2008 Archives

  • Posted on November 15, 2008 at 7:55 pm
Still waiting to bundle up for fall in California
by Machel Penn
WHITE CHRISTMAS Machel Penn and Robin Shull enjoy the cold winter weather in Iowa last Christmas. Courtesy photo

WHITE CHRISTMAS Machel Penn and Robin Shull enjoy the cold winter weather in Iowa last Christmas. Courtesy photo

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I am sick of this hot weather. If you’ve seen me “around town” recently, you may have noticed I am decked out in suit jackets and double-layered clothing, which mostly happen to be black. I am trying my best to act as if this is really fall weather. I don’t know about you, but I love fall and winter fashion. So I’ve decided to ignore the temperatures and enjoy the heavier jackets inside my closet. One of my best friends happens to know how I long for winter weather. She just loves to give me the daily forecast each morning. If there are clouds, she says, “It’s going to burn off and be perfect weather.” Or I’ll get the call, “Are you hot over there in Rancho Santa Fe? I have my air conditioning on. How can you stand this heat?”

I can’t.

And, on that note, I am going to share with you some chilly winter memories from last year when I flew back home to Iowa for Christmas. You might ask, “What is so great about -15 degrees and a blanket of snow?” Well, the earth feels almost like it’s resting in the wintertime in Iowa. The sun does not come out. Think dreamy and cloudy. The gray colors loom across the white horizon. Icicles dangle from the trees while children sled down the sloped hills near their homes. Families are busy inside, nestled up next to their fireplaces, lounging around in comfortable clothes while escaping the cold weather. Imagine three meals a day over the holidays, with cracking mixed nuts and sipping on hot chocolate in between. When there is cold weather, you have more reason to stay in and read a book. Hobbies like knitting and doing 1,000-piece puzzles are still common in Iowa. You won’t feel guilty in the middle of the day if you decide to watch your favorite action movie, or play board games with your kids. You can take a nap and feel good about resting. (If you enjoy naps like me, keep it under wraps. You might be considered lazy out here in California.)

I know what you are thinking. Corn, that’s all there is back in Iowa. Not true. In the northwest corner of this state is a group of natural lakes called East Okoboji and West Okoboji. My sister’s family and my parents live on each of these lakes. In the wintertime, these lakes completely freeze over. Residents in this area actually drive their vehicles with tire chains so they can maneuver safely across the ice. They even have a polar bear plunge on New Year’s Day. No one seems to care in Iowa that the sunshine is continuous in California. This small town is filled with people that are used to the four seasons and actually enjoy the change of weather. Is it plausible that snow might actually be preferred in some of those “flyover states?” I can’t speak for anyone but myself, but I say yes! Yes to a white winter wonderland that is fabulously delicious, exhilaratingly cold and eye blindingly perfect. Yes to that hint of light blue smudged inside the gray sky outlining the white horizon. Life is cold and dreamy for me back there in Iowa. Don’t worry, I’ll make sure to call my girlfriend and brag about the -15 degree weather. I can already hear her voice over the phone, “Really? You don’t miss the sunshine?” Well, maybe just a little. Wink, wink.

AROUND TOWN On Oct. 17, Rancho Santa Fe resident Robin Schull celebrated his birthday in style at Mille Fleurs courtyard. Generation X arrived in style to enjoy fine food and appetizers on a warm Friday evening. More than 25 guests attended this festive party. Some of the guests were Melissa Williams, Sacha Boutros, Max Babelli and Janice Jaraicie. The highlight of the evening was when Robin’s Aunt, Laurel McCrink arrived, and piano player Randy Beecher sang happy birthday as the finale for the evening. A piece of German chocolate cake added just the right touch of splendor to the successful birthday celebration.

On Oct. 19th, Jill Drouin, one of my favorite bartenders in Rancho Santa Fe, competed in the U.S. Women’s Triathlon Series – San Diego, CA. More than $33,000 was raised to help fight ovarian cancer. More than 1,000 women competed on this huge day. Her mother, Janet Drouin, flew in from Canada for Jill’s big day. Jill has been training for this event for only three months and came in the 22nd percentile overall out of all of the women competing! Her next event will be the Carlsbad Half Marathon in January. Now she’s what I call rock star material. Congrats Jill on raising money to help fight cancer.

On Oct. 25, Tracie Lynn Imblum and Joel Steven Levine were united in marriage at 4:30 in the afternoon in an elegant ceremony at the Crosby Country Club. Only 75 guests were invited to their special day. White chairs were lined in a row outside overlooking the golf course, where guests took their seats. Tracie Imblum wore a stunning strapless cream wedding dress, accented by a flowing veil and two gorgeous dangling diamond earrings. The groom wore a cream vest jacket and tie in a classic black tuxedo. The flower designs were made up of calla lilies, orchid and red roses. After the ceremony, the guests moved inside to enjoy drinks, mingle and eat appetizers before the three-course sit down dinner. I felt very lucky to be invited to witness such a romantic and inspirational evening centered around love and family. The table of guests I sat with were quite fascinating and fun. Thanks for sharing such a wonderful evening.

Later that evening, Sacha Boutros celebrated her Grammy nomination while performing at the new Bing Crosby’s Restaurant, which recently opened in the Fashion Valley Mall. One hundred and fifty people vote for the first qualification for the Grammy nominations. Keep your fingers crossed that Ranch singer Sacha Boutros makes the final cut. Sacha has promised to keep me posted. In the meantime, you can take a drive down memory lane to one of the Ranch’s most infamous celebrities, Bing Crosby. This restaurant is right across from the Cheesecake Factory in Mission Valley. The atmosphere there is like that of a swanky 1940’s-style bar. There is no cover and Sacha will be singing there during the month of November. Call Bing Crosby’s Restaurant for more details. And for more information on the Grammy nominations, visit www.grammy/Grammy_Awards/Voting/.

On Oct. 27, while walking around the Morgan Run Golf Course, I spied three individuals fishing in the two man-made ponds across from Whispering Palms! The sun had set and they parked their car off to the side, hoping no one would see them. If my son hadn’t been with me, and it wasn’t already past sunset, I would’ve marched over and pointed out the large “No trespassing.” Lucky for them, I didn’t have their names to print in the paper. Next time beware.

The next morning at the Roger Rowe Elementary, parents could be seen in the lineup wearing witches hats and costumes, promoting the Halloween Carnival for the children. This takes commitment and time and I want to say thanks to all of the moms and dads who take time to make Halloween such an amazing event at Roger Rowe Elementary. The kids all get out early, dress up and march through the Ranch’s main drag for this festive fun holiday, then on to the carnival to enjoy rides, food, mazes and slides before packing up their “trick-or-treats” for the evening. This is definitely one of the highlights of the year for all of the children who attend Roger Rowe.

On Oct. 29, I was invited to the Pacifikai Salon and Spa on Cedros in Solana Beach. Proud owners Nikki Dawod and Viviana Camacho were there to welcome guests for their opening celebration. They brought in Kurt Ehrlich, a celebrity gourmet caterer from Los Angeles, to spoil the attendees with delicious appetizers consisting of salmon, penne pasta, Greek finger foods, and an array of pastries and coffees. No need to make dinner after this event. My son Jackson grabbed a couple of extra cookies for the ride home. This salon is only 15 minutes from Rancho Santa Fe. The specialties at this salon and spa are microdermabrasion, glycolic peels, eyelash extensions, haircuts and coloring services, eyelash extensions and much more. They are an all-service salon and spa offering many unique treatments to pamper yourself with now or for the holiday season. For more information, call (858) 720-0724.

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Writer/Marketing

  • Posted on August 3, 2008 at 1:09 am

Columnist Machel Penn

You can read my columns in the Rancho Santa Fe Newspaper. This paper is located in Rancho Santa Fe. My column is called: Machel’s Ranch. I feature different stories on what is happening Around Town, plus a personal story of my own opinion that either mirrors a current theme in Rancho Santa Fe, or reveals something personal within my own life.

The Rancho Santa Fe News has a website called: ranchosfnews.com. You can find some of my older columns located there.

This last week I featured a skydiving story, the Races in Del Mar and my meeting Julius Shulman.

The Rancho Santa Fe News is published by the Coast News Group. I have written fro them this year.

Prior to my joining this team, I wrote public relationship columns for CMC Publishing. Havel also written:

One full length novel-mainstream fiction

two children’s stories, THE ADVENTURES OF BABYJACK.

a LINE of inspirational greeting cards, displaying impressionist art.

Three Act Play, which was performed at the HBO Workspace.

THE FARM, story published in Southern Missouri Newspaper.

**Also head newsletters for high end company working primarily in Rancho Santa Fe.

***Copywriting and editing for press releases, cover letters, and advertising campaigns.

****On-line marketing strategies; research multi-media options; online newsletter campaigns, plus organizing fundraisers and charity events.

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An angel in Waiting, by Machel Penn

  • Posted on July 19, 2008 at 5:55 pm

Sometimes unexpected things happen in life. Like you learn something that you never thought you would. Your day happens against our plans. You step out into the morning light and find a new song is ringing in your memory. You discover that what you thought you lost along the way was something you never really wanted. You find out that this life you are living is just about the best chapter you could ever imagine. You see that rising above our own thoughts that tie us down to our illusions were really just like rocks. Unwanted heavy ones, the ones that are not beautiful, but the rocks that could wreck your car if you run over them. Writing? It’s like a roll of thoughts you let go. You find yourself. You go there and you discover later on paper what you have written. You see parts of who you are on paper…

I used to be a journal writer. I used to have that thing where I recorded all of my thoughts inside blank pages. But I have become a blogger. Turned into that type of writer who finally shrugs and says, okay to the computer all of the time.

It’s cloudy out and the Del Mar Races are in full swing. There are those right now getting ready for track day, for happiness, for beautiful horses running wildly in front of their eyes, those who feel so thrilled to be out and looking gorgeous. The outfits. The thoughts, the winners, the losers. Opening day is like something that you have to experience to understand why it’s special.

Wake up and seize something, anything. Be what you want. But be kind and loving, too. Don’t forget to let your heart open up to the less fortunate, those that need you…

Sometimes you don’t even know but you could be the angel someone has waited for….

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Around Town Fourth of July in Rancho Santa Fe

  • Posted on July 6, 2008 at 2:31 am

Well, I must say after going to the parade only a few years ago and watching it develop into such a fabulous event, like that small town middle-America feel I was quite impressed. With well over 5000 people in town, camping out with their umbrella for the all day barbeque just down from the Inn, I fetl utterly prowd to be an American, but more so to live in such a wonderful community. Kudos to all of those in town in Rancho Santa Fe who made such a gallant effort to make the event amazing. I shall make sure next year I bring my own umbrella and stay for the day. Who needs the beach in Rancho Santa Fe? Around Town, Machel Penn

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Top Ten Summer Reads~ Rancho Santa Fe News, Machel’s Ranch

  • Posted on July 6, 2008 at 2:26 am

Machel’s Ranch, plus Around Town

Top Ten Summer Picks

A few columns ago I had written my top ten favorite books to read for the summer. Due to a computer glitch I ended up sharing something more personal, which was the article on my parents departure. Now with summer officially here, the blazing sun forcing us to the beach or inside behind closed shutters and concealed doors, I thought what better time to recommend the books that have touched my soul.

Don’t think Harlequin novels. No. This is a list of my favorite books in my life. I am an avid reader. If you are just one of those types that long for a larger LCD or Plasma, skip this column and read ahead to the MOST WANTED LIST.

This is for book lovers only:

1. EVENING, by Susan Minot. The beginning of the novel starts with a mysterious conversation, where the two individuals are not identified. The opening chapter you find Ann, the main character of the novel on her death bed with cancer. The book is told in flashback during different periods of her life. There is one summer romance that will reveal who the mysterious conversation took place between at the beginning of the novel. This book is an intense read, dealing with death, life and love. Be prepared to feel and cry and want to read the novel one more time just to see if you understood it the first time around. Just make sure you don’t rent the movie.

2. PULL OF THE MOON, by Elizabeth Berg. The main character, Nan (approaching fifty) is holding a green rock in her hand, while quietly sobbing as her spouse is sleeping next to her in bed. Nan’s life has not turned out the way she thought it should. Take this witty journey with Nan and discover why we all might face a mid-life crisis at some point. Told in first person, find out what self discoveries Nan makes when she leaves home on a solo adventure. Fun, quick witted and endearing, one of my favorites still today.

3. CANNERY ROW by John Steinbeck. This is more of a short novella depicting some derelicts down by the waterfront in Northern California. Imagine the most descriptive fun loving characters laid out before your eyes and one ‘frog scene’ at a pond that will have you laughing with joy. My favorite paragraph ever written is found in this novel. Steinbeck depicts what happened when two boys rouse a vagabond down by the water. When the old man turns around, Steinbeck so epically depicts what the two boys see inside of the eyes if his soul. Heartwarming and realistic, this Steinbeck novel ranks over EAST OF EDEN and THE PEARL as my favorite novel written by the ‘master’ of the English language.

4. SUMMER LIGHT by Luanne Rice. Imagine that you have a child that can see spirits dangling over a man sitting in first class on a plane. Now imagine that plane going down in a crash landing. The hero is a famous hockey player, and the heroine is a mother trying to make sense of her daughter’s ability to see dead people. She wonders why she can’t just have a normal daughter that likes staring out the window. Find out what happened after they meet at the bottom of the yellow slide after the crash landing. One of the best beginnings to a book I have ever read. Luanne Rice is one of my favorite current authors. Pick up any of her novels for a good ‘summer read’.

5. The POISONWOOD BIBLE by Barbara Kingsolver. Follow a missionary’s family to the inside of the jungle in Africa during their civil revolution during the 1960’s. This book is told from the perspectives of the daughters and the mother. Find out what happens to their family and why you should always avoid ‘red ants’! The author, Kingsolver, examines the human spirit and how love and loyalty fall short inside this family drama.

6. THE GOOD EARTH by Pearl S. Buck. The vision of two white pearls wapped up in cloth stuck between brown bosoms has stayed with me because of the descriptive language used in this novel. This book was translated into 30 languages, won the Pulitzer and the Nobel Prize for literature. A must read at some point in your life.

7. CRADLE AND ALL by James Patterson. Put your religious beliefs aside to read one of fastest ‘page turners’ for me. Two babies are being born at the same time in the world. One is the Christ child and the other is the Anti-Christ baby. Which one is which and what will happen when they discover the truth? Scary and fast paced. Dark and decrepit, you won’t want to read this book before you go to sleep.

8. GREAT EXPECTATIONS by CHARLES DICKENS. Find out why money does not always by you happiness. Discover what Pip’s favorite time in his life ends up being and exactly why you never talk to strangers that could be ex-prisoners. This book reveals many universal truths through the lessons of the main characters.

9. CRIME AND PUNISHMENT by Fyodor Dostoevsky. This was a book that taught me to manage how to suffer through a culture, a murder and a conscience I didn’t quite agree with while reading the book. But the lessons revealed and what ultimately happens at the end of this novel ranks it in my top ten, even though I struggled with the beginning of a gigantic novel.

10. THE GREAT GATSBY by F. Scott Fitzgerald. Just because you had to read this book in high school doesn’t mean it’s not worth re-discovering. This novel is so brilliantly plotted; there is a reason it must be read. The metaphor of the green light at the end of the dock is some of the best imagery I have found inside the pages of a book. Forget about Daisy and Tom, didn’t you ever wonder what happened to Nick Carroway, the narrator?

AROUND TOWN

On June 13, The U.S. Open disrupted the normal flow of traffic and the regular crowds in Rancho Santa Fe. The Polo Fields were turned into parking lots and if you had to drive down Via De La Valle, you just had wait a little longer to make to the Five Freeway. The restaurants overflowed with visitors. If you are a local like me, you might have decided to stay in that weekend because the local hangouts were too busy managing the flow from the out-of-towners hanging around.

On June 13th, Gallery Savarese’s last show of the year presenting Harry Potter film Illustrator, James Salvati, was a big success! Patricia Savarese and artist James Salvati presented the winners of the Harry Potter ‘giclee raffle’ with “Harry & Hedwig” to Steve Blue and his son Ashton. Fifty people jammed into the gallery to view 25 giclee and original oils, sip wine and enjoy the hors d’ oeurves on Saturday, June 14. The show closed on Saturday, June 28. Cheers to fine art, Patricia Savarese and fabulous movies!

On June 14th, With School out and children looking for fun things to do this summer, I snapped this gorgeous picture of ‘best friends’ at the Rancho Santa Fe Inn. Holden, Reese MacDonald and Jackson Tuck enjoyed hanging out at the Inn, celebrating the beginning of summer fun. Mothers if you are looking for a two hour lunch you and your children can both enjoy, forget about driving to the beach with the Fair traffic. Meet your best friend at the Inn and enjoy a cold drink and some appetizers on a beautiful sunny day, while your children relax under the eucalyptus shades at the Inn.

On June 19th, I finally discovered “Hamburger Night” at Delicias. I sat in the bar area, while the dining room was packed with residents looking for a ‘good burger’ that doesn’t entail a drive-thru or a ketchup packet. The burger looked delicious and my niece was thrilled to dine in style in one of the most upscale restaurants in the heart of Rancho Santa Fe.

In the month of June, Doug and Orva Harwood, two of Rancho Santa Fe’s top realtors shared one of their new listings just down by the Ocean, called Leucadia Shores. They described it to me in their own words:

An exclusive private complex of mixed uses and experiences!

Leucadia, California

Imagine waking up in the morning, enjoying your coffee and the refreshing Pacific breeze on the private deck of your luxurious loft-style townhome. Then, conveniently heading downstairs to open the doors and welcome customers into your beach-city office or boutique. Leucadia Shores offers this convenience and much more! The perfect blend of natural materials, top-grade appliances and an open design create the indoor/outdoor atmosphere throughout these residences. The laidback lifestyle of Southern California is emphasized in the convenience of 8 commercial suites located directly on the 101. Whether your desire is to live within walking distance to awesome beaches, shops and restaurants, or to simplify life and save gas money these opportunities are waiting for you at Leucadia Shores . Please visit www.LeucadiaShores.com for more information and a virtual tour!

Residential opportunities starting at $995,000

Residential /Commercial Combination starting at   $1,095,000

If you have an event you would like Machel Penn to cover please contact her at mpenn@coastnewsgroup.com

Continue reading Top Ten Summer Reads~ Rancho Santa Fe News, Machel’s Ranch

Chocolate Covered Stawberries Hold Special Meaning

  • Posted on June 23, 2008 at 12:06 am
Chocolate-dipped strawberries hold delicious meaning
Machel’s Ranch

Machel
Penn
More Machel’s Ranch
My happy place in the Ranch
Saying goodbye all over again: my parents’ departure
June 20, 2008
Do you like chocolate-dipped strawberries? I do. I must say, before last year, to me they were a luxury item on a menu at some fancy hotel. I had never even eaten one.  Well, one year later, imagine me dipping almost 1,000 strawberries for charity. But I think the key in life is to remain honest, and while I thought the Hollywoof event was magnificent, the reason I  dipped the chocolate strawberries on June 7 in the kitchen with Katie Shull and my fiancé Robin, was for the spirit of Lemon Twist — their business that burnt down last year during the fires.

Rebuilding has been somewhat of a slow process, and I never knew a fruit stand could break someone’s heart. But each time I drive by it on Del Dios, my heart hurts just a bit when I remember it before the fires. Don’t worry, it’s being rebuilt, but it is taking time. Sometimes the greatest things in life take time, like dipping chocolate strawberries just the right way so they are perfect for their customer.

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Sunday and ready for the week

  • Posted on June 9, 2008 at 5:50 am

It was warm out tonight. So we took a stroll. We found a place to go. We went out searching for ourselves, our place and we found us there, looking at us from the inside out. Sometimes life shows you the signs. All you have to do is look. Look and you will see where to go. Got, it. Know when to say when in life.

Isn’t that the truth?

m

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Chocolate Strawberries for Charity

  • Posted on June 7, 2008 at 11:51 pm

Today I made almost 1000 chocolate strawberries with my fiance and his mother. They own Lemon Twist, a flower/fruit stand that burned down in the fires last October. Who knew that a fruit stand could break my heart, but every time I drive by there and see what was left after the raging blazes came through the Ranch I am heartbroken by it’s demise. However, it shall be rebuilt. In the process of permits and today Katie, Robin and I all worked together as team to celebrate Lemon Twist and to donate these delicious chocolate strawberries at the Hollywoof! event tonight in Rancho Santa Fe. $360.00 a ticket to $750.00. Robin and I will be working the booth. Just to feel the business back in some form or another has made me pleasantly happy today. Katie Shull started the business almost 30 years. It’s location has become a well known landmark affiliated with The Ranch community.

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KIWI AUDIO VISUAL- A Sophisticated Audio VisualCompany

  • Posted on June 5, 2008 at 2:53 pm

KIWI AUDIO VISUAL ON CALL SEVEN DAYS A WEEKKIWI AUDIO VISUAL-THE ONLY CHOICE in home automation and Home Theatres

           

            Do you need help understanding your home technology? If you are one of those people who have too many remotes or wires cluttering your family living area, Kiwi Audio is here to help you understand how to operate your home entertainment system.  Seven days a week, our knowledgeable, friendly technicians are on call to service your needs.

Established in 2000 by Alan Pickering and Willie Dent, these partners had one goal: to provide excellent service and responsibility to their clients and employees, which was substantially superior to what had been currently available in the industry. Kiwi’s motto—For you, We’ll fly—embodies their mission statement.

The force that has driven Kiwi’s success has been attributed to numerous referrals and satisfied clientele. Excellent customer service is why they have been around for almost ten years in Rancho Santa Fe. Our technicians are on call seven days a week to service our clients and others residents who might need help connecting their audio/video equipment.

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Around Town, June 6th issue, Randy Beecher’s 15th year celebration

  • Posted on June 5, 2008 at 4:22 am

AROUND TOWN, Machel’s Ranch, Ranchosfnews.com

On May 17th, I ventured to the Stump’s Market, alson known in town as the Village Market that beautiful Saturday morning. Right in front of the the store were two booths sides by side. Behind the first booth sat Grace Reynolds, with her mother, Patrice Reynolds. They were sitting there withe homemade chocolate chips and lemonade. They were all smiles as they told me about the trip to Uganda, Grace was rasing money for, which was the Santa Fe Heritage Children’s Foundation. On the other side, sat Bette Cope who was bring voting awareness to the Ranch. She said she was proud to volunteer for each political party to have a chance to register on such a glorious sunny day.

 

Later that evening, I ventured out with one of my ‘gal pals’ to the Rancho Santa Fe Inn. The sun was setting and the evening had the purple hue cascading across the lawn while we sat and enjoyed appetizers, while the sun set behind us. We happened upon Don McVay, who told us of how his three boys just loved to play at the Inn. The hotel is always nice enough to accommodate the parents there, while the children are able to run around the grounds, just in eye shot  of  mom and dad.  Zack, Michael and Nick posed for a brief moment while they were patiently waiting for their macaroni and cheese. In case you didn’t know, that’s one of their best items in the menu. I try to stay away from it when I can. But at least twice a month, I stroll up to the Inn for their delicious treat. I hope they don’t hate me for not touting the other dishes, but someone has to let the Ranch know who has the best mac ‘n cheese in town! Just ask the McVay boys…

 

On May 22nd, which is my Father’s Birthday, Over 300 people attended a gala event at the San Diego Air and Space Museum on May 22, 2008. Bob Jackson, who most know as one of the developer of the Bridges invited me to the event. Unfortunately,  ‘mommy duty’ kept me away. But he was nice enough to share this copy with me about the event: This was a joint venture by both the museum and The Distinguished Flying Cross Society to initiate a new exhibit at the museum. The exhibit, which will be interactive, will honor genuine American Aviation heroes with the centerpiece being the magnificent painting “Distinguished Flying Cross’ by the great American Master Artist, Ruth Mayer. The painting, which includes 22 aircraft, 29 people, and 21 actual DFC recipients, was donated to the DFC Society by Ruth and the original is currently displayed in the museum. Out of the 21 DFC recipients in the painting, fourteen of them are from Southern California, including eleven from San Diego County.  These are Dan King, Bob Jackson, Sid Zimman, Gen E. Yul Yoon, Armando Espinoza, Reed Phillips, BGen Cardenas, Chuck Sweeney, Michael O’Neil, Mac McWhorter, and Herman Herdt.

 

On May 23rd, Randy Beecher celebrated his 15th Anniversary as the main piano player for Mille Fleurs in Rancho Santa Fe. I met Randy almost three years ago and my life has never been the same. How nice to know I have a place that ‘knows my name’, while Randy sings. He has been kind enough, maybe too kind to let me share his microphone and sing some of my favorite songs with him, like ‘Somewhere over the Rainbow’ and ‘Moonriver’. But that didn’t happen on Friday night. Luckily his front row hitters were there to sing with him, while the Ranch celebrated with joy the fun Randy has brought to this elegant town. I happened to catch this gorgeous photo o that gen X crowd, Robin Shull, Melissa Willams, and Julien Hug. Isn’t she the lucky girl for the evening?  Some of the other guest who attended that evening was the lovely Sacha Boutros and the designer extraordinaire, Janice Jaraicie. Janice designs the chic brand Nelli, which can be found at the Bridges Boutique, or you can check out her website at nellieusa.com.

 

On May 24th, the party continued at Mille Fleurs, and Meredith MacDonald arrived one day fashionably late for the festivities. However, I don’t think Randy Beecher looked that unhappy at her tardiness. He looks rather fabulous next to Meredith, while I snapped this gorgeous photo of the two of them looking cozy that Saturday night.

 

 

One last reminder. Don’t miss out on this fabulous fundraiser: Save this date for Hollywoof! Coming to Rancho Santa Fe on June 7th, 2008. This festive event will be held at the Fairbanks Village Plaza in Rancho Santa Fe starting at 6:30 p.m. to midnight. This evening is will benefit the Helen Woodward Animal Center. This 20th Annual Spring Fling is inviting the guest to be transported back to the “Golden Age of Hollywood, when the Silver Screen actors were still real movie stars. Enjoy a night of bidding at the auction and sip signature martinis while the pianist accepts music requests from the lovely guests. Call now to reserve your seat at 858-756-4117 and ask for Julie Watkins, the event coordinator for this fabulous night meeting and mingling under the stars…

 

 

Coming up this June 15th is a day we must mark on the Calandars for our favorite best Fathers! Make sure you treat them to around of golf or a juicy hamburger down at Delicias. Well, that would be Thursday nights–hamburger nights. My son Jackson is finishing up second grade this summer and is about to board a plane to Iowa for one month. His proud Father Michael Tuck and I will miss him over the summer, but what fun he’ll have with Grandma and Grandpa. Luckily for him they have a three story house, not just a fifth wheeler!

 

 

Upcoming Events, June 17th: One of my favorite persons walking this planet is Patricia Savarese. Her splendid gallery is located on the 101 Highway just near Leucadia Blvd. Patricia was kind enough to donate some of her fine art piece to help me raise money for Leukemia a couple of years ago. Her taste in art is insightful and luminous. Her last event was right around Mother’s Day in May. But don’t miss the next one. Have any young children or even adults heard of Harry Potter? Well, on June 14th, the illustrator of the Harry Potter movies will be exhibiting his work at Gallery Savarese. Don’t forget to mark your calendars for this one, it’s one straight from Hollywood. Contact Patricia at savaresetoo@yahoo.com if you have any questions regarding this evening.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Continue reading Around Town, June 6th issue, Randy Beecher’s 15th year celebration