Coast Highway 101 Encinitas, CA

When: Thursday, February 3rd, 2011 - 6:00pm and 8:30pm

Price: $55 + optional beer or wine flight

More from http://stgermainscafe.com/:

Chef Dan Moody, the authority on dating & relationship-related cooking advice, and Relate ^TM, a RelationChef restaurant concept, brings all the excitement of a pop-up restaurant to San Diego's culinary community at St. Germain's Cafe and Bistro.

Formally trained in classical French cuisine, with experience in nouvelle French cuisine, Chef Dan believes that food and the act of cooking are also important ways of expressing love, showing hospitality and ultimately bringing people together.

The food is best described as contemporary French with a down-home American flare. Chef Dan Moody, will give live cooking demonstrations at various times, but there will be no published schedule for these demonstrations.

For more information about Relate TM, Chef Dan Moody and this unique culinary event, please visitwww.relaterestaurant.com

Carmel Valley's Jim "The Realtor" Klinge goes video viral on foreclosures, Pacific Station, Encinitas...

 Jim Klinge -- AKA Jim the Realtor – is a 25-year veteran of the real estate sales business with homes for sale in the San Diego North County Coastal region.

"Yes, I’d like to be your realtor, and would welcome the chance to speak to you. I can be reached at(760) 434-5000, or (858) 560-7700. I love email too; jim@jimklinge.com"

Klinge also has been keeping a daily video blog and frequent updates on the local, and even national, real estate scene. Two recent video entries paint an interesting picture of what's happening this week around town -- Dan Weisman

DRIP DRIP DRIP

San Diego County has 11,750 properties on the trustee-sale list. Are you wondering if the pipeline is being closely managed?  Here are the numbers of foreclosed properties for January:

2008 – 1,621

2009 – 1,133

2010 – 1,285

2011 – 1,111 with one day to go

But the quality seems to be improving, here are a couple more that were recently foreclosed:

PACIFIC STATION, ENCINITAS

The $40 million  mixed-use development at 687 South Coast Highway 101, in downtown Encinitas is now open for business. Nearly 50 residential units are for sale.

With prices from the $300,000s to $700,000s, homes at Pacific Station include a mix of two-story town homes, two-story lofts and single-story, flats ranging from approximately 600 to 2,300 square feet.

All floor plans feature private decks or balconies. Homes also include secure, underground parking and spacious storage units. The single-story flats are offered in one- or two bedroom, one-bath designs from 606- to 970-square feet.