Temecula Chronicle June 2011

Transcription

Delivering to: Chardonnay Hills, Crowne Hill, De Luz, Glenoak Hills, Harveston,
Meadowview, Redhawk, Santiago Estates, Temeku Hills.
June/July 2011
at a glance
News Around Town
Magical Dolls
The Flying Czech (part 2)
Beautiful Budget-Wise Daytrip
Pages...........................2-7
Health & Medical
S/W Healthcare Opens
Obesity & Your Health
Why Hypnotic Lap-Band Works
Pages.........................8-10
Neighborhood News
Thornton Winery Jazz Festival
Everything’s Coming Up Roses
Welcome to Europa Village
Life Dedicated to Serving
Community
Knutson Heads for Olympics
New Chapter for Assistance
League
Keith Card...the Legend
Pages.......................11-18
Food & Travel
Are Travel Agents Dinosaurs?
Restaurant Reviews
Pages.......................19-20
Home & Family
Celebrating Fatherhood
Summer Vacation for Pets
International Baccalaureate
Whose Estate Is it?
Should you buy a Home?
Family Medical Planning
Pages.......................21-28
Golfers Career College
Buys Temeku Hills Golf
Course
By Carol Malin
T
emecula is golf country. The Temecula Valley’s good
weather and challenging courses have enticed golfers
from Orange County, San Diego, Los Angeles and beyond to give our courses a try. Once here, visitors learn what
we already know, that there is a lot to do in Temecula and golf
is at the top of the list for many. Award-winning wineries,
great restaurants, a casino, and a micro brewery or two are
icing on the cake.
There are many excellent golf courses in the Temecula
area and the new Legends Golf Club, a public course at Temeku Hills, promises to add its name to the list. During recent
years the Temeku Hills course had slipped in its standing.
Now, under the ownership of the Professional Golfers Career
College (PGCC), the Temeku Hills Golf Course is being reborn as The Legends Golf Club.
Dr. Tim Somerville, the president and founder of the
PGCC has been in the business of golf education for over 25
years. He holds a doctorate in Education from Ohio State
University, where he also taught and coached. The PGCC is
an accredited golf college that offers a specialized Associate’s Degree in Professional Golf Management. Thousands
have graduated from the program and have gained employment at courses throughout the world. Sandi Somerville, his
wife, is the CFO of their three schools, located in Temecula,
Hilton Head, and Orlando.
Mark Bland has been named general manager of The
Legends Golf Club, Nick Bland has been named as Head
Golf Professional, and Lou Skovron, PGA, has been appointed Director of Golf. Darlene Trandell takes the role of
events coordinator.
Somerville told me that acquiring the course at Temeku
has been on his wish list for some time. A few years back
he would bring his students to play this course, but due to
poor course maintenance they no longer played here. Now
that PGCC owns the course Somerville has put plans into
action to recondition it and to improve the golf shop, the
grill room, and the locker rooms. He intends to rebuild the
reputation of the course and construct a good relationship
with the Temeku Hills homeowners, as well as the general
public.
The course was designed by golf course architect Ted
Robinson, Sr. It is landscaped with beautiful water features,
mature trees and shrubbery. In addition to a driving range, putting green,
and golf shop, the course has ballroom
facilities with a 350-person capacity.
The Temeku Hills Homeowner’s Association will transfer management of
the ballroom to the new golf course
owners on June 1, but will retain
the right to host several events there
throughout the year.
Jim Dent, president of the Temeku Hills HOA, said, “With great excitement we awaited the day that the
PGCC took ownership of the Temeku
Hills Golf Course. I had the pleasure
of working with Dr. Somerville during
the due diligence process and found
Continued on page 13
Residential Customer
ECRWSS
(951) 461-3450
2
June/July 2011
Temecula Chronicle Advertisers
Beauty & Fitness
Fletcher-Smith Salon & Spa............................. 12
Jewel Scene..................................................... 13
Medical Weight Loss & Fitness Center............. 9
Murrieta Day Spa............................................. 16
Premier Laser & Day Spa................................... 3
Temecula Eye Center...................................... 17
Weight No More............................................... 28
Business
C.I.B. Funding...................................................... 1
Dagley, L. Susan – Coldwell Banker............... 18
Hubler Insurance Services............................... 27
Jewel Scene..................................................... 13
Murrieta Volkswagen......................................... 7
Transit Van Shuttle Services............................... 4
Events, Sports & Travel
Bear Creek Golf Club........................................ 5
Cruise Planners................................................. 20
Primus Golf Academy...................................... 22
Reality Rally....................................................... 14
The Shootist......................................................... 6
Transit Van Shuttle.............................................. 4
Family & Pets
Camp Bow Wow.............................................. 21
England Family Mortuary.................................. 9
Mulligan Family Fun Center............................ 26
Transit Van Shuttle Services............................... 4
Food & Wine
Anthony’s Lounge & Ristorante...................... 19
Baron’s The Marketplace................................ 11
Fidel’s Little Mexico.......................................... 19
Lazy Dog Café.................................................. 19
Manhattan Deli................................................ 19
Mo’s Egg House................................................ 19
Home Improvement & Décor
Aging In-Place Remodeling............................ 10
Krabbe & Sons, Steve........................................ 4
Ocean Blue Pool Service.................................. 6
W.C.Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc............. 23
Medical & Health
Argenbright, O.D., Bret.................................... 17
Global Medical Equipment.............................. 8
Gurvits, D.O., Vadim........................................... 3
Handi Visor Holder............................................ 22
Nagy – Hypnotherapist, Sandra....................... 1
Southwest Health Services................................ 8
Skversky, M.D., Robert...................................... 28
Temecula Valley Digestive Disease.................. 9
Religion
West Coast Life Church................................... 27
Senior Care
Brookdale Senior Living/Chancellor Place.... 10
Administration
Roland Behny, Publisher
publisher@chroniclemediagroup.com
Marilyn Spooner, Co-Publisher
marilyn@chroniclemediagroup.com
Contributing Editors
Lois Allen
jwalga@verizon.net
Harry Carpenter
thegeniewithin@roadrunner.com
Wendy Hammarstrom
innerworks1@aol.com
Gloria Karlak
gloriak.karlak@verizon.net
Carol Malin
carol@temeculachronicle.com
Karen Robertson
kanwrite@verizon.net
Kelly Smith
ksmith@ambassadorenergy.com
Mary Wulfsberg
mmwulfsberg@verizon.net
Lou Wynants
jewelofbcr@verizon.net
Design • Editing • Production • Sales
Steve Cady, Strategic Advisor
scady@chroniclemediagroup.com
Roy Hester, Sales
roy.hester@hotmail.com
Heather McKay, Graphics & Layout
m.kaydesign@mac.com
Joan Mueting, Website Development
joan@muetingmedia.com
Printer
Advance Web Offset
Kristen Stez, Sales
Kristen@chroniclemediagroup.com
FROM THE PUBLISHER...
After our first edition of the Temecula Chronicle in April we received calls from quite
a few “Temecularians” telling us they “liked the new paper very much,” and, “Could they
subscribe,” and, “Where did it come from?”...The truth is the Temecula Chronicle arrived in
your mailbox.
The Chronicle is not subscription based, it is advertiser based; which means we have to
sell ads to pay for the mailing, printing, and all the other stuff that goes into publishing a
newspaper –so far we’ve been breaking even…so if you visit one of our advertisers, like
Baron’s Marketplace or a restaurant, etc., be sure to tell them how much you like our Chronicle.
And, remember...without ads, there is no us!
This is the second edition of the Temecula Chronicle; it’s a little bit larger than the last one,
and now we have expanded our circulation pattern to include all of Redhawk.
Chronicles are delivered by the U.S. Mail to more than 11,500 homes and businesses in and
around Temecula, including Temeku Hills, Chardonnay Hills, Glenoak Hills, Santiago Estates,
De Luz, Meadowview, Harveston, Crowne Hill, and we will continue to expand our distribution. We print more than 14,000 copies every other month; many are also distributed to high
traffic locations, restaurants, banks, office buildings, Baron’s Marketplace.
Our editorial focus is the good life in Temecula, with an emphasis on people, neighborhoods, wineries, interesting stories and local events.
In fact we’re looking for correspondents; if you live in one of the neighborhoods
mentioned above, and if you like to write, send us a note. You could be one of our official
correspondents.
If you want to send me a message, or have a suggestion, or a question, call me, send me an
email, send me a letter; I really would like to hear from you.
Chronicle Media Group
951-461-3450
Publisher@ChronicleMediaGroup.com
(951) 461-3450
“The Temecula Chronicle is a bi-monthly newspaper. We print 14,000 copies and deliver via the
U. S. Post Office to over 11,500 homes and businesses in and around Temecula – including Chardonnay
Hills, Crowne Hill, De Luz, Glenoak Hills, Harveston,
Meadowview, Redhawk, Santiago Estates, and
Temeku Hills. Additional copies are distributed to
high traffic locations in the surrounding area.”
Distribution of this newspaper does not constitute
an endorsement of the information, products, or
services herein. The publisher assumes no liability
for statements, services or products as advertised.
The publisher will not knowingly publish advertisements, articles or opinions that are fraudulent, libelous, misleading or contrary to the policies of the
Temecula Chronicle. We reserve the right to reject
any advertisement or written material that we find
unsuitable or inappropriate for our readers. Please
direct all editorial and advertising inquiries and correspondence to the address shown below.
Advertising is accepted and positioned at the discretion of the publisher. Advertisers assume all responsibility and liability for claims arising from their
advertisements. Advertisers release the publisher of
any and all liability for damages, incidental, consequential or otherwise in excess of the cost of the ad
space involved. Opinions expressed by columnists or
advertisers do not necessarily reflect those of the
publisher.
The Temecula Chronicle has volunteer and staff
reporters. Article size is determined by the publisher and text may be edited to conform to space
requirements and/or for clarity. All rights reserved.
No part of this newspaper may be reproduced, in
any format, including electronic digitization without the prior written permission of the publisher.
CORRECTIONS:
The Temecula Chronicle makes every effort to
fact-check all articles and all submissions. We are
not responsible for errors or claims offered by our
advertisers. If you believe we’ve made a mistake,
please let us know. We don’t make mistakes
intentionally. The “Chronicle” will gladly publish
a correction for anything that was printed in error
or by mistake. If you find a mistake or would like
to comment to the publisher about something you
have read in the “Chronicle”, please contact us
by phone at 951.461.3450 or at our email address
publisher@chroniclemediagroup.com or you can
send us a letter at Temecula Chronicle, P. O. Box
1065, Murrieta, CA 92564.
www.ChronicleMediaGroup.com
June/July 2011
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She Creates a World of Magic
and Whimsy with Her Dolls
By Gloria Karlak
She has been awarded the highest honors in national and international competition. And, her designer
dolls display exquisite porcelain faces and spectacular
period attire. They are the hallmarks of her creation.
Murrieta resident Sandra Hulbert is frequently referred to as The Doll Lady. In 2009, she entered four
international competitions and her dolls have won
top awards. She recently spoke with the Bear Creek
Chronicle (recently renamed the Murrieta Chronicle)
following a Seely-sponsored doll competition in London. Hulbert usually enters two uniquely hand-crafted
dolls in each competition.
The dolls come in all shapes and sizes. Their faces
are delicate and expertly crafted. The costumes range from the multi-layered silk
brocade attire on her Mandarin Doll to period dolls clothed in elegant Elizabethan
dress as featured in the movie “Dangerous Liaisons.” A majority of her dolls stand
24” in height from foot to the tip of the head.
The dolls reflect the world of high fashion, of whimsy, and of theatrical extravagance. There is the beautiful
bride with a satin gown that is edged
in pearls and decorative bead ware.
Another exquisitely crafted doll resembles Marie Antoinette at the Court
of Louis XIV. She is joined by a doll
from London circa the 1800’s with
finely detailed attire that is layered
with vintage lace.
Hulbert has received the highest
award in the field of international doll
competition–The Millie–which is the
antique reproduction doll. It is a onetime trophy that is the virtual Academy Award of Doll Competition.
“The level of competition at the
doll shows is exceptional,” remarks
Hulbert. She said that the porcelain
face of the doll accounts for 75% of
the score in most competition. Hulbert starts with green-ware and painstakingly cleans the surface of the
face. The next step in the process is to
fire the porcelain – which she does in
the confines of her garage. There are
numerous steps in the firing process with delicate layers being added at discreet
intervals. The final step involves finely painting the doll’s face with a palette of
colors to match the period of the doll and the type of doll being replicated.
“Being in this field has given me an insight into history that I would have never
known otherwise. You don’t just decide to make a doll; you do your research of the
time period you are trying to create. In that process, history jumps out at you along
the way and allows me to put my thoughts to my hands to create,” said Hulbert.
The world of doll design includes visiting the art-form over centuries. A favor-
(951) 461-3450
June/July 2011
ite of doll designers is the Bru
doll that was first created by
Leon Casimir Bru in Paris in
1867. “Over the years he made
many types of Bru dolls. The
dolls ranged from small fashion to life-size mannequin
heads for display windows
of coiffeurs, wig makers and
jewelers,” said Hulbert.
Today’s Bru dolls are
replicas of the past, but their
delicate porcelain features
evoke a glamorous past.
For Hulbert, the story
began 25 years ago as an offspring to an interest in ceramics. Her creativity and artistic
view took flight and she has
been designing dolls ever
since. She even holds a doctorate degree in doll design.
Today, Hulbert’s studio is
a converted guest room that
is virtually filled with doll
shapes, crystal beads, decorative trim and vintage satin
ribbon. However, it’s fabric
that dominates the room and it
fires the imagination of the artist.
She locates unusual and vintage fabric
at doll shows, international competitions
and boutique fabric shops. The fabric includes rare laces, exquisite brocades and
transparent sheers. And the unique and
distinctive costumes that she creates are
all sewn on a 1945 Singer Featherweight
sewing machine.
Hulbert is surrounded in her home with
a variety of doll shapes and sizes. There
are petite European dolls that serve as pincushions, an Asian-themed Mandarin doll
with a dramatic head-piece, old fashioned
jester dolls, and a romantic couple dancing
a Viennese waltz atop a mechanical music
box. It is a place of magic.
Hulbert continues to win awards for
her continued creativity and unique precision she gives each of her dolls. She also
took the International Crystal Award in
Kent, England last year for another antique doll reproduction. Plus, has recently
returned from Tennessee taking the Maggie Award for her modern doll reproduction.
We are proud to claim Sandra Hulbert
– The Doll Lady-as our own international
star of magnificent doll making.
June/July 2011
5
“Flying Czech” Recounts Flight
to Freedom (part 2)
By Gloria Karlak
The first installment of this two-part article about Mira Slovak chronicled on
his daring flight from Communist-controlled Czechoslovakia in 1953. Slovak’s harrowing escape to freedom, piloting a Czech Airlines DC-3 aircraft, was profiled in
a “This is Your Life” television special back in 1959. Wrote one biographer: “For
Mira, freedom is far more than just a word; it is a way of life, a principal to be honored, respected, and pursued. It is America.”
After Slovak’s flight to freedom, he became an international celebrity. His life
in the United States was vastly different than life in Czechoslovakia, and once again
Slovak was facing a new set of challenges. But Slovak, the “flying Czech,” was
made for speed and his life in America was about to take some fascinating twists and
turns.
As Slovak adjusted to life in America, he was anxious to begin flying again. He
began inauspiciously enough, as a crop duster in eastern Washington state. But a CIA
friend urged Slovak to come to Seattle.
There Slovak met a man who would change his life, W.E. Boeing, of Boeing
Aircraft Co. Boeing asked Slovak to pilot his private Air Commander aircraft. While
flying for Boeing, Slovak lost an engine in Alaska and ended up in the water until he
was rescued.
But it was a fateful lunch with the scion of the Boeing empire that vastly changed
Slovak’s life in 1955. Their conversation veered toward hydroplane racing, the new
darling of the sporting world. Boeing asked: “Mira, did you ever drive any boats?”
Slovak responded that the only boat he’d “driven”
was a kayak on the river.
That was about to change. Boeing introduced
Slovak to the speed-fueled sport of unlimited hydroplane racing. It was exceptionally popular at the time.
Races were broadcast live on television. Slovak, who
loved speed, had found another career as a hydroplane driver. First he drove Boeing’s flagship boat,
“Miss Wahoo.”
“There was new excitement about this sport,”
said Slovak. Hydroplane racing was in its early
stages, and there were trials and tribulations with the
boats and the sport itself.
“All of us were learning through mistakes. We
were all amateurs. It was just a hobby,” Slovak said. But the hobby took a serious
turn when Slovak drove the heralded Miss Wahoo in 1956. With Slovak as driver,
Miss Wahoo won the Sahara Cup on Lake Mead and the Gold Cup on Lake Tahoe.
The most prestigious win, however, was the 1959 President’s Cup on the Potomac
River.
The sport was becoming so popular that the winners of the President’s Cup were
invited to the White House to meet President Eisenhower. Accompanied by W.E.
Boeing, Slovak spent 45 minutes with the president, who was a hydroplane racing
fan. In an interesting turn of fate, Slovak had first seen Eisenhower at an event in
Prague celebrating the Allied victory in World War II. Fifteen years later, Slovak was
honored by the president as an American sports hero who had escaped the clutches
of Communism.
Eisenhower intervened to help Slovak’s quest to pilot a commercial airliner.
Slovak’s license to fly planes was limited by regulations that restricted non-citizens
from using radio in commercial airplanes. With Eisenhower’s assistance, legislation
was proposed by Washington senators Warren Magnuson and Henry Jackson that
permitted Slovak to use the radio on commercial airliners. At the time, Slovak was
the only one in the world to receive this special privilege.
Slovak promptly joined Continental Airlines as a pilot in 1959. He captained
large-scale DC-10s and B-707s as well as B-727s and the B-747. He flew for Continental for 27 years.
Life as a Continental pilot did not keep Slovak from his newfound affection
for hydroplanes. Slovak drove Miss Wahoo from 1956 to 1960. He said it was his
favorite hydroplane: “It was beautifully balanced and beautiful to drive at 180 miles
per hour.”
Besides Miss Wahoo, Slovak drove Miss Bahrdahl, Miss Exide and the famed
Tahoe Miss. In the Tahoe Miss he won the Canadian Gold Cup and the American
Gold Cup. Slovak was inducted into the unlimited Hydroplane Hall of Fame in 1963
continued on page 7
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June/July 2011
Beautiful and Budget-Wi$e
Local Daytrip a Gem
By Carol Malin
Tucked into the hills of rural Murrieta you will find the Santa Rosa
Plateau Ecological Reserve.
The reserve offers one of the best opportunities in southwest Riverside County to enjoy a great outdoor experience. Each season provides
visitors with a new palette, but spring might be the best of all. The wildflowers are in bloom, the vegetation is lush and streams and pools are full
after winter’s rains.
The reserve is set aside strictly for day-use activities such as hiking,
picnicking, photography and studying plants and animals. The reserve
has dirt trails, no interior roads other than fire roads. Visitors will find that
without the din of cars and trucks they can hear the peaceful sounds of
nature. The entrance fee is $1 for children and $2 for adults.
Visitor Center
Make the visitor center your first point of contact when planning your
exploration of the reserve. It is located five miles south of the I-15 freeway at 39400 Clinton Keith Rd., Murrieta, Calif., 92562. Reach it by
phone at 951-677-6951. The visitor center is closed on Mondays. It has
restrooms, and portable toilets can be found at the Adobes, Sylvan Meadows and Vernal Pools trailheads.
Wear walking shoes if you plan to hike any of the reserve’s many
trails, and bring a bottle of water. Mountain bikes and animals are not allowed in the reserve but you may take dogs, horses or bikes on the multiuse trails in Sylvan Meadows on the west side of Clinton Keith Road.
The 8,300-acre reserve is part of what was once a vast ranch created
in the mid-1800s through a Mexican land grant of 47,000 acres. Before
the ranching era, this area was the territory of the Luiseño Indians, who
lived within its protected valleys. The visitor center includes a display of
tools that the Indians and the ranchers used in their daily routines.
Granite Loop Trail
An extensive system of trails has been developed within the reserve
over the years. Among the most popular is the wild, yet civilized, 1.2-mile
Granite Loop Interpretive Trail. The trailhead is at the visitor’s center,
where you can pick up an informative leaflet about the terrain, plants and
animals you may spot along the trail.
As the trail meanders southeast you’ll have a lovely view of the mountains. Towering granite rocks flank the path at some points. The trail dips
down and leads you across a wooden bridge crossing a stream. Benches,
placed in the shade of oak trees, are scattered here and there along the way
to give you a place to rest or take in the view. The trail then loops back toward the visitor’s center. At a junction, you can turn left onto the fire road
and go directly back to the visitor’s center, or you may continue straight
on the trail and in a half mile you will come to a large clearing where 16
picnic tables are situated under giant oaks. It is near to the trail’s end, so
it is close enough for you to fetch your lunch from the car, but far enough
that you won’t be disturbed by hustle and bustle.
Vernal Pools Trail
Another favorite hike is the Vernal Pools Trail. The trailhead is several miles from the visitor center. Drive south on Clinton Keith Road and
stay left at the fork to continue on Via Volcano Road. There is a parking
lot at the Vernal Pools trailhead. Two of the pools neighbor the parking
area. The largest pool is an easy half-mile walk from the lot. The best time
to visit the pools is after the rains when the pools are at their fullest; most
years, they dry completely by summer.
Historic Adobes
You may tour adobes built in the 1800s, the oldest standing structures
in Riverside County. The buildings are open for limited hours; call the
visitor center in advance to learn when you can enter the adobes. They can
be reached by the Vernal Pool Trail, so continue east for a mile past the
large pool. This hike is a pretty walk through meadows and there is shade
along the way. When you reach the adobes there is a place to picnic under
an enormous great oak tree.
Have you Experienced The
Shootist?
Come and experience the feeling of the old west at The Shootist, a family owned
and operated gun shop located in Historic Downtown Murrieta. Established in 1991,
we began as a small shop. As each of our customers recommended our store to their
friends, our shop began to grow. Today we’re one of the largest FULL LINE-FULL
SERVICE gun shops in Southern California! We’re here to offer you an unbeatable
combination of friendly service, paired with years of firearm knowledge, and a fantastic array of guns to choose from. WE HAVE OVER 2000 GUNS IN STOCK AND
OUR SELECTION CHANGES DAILY! Whether you’re a first time gun buyer or an
avid collector, we’re here to help every step of the way.
The Shootist focus is always on you. We offer one of the best selections of optics
around, with scopes, binoculars, and range finders to fit everyone’s budget. Looking for a good knife? We carry a full array of knives for every sportsman. We also
carry an extensive inventory of Defense Spray, Stunguns, Flashlights, Tasers and an
Ammunition selection that would impress anyone trying to locate that hard to find
box of ammo. You’ll be able to choose from an array of accessories and supplies for
hunting, competition, and recreational shooting for the whole family.
When it comes to guns, we can’t be beat. We have the largest inventory of Home/
Self Defense firearms in the region, both New and Used, as well as AR-Type Rifles
& parts. Another thing you wouldn’t expect to find here in Murrieta is our great selection of Africian rifles for that Safari you’ve been dreaming about. Stop by or visit
our online store to take advantage of our monthly specials. However, it’s much more
fun to visit us in person. We’re here from 10am to 6pm Monday through Saturday
and CLOSED Sundays. (951.698.7543) Or visit: www.TheShootistGuns.com
Education on the Plateau
Money from memberships, donations, grants and fundraisers support
the reserve’s educational programs, and also fund a mountain lion research project in conjunction with UC-Davis. If you enjoy the reserve you
may want to buy an annual pass ($25 individual) through the Santa Rosa
Plateau Foundation www.srpf.org.
Ginger Greaves, the foundation’s executive director, explains, “We
have an on-site naturalist, Rob Hicks, and a wonderful team of about 30
volunteer docents. Our mission is to inspire and motivate children to learn
and care about the natural world. We host a third-grade children’s education program that serves 6,500 students annually. We are adding a project
for older children involving historic grassland restoration. We also hold
nature photography classes on the plateau.”
(951) 461-3450
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June/July 2011
Strengthening our Local
Economy
By Lois Allen
If you’ve been thinking about owning a high-quality German-engineered
automobile, the time is right to shop Murrieta Volkswagen. The dealership
has a great selection of cars with amazing prices.
• Check out the sophisticated, well-equipped Jetta Sedan. Its clean diesel
model boasts fuel economy of up to 50 mpg. For safety, the Jetta can’t be
beat with its four-star front-impact crash rating. Volkswagen has more 2011
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety top picks than any other brand.
• Murrieta Volkswagen has over 40 pre-owned cars to select from. All
makes and models have great gas mileage. Most of our pre-owned cars
are certified and include warranties.
•For your convenience, our service and parts department is open 6 days a
week. Murrieta VW also services Audi vehicles.
Murrieta Volkswagen invites you to stop in and let their helpful sales
staff find the car that’s right for you. Because customer satisfaction is top
priority, Murrieta Volkswagen has assembled a knowledgeable team in its
service department, providing superior maintenance.
Murrieta VW is the only auto dealer within the city limits of Murrieta.
Open since 2003, it has held its own during the recent economic downturn,
remaining a solid local employer. The dealership prides itself on being a
good corporate citizen while contributing a significant amount of revenue
to Murrieta’s tax base.
Murrieta Volkswagen extends a warm welcome to the new BMW dealership that is moving into the facility next door. Jet Tingey, sales manager,
says “It was getting a little lonely being the only kid on the block.”
Murrieta VW is conveniently located just off the 15 Freeway at 41300
Date St. To visit, simply take I-15 to Winchester Road, head west and take
Jefferson Avenue north. Turn right on Date Street and your new Volkswagen
will be waiting for you there. For showroom hours or more information, call
888.504.4194.
Don’t forget…..Murrieta VW is ”Right on the Freeway…Right on the
Price!”
“Flying Czech” Recounts Flight
to Freedom
continued from page 5
and was named to the Motor Sports Hall of Fame at Detroit in 2001. Slovak recalls
that Continental Airlines wanted him to stop driving hydroplanes, but the lure of
speed on water was too great and Slovak balanced both careers.
Slovak’s love of velocity had serious consequences, however. In the 1960 Gold
Cup he was driving Miss Wahoo when he slow-rolled the boat at 145 mph and ended
up in the hospital with multiple injuries.
Slovak had a more severe accident in 1963 when he was driving Miss Exide.
The boat exploded going 165 mph, sinking in 15 to 20 seconds. The accident landed
Mira in the hospital again, and this time it was serious. He lost 22 teeth and needed
160 stitches to close wounds on his chin. He also suffered broken vertebrae and ribs.
Slovak recalled that he decided to quit hydroplane racing at that time. But, he added,
“Anytime I’m in the hospital, I always quit.” Upon recovery, he was racing once
again.
Now he ventured into competitive airplane racing. He competed in a number of
races and won the Reno Air Race in the famous F4F Grumman “Bearcat” in 1964.
After driving hydroplanes and piloting aircraft, Slovak moved on to his next
flying adventure, gliders. In May of 1968 he bought a glider in Germany and flew it
back to the United States.
“It was the most unusual way to cross the Atlantic,” Slovak said. The 36-horsepower Volkswagen engine in the glider generated speeds of 80 to 85 mph and the
8,500-mile trip from Europe to the U.S. required stops in Germany, England, Scotland, Iceland, Greenland and Canada. Named The Spirit of Santa Paula, the glider
traveled the Atlantic, but crash-landed in Santa Paula, Calif. “I got into a downward
spin in the glider and hit a ditch,” Slovak said. This crash sent him back to the hospital for an extended stay.
After rebuilding the crashed RF-4 motor glider, Slovak flew the North Atlantic
from California to Paris in the La Bourget Air Show in 1969.
Through all his racing adventures, Slovak remained a pilot for Continental Airlines, officially retiring only in 1986. However, he has stayed active in the world of
flying and intends to pilot his refurbished glider once again.
Slovak’s is a compelling life story. To escape Communism in a Czech Airline
DC-3 is thrill enough for one lifetime. But he added hydroplane racing, piloting commercial airliners, racing in smaller specialty airplanes and a romance with a glider.
The man once featured on “This is Your Life” has indeed lived an amazing life.
(951) 461-3450
8
June/July 2011
Southwest Healthcare Opens New
Additions and Expansions
New and expanded facilities are
open at Southwest Healthcare System’s
Inland Valley Medical Center in Wildomar and, five miles south in Murrieta, at
Rancho Springs Medical Center.
Inland Valley’s Intensive Care Unit
(ICU) and Emergency Department (ED)
were expanded at a cost of $37 million.
Together they feature 35 ED beds (18
new bays, nine original bays, four fasttrack rooms and four rapid medical
evaluation rooms) and 18 ICU beds, 11
of which are new.
Inland Valley also has an expanded
entrance and waiting area that’s more
than four times its prior size. The new
ED entrance is graced with sparkling
clean floors, comfortable new furnishings and wide-open spaces. Wave goodbye to the old days of cramped, crowded waiting rooms. People go out of their
way to say “hi,” “may I help you?” and
“thank you.” Though trivial to some, a
friendly face or kind gesture can make
a big difference for people entering the
hospital because life’s ailments have
gotten the best of them.
“We are extremely excited about
what’s happening here at Southwest
Healthcare,” says Summer Scott, director of business development. “The new
and expanded facilities are a welcome
sight to staff, patients and the community as a whole. The atmosphere is electric.”
For several years, limited space
and overwhelming demand forced Rancho Springs’ ED to operate at capacity.
Those days are gone. With its $53 mil-
(951) 461-3450
lion expansion, Rancho Springs has a
total of 30 new ED beds (including four
fast-track rooms) and a new Women’s
Center with 24 new postpartum rooms,
17 new labor and delivery rooms, two
triage rooms, two post-anesthesia care
units (PACU) and two Cesarean-section
surgical rooms.
As you drive up to the new ED and
Women’s Center at Rancho Springs, the
large building with ample parking and
immediate access to services makes a
striking impression. But it’s what’s inside that counts. The entry and waiting
areas are clean and spacious. High ceilings contribute to that feeling of open
space and make people feel more comfortable.
In the ED, shine and cleanliness
are evident. Advanced technology and
equipment and a flooring layout designed for quick maneuverability provide the perfect setting for nurses and
medical staff to perform at the highest
possible levels.
Head over to the Women’s Center,
truly a place of refuge. Comfort and
cleanliness are the essential components, but the environment is designed
for care and compassion. When you’re
here, you want to feel as relaxed as possible.
The new ED and Women’s Center
at Rancho Springs and the expanded
ED and ICU at Inland Valley score high
marks for health care in Southwest Riverside County. Good news from Southwest Healthcare System is good news
for our community.
9
June/July 2011
Obesity and Your Health
By Eunice Rhee, D.O.
Obesity is a serious health problem affecting a large percentage of the United
States population; it’s an epidemic. Approximately one in three adults and one in
five children in this country are obese.
The consequences of obesity and weight gain include rising health care expenses. Obesity contributes to or complicates coronary artery disease, diabetes,
strokes, sleep apnea and risk of colon polyps, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, cancer and Alzheimer’s disease.
One measure of obesity is body mass index, or BMI. This is a relationship
between weight and height. Someone with a BMI of 25 to 30 is considered overweight; someone whose BMI is 30 or greater is considered obese. A BMI greater
than 40 is considered morbidly obese – at significant risk of death due to obesityrelated problems and illnesses.
The higher a person’s BMI, the greater their risk of developing health problems related to excess weight. An increase in BMI of one unit increases the risk of
disease by about 10 percent.
It’s important to evaluate diet, physical activity, family history and other appropriate health measures, in addition to BMI, to determine someone’s health risks
due to obesity and to create a plan to minimize these risks.
What causes obesity? There are many factors: age, sex, genetics, psychological
makeup, lifestyle, social pressure and environment. As you age, your metabolism
naturally decreases, making it easier to gain more fat than muscle. Psychological factors such as depression, anger and boredom may contribute to poor eating
habits. Some medical conditions and medications can contribute to weight gain.
They include hypothyroidism, Cushing’s syndrome, polycystic ovarian syndrome,
steroids, birth control pills and antidepressants.
People often ask about a reasonable timeline for weight loss and what goals
they should set. A good initial goal for someone overweight or obese is decreasing
body weight by 10 percent. Accomplishing that significantly improves the risk of
developing all health diseases associated with obesity. Once that goal is reached,
further manageable long-term goals can be set – for example, weight loss of one to
two pounds per week for six months.
Maintaining a healthy weight isn’t about “dieting” or following a particular
“program.” It requires a lifestyle you must adopt for years to come. Medical supervision of your weight loss is recommended if you’ve been unsuccessful and
your weight tends to “yo-yo” – dropping when you diet but increasing when you
return to former eating habits, often returning to the initial point or higher. It is also
important to be monitored by a physician when you have other medical conditions
along with being overweight or obese. Medications and bariatric surgery should be
used as last resorts because education and lifestyle are the cornerstones of weight
loss.
Dr. Rhee is medical director at the Center for Medical Weight Loss in Murrieta.
She has completed specialized advanced training in weight loss, GI nutrition,
obesity and bariatric medicine. She also works with patients at Temecula Valley
Digestive Disease Consultants (affiliated with Center for Medical Weight Loss).
Her special interests in gastroenterology include: colon cancer screening and prevention, digestive disease disorders affecting women, hemorrhoid treatment and
obesity management. For more information please call 951-200-6796 or see www.
medicalweightloss4u.com and www.gidocs4u.com
SUMMER IS COMING….
As summer is fast approaching thoughts are turning more often to
that unwelcome danger of skin cancer.
There are a variety of different types of skin cancer including basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and
melanoma. Of these three basal cell carcinoma
is the most common followed by squamous cell
carcinoma. Malignant melanoma is the least
common; but is by far the most dangerous
and accounts for over 75% of all skin cancer deaths.
Melanomas are usually tan, brown or
black and arise from the pigmented cells
found in moles. Any changes in the size,
shape or color of a mole should prompt
an evaluation by a physician; especially
if the diameter of the mole is greater than
that of a pencil eraser.
Squamous cell carcinomas frequently
occur on sun exposed areas such as the lips,
ears and hands. They typically grow very
slowly and appear as a firm reddish spot or
ulcer that won’t heal. Squamous cell carcinomas have a tendency to metastasize or spread and generally require
surgical excision.
Basal cell carcinoma is extremely common, with as many as 3 of
10 Caucasians developing a basal cell carcinoma in their lifetime. 80%
of basal cell carcinomas occur on the sun exposed areas of the head
and neck. Basal cell carcinomas frequently appear as pearly white or
waxy bump and because they are slow growing and do not usually
spread; they may be treated with topical creams in certain cases. Sun
exposure, fair skin, age and family history of skin cancer are all risk
factors.
The next time you go out in the sun, remember to wear a hat and
protective clothing and to apply sun screen. An ounce of sun screen is
worth a pound of cure!
Dr. Leslee Cochrane–Ramona VNA & Hospice
(951) 461-3450
10
June/July 2011
How & Why Hypnotic LapBand
Surgery Works: The Results
By Sandra L. Nagy
Several months ago, I announced,
in what was then the Bear Creek Chronicle, that I was beginning clinical trials on Hypnotic LapBand Simulation
(HLS).TM The trials were a success as
is the procedure which I’ve been performing since the beginning of April,
with seven clients almost finished and
eight more about to begin and finish by
the middle of July, when I plan to take a
much-anticipated week off…
I want to begin by reminding you
that the subconscious mind is most
powerful tool we have to transform our
lives. Our five familiar senses provide
us with information of the material
world around us, while filtering out and
limiting our exposure to the powerful
but mostly unknown world of that quiet
mind just below the surface.
In a traditional hypnotherapy session, hypnosis is achieved through progressive relaxation of the body as the
conscious, thinking part of the mind…
that with which we decide what we will
do and what we won’t do…retreats into
the background. When this occurs, the
subconscious mind … the part we’re
unaware of … even though here lies
the real power to decide whether or not
we’ll actually carry out those decisions
… becomes open and receptive to the
verbal suggestions and visualizations
facilitated by the therapist. These suggestions, when constructed properly,
taking the clients individual needs and
thought processes into consideration,
are very successful and powerful in
(951) 461-3450
fostering change because they communicate directly with the subconscious,
bypassing the critical faculty of the conscious mind.
Because successful weight loss has
to be successful from the very beginning, the several sessions that prepare
the client for actual LapBand Simulation utilize the traditional therapy discussed above, and weight loss begins
immediately. If we don’t begin to see
rewards quickly, it’s easy to become
discouraged and give up without giving it a chance. So the initial sessions
are twofold. They prepare the client for
the changes to come after the LapBand
Simulation while demonstrating
the power of their own mind to
achieve the ultimate weight loss
goal.
By the fourth session, the client
is already attuned to healthy eating
habits and satisfied with smaller
portions. For those who’d had a
problem with cravings for sweets,
those cravings are long gone. It’s
in this session that the LapBand
Simulation is performed. Here the
subconscious mind directly experiences not only verbal cues and
visual stimulation, but also that of
the sounds, voices, atmosphere and
step-by-step surgical LapBand procedure, all without the surgery and
potential physical danger inherent
in actual surgery. The subconscious
mind now believes it has undergone that
surgery and reacts by creating a feeling
of fullness and causing some discomfort if the client should attempt to put
more food into the stomach than it can
comfortably hold at one time.
And now for the results: My seven
initial clients have lost an average of
three pounds a week. Some have lost
much more and a few have lost less. But
all have lost weight. All have continued
the program after the three preparatory
sessions. If weight loss in one or two
has been slower than others, it’s because
of certain medications that they need to
take for medical reasons or because of
a lower than average thyroid. These clients just need to be a little more patient,
but they will reach their goal, and I have
every intention of keeping tabs on them.
All-in-all, we are extremely pleased
with the program and the results.
Puns for Educated Minds
The fattest knight at King Arthur’s A dog gave birth to puppies near the
round table was Sir Cumference. He road and was cited for littering.
acquired his size from too much pi.
A grenade thrown into a kitchen
I thought I saw an eye doctor on an in France would result in Linoleum
Alaskan island, but it turned out to Blownapart.
be an optical Aleutian.
Two silk worms had a race. They
She was only a whiskey maker, but ended up in a tie.
he loved her still.
A hole has been found in the nudA rubber band pistol was confis- ist camp wall. The police are looking
cated from algebra class because it into it.
was a weapon of math disruption.
Time flies like an arrow. Fruit flies
No matter how much you push the like a banana.
envelope, it’ll still be stationery.
Atheism is a non-prophet organization.
June/July 2011
11
(951) 461-3450
12
June/July 2011
To write with a broken pencil is pointless.
When fish are in schools they sometimes take debate.
A thief who stole a calendar got twelve months.
When the smog lifts in Los Angeles , U.C.L.A.
The professor discovered that her theory of
earthquakes was on shaky ground.
The batteries were given out free of charge.
A dentist and a manicurist married.
They fought tooth and nail.
A will is a dead giveaway.
If you don’t pay your exorcist you can
get repossessed.
With her marriage, she got a new name and a dress.
Show me a piano falling down a mineshaft and I’ll
show you A-flat miner.
You are stuck with your debt if you can’t budge it.
June 3rd, 4th & 5th, 2011
www.tvbwf.com
Lake Skinner
37701 Warren Rd, Winchester CA 92596
(951) 461-3450
Local Area Network in Australia:
The LAN down under.
A boiled egg is hard to beat.
When you’ve seen one shopping center you’ve
seen a mall.
When a clock is hungry it goes back four seconds.
13
June/July 2011
Thornton Winery 23rd Annual
Champagne Jazz Series Opens
May 1 – Oct 15
By Carol Malin
It’s true. You never forget your first
time. I first heard jazz when I was 16
years old. My friend, Robin, and I used
to haunt the coffee houses in Detroit,
taking in the different types of music
showcased there…classical guitar, folk,
blues, and jazz. Listening to Bob Dylan
had opened my ears to other genres of
music besides rock and roll, and I was
anxious to absorb as much music as I
could. I found folk and blues intriguing, but classical guitar and jazz put me
right over the top.
So, when I was recently invited to attend
the opening night of the
23rd Annual Thornton
Winery Champagne
Jazz Series to hear
guitarist Jesse Cook,
I was once again over
the top. In 1967 when
I was listening to Dylan, Cook was four
years old, but he was
already experimenting with the guitar.
After years of classical
study and practice, he
claims he now focuses
on “trying to forget all
he has learned” so he
can play with abandon from the heart.
His incomparable guitar work has come
together in a style that is an effervescent
infusion of inspiration and fine craftsmanship. Cook is a three-time winner
of the Canadian Smooth Jazz award
for Guitarist of the Year and numerous
other awards, including the 2009 silver
Player’s Choice Award given by Acoustic Guitar Magazine in the Flamenco
category. Although you missed Cook
this season, there are more top-notch
entertainers headed to Thornton.
The Thornton Jazz Series will
continue every weekend from May 1
through mid-October. The June line-up
will include Warren Hill, Paul Taylor,
Marion Meadows and Cindy Bradley;
Fourplay, Strunz & Farah; Boney James;
Euge Groove and Nick Colionne. In
July, Dave Koz, Jeffrey Osborne, Lee
Ritenour and Jessy J., Herb Albert with
Lani Hall, and David Benoit will grace
the stage. August, September and October are also packed with stars, such as
famed jazz keyboardist Brian Culbertson. A full concert schedule is online at
www.ThorntonWine.com.
I was treated to the Gourmet Supper package prepared by the winery’s
award-winning chef, Steve Pickell, and
his staff at Café Champagne. The Café
Champagne has been given a 5-star rating for its California Cuisine and is the
only restaurant in the Inland Empire
awarded the Golden Bacchus Award for
its wine list by the Southern California
Restaurant Writers. To give you a hint
of the fare, the menu I was served on
opening night included a rock shrimp
salad, a saffron risotto cake, oven roasted natural chicken breast, and a lemon
rosemary tart. The Supper package is
available by reservation for each jazz
performance.
Each course was
paired perfectly with a
wine selected by winemaker, David Vergari.
Vergari has worked
for California wineries
in Napa and the Russian River Valley, and
abroad in Spain and
Australia before coming to Temecula. I sampled Thornton’s 2009
Viognier, the 2007
Huis Vineyard Zinfandel, and the 2007 Rose.
I could have bathed in
the Rose′ it was so
yummy.
Seated at my table
was our host, Steve Thornton, President of Thornton Winery and son of
winery owners Sally and John Thornton. Steve was very gracious and told
me about the activities at the winery. At
Thornton they offer banquet and wedding facilities, wine tours, and cooking
classes, and serve lunch and dinner at
the Café Champagne seven days a week
(closed during special occasions, such
as the concerts). The patio bar and grill
is ready to serve concert guests who
do not purchase the Gourmet Supper.
I highly recommend attending one, or
more, of the concerts if you have the
opportunity. It may not be your first
jazz experience but it may be your best.
I ranked my evening at Thornton a perfect 10.
Concert tickets are available for the
series or individual tickets may be purchased. Ticket prices vary by performer
but are in the range of $65. The Gourmet
Supper package includes reserved table
seating on the patio, your meal, tax and
gratuity for about $130 (wine is extra);
prices differ based on the menu. Seating
is limited and early reservations are encouraged. Call the box office for tickets
(951) 699-3021. The winery is located
at 32575 Rancho California Road, Temecula. www.ThorntonWine.com.
Golfers Career College Buys
Temeku Hills Golf Course
continued from front page
that he, and his entire staff, have the highest regard for our community and plan to
bring the course back to the prominence it once was. We are looking forward to a
long and mutually rewarding relationship.”
Somerville said, “This is the first time PGCC will have its own golf course and
we want to do this right. Our students will play this course and the graduates will
have commencement in the Legend Ballroom at Temeku. We are all about golf
and we want everyone to enjoy this course. Our students will provide free golf
lessons to the public on Thursdays at 10am. We have stocked the golf shop with
new merchandise. We are now revamping the grill room and it will soon have the
atmosphere of a friendly hometown pub. Photos of golfing greats will hang on the
walls and big screen TVs will allow guests to watch sports while relaxing at the
Legends Grill (open 7am to 5pm).”
The president of the Women’s Golf Club at Temeku Hills, Nancy Dubay, is
pleased with the changes she’s seen. “My husband, Bob, and I have lived in Temeku for nine years and we both play golf. Bob is tournament chair of the Men’s
Club. There is a positive buzz around both the Men’s and Women’s clubs due to
the rapid improvements and the new staff’s professionalism. Changes are already
showing in increased play, not only by members, but by the general public.”
The club’s vice president, Patria Carter, agrees, “I’ve spoken with numerous
golfers who are Temeku Hills’ residents as well as non-residents, and all are extremely pleased about the sale of the course to the PGCC. Temeku Hills’ residents
are fortunate that the course was bought by professionals whose core competency
is golf. I encourage residents to play the course and support the new owners. This
past weekend, the place was bustling with workers beautifying the grounds, adding
flowers, shrubs and fresh bark. Dr. Somerville is out planting flowers and has his
hand in all the new landscape areas. I don’t know of another golf course owner that
actually works on his own golf course. Once again this course will be a place we
can be proud to bring our friends and family.”
The Legends Golf Club is located at 41687 Temeku Drive, Temecula, and is
open from 6am to dusk. Call 951.694.9998 or go to www.thelegendsgc.com.
(951) 461-3450
14
June/July 2011
Welcome to Europa Village in
Temecula
By Carol Malin
It takes a village. After years of
planning, the prelude to Europa Village
opened on April 18.
Anxious to get a peek at the place,
my publisher, Marilyn, and I headed
over to Europa Village. My first impression: it’s charming and has great atmosphere. The tasting room is reminiscent
of a French café. The patio bistro tables
provide a quiet place to sit and sip wine,
surrounded by white roses and the scent
of perfume. Situated next to the “café” is
a second tasting room, an above-ground,
man-made cave, used to accommodate larger groups and open during the
weekends when things get busy. Inside
the tasting room young ladies dressed in
pretty costumes were ready to pour us
some wine. Hold that thought…I want
to give you some background on the
village before the first sip…
Europa Village brings a little taste
of the wine regions of Europe…southern France, Italy, and Spain to Temecula. Not only by the flavor of the wine
but by the ambiance of the village’s
wineries, Bolero Cellars, Vienza Winery, and C’est La Vie Wine. An estate
community is also on the drawing board
for this development.
To get the story on Europa Village,
Marilyn and I met with Rancon Group
CEO and President, Jeff Comerchero, at
his office in Murrieta before we toured
the village. He showed us the map of
the project. An Italian-style winery, Vienza, consisting of a tasting room, barrel cave, catering kitchen, and a hotel
(951) 461-3450
and spa will be built. Another part of
the venture, Europa Vineyard Estates,
will get underway when the economy
improves and new housing is more desirable. The plan allows for 58 homes
on 2.5-acre to 10-acre lots, including
some larger estates. At the center will
be a luxury spa, shopping, restaurants
and specialty food stores.
Jeff explained that Europa Village
can host special events. To lodge outof-town guests, they are purchasing a
10-unit Bed & Breakfast facility within
walking distance of Europa Village and
will soon be remodeling it. We walked
up the hill to get a close look at the B&B
and found it comfortable and roomy
with a great view of the vineyards and
the surrounding hills.
It was a hot day and we were
parched, so we decided the best thing to
do was – taste the wine! Jeff introduced
us to the gals in the tasting room who
provided us with tasting “passports.”
The wine was poured into special tasting glasses designed to enhance the
strength and profile of the wine’s aroma, individual flavors, and allow for a
better “mouth-feel” of the wine’s body
and astringency.
We enjoyed the Vienza 2009 Pinot
Grigio and thought this was the best
white wine to drink on a summer day.
Marilyn bought the 2009 Bolero Cellars Muscat Canneli to serve as a dessert wine to her card group (it received a
very favorable report from her guests).
We thought the reds were all very nice
but we raved over the 2006 C’est La Vie
Syrah, which is described as “seductive
and spicy with aromas of dried cherry,
pepper and vanilla bean.” Their wines
range in price from the mid-$20 to the
mid-$30 range. The Wine Club is free
to join and has two different levels of
commitment, either quarterly or every
other month, and allows free tastings
for you and a guest each time you visit.
Europa Village is located at La Serena Way and Rancho California Road:
33475 La Serena Way, Temecula. Call
toll free 1-888-383-8767. www.europavillage.com.
15
June/July 2011
A Life Dedicated to Serving the
Community
By Carol Malin
Look around you…do you see horses, meadows, rolling hills, and mountains in the distance? You do if you live
in Meadowview.
I recently caught up with long-time
Meadowview resident, Mayor Ron
Roberts. He told me that Meadowview
was one of the first housing communities in Temecula. He chose to live there
because he and his wife, Jeanne, could
build a custom house and he liked the
location—in town and close to the freeway, yet peaceful with beautiful surroundings. The area met their criteria,
so in 1987 Roberts and his wife, Jeanne,
bought their Meadowview property.
While waiting for their home to be built
they moved from the City of Walnut and
rented a small place in Temecula.
They felt as if they had been transported to a different world. Temecula
was a quiet town with a population of
about 23,000 at that time. When Roberts
looked out across the open landscape he
saw sheep grazing on the meadow that is
now our regional mall.
Even a picturesque town like Temecula has problems. Businesses were
on the west side of the freeway and most
of the citizens lived on the east side. This
created traffic problems as employees
had to cross over the freeway at the same
time each day to go to and from work.
As he tells it, there would be a traffic jam
with line of cars, honking and inching
forward impatiently, and drivers jockeying for the best position. Since there was
no stop light people would just push forward. On Friday’s, when folks got paid,
traffic was wicked because everyone had
to get to the banks to cash their checks
before they closed. After incorporation,
in December of 1989, Roberts, a supervisor with the Highway Patrol, was appointed chair of the first City of Temecula traffic committee with their mission to
work out a plan to alleviate the problem.
Roberts hired and trained people to
direct traffic over the freeway overcrossings. The system worked well for the
two years it took for Caltrans to install
traffic lights on Rancho California Road
and Margarita Road.
In the meantime, Roberts and his
wife were busy with family. They kept
three horses for their son, daughter-inlaw and granddaughter who lived nearby.
They enjoyed horseback riding, community pot lucks, and the annual Easter egg
hunts at the Meadowview Clubhouse. He
has only one horse now, Rosie, a miniature horse. He bought her and her mother
at a Boys and Girls Club charity auction
about eight years ago. The mother has
gone to that pasture in the sky but Rosie
is still with them.
Roberts told me, “I live here because
the quality of life here is amazing. This
is a wonderful town. Larger families can
afford to buy beautiful homes in familyoriented neighborhoods in Temecula.
There are nearly enough jobs in the local
area to support the population but many
people who live here still commute to
Kristin Knutson Heads to the
World Games in Greece
By Robin Knutson
Kristin Knutson is among eight
Southern California athletes to represent the United States at the upcoming
World Games in Athens, Greece.
She’s the first athlete from the Murrieta-Temecula area to compete on this
level.
Kristin is a former Bear Creek
resident and the youngest daughter of
Thomas and Robin Knutson. She’ll
head to the Games on June 17.
During infancy, Knutson was diagnosed with a disability of unknown etiology. The initial prognosis was that she
would not be able to walk or talk.
“We were not convinced that the
doctor was correct in his appraisal of
her condition,” Robin recalled. “Obviously we were correct in our belief that
Kristin was a treasure and had a bright
future.”
Kristin is a member of the Temecula Valley Special Olympics Aquatics
Team. She’s been swimming for eight
years.
“At first I did not want to compete
because I was afraid I would not be
able to help the team,” Kristin said. “I
did not want to make a mistake and get
disqualified.” But with the encouragement of Phil Crissman,
her coach at the time,
Kristin began competing and is the proud
owner of more than
50 gold medals. Crissman wanted Kristin to
swim in the relay with
three other athletes. He
convinced Kristin to
anchor the team. They
won his first relay at
the Southern California State Games in
Long Beach.
This spring, Kristin
attended U.S.A. World
Games Training Camp
at San Diego State
University
together
with other world athletes. Imagine 400
coaches and participants converging for
training at one location.
Kristin will swim the freestyle,
backstroke and relay events in Athens.
In March, the Southern California
delegation of two swimmers, two tennis players, two track and field athletes,
San Diego County as jobs in San Diego County pay
much more.”
Roberts has served on the Temecula City Council in one capacity or another for 19 years. He has
been elected Mayor five times: 1994, 1998, 2002,
2006, and 2011.
“Where we’re at now,” he told me, “is we are
trying to protect the heart of the city. By that I mean
the beauty, the open space, to help insure the quality of life for the city’s residents and keep Meadowview just as it has always been. Just recently we
annexed open space located on the mountains to
the southwest of town, next to the Santa Margarita
Ecological Reserve, to protect the area from development. We are also buying a lot of land for open
space near the Santa Margarita River. This will be a
passive park with hiking and horse trails in the future. We have also purchased half of the escarpment
to the west of Temecula to protect the view.”
Many times I’ve sat through long City Council meetings and admired the grit of
the council members to keep such things on track. It requires a good deal of dedication. Roberts says this is the last time he will run for City Council. His wife of 50
years has an idea that they could spend more time together. Imagine that.
HAVE YOU WRITTEN A BOOK
AND CAN’T GET IT PUBLISHED?
We can help…
25 years in the publishing business.
You’d be surprised the secrets I know.
Call me! Write Me! Email me! Stop me on the street!
Roland Behny–Publisher
Chronicle Media Group
P.O. Box 1065, Murrieta CA 92564
951-461-3450
Email: Publisher@ChronicleMediaGroup.com
one gymnast and a golfer were treated
to dinner at the ESPN Zone and a Los
Angeles Lakers basketball game. All the
athletes were introduced on center court,
receiving high-fives from Kobe Bryant
during the team’s warm-ups.
The World Games will start with
opening ceremonies on June 25 and run
through the closing ceremonies on July
4. Recently constructed Olympic venues
will house the 7,500 athletes, who represent 175 countries. The U.S. team will
spend a week on the Island of Rhodes
prior to the competition for training, and
to get to know the country of Greece and
its rich history and traditions.
“This is such a great opportunity for
Kristin,” Robin said. “This is not about
winning. … This is about the experience.
This is her reward for her struggles and
hard work. … Our family and friends
are all so proud of her. Both Tom and
I are so happy that she is finally getting
a chance to do something that will be a
life-changing event, that once-in-a-lifetime opportunity not many get to have.”
Kristin is a 1999 graduate of Murrieta Valley High School. She currently lives
in Temecula with her husband, Joel Cate. Kristin has many hobbies, including crocheting beautiful blankets and making beaded bracelets. She made one for each of
her teammates and coaches in red, white and blue.
On May 15 the annual Torch Run will begin at Pechanga Casino and weave
through Old Town Temecula, then up to Wilson Creek Winery. Law enforcement
officers, including the Highway Patrol and local officers, raise money for the Special Olympics each year with this event and a barbeque hosted at Wilson Creek
Winery. The public is encouraged to attend. The event also includes a silent auction, music and great food!
It costs about $17,000 to send an athlete to the International Games, when
expenses for transportation, food, housing, chaperones (one per four athletes), luggage and clothing are added up. Donations are appreciated and can be given to the
Knutsons to turn in to Special Olympics. Kristin is recycling bottles and cans (no
glass items) to give to the Special Olympics of Southern California. Call Robin
Knutson at 951-600-1586 if you’d like to donate bagged recycled cans and bottles.
No crushed cans, please.
Note from the publisher: The Murrieta and Temecula Chronicle is proud to call
Kristin one of our own, and we wish her and the team a successful trip.
(951) 461-3450
16
June/July 2011
A new chapter for a
100 year-old charity
Writer’s Block is Only in the
Mind. But Which Mind?
By Kelly Smith
By Harry Carpenter
For over 100 years, Assistance League
has been a staple in the national philanthropic
world. Locally, we know this group of lovely
ladies as Assistance League of Temecula Valley
(ALTV).
Since 1989, through ALTV’s primary program, Operation School Bell, the volunteer
group has dressed thousands of school children
in need. Today, they support almost 1500 students each year, providing clothing and supplies
at the beginning of each school year. Not only
do the kids receive practical items, but they Ken Fraileigh and Mary Lindholme
walk into the new school year with a sense of shopping at Smart and Final.
pride, which goes far beyond the cost of goods.
This year, in response to a growing demand
for services within the community, the ladies of ALTV voted to raise the bar, and on
June 1, 2011, added the following six new programs to their well-established menu
of endeavors:
‘Helping the Homeless’: Identifying ways in which to assist the homeless,
ALTV has already established a once-a-week shower and laundry program in Lake
Elsinore, as well as, supplying needed items such as socks, underwear, clothes blankets and food.
‘Helping The Hungry’: ALTV provides assistance in identifying and helping
the hungry in our community.
‘Senior Assistance’: ALTV has partnered with a local seniors’ facility to give
friendship and support to seniors, with a commitment to expand this program in the
future.
‘SW Riverside County Justice Center Support’: ALTV will be supporting
Safe Alternatives for Everyone (SAFE), providing emergency items such as clothes
and gift cards to victims of domestic abuse. In addition, ALTV will help the Southwest Riverside Rape Crisis Center by providing items for their Rape Crisis kits,
including ALTV’s signature stuffed bear from their Operation Bear Hug program.
‘Emancipation Program’: This program supports the Foster Youth Task force,
which is a collaboration between the County of Riverside, the Temecula Unified
School District, and the City of Temecula to give foster youth the needed tools for a
successful life.
‘Operation Pillowcase’: This program will support a Temecula middle school
teacher by supplying her students with fabric and thread to make pillow cases for
critically ill children. Stuffed bears from Operation Bear Hug will add a sweet touch
to this labor of love.
“All Assistance League programs are supported by profits made from the Assistance League Thrift Store, located on Via Montezuma (near Jefferson Avenue) in
Temecula. It is because of our dedicated customers and the wonderful loyalty of the
community in giving us their donations that makes all this possible,” said Barbara
Miller, ALTV member. “We sincerely thank you.”
ABOUT NATIONAL ASSISTANCE LEAGUE
Assistance League was formed by compassionate women who came together to
make a difference in their communities. It was the first nonprofit, nonpolitical, nonsectarian organization founded in the West to recognize the potential of volunteers in
helping those less fortunate to a better, more meaningful life.
What Makes Assistance League Unique
“I am Assistance League”
Our 26,000 member volunteers are what make our organization so remarkable.
Each one is incredibly generous and imaginative. Each one is highly motivated to effect change in their communities because they have a personal stake in the outcome.
And each one has the spirit to get the job done, whatever it is and whatever it takes.
Unlike most national charities, our focus is on local chapter needs first. Assistance League actually helps our volunteers realize their vision for their communities.
And all funds they raise stay in those individual communities. So their dreams become our dreams. And together, across 122 linked chapters, we help people in need
achieve a better quality of life.
Together we are Assistance League and we celebrate the power of the volunteer
to evoke positive change in the world.
My wife and I visited the annual fair
in Del Mar, Calif., and watched a hypnotist.
“Wow! That’s impressive,” I said.
The hypnotist had 18 volunteers on stage
and was making them do things they
would not normally want to, nor could
do.
One volunteer was a young man
named Bill. The hypnotist suggested that
Bill had just returned from a trip to the
planet Xenon. Would he tell the audience about his trip? Without hesitation,
Bill started to describe his trip and the
Xenonians he met. He told the story as if
he had actually been there. The hypnotist
had to stop him or he would have gone
on all night.
Most of us would find it hard to
stand in front of 500 people and make up
a story about something we know nothing about – and tell this made-up story as
if we actually experienced it, when we
knew it was fantasy. I don’t know Bill,
but I would bet my house he could not
have invented that story spontaneously
and told it so fluidly in front of a large
audience if he was not hypnotized.
When you sit down to write, do you
start writing immediately? Do you create
a story or a scene and write it down in
detail without hesitating and agonizing?
If you do, then you never have “writer’s
block.” Lucky you! If you have occasions when nothing comes to mind and
you can’t get started on the story, that’s
writer’s block.
Is there much difference between
Bill’s experience and writer’s block?
Yes, a huge difference! When you have
writer’s block, you are limiting yourself
by using only your conscious mind, and
only a tiny portion of it. Bill, on the other
hand, used more than 90 percent of his
mind. He used his subconscious mind –
his fertile, imaginative, creative mind.
Your conscious mind is critical,
judgmental, carping. It’s the part that
interrupts your writing to say, “This
stinks,” “I can’t write about that,” “I just
can’t think of a thing to write today,” on
and on.
Your mind also inhibits you with
false beliefs. In your formative years,
you were told thousands of times things
like, “No, you can’t do that,” “No, don’t
do that,” “No, that’s too hard,” “No, no,
no, don’t you ever learn?” These responses are suggestions (just as if they
came from a hypnotist) that go into your
subconscious mind. Thus, you are hypnotized to believe you are limited. Worse
is the fact that you are unconscious of
these negative beliefs.
(951) 461-3450
A great example of a false belief is
the story of Roger Bannister. Runners,
coaches and trainers were, in effect, hypnotized to believe running a mile in less
than four minutes was not humanly possible. Race times approached four minutes but no runner could break through
this mental barrier – not until Bannister,
who knew he could do it, did it! Within
months, other runners also ran sub-fourminute miles. They didn’t do it until
Bannister’s feat showed them that their
belief in the four-minute limit was false.
When your writing is blocked, do
you try harder? Do you find that the
harder you try, the more blocked you become? Trying harder is fighting against
an absolute law of the mind. You can’t
win.
So how do you beat writer’s block?
Instead of writing with only your conscious mind, tap into your subconscious
mind.
How do you tap into your subconscious? This may sound too easy, but it
works. Just relax and talk to yourself. Affirm that you have the ability to write and
that the story or poem is already written.
Too simple? That’s Mother Nature’s
way: The best way is almost always the
simplest way.
When relaxed, you slip into an altered state of mind. That’s the key to
being creative – getting into the alpha
or, much better, the theta state of brain
activity. (Alpha brain waves occur when
you’re awake but relaxed, and possibly
a bit removed from reality, like when
you’re watching a movie. Theta waves
occur when you’re even more relaxed,
for instance when you’re transitioning
from consciousness to sleep.)
Dali, the abstract painter of weird
landscapes, went into theta before starting a new canvas. That is how he got his
visions of melting time and distorted figures, concepts foreign to the logical, linear-thinking conscious mind. It is simple
to learn to go into these states. And it is
invaluable if you want to be creative and
write from the heart.
If you seek more powerful methods
of using your subconscious mind, get a
copy of a book that many readers say is
the best written on the subject (some of
these reviews are posted on www.Amazon.com and www.thegeniewithin.net).
The book is “The Genie Within: Your
Subconscious Mind – How It Works and
How to Use It,” by Harry W Carpenter.
Oh! That’s me. How shameless to brag
about my book like that. I couldn’t help
it; it came from my subconscious.
17
June/July 2011
Keith Card–The
Passing of a Legend!
By Kelly Smith
With so many articles written in
recent years about the local legend,
Keith Card, I decided to focus less
on his accomplishments and, instead,
take a personal spin on his big persona and the kind man behind it. I did
what any good Plateau writer would
do during due diligence on a story
and invited Keith’s wife, Barbara, to
a glass or two of wine to talk about
her beloved Keith. My intention was
to uncover less-told stories and reveal
the softer side of a man well-loved by
family, friends, neighbors, riding buddies, business associates, and even
those who took opposing views from
his.
Grabbing a good bottle of wine
for our chat, I headed to their ranch, reminded by how many times over the years I had made that drive. Always generous,
graceful and frequent hosts to events at their love-filled home, Hi Card Ranch, Keith
and Barbara had always opened their gates to all. Getting there is easy navigation
for most residents of the Plateau, members of riding clubs, volunteers of Assistance
League, card-playing friends, and certainly groups of folks who are unbeknown to
me.
So, I arrived to an open door, music wafting throughout the large, yet comfortable, southwestern-style home, to take a seat, roll up my sleeves and flip open my
laptop. Barbie poured us some wine and we settled in for a little Q & A.
Q: I heard talk of golf at Keith’s memorial.
A: Since Keith’s construction days, he was a golf member at several country
clubs. He was a member at Yorba Linda, Monterrey, Loma Santa Fe and Bear Creek.
We became some of the first members of Bear Creek after the founders, sometime
after the first skins game (1983?). Keith’s biggest golf accomplishment was winning
the Masters at Bear Creek with his partner, Bruce Patte in 2003.
Q: What do most of us not know about Keith?
A: He was a member of the Masonic Lodge and was dedicated to the Shriner’s
Hospital. His grandkids call him Papa, and he loved having them here [at Hi Card
Ranch]. He ate it up. Keith grew up in Montana, moving to Long Beach at 13 with
his dad. He finished high school there and then joined the Navy. He used to tell the
story of his days before moving to California, when he spent time at the Indian reservation nearby his Montana home, where there was an Indian shaman. He and Keith
crossed blood and became blood brothers. He has lots of stories of those days.
Q: I know Keith loved the Hi Card Ranch. What is the history of the
ranch?
A: This property has been so important to him. This is where he wanted to be
at the end of his journey. This is where we had our wedding in 1989. The house was
finished, but the carpet was not laid and there wasn’t a stitch of furniture. We had the
wedding and then drove to Big Sur for our honeymoon. Over the years, we hosted
four weddings here.
Q: Let’s talk about Keith, the business man.
A: He started his landscaping company on a shoestring. He really was not
backed by anyone. Little by little, he built it up. He followed a natural progression
from landscaping to the construction industry, growing his KEC Engineering to what
it is today. Those in the industry called him the “Channel Man”, because he started
out digging channels for flood control all over California. We used to drive all over
the state and he would point out, as we drove, “We did that channel…did I tell you I
did that?” He grew KEC into a multi-million dollar business specializing in bridges,
tunnels, storm drains, etc.
Q: Keith’s friends all know how much he loved his dogs and horses. How
are they handling his absence?
A: Dogs are so perceptive. During the last two to three days of Keith’s life, one
of our Labradors, Captain, stayed in his room with him. Captain just knew. Keith was
very close to his animals. Raised in Montana on his father’s cattle ranch, he rode a
horse since before he could walk. After he started his construction business, he got
into Quarter Horses. He had always ridden them and began by training his own in
the 1960s. This led him into Thoroughbreds, which became his passion until the day
he died.
Q: Keith seemed to have a large circle of friends. Tell me about that.
A: True. But, he was very selective with his friendships. He played cards weekly
with a group from Bear Creek. When he became ill and couldn’t go down there any
longer, they came up here. With lots of good friends, he still just had three very close
friends - Two from junior high in Long Beach, and up here, it was Fletcher Satterwhite.
Q: So how are you doing?
A: Each day is different. I think that I had a chance to prepare myself, since
Keith’s illness wasn’t sudden. It is the quiet of the house that is most difficult to deal
with. But I am staying busy.
Q: I was struck at the memorial by a tender moment, when the song, “Lady
in Red” was played. What is the significance of that song?
A: The first time we were in a situation to dance, that song was on. “You are my
lady in red”, he told me. He decided early on that when he passed, he wanted a party
and he wanted that song played.
Q: Do you mind sharing how you met and married Keith?
A: I had known Keith for 15 years. He was single, and we [Barbara and then
husband] used to fix him up. My wish was always that he would find a woman who
would show him the kind of love that he was willing to give. When I became available, he said to me, “Well, if you can’t work it out with him, I am going to become a
very important part of your life.” We were married 5 months later.
Driving home from my interview with Barbie, I reflected on Keith’s amazing
memorial service. The party that he always wanted was a celebration of the lives he
touched, the ranch he built, the company he grew, the horses he raced, the family he
adored…a life well lived.
Many attendees told stories at the service. One, in particular, brought me to tears.
Keith’s primary care nurse, whose team helped him in his final months, told of a day
toward the end. From his bed, Keith was using his hands in a climbing motion, appearing to be struggling with something. The nurse asked him what he was doing.
He said, “I have to get over this wall. Barbie is on the other side and I want to dance
with her.”
At the end of the day, this large man with a long list of accomplishments and a
robust reputation was, more than anything, a soft and gentle soul.
Of Keith Card’s many passions – the Plateau and his horses ranked high
Keith’s first exposure to the Santa Rosa Plateau was in the mid-1960’s, when he
was invited by a riding buddy to participate in a cattle round-up riding and camping
event. He awoke after his first night to hills awash in California Poppies and vowed,
“Someday I will live here”, which he manifested, as promised, years later.
Upon building his ranch, marrying Barbara and moving to La Cresta, he was a
fixture in the community. Not only did he and Barbara spend countless hours grooming the neighborhood roads, but Keith served the official capacities of La Cresta
Property Owners Association Board Member, Board President and Roads Committee Chair.
Keith’s love for riding horses introduced him to the Plateau, and horses remained
a passionate theme throughout his tenure there. He incorporated his Thoroughbred
breeding into his beloved Hi Card Ranch, where he turned out champions. Most
notably was the success of California Flag, who won the Breeders Cup Turf Sprint
in 2009 and last year was named California’s co-Horse of the Year and Turf Horse
of the Year.
Always lending his leadership skills, Keith served as president of the California
Thoroughbred Breeders Association and was a member for 46 years. In addition, he
was a member for many years of riding groups; Rancho California Caballeros, Padre
Junipero Serra (Tortugas), and Santa Rosa Plateau Riding Club. In February of this
year, Keith received his final and most prestigious award, as he was elected to the
California Thoroughbred Breeders Association Hall of Fame.
Read at Keith Card’s memorial:
“Somewhere
Stanley Harrison
Somewhere in time’s own space
there must be some sweet pastured place
where creeks sing on and tall trees grow,
some paradise where horses go.
For by the love that guides my pen,
I know great horses live again”.
(951) 461-3450
18
June/July 2011
Dan Henderson, Strikeforce
World Champion: Staying the
Toughest Guy in the World
By Karen Robertson
Dan Henderson, “Hendo” to his fans, is soft-spoken with a quiet nature. But you
wouldn’t want to get in the “cage” with him.
That’s Henderson’s world. Mixed martial arts is his sport. He’s whipped the tar
out of numerous foes in his 30-plus years of fighting. In March he won the Light
Heavyweight Strikeforce Belt, making him world champion.
Henderson started wrestling at the age of 5. His father, a teacher and coach, encouraged him. From Victor Valley High School to Cal State Fullerton to Arizona
State, Henderson continued to wrestle.
He was on the U.S. Olympic wrestling teams in 1992 and 1996. Mixed martial
arts came on the scene about 1993, but the sport was barbaric. It resembled street
fighting – no-holds-barred, ultimate fighting. It didn’t have a good reputation. But as
the sport developed and gained some rules, the public got interested and its popularity
soared.
“People seem to be less interested in boxing and
more interested in reality, excitement, the mystic of being able to see who is the toughest,” Henderson said.
“Because now it is open to all forms of fighting: boxing,
kickboxing, martial arts of all kinds and wrestling. So
whoever wins is the toughest of all those.”
Ultimate Fighting Championship recently bought
promoter Strikeforce and now monopolizes the sport.
“We’re all waiting to see how this may or may not
change things,” Henderson said.
He sees fighting as his job, one he chose because it
is what he does best. Asked about injuries, Henderson
cited a broken hand and jaw.
“The worst injury happened after a fight where I
knocked out my opponent,” Henderson said. “I jumped
up on the ropes for a little celebration and when I jumped
down, I tore my ACL, my hamstring [and] meniscus and had to get my trainers to hold
me up while I was announced as the winner.”
In 2007 Henderson earned two titles in the sport of mixed martial arts: Pride
Middleweight and Welterweight Champion of the World. His Team Quest training
center, which was located on Date Street in Murrieta for five years, is moving to a
larger facility in Temecula, on the corner of Jefferson and Via Montezuma.
“This will allow us to offer multiple classes during peak hours and accommodate
more members,” Henderson said.
At 40, Henderson is one of the older fighters, “but experience means more than
age.” Asked when he will quit fighting, Henderson said, “When I can’t compete with
the top dogs anymore. You never know how far your body will go or what you can
achieve at what age unless you push on and see. ”
Last year Henderson was
chosen to coach a team on the
reality show “Ultimate Fighter.” Members of two teams
fought during the show and in
the finale, Henderson beat Michael Bisping, the coach of the
other team.
Henderson left UFC and
went to Strikeforce for a fourfight contract. “I lost the first
fight with Jake Shields, but won
the last two against Renato ‘Babalu’ Sobral and Rafael Feijao
for the championship.”
Clinch Gear is Henderson’s company. It makes durable flexible shorts, shirts and
gear used by fighters, skateboarders and surfers. The brand
was founded in 2003. Henderson was its most high-profile sponsored athlete, and his
compensation was equity in the business. In 2007, he acquired the company outright
and has since grown Clinch Gear into the leading performance brand in MMA and
amateur wrestling.
In addition to being the exclusive apparel sponsor for some of the world’s bestknown MMA athletes, Clinch Gear is the fastest-growing brand in amateur wrestling.
It has made custom uniforms for more than 1,000 high school wrestling teams and
some of the nation’s elite college teams, including Stanford University, University of
Oklahoma, University of Missouri and Arizona State University.
Henderson sees himself as “a normal guy who fights real well and chose fighting
as his career.” He plans to continue fighting and teaching others.
He has three children, lives in Temecula and loves to hunt. This fall he will hunt
brown bear in Alaska.
When asked what he might be doing in 10 years, Henderson grinned. “I’ll probably hobble into my gym with a walker, toss it aside and whip a few guys.”
Matter-of-factly, Henderson added, “I don’t think I’ll ever get my --- kicked. I
may come up a little short, but I don’t think I’ll get beat up for a whole fight. Meanwhile I’ll keep trying to be the toughest guy in the world.”
(951) 461-3450
Everything’s Coming Up Roses…
By Lois Allen
For the longest time, roses have
enjoyed the honor of being one of the
most beloved flowers in the world. The
early Egyptians revered roses as a sacred
flower and presented them in offerings
to their Goddess Ises. Roses have been
found weaved into burial wreaths in
tombs of ancient pharaohs.
Although the Rose is considered the
flower of love, being the inspiration for
romantic songs and the theme of love
poems, the blossom has also been associated with battle—the 15th century War
of the Roses in England. The reason for
its popularity may be the flower’s wide
variety in terms of color, size, fragrance
and other attributes.
Local rose enthusiasts are fortunate;
they can fulfill their floral fantasies right
here in Temecula. Tucked away just off
busy Temecula Parkway is a beautiful
rose garden tended by the experts of the
Temecula Valley Rose Society. The roses are in beautiful bloom at Rose Haven
Heritage Garden, with over 1900 rose
bushes and a variety of other water-wise,
native flowers and plants that complement the main attraction.
The Temecula Valley Rose Society
was formed in May of 1990 by a small
group of rose lovers. The City of Temecula at that time was in its formative
years, and the massive development of
homes and businesses that we see today
was just beginning. There were many
open fields which Rose Society members dreamed of filling with roses. The
first step was to achieve the choice of the
rose as the City Flower. Many a bouquet
of roses were carried by Rose Society
members to city officials until the decision was made in favor of the rose.
Community beautification through
the cultivation of roses was, and still is,
one of the Society’s major goals. The
Society’s
first major project came
when it
was suggested
that the
R o s e
Society
become involved with landscaping the
median strips along Rancho California
Road. There was fanfare and publicity on
the day that city officials and Rose Society members joined together in planting
dozens of rose bushes there. Those roses
add a blaze of color to our city today.
After the success of this endeavor,
the Rose Society was offered a 3.4 acre
site in a residential area to be developed
into a community garden. Even though
the Society was only four months old,
the members felt that this would be a tremendous opportunity to further its goals,
so they happily accepted the offer. It was
a huge project, but with careful planning
by members, not to mention a great deal
of physical labor and generous donations
from wholesale rose growers and local
businesses, the garden we now know as
Rose Haven Heritage Garden was born.
The Society continues to undertake numerous community beautification projects as well as sponsor various
community events throughout the year.
Rose Haven is located at 30592 Jedediah Smith Road at the corner of Cabrillo
Avenue. For more information on their
many activities and workshops, visit
http://temeculavalleyrosesociety.org.
Don’t let time and, the last rose of
summer fly by, without experiencing
Rose Haven Heritage Garden. Visit a
true Temecula treasure and share in the
glory of the rose.
19
June/July 2011
Manhattan Deli
26495 Ynez Road, Temecula
951.719.3354
www.manhattandeli-restaurant.com
Mo’s Egg House
27405 Jefferson Ave, Murrieta
951.506.7708
www.mosegghouse.com
The Lazy Dog Cafe
40754 Winchester Rd., Temecula
951.719.1884
www.lazydog.com
The first
thing that caught my eye was the cleanliness of the place;
the second thing that caught my eye was the pastry/dessert
case! Wow they have desserts that would serve four people.
We were cordially greeted by the hostess who was
friendly and provided us seating in one of the colorful booths.
We were soon provided menus and drinks of our choice. The
menu is extensive so we took some time to review the selections. I decided to order what I would have ordered in New
York at the Carnegie Deli, hot pastrami on rye and cheese
cake for dessert. My host ordered a breakfast plate. I ordered
the pastrami lean and thinly sliced. Our order was delivered
quickly but the
English muffin arrived a little late. The breakfast was nothing special but my pastrami sandwich was great  not piled
as high as Carnegie Deli would have piled the pastrami but
more than sufficient. I took half of it home. The cheesecake
was excellent, made New York style, which is not as creamy
as most cheesecake. Prices are moderate and portions are
large. Quality and service were more than acceptable.
The menu includes over 100 different choices for breakfast, lunch and dinner. They specialize in hearty burgers,
sandwiches, and sweet temptations such as cakes or sundaes.
It’s been a long time since I walked into a local restaurant and felt the “warm-fuzzy” I felt at Mo’s Egg House. As
my family and I entered Mo’s Egg House on a cool Saturday
morning, we were immediately welcomed by the friendly
diner crew and directed to a comfy booth by a window. I was
a bit overwhelmed at first as there was so much to choose
from on the menu and of course I wanted to eat a little bit of
everything. Thank goodness they brought us all a sample of
their freshly made coffee cake to curb our appetites.
In the mood for a feast, I ordered the most delicious biscuits and gravy, country gravy at its finest with a warm bis-
cuit made from scratch. That satisfied my breakfast craving,
so I ordered a tuna melt. Creamy tuna on grilled sourdough
with melted cheddar cheese and hot French fries! I was content. My husband ordered a ham-and-cheese omelet with
crispy hash browns and a side of well done bacon, all done
to perfection. The kids’ meals were also fabulous: fluffy pancakes, fresh strawberries and grapes, a scrambled egg and
fresh-squeezed orange juice. Mo’s is a tasty find between
north and south Temecula, worth the drive as there are very
few diners in this area offering real comfort food. We look
forward to next meal at Mo’s, for its friendly service, great
atmosphere and delicious fare.
In 2003, the creator of Mimi’s Café chain, Thomas
Simms, his son Chris, with chef-partner, Gabriel Calindo,
who left his Ritz Carlton position to join this team, created
the Lazy Dog Café experience. They currently have seven
locations and another under construction.
The restaurant is located in the new section of the Promenade Mall across the street from PF Chang’s. The décor is
contemporary and provides a nice comfortable feel. Multiple
flat screens display sporting events in the bar area. If you’re
a beer connoisseur, they offer 16 draft beer selections from
around the world. The restaurant is very large with indoor
and outdoor seating. The menu offers several very creative
selections from many different parts of the world. Couples,
families with children, and sports fans all will enjoy the atmosphere at the Lazy Dog Café.
We were a party of four so we had the opportunity to
sample several dishes. We shared the “Inside-out Quesa-
dilla” as our starter and loved it. For our main courses we
ordered the Spicy Shrimp, Baby Back Pork Ribs, Bahama
Chicken, and the Ginger Soy Salmon; again, all were cooked
and seasoned to perfection. We enjoyed the tasty Margarita’s
with our feast. We finished by sharing the “Warm Skillet
Brownie” with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and whipped
cream as a topper. MMmm, MMmm, good. The service was
excellent and the general manager stopped by the table to
introduce himself and to see if all was satisfactory with our
dining experience. The place was packed and a large group
was waiting. That’s what happens when you serve good eats
with good service and great value.
The operating hours are 11:00 AM-11:00 PM MondayWednesday, and 11:00 AM-midnight Thursday-Sunday.
The only issue with the restaurant is it’s a little noisy for
my taste but no one seemed to care.
Next time you’re in the Del Mar area try this place…
Fidel’s Little Mexico
607 Valley Avenue
Solana Beach
858.755.5292
www.fidelslittlemexico.com
Fidel’s has been around for nearly 50 years and its reputation for great Mexican food and drink is excellent. I have
been going to this restaurant for 42 years and nothing has
changed. The location, menu, and quality are the same...
GREAT!! Is usually crowded on Friday nights and weekends.
They have an extensive menu, the portions are large, and
the pricing is very reasonable. Parking can be a bit of a pain
depending on when you go. It’s very close to the Del Mar
Race Track.
It’s really great Mexican food. You don’t want to pass up
a trip to Fidel’s.
(951) 461-3450
20
June/July 2011
Are Travel Agents Dinosaurs?
Why call a Travel Agent instead
of going direct? Good question! About
5 years ago, it was predicted that being a Travel Agent was a dying profession, and in the age of technology,
travel agents would become extinct.
Well, here it is 5 years later and the
agent community is alive and thriving.
Today’s Travel Agent will help you figure out not only where your next vacation will be; they will help you weed
through the piles of information on the
internet and work to find the best fit for
you.
Why SHOULD you use a Travel
Agent?
• The biggest myth surrounding
Travel Agents is that they “charge” for
their services. And for the most part,
their service is complimentary. Perhaps not for an airline ticket (because
airlines have cut out paying any commission), but for travel –such as cruises, tours and land packages, their commission is paid by the vendor. Which
means–Travel Agent’s Services are
FREE to you!
• You get the BEST DEAL by calling on a Travel Consultant. We don’t
work for any one Cruise Line or Tour
Operator–we search all cruise lines
to find you the best deal for the best
available cabin at the time of booking.
And the best part is a travel agent will
continue to work for you even after the
deposit. So, if a cruise line has a rate
change, we call and lower your price.
If you book directly with the supplier,
they will not call you to let you know
there has been a price reduction nor
will they tell you about promotions or
perks available.
• A good agent will also provide
advice about what to do while in a
port of call. If you Google the words
“Mediterranean cruise” you will see
1.5 million results. Yikes! Where
do you start to look? A good Travel
agent will guide you and let you know
which is the most popular site to see
or even some hidden secrets they’ve
uncovered while traveling.
• If you run into trouble on a weekend while traveling, will the cruise line
agent help? Most agents check their email or voice mail during the weekend
just in case of any emergency.
• A travel agent can help you customize your vacation! They can be
the “party planner” for your family
reunion, honeymoon, or other special
vacation. They can take care of every
step of your vacation so that your vacation truly begins at your front door.
• Your time is valuable. Why spend
hours and hours searching the internet
or calling each cruise line? Give your
local agent a call and let them know
what trip you are interested in and let
them do all the work.
Remember, a vacation should
give you cherished memories not a
nightmare that will haunt you. A travel professional will help you avoid the
nightmare and make it a dream come
true.
Andy Jenkins, Tonia’s Sea Trips,
ajenkins@cruiseplanners.com
The Galapagos Islands
By Rod Reynolds
The Galapagos consist of 15 islands
located 650 miles west of Ecuador. They
are known for their unusual wild life, including turtles up to 500 pounds, cormorants that can’t fly, blue-footed boobies,
and iguanas up to 4 feet long. But the
islands are mostly known for a visitor in
1835, Charles Darwin, who recognized
the scientific significance of the flora
and fauna, and from this visit developed
some of the early theories about evolution.
We spent seven days exploring the islands with a Tauck World Discovery tour
group on the expedition ship, Isabela II,
an Ecuadorian vessel carrying 36 guests
and a crew of 24. On the second day we
were taken ashore at Espanola Island to
view mockingbirds, finches and sea lions, and to go snorkeling. All of this was
(951) 461-3450
preceded with the strict admonition that
we not touch, hassle or otherwise disturb
the wildlife.
Our group proceeded to work its
way around picturesque Gardner Bay in
which we were anchored. I decided to
go a little way in the opposite direction
where I had spotted some sea lions frolicking in the water and sleeping on the
beach. As we had experienced the day before,
the wildlife inhabitants,
having had no experience with predators or
enemies, showed no fear
of tourists. The sea lions paid no attention as
I approached. I got up
to about twenty feet and
decided to sit down and
watch a mother sea lion
discipline a juvenile who
was pestering a sleeping
adult.
After about fifteen
minutes I noticed one of
the larger sea lions slowly making his
way toward me. Thinking he was probably looking for a handout I started rummaging through my backpack, all the
while reminding myself that we absolutely were not to feed the animals. But
there was something peculiar and intriguing about this guy. He looked older,
with graying whiskers, and a far from
vigorous gait to his movement. When he
had approached to within about ten feet,
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Around The World
he stopped and stared.
I said, “Hi there.”
“Hi.”
Yes, it came from the sea lion. I
mean it was a distinct “hi,” not the ordinary sound you would hear from a sea
lion.
I looked around, expecting that
George, the self-styled wag in our tour
group and a wannabe ventriloquist, was
lurking nearby. But everyone was well
out of range by now.
“Is ‘hi’ all you have to say?” This
quite clearly from the sea lion.
Ridiculous thoughts raced through
my mind: Was this a mechanical sea
lion? Was last night’s Ecuadorian vodka
having a delayed effect? Could this be a
symptom of male menopause?
“You can talk!” I blurted out.
“Quite a nice observation,” he replied, somehow making the remark
sound dripping with sarcasm.
“But, how did you learn. . .”
“Never mind that,” he interrupted.
“I can see you’re not up to any scientific
explanation. Just let it go that we have
been listening to you tourists for decades.
How can we not pick up a bit of English,
as well as a dozen other languages?”
“All of you sea lions can talk?”
“No, just a few of us who have had
the Soviet treatment.”
“What’s that?”
“A Russian doctor who passed
through here years ago did some voodoo procedures (I had a sore throat for a
month). He was a nut job, though. Said
that Russian scientists were way out in
front of Darwin about origin of the species and evolution, just the way they
claimed to have invented everything else
back in Soviet days.”
“So, you even know about Darwin.”
“There’s not much worth knowing.
Darwin scratched the surface but provided only the opening chapter about what
there is to know.”
“You mean things like The Theory
of Evolution, The Theory of Relativity,
even Intelligent Design---?”
“---I’d say you just now put your
foot in it,” he interrupted.
He turned to head for the water, hesitated, and then added, “Aren’t you sorry
that no one will believe that you talked to
a sea lion? I told the others that it would
be a mistake to finally make an overture
to a so-called human being. And I was
right.”
I said, “How about giving me a
second chance. You must realize that I
wasn’t expecting any of this.”
“No, you guys have a lot of growing
up to do with all your wars and the mess
you’ve made of the planet. Take a look
around you. Do you see anything more
harmful than that pup pestering his aunt?
Not anywhere in these islands. When
you guys get your act together, come
back and we can talk. I doubt if that will
be in our lifetimes, though.”
With that he lumbered off, mumbling something about getting a sunburn
in return for fooling with these so-called
humans.
He disappeared into the bay – And I
didn’t even get his name.
21
June/July 2011
CELEBRATING
FATHERHOOD
By Lois Allen
For most of us, Father’s Day holds special meaning. It’s a time to commemorate and
celebrate the contribution that fathers make in the lives of their children. But, it is not
just a time to honor fathers, but to express gratitude to all men who have acted as father
figures in our lives –“dad” could be uncles, stepfathers, grandfathers or big brothers.
Do you have powerful memories of that influential man? Maybe it’s going fishing,
playing catch in the back yard, or going with him to your first baseball game. Perhaps
your recollections include the special scent of his after-shave when he hugged you or the
aroma of his favorite pipe or cigar.
With all that your “dad” does for you, can you really just give him socks again? This
Father’s Day, make it unforgettable by writing a thoughtful poem for him, baking him a
delicious treat or serving him breakfast in bed. And, if you are looking for other unique
ways to impress him, please consider the following suggestions of places to go, things
to do and gifts to give:
Baron’s The Marketplace–This year, take Father’s Day outdoors. Pick somewhere close or go on a road trip. Whatever you decide to do, don’t forget to pack a
picnic basket. And a great place to get the fixings for a spectacular picnic is Barons The
Marketplace–offering a terrific selection of natural and specialty foods at low prices.
There are taste bud tempting products for your picnic, including fresh packaged salads
and ready-made sandwiches. And, don’t forget the wine; they have an extensive wine
selection and proudly feature local Temecula wines. If you are on a limited budget–it’s
no problem. On Father’s Day, treat your Dad to a Barons Grilled Onion Dog with sweet
caramelized onions nestled into the amazing crusty French baguette from Bread & Cie.
It’s only $3.00 and includes a drink. For more information: Log onto www.baronsmarket.com or call (951) 693-1111.
Dog Park Café–Since a dog is man’s best friend, perhaps your father would enjoy
an outing with his four-legged friend at the only place in the country where he can eat
lunch indoors with his dog in a private enclosure. The menu features such delicious
doggy delights as a Chicken & Cheese Calzone, a Chichuahua Chimichanga or an Ultimutt Cheeseburger and Fries. Dog owners can bring in their own meal or purchase
a sandwich or salad from Barons The Market Place or order take-out from one of the
fine restaurants located within the shopping center. Dog Park Café is located at 31795
Rancho California Road in Temecula. For more information: visit their website at www.
dogparkcafe.net or call (951) 308-4545.
Vail Ranch Steak House–Still looking for a place to dine on Father’s Day? Impress
Dad by taking him to brunch at Vail Ranch. A plated brunch will be served from 11 a.m.
to 2 p.m. and the regular menu will be served as well. If Dad loves steak, Vail Ranch’s
specialty is their Dry-Aged Prime Steaks. The dry-aged process produces the most favorable steak for your dining experience. Signature cocktails are available and there
is an impressive list of wines to choose from. For more information: log on to www.
vailranchsteakhouse.com or call (951) 694-1475.
I Love Clocks–Remember that men, especially fathers, appreciate practical gifts.
And, nothing is more practical than a beautiful clock. The I Love Clocks shop will
Camp Bow Wow Temecula: A
Summer Vacation for Pets
When it comes to planning summer vacations, choosing a destination that pleases
the whole family is hard enough. Then there’s the family dog to consider. This year,
give your pet his own summer vacation, one allowing you peace of mind while you’re
away. Whether for a day or an extended stay, Camp Bow Wow Temecula offers canine
companions tail-wagging good times.
Coming from Camp Bow Wow corporate offices in Boulder, Colo., the new Temecula franchise owners are delighted to run the Inland Empire location. Reopening the
facility just in time for summer, Lisa and Michael Haight’s expertise in camp operations
and pet behaviors assures a safe, healthy and friendly environment for campers of all
breeds and ages.
Camp Bow Wow Temecula is a state-of-the-art facility offering full-service doggie day and overnight camp. Camp Bow Wow promotes exercise and social interaction
among the campers. Certified Camp Counselors® are specially trained to give the best
pet care in the industry. They supervise the campers in large indoor and outdoor play
areas, giving lots of strokes and tummy rubs throughout the day.
When it comes to sleeping and feeding, accommodations are luxurious. Fifty spacious cabins with comfy cots provide a relaxing environment for nap and meal times.
Live Camper CamsSM let you log on remotely to watch a real-time feed of the fun.
There’s even an iPhone application for your convenience!
For those preferring their own environment or with other pets, Camp Bow Wow
Words of Truth
ADULT: A person who’s stopped
growing at both ends and is now
growing in the middle.
Temecula’s “Home Buddies” will provide professional in-home pet-sitting for your pets.
This is an ideal solution for dogs, cats, birds, reptiles, fish, horses and small caged critters
needing care while you’re away. In-home webcam rentals are available. Licensed and
bonded, Home Buddies provides peace of mind when you’re separated from your pets.
Plan your summer outings with confidence. Whenever you need pet care, give Camp
Bow Wow a call and let your pets enjoy a vacation, too!
Camp Bow Wow Temecula is located at 42192 Sarah Way, off Diaz Road. For rates
and more information, call 951-506-0161 or visit www.campbowwow.com.
(In a knock out box) and (small photo of Joel Silverman with co-star Foster)
Meet the whole crew at Camp Bow Wow Temecula on June 25! 10:30 a.m. to noon..:
A VIP Special Engagement with animal trainer Joel Silverman of “Animal Planet,” author of “What Color is Your Dog?”
Meet Joel and his co-star, Foster, during this stop on his book tour. Advanced reservations are required; please RSVP by June 20.
1 to 3 p.m.: Grand Opening Hoedown Celebration
Open to the public, including the family dog!
• Radio remote broadcast by 101.3 The Mix
• Camp Bow Wow’s Top Dog, founder Heidi Ganahl
• Games, raffle drawings and prizes
• Treats and beverages for all, including Fido
• Grooming and vaccinations
• Camp tours and new camper interviews
• Webcam demonstrations
• And much more!
INFLATION: Cutting money in half
without damaging the paper.
MOSQUITO: An insect that makes
you like flies better.
BEAUTY PARLOR: A place where
women curl up and dye.
SECRET: Something you tell
to one person at a time.
COMMITTEE: A group that keeps
minutes and wastes hours.
TOOTHACHE: The pain that drives
you to extraction.
EGOTIST: Someone usually medeep in conversation.
TOMORROW: One of the
greatest labor-saving devices
of today.
RAISIN: A grape with a sunburn.
keep your dad on time with one of their unique rhythm
clocks, cuckoo clocks or clocks for his wall and mantel.
Give your father a timekeeping device that is steeped
in tradition, the grandfather clock….I love Clocks has
a distinctive selection to choose from and all have been
discounted. The shop is located in the Antiques Building
on 4th Street in Old Town Temecula. For more information: visit their website at www.iloveclocks.com or call
(951) 693-4333.
Patio World–Dad’s backyard fantasies can come
true…let Patio World make his outdoor environment a true
resort. Patio World carries a wide selection of outdoor furniture, barbecues and accessories, as well as outdoor lighting, rugs, picnic ware and garden accessories. Picture dad
stretched out and relaxed on a new chaise lounge with
a large, colorful umbrella fluttering overhead keeping him cool and comfy. Or, this Father’s Day, let
dad take center stage by throwing a barbeque in his
honor. On Saturday, June 18, Patio World is doing a
cookout featuring the Sweet Home Pellet Grill that uses
100% Natural wood pellets to fire up the barbeque. This
different kind of grill operates with the touch of a button and can grill,
bake or roast, giving all foods a great smoked taste. For more information:
log on to www.patioworldonline.com or call (951) 506-1903.
Falkner Winery–Sit back, relax and enjoy free jazz on Father’s Day. Performances
will be held on their outside lawn area, adjacent to the tasting room, beginning at noon
and ending at 3:00 p.m. There is no charge to winery customers for these performances
and reservations are not required. Falkner Winery is located near the crest of a 1500-foot
hill that offers visitors a spectacular view of the valley below. The gift shop offers unique
gifts and food products that allow visitors to purchase lunch and dine on picnic tables
located in their grassy, tree lined picnic area. With both inside and outside wine tasting,
visitors have the opportunity to maximize their enjoyment of wine, food, and nature. For
more information: visit the website at www.falknerwinery.com or call (951) 676-8231.
Leonesse Cellars–Nestled in the rolling hills and vineyards of Temecula’s wine
country, Leonesse offers a warm, enchanting setting where you can enjoy great wines,
spectacular views and wonderful times with family and friends. Leonesse’s Third Sunday Concert Series falls on June 19, 2011. Aspiring young artists perform their music
from 1:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. Enjoy selected flights of wine accompanied by perfectly paired
songs, stories and wine notes, served with artisan cheeses between pouring. The cost is
$25 per person. For more information: log on to www.leonessecellars.com or call (951)
302-7601.
Lake Elsinore Storm–How do dads really want to spend Father’s Day? For the
sports enthusiast, taking in a baseball game with the whole family on a warm summer’s day, would create long lasting memories. Father’s Day is a game day for the Lake
Elsinore Storm, with a 2 p.m. start. Plans are for a pre-game barbeque and an opportunity for fathers and their children to play catch on the field. For more information: call
951-245-4487 or visit www.stormbaseball.com.
(951) 461-3450
22
June/July 2011
New Product Makes Driving With
Parking Permit Safe and Legal
By Lois Allen
Every day, otherwise respectable people break the law and may not even realize
it. A disabled placard or parking pass, hanging from a car’s rearview mirror while
driving, is a traffic violation in most U.S. states and Canada, because it obstructs one’s
view of the road. Unfortunately, it is a common practice which means disabled people
are driving with yet another disability, a blindspot.
Sandra Hulbert, a world-renowned maker of porcelain dolls, has invented the
Handi Visor Holder, a unique storage sleeve, which makes driving with a handicap
or other parking placard, safe and legal. Her product attaches to a car’s sun visor and
rotates the placard into a visible position when parking the car, yet conveniently disappears out of the line of sight, when driving.
Inspiration for Sandra Hulbert’s Handi Visor Holder came from her husband,
Warren, who needs to use a handicap parking placard. “Warren has limited mobility in
his arms and shoulders and it was difficult and frequently painful for him to constantly
maneuver the placard on and off of the rearview mirror,” says Hulbert.
The Handi Visor Holder is not just for the disabled, but for anyone who must use
a parking permit or placard. It’s ideal for use by hospital personnel, government and
state workers, college students and others who must display parking permits at work
or school. It’s the perfect choice for everyday people who need to use parking permits
in big cities such as Los Angeles, San Francisco and Sacramento, where street parking
requires displaying permits in certain areas.
Many apartment dwellers are required to display customized parking permits in
their vehicles either on the dashboard or as a hangtag from the rearview mirror. No
matter what the size or shape of the parking permit, it’s sure to fit perfectly within the
Handi Visor Holder.
Replacing a lost placard can be inconvenient and a time-consuming procedure.
The Handi Visor Holder keeps a handicap placard from being misplaced or damaged
because it is safely and securely attached to the sun visor. And most important, use of
this product prevents disabled people and others from being stopped by the police and
having to pay a costly traffic fine.
As one satisfied customer recently remarked “Remembering to display and remove my placard from the rearview mirror was always a hassle. I am amazed how
such a simple product as the Handi Visor Holder could save me from so much frustration.”
For additional information or to order your Handi Visor Holder, the perfect solution
for storing parking permits and handicap placards safely and conveniently within a
car or truck, please visit http://www.handivisorholder.com or call (800) 419-5978.
The address for Handi Visor Holder, LLC., is 23905 Clinton Keith Rd., #114-224,
Wildomar, CA 92595.
Note from Editor: Invented, designed and created by one of your Temecula Valley
neighbors.
(951) 461-3450
23
June/July 2011
Are all heating and air conditioning
contractors the same?
The right contractor can mean the difference between an installation of your
heating and air conditioning system that goes well and provides years of trouble-free
comfort or a contractor that might cost you thousand in wasted money and problems. Before you research for a contractor, you must do some homework about your
specific job. Your goal isn’t to become a technical expert, but you want to educate
yourself enough to ask the right questions and evaluate the answers.
Always research your options, your neighbor may have had a phenomenal experience with one contractor but your co-worker may have had terrible experience with
another. This feedback is great material to help you in your decision making! During
the research phase, identify several contractors who can help you with your job. The
best feedback comes from the word-of-mouth experiences of people you trust. They
are more likely to give you the right answer on their experiences (both positive and
negative) than other potential referrals. Your prospect list should include two to three
contractors. Each prospect should be located locally and the business should have a
physical street address. You may want to drive by their location to ensure stability.
Then, you should call or go online to your local Better Business Bureau, or other
consumer related organizations to verify company information.
Before you make a decision, ask yourself some simple questions.
1. Does the company provide workers compensation insurance?
2. Does the company have adequate liability insurance and proof of it?
3. Does the company have NATE certified technicians?
4. Ask the contractor about his or her California State License number? Verify that
number with the California State Licensing Board.
5. How long has the company been in business?
6.Is the company a member in good standing with the Better Business Bureau?
7. Does the company have great reviews online?
8. Is the company available evenings and weekends with call takers and technicians
to handle any service calls or emergencies?
9. Does the company follow up with customers after work is completed to find out
the level of customer satisfaction?
10. Does the company have an in-house training facility for service and installation
technicians?
11. Will the company use floor savers and drop cloths on the job to protect your home
and property?
12. Does the company have all necessary state and local licenses to perform the appropriate work?
13. Does the company have a documented weekly technical training program for
employees to maintain and improve their skill level?
14. Can the company provide me with a list of references for the work I am planning
to have done?
15. Does the company test each employee on their level of technical experience
before hiring them?
16. Does the company background check all employees before hiring them and continue with random drug tests throughout their employment?
17. Does the company insure quality installations by complying with local and state
requirements?
Be a well-informed heating and air shopper!
The cheapest equipment will not save you money…Period! Often the economic climate will force contractors to bid lower models to compete because most customers
look only at the price tag on an estimate. However, paying more for a quality unit and
an experienced dealer might make all the difference.
1) First, remember, air conditioners have efficiency ratings. Ensure the proper rating
will save you more money in the long run.
2) Secondly, an air conditioner not properly installed will not operate at the efficiency
level it was designed to perform. Too many homeowners have experienced a huge
loss in savings because they used an air conditioning dealer that didn’t install their
system correctly, causing lost efficiency meaning higher bills. Don’t make the
same mistake.
• Don’t rush into a project or take the first bid that comes along.
• Don’t accept a verbal estimate; it must be in writing.
• Don’t make cash payments or full payment up front.
• Don’t think you’ve discovered a great bargain on a heater or air conditioner if you
get a bid that is substantially lower than other bids. Remember, you get what you
pay for and if it looks too good to be true, it probably is.
• Don’t always believe you’re getting the best just because you’re paying the most.
Once you have done your homework, ask yourself are all heating and air conditioning contractors the same?
WC Heating & Air Conditioning Inc. can be reached at 951-600-0700, or see
www.wc-air.com
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24
June/July 2011
International Baccalaureate
Grads Reach for the Stars
By Carol Malin
Graduating from high school is a big step into the future. For the graduating International Baccalaureate (IB) class of 2011 at Great Oak High School (GOHS) it is a step
into a future that they are prepared for.
Well prepared for, I’d say, after interviewing a few of the past and present graduates
of the IB Programme, as well as the IB Coordinator at GOHS, January King, to learn
how this program readies students for college. The first thing that I learned is this is a key
point, IB classes count for college credit.
What has any of this got to do with you? Maybe plenty, if you have a son or daughter
that will soon enter high school. According to King, studies by the US Bureau of Education reveal that IB grads are accepted to desirable colleges at a higher percentage rate
than other students. Once in college, IB grads outperform their peers in GPA and graduation rates.
I checked with an admissions officer at the University of California at Irvine, and the
IB classes are ranked as the highest difficulty,
above Advanced Placement (AP) and Honors, and make a substantial impact on college
applications giving students a higher chance
for admission into a college of choice.
AP vs. IB? King told me that AP classes
and the IB Diploma Programme are not exclusive of one another. IB students take many
AP courses in preparation for entrance into
IB. Eighty percent of GOHS’ AP Scholars
are IB candidates. (To become an AP Scholar
a student must receive scores of 3.0 or higher
on three or more AP Exams.) Five out of six
of GOHS’ 2011 National Merit Scholars are
part of the IB Programme.
What is the difference between AP and IB? The IB Diploma Programme is a full
2-year program, while AP is generally done on a class-by-class basis. According to King,
IB requires students to take rigorous coursework across the curriculum, but allows them
to specialize in their areas of interest and delve more deeply into subject matter than
any other high school curriculum available today. Stringent IB requirements, such as an
extended essay (a 4,000 word research paper), must be met for all classes. This experience helps to prepare students for college coursework to such a degree that it becomes
‘easy’ for them. Because of this, IB grads often have the time and energy to pursue extracurricular activities in college and explore beyond the classroom.
“The program is structured to help students be prepared for success in college,” King
explained. “There are many components besides general academics that the IB student
must study, such as Theory of Knowledge; Epistemology and Logic; Creativity, Action
and Service; and the Extended Essay. These aspects of the program are useful to students
as they go off to college because they have learned how to think critically about subjectmatter and the philosophical implications of them.”
What does an IB graduate have to say about the value of program? Katie Malin,
GOHS IB Class of 2008, told me this, “One of the biggest benefits of the program has
been the college credits it has afforded me. I was able to switch majors and will still be
able to graduate on time (Chapman University ‘12). Understand that IB is not an easy
program. It is an undertaking which requires a lot of study and a good deal of determination to complete. But it worked for me. After earning my AP Scholar Award and being
selected as a member of the National Honor Society in 8th grade, I knew I wanted to
continue to challenge myself academically. As I was entering 9th grade I learned that
GOHS had ushered in the IB Programme. I appealed for an intra-district transfer and I
was fortunate to be granted one. I am honored to have been in the first graduating class
of IB students at GOHS.”
How does a student enter the program? Students are eligible to enter the IB Diploma
Programme in their junior year of high school. IB students take different courses than the
majority of the student population and as a result IB students spend most of their schooltime together. During the two year program, IB students closely bond.
“As both a teacher and a parent of an IB graduate,” King said, “I think the relationships built into this program are invaluable. All of the students are reaching for the same
goal, and they learn to support each other through difficult times.”
Ketti Schenck, GOHS IB senior, says, “I have never been so intellectually challenged as I was when I entered the program at the start of my junior year. I had stepped
onto the highest rung of academic prowess for my grade, along with one-hundred other
nervous-looking juniors. Through the past two years, we have all come to know each
others’ many flaws and even more virtues—
each others’ passions, our disappointments,
our weaknesses and our beautiful, infallible
strengths.”
Two years invested…just one last
hurdle. IB diplomas are not automatically
granted. Diplomas are only awarded to students who gain at least 24 points on essay
exams (no multiple-choice) at the end of the
program. The exams are sent to external IB
examiners around the globe to be graded.
Earning an IB diploma is also subject to
a certain minimum level of performance
across the entire program, and to the satisfactory participation in the creativity, action, and service requirement areas. Students
must also complete assessment tasks at their school, which may be rated by their teachers
and then evaluated by external moderators, or sent directly to the external examiners.
“In my 17 years as an educator, I have never seen a program that changes students
into stronger individuals than this one does,” said King in conclusion. “I am blessed to be
a part of it, and thank Tim Ritter, our district superintendent, for bringing it to Temecula
and for making me an integral part of it. In 2008 there were 42 IB students in our first
group of diploma candidates, this year we have 89, which is more than a 100 percent
increase within three years—incredible! Each year we grow in certificate candidates, as
well (a certificate candidate takes selected IB courses and is given a certificate for course
completion). The school offers all IB courses on a certificate basis for students who do
not choose to commit to the full 2-year IB Diploma Programme.”
Since IB was introduced in 2008 at Great Oak High School in Temecula, Murrieta
Valley High School in Murrieta and Temescal Canyon High School in Lake Elsinore
have come on board with IB Diploma Programmes. More can be learned about this rewarding educational program by going online to http://www.ibo.org.
The Chronicle Media Group congratulates all of the Class of 2011 graduates throughout the Temecula Valley and wishes them much success in their future endeavors.
“Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother”
book review
Reviewed by Mary Wulfsberg
Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother” is an
interesting but perplexing book about parenting
Author Amy Chua is a Chinese-American
Yale law professor and writer of two critically acclaimed economic-political books. She
is the mother of two girls, Sophia and Lulu,
who are approximately 13 and 15 years old
when the book ends. Chua is married to Jed
Rubenfeld, also a law professor and published
novelist.
Chua says, “This is a story about a mother, two daughters and two dogs. This was supposed to be a story of how Chinese parents are
better at raising kids than Western ones. But
instead it’s about a bitter clash of cultures, a
fleeting taste of glory and how I was humbled
by a 13-year-old girl.”
When I finished the book I was left feeling that Chua had blatantly exploited her
family to add another nonfiction work to her
resume. The self-realization promised by the
blurb was ill-defined and insubstantial.
This book is a narrative of how Chu takes
control of her girls’ upbringing according
to what she believes is the Chinese parenting model. This means that her girls are required to live according to her design, which
is meant to prepare them for accomplished
adulthoods. Among the things they’re never
to do: “Attend a sleepover; have a play date;
be in a school play; complain about not be-
(951) 461-3450
ing in a school play; watch TV or play computer games; choose their own extracurricular
activities: get any grade less than an A; not
be the number-one student in every subject
except gym and drama; play any instrument
other than the piano or violin; not play the
piano or violin.”
This list does not begin to describe the
compliance that Chua demands of her girls,
nor the self-centered behaviors she uses to
control them. They live according to Chua’s
schedule of grueling practice sessions and copious, detailed notes. Chua seems ever-present, yet maintains a teaching, lecturing and
advising schedule at Yale University. She also
keeps extensive notes on her parenting experiences, which she used to write the book. She
must have a stunt double.
Sophia, the eldest daughter, is compliant
and becomes a brilliant student and a concert
pianist. Lulu, the younger daughter, is a more
independent thinker and clashes with her
mother over the insistence that she become a
world-class violinist. This conflict supposedly opens Chua’s heart to allow Lulu to study
violin less and play tennis. This is the only
significant change Chua makes to her own behavior. I don’t call that humbled.
Many Westerners would agree that it is
miraculous that neither of these girls acted
out in ways more destructive than Lulu’s
breaking a glass and chopping off her hair.
Chua’s tirades, insults and degradation of her
children – her rationale is that she’s teaching
them that “nothing is fun until you are good
at it” – are not common Western child-rearing
practices.
Yet as a Westerner, I am left with questions. Do we instill self-discipline in our children sufficient for them to be successful in
today’s global competition? Do we provide
enough direction? Do we take the easy route
by asking themselves to “find” themselves?
Do we allow too much unstructured time?
Based on the comments on the book’s cover,
I expected Chua to arrive at a more centered
approach to child-rearing, part Western and
part Chinese. But that didn’t happen. I do not
know why she wrote the book, but I know that
it will leave readers asking many questions
about themselves.
25
June/July 2011
EDITORIAL
No disrespect to FDR, but
America is in trouble again and
this time we may have more to
fear than fear itself. Let’s face it;
the world we live in today is a real
scary place and the future doesn’t
bode well for our children or
grandkids.
If you read the newspapers or
watch television news, the leading
stories and images are anything
but uplifting. In just this past year,
we’ve experienced terrorist acts in
Europe, war in Libya and Afghanistan and large-scale riots throughout the entire Middle East. There
have been serious food shortages
in Indonesia and Peru and an unbelievable earthquake, tsunami
and nuclear meltdown in Japan.
Most disturbing, however, were
the financial collapses of Greece
and Portugal.
Now, America hasn’t exactly been exempt from problems.
We’ve had our share of terrorism,
watched in horror as thousands
of murders and beheadings took
place along our Mexican border
and survived a disastrous oil spill
in the Gulf. For the past two years,
we’ve had extremely high unemployment, a declining housing
market, rising food and gasoline
prices and an economy that seems
to flounder like a dead fish. The
most ominous problem, however,
is the unsustainable national debt
we’ve racked up over the past ten
years and the specter that many of
our states may soon go bankrupt.
Have a headache yet? Well,
don’t worry you will, because
there’s more.
This is this little known problem of the Federal Reserve System and “monetizing of our debt”.
They like to call it “Quantitative
Easing”; nevertheless, the effect on
every American is still the same…
the significant devaluation of our
money.
The Federal Reserve System is
our central bank (even though they
are a private organization). They
were created in 1913 to maintain
U.S. monetary policy. However,
over the years, they have expanded
their role. Among other things, they
now control our interest rates and
try to regulate the economy. They
have also become the largest buyer
of our U.S. Treasury Notes (at $500
billion a pop) and the weird part is
that they purchase them by simply
printing the money. Over the past
ten years, they have printed trillions of dollars with the primary
effect being that our money has
lost more than 20% of its value.
We also have another major
problem; it’s our national debt
($14.2 trillion dollars and counting). Last year, it cost U.S. taxpayers over $415 billion dollars just
to pay the interest on that debt and
not surprisingly, it will be even
higher this year. Most people don’t
realize that the United States Government must now borrow almost
188 million dollars every hour of
every day just so it can continue to
operate. All of this is unsustainable
and it may become fatal if left unchecked.
So, the $64,000 question becomes… how is it going to affect
us personally? Obviously, there
are no standard answers because
as individuals we all have different
economic conditions and circumstances. However, I believe there
are some general themes that might
apply to everyone. First, it appears
that the only way our money is going to double any time soon is if
we fold it over once before we put
it in our pocket. As to the stability of our government entitlement
programs (like Social Security and
Medicare), we may find they crumble faster than Haiti’s Presidential
Palace did during last year’s big
earthquake. Then, there are our
taxes. According to the IRS, there
will be 1040 reasons why taxes
will not be lower next year.
Of course, we can’t forget the
state in which we live. The good
news is that California has the tenth
largest economy in the world; the
bad news is that it’s currently $368
billion dollars in debt. Moreover,
although California collects about
$350 billion dollars in revenue, our
blessed politicians in Sacramento
spend more than $500 billion (according to the official State debt
clock). Then there is their current
budget deficit of $25.4 billion dollars and the more than 2.1 million
unemployed residents. With those
statistics, you could sober up a
drunk. So, what can we expect
here? Well, whenever this state finally implodes, there is a remote
possibility that some of us might
not end up better off. Fortunately,
there are some economists predicting that when the curtain finally
comes down on California, our
state taxes and cost of living, both
of which are currently amongst the
highest in the nation, will not be
higher than Denmark (the highest
taxed country in the world).
For most of us that’s all we
have to worry about. However, as
a retired person living on a fixed
income, I have another problem. I
reside in a HOA community. Now,
a homeowners’ association is just
like our Government. You elect
people for two years; they collect
your money and then try to convince you that they are spending
it wisely. If you disagree, your
only recourse is to vote them out
of office. Fortunately, my HOA
currently receives enough revenue
to cover its expenses, but they are
some growing concerns: Their reserves are sorely underfunded and
the number of members not paying
dues keeps increasing every quarter. Yet, with seemingly no regard
to the financial quagmire we just
described above, my HOA, just
like Congress, keeps on spending
money.
Now I have a headache.
Lou Wynants
BEGINNING TEENAGE DRIVERS
Young adults, earning your driver’s license and the freedoms that come with it is
a momentous occasion for you and your parents. Your license allows you mobility.
You can go places and do things like never before and your parents are no longer
required to chauffeur you around.
Unfortunately, if your new driving privilege is not treated with responsibility and maturity, it can lead
to tremendous pain, suffering and
tragedy for you and your family.
Traffic accidents are the leading
cause of death for American teens.
Teen drivers have the highest crash
rate per mile traveled of all drivers.
The numbers are worst for 16-yearolds, who have limited driving experience and an immaturity that often results in risk-taking behind the
wheel. The characteristics of fatal
crashes among teenage drivers highlight this fact.
The National Highway Traffic
Safety Association (NHTSA) reports that 41 percent – almost half – of fatal accidents involved a 16-year-old driver in a single-vehicle accident. Typically these
are high-speed crashes. In 33 percent of these fatal crashes there were at least three
people in the vehicle. Fatal crashes involving 16-year-old drivers are more likely to
occur when other teenagers are in the car. The risk increases with every additional
passenger. Also, night driving, specifically after 9 p.m., doubles the chances of a
16-year-old being in a fatal crash, compared with driving during the day.
For these reasons, California has a provisional license system, with gradual reduction of restrictions during the first year, leading to a full unrestricted license.
First-time licensees are not allowed to carry passengers under the age of 20 anytime,
and they’re forbidden to drive between midnight and 5 a.m. for the first year of their
license.
Parents can greatly reduce their teen driver’s crash risk by staying involved in
their child’s driver education, and realizing that driver’s education in high school is
only the beginning of the learning process. Parents should ride with their teen driver
often and help them practice safe driving to improve their skills. Encourage mature
decisions. Show them current news articles that prove they’re not immune to harm
and there can be horrible consequences for thrill-seeking by speeding and for not
wearing seatbelts.
Finally, parents, be role-model drivers. Tailgating, speeding, using a cell phone,
road rage and other unsafe driving practices encourage teens to follow those examples.
Ryan Craig: Big Plans at 19
By Karen Robertson
Have you dreamed of writing a
book or influencing others with a great
speech?
Ryan Craig is 19 and he just finished writing his first book. He already
has ideas for a series of books to follow.
Wow!
It began when Craig’s parents divorced. He was about 15 years old, and
the split brought many difficult changes. At 17, Craig was encouraged by his
counselor to start journaling. Thinking
it might put things into perspective, he
took the challenge. Writing helped Craig
get his thoughts together.
“It was therapeutic,” he said.
“At first I was writing just for myself.
Then I realized
other kids might
find it relatable advice if they were
going through the
same thing. Finally, I felt certain
this book could be
a real eye-opener
for a lot of parents who are struggling in
their marriages, considering divorce, or
already in the divorce [process]. They
need to know how their kids are feeling
and how to help them.”
Craig has finished his first book,
which has a working title of “Me in the
Middle: The Pawns of Divorce.” He is
editing it and considering his publishing
options.
Craig graduated from Great Oaks
High School in 2010. Other than term
papers and email, he didn’t do much
writing or feel the urge to do so until his
journal took on a life of its own.
Craig’s first speeches were for student council during middle school.
“I was a little nervous at first but
then I loved it,” Craig said. “I had a great
speech teacher at Palomar Junior College last year, and that’s when I knew
I wanted to be a motivational speaker.
I’ll be joining Toastmasters
as soon as it fits in my budget.”
Craig is enthusiastic
about connecting with the
public through writing,
speaking and coaching for
children and adults who are
facing divorce or its aftermath. His target audiences
are high schools, youth
groups, parenting groups
and divorce support groups
for all ages. Craig is already
a teen leader at Rancho
Community Church. On his own, he offers peer coaching services and is available to speak to groups. Contact Craig
at ryan@ryanthespeaker.com.
Craig says, “I seem to have an entrepreneurial drive.” He hopes to attend
a four-year college offering a degree in
entrepreneurship.
(951) 461-3450
26
June/July 2011
Whose Estate is it?
It’s Your Estate. Put Your Wishes
in Writing.
By Marguerite Lorenz
Everyone has heard about financial
abuse of the elderly, but how do you
keep from being victimized yourself?
Do you need an estate plan? Do you
have one but need to understand it better? Do you worry you’d burden your
loved ones if you became incapacitated?
There’s a free four-week educational program, “It’s Your Estate,” which
explores estate planning in detail, with
no sales pressure.
Topics include basic and advanced
estate planning; advanced health care
directives; conservatorship; power of
attorney over assets; charitable income
and tax planning; IRAs, 401(k), 403(b)
and 457 plans; distributions; beneficiary designations; trustees and executors;
and more.
This year’s classes will be held in
May at Rancho Bernardo’s Casa De
Las Campanas; in July in San Diego’s
USS Midway Museum; in September in
northern San Diego County at the Fallbrook Library; and in October at Balboa
Park at the Air and Space Museum. For
details, see www.ItsYourEstate.org.
Each program leader is an expert,
a professional in their respective field.
Speakers’ credentials and their outlines
were reviewed and personally approved
by Marguerite C. Lorenz, a California
licensed professional fiduciary. The
American Heart Association asked
Lorenz to host the San Diego program.
She agreed because “the program fits in
perfectly with my personal mission to
educate all California adults about their
estate planning options. Everyone needs
to get their wishes known in writing.”
Lorenz has been serving as a private
trustee and executor since 2003 and has
been trustee of more than 30 trusts.
Charities sponsor the program, so
it’s not a sales-driven event. Participants get accurate, current information
from professionals working in various
fields within estate planning.
Sponsoring charities see value in
educating the public. By making this
program accessible, these groups hope
families will create effective estate
plans. This year’s sponsoring charities
are the American Heart Association;
Casa Foundation; Air and Space Museum; Fallbrook Music Society; Sharp
Health Care Foundation; Foundation
for Senior Care; KPBS; and the USS
Midway Museum. To learn more about
the program go to: www.ItsYourEstate.
org
To reach Marguerite Lorenz, call
760-728-6688.
Life Can Be a Challenge
Part 2: “If I hang in there a little
longer, something will break.”
By Wendy Hammarstrom
In Part 1 in the April issue, Wendy Hammarstrom described how marital and financial difficulties took her from a fairly secure lifestyle in La Cresta to bankruptcy,
professional challenges and using a garden hose to work the toilet. Unfortunately,
Hammarstrom’s misfortunes didn’t end there.
By the mid-2000s, I filed for bankruptcy. I fought for two years to keep our home,
which had an adjustable-rate mortgage. My lawyer said I would be protected from
foreclosure by being in bankruptcy, but we were forced to leave our home two months
before my daughter, Marina, finished high school. Although my house is still involved
in a lawsuit, people have bought it and moved in. I don’t think I will get the house back
but I am hoping for a settlement.
Then Gravy, our huge wolfhound-bouvier died. Rosie, his mate, died after struggling with never-ending health issues her entire life. My gallbladder became unhappy.
I gained weight, learned I had osteopenia and maybe osteoporosis and needed a new
tooth or two. I believed that hormones, DHEA, enzymes, essential oils and flower
remedies would help me, but could not afford those very items that I recommend to
my clients.
A friend offered to let us live with her but I was shocked when she refused to allow
my animals. A woman from the Temecula Women’s Club kindly offered to take my
dog and cats and let them stay in her lovely, safe yard. (Meanwhile, I could no longer
afford the $75 to renew my club membership and often didn’t have enough gas in the
car to drive to meetings!) I visited at least once a day to feed and groom, walk the dog
and snuggle them in at night on dog beds and blankets. The older cat, which had started
limping, would sleep with his sore paw under the other cat’s tail.
I searched frantically for a place to move into with Marina, an aging dog and cat
and a younger rescued cat. In the back of my mind there was always an image of living
in a box under a bridge! I found a place that was open to animals, but a half-wolf lived
there so I had to send the cats to a shelter in Anza for two weeks while we settled in.
(My ex-husband, Steve, kindly helped with rent initially.) When I picked up the cats,
the older one was almost catatonic and the other one was covered in urine. They lost
their voices from meowing so much. They stayed in our room because of the half-wolf
and soon after, when we took the older cat to the vet for the third time in two months,
we were told to put him down due to cancer in his leg and fluid in his lungs.
When I drove Marina to college in Santa Barbara that week my car had a blowout
on Hwy. 210. I had an empty-nest breakdown! Leaving Marina at school was painful
but I was relieved that she would not be living under such duress.
An accident in November 2009 totaled my car and left me seeing intermittent
flashing zigzagging lights. I had an MRI in May of 2010 and the radiologist recom-
(951) 461-3450
mended a contrast MRI due to an 11-mm hazy area. MediCAL had erroneously ended
my coverage and I had to wait until August. The neurologist informed me nothing had
shown up and I should return in six months. Six weeks later, seeking closure, I got an
appointment with the neurologist, who told me, “I want you to go to a neurosurgeon
ASAP, because you might have a tumor and he may want to do a biopsy.” Lacking a
notation in my chart that it was urgent, more delays ensued. Six months after the MRI,
I was finally seen and told the problem may only be bruising from the car accident,
but it is necessary to rule out a growth. Another MRI is required, as well as consultation with an ophthalmologist. If I had money, of course, this would have been resolved
within days. I am still “waiting to exhale.”
A job with High Country Journal in Aguanga/Anza ended when the paper was sold.
It was that job plus working at Dripping Springs Ranch, tending plants and cleaning
the pond, that helped pay the rent. To my shock, the same day the Journal job ended,
I was terminated by Dripping Springs for a strange assortment of reasons. I’ve found
some income by dog-sitting, housecleaning, distributing flyers, helping a woman get
her office organized, making some home health care visits and even selling some mandala art.
I lost my website when I couldn’t pay the annual domain fee on time. I went on all
the social networks, started a blog of my own and one with SoCalPE and wrote for The
Californian, Neighbors Newspaper, Awareness Magazine and High Country Journal. I
also worked hard to complete my book.
Years ago, as a single mother, I went on MediCAL. Since losing my two Aguanga
jobs, I receive food stamps. When walking dogs I take a bag for dog poop and one for
discarded water bottles to recycle, using that money to put gas in the car.
Recently I’ve searched for a place to live with my dog and cat where I can work
in exchange for rent. Someone asked me why I don’t leave my dog with a friend so it
would be easier to find a place. But my pets are my family and I will not leave them. I
miss my friends and family back east and often wonder if it is time to head back where
life might not be as difficult.
I may actually finish my book this month. Perhaps it will open a door. It is my
dream to be part of a healing center combining the best of ancient and modern healing
techniques, including art, music and dance. I keep thinking that if I hang in there a little
longer, something will break in my favor.
There have been many blessings along the way in the form of family and friends,
supportive neighbors, animals, massage clients and students. My daughter and I have
shared much and remain close. I have come to love this area and even gotten over my
fear of snakes, especially rattlesnakes. I made friends with a pack of coyotes. I saw a
mountain lion out my back window. I have resumed creating mandala art, something
that helps “ground” me. People have come out of nowhere to help me edit my book. I
am enjoying winter’s beautiful skies and cloud formations, sunsets and rainbows, and
the beginning of spring flowers. I could go on, but I have to pack for the next move.
Publisher’s Note: Wendy is currently house-sitting in Hemet for six months.
Feel free to write to Wendy c/o Bear Creek Chronicle, P.O. Box 1065, Murrieta, CA
92564.
June/July 2011
27
5 Financial Reasons to Buy Now
Although the purchase of a home is a personal decision, we want to give you 5
great financial reasons why you should not wait to purchase a primary residence, 2nd
home, or investment property.
Interest Rates Are Rising
Inflation is a big buzz word in the news lately and inflation is the arch enemy of
interest rates. Over the last six months, interest rates have increased almost 3/4 of a
point and if inflation runs away from us, we could see rates skyrocket in a hurry. Interest rates along with price determine the true total cost of a home. Even with prices
softening, if interest rates rise, it may be less expensive to buy now rather than wait.
As a point of reference, it would take a 10% decrease in home prices to equate to a
1% increase in interest rates.
Is This The End Of Days For the 30-Year Fixed Mortgage?
The Feds are debating on whether or not to remove government guarantees on
mortgages. If this happens and the roles of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are eliminated or limited, many experts believe that the 30-year fixed mortgage will cease to
exist. This has already been the norm in Europe and other countries for decades so
it’s not completely far fetched.
QRM Requirements Could Be Much More Stringent
Here are proposed changes to the requirements for a “qualified residential mortgage”:
• Certain mortgage types would be eliminated
• A minimum of 20% down would be required
• The minimum FICO score could go to 690 (currently it’s 640 with most lenders)
• The ratios of income to both the mortgage payment and overall debt would
become much more conservative (28% and 36%). Currently, borrowers with ratios
around 50% can often still qualify.
Rents Are Expected To Rise
The supply of available rentals is decreasing and the demand is increasing as
fewer people are able to qualify for a mortgage. That will lead to an increase in rental
costs throughout the year. The Wall Street Journal this week quoted a report by Reis,
Inc: “Expect vacancies to continue declining, and rents rising through the rest of
2011 at an even faster pace.”
Proposed Increase In Required Down Payment On FHA Loans
There is a proposal for the down payment on an FHA backed mortgage to increase from 3.5% to 5% which would drastically reduce its allure to first time buyers.
We’ve already seen the monthly mortgage insurance premium increase from .55% of
the loan amount to 1.15% over the last 12 months which has made the once highly
desirable FHA loan significantly more costly. By increasing the down payment requirement to 5%, a qualified buyer may as well forgo FHA financing and get a 5%
down conventional mortgage which carries a lower monthly mortgage premium and
also does not require the 1% up-front mortgage insurance premium that FHA does.
Bottom Line
You may be waiting on the sidelines to see if prices will continue to depreciate
before you purchase a home. However, the type of mortgage and the interest rates
are just as, if not more important in calculating the overall cost of a home. Make sure
you consider this when timing your decision.
For any questions, feel free to contact Matthew Carreon, Certified Mortgage
Coach at 888-386-3221
Do You Have Questions About
Your Medical Plan?
By Lois Allen
If your 65th birthday is approaching, it’s time to start thinking about Medicare.
If you haven’t realized it yet, you will soon understand that Medicare can be confusing. There are important decisions to make; you should work with a broker.
Christine Hubler is licensed in California as an authorized agent representing
a full menu of health insurance plans. Her background is in human resources and
she’s specialized in Medicare health insurance since 2007.
The Murrieta Chronicle interviewed Hubler about this very important topic.
TC: Why is a broker needed? Can’t we just call or go online and sign up
for a Medicare plan that seems to meet our needs?
CH: You can enroll directly with a carrier but you will not receive independent
advice and you may not be given other options. I can educate you on the pros and
cons of a Supplement versus a Medicare Advantage Plan. Since I represent many
carriers, I can help you choose a carrier and plan that best suits your needs and
your budget.
TC: Is there a charge for your services?
CH: There is never a fee for my services and you have no obligation to enroll
through me. My commission is … paid by the insurance carrier once an application
has been submitted. And if you decide to go with me, my services don’t end at enrollment. I’ll be there for you later on. As your needs change, your health insurance
may need to change as well.
TC: What should people know about Medicare?
CH: The new benefit regulations are often complicated. There is a certain window of time in which you must make your selections. If the window is missed you
could face possible penalties or have fewer options available to you. I can help you
make realistic choices. I can help you get it done right the first time.
TC: What are some concerns of people going on Medicare?
CH: Most people want to be able to keep the same doctors that they have been
seeing for years. Others want to be able to see a medical specialist of their choice
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without having to go through the hassle of getting a referral. Everyone has a different tolerance level for co-pays and deductibles. All of these issues are important
and need to be considered prior to making a Medicare choice.
TC: How about people who are too young for Medicare. Can you help
them with their insurance needs?
CH: Absolutely. I can help find the best insurance policy for individuals and
families. If you need a dental plan, I can assist with that as well.
Following is a testimonial from a client, Rose Marie Quiroz of Murrieta:
“First of all, this letter is totally unsolicited by Christine, but written from
the heart of a very satisfied customer. As I am turning 65 this year, I face the dilemma of sorting through all the bureaucratic propaganda and endless promotions
for health care.
“It is such a breath of fresh air to work with an agent that loves her job and puts
the client’s needs before her own. It is also a great pleasure to work with someone
that knows her business – not only understands it, but is able to convey it to her
clients in terms they can understand. It is quite a [challenge] today to decipher an
insurance policy.
“Christine...spoke with me by phone, made an appointment to meet in my
home and also continues to correspond by email. Once she is satisfied with her
knowledge of her prospect, the search begins, sifting through the various policies
to find the best possible program. Christine has also given me extensive information regarding local doctors, as well as how my current doctors may apply to work
into my new insurance within Medicare guidelines. I have worked in corporate
America with rich insurance policies [and] have been self-employed for [more
than] a decade, facing the high cost of premiums for my family, but I have never
had an agent who took the time to explain and weigh my options so that I felt
totally at peace with my decisions....I recommend [Hubler] to anyone, as she not
only helped me understand my options and make a great choice, but [she] has
helped my husband find a better, less expensive carrier. … She works to resolve
claims and speaks with the insurance carriers on your behalf if the need should
arise. I feel truly blessed to have been introduced to this fantastic resource in the
insurance industry!”
Call Christine Hubler 951.200.9029 for more information or visit her website at
www.hublerins.com
(951) 461-3450
28
(951) 461-3450
June/July 2011

Temecula Chronicle June 2011

Transcription

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