OUT OF THIS WORLD AT THE SAN DIEGO COUNTY FAIR
By Miriam Raftery Photos by Leon Thompson and Miriam Raftery Mayan Avitable, Nadin Abbott, and Serena Scaglione also contributed to this report June 10, 2012 (San Diego County) – It was a tough job, but someone had to do it. So we took a team of our reporters and photographers to a media night preview of the San Diego County Fair at Del Mar, which opened yesterday. We watched bungee jumpers, an acrobatic dog, and 4-H kids with pigs and goats. We savored our fill of fair food. Plus we met up with some East County participants–including Chief Don Butz and the Viejas firefighters, who showed off the shark-toothed, souped-up car they will be driving in the demolition derby on June 16. Here are our helpful hints and highlights for your fair-going enjoyment this season: Cheers! The San Diego International Beer Festival will be held at the fair June 22-24. Wine lovers can sample local wines daily at 4 and 5 p.m. in the San Diego Pavilion; tastings provided by the San Diego County Vintners Association. A summer concert series in the grandstands includes talent ranging from country music’s Kenny Loggins to Grand Funk Railroad. At “Area Fifty Fun” where space and sci fi enthusiasts will find space pop culture, an out-of-this world learning lab and “alien crash site.” Interactive exhibits simulate walking on the moon and viewing another galaxy. On the 4th of July, the celebration will include a hometown heroes parade and of course, fireworks. A Kids Festival will be held June 30, the same date as a Junior Livestock Auction. Animal shows include the Doggies of the Wild West Show, Turkey Stampede, World of Horses and the ever-popular Swifty Swine Racing Pigs. As always, the fair features two midways—the Fun Zone with rides for thrill seekers and a Kiddieland for younger fair-goers–and of course, carnival games! Youngsters can view livestock up close in the paddock areas. Also enjoy exhibits ranging from garden shows to crafts, arts and photography exhibitions, while enjoying free live entertainment throughout the fairgrounds, from music to magicians. Living out every kid’s dream for all the free fair food you can eat, our team of hungry eaters sampled deep fried everything (though the fried chocolate bacon wasn’t available for press – try it if you dare), along with grilled corn and my personal fairgrounds favorite, frozen bananas dipped in chocolate and rolled in candy sprinkles. I passed on the frog-legs and boiled lobsters –delicacies many lined up to savor. Looking for something healthy? Try the Greek salad or fruit smoothies. We shopped, strolled, slurped and rolled our way through the fairgrounds—trying out wares such as zebra toy rides to “scarfette” scarves with pockets. HINT: Pick up a “Passport to Savings” booklet for $5 on sale at the fair to save lots of money on everything from fair food to merchandise, as well as some attractions outside the fairgrounds such as Belmont Park, Knotts Soak City and Legoland. The fair runs through July 8 and is open Tuesday-Friday starting at 11 a.m., weekends and July 4 at 10 a.m. The fair is closed Mondays, except July 2. For more information, visit www.SDFair.com.
VIEJAS ROLLS OUT “SAY YES TO BOWLING!” FREE SUMMER PROGRAM FOR KIDS & TEENS
By Sierra Robinson June 8, 2012 (Alpine) – Looking for something fun, free and cool for the kids to do this summer? Your child or teen can receive a free bowling game each week-day this summer, along with bowling shoes, in Viejas Bowl’s new “Say Yes to Bowling” program. The fun starts in June and continues on through August. To sign up, just fill out the “Say Yes To Bowling” card (http://viejas.com/bowl/images/say-yes-to-bowling.pdf). Once registered, children should present their club card on their first visit to participate in fun and safe group activities. First game is free; additional games may be purchased for just $1. The program promises that no one is left out, or sits on the benches. Everyone is included in the activities. “Bumper bowling” is available for younger bowlers. Club members will also be eligible for prize drawings and will be eligible to participate in exciting group events. The program runs from June through August 31st, Monday through Friday from 12 noon to 6 p.m. and on Saturday mornings from 9:00 a.m. to noon. Viejas also plans on hosting a safety awareness program on selected dates to be announced. These will be given by the San Diego County Sheriff’s office, and all club members will be told about these scheduled events. Print out a flyer with coupon here: http://viejas.com/bowl/images/say-yes-to-bowling.pdf Learn more and view a live webcam of bowling fun here: http://viejas.com/bowl/ Viejas Bowl is located in the Viejas Outlet Center at 5005 Willows Road in Alpine. The center is also has a miniature golf course, arcade games, food court, and shopping at national-brand outlet stores complete with statues of local wildlife tucked amid streams, ponds, and wooded landscaped pathways.
SANTEE SUMMER CONCERT SERIES BEGINS JUNE 14
June 9, 2012 (Santee) – The city of Santee’s Summer Concert Series, now in its 29th year, begins June 14. Performances are every Thursday from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. through August 16, except July 5. The concerts take place at the Town Center Community Park at the north side of the San Diego River. The 9 concert series features the return of three musical acts that attracted sizeable crowds last year, as well as an eclectic lineup of 7 other bands that range from country to classic rock. New this year is a food truck rally featuring four of San Diego’s favorite food trucks each Thursday (except July 19) serving a variety of food and desserts. A special “Blues & BBQ” event featuring two of San Diego’s premier bluesmen, Stoney B and Bill Magee is scheduled for July 19 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Phil’s BBQ will be selling dinners and a beer garden will be provided by Elite Events. Here’s the concert lineup: June 14 – Destroyers, Navy Band Southwest – Premier contemporary entertainment ensemble June 21 – Emerald River – Country hits and Classic Rock June 28 – Upstream – Caribbean music, Reggae, Calypso, Soca and Steel Pan music July 12 – The Heroes – Great songs through all the decades July 19* – Stoney B Blues Band, The Bill Magee Blues Band – Chicago and Southern Blues played by masters July 26 – Three Chord Justice – Country with a little Bluegrass, Folk and Rock August 2 – Ramshackle – Playing all of your favorite classic and current Rock & Roll hits August 9 – Screamin’ Primas – Tribute to Louis Prima August 16- The Cat•illacs – Rock & Roll hits from the 50’s-90’s Visit www.ci.santee.ca.us for more details
COMMUNITY JOB FAIR IN SANTEE JUNE 15
June 9, 2012 (Santee) – Assemblyman Brian Jones is hosting a community job fair on June 15 at Santee City Hall, Bldg. 8, 10601 Magnolia Ave., Santee from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The event is hosted in partnership with the City of Santee, East County Career Center, Santee Chamber of Commerce and EDD. Participating businesses include Ace Parking Management, New York Life, Quality Controlled Manufacturing, to name just a few. For a full list of scheduled businesses please visit http://eccc.guhsd.net. Dress to impress in any interview and bring resumes.
WINEMAKER’S DINNER AT GINGHAM JUNE 12
June 9, 2012 (La Mesa) – On June 12 winemaker Linda McWilliams, from San Pasqual Winery, and Gingham’s executive chef, Ryan Studebaker will combine to create a specially prepared 6 course dinner designed to pair specifically with six of San Pasquals wines. Gingham is located at 8384 La Mesa Blvd., La Mesa. A meet and greet, featuring passionfruit mimosas, will be held from 6:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., followed by dinner at 7:00 p.m. The cost is $65 per person. Reservations can be made by calling 619-797-1922. MENU Meet & Greet- Passionfruit Mimosa 1- Oyster Shooter- Green Gazpacho, Grape; paired with ’10 Sauvignon Blanc 2- Smoked Lamb Tenderloin- English Peas, Creamed Leeks, Preserved Lemon, Salsa Verde; paired with ’10 Chardonnay 3- Seared Albacore- Artichoke "Agro Dulce", Confit Tomato, EVOO Bread Crumbs; paired with ’09 Cabbiolo 4- Fig, Buratta, Wild Boar Proscuitto, Balsamic; paired with Cask #4, Sherry 5- Beef Cheek, Cherry, Pistachio, Picholine, Fennel Confit; paired with ’09 Malbec 6- Cherries & Chocolate; paired with Tawny Port Visit Gingham’s website at http://www.ginghameats.com/.
BACKYARD SUMMER MOVIE NIGHTS AT GINGHAM’S EVERY WEDNESDAY
June 9, 2012 (La Mesa) – Gingham Restaurant is hosting Backyard Movie Nights on its patio, at 8384 La Mesa Boulevard every Wednesday beginning at 7:30 p.m. The show will go on rain or shine and the popcorn is free. Food will be available to purchase until 10:00 p.m. and themed cocktails will be available at the bar until 11:00 p.m. Following is the movie lineup: June June 13: Step Brothers June 20: Airplane! June 27: Jurassic Park July July 4: American Graffiti July 11: Up July 18: The Big Lebowski July 25: Dirty Dancing August August 1: Blazing Saddles August 8: The Graduate August 15: When Harry Met Sally August 22: Tommy Boy August 29: Forrest Gump Visit www.ginghameats.com for more information.
FETE DU VIN AT BLEU BOHEME JUNE 19
June 9, 2012 (San Diego) — Bleu Boheme is hosting an interactive wine event featuring the Niven Family Wine Estates on June 19 at 4090 Adams Ave., San Diego. The event will begin at 5:00 p.m. when, at 30 minute intervals 20 guests will be greeted in the lounge and taken on a 7 station tour throughout the restaurant with wine and food pairings. Each station will have a representative from the Niven Family Wine Estates and a member of the Bleu Boheme culinary team preparing an actual menu item. The event will give a different perspective of the wines, the company and the food selected to complement the wines. The cost is $75 per person. Reservations will be made every half hour beginning at 5:00 p.m. Call 619-255-4167 or visit www.bleuboheme.com for reservations.
SMALL FIRE DOUSED EAST OF JULIAN
June 11, 2012 (Julian)—A fire near the Rodriguez Spur Truck Trail and Pacific Crest Trail charred three to five acres east of Julian near Banner grade today, Cal-Fire reports. The blaze was swiftly extinguished by crews from Cal-Fire and the San Diego Fire Authority. Seven engines, four air tankers, three helicopters and two water tenders prevented the fire from spreading farther, Cal-Fire officials reported.