Murrieta Chronicle May - June 2011

Transcription

Delivering to: Bear Creek, Carson Ranch, Copper Canyon, Greer Ranch, LaCresta, Olive Hill,
all of the Santa Rosa Plateau, and The Colony.
at a glance
News Around Town
Shining Light on Solar Guy
Ba Ba Black Sheep
Heroes Among Us
Pages...........................4-8
Health & Medical
Exercise Your Heart
Spring is Here-Allergies!
Chargers Lasik Surgeon
Pages.........................9-11
Neighborhood News
Crown Hills Family
Temeku Hills Sees Stars
Chardonnay Hills Murder
Food & Wine
Delivery From Philly
Life’s Too Short...
Restaurant Review
Pages.......................14-17
Home & Family
Seasonal Color
Premier Doggie Daycare
The Long Goodbye
Pages.......................18-24
May/June 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
Continued on page 35
Residential Customer
ECRWSS
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May/June 2011
Murrieta Chronicle Advertisers
Beauty & Fitness
Conner Hair, Sheryl............................................. 6
Fletcher-Smith Salon & Spa............................. 26
Korrie’s Pilates Place........................................ 30
Massage Envy................................................... 25
Medical Weight Loss & Fitness Center .......... 26
Murrieta Day Spa............................................. 30
O’Neil Skin & Lipo Center................................ 39
Optometric Vision Experience.......................... 3
Premier Laser & Day Spa................................... 3
Rainbow Acupuncture.................................... 28
Renuance......................................................... 29
Temecula Eye Center...................................... 25
Business
Brandon’s Best Bookkeeping Services............. 9
Daniels & Dagley – Coldwell Banker.............. 40
Hubler Insurance Services............................... 32
Jones Financial, Edward................................. 31
Murrieta Chamber of Commerce................. 14
Murrieta Volkswagen......................................... 5
State Farm Insurance....................................... 20
Sunbelt Business Broker.................................... 15
Vaughn–Realtor, Diane.................................... 31
Events, Sports & Travel
Bear Creek Golf Club...................................... 13
BeSmart2Travel................................................. 20
Primus Golf Academy...................................... 33
Family & Pets
Camp Bow Wow.............................................. 34
Clinton Keith Veterinary Hospital.................... 38
England Family Mortuary................................ 28
Mulligan Family Fun Center............................ 35
Photo Works Temecula.................................... 25
Food & Wine
Anthony’s Lounge & Ristorante...................... 36
Baron’s The Marketplace................................ 11
Food & Wine (continued)
Checkerboard Deli.......................................... 36
Los Reyes Bar & Grill......................................... 36
Home Improvement & Décor
Aging In-Place Remodeling............................ 27
Ambassador Energy, Inc................................. 18
Bowyer Plumbing, Mark................................... 17
Eagle Rents & Supply....................................... 21
Grease Monkey.................................................. 6
Imagine Home Audio...................................... 10
Jamar Power Systems...................................... 38
Krabbe & Sons, Steve........................................ 8
Mira Loma Pest Control................................... 16
Ocean Blue Pool Service................................ 25
Patio World.......................................................... 7
Precision Door Service....................................... 9
Roberts Art & Design, Jill.................................. 10
W.C.Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc............. 33
Medical & Health
Argenbright, O.D., Bret.................................... 25
Armbruster, DDS & Assoc., Stan...................... 32
Eichenberg, M.D., Brian................................... 29
Global Medical Equipment............................ 24
Gurvits, D.O., Vadim........................................... 3
Jury, O.D., Mark.................................................. 1
Nagy–Hypnotherapist, Sandra......................... 1
O’Neil, M.D., Kelly J.......................................... 39
Southwest Health Services.............................. 24
Temecula Valley Digestive Disease Consultants........ 26
Religion
Murrieta United Methodist Church................ 18
West Coast Life Church................................... 18
Senior Care
Brookdale Senior Living/Chancellor Place.... 14
Lillibet’s Place................................................... 38
Administration
Roland Behny, Publisher
[email protected]
Marilyn Spooner, Co-Publisher
[email protected]
Contributing Editors
Lois Allen
[email protected]
Harry Carpenter
[email protected]
Bob Corsiglia
[email protected]
Jay Froboese
[email protected]
Wendy Hammarstrom
[email protected]
Gloria Karlak
[email protected]
Carol Malin
[email protected]
Anita Milner
[email protected]
Robert Mitchell
[email protected]
Karen Robertson
[email protected]
Kelly Smith
[email protected]
Kristen Stez
[email protected]
Mary Wulfsberg
[email protected]
Lou Wynants
[email protected]
Design • Editing • Production • Sales
Alexis Bennetts, Sales
[email protected]
Roy Hester, Sales
[email protected]
M.Kay Design, Graphics & Layout
[email protected]
Joan Mueting, Website Development
[email protected]
CHANGE IS GOOD?? – CHANGE IS GOOD!!
We thank you for reading our newspaper! We work very hard every other month to create
an interesting read; please note that we like to focus on people, and their lives; this editorial
policy is always prevalent in our newspaper.
Please get in touch with us if you have ideas, concepts, something you want to share; I’d
be pleased to visit with you, and I will return your call.
Did you notice? We have changed the name of our newspaper; it’s no longer called the
Bear Creek Chronicle; we renamed it; it’s now the “Murrieta Chronicle.”
We did that for a number of reasons; first of all our paper is now more widely circulated
than it was in the beginning (May 2009) when it was delivered to Bear Creek residents only...
Now we print 10,000 copies every other month and mail 7,000 “Chronicles” to all of the
homes in Carson Ranch, Olive Hill, Copper Canyon, Greer Ranch, Bear Creek, The Colony,
and all of LaCresta including the Santa Rosa Plateau; copies are also placed in high traffic
locations in Murrieta and given to advertisers.
Another reason to change the name, we now publish 12,000 copies of the Temecula
Chronicle, every other month, and the distribution-circulation concept is the same as we use
in Murrieta; focused distribution to a specific demographic thereby providing our advertisers
a “bigger bang for their buck.”
We have formed an umbrella organization called the Chronicle Media Group - we now
offer more than just the publication of one or two newspapers, and we have expanded beyond
Bear Creek: we now offer video production services to our clients; we have a publishing
division which helps authors bring their book projects to completion; and we have four other
publishing projects in the old corn popper about ready to “pop”…so we ask you to come
along with us and we hope you enjoy the ride.
Chronicled Media Group
951-461-3450
[email protected]
(951) 461-3450
Printer
Advance Web Offset
Kristen Stez, Sales
[email protected]
“The Murrieta Chronicle is a bi-monthly newspaper.
We print 10,000 copies and deliver it via the U. S.
Post Office to over 7000 homes in Murrieta - Bear
Creek, Carson Ranch, Copper Canyon, Greer Ranch,
LaCresta, Olive Hill, all of the Santa Rosa Plateau,
and The Colony. 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
Murrieta 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 Murrieta 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 Murrieta 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
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send us a letter – Murrieta Chronicle, P. O. Box 1065,
Murrieta, CA 92564.
www.ChronicleMediaGroup.com
May/June 2011
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(951) 461-3450
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May/June 2011
First Annual Reality Rally
A Winner
Carol Malin
If you saw 100 very fit, good-looking folks running around Temecula April 15
through 17, you weren’t dreaming. Reality stars from shows such as “Big Brother,” “Bullrun,” “Fear Factor,” “The Amazing Race” and more were in town for
Reality Rally.
The Rally is the dream child of Temecula resident Gillian Larson, who was
a contestant on “Survivor” the season it taped in Gabon. Larson, an RN, has lost
friends and family members to cancer. Knowing that reality stars often volunteer to
fundraise for charity, and realizing that Michelle’s Place, a cancer resource center
in Temecula, could use the support, she put the two together and came up with the
Reality Rally.
Larson called the event a tribute to three brave people who lost their lives to
cancer: her brother, Chris Dalton; Jenn Lyon, a “Survivor: Palau” contestant; and
Michelle Watson, for whom Michelle’s Place is named.
Folks in the valley are generous when it comes to helping out. Yet a person
can only do so much and go to so many fundraisers. But this wasn’t just any fundraiser.
Things heated up Friday night at Wilson Creek Winery when all the stars came
together at a celebrity reception open to the public. The Wilson family generously
donated the space and wine for the event. Sam’s Club and Soro’s Mediterranean
Grill donated appetizers. A Grape Escape gave visitors a zip-cord hot air balloon
ride on the winery’s lawn. The Bash rocked with ’70s sounds – all for charity and
for only $15!
On Saturday morning the reality stars and dog stars – yes, dog stars – signed
autographs and “pawtographs.” Guests received a free commemorative book for
collecting signatures. Kids loved this! I met Dozer and Nani, the surfing dogs, and
Chopper, the motorcycle-riding dog. All the stars, human and canine, were professional and patiently posed for pictures. I did not meet one person that day without
a smile on their face. There were a few snags but nobody really seemed to mind.
Games began at noon and continued until 4 p.m., moving to points across Temecula. Contestants competed in challenges at each location.
The Reality Rally winners? First place: Team Nguyen It Ha, with reality star
Kendra Guffey from “Pirate Master.” The team graciously donated its $300 winnings to Michelle’s Place. Second place went to Team Nat, with reality star Nat
Strand from “The Amazing Race.” Third place was California Canines, with reality star Brook Roberts from “The Amazing Race.”
If you heard that a few Murrieta city leaders will soon wear T-shirts that read
“I Love Temecula,” it’s true. They lost a challenge to the Temecula team during
the Rally. They must attend a Temecula city council meeting and humbly state the
worthiness of Temecula’s glorious victory while wearing the shirts. As you may
know, council meetings are televised on cable. I wonder whether the city’s TV
channel will double their viewers that night?
The community really pulled together to make this a success. Corinna Coram
Elvis Strange from the reality show Bullrun is surrounded by a bevy of beauties
told me, “We had over $500,000 in in-kind sponsorships for the Reality Rally.
All the food, music, photos, videos, social media, brochures and programs were
donated. This shows you what can happen when we all give.” The list of sponsors
that helped with this event, which includes this newspaper, is long: go to www.
realityrally.com to view it.
Things tied up that evening with a Pit Party at Temeku Hills where the stars
walked the Red Carpet. It was open to the public; the entry fee was a reasonable
$60, which included food and entertainment.
The highlight of the evening was Temecula’s own Antonio Pontarelli, a singer,
songwriter and rock violinist who lit up the stage. He played two sets and every
song was amazing. He has played with Jethro Tull and opened for Seal, Brian
McKnight, and Earth Wind and Fire. Pontarelli has won so many prestigious music
competitions that there isn’t space to list them here. He’s now a senior at USC. I
spoke with him briefly about the time that my children and I had met him at Hillcrest Academy when he was 10. We were invited to a school fundraiser and the
headmistress told us that one of the children was going to play the violin. Once
Pontarelli started playing, that was it – all you could do was stare in amazement
at this whirling dervish making the violin scream Jimi Hendrix’s “All Along the
Watchtower.” Pontarelli has only gotten better. Go to his website at www.antoniomusic.com.
Breakfast with the Stars at Monte de Oro on Sunday was lovely. For $15,
guests received a mimosa, coffee, fruit and breakfast rolls. The Bash played and
visitors could meet the stars and take photos.
If you missed the Reality Rally this year, don’t miss it again. Next year’s event is
already in the works, slated for April 13 through 15, 2012.
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5
May/June 2011
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.
Strengthening our Local
Economy: Buy in Murrieta
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.
“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 [email protected].
Craig says, “I seem to have an entrepreneurial drive.” He hopes to attend
a four-year college offering a degree in
entrepreneurship.
• 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 866-803-3485.
Don’t forget…..Murrieta VW is ”Right on the Freeway…Right on
the Price!”
(951) 461-3450
6
May/June 2011
New Chief, All Fired Up
By Karen Robertson
Murrieta’s new fire chief, Matt
Shobert, says, “I have to pinch myself
every morning to make sure this isn’t
a dream. I’ve always wanted to be in
Southern California. We were typical
‘Zonies’ (Arizona residents who vacation in SoCal).”
Shobert, 49, was born in Pennsylvania and moved with his parents to
Tucson, Ariz., when he was about 8
years old. He was hired by North West
Fire Protection District in 1985 and
later graduated from the University of
Phoenix.
After 15 years of service, Shobert
was hired by the Sedona, Ariz., fire
department, where he served for four
years as assistant chief and four years
as chief. In 2008, he was hired by the
City of Hemet. He and his wife, Tami,
relocated to Hemet. Tami is a human
resources professional with the Soboba
Casino.
On March 14 Shobert became Murrieta’s chief. “Fire service is my life
and I love it. It is what I live for,” says
Shobert. “It is our goal to make a person’s worst day better.”
When asked what he hopes to focus on in Murrieta, Shobert mentioned
three areas:
“First, we need to balance the budget. Right now we have to pull from our
reserve funds to make ends meet. We
want to make changes without impacting the quality of service we provide to
the community.
“I want to encourage more community involvement,” Shobert continued. “Any HOAs, churches, civic or
social organizations can feel free to call
me with questions or with invitations
to speak about emergency preparedness, injury prevention, etc. We want to
maintain and improve community relationships.” Reach Shobert by calling
951-304-FIRE.
“Earthquake and/or wildland fire
preparedness education should be
something we bring to the forefront in
the community,” Shobert said. “Every
household should, at the very least,
have food, water and a plan for emergencies.”
The Murrieta Fire Department has
a $12 million budget. This amounts to
approximately $9 per person per month
By Carol Malin
to ensure that a skilled, highly trained,
well equipped crew of professionals will be wherever they’re needed.
Whether for an accident, fire, medical
emergency, hazardous waste problem
or other crisis, they will be there on a
person’s worst day, doing everything
they can to make it better.
Asked about his most harrowing
experiences, Shobert recounted two.
“On Dec. 8, 1999, I saw a police
officer burn up in his vehicle. It almost
made me leave the job. Ultimately, it
changed the way I looked at the fire
service. It made me realize the value of
Critical Incident Stress Management. I
had always been about physical fitness,
cardio exercise – and I could see where
mental fitness and life balance was just
as important.”
The second toughest experience
was, collectively, Shobert’s three years
in Hemet. “I took the job with such high
hopes and plans, but 10 days later the
bottom fell out of the economy and I
was called on to cut staff, budget and
benefits,” he said. “It was just brutal. It
was tough on everyone.”
Shobert is an avid runner and cyclist. He competes in triathlons and recently completed a Half Ironman – a 1.2
mile swim, 56-mile bike ride and 13.1mile run. He hopes to someday do the
Hawaii Ironman.
The chief and Tami have been married 22 years. They’re in escrow for a
condo in the city and look forward to
being a part of Murrieta.
MURRIETA RELAY FOR LIFE
24 Hour Event – Because Cancer Never Sleeps
Weekend of May 21 & 22, 2011
Murrieta Town Square Park
www.relayforlife.org/murrietaca
(951) 461-3450
Cancer Survivor Leads Relay for
Life in Murrieta
Randi Kelley got married Sept. 30, 2000. She
calls that the best day of her life, because she married the man of her dreams. But just before the couple’s first anniversary, Kelley was diagnosed with
cancer, Hodgkin’s lymphoma. She was 27 years
old.
“Cancer robbed us of the early years of our
marriage,” she said. “Instead of vacationing, hanging out with friends, starting a family, I was sitting
in a clinic having poison injected into my veins.
Instead of hanging out with friends, I was hanging
my head over with nausea. Instead of lying on the
beach with my husband, I was lying on the couch
because I had no energy to even get dressed.
“My wonderful husband stood by me,” Kelley continued. “We have a beautiful 5-year-old son
now [who] we waited a long while to conceive. I
often wonder, what if we hadn’t been robbed of those early years in our marriage?
Would we have wanted more children? It’s very easy to play the ‘what-if?’ game,
but it’s something we will never know.”
Kelley is now in her third year as chairperson for the American Cancer Society’s 2011 Relay for Life of Murrieta, which will be held May 21 and 22 at Murrieta Town Square Park. Participants walk or run for a designated amount of time
in exchange for donations. The idea is to have people walking or running for a total
of 24 hours to raise not only money to fight cancer but awareness of this all-toocommon disease.
“I’m tired of cancer robbing people of a normal life,” Kelley said. “Cancer continues to attack
those close to me and I will continue to fight this
ugly disease until we one day have a cure. In July
2009 I lost my friend Melanie Flynn to brain cancer. She fought hard but unfortunately the cancer
took over. Also in the past year my father-in-law,
Al Frew, who had already battled leukemia, was
diagnosed with Stage 4 melanoma and sadly he
passed away in March 2010.
“The Relay for Life honors those who have
been taken from us by cancer and celebrates the
life of the survivors,” Kelley said. “This year, at the relay in Murrieta, I will celebrate my own success against cancer. … I will remember my friend Melanie
and my father-in-law, Al, who lost their battles with cancer. And I will fight back
against cancer in the name of all those that are currently fighting.”
“Eliminating cancer isn’t going to be easy; nothing worthwhile ever is,” she
continued. “It will take power and courage, time and money, and sacrifice – just
like it does to survive cancer. But it is possible. Every single person joining this
cause is doing their part to make a difference and we thank them for taking that
step to eliminate cancer.”
Dr. Gordy Klatt started the Relay for Life in 1985 in Tacoma, Wash. At the
first event he ran 83 miles with staff partner Carl Jones. While they were running,
Klatt and Jones brainstormed how to build the event. Jogging along, sometimes
backwards so they could face each other and talk as they ran, they planned the
relay as we know it today. The event has had incredible success; it’s now a worldwide event, with hundreds of thousands of people involved in 20 countries, and it’s
raised millions of dollars for cancer research.
Money raised through the Murrieta relay will help fund the American Cancer
Society’s mission. The money helps pay for research and vital programs, Kelley
said. Relay for Life of Temecula will be held at Great Oak High School on the
same weekend. Kelley encourages people to sign up for whichever event is most
convenient for them.
“Although the stories for why people relay are different, the reasons for joining the movement are the same,” she said. “We all want to see an end to cancer.”
To sign up for the relay or get more information, see www.relayforlife.org/murrietaca. Contact Kelley at [email protected] or call her at 951-491-1132 with
questions.
7
May/June 2011
Graduation Not a One-Size-Fits- New Civic Center Venue for
All Affair
Hillcrest Academy’s Annual Gala
By Carol Malin
We know that kids come in all shapes and sizes. And we accept that. Or do we?
By high school we judge who fits in and who doesn’t, who gets recognition and who
doesn’t, who is going to college and who isn’t. We become a bit more critical, maybe
excessively so.
Take it from a mother who knows. My daughter is high-functioning autistic. She
is awkward, funny, smart and a little to the left of mainstream sometimes. But she’s
a very good artist. Through determination my daughter graduated from high school
with an International Baccalaureate diploma and now attends a private university.
She will graduate from college next year with a B.F.A. degree in digital arts.
I know our valley has wonderful kids. Many of them are students with 4.0+
GPAs. They will get awards and scholarships, and go on to college. But there is
another population of kids who are just as important, just as determined, just as valuable. They are the kids with special needs, or at-risk kids, or those who simply don’t
plan to attend a four-year university but instead choose a vocational school. These
hard-working kids will be the backbone of our community. We will rely on them to
fix our cars, cook our food, decorate our homes, style our hair and more.
Samantha Johnson is one of those kids. She was named the Chamber of Commerce Student of the Month in April. (See www.chamberofcommercestudentofthemonth.com.)
The community is invited to join
the party as Hillcrest Academy presents
its Black and White Gala, an evening of
dinner and entertainment in Old Town
Temecula’s new Civic Center.
The June 4 gala benefitting the local nonprofit school is its 27th annual
spring gala and auction. The evening includes a gourmet dinner, silent and live
auctions and dancing until midnight.
Items up for auction include luxury
vacations, electronic game packages,
Wine Country adventures, gourmet
dinners and much more. Hillcrest welcomes additional donations of goods
and services for the auction. Corporate
sponsorships of the event are also available.
Tickets for the gala are $100 per
person, or $125 for premium VIP admission. VIP entrance to the event begins at 5:30 p.m. with a cocktail and
hors d’oeuvres reception. For more
information about tickets and sponsorships, or to make a charitable donation
of goods or services for the auctions,
call the Hillcrest Academy at 951-6764754, ext. 106.
Located in Temecula, Hillcrest
Academy is a nonprofit, nondenominational private school serving children from kindergarten through eighth
grade. This unique school is celebrating more than 30 years of a challenging
curriculum including art, music, foreign language, leadership, drama and
an intramural sports program, taught
by committed teachers in a safe, nurturing environment. Hillcrest is the only
local school to have membership in
the California Association of Independent Schools (CAIS), which holds the
academy to the same high educational
standards as accredited schools such
as La Jolla Country Day and HarvardWestlake.
Tuition covers about 75 percent of
the school’s operating budget. Fundraisers such as the Black and White Gala
make up the balance, to enable Hillcrest
to continue its mission of serving students from a wide range of backgrounds
while fully developing their intellectual
and creative potential.
Center: Samantha Johnson, Chamber of Commerce Student of the Month award
recipient for April 2011. On her left is Marilyn Taylor, Site Administrator-principal, Oak Grove Center, Ranch Campus. On the right is Mary-Lynn Magdalera,
Teacher.
This was a big moment for Johnson, who has worked hard to overcome some
serious setbacks in her young life. She said that her experiences taught her that it’s
never too late to change. Johnson is a goal-oriented student planning to attend Riverside City College for its culinary arts program. She wants to eventually attend Le
Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in Los Angeles and run her own restaurant.
Johnson’s a senior at Oak Grove Center in Murrieta. The center helps rebuild
the lives of at-risk children and their families through educating, healing, restoring relationships, building character and instilling hope. (See the center’s website at
www.oakgrovecenter.org.) Johnson is involved in the
workability program and ASB, and she volunteers in
the community.
“The beauty of our program is that it acknowledges
not only the college-bound student but the high school
student who is headed for a vocational school,” said
Sally Myers, founder of the chamber’s Student of the
Month program. “We all have different God-given talents and those talents should be recognized. Our program places emphasis on character as well as the love
of learning, and it also awards the student who has
preserved through challenging circumstances. It is my
honor to work on this program.”
Margaret Jones, chairwoman of the Murrieta StuGabrielle “Gabby”
dent of the Month program, added, “It is a heartwarmUlnick, Oak Grove Center
ing and joyous occasion for these students when they
class of 2011. She plans
receive their awards.”
to attend Chapman
Oak Grove Center CEO Tammy Wilson said, “We
University and wants
love
to see kids turn their lives around and are imto become an attorney.
pressed with Samantha. There was not a dry eye when
she told her story at the awards presentation. Another 2011 Oak Grove graduate we
are all very proud of is Gabrielle Ulnick.”
Ulnick came to Oak Grove Center last year with a history of suspensions, failing
grades and truancy. At Oak Grove she has turned the corner and attends class consistently and demonstrates positive behavior and leadership. Ulnick has earned a 4.0
GPA. She overcame obstacles including depression and domestic violence, emerging with clear goals and a determination to reach them.
Ulnick is co-president of Oak Grove’s Interact Club and inspires other students
to serve the community. The club recently sponsored the drilling of a water well at a
school in Africa. Through this process Ulnick became passionate about helping others less fortunate than herself. She is on track to graduate from high school in June
and plans to attend Chapman University to prepare for a career in law.
Ulnick and Johnson are two among hundreds of students graduating this year
from our valley’s high schools. Congratulations to all of them.
(951) 461-3450
8
May/June 2011
Hurry Over to Leonesse Cellars
for Slow Food
By Carol Malin
Chef Leah Di Bernardo, president, Slow Food Temecula Valley; Mike Rennie,
owner, Leonesse Cellars; Chef Sarah Huston, Extraordinary Artisan Table, at
one of the food stations in the set-up in the Leonesse Cellars vineyards.
Love good food? Dig in at “Field to
the Fork,” a wine, craft beer and foodpairing event May 21 at Leonesse Cellars in Temecula. You will sample culinary creations by the area’s finest chefs,
who will battle it out in a live head-tohead cooking competition.
Your favorite Temecula chef may
be there! Mike Henry from Meritage at
Callaway; Mike Terry from South Coast
Winery; Chef Geraldo from La Cocina:
and Leah Di Bernardo and Sara Huston
from Extraordinary Artisan Table (EAT)
will compete against six chefs from San
Diego and Riverside. This promises to
be a delicious afternoon of good food
and drink, with live entertainment and
artisan vendors, such as Great Harvest
Bread Co., Pizza Fusion and Temecula
Olive Oil Co., to name a few. If you love
good food, you won’t want to miss it!
Clean Good Food
If you’ve ever wondered, “where is
my food from?” this is your day. You’ll
learn all about the food and drink served
– grown and prepared in the freshest way
possible. Slow Food Temecula Valley,
the event’s host, is a local chapter of a
national group dedicated to strengthening the public’s awareness about the food
we eat. It encourages organic choices for
the farmer, the market and the consumer.
Leonesse Winery proudly uses organic
methods to produce its wines. The chefs
and artisans appearing at Field to the
Fork believe in Slow Food.
Slow Food – opposite of fast food. Slow
food is food fresh from garden to kitchen.
It’s the food grandma used to make, every day, not just on Thanksgiving. And
it’s the healthy food we all should eat …
every day.
Edible Schoolyards?
Leah Di Bernardo, the Slow Food
Temecula Valley chapter president, explains: “SFTV provides resources, voluntary support and funding through
events such as this one for school gardens in the Valley. Our goal is to educate children and their families about the
people, plants, animals, fertile soils and
water that help to produce our food. By
working with the schools, SFTV teaches
realistic options that can change the food
served in schools throughout the Temecula Valley. We are working to establish
programs such as Edible Schoolyard.
We have instituted gardens at 20 schools
in Temecula and have plans to initiate a
dozen more, and then we’ll expand into
Murrieta.”
More information is on the Slow
Foods site, temeculavalleyslowfood.
org/school-gardens, as well as a listing
of area Slow Food restaurants, wineries,
markets, farmers and vendors. During
“Field to the Fork” there will be an educational symposium from 1:30 to 3:30
p.m. about topics ranging from wine and
olive oil to school gardens and school
food. Guests can sit in on whichever topic they choose. The food and wine tasting is open throughout the event.
Honor Brave Men and Women in
the Service
May 30 is Memorial Day, the day we remember those who have bravely served
our country.
The City of Murrieta will hold a solemn Memorial Day ceremony at 8:00 a.m.
at Town Square Park. The keynote speaker, Maj. Melvin Spiese, is the Deputy Commanding General of the Marine Expeditionary Force. The Warbirds from March
Field Air Museum will perform a flyover to honor our servicemen and -women.
A candlelight ceremony will accompany the invocation, paying tribute to those
who have given their lives defending our country. One wreath for each branch of
the armed services will be laid at the base of the Veterans Memorial. Mayor Randon Lane will preside.
“On Memorial Day last year, the
obelisk and WWII Memorial Wall at
Town Square Park was unveiled. This
is only the first stage of the monument
the City of Murrieta intends to build.
There is more to come,” said Lea Kolek,
the city’s management analyst. “When
all stages are complete it will consist of
seven black granite monuments.” More
memorial walls will be built to represent
the United States’ military conflicts,
Kolek said: the Revolutionary War, the
War of 1812, the Civil War, World War
II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War,
Desert Storm, Desert Shield, Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom and
the war in Afghanistan.
There will also be a wall dedicated
to those missing in action, Kolek continued. The city plans an “honor garden.”
People may purchase tiles in honor of
their loved ones who have served. Money raised from sales of the tiles will help
fund the Veterans Memorial. The city
expects to complete the walls by March
30, Kolek said, and possibly sooner depending on funding. Information about
the memorial and how to purchase tiles
or donate is on the city’s website: www.
murrieta.org/veteransmemorial.
Memorial Day is a special day to
visit the monument and show support
for our servicemen and -women and
their families.
The event is free. The Murrieta Veterans Memorial is located at One Town
Square, 24601 Jefferson Ave., Murrieta,
Calif., 92562.
Eat Up!
Behind all the Slow Food hard facts
there is the simple pleasure of eating
well. So go ahead–devour, sip, guzzle,
chomp and grin. It’s good food and it’s
all for a good cause.
“Field to the Fork” will be held at Leonesse Cellars, 38311 De Portola Rd., Temecula, Calif., 92592, on May 21 from
1 to 5 p.m. Tickets are $50 each or $100
for reserved seating and voting rights
during the “Chef Fight.” Buy tickets online at temeculavalleyslowfood.org.
The Murrieta Chronicle
Supports Our Troops
Around The World
(951) 461-3450
May/June 2011
9
Some Children are Quick
Teacher:
Maria:
Teacher:
Class:
Teacher:
Maria, go to the map and find North America.
Here it is.
Correct. Now class, who discovered America?
Maria.
John:
ohn, why are you doing your multiplication
J
on the floor?
You told me to do it without using tables.
Teacher:
Donald:
Teacher:
Donald:
Donald, what is the chemical formula for water?
H I J K L M N O.
What are you talking about?
Yesterday you said it’s H to O.
Teacher:
Glenn:
Teacher:
Glenn:
Teacher:
Millie:
Teacher:
Millie:
Teacher:
Louis:
Teacher:
Simon:
Teacher:
Clyde:
Teacher:
Harold:
Glenn, how do you spell “crocodile”?
K-R-O-K-O-D-I-A-L.
No, that’s wrong.
Maybe it is wrong, but you asked me how I spell it.
Millie, give me a sentence starting with ‘I’.
I is.
No, Millie. Always say, ‘I am.’
All right. “I am” the ninth letter of the alphabet.
eorge Washington not only chopped down his
G
father’s cherry tree, but also admitted it. Now,
Louie, do you know why his father didn’t punish him?
Because George still had the axe in his hand.
ow, Simon, tell me frankly, do you say prayers
N
before eating?
No sir, I don’t have to. My mom is a good cook.
lyde, your composition on “My Dog” is exactly
C
the same as your brother’s. Did you copy his?
No, sir. It’s the same dog.
arold, what do you call a person who keeps on
H
talking when people are no longer interested?
A teacher.
(951) 461-3450
10
May/June 2011
Stadium Pizza: A Woman’s Game
By Pat Sefton
Sandy Kordick, a blonde, highenergy lady, first got involved with
Stadium Pizza when she was a Lake
Elsinore High volleyball player trying
to earn a little money, back in 1990.
She graduated, married and had
two great kids, all the while making
and serving pizza to neighbors and
friends. She made new friends, too –
the folks walking into the pizza parlor
for the first time.
“I’m passionate about pleasing
the people who walk in here,” Kordick
said. “Owning a pizza parlor is my
job; making the people happy is my
passion.” She came to work here as
a kid and eventually got the chance to
run things her way.
In 2004, Kordick had the opportunity to buy Stadium Pizza from her
longtime employers. Other employees
encouraged her, and stayed with her as
she took over the business. Stadium
Pizza now employs 30 people, most
of whom have worked there for more
than five years.
Last year, Kordick took a risk and moved the business across the street, from an
aging shopping center on the northeast corner of Clinton Keith Road and Palomar
Street to the new Renaissance Plaza, anchored by Barons The Marketplace. Kordick
designed and built the new restaurant, keeping the original “feel.” The word “stadium” in the business’ name refers to The Diamond, home stadium of minor league
baseball team the Lake Elsinore Storm. The design includes foul line poles, numbers
representing fence lines, dugouts for home and visiting teams and more. School flags
and treasured jerseys, gifts from customers, hang on the walls and from the ceiling.
School pictures join the professional athletes’ photos. Customers will notice the
bar-top table in the shape of a large bat. Kordick’s high school teachers and coaches gather daily about 3 p.m. They sit around the big bat Kordick’s husband made
that bears all their
names; it dominates
the Lake Elsinore
corner.
Stadium Pizza
boasts seven TVs
and a huge projector screen. Except
for big game days,
the TVs are tuned
to different sporting
events, from golf to
the X Games. Game
days (and nights)
are total madness.
Fans wear their favorite team jerseys,
wave towels and
cheer while digging
into pizza, a sandwich or spaghetti and meatballs–with beer, of course. The kids’
game room is equipped with the latest media games. Kordick designed that area for
visibility and safety.
Stadium Pizza shares the parking lot with Barons and is a terrific neighborhood
spot. The eatery offers original or specialty pizzas, big-meal sandwiches and amazing meatballs and spaghetti. Ingredients are fresh, healthy and tasty. Gluten-free
crusts are available, as are special requests.
“We love what we do and it shows,” Kordick said.
(951) 461-3450
The Art of Home Theater
Most people think that installing a
home theater, a flat screen, or speakers can be done by a relative or anyone
with some construction knowledge. We
are here to tell you that there is truly an
art to selecting the proper components,
choosing the right locations, and installing a system the correct way.
The first and most important consideration in installing a home theater
system is finding the right installer.
Be sure the company you choose is
licensed and bonded. At a minimum,
they must have a low voltage state license (C7) and be bonded. These requirements should be just the start of
your selection process. It may cost
slightly more to have a legitimate company, but it’s worth the peace of mind
you’ll gain knowing that your system
will be installed safely and within the
construction code.
Electricians are licensed to do electrical (C10) and low voltage (C7) work,
but that does not mean that they are the
right choice for home theaters, speakers, or TV installations. Generally they
are frowned upon in the industry because of mistakes on cabling requirements, lack of understanding of our
ever changing technologies, and frankly
because their specialty is electrical, not
audio or video. Because we work side
by side with electricians, we at Imagine Home Audio Video & Commercial
have a deep respect for their work, but
we know where to draw the line between our trades.
Advancements in home theater technologies require extensive knowledge,
training and proper system design. TVs
can be as thin as 3/8”, TV mounts can
be as thin as 1/2”, almost all speakers
are now installed in ceilings or walls,
and technologies have really evolved
into mini automation systems. Having
the proper knowledge will ensure that
your TV is mounted with the lowest
profile, your speakers are installed in
the correct locations, your equipment
selection is designed properly, and that
lastly you have a system that is aesthetically pleasing and easy to use.
In closing, you want to ensure that
the company selected is not buying
equipment online and reselling to you.
A competent home theater installation
company is buying from distributors
or direct from manufacturers, which
means that they are more qualified and
trained to install the equipment and that
they will not void the warranty. Always
check for a business license and reseller
permit before selecting a company for
this work.
Good luck on your voyage and
hopefully soon you will be enjoying a
professionally installed, calibrated, and
high-end home theater or media room.
Call Joshua Stanphill at Imagine Home
Audio Video (951.200.4464) to take the
worry out of installations and improvements.
May/June 2011
11
(951) 461-3450
12
May/June 2011
Dan Henderson, Strikeforce
World Champion: Staying the
Toughest Guy in the World
By Karen Robertson
PGA Tour Pro Tom Pernice Jr.
Makes His Home in Bear Creek
By Gloria Karlak
Bear Creek is home to one of the
PGA Tour’s premier golfers, Tom Pernice Jr.
The Pernice family moved to Bear
Creek 14 years ago. “Now that we’re
here, I think this is the best weather
in the U.S.,” said Pernice. “And Bear
Creek Golf Club is a hidden jewel nestled in the oak trees.”
Pernice’s passion for the game of
golf is well known to anyone who follows the professional sport. His dedication to the game extends beyond the
golf links of the PGA Tour.
“Tom Pernice Jr. is a tremendous
ambassador for Bear Creek Golf Club,”
said BCGC General Manager Max Anderson. “We are incredibly proud to
have Tom Pernice Jr., as part of the Bear
Creek Club family.”
Pernice has won two tour events,
the Buick Open in 1999 and The International in 2001. He’s widely known
for advocating the Jim Hardy one-plane
swing.
His lifetime earnings on the tour
are more than $14 million and he has
played in 555 professional events. In
2008 alone he netted more than $1.3
million.
Pernice played in his first Champions Tour event at the SAS Championship, where he won the tournament. He
became the 15th player to win a Champions Tour event in his debut, winning
by one stroke over Nick Price and David Frost.
“I’m 51 and am still competitive on
the PGA Tour and also on the Champions Tour,” said Pernice. “My game is
competitive enough to compete with Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson and Rickie
Fowler. However, in my years ahead, I
will be playing a majority of my golf on
the Champions Tour.”
“The success he has had on the PGA
Tour for all these years is very impressive. Now, with sharing some playing
time on the Champions Tour, where he
is one of the premier players, he doesn’t
seem to have slowed down at all,” said
Anderson.
Golfers at Bear Creek have come
to recognize Pernice off and on the golf
course. He’s a fixture at Bear Creek Golf
Club, where he plays rounds of golf
with other professionals or club members. He’s frequently out on the range
practicing his signature golf swing or
helping young golfers with their game.
Pernice was born in Kansas City,
Mo., and attended UCLA, where his
teammates on the golf team included
Jay Delsing, Corey Pavin, Steve Pate
and Duffy Waldorf. Pernice was a twotime All-American and PAC-10 Player
of the Year in 1981.
The Pernice family includes Tom,
Sydney and their two teenage daughters,
Kristin and Brooke. Kristen, 17, is a senior at Murrieta Valley High School and
will be attending the University of Louisville this fall on an academic scholarship. Sixteen-year-old daughter Brooke,
blind since birth, is a well-known singer
and has two CDs to her name. Brooke is
currently home-schooled and has traveled the country as a singer.
The Pernices’ decision to come to
the Temecula Valley was influenced by
a couple of factors, said Sydney. “We
moved to Southern California because
Brooke was blind and we wanted to use
an acupuncture doctor in Santa Monica.
We chose Temecula at the time over
Santa Monica because I had a dear aunt
and uncle living here,” she stated. They
have since passed away.
Pernice is a dedicated family man.
He’s also involved with the local community. “I like to help out with the Boys
and Girls Club. It’s a great organization
and they have an outstanding local chapter,” he added. Pernice participates with
other charitable enterprises, including a
local homeless shelter in Murrieta.
He is a great ambassador for Bear
Creek Golf Club, for Murrieta and for
the world of professional golf.
BEAR CREEK CHRONICLE NOMINATED
TO RECEIVE MURRIETA CHAMBER 2011
AWARD AS THE OUTSTANDING SMALL
BUSINESS OF THE YEAR IN MURRIETA...
The winner will be announced at the Murrieta
Chamber Award and Installation Dinner being
held at Monteleone Meadows, Saturday evening
June 11th. Wish us luck……
What an honor just to be nominated!
(951) 461-3450
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
best-known 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.”
13
May/June 2011
Make Your Dream Wedding Come
True...at Bear Creek
By Lois Allen
The entrance of the bride, the vows, the couple’s
first dance as husband and wife, the cake cutting and
champagne toast are all unforgettable moments of that
special day.
Every bride dreams of a perfect wedding. Bear
Creek Golf Club, with its relaxed elegance and tranquil
setting, offers the perfect wedding destination.
Bear Creek, a premier Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf
Course, located within the gated community, is private
and peaceful, without the noise and commotion often
experienced at weddings held at more public venues.
Membership in the golf club is not required to host an
event at Bear Creek. The Club offers excellent pricing
competitive with other locations, so a bride’s dream
wedding can be achieved without compromising her vision or budget.
Not a one-size-fits-all venue, wedding events at
Bear Creek can be customized to accommodate an intimate family brunch for 30 guests, a sophisticated cocktail buffet or a reception banquet for 150 guests or more.
To make planning easier, three all-inclusive packages
(at Diamond, Sapphire and Emerald pricing levels) are
also available for wedding receptions which, in addition
to exceptional cuisine, include the essential amenities of
linens, floral centerpieces, open bar service and more,
for a set price per guest.
For the wedding ceremony, the Club offers a lush
lawn setting by the lake, graced with panoramic golf
course and mountain views. The reception can be held
in the formal main dining room, the cozy grille room or
outdoors on the spacious patio.
The bride can simplify her wedding planning by
choosing from an array of pre-planned menus or she may
custom-design the cuisine to reflect her and her groom’s
personalities and interests. Passed hors d’oeuvres, vegetarian dishes, a candy station, the finest selections of
wine – no problem! According to Erika Garrett, director
of weddings and special events, Bear Creek Golf Club
can accommodate almost any special request. Garrett prides
herself on attention
to detail; her goal
is to make wedding planning a
stress-free experience.
Garrett has
developed a list
of
preferred
vendors
who
provide services
including photography, entertainment, limousines and
even a horse-drawn
carriage. She will
assist the bride with
every detail of coordinating all of the
vendors…one stop
shopping.
A wedding at
Bear Creek Golf
Club will unfold
with all the magic a bride could wish for on
her special day. From the earliest planning stages, trust
Garrett and the Club’s staff to provide a level of service
that will transform her romantic dream into picture-perfect reality, a truly unforgettable wedding experience.
Bear Creek Golf Club can produce amazing events
for groups of all sizes. For graduation parties, anniversary celebrations, Fiesta Quinceañera and all other event
needs, contact Erika Garrett, director of weddings and
special Events, at 951- 677-8621.
Words of Truth
ADULT: A person who’s stopped
growing at both ends and is
now growing in the middle.
BEAUTY PARLOR: A place
where women curl up and dye.
COMMITTEE: A group that
keeps minutes and wastes
hours.
EGOTIST: Someone usually
me-deep in conversation.
INFLATION: Cutting money
in half without damaging
the paper.
MOSQUITO: An insect that
makes you like flies better.
RAISIN: A grape with a sunburn.
SECRET: Something you tell
to one person at a time.
TOOTHACHE: The pain that
drives you to extraction.
TOMORROW: One of the
greatest labor-saving devices
of today.
YAWN: An honest opinion
openly expressed.
WRINKLES: Something other
people have, similar to my
character lines.
(951) 461-3450
14
May/June 2011
A 60s Theme promises a “Sock
It to Me” Night
By Karen Robertson
If you’ve yearned to climb back into your tie-dyed bell-bottoms or don those
1960s groovy Go-Go boots, now is the time. The Murrieta Chamber of Commerce
51st Annual Installation Dinner & Awards Banquet 2011 will be held June 11 at
Monteleone Meadows at 35245 Briggs Rd., Murrieta.
Those of you who were around in the 60s will remember Rowan and Martin’s
“Laugh In” show on TV. Some of that zany improv may come to life again.
Tickets are $100 per person and can be purchased by calling Rhonda Warner
at 951-677-7916. The Chamber Office is now located on the Murrieta Mesa High
School campus.
The Murrieta Chamber was started by John Beeler in 1917 but didn’t become a
corporation until 1960. As a corporation, the chamber is required to hold a general
meeting every year; the installation dinner serves as that general meeting.
It is a time to honor nominees for their contributions to the chamber and the
Murrieta business community. Awards will recognize outstanding small, medium
and large businesses. Other honors include one for a local nonprofit; Chairman’s
Choice; Ambassador of the Year; and the Scott Crane Award for Community Service.
The outgoing chairman of the board is Steve Levin, of Sterling Rose Transportation. Joan Sparkman, with First Citizens Bank, will be leaving the board after
serving for six years.
Kay Harrison, of Hillcrest Academy, is the chamber’s incoming chairperson.
Those joining the board: Don Murray, of Commerce Bank of Temecula Valley;
Nori Shaughn, of Azusa Pacific University Murrieta; Donna Thomas McNealley,
with LSL CPAs; and Steve Glynn, of Waste Management. Other board members
include: Garrie Aspengren, of Quality Nissan of Temecula Valley; Nicole Albrecht,
with Financial Accounting Service; Greg Bennett, of Bennett & Bennett; Bruce
Cripe, from On the Scene Magazine; Brian Connors, with Southwest Healthcare
System; Glen Daigle, of Oak Grove Equities; Bob Hagel, with Eagle’s Mark;
Lenore Johnson, of LTJ Graphic Studio; Donald Reyes, from Community Little
Book; Rick Schoenfeld, from Bear Creek Golf Club; and Bucky Weeks, of Loma
Linda University Medical Center-Murrieta.
This year the chamber established the Educational Resource Center at Murrieta Mesa High School. It created a partnership with education to provide opportunities for students to intern with chamber businesses. Through the resource center,
teens can get a feel for possible future occupations.
Support the Chamber of Commerce. Call for tickets at 951-677-7916.
(951) 461-3450
15
May/June 2011
POOL TABLE FOR SALE
Taking Care of Business
By Kimberly Davidson, Business Development
Manager, City of Murrieta
The City of Murrieta has a department that exists only to take care of
Murrieta businesses: to bring new business in and to take care of them once
they are here: The Economic Development Department. But what does it all
mean and what does that department
really do?
Essentially, the Economic Development Department has two functions:
Business attraction (encouraging business to locate in Murrieta) and business
retention (keeping business in Murrieta
and helping it to grow and prosper). The
Economic Development Department
was created in early 2008 to help fortify
the businesses Murrieta has and to help
bring in the businesses that it doesn’t
yet have.
The most difficult aspect of economic development during the current
recession has been business attraction.
As logic dictates, not a lot of businesses are looking to expand and open
new stores/offices during the economic
crunch. However, in the past two years,
Murrieta has seen growth in this area
that other cities have missed since the
recession began. Loma Linda University Medical Center – Murrieta began
construction on a $200 million expansion facility in Murrieta (this is the first
hospital built that is outside the actual
Loma Linda campus) in 2008 and will
open their doors in early 2011; we have
seen an influx of restaurateurs and
can boast that we have little to no vacant restaurant space currently in the
city. If someone moves out, someone
else moves in - quickly. Chipotle, Big
Cheese Pizza Co., Flame Broiler, J.
Carter’s Tavern Grill, Spelly’s Pub &
Grille and Carnitas Express are just a
few of the restaurants that came to town
and opened during the recession.
During the past two years, we have
seen two prominent furniture stores open
and do “better than expected” numbers.
Mor Furniture opened its doors last
year and Jerome’s Furniture from San
Diego opened in early 2010. SuperTarget opened in July 2009 and Burlington
Coat Factory opened in 2009 as well.
Fresh & Easy, Marinello School of
Beauty, Walgreen’s and CVS are just
a handful of other businesses to come
to Murrieta and open during the past
two years; our second Fresh & Easy is
currently under construction and will
be ready to open this spring. BMW of
Murrieta is in the process of opening
within the next few months.
The biggest hurdle that we have in
the business attraction arena is educating people that are not from here in the
many amenities that Murrieta has to offer. Although our demographics more
closely match affluent cities like Rancho Cucamonga and Lake Forest, that
is not the perception at large. Once we
are able to tout our demographics, however, heads start turning and eyebrows
start rising.
The business retention side of economic development includes many
things. We hold no-cost workshops and
continuing education opportunities for
our business owners; free help with
new marketing ideas and concepts is a
service that Murrieta offers that many
cities cannot. We also provide liaison
services for businesses that need help
navigating through government processes (permits, signage issues, etc).
The City of Murrieta and its Economic Development Department have
developed a great relationship with
the World Trade Center in San Diego
as well as with the U.S. Department
of Commerce in Ontario. Through the
wishes of our City Council, we have
held numerous exporting seminars for
our local manufacturers. In fact, we
have hosted delegates from countries
such as Indonesia, Kosovo and Vietnam
to help foster exporting opportunities
for our Murrieta companies.
The Council’s goal is to promote
the development of high-technology
companies, health care and a diverse
economic base in Murrieta via the Economic Development Department. The
City is focused on creating the foundation for such growth by updating the
General Plan, building the necessary
infrastructure (roads, bridges, etc) and
marketing the city aggressively in San
Diego, Los Angeles and Orange County
to target industries.
Currently, businesses are having a
difficult time acquiring funding for new
projects or expansion; especially new
commercial construction projects. As
such, the EB-5 Visa Program through
the federal government has recently had
a new birth. Through this program, approved projects can be funded via foreign investors who are looking to move
to the United States. The project still
creates jobs for Americans here, but is
funded via outside money. One project,
Olivewood (Kalmia/Jefferson, across
from City Hall) is one of those projects.
Through Oak Grove Equities and their
partnership with American Redevelopment Solutions, the Economic Development Department has helped to host
several groups of international investors at City Hall. The project has now
gained momentum and a ground breaking took place last November.
Whether you’re a business hoping
to relocate to Murrieta or one that has
been here for years, the Economic Development Department is here to assist
you with all of your needs. We have a
passion for our Murrieta businesses and
we look forward to helping you succeed!
A beautiful high end Beach maple wood, cherry finish
8’ – 1” slate top pool table and professional Iwan Simonis
760 Original Worsted Blend Camel color cloth; original cost
was $7000.00; like new for $3,000.00. See photo.
Matching overhead light, Tournament Balls, Billiard Cue
rack, cues and accessories, also for sale.
Beach Mfg pool tables (located in Riverside Cty) are
#1 - made from selected Red Oak and Eastern Maple. Slate
beds are diamond honed premium quality for accurate and
precision play. Cushions are constructed from the highest
quality pure gum rubber to be resilient and true.
Pool Table Features, 10 Step Finishing, Slate bed is 1”
thick diamond honed premium 3 piece matched, Structurally
backed Super Frame, Cross Stretchers, K66 profile rails
with high quality gum rubber, CNC–computer numeric
controlled routing
Also have phone number of professional pool table mover
for inside 50mi radius.
Call Gary & Billie Gengler
(951) 440-3768
Contact Bruce Coleman and Kimberly
Davidson in Murrieta’s Economic Development Department at (951) 3042489 or at EconomicDevelopment@
murrieta.org.
(951) 461-3450
16
May/June 2011
Taste of La Cresta to Benefit Trails Beautiful and Budget-Wise
By Kelly Smith
Local Daytrip a Gem
By Carol Malin
For the third year, Taste of La Cresta is on the calendar as one of the tastiest
events on the Santa Rosa Plateau. Delivering great fun, food and entertainment,
the festival keeps fresh by changing venue.
In that spirit, this year it will be held May 22 from 2 to 6 p.m. at a beautiful La
Cresta estate. The locale boasts 20 elegant acres, a joy to navigate. The gracious
owners have not only built an impeccable home for their family’s enjoyment, but
now open their wonderful property for this fundraiser to benefit the La Cresta Trail
Blazers.
The nonprofit La Cresta Trail Blazers was formed in 2008 by a small but committed group of La Cresta landowners to support the La Cresta Property Owners
Association (LCPOA) recreational trails for hikers, walkers, bicyclists and horseback riders.
Through the years, the volunteer group has held fundraising events and projects, such as the Plateau Pet Calendar and Valentine Sweetheart Dinner and Dance.
Taste of La Cresta has become its flagship event.
This year’s Taste includes an impressive list
of restaurants, wineries
and breweries, live music, art, a silent auction
and vendors in a beautiful location. It promises
an enchanting, tasteful
afternoon of culinary
delights, entertainment
and camaraderie.
Guests must buy tickets in advance; none will be sold at the entry to the event.
Tickets are $35 if purchased by May 15, and $40 if bought the week before the
event. All proceeds go toward development of recreational trails in La Cresta.
Guests must be at least 21 years old. No pets will be admitted onto the property
during Taste. Contributions to the organization are not deductible for federal income tax purposes.
For ticket information, see www.LCTrailblazers.com.
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 multi-use 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.
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
17
May/June 2011
Little Animals, Big Day
By Kelly Smith
Not only did this Texas-raised reporter and selfproclaimed country girl jump at the chance to visit a
La Cresta ranch with mini farm animals, but as it coincided with a reunion of four girls from Southern Methodist University, I had the added pleasure of dragging
my houseguests along.
The girls came from three states to visit me and
finally see my “mini-ranch” in La Cresta, photos of
which they’d commented upon for years on Facebook.
“Where in the world do you live?” they often
typed. “Your neighborhood looks incredible!”
Finally getting to see firsthand the land, ranches,
vineyards, orchards and ranch critters, they admitted
the photos do not do justice to standing on this plateau,
breathing the clean air and gazing at the unobstructed
views of faraway snow-capped mountains and nearby
“ranchy” delights. My college friends were infatuated
with the unique locale and took the opportunity to experience it by picking fruit from my citrus trees for
homemade “La Cresta ’Ritas” (yes, the juice was seasoned with tequila), an activity which kicked things up
a notch. Great excitement greeted the news that we’d
be visiting the new arrival to my plateau neighborhood: the minis!
For several years, the minis have included horses
and donkeys, now staples on the plateau and often on
display in our famous Fourth of July parade, sponsored
by the Santa Rosa Plateau Riding Club. Thank you to
the owners of La Cresta’s Marquis Ranch! Still a rarity
in most parts of the country, the local family of mini
animals now includes mini sheep and mini Hereford
cows!
As my guests and I walked to our destination, we
also skipped nostalgically down memory lane. The
ambiance of the sunny morning and our conversation
was only enhanced by the hustle and bustle of the Street
Clean-up Day, sponsored by La Cresta’s Beautification
Committee. My girls got to see how
– young
and old – we all continue to get our hands
dirty for the community by picking up trash
on the streets twice a year. “Howdy” and
waves from passers-by again led my friends
to ask, “Where in the world do you live?
This place is Mayberry!”
Arriving at our destination a mile or
so down the road, past ranches sporting
llamas, alpaca, working horses and plethora of dogs, the awestruck group entered
Marquis Ranch. Walking past the front
pond, with its fountain, resident ducks
and heavy geese, gracious homeowners
Mark Carneal and Margaret Hill greeted
us for a tour of the fruits of their labor
since they moved to La Cresta four years
ago. The couple has taken one of the
plateau’s most stunning estates, added a
state-of-the-art barn, hot-walker, arenas,
breeding pens, chicken coups, turn-outs
and pastures and have turned the complex into a world-class breeding ranch for
quarter- and paint horses, mini cows and
mini sheep.
We were invited to get right into the
pens with the animals, which were as anxious to snuggle, sniff and love us as we
were them. We held and cuddled the lambs,
pet the cows, snuggled with the foals and
horses, got filthy, smelly, hot and tired, and
finally left mesmerized by the lovely experience. A day that started with minis turned
into a big day of unique sights, belly chuckles and memories that my college friends
and I will have forever.
You, too, are invited to visit Marquis
Ranch. The owners say their foals, lambs
and calves are hand-raised and handled daily,
producing well mannered animals with
friendly dispositions. “They are well suited for 4H, halter showing, breeding or just
a great addition to your barn. Our horse
and cattle breeding stock all have a history of champion halter and performance
bloodlines and the sheep have been bred
to ensure the integrity of the Babydoll
lineage. Come take a tour of our unique
ranch, take a look at our lot that call
the ranch their home and don’t forget
to visit our sale barn to find your new
addition.”
Visit www.MarquisRanch.com for information.
(951) 461-3450
18
May/June 2011
Ukulele Strummers
By Stan Roller
Left to right: Stan Roller, Dody Laney, Kathy Bundy, Richard Bundy

On April 14 an outreach group of ukulele players called “The Good Time
Strummers” performed to a rousing reception at a social mixer at the United Methodist Church of Sun City.
The Good Time Strummers customarily perform at local hospices; convalescent, assisted living and retirement facilities; and at charitable events. The group
welcomes invitations to perform at such facilities. (For a video of a typical outing,
see this clip on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8pM5ZW_dX50). In
preparing for the church “gig,” the group held weekly practice sessions hosted by
member and Bear Creek resident Stan Roller. Those pictured in photo are (left to
right) Stan Roller, Dody Laney, Kathy Bundy and Richard Bundy.
The Good Time Strummers are volunteers, members of a parent organization,
The Temecula Valley Ukulele Strummers. The larger group was founded by George
Allison of Lake Elsinore in 2009 and has grown to include 75 local ukulele aficionados. The Temecula Valley Ukulele Strummers serve an area including Temecula,
Murrieta, Wildomar, Lake Elsinore, Sun City, Menifee, Corona, Anza, Pala and
Fallbrook. Membership is free and open to those age 50 and older who play or
would like to learn to play the ukulele. Beginners through experts are welcome to
join the group, which meets from 1 to 3 p.m. on the second and fourth Monday of
the month at the Murrieta Senior Center.
For more information call 951-678-2620, or see the group’s website at http://
mysite.verizon.net/realgeorge/temeculavalleyukulelestrummers.htm.
A Community Working Together
By Kristen R. Stez
Charity begins at home and this
is evident in our community at Murrieta United Methodist Church.
Every Friday from 8:30 to 10:30
a.m., Ann Hartwig and her team of
volunteers run a food pantry sponsored by the church. For 10 years,
150 to 200 families have shown up
weekly to receive free food. The staples include canned goods, bread,
bakery goods, frozen foods and
fresh produce when it’s available.
The most impressive aspect
of the MUMC food pantry is that
so many different members of the
community have come together to
help those in need. Albertsons contributes with its “Fresh Rescue”
program, donating fresh food that
remains unsold, including sausage,
lunch meats and eggs, to name a few
items. Every Thursday, a volunteer
makes the trip to Albertsons to pick
up large quantities of fresh food to
store at the food pantry. Hartwig
says she can always use more volunteers with trucks to help with
those pick-ups.
WinCo Foods and Albertsons
donate day-old bread, fruit, other
produce and yogurt. The 600 members of Murrieta United Methodist
Church donate canned goods and
(951) 461-3450
money to buy the groceries that
stock the pantry. Local schools and
the fire department also donate items
from annual canned-food drives. A
local storage company provides the
food pantry with a free storage unit.
The new local community garden
provides produce, as do local residents happy to share their harvests.
Twenty people volunteer on any
given Friday morning, distributing
food.
If you have extra produce from
your garden or fruit trees going to
waste, the food pantry would welcome your donation. Fresh produce
gets gobbled up quickly! If you can
spare a few hours on Thursday mornings and have a truck for pick-ups,
Hartwig wants to talk to you! The
food pantry always welcomes donations of canned goods and cash.
It is a pleasure to live in a community that gives thanks by passing
on our good fortune, because charity begins at home.
For more information, please
contact Ann Hartwig at 951-6965115, or e-mail her at [email protected]. You can also
contact Judy Gilmore at the church
office at 951-677-6174, or e-mail
her at [email protected].
19
May/June 2011
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,
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 highfives 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 oncein-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.
Murrieta’s Mayor Randon Lane
By Karen Robertson
Randon Lane, 42, clearly enjoys his new position as Mayor of the City of Murrieta. He goes out of his way to meet and greet people all over Murrieta. You can
find him talking to citizens at HOA meetings, board meetings, the Senior Citizens
Center, coffee hours and nearly any other event in town.
Lane’s upbringing wouldn’t suggest a guy who would plant roots so deep in
a community. His father, Ralph Lane, was a pastor who started churches in California, Florida, Indiana, Arizona, Michigan, Oregon, Texas and Oklahoma, among
other places. The family moved more than a dozen times in Lane’s early years. So
he saw a wide range of communities as he grew up.
Lane moved to Murrieta in 2002, bought a house in a new neighborhood and
immediately became concerned because the street that was promised in front of his
house was still a dirt road, littered with construction debris.
“I had three flat tires in the first three months,” Lane recalled, “so I went to
the Planning Commission to see when our streets would be finished. I became a
permanent fixture at every meeting. Seems the developers had found a loophole
that allowed them to wait until the last house was built in a development before
they had to finish the street. Now that’s been changed and the street has to be in
when the first house is completed.”
Lane went to every Planning Commission and City Council meeting. He must
have made a strong impression. Within a year he was appointed to the Planning
Commission.
Lane and his wife, Bridget (“Bo”), have three children: Chelsea, 19, Randon
Jr., 7, and Joshua, 3, plus two dogs, Pepper and Bella.
Lane holds an A.A. in business marketing from Warner South College and a
B.A. from the University of Texas, where he majored in advertising and minored
in communications. He enjoys reading history, especially presidential history and
biographies, and other nonfiction.
Lane’s focus during his time on the Planning Commission and the City Council has been public safety, infrastructure – especially streets – and creating jobs.
Murrieta is the safest city in Riverside County. It was ranked No. 2 in the
nation in 2009. The crime rate dropped even further in 2010, but statistically Murrieta slipped to No. 6 in the nation. “Our police and fire department are the best and
they are responsible for keeping us safe,” Lane said.
Murrieta’s rapid growth over the past two decades has left infrastructure lagging behind at times. Lane and other city officials have prioritized planning and
improving the roadways to alleviate congestion and prepare
for the next round of growth.
The Los Alamos/I-215
and Murrieta Hot Springs/I-15
interchanges are complete.
The Clinton Keith Road/I-215
interchange is about 80 percent finished.
The Kalmia/Cal Oaks interchange project will begin in
the fall. At Keller Road and
I-215 a new interchange will
serve the medical corridor on
Antelope Road where Loma
Linda University Medical
Center opened. I-215 is scheduled for widening between
Murrieta Hot Springs and
Scott roads.
The general plan was recently updated, in anticipation of the economy’s recovery. Hopefully the city will
be better positioned to attract jobs and new business, and Murrieta residents won’t
be forced to spend as much time on those freeways.
The city has made changes to encourage new businesses in Historic Downtown and partnered with the Economic Development Agency to host a job fair.
That event drew 875 people; more than 100 walked away with jobs.
“Murrieta is where I live and raise my family. I want to do everything possible
to keep it the best place to live for everyone,” Lane said.
Lane balances his family, city affairs and his position as public affairs manager
for Southern California Gas Co.
If Lane doesn’t find you at a city event, he welcomes you to find him! Email him at
[email protected] or call him at 951-830-3485 with your ideas, concerns, questions and invitations.
(951) 461-3450
20
May/June 2011
The
By Karen Robertson
When you talk to a leaf, you usually don’t expect it to talk back. But Gene
Steichen is the exception. He’s the one dressed as a big leafy green guy on the Fruit
of the Loom commercials.
Unlike leaves that mature, turn brown and fall to the ground, Steichen has
been that vibrant green leaf for 10 years. We met in a stand-up comedy class taught
by Judy Carter in Hollywood. We became friends and he agreed to an interview
for the Chronicle.
Q. What kind of a kid were you in school, Gene – a class clown?
A. No, I was a good kid and a great student. My Dad taught high school and I
always liked school.
Q. How about college?
A. I was raised in Dubuque, Iowa, and graduated from the University of Iowa
in English Literature, which really didn’t qualify me to do much of anything. I
thought I might teach, but I needed something more creative to do.
Q. So how did you get to Hollywood?
A. I had two sisters and a brother. One of my sisters and I were movie buffs,
and I started dreaming about being an actor. I came out to Hollywood and started
looking for auditions.
Q. How did you get to be a leaf for Fruit of the Loom?
A. I auditioned five times. The Fruit Guys originated in the 80s and then they
weren’t used for many years. In 2001 Warren Buffet bought Fruit of the Loom and
he brought the Fruit Guys back. Warren always says, “We cover the asses of the
masses.”
Q. How hard is it to keep your position as a leaf?
A. Sometimes I think about being the apple or the grapes, but I don’t think
that’s in the cards for me. Besides not needing water or sunshine to grow, my costume is easier to negotiate, cooler to wear and I can even sit down. Since I’ve been
with Fruit of the Loom, there have been three different apples, two purple grapes,
three green grapes – and I’ve been the only leaf! The apple has to sing and I get to
play the drums.
When I was 11, I joined the drum and bugle corps. The teacher didn’t think
much of my drumming talent and made me a bugler. Now when I play the drums
as the leaf – my way, totally out of control – I can just say, “Hey, I’m an actor, not
a musician.”
The last apple was F. Murray Abraham, who went on to win an Oscar for
Amadeus. So there is hope for me if my leaf ever wilts. I’m under contract for a
few more years.
Q. Do you do shows and appearances all over the nation?
A. Actually, we do big shows, with big corporations, but we don’t do mall
openings and local community things. Sometimes someone else will use our cos-
tumes for some openings, but we only do the big stuff. There is also a Spanishspeaking crew that uses our costumes and makes appearances where the audience
is Hispanic.
Q. What do you love about being one of the Fruit Guys as seen on www.fruitguyfans.com?
A. We have a lot of fun talking about underwear. I get to meet lots of nice
people and do some improv along the way. We work on demand, but we have more
time off than on.
Q. What have the Fruit of the Loom guys done recently?
A. We just filmed a new music video you can see on our website. We’re on a
billboard in Bentonville, Ark. – home of Walmart. We just did an appearance in
New York for Fashion Week and had a booth where people could have their photos
taken with us. The group has been nominated for the Advertising Hall of Fame and
we get lots of free underwear!
Q. What do you do on your time off?
A. I go to Toastmasters and work on my speaking skills. I do a lot of motivational speaking to school kids as well as men and women who have been incarcerated in the Los Angeles jails. I get to make them laugh as well as [bring] a message
of hope.
Q. What else have you been doing with your stand-up comedy?
A. I’ve been hosting a comedy show at the Hollywood Hotel in Santa Monica
twice a week. Hopefully, that will give me the stage time, experience and recognition to become a headliner.
Q. What do you want people to know about you?
A. I love my Mom and I’m going to Dubuque tomorrow to celebrate her 75th
birthday at Wrigley Field.
Although my family is spread around, we get together as often as possible.
Most of all, we are all Cubs fans. I have been to more Cubs games than I can
count. They haven’t won the World Series since 1908, but the tension is building
and we will remain faithful fans, waiting for that day!
Rumors
Like all communities we constantly have rumors and gossip floating around.
Believe it or not, it’s perfectly normal. Everyone gossips… kids, parents, workers, celebrities and yes, even politicians. Its part of how we communicate and
stay connected with other people’s lives. Most of the time it’s harmless but occasionally it becomes disruptive and very hurtful.
We’ve all had the urge. Many times rumors start out as silly jokes and as
they get spread around, they are changed over and over again. The negative side
of that, of course, is when lots of people start telling the same tale; it makes it
seem more like the truth. Other rumors sometimes tap into people’s common
fears, and this also makes them sound true even though they usually are not.
Some rumors are always deliberate and can even border on slander; the
specific purpose of which is to cause pain or damage. These rumors are usually started by people who are probably bored, jealous or need attention. They
either want to feel superior or they have an insatiable desire to be in control.
They honestly believe that the only way to achieve their desire is by reducing
the “status” of other people.
Personally, I have found that most rumors are simply just misinformation.
People will often swear up and down that they know something to be true when,
in reality, they’re just passing on a rumor they’ve heard from someone else.
Simply refer to some of the recent email being forwarded around if you want
some confirmation of that scenario.
To minimize the negative impact of rumors in all communities, I would encourage residents to call or email one of
the current Directors or management staff and ask
for clarification whenever you hear or question the veracity of any type of rumor about
the Association or your Master Board.
Yours truly,
Lou Wynants
Ps: Did you hear about…?
Note to our readers: Editorials are
welcome.
(951) 461-3450
21
May/June 2011
Life Can Be a Challenge
Part 1: From La Cresta to Bankruptcy
By Wendy Hammarstrom
One of my life lessons is learning
how to ask for help when I need it, and
accepting it when offered.
I hesitated to describe my life’s
challenges for this article because of
two things my father used to say: “If
you don’t have anything pleasant to say,
don’t say anything,” and, “I used to feel
bad because I had no shoes, until I met
a man who had no feet.” But I believe
healing happens when we speak up and
share our stories.
I grew up in rural Pennsylvania,
raised by Quaker parents and their
large circle of “kindred spirits,” as my
mother liked to say. My love of animals
and nature began early, yet when I was
17 I left home to move to the big city,
Philadelphia. I worked for University of
Pennsylvania and Temple University as
a temp; for American Friends Service
Committee for seven years as a secretary in the International Division; and
for Community Involvement, with Bill
Cosby’s aunt!
In the 1970s, I was a founding member of an avant-garde theater company,
Bricolage, and began studying art, receiving a BFA in Dance from Temple
University.
In 1980, I married Steve Braff, my
former yoga teacher. We bought a large
house, knocked down some walls and
turned it into Innerworks Center. There
we held classes in massage, bodywork,
yoga, tai chi and kung fu. It also served
as a rehearsal space for Agape Dancers, which I founded and directed. Our
choreography combined martial arts,
yoga and images from nature. In 1986,
I began doing bodywork (massage and
other techniques designed to correct
physical and cognitive imbalances) and
directing Innerworks.
Our beautiful daughter was born in
1991 and we named her Marina. Little
did we know that six months later we
would move to Long Beach, Calif., surrounded by marinas.
My husband’s career had evolved
from teaching yoga to directing a hospital wellness center when he was offered a job as a hospital administrator in
El Monte, Calif. I was not happy about
leaving my parents. My mother would
have only short visits with Marina for
the next three years.
In Long Beach, I immersed myself
in Mommy and Me classes and pregnancy and infant massage and became
nationally certified in therapeutic massage and bodywork in 1993.
Three years later we moved to Murrieta for Steve’s job at Inland Valley
Regional Medical Center. We lived in
La Cresta and were part of the hospital
social scene. I joined forces with former
Murrieta Hot Springs staff at Wellness
Professionals and taught a yoga class
there before Calvary Church bought
it. Along with my husband and several
others, I founded Inland Holistic Health
Association, became a member of the
Murrieta Chamber of Commerce and
held the first Health Fair at Embassy
Suites.
We moved to “the house on the hill”
near Hancock and Los Alamos, where
our two-and-a-half acres turned into a
mini-ranch with horses, burros, goats,
ducks and rabbits. I passed the California Basic Educational Skills Test. Looking back, I wonder whether I should’ve
taken a teaching job for stability, but I
wanted to keep building my practice,
classes and a holistic health center.
Sadly, my husband and I became
increasingly distant and separated in
2000. Initially, Marina and I moved
into a friend’s barn. One night we came
home to bullet holes in the walls and a
large black snake in the bathroom. We
quickly moved back to our house and
Steve moved to Aguanga, where he soon
bought 40 acres. I taught massage, yoga
and dance classes from home for a year
and called it Innerworks (West Coast),
but it became too costly to maintain so
I sold it.
As part of a grant lasting a year and
a half, I worked as a yoga/massage/relaxation teacher and consultant at day
centers for the developmentally disabled in Riverside, San Bernardino, Orange and Los Angeles counties. It was
very sad to leave those vulnerable and
courageous clients and their hardworking coaches.
My 9-year-old daughter and I moved
to a lovely condo on the arroyo by Murrieta Hot Springs where we lived for the
next eight years. I ended up with three
large dogs to feed, two of whom were
not well and incurred large vet bills.
By 2001, I had more than 2,000
hours of study in bodywork, anatomy,
movement and healing arts, had given
more than 15,000 hours of massages
and had taught massage and yoga for
30 years. However, the City of Murrieta
Police Department required fees to approve me as a massage therapist. Due to
a lack of funds, I was not able to practice massage legally for nine months.
Two years and several hundred dol-
lars later, I became state credentialed,
which meant I could practice without a
massage license for each city where I
worked. (This money should have gone
to rent but didn’t, which caused considerable tension where I was living.)
I began writing a book in 2003,
emphasizing how crucial healing
touch, self-care and movement are to
everyone’s health. We prevent illness
by reducing stress. Healing touch is a
necessity for a wide range of people,
including veterans; infants in neonatal
intensive care; Alzheimer’s patients;
hospice clients; patients with AIDs and
cancer; pregnant women; and those with
physical, mental and emotional difficulties, including post-traumatic stress disorder. Animals also need healing touch.
Unfortunately, the present economy has prompted people to cut back
on their own care. As with many businesses, large franchises have taken over
small, independent practitioners.
During the years at Murrieta Hot
Springs, I struggled with debt, paying
the rent and association dues. On occasion, our utilities were turned off and
our heater broke down. Back in the winter of 1970, living outside Philadelphia,
chopping wood and getting the coal
stove going was an adventure. Here in
Murrieta, using the garden hose to flush
the toilet because our house water was
off was not as glamorous.
I filed for bankruptcy and 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 told to leave our home two
months before my daughter 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.
Publisher’s Note: Wendy is currently
house-sitting in Sun City, but that concludes next month. Wendy has many
healing skills that have been overwhelmed by her survival issues. Economic times have caused many plans to
go off course. If you have a home you
would like her to sit, pets to care for, an
opportunity you would like to discuss
with Wendy…or any other ideas…feel
free to write to Wendy c/o Bear Creek
Chronicle, P.O. Box 1065, Murrieta,
CA 92564.
Part 2 of her story, “If I Hang in There
a Little Longer, Something Will Break,”
will appear in June’s issue.
Puns for
Educated
Minds
The fattest knight at King
Arthur’s round table was Sir
Cumference. He acquired his
size from too much pi.
I thought I saw an eye doctor on
an Alaskan island, but it turned
out to be an optical Aleutian.
She was only a whiskey maker,
but he loved her still.
A rubber band pistol was confiscated from algebra class because it was a weapon of math
disruption.
No matter how much you push
the envelope, it’ll still be stationery.
A dog gave birth to puppies
near the road and was cited for
littering.
A grenade thrown into a kitchen in France would result in Linoleum Blownapart.
Two silk worms had a race. They
ended up in a tie.
A hole has been found in the
nudist camp wall. The police are
looking into it.
Time flies like an arrow. Fruit
flies like a banana.
Atheism is a non-prophet organization.
Two hats were hanging on a hat
rack in the hallway. One hat said
to the other: “You stay here; I’ll
go on a head.”
I wondered why the baseball
kept getting bigger. Then it hit
me.
(951) 461-3450
22
May/June 2011
C
lassic cars, surf boards, beach chairs,
music from Jan & Dean and also The
Beach Boys could be seen and heard
as you approached the Bear Creek
Golf Club on Saturday, April 9th. Yes, California
Dreamin’ was the theme of the Bear Creek Annual Spring Luncheon.
Guests numbering over 130 arrived to find venues of California exhibited on each table as centerpieces. There was California Sailing, Monterey
Peninsula, San Clemente, Balboa Island, Disneyland, San Diego Zoo, Surfs Up, Hollywood, USO,
Rose Bowl, California Wildflowers, Wine Country, Chinatown, etc. A beautiful array of places
we all love to visit in this great State of California.
Brighton Collectibles was the highlight of the day
with their Girlfriends’ Trunk Show. Bear Creek
members modeled their wide variety of jewelry,
handbags, belts, sunglasses, scarves, and Brighton’s Vice President MC’ed the show. Shopping
at Brighton’s instant boutique began during the
reception and long after lunch. Brighton brought
surprise certificates for each table.
Many thanks to Brighton and their wonderful
Temecula team. Now you know who can help
you with your shopping needs at Brighton.
Baron’s, Massage Envy, Murrieta Day Spa, Stadium Pizza, and Anthony’s Ristorante contributed gifts and certificates for the day. Patty Doherty Photography (760.822.2209) donated her
photographic talents, along with Karen Butler
her assistant.
Some photo memories of the day. Sorry we could
not capture everyone in attendance.
(951) 461-3450
23
May/June 2011
By Jackie Lang
(951) 461-3450
24
May/June 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.
25
May/June 2011
Therapist Of The Year
Inland Empire Region
Preserving Your Treasured
Memories
Your photos are practically everywhere. Some are on a shelf, keeping company
with trophies, keepsakes and knickknacks that you’ve collected over the years. Others
can be found in albums and shoeboxes, seldom seen and many times forgotten. Your
photographs are snapshots of the most important moments of your life. But how do
you go about preserving these treasured items?
Digital Memories
Your photos can be saved on your camera’s memory card, your mobile phone and
eventually copied to your computer, where they can be emailed and saved on CDs or
DVDs. However, it’s important to remember that memory cards can become corrupt
and unusable. Computer hard drives fail, which often results in the permanent loss of
your special moments. CDs and DVDs have a normal lifespan of 10 years, but this
technology can become obsolete in the future.
High-quality prints of your photos can outlive you and future changes in technology. Avoid the trap of printing with home office inkjet printers, which use non-archival
inks and papers that can fade quickly. You want to use professional equipment and
materials to make prints that will last more than 100 years. To preserve your important
digital memories, take your memory card to a quality printer, have them print all the
images and back up your card to a CD.
Memories on Film
Film negatives and slides should be stored in archival sleeves and kept away from
light and heat. Over time, they can become dirty, scratched and even fade completely.
Your special memories on film can be given new life when properly scanned and preserved by printing and saving the images to a CD.
Memories on Print
Place all of your photos in acid-free sleeves, and store them in albums or photo
boxes. Label your photos with a photo-safe permanent marker, making sure names,
locations and dates, if known, are included. Do not use ballpoint pens as the ink will
fade quickly and damage your print. Scan all photos to preserve your memories for
safekeeping.
Old photographs of your great-great grandparents can have a hazy bloom in the
shadows. This is a sign that your print is deteriorating and will eventually become all
black. Old photos can be scanned and digitally repaired, saving them from further ravages of time.
Preserve your special memories and plan for the worst. Have a print and digital
file of all treasured memories. If you need help, Photo Works Temecula is a great place
to start. Since 1988, Photo Works Temecula has been your photo specialist in the community with a reliance on old-fashioned customer service. Our services include highquality printing, film processing, digital photo repair, photo editing, collages, slide
shows and photography services. We also transfer home movies and videotapes to
DVD, including high-definition video to Blu-ray disc. For more information go to
http://PhotoWorksTemecula.com.
We hope to see you soon. Remember, when the print is important, you print with us.
Each year Massage Envy invites regions from across the country to nominate their most outstanding therapists for this prestigious award. Each clinic in
the region nominates a therapist, and then one is selected as the winner for the
region.
The Inland Empire franchisees have always been very impressed by the
high standards of their therapists. The nominees for this honor were:
Chino – Becky Frick
Corona – Mohammed Amer
Fontana – Lawren Reed
LaQuinta – Romie Gutierrez
Murrieta – Olga Espinoza
Palm Desert – Dominic Canero
Riverside – Amy O’Callaghan
Temecula – Sherri DeFalco
Upland – Annette Fonseca
Wildomar – Desiree Hedlund
Desiree Hedlund, of Massage Envy–Wildomar, was selected as the 2011
Inland Empire Region Therapist of the Year. As the regional winner, Desiree
will attend the Massage Envy national franchisee conference in Phoenix in May,
all expenses paid by Massage Envy. She and 50 other winners from around the
country will be honored at a gala dinner highlighting their accomplishments
and contributions. In addition, she and her co-winners will attend special workshops led by nationally recognized pioneer leaders in massage therapy.
(951) 461-3450
26
May/June 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.
(951) 461-3450
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
27
May/June 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.
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: [email protected]
Writer’s Block is Only in the
Mind. But Which Mind?
By Harry Carpenter
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.
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-four-minute 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.
(951) 461-3450
28
May/June 2011
Like the Song Says, We All Need
Somebody to Lean On
By Lois Allen
For every physical condition or medical disorder, from psoriasis to ringing
ears, there is probably a nonprofit organization seeking to cure it or help people
cope (in these cases, the National Psoriasis Association and American Tinnitus Association, respectively).
The Internet is a treasure trove of information and education, but some organizations and churches also offer help at the local level by sponsoring support
groups. These groups aren’t for everyone, but for many people they provide a place
to share similar experiences and learn tips for living with their specific problems.
Here are just some of the support groups serving the Murrieta area:
Alzheimer’s Support Group.
Alzheimer’s is not considered a normal part of the aging process, but the longer we live, the greater our chance of developing it. This illness doesn’t affect
only the person diagnosed with the disease but the entire family, because it can
significantly change the lives of spouses or children if they assume the role of caregiver. The Alzheimer’s Support Group is for those carrying the burden of caring
for Alzheimer’s patients, connecting them with others with similar experiences.
Participants can share their personal stories, vent frustrations and as a group come
up with solutions to various problems, including coping strategies for caregivers or
dealing with behavioral changes in the Alzheimer’s patient. The group, facilitated
by a licensed clinical social worker, meets at 10:00 a.m. on the second Monday of
the month at Murrieta Senior Center. For more information, call 951-695-5073.
Parkinson’s Disease Support Group.
This is a monthly meeting for those with PD, their family, friends and caregivers. The emphasis is on connecting with others in a warm, friendly and welcoming
atmosphere. The group provides opportunities to gather information, share experiences and learn how to manage living with this condition. Featured speakers include neurologists, pharmacists and other medical and community professionals.
Literature is available on a variety of topics. Meetings are held on the fourth
Wednesday of the month from 1 to 2 p.m. at Murrieta Senior Center. There is no
cost to attend. For more information, call Lorna at 951-461-7313.
The Grief Recovery Group
This group aims to help people cope with the shock and sorrow following the
death of a spouse. While grieving is unique to each person, there are commonalities. Unresolved grief can resurface at a later time, overwhelming the surviving
spouse and causing great unhappiness. Sponsored by Rancho Community Church,
lay volunteer leaders help participants talk, cry and mourn their losses. Group
meetings include discussion time, videos focusing on the grieving process and
uplifting scriptural readings. The group meets on the second and fourth Thursdays
of the month at the Hiemple home in Murrieta’s Bear Creek. On the third Thursday
of the month, the group meets for dinner in the Wine Room at Mimi’s Restaurant at
5:30 p.m. For more information, call Carl Hiemple at 951-677-7455.
GriefShare Program
A support group helping people to cope with grief and mourning following the
death of a parent, child, spouse, family friend or other loved one. It runs continuously on a 13-week cycle and has three distinct elements: a video featuring top
experts on grief and recovery topics, group discussion; and use of a workbook for
further personal study of the grieving process. GriefShare is Christian-based and
open to anyone struggling with the death of a loved one. The atmosphere is informal. People can begin attending anytime during the 13-week cycle. There is no
cost except a $12 charge for the program’s workbook. This group meets Thursday
nights at 6:30 p.m. in Room C-101 at Rancho Community Church in Temecula.
For more information, call Ed and Diana Hahn at 714-624-4638.
The Murrieta area has other support groups addressing anger management,
divorce, depression, substance abuse and numerous other challenges. Learn more
about these organizations by calling Cornerstone Community Church in Wildomar
at 951-674-8661 or Rancho Community Church in Temecula at 951-303-6789.
The state of California offers a resource and referral hotline which can be accessed
by dialing 211 or via the Internet at www.211riversidecounty.org.
Please join the City of Murrieta on Memorial
Day, May 30th, as we honor and pay tribute to those
veterans who have sacrificed their lives in defense
of our country. The keynote address will be given by
Major General Melvin Spiese, Deputy Commanding
General, I Marine Expeditionary Force (I MEF) out of
Camp Pendleton. In addition we will have Murrieta
City Council there and we hope to see you there as
well. The ceremony will begin at 8am. Come pay your
respects at a great event.
Car registrations for the City of Murrieta’s 41st
Fathers Day Car Show are being accepted NOW!
Pre-1980 and specialty vehicles will once again be on
display at California Oaks Sports Park on Sunday, June
19 from 6:30am-2pm. It is a great day to bring your
dad and your grand dad for a wonderful family oriented event.
Since the first of the year, the City of Murrieta has
been planning its 20th Birthday Bash, set to take place
on Saturday, June 25, 2011 at California Oaks Sports
Park. It’s hard to believe that quaint little ol’ City of
Murrieta is going to be 20! We’ve come a long way
since the days of our City Hall being over on Beckman
Court. We’ve grown to over 350 full time employees.
We are proud of our little-big city. We love its history
and its newness. We admire the old roads and new
streets. We are in awe of the ancient oak trees and the
freshly planted drought tolerant landscape. We love
the older restaurants and the newly opened ones. We
love Murrieta and we hope you do too. Come celebrate with us at California Oaks Sports Park. We have
a kids zone, music on the main stage (U2 cover band
called Joshua Tree), the Fireman’s Hosedown and a
whole bunch of vendors. Don’t miss out- it’s going
to be a special one!
By Laura Frasso, Special Events Coordinator,
City of Murrieta
For more information on these events, please go to
www.murrieta.org or call 951-461-6110
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May/June 2011
29
(951) 461-3450
30
May/June 2011
“M” is for the Million Things
She Gave Me
By Lois Allen
Did you know that Mother’s Day is the busiest day of the year for restaurants?
There are more phone calls made on this day than any other. Mother’s Day is also
one of the largest card-sending holidays. Celebration of motherhood is perhaps one
of the most enduring traditions; it’s been commemorated in one form or another
for centuries.
Ancient Greeks and Romans may have been the first to celebrate Mother’s
Day, during annual spring festivals dedicated to worshipping their maternal goddesses. During the 1600s, England began celebrating Mothering Sunday on the
fourth Sunday of Lent. On that day, mothers were given gifts and sweet treats. In
the United States, Julia Ward Howe, who wrote “Battle Hymn of the Republic,”
first proposed the celebration of Mother’s Day during the late 1800s. In 1914,
Woodrow Wilson declared the second Sunday in May as our national day to honor
mothers.
Mother’s Day is the time to pamper your mother, to thank her for all she’s done
for you. Serve her breakfast in bed, have her relax while you complete her daily
chores or take her on a leisurely walk and catch up on the latest family news.
For an even more memorable celebration, here are some additional ways to
please that special lady.
Murrieta VIP Florist has the best gift for the mother who has everything.
Give her a beautiful, fragrant bouquet of flowers or a lovely green plant. It’s spring,
a time to enjoy tulips, snapdragons and many more flowers in pink, purple and a
riot of other colors. Order early so your mother can appreciate her blooms the entire week of Mother’s Day. The florist offers 10 percent off all Mother’s Day orders
delivered within Murrieta city limits. For more information, call 951-698-4038.
Murrieta Day Spa will be open on Mother’s Day and two other Sundays
in May. Choose from the Renewal Mother’s Day Package, a European facial or
Swedish massage and spa pedicure for $115; or the Signature Mother’s Day Package, a European facial, Swedish massage, spa pedicure and lunch for two for $199.
For more information, call 951-677-8111 or click on www.mdayspa.com.
Massage Envy celebrates Mother’s Day by appealing to one’s sweet tooth.
The waiting area is transformed into a den of delightful desserts. There will be
cupcakes, chocolate-covered strawberries, even cookies shaped to spell the word
“Mom.” First-time customers receive a one-hour massage for $39. Buy three $50
gift cards and receive a gift card for a one-hour massage. For more information,
call 951-698-2888.
Schilber’s Jewelry Castle will offer special discounts to help shoppers give
their moms a fling with bling. Be sure to look at the Mother’s Day ring, featuring
Mom’s birthstone surrounded by those of each child. For more information, call
951-304-0804.
Anthony’s Ristorante in Old Town Murrieta is the 2011 winner of the
So-Cal “Top Chef” People’s Choice Award. On Mother’s Day, it will offer a fivecourse feast beginning at 10:30 a.m. Enjoy an appetizer, salad, 16 oz. lobster entree
and dessert served with champagne. Each mother will receive a beautiful rose. The
price is $75 per person; reservations are recommended. For more information, call
951-677-1099.
D’Canters Wine Bar & Grill is excited to offer a champagne brunch on
Mother’s Day from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Voted Best Restaurant by Inland Empire
Magazine three years in a row, D’Canters features American cuisine with the flavors of New Orleans. Don’t forget to try their fresh beignets with powdered sugar
for dessert. Reservations always accepted. For more information, call 951-6782828.
Bear Creek Golf Club will offer a relaxed but elegant brunch to help you
celebrate the mother in your life. Waffles and omelets are cooked to order. The
brunch includes seafood and carving stations, fresh fruit and pastries. Brunch will
be served from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. This is a members-only event. The brunch
costs $39 for adults and $10 for children ages 12 and under. For reservations, call
951-677-8621.
The Links at Summerly Club House will be hosting a Mother’s Day bountiful buffet featuring eggs Benedict, smoked salmon and other breakfast cuisine,
prime rib and a smoked turkey carving station. A dessert table and champagne are
included for $25.95 for adults and $10.95 for children. Parties of 10 people or more
receive a 10 percent discount. For reservations, call 951-674-3900 and select ext.
2 or 6.
(951) 461-3450
Lake Elsinore Storm suggests that dad bring the kids to a Storm game,
giving mom a well deserved day off. But the first 100 mothers through the gates
on Mother’s Day will be honored with a free flower…courtesy of Tulips, Trophies
and Treasures. The national anthem will be sung by a local mother- daughter duet
from Temecula. Kids can enter an essay contest (500 words or less) to nominate
their mom for the All-Star Mother Award and a chance to win one of three great
prizes. There will be a special Champagne Brunch in the Diamond Club and each
mother in attendance will receive a special token. For more information, call 951245-4487 or visit www.stormbaseball.com.
California Dreamin’ Balloon Adventures believes there is no better way
to experience the beauty of spring in the Temecula Valley than from the vantage
point of a hot air balloon. Soar over vineyards and gaze at brilliant flowers blanketing the rolling landscape, and the majestic mountains in the distance. Take a hot air
balloon ride at sunrise followed by a complimentary champagne breakfast served
in the rose garden of a private vineyard. Each mother will receive a complimentary
bottle of wine. For more information, call 1-800-373-3359.
Ponte Winery wants to spoil your mom with a relaxing day in the country.
Ponte is featuring a gourmet brunch buffet with delicious wines and live music.
There will be a children’s-only buffet with kid-favorite foods. Capture your 2011
Mother’s Day celebration with a complimentary photo. Purchase tickets under the
events tab at www.PonteWinery.com or call 951-694-8855.
South Coast Winery invites you to celebrate the “Fairest Mother of Them
All”–yours!
Its Mother’s Day champagne brunch will be served from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in
the Vineyard Rose Restaurant. Attractively priced and elegantly appointed, this
brunch is a chance to show mom how much you care. The event sells out quickly;
make reservations today. For more information, call 951-587-9463, ext. 7237.
Wilson Creek Winery invites you to give mom a break this Mother’s Day
and head to Wine Country. Stroll through the winery’s graceful gardens filled
with roses and other flowers, the perfect setting for pictures. The winery’s popular
Mother’s Day champagne brunch features an unforgettable menu paired with Wilson Creek’s award-winning wines created for the occasion. Enjoy the live music!
For more information, call 951-693-9463.
31
May/June 2011
Own a Small Business? Consider
These Retirement Plans
“Provided to you by Kevin Landen”
By Karen Robertson
Many people, particularly baby
boomers, are considering retiring later
than they might have originally planned.
If you’re in this group, you’ll want
to take full advantage of those extra
working years by contributing as much
as you can to a retirement plan that can
help you build resources, defer taxes and
ultimately maximize your income. If you
own a small business, you’ve got some
attractive plans from which to choose.
Let’s look at two of these retirement
plans: the “owner-only” 401(k) and the
defined benefit plan.
If you have no employees other than
your spouse or a partner, you can establish an “owner-only” 401(k), also known
as an individual 401(k). This plan offers
many of the same advantages of a traditional 401(k) – a range of investment options, tax-deductible contributions and
the opportunity for tax-deferred earnings
growth. You may even be able to choose
a Roth option for your 401(k), which allows you to make after-tax contributions
that can grow tax-free.
Your owner-only 401(k) contributions consist of two parts: salary deferral
and profit sharing. In 2011, you can defer
up to $16,500 of income, or $22,000 if
you’re at least 50. The amount of your
profit-sharing contribution is based on
your earnings. The sum of your employer contribution and your salary deferral
contributions can’t exceed $49,000 in
2011 (or $54,500 if you’re 50 or older).
Keep in mind that if your spouse is employed by your business, you each can
contribute the maximum amount allowed.
You’ve got considerable flexibility
in funding your owner-only 401(k). Both
the salary deferral and the profit-sharing
contributions are discretionary, so you
can change them at any time based on
I wonder if it’s my age (I’m 68), my appearance or my assertive nature that results in shabby treatment. Is it just me?
A bank manager made an appointment to meet with me at 11 a.m. I arrived
then and was told she was unavailable. That was unacceptable when my Dad was a
banker and I said so. I asked to be seated in the manager’s office until she became
available. In a jiffy, she appeared. Amazing!
I went with a friend to see a local doctor. The doctor told her it didn’t make any
difference whether the medication she was prescribing was addictive. If my friend
was young, the doctor would worry, but considering my friend’s old age, it didn’t
matter. What?
When I asked the doctor what type of credentials she had, she answered, “You
can find them on our website. Google it.” Really? I thought they were supposed to be
displayed on the wall in a fancy frame.
Another doctor let me diagnose myself. I described my malady. He squeezed
each joint, looked in my mouth and ears, sighed and just gazed with a vacant look
as if his cell phone was vibrating in his pocket and he wanted to answer it. Finally, I
gave him the name of the disease I learned about online that matched my symptoms.
After I suggested it about six times, he finally said, “Yes, that is what you have,” and
wrote it on the chart. He said he’d call a prescription into my pharmacy, but 24 hours
later, he hadn’t. I waited for an hour to see him. I guess he didn’t think my time was
worth anything.
Recently I had an appointment with a specialist. I sat in the waiting room for 45
minutes and decided I’d better get back to my office because I had a coaching client
in the next hour. When I told the receptionist I was leaving, she was shocked that I’d
put my client first. Really? I had made an appointment with my client and I would
keep it. I let her know it would not be appropriate for her to charge me for missing
my appointment with the doctor because I had kept my appointment. I left and she
didn’t charge me.
One of my Christmas gifts didn’t fit, so I drove 15 miles to return it. When I got
there, they refused to give me cash back and wouldn’t credit it back to my credit card
because my husband bought it on his card. (Same company, different number.) So I
drove 15 miles home, got my husband’s card, drove 15 miles back, took care of the
transaction and drove 15 miles back home. Do they think I’ll be back to do business
there ever again?
The bank manager who was mysteriously unavailable, then miraculously appeared told me I needed an EIN number in order to close an account within a trust
and sent me away. When I asked her how to get an EIN number, she said, “Google
it.”
I wonder how elderly people who don’t have access to a computer or anyone to
help them deal with such things manage these problems.
I did exactly as the manager instructed me and paid $150 for the online EIN
number. Afterward, my attorney told me that EIN numbers are free through the IRS.
The website the manager sent me to was a scam where some computer geek applies
for your EIN number and charges you $150.
I called an online check-printing company to order new checks. I’d rather do it
by phone and I had the certificate number from my last order. I had to verify my address, phone number, etc., and when we were finished, the saleswoman said, “Four
boxes of checks will be $99.” I couldn’t believe my ears.
When I got my voice back I said, “So how did we get to $99?” Keep in mind that
shipping was free. She had charged me for check protection, identity theft protection,
processing, handling and more. I asked her to take off all the extras and tell me what
the checks would cost: $62. Thirty-seven dollars of extras! I elected to take the $62,
no-frills checks. I couldn’t hang up without saying, in the kindest way, “You are one
heck of an upseller.” She chuckled and hung up.
My checks are all inscribed with, “It all belongs to God.” He expects me to be a
good steward of my money, my time and my services. I hope I never resort to telling
someone, “Just Google it.”
What Has Happened to
Customer Service?
your company’s profitability.
A defined benefit plan might be appropriate for you if you are highly compensated and have no other employees.
By establishing a defined benefit plan,
you’ll be providing yourself with a
monthly payment (or “benefit”) for life,
beginning at the retirement age specified
by your plan. In 2011, the yearly benefit
limit is $195,000.
The amount you can contribute to
your defined benefit plan each year is
based on several variables, including
your current age, your compensation
level and your retirement age. But you’ll
be able to contribute large amounts. A defined benefit plan is the only retirement
account that allows contributions in excess of the limits placed on 401(k)s and
other defined contribution plans. Generally speaking, the closer you get to retirement, the larger your maximum yearly contributions will be. (This is because
you’ll have fewer years left in which to
fund your defined benefit.) And because
your defined benefit contributions are
tax-deductible, you are, in effect, getting
a big boost from the government to fund
a generous retirement plan.
Here’s one more advantage to owner-only 401(k) and defined benefit plans:
You can contribute to both of them at the
same time. But before you choose either or both of them, consult with your
tax and financial advisors. After all, you
work hard to ensure a comfortable retirement tomorrow, so you want a retirement
plan working hard for you today.
Kevin Landen wants a successful retirement for you. He’s located at 24710
Washington Ave., Suite 6, Murrieta, Calif. 92562
This article was written by Edward
Jones for use by your local Edward
Jones Financial Advisor.
(951) 461-3450
32
May/June 2011
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.
MC: 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.
MC: 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.
MC: 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.
MC: 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
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.
MC: 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!”
LEXIPHILES
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.
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.
(951) 461-3450
May/June 2011
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(951) 461-3450
34
May/June 2011
When an Animal’s Injured, What
Do You Do? Who Do You Call?
By Wendy Hammarstrom
Those living in rural areas may encounter a baby deer, wolf, coyote or bear
whose parents have been fatally shot –
or a fox, bobcat or coyote with its leg
caught in a metal trap. Glue traps laid out
for pigeons and other “pests” trap the animal while it’s alive, and it may bite off
its leg to get free. We may see an animal
running onto a busy freeway, run over a
rabbit that darts in front of us or simply
find a baby bird and wish to protect it.
If you find an animal in any of
these situations, you can call Cyndi Floreno at Hope Wildlife Rescue in Corona.
Her number is 951-279-3232. She takes
in hawks, owls, songbirds, squirrels,
cottontails, possums and wild mallard
ducks. She volunteers and accepts donations. Floreno recommends Veterinarian
Thomas van Cise, on Second Street in
Norco, saying he’s wonderful with all
types of animals. (I have also taken rabbits and squirrels to Valley Veterinary in
Murrieta, where Dr. White has been very
accommodating.)
Anysia Dickson is a Temecula wildlife rehabilitator with Project Wildlife,
based in San Diego. She says at this
time of year songbirds have to come out
of their nests to bushes and the ground
while learning to fly. Sometimes it appears they’ve fallen from the nest, but
they should be left alone. However, if
you find ducklings by themselves, they
do need rescue.
Baby bunnies are found all the time
with no mom. Mother rabbit doesn’t stay
with her babies because she doesn’t want
to draw attention to her nest. She comes
in only at dawn and dusk to nurse, which
takes only a few minutes.
Dickson picks up and transports
injured animals, including many from
Clinton Keith Road, but she can help
more animals if they are brought to her.
She takes in anything except adult deer,
adult skunks, bears and mountain lions.
Her number is 951-551-5208.
Dickson says that when encountering injured or orphaned wildlife, the
best thing to do until you get help is to
keep the animal warm in a dark, quiet
area with no food or water. Most animals
cannot process food until they are warm
and hydrated with fluids. Giving food or
water may kill them. During transport,
a box and towels are essential, so it’s a
good idea to keep some in your car. No
loud talking or radio, and you may have
to crank up the heat in the car. Keep the
animal in a box with secure lid or use a
cardboard cat carrier.
We can all do our part to help. As
St. Francis said: “Not to hurt our humble
brethren is our first duty to them, but
to stop there is not enough. We have a
higher mission – to be of service to them
wherever they require it.”
Cpl. Jay A. Froboese
Murrieta Police Department
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-year-olds, who have
limited driving experience and an immaturity
that often results in risktaking 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
(951) 461-3450
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.
I welcome your questions and suggestions for future articles and can be
contacted directly at the Murrieta Police
Department at 951-461-6302 or by email
at [email protected].
Anita
On The Law
Anita Cheek Milner
Attorney at Law
Where There’s No Will,
There May Still Be a Way
A
lthough it is better to have a will, there are some cases where
things work out fine without one. Many people think that if
they die intestate (without
a will), the state of California will
take everything they own. This
rarely happens.
If you should die intestate,
your estate will be divided among
your closest blood relatives and,
possibly, your spouse. If that estate is worth less than $100,000
and you have no real estate, it is
likely that no probate procedure
will be necessary. Your relatives
can have your assets after waiting 40 days, producing a certified copy of your death certificate and completing a simple document.
The advantage of having a will is that it allows you to decide who
gets what. Remember that any assets you own in joint tenancy will go
directly to the joint tenant, and that a will would not have any effect on
that event.
A will should name an executor, the person you trust to carry out
your wishes. It should also state that the executor need not provide a
bond. We all hope we don’t outlive our heirs, but your will should say
who gets that person’s share if one of your heirs should die before you
do.
Some people write their own wills. These holographic wills must be
completely in your own handwriting on plain paper, signed and dated.
No witnesses are required.
Many feel they are saving money by writing their own wills, using
commercially produced computer programs. However this can be tricky,
and it may produce a will that doesn’t follow California law.
For example, wills witnessed only by a notary are not valid, because
state law requires two witnesses to the signing. A notary seal looks impressive but doesn’t satisfy the law because it’s only one signature.
If you wish to draft your own will, the State of California has a statutory will form you can print and use. Find it on the Internet by searching
for California Probate Code Section 6240. It is free and covers most situations for a simple estate. Unlike a holographic will, the statutory will may
be typed, but must be signed by two witnesses.
For complex matters, you should consult an attorney. Many people
would rather have an attorney draft their wills because of the peace of
mind they feel in having all their questions answered during the initial
interview.
If you foresee any possible challenge to your will, it is best to consult
an attorney, who will know the language to include in case of possible
challenges.
When choosing an attorney, ask friends and neighbors if they have
a recommendation. Check out any California attorney’s status online at
www.calbar.ca.gov/
No matter what type of will you have, keep it in a safe place at home,
but make sure someone knows where to find it after you pass away.
Next time: What about large estates and real property?
Anita Cheek Milner is an attorney, SBN 123845. Reach her at [email protected]
© Anita Cheek Milner 2011 All Rights Reserved.
35
May/June 2011
Keith Card–The Passing of a
Legend!
continued from front page
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”.
Mulligan’s is Building Up
to a Big Splash
By Kristen R. Stez
School will be out for the summer soon, and a trip to Mulligan’s
Fun Center in Murrieta is the perfect
way to celebrate!
The best part about Mulligan’s
is that the adults have as much fun as
the kids. There’s plenty to entertain
at Mulligan’s – laser tag, go-karts,
miniature golf, a rock wall, carousel,
spinning cups, a kangaroo jump, a
train, batting cages and an arcade.
Soon Mulligan’s will add a new
water park to the fun.
The opening date for the water
park is top secret! But it’s rumored
to be this summer. Mulligan’s broke
ground on a 104-foot-wide water
structure with five water slides and
a water play area designed for kids
ages 3 to 13. The kids will love the
dumping bucket and water sprayers.
The water park is part of a fiveyear project to expand Mulligan’s.
The blaster boats were removed to
make way for the water park but
don’t worry – all the other popular
activities will still be there! The water park will be completed in five
phases; the last is a “Lazy River.”
Each year something new will be
added to the water park until it’s ful-
ly developed. Mulligan’s management says the water park will likely
be included in the cost of an all-day
pass.
Come see for yourself what
Mulligan’s has to offer and pick up
tickets for the upcoming Fellowship
Night on May 6 from 6 to 11 p.m.
(The next Fellowship Night isn’t
until Sept. 2.) Tickets cost $12.99
per person before May 5. Tickets
include all activities except the batting cages and come with two slices
of pizza and a soda. Dinner is served
from 7 to 8 p.m. Tickets cost $15.99
the night of the event if they haven’t
sold out by then.
The Country Western Hoedown
on May 14 is another chance to visit
Mulligan’s. The Hoedown will run
from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., with a barbecue buffet from 1 to 3 p.m. Tickets
are $19.99. Admission includes the
buffet and unlimited rides. Don’t
miss the live country music, square
dancing and petting zoo!
For further updates on the water
park and Mulligan’s events, check
out www.MulliganFun.com or call
951-696-9696 for more information.
(951) 461-3450
36
May/June 2011
Los Reyes
Mo’s Egg House
Checkerboard Deli
23865 Clinton Keith Road, Ste. B, Wildomar
Albertson’s Shopping Center
951.677.7177
www.losreyesbarandgrill.com
27405 Jefferson Ave, Murrieta
Albertson’s Shopping Center
951.506.7708
www.mosegghouse.com
36068 Hidden Springs Rd, Wildomar
Stater Bros Shopping Center
951.678-7808
There is nothing like a frosty margarita, chips
and salsa and a plate of good Mexican food close
to home.
Los Reyes offers authentic décor and a full bar
to quench an afternoon thirst, just what my husband
and I needed after a long day at work. I was excited
by the basket of red and green tortilla chips but disappointed because they lacked the flavor of a freshcooked tortilla chip. The salsa was tasty, though I
would have liked the option of a spicier salsa for my
chips.
After sipping my oversized margarita, nibbling
on the chips, I shared a nice-sized bowl of chicken
tortilla soup. The broth was light and refreshing,
loaded with shredded chicken, though slightly overcooked. I could not resist eating every last bite as I
am a sucker for cheesy tortilla strips in my soup and
there were plenty.
I was pleasantly full but that didn’t stop me from
eating a carnitas burrito, cooked to perfection with
tender chunks of shredded pork. I was not a huge fan
of the red sauce. (Next time I’ll try the green.) My
husband ordered a plate of sizzling fajitas, which
were delicious, and more than any one person could
eat. Before we took our first bite we were ready for
boxes, as the portion sizes were very generous. The
rice was perfectly cooked but the refried beans’ flavor was only average.
We managed to share a plate of fried ice cream
and homemade chocolate flan, authentic perfection.
Overall, the atmosphere was inviting and clean.
Los Reyes’ staff is friendly, the menu offers something for everyone, and it’s reasonably priced. My
only complaint is that the music was not the mood
I hoped for. Mexican music with a bit of rap was
overwhelming; traditional mariachi music would
have been more pleasant.
I look forward to trying Los Reyes’ enchiladas,
their Taco Tuesdays and happy hour at its new bar!
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 biscuit 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.
Checkerboard, in the Stater Bros. shopping center, is under new management. Stop by and say hello
to Frances Sullivan and her staff.
Checkerboard’s a wonderful neighborhood deli,
offering great sandwiches, soups, salads and desserts. You can purchase meats by the pound to take
home or pick up takeout food. Onsite WiFi is available.
You have a choice of 12 sandwiches, four salads
and six deli salads. The deli serves breakfast, with
seating for about 16 people.
The place is clean and quiet, with courteous service. We love pastrami so I ordered it on marbled
rye, and a Californian Turkey, Avocado, Bacon and
Cheese on sourdough. Everything was to our satisfaction. We rounded out the sandwiches with two
old-fashioned milkshakes, served in metal containers with whipped cream and a cherry on top. Mmm,
good! Checkerboard Deli makes all desserts in-house
and offers one of my favorite sweets, cannolis. We
brought cheesecake home.
Additionally the deli offers catering. I recommend you try it, as it’s close, affordable and good!
Sandwiches run $6 to $8.
(951) 461-3450
37
May/June 2011
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
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 mak-
ing 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,
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.
(951) 461-3450
38
May/June 2011
Is My Memory Loss Normal?
Have you ever forgotten where you put your car keys? Or where you placed your
checkbook? You shouldn’t worry that you may have Alzheimer ’s disease. It’s just a
little normal forgetfulness that we all experience from time to time, especially in our
fast paced, sometimes hectic world.
Have you or a loved one forgotten what the car keys are for? Or forgotten what
bank their money is in? This kind of memory loss may be a sign of a more serious
memory loss issue, not necessarily considered “normal forgetfulness’.
Memory Loss Is Not a Normal part of the aging process. True. While a little
forgetfulness is common across most age groups, memory loss that impedes one’s
ability to perform their usual ADL’s (Activities of Daily Living), is not ‘normal’.
As we age, our body systems slow down and become less efficient. This includes
our thinking and problem solving abilities. We require more time to learn new things
and more time to retrieve information that we have stored in our memory. We can’t
run as fast as we used to when we were 10. We slow down. Doesn’t it stand to reason
that our memory can slow down too? Our short term memory does not necessarily
fade with age. It just takes us longer to function.
Distractions and interruptions may cause memory loss and the ability to concentrate. Our six senses are not as sharp as they once were, and because we rely on them
to learn new things and help us remember things, we take longer to remember and
learn. If you have lost your sense of taste or smell, it will probably take you longer
to learn in that new cooking class. If you experience hearing loss, then you may not
receive all of the information in the lecture you are attending.
It’s ok not to remember everything. You can choose what you retain and store.
As for those things you would like to remember, recall or learn for the first time,
there are some common sense tips:
1. Memory aids and techniques: get organized. Keep a routine. (Place your keys in
the same place each day). Write things down. Even keep a journal.
2. Exercise: Your Body and Your Mind. We know we need to keep a regular fitness
routine. Exercising your mind with word puzzles, games, learning something
new, all helps too.
3. Good Nutrition and Hydration
4. Relax and ‘De Stress’: You know what this is for you: Listening to your favorite
music, taking your dog for a walk, taking time to watch the sun go down or getting a foot massage.
5. Talk to your Doctor: Stay informed and involved with your health
6. Stay Positive: This really helps!
Remember that wisdom comes from years of experience and memories.
Some of the information above, was obtained and compiled from educational
information provided from the Alzheimer’s Association.
Elizabeth Whittington, Owner, Operator, Lillibet’s Place Sr. Adult Day Care
Community Support Group Facilitator and Educator for Alzheimer’s Disease, and
other related dementia diseases.
(951) 461-3450
Reception and Book Signing
featuring Author Douglas McAllister
The Friends of the Murrieta Library
are hosting a reception and book signing celebrating author Doug McAllister’s recently published novel, The Sovereign Principles, on Friday, May 13,
2011, 4:00 p.m. to 6 p.m., at the Friends’
Corner Bookstore located at 39445 Los
Alamos Road, Murrieta, in the Murrieta Gateway Center at Los Alamos and
Whitewood Roads.
The public is invited to hear the
author discuss his scientific thriller,
how he came to write it, and plans for
the future. Books will be available for
purchase, and attendees will have the
opportunity to have them signed by the
author.
Wine, cheese and other light refreshments will be served. The event
is free to the public, though donations
to the Friends of the Murrieta Library
are welcome. This is a great opportunity to mingle with other booklovers,
talk with the author, and get to know
the Friends and their Bookstores, which
raise funds to supplement the programs
and resources the Library offers to the
community.
“We are so pleased to host this
event for the debut novel by a local author, and to welcome the public in our
Corner Bookstore. This store, and our
TownSquare Bookstore next to the Library, are key to the Friends ability to
support the Murrieta Library,” said Judy
Call, Friends President. “The Friends
were instrumental in bringing a Library
to the City of Murrieta, and since 1998
have donated over $400,000 to support
its services to our community.”
For more information about the
reception and book signing, call the
Corner Bookstore at 951-677-5350 or
visit the Friends of the Murrieta Library
website at www.murrietalibraryfriends.
org and click on Events.
Special Note: The Friends of the Murrieta Library hold monthly meetings on
the 3rd Tuesday of each month at 10 am
in the Community Room of the Murrieta
Public Library on Adams Avenue, between Juniper Street & Kalmia. Open to
the public, free admission. No meetings
are held in July and August. For more
information call 951.600.5724.
May/June 2011
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(951) 461-3450
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(951) 461-3450
May/June 2011