CHEAP CHIC: SAVOR A RESALE FASHION SHOPPING SPREE
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery September 22, 2008 (LA MESA) – If your budget is tight amid today’s rising prices, take heart! A fun way to shrink your clothing budget without sacrificing style is to treat yourself to a shopping spree in a delightful East County resale shop. My personal favorite resale outlet is Act II, which has two stores in downtown La Mesa, both on La Mesa Blvd. Printer-friendly version
HUNDREDS FLOCK TO JULIAN BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery September 21, 2008 (JULIAN) – “We’ve had at least 500 people here so far,” Dick Thilken, president of the Julian Lions Club said of the 38th annual Julian Bluegrass Festival on Sunday afternoon, September 21st. “Each day we’ve had six musical groups playing.” Besides officially scheduled acts, players from various areas joined in for some impromptu musical performances at California’s oldest bluegrass festival. “This is a jam session,” said Don Erickson, playing guitar along with musicians from McMammals and Chandler Station, groups from Orange County and the San Fernando Valley. Jammers on string bass, mandolin, banjo and tambourine filled the air with lively toe-tapping bluegrass tunes. Visitors stopped to purchase apple pie, baked goodies, kettle corn, hotdogs and barbecued chicken. Vendors included Debra Krup, owner of Funky Spun, who displayed caps and other items made from the fur of fluffy long-haired rabbits. “It takes six to eight hours to spin the yarn and two hours to make the cap,” said Krup, whose spinning wheel was displayed nearby. Presented by the Julian Lion’s Club, a member of Lions Clubs International, the event was co-sponsored by Taylor Guitars and Deering Banjos. Members of the El Cajon Heartland Lions Club were also on hand, pitching in to serve up food and provide information to music aficionados at the event. Dedicated to creating and fostering a spirit of understanding for humanitarian needs through volunteerism, community involvement and international cooperation, Lions clubs locally help support people with vision problems, the environment, seniors, youths and disadvantaged people. For information on next year’s festival, visit www.julianbluegrassfestival.com For information on Lions Club International or to find a local club in your community, see www.lionsclubs.org. Printer-friendly version
PHOTOS FROM OUR READERS & STAFF
Printer-friendly versionOctober 1, 2008 (EAST COUNTY) – BEST PICS FROM EAST COUNTY LAST MONTH Printer-friendly version
ALPINE BUSINESS NETWORKING ASSOCATION LAUNCHED
Printer-friendly version September 30, 2008 (ALPINE) – More than 50 business owners gathered at the Liar’s Club restaurant in Alpine Aug. 21 to celebrate the launch of the Alpine Business Networking Association ABNA). “`Fun in marketing’ is the key phrase to describe this organization,” said Greg Fox, president of ABNA. “What we are about is promoting the personal interaction of like-minded business folks coming together periodically to break bread and socialize and develop personal relationships with each other.” The nonprofit 501(c)3 organization’s mission statement is “to create and nurture an atomosphere where local small business owners, merchants, educators, bankers, health and other professionals and concerned citizens, by participating in the various group activities can render mutual support and promotion and ensure the strength of our local economy.” Besides social networking, ABNA offers other benefits to members. “Many small businesses don’t have a web presence,” treasurer Roger Garay observed. “We offer to remedy that by giving to those who become members a one page “mini” website that will be linked to our own.” A modest fee applies for the amenity, added Garay. The organization is not intended to replace, but rather supplement activities of the Alpine and Mountain Empire Chamber of Commerce, which recently expanded to encompass communities east of Alpine. Membership in ABNA costs $75 a year plus $20 event dues. All members must have e-mail addresses and be approved by ABNA’s board of directors. For more information, visit www.AlpineBusinessNetworkingAssociation.com. Printer-friendly version
PEOPLE POWER – WORLD’S LAST CASES OF POLIO?
Printer-friendly versionLocal Rotary Members Strive to End Global Scourge By Miriam Raftery October 1, 2008 (San Diego’s East County) — Polio, once the most dreaded childhood disease which killed or paralyzed millions of people, may soon be eradicated worldwide – and members of local Rotary chapters are eagerly pitching in to rid the globe of this silent killer. Since the World Health Organization (WHO) launched a global vaccination drive to end polio 20 years ago along with Rotary International, UNICEF and the U.S. Center for Disease Control, polio cases worldwide have fallen by 99%. Last year, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (established by Microsoft’s founder) gave $100 million to Rotary International, which pledged to match the amount and end polio worldwide. In 2007, over 400 million children received immunizations. This year, only a few hundred polio cases have occurred worldwide in just four countries (northern Nigeria, Northern Indian, and the Afghanistan-Pakistan border region). On a recent visit to La Mesa Sunrise Rotary Club, District Governor Pam Russell spied a basket of juicy peaches on the check-in table. Learning that a member had brought them in from her over-abundant tree as a gift for fellow Rotarians, Russell promptly dubbed them “Peaches for Polio” and asked members to pay 25 cents each. The basket was soon empty and La Mesa Sunrise was $15.00 closer to its share of the $100 million needed for the Polio Plus Grant Matching Funds. The next week, members raided their orchards and vegetable gardens: “Produce for Polio Plus” was born, adding $56 more to the fund. “We’ll see how we do when all we have are beets and broccoli,” quipped Club President Dave Roberts, “but this is a great way to reduce our carbon footprint by eating fresh, locally-grown produce–and raise funds for Polio Plus at the same time.” Addie Hankins, 2009 president of the El Cajon Breakfast Rotary Club (photo at right), has pledged to make supporting efforts to eradicate polio a high priority. She aims to double the club’s membership and involve members with youths in our community through a “Save the Kids—Save the World” campaign. “This makes dreams real for children,” Hankins concluded. To help with donations or to find a local Rotary chapter, visit www.rotary.org. Miriam Raftery, editor of East County Magazine, is a 25-year journalst who has won national and local awards for her investigative reporting and community journalism. If you are interested in syndicating or reprinting this column, please contact editor@eastcountymagazine.org. Printer-friendly version
THE ROLLING REVIEWER – AN ANTIQUE STORY
Printer-friendly versionBy Janelle Eckardt October 1, 2008 (La Mesa) — When considering a place and/or attraction in the East County to highlight from my perspective as a 20-something woman in a wheelchair, La Mesa’s long row of antique shops didn’t immediately rank high on my list. This is not to say that I don’t appreciate the fine crafts of generations past–I was raised in a household of jukeboxes, ice boxes, and radios the size of large robots–But after years of watching “The Antique Road Show” with my mother, I’m ashamed to say it is still beyond me to tell the difference between a hand-carved wooden horse from the nineteenth century and one carved in a middle school class by a kid with an acne problem. So I decided to roll outside my comfort zone and head off on a modern day treasure hunt. After all, who knew? One trip to the right antique shop, and I could potentially end up sitting on a lock of Lincoln’s hair, or a bar napkin scribbled with unpublished Beatles’ lyrics… A girl can dream, can’t she? I visited three antique shops this particular day, and all three are worth noting. Antiques @ the Village (8366 La Mesa Blvd.) has a significant collection of china and Asian wares; perhaps most notable is the grand display of antique jewelry at the front counter. Glass beads of all shapes and sizes reveal their age in their quirky colors and combinations. Peach, teal, and violet show respectably among diamond broaches and silver hair pins. Oh, how I’d love to play dress-up on a grand scale with the bracelets fit for flappers and wildly entertaining grandmothers. Yes, much of this jewelry is obviously vintage–often oversized and fabulously flamboyant–but let me remind you that vintage is “in”. Any little black dress would be proud to be accompanied by a truly original piece of jewelry with a story of its own. If you’re having reservations about committing to that silver bracelet with the turquoise flower burst, Larry is the perfect person to act as store moderator and shopping cheerleader. He is personable, accommodating, and a true salesman. The shop has a wheelchair-accessible entryway, and is moderately easy to navigate. The aisles seem to shrink the farther you go in the store, but I have no doubt Larry would be willing to rearrange any furniture necessary. Antique Alley (8320 La Mesa Blvd.) is most impressive for its rich collection of antique and estate furniture. Mahogany chairs with shapely legs and intricate carvings around the feet hint at times when grandeur was not something to snub one’s nose at. If old jewelry brought out the child in me, then one particular chaise lounge excited cliché feminine whims I’ve seldom humored. Its plush upholstery and sleek varnished frame were worthy of supporting the likes of Cary Grant and Jackie O; and while I dreamed of draping leisurely over it in some flowing gown, it is more likely that my dusty book collection would be the only thing enjoying the cushion. If you fancy the detailed woodwork of antique chairs but are not so keen on the dated upholstery, I suggest having the seat recovered with a material that suites your décor. As with mix-and-matching vintage jewelry with your wardrobe, a few old-world touches add complexity and perspective to any room. If retaining that old-world monetary value is what you’re going for, however, it might be best to suck it up and learn to love the gold paisley print adorning your leprechaun green velvet love seat. Antique Alley also has an accessible entrance, but the narrow aisles only allow a patron in a wheelchair to go about halfway back in the store. Turning room is limited as well, so I recommend asking for assistance if the space gets too tight. The third shopping experience is worth mentioning; though for the sake of discretion, I’ll avoid naming the establishment or proprietor. I’d like to say this shop has stuck in my memory for of the truly unique niche it’s found for itself in the antique market; but unfortunately, my visit was tarnished by the strange and rather offensive remarks of the store’s owner. Mid-day pleasantries exchanged, I was then blindsided by this question: “I’m sorry, but for legal reasons I have to ask. You don’t work for Mr. Pinnock, do you?” Mr. Pinnock, who? The owner explained that Mr. Pinnock, Theodore Pinnock, is a disability advocate lawyer who “goes around to small businesses and sues if they’re not handicap-accessible…” After going on about how Mr. Pinnock recently victimized the store owners of Julian with frivolous lawsuits, the owner was quick to note that “I (the shop owner) like handicapped people. In fact, I even have a couple handicapped friends.” “Okay,” I thought, “What year is this, and where am I?” In an attempt to calm my own fuming skull, I asked, “Do you ask all disabled patrons if they plan to sue you?” For which he replied to my accompanying nurse–he failed to make eye-contact with me the entire time–“No, no, I just need to know so I can be more accommodating.” Before my visit to this shop, I’d never heard of Theodore Pinnock. But now I know exactly who he is, and the work he does. It would be rash of me to write the shop owner’s remarks off as purely discriminatory and malicious. Mr. Pinnock’s legal tactics and true motivation for working on the behalf of the disabled community have raised many doubts and fears in the hearts of business owners nation-wide. Issues surrounding his code of ethics, or lack thereof as some might suggest, deserve a proper platform of discussion. I was only hoping that platform wouldn’t corner me in a dusty shop, and in serious need of coffee. All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed my day treasure hunting on La Mesa Blvd. I’ll continue to keep an eye out for that one piece of history that’s bound to make history for
IN SEARCH OF THE GREAT PUMPKIN
Printer-friendly versionOur Guide to East County Pumpkin Patches Article and photos By Daisy Sharrock Leon Thompson. Bear Padilla checks out pumpkins at Bates Nut Farm. There is something wonderful about autumn. Even here in East County, where the temperature dips only a fraction compared to much of the country, you can still feel a tinge of crisp coolness ushering in the holiday season. First up on the holiday roster is my family’s hands-down favorite: Halloween. Autumn makes me think of scarlet maple trees, pumpkin pie, grinning jack-o’-lanterns, hay rides and corn mazes, yummy pumpkin pie, costumes, and did I mention the delicious pumpkin pie? What’s not to love? This is family frolic at its best. Fortunately, East County has a great line-up of pumpkin patches with activities to make even the gravest ghoul crack a smile. So as your family gets ready to indulge this Halloween, be sure to check out one (or more) of these neighborhood pumpkin patches and join in the fun! Autumn makes me think of scarlet maple trees, pumpkin pie, grinning jack-o’-lanterns, hay rides and corn mazes, yummy pumpkin pie, costumes, and did I mention the delicious pumpkin pie? What’s not to love? This is family frolic at its best. Fortunately, East County has a great line-up of pumpkin patches with activities to make even the gravest ghoul crack a smile. So as your family gets ready to indulge this Halloween, be sure to check out one (or more) of these neighborhood pumpkin patches and join in the fun! Bates Nut Farm 5954 Woods Valley Rd, Valley Center, CA Phone: (760) 749-3333 (map) Bates Nut Farm is a delicious family favorite all year round. During October, the pumpkin patch will be open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. In addition to a wide selection of amazing pumpkins and gourmet nuts, other attractions include a hay bale maze, gift shop, snack and refreshment stand, picnic area, hayrides, face painting, pony rides and a petting zoo. Be sure to check out their other special events throughout October too, such as the scarecrow contest and the best pet costume! Oma’s Pumpkin Patch at Van Ommering Dairy 14950 El Monte Rd, Lakeside, CA Phone: (619) 390-2929 (map) Oma’s Pumpkin Patch boasts the best deals in town and includes a dairy tour hayride, petting zoo, maze plus access to Cottonseed Mountain. Open Sept 30th through Nov 1st, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Oma’s also sponsors the Pumpkin Patch 5K on October 25th with prizes for top finishers and best costumes! Summers Past Farms 15602 Olde Highway 80, El Cajon, CA Phone: (619) 390-1523 (map) If you decide to visit Summers Past Farms, you are in for a real treat. This local herb farm has a shaded outdoor coffee shop, two lovely gift shops, one full of handmade soaps and spa products, and the other offering garden wares, books and fairy paraphernalia of the most enchanting sort. The Pumpkin Patch Fair will be held on October 11th and 12th, with face-painting, popcorn, balloons, a morning glory maze, music, animals and more! Victoria’s Garden 13120 Willow Road, Lakeside, CA 92040 (map) Victoria’s Garden has it all. In addition to a wonderful pumpkin patch, it has a bouncy castle, a petting zoo, hayrides, pony rides, a flower maze and a farm shop. Open daily, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday through Sunday. Pinery Pumpkin Patch and Christmas Tree Farm 13421 Highland Valley Road, Rancho Bernardo, CA 92025 Phone: 858-566-7466 (map) The Pinery Pumpkin Patch is open from October 1st through 31st. It features a corn maze, hayrides, snack area, a coloring book full of useful pumpkin growing tips and a petting zoo. Wholesome Heritage Farms 21345 San Pasqual Road, Escondido, CA 92025 Phone: 760-746-8822 (map) Wholesome Heritage Farms pumpkin patch is open through October 31st, noon to 6 p.m. daily. There is a corn stock maze and petting corral, tortoise races, a picnic area and fresh organic produce. Mountain Valley Ranch 842 Highway 78, Ramona Phone: (760) 788-8703 (map) Mountain Valley Ranch offers a wide variety of pumpkins, farm animals, hayrides, a corn maze, spiced apple cider and other goodies for nibbling at their farm concession stand. Open daily in October, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Daisy Sharrock is a writer, photographer, and contented East County resident of three years. Printer-friendly version
EDITORIAL – BLUETOOTH BLUES
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery October 1, 2008 (San Diego’s East County) Legislators who voted to ban cell phone usage while driving obviously never tried communicating via a a hands-free device while traversing East County’s back roads and byways, where even normal cell phone service is spotty at best and often non-existent. I’m certain that if these do-gooders in Sacramento had to conduct their business in the boonies, they’d repeal the law in a nanosecond. Like countless other Californians, I dutifully stood in line for over an hour over the July 4th weekend to buy a hands-free “earbud” device at a local cellular phone store. The gadget felt uncomfortable in my ear and promptly caught on an earring. My sunglasses fell off when I leaned forward. After charging up the device overnight, I headed out on the road. The buttons were too small to use without ripping the gadget off my ear, holding it up and looking at it to click it on or off, defeating the whole point of a hands-free phone. But the reception was even worse. It sounded like calls had originated on Mars. So after a few days, I found myself standing in a return line along with other disgruntled customers. I tried to buy a Bluetooth flip-open device that a family member recommended, which seemed less awkward and easier to use. But the store had stopped carrying the product. So I ordered it online. Weeks later, I still had no phone. Turns out it was on back order. Pulling over every time the phone rang was tiresome and often impossible on winding mountain roads with no shoulder; several of my writing clients began grumbling that I’d become too hard to reach. Finally, after five weeks, my Bluetooth arrived. But the computerized voice command system had a mind of its own. “Call Mom” I commanded confidently. “Command not recognized” it countered. I repeated the order, but Bluetooth refused to cooperate. Then I spoke the full phone number, enunciating each number clearly. No deal.I still couldn’t call Mom! Giving up, I bent the law and dialed on my cell, then switched to Bluetooth to converse. The reception was garbled and Mom kept asking me to repeat every other phrase. By the end, I was shouting into the phone but eventually got the critical points across. Later I tried calling a friend. It sounded like she was standing in the middle of a wildfire, there was so much popping and snapping on the line. Giving up, I next tried calling my daughter. “Unable to recognize command with flip not open” the infernal machine said. “What do you mean, flip not open?” I groused. “It IS open!” I flipped it closed, then open, several times, resisting the temptation to hurl it out the window. No luck. By then, then battery had gone dead. So much for getting any business calls made. Next day, I set out in the back country again. This time, I instructed the infernal machine to “Call Leon” our magazine’s marketing director. “Did you say, call x!@#?” Bluetooth repeated, garbling the command into something unintellible. I repeated the instruction, but still couldn’t comprehend the muffled automated voice. Since when did robots learn to mumble? I shrugged. “Yes. Call Leon.” The robot dialed. “Mark Hanson here” our publisher replied. “Aaaaaagh!” I exclaimed, exasperated. “Sorry Mark, I wasn’t calling you. My Bluetooth can’t understand English.” Maybe you should offer an ESL class for wireless drones. At this point I was so distracted I nearly ran my car off the road, swerving to avoid a tumbleweed. So much for hands-free devices being safer. After three more tries, I finally reached Leon, who was also speaking on his new Bluetooth while driving on a country road. “Hello? Hello? I can’t hear you” he said. Then the line went dead. We reconnected several more times, only to lose reception each time either of us drove around a bend. By now, I felt driven around a bend by Bluetooth and let down by the promise of carefree, hands-free communications on the road. As a freelance journalist who spends many hours a week on the road, it’s crucial to have a way to reach editors, writers, people I’m interviewing, and others while away from home. Earlier this year, when Dad was terminally ill, family members had to reach me at a moment’s notice. Many other people have important reasons for needing to make or take calls right away — parents who leave kids with a babysitter, traveling business professionals, carpool drivers, to name a few. How many important calls will now be missed because of poor-quality of technology that just doesn’t meet the needs of rural residents or travelers? How many accidents will be caused by exasperated wireless phone customers? I’ve used a cell phone for years. I never had an accident resulting from cell phone usage. I don’t text message, and usually pulled over to dial, especially in heavy traffic. Those might be reasonable requirements. But I fail to see how merely talking on a standard cell phone while driving is any more distracting than listening to the radio, chatting with passengers or countless other activities. Who hasn’t driven one-handed while snacking, sipping a cup of coffee, glancing at a map or handing toys to cranky kids in the backseat? Should we ban all of these activities too? Of course not. I’m all for public safety. But frankly, trying to use hands-free communication devices that just don’t work in rural areas is far more distracting than simply talking on a cell phone with better reception. We already have laws to hold people accountable if they cause accidents due to inattentive driving. Why not repeal this discriminatory law hurting all cell phone users, and instead enforce laws already on the books for anyone whose careless use of a cell phone actually causes an accident? If you share my “Bluetooth Blues” then please call your state legislators and ask them to repeal this well-intentioned
People Power – On the Trail With the Rock “Doc”: Bringing Natural Science to Reservation Children
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery October 1, 2008 (Mesa Grande reservation) – Bouncing down a dusty dirt road with hairpin turns so narrow that we have to honk our horn to warn oncoming drivers, we descend past Lake Sutherland into a deep gorge. We emerge in a hidden valley—home of the lower Mesa Grande Indian reservation. The most remote tribal village in East County, Mesa Grande’s American Indians survived 19th century attacks that decimated more accessible tribes. We park in front of the tribal tutoring center, which doubles as a fire station. A throng of smiling children quickly surrounds us, eager to greet Eleanora “Norrie” Robbins, PhD—better known as “Doc.” “This is the plate boundary during the Cretaceous Era, the time of the dinosaurs,” says Robbins, pointing to a fracture in a vertical rock face rising behind the tutoring center. In other words, we are gazing up at the collision site of two ancient tectonic plates—similar to the better-known San Andreas earthquake fault. Robbins is here to lead a Science Explorer’s Club class as part of a program that she founded several years ago. Today, she teaches natural science skills to youngsters at nine of the 19 Indian reservations in San Diego County, also bringing other scientists to serve as role models for the children. “Our pipeline here is really working. It’s mind-boggling,” she reveals. One of her former students recently became the first student from the Mesa Grande band to be accepted at the University of California, San Diego. Three more have graduated from Explorers’ Club to Young Native Scholars, a program that points reservation teens towards college. Four more now have science-related jobs with their tribal Environmental Protection Agencies. Robbins’ fascination with Indian culture and a love of the outdoors began as a child, when Robbins read books by Ben Hunt on how to make arrowheads, canoes, and other replicas of Native American artifacts. “So I decided when I was ten that I wanted to become an Ojibway Indian,” she recalls. “That eventually morphed into wanting to be a geologist.” After serving in the Peace Corps in Tanzania, Robbins joined the U.S. Geological Survey, where she worked as a geologist for 34 years. While living in the Washington D.C. area, she became a “Point of Light” under the first Bush administration, founding a program for children along Oxon Run Creek in Anacostia. Calling this `What’s under your Feet?,’ she led these inner city urban youths of Washington, D.C., into the creek of her childhood. “This was the first integrated neighborhood in D.C.,” she says. “My parents raised me to believe in diversity.” Later, under the Clinton administration, she drew inspiration from Vice President Al Gore to foster support for protecting the earth and its resources. When her husband, an avid golfer, suggested moving to San Diego, Robbins seized the opportunity to fulfill a dream of her own. “I had been asking why are there no Indian geologists,” she recalls. When a social worker with the Bureau of Indian Affairs informed Robbins that the reason was a lack of role models on reservations, Robbins made a resolution. “I said fine, when I retire I’m going to be a geologist role model on the reservations.” Robbins teamed up with Eric and Dawn Riggs, a geologist and historian couple, to create an outdoor science experience for children on local tribal reservations. After becoming an adjunct faculty member at SDSU, Robbins began her first program at the La Jolla Indian reservation. “Elder Henry Rodriguez at La Jolla said, `Turn these Indian children into hydrologists,’ she observes, adding that La Jolla is one of the only Indian bands in San Diego County that owns water. “Henry fought for their water rights all the way to the Supreme Court.” With his support, Robbins was soon able to expand her program and win funding through a National Science Foundation (NSF) grant to cover her mileage and equipment, which is shared with the tribes. Her program also helps fund Young Native Scholars and provides money for Indian youths to work for the tribal EPA offices and take courses in science, technology, engineering and math. “In this culture, you do not move away and leave your mom’s,” she notes. “There are science jobs on the reservations, so moms are excited and the tribes are pleased.” Thanks to funds from Hewlett Packard, UCSD, and NSF, all reservations in San Diego County now have high-speed Internet at tutoring centers, tribal offices and even some homes, creating a virtual tribal digital village to foster learning. Doc captures children’s attention with lessons that include panning for gold and crystals, digging for water, discovering where rocks come from, bugs and butterflies, and the `great lizard hunt.’ “Sometimes it’s so exciting, we keep going after dark and use our cell phones to see,” Robbins says. One of her biggest challenges arose after the 2003 Cedar Fire, which destroyed homes of some of her students and their families. Robbins and her teacher friend, Maria Catalina, an Apache Indian, created a class called “Amazing Ash,” encouraging children to study the colors of ashes, collect and display salvaged objects and create posters as part of a “Spirit of the Land” conference sponsored by Viejas. At lower Mesa Grande, Cindy Rivera heads up the tutoring center. “There are about 90 people living down here, and another 30 or 40 up top,” she says. Rivera joins us for this month’s Explorers’ Club outing. Norrie outfits 11 eager children, ages 6-11, with gear including backpacks, magnifying glasses, shovels, and water. “If we see mountain lions, remember, hands up and get big!” she exclaimed, leading the children in an exercise on how to ward off predators. This is no idle drill. The big cats have been spotted recently in this valley. After a brief training, Robbins informs Thunder Lopez, age seven, “You are now authorized to use this $250 camera.” The announcement elicits a broad grin. At the children’s suggestion, we embark on a berry-picking excursion. Robbins teaches the youngsters
A PURR-FECT PLACE
Printer-friendly versionAt new Tiger Trails haven in Alpine, rescued tigers run, swim for first time By Miriam Raftery September 17, 2008 (ALPINE) – Q: What happens when you take four captive-bred tigers and turn them loose in a facility large enough for them to run freely for the first time? A: A cat-aclysmic event complete with romping, frolicking and caterwauling, much to the delight of media members and donors invited to watch the grand opening of Tiger Trails in Alpine. View our short video clip. Designed as the ultimate big-cat playground complete with tiger pool, climbing structures, sunning ledges, waterfalls and grassy expanses, Tiger Trails is a dream come true for Bobbi Brink. She is founder and director of Lions, Tigers and Bears, San Diego County’s only state- and federally-licensed Exotic Cat Sanctuary. On October 4th, the haven will host Between the Stripes, a fundraiser featuring silent and live auctions, dinner, and “up close and personal” visits with the big cats. “I’m like a kid in a candy store,” Brink said in anticipation of the tigers’ release into the new enclosure, which was built with donations from community members and volunteers. Visits are restricted to members by appointment only—a treat for guests who get “up close and personal” views and in some cases, an opportunity to feed tigers, lions or other big cats with special feeding poles. Raja and Natasha, the first two tigers turned loose in Tiger Trails, were rescued by Brink from an owner in Texas who kept them confined in a six by twelve foot cage with no shade or shelter. “They had to step over each other just to get food,” said Brink, a horse trainer who worked at a similar rescue facility in Texas before acquiring land in Alpine. Natasha was pregnant when acquired and gave birth to Sitarra and Tabu soon after her arrival, although Lions, Tigers and Bears is a no-breed facility. Here, the tigers lived in larger cages with shelters, received limited exercise and toys, but never had room to run freely—until now. Ten-year-old Natasha sauntered in and broke into a run, clambered onto rocks and sprawled out beneath the shade of a climbing structure, gazing up at blue sky without bars to obstruct her view. Raj, 11, surveyed the perimeter, entered a cave and peered out at visitors from behind a water fall. Later, the 550-pound male Bengal tiger dipped a cautious toe in a wading pool, then plopped down in the cool water. The five-year old cubs frolicked more boisterously than their parents, playing like over-grown kittens before one discovered the pool and jumped in. Talk about making a splash! Later Raj, too, dived in. The tigers’ body language and expressions epitomized sheer joy – like a housecat savoring a catnip mouse – as they swam and splashed beneath water spilling off surrounding rocks. Established five years ago, the non-profit organization recently received permit approval to build a second exercise area, more big cat enclosures and an educational facility on the 200-acre site. Lions, Tigers and Bears currently has a veterinary surgery center as well as enclosures that house three young lions, a leopard, bobcat cubs, a serval, four tigers and the latest addition, a mountain lion. Unlike most animals here, the mountain lion had not been captive, abused or injured. But after the lion repeatedly leaped fences to attack dogs, then wandered into a schoolyard, Fish & Game Authorities captured it and first considered euthanizing the animal before allowing Brink to offer the lion a permanent home. “We can’t let the mountain lion or the leopard into Tiger Trails,” said Brink, explaining that those animals could climb out. Ultimately she hopes to raise funds to build a second enclosure designed as an exercise area for climbing cats, including small felines such as bobcats as well as mountain lions and leopards. Lee Yacullo, a volunteer who gave up working shows at the Wild Animal Park to assist Brink with rescue work, wasn’t sure how the tigers would react to Tiger Trails—particularly Natasha, who was declawed by a former owner and has problems with her paws. But after watching the big cats in action, Yacullo exclaimed, “To see them run – that was just beautiful!” For more information on becoming a member, volunteering, donating or attending the October 4th fundraiser, visit www.lionstigersandbears.org/pages/events/events.php or call (619)659-8078. You can also find information on this and other events at our calendar our calendar. Editor Miriam Raftery is a national award-winning journalist and owner of two housecats who would no doubt view Tiger Trails as the ultimate cat’s meow. Printer-friendly version