“You may call me Sir”

Rascal was our favorite to win in the Ugly Dog category at the Del Mar Ugly Dog contest last Sunday, and win he did! To the delight of Rascal’s owner Dane Andrew, Rascal (a hairless Chinese Crested) won the coveted title of 2010 World’s Ugliest Dog.

Last year, tiny Rascal with his perennial bad hair day, was overshadowed by the towering behemoth Chomper, a mutt of dubious dental hygiene. SanDiegoSunCoast.com sponsored the Ugly Dog Category, so I had the honor of presenting the winning trophy to both Rascal and Dane. Victory never looked so good!

Atta Boy Rascal!!!!

Video taken by Petopia.tv (from our very own Del Mar!)

Passing through Carlsbad along  I-5 this time of year, you’ll notice a sea of a different color. The Flower Fields of Carlsbad cover the hills in a blaze of technicolor.   Over 50 acres of brilliant blooms with a backdrop of vivid blue ocean, and you’re invited to take a walk through the kaleidoscope.

Stroll through fields of alternating stripes waving  a floral version of Old Glory in red, white and blue Anemone flowers.  Lose yourself in the Sweet Pea Maze, see more than 20 varieties the legendary Ecke Poinsettias. More than 50 different kinds of miniature roses bloom in the All American Rose Selection (AARS) garden, one of only 130 AARS accredited public rose gardens nationwide.

Check out these special events…

Kids Day - March 27th, featuring sledding (in real snow?!) arts & crafts, puppetry, theater, and more.

Arts & Crafts Fair – April 10, 11, 17 & 18

Music - Bluegrass on Saturday April 10th,  Blues on Saturday, April 17th.

Photography Workshop – April 18. Participate in a free  macro workshop

Red Hat Ladies’ Day & Style Show – Saturday, April 24th

Mother’s Day Celebration – May 9th

Flower Shows – Orchids at the Flower Fields (April 23-25), the Spring Rose Show (May 1), and the Bonsai Show & Sale (May 8-9).

Master Gardeners – April 10, 17, 24 & May 8.

The Flower Fields are open seven days a week, from 9 AM to 6 PM.  Tickets are $10 for adults, $9 for seniors, $5 for children ages 3 – 10, and free for children under 2.

Poetry in motion

Coastal Del Mar is steeped in equestrian history. From thoroughbred racing to polo ponies, cowboys to dressage, hunter-jumpers  to pleasure riders,  all share a common bond – a deep love of horses. Since its inception in 1946, the Del Mar National Horse Show has steadily grown to become one of the most prestigious equestrian competitions in the Western United States. This years event, held at the Del Mar Fairgrounds, will bring even more excitement to the coast!

Over 1,500 horses of every breed and training are expected at this eagerly anticipated event.  Some of the best competitors in the nation will be vying for prize money, coveted titles, ribbons and trophies. Purchase tickets – Official Show Site. The competition is broken down into three categories, and will run over a three week period…

Western Week  – April 22 – 25

Dressage Week  – April 29 – May 2

Hunter/Jumper Week  – May 4 – 9

Need a new Stetson to go with your chaps? The Wild West Expo preceeds the Del Mar National Horse Show April 16th to 18th, with three days of Western themed antiques, art, clothing, leather goods and jewelry for sale. Patrons will be able to peruse everything from Western Americana to Contemporary Western couture with lots of premier exhibitors on hand at the Bing Crosby Exhibition Hall, also at the Del Mar Fairgrounds. Specialty antiques dealers will be showcasing Native American, Vaquero and Cowboy art, memorabilia and finery, as well as photography and furnishings.

Top photo from Fotolia, bottom  photo from Wild West Expo

]]> http://sandiegosuncoast.com/2010/03/10/del-mar-national-horse-show-2010/feed/ 0 http://sandiegosuncoast.com/2010/03/10/del-mar-national-horse-show-2010/ http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/SanDiegoSunCoast/~3/cIvciZ3D9PI/ http://sandiegosuncoast.com/2010/03/05/youre-on-an-1800s-revenue-cutter-when-she-fires-her-guns-in-the-dead-of-night/#comments Fri, 05 Mar 2010 21:28:40 +0000 Sandi Beach http://sandiegosuncoast.com/?p=12580 Click here to view the embedded video.

Imagine for a moment if you will… You’ve won the 33rd America’s Cup Race and you’ve just returned home to the US, victorious and celebrated. You are minding your own business and an 1847 behemouth of a tall ship sneaks up on you and fires her guns across your bow.

WHAT DO YOU DO? You celebrate!

NOTE: We edited out the part where Jocelyne almost dropped both herself and her camera into the water after the first reverberating shot. You can hear the gigging in the background…

Spring is near & romance is in the air sea…

Spike and Mike (of Sick & Twisted animation fame) are debuting ‘New Generation Animation‘, a collection of mainstream award-winning (Cannes, Academy Award nominee, Comic-Con…) cutting edge animated shorts. Don’t miss their critically acclaimed ensemble of the best and funniest  international animation shorts from around the world. Talents include Bill Plympton, PES, The Town Called Panic team and many more. Avant-guard meets clever with a twist!

For a VERY LIMITED ENGAGEMENT at the Museum of Contemporary Art – La Jolla. Prices are very reasonable considering the on-screen talent, only $15 per person, or $12 per person group rates for 4 or more. Show times are:

March 5th – Friday – 7:30 PM and 9:30 PM → That’s TONIGHT!!

March 13 & 20th  - Saturday – 7:15 PM & 9:30 PM

TO SEE WHAT THE SHOW WILL BE LIKE, CLICK HERE → New Generation Preview

“I’m ready for my closeup Mr. DeMille…”

Chomper - 2009 Winner Ugliest Dog

The 15th Annual Ugly Dog Contest is back this weekend at the Del Mar Fairgrounds, and this year, it’s going to be bigger than ever. It’s even rumored that National Geographic will be there! Hey, Animal Planet was there filming last year… Worried it might rain? No worries! The show is being held under the dry roof of the newly roofed Activity Center. (TIP: This is the big covered pavilion that also houses the rodeo shows, monster truck showdowns, ostrich races, etc.)

Last year, the grounds were packed! Competition is stiff in the ‘Ugliest Dog” catagory, as well as Cutest, Most Handsome (our pal Wilson won it last year,) Most Beautiful, Dogs That Look Most Like Their Owners, Best Costume, Best Trick, and many more. Pet oriented businesses and shops will be on hand to offer suggestions on the perfect accessory, food, health and wellness programs for your beloved Fido or FiFi. For $8 per adult, and $2 for children under 12, we can’t think of a better (and funnier) way to spend a Sunday afternoon!

Official Site of the Ugly Dog Show – Times & Events

2009 Ugly Dog Contest – See photos of last years contestants here!

“Ah, springtime… [it comes early in San Diego]

Romance fills the air…”

In America’s Finest City, we can’t be bothered with seasons. We just have Spring & Summer. Period. We don’t need the other stuff. Who needs leaves turning red, when you have fiery red & gold sunsets over the Pacific? Or crunchy cold snow, when you have soft warm sand? With miles of beckoning coastline, romance is just a beach away.

Here’s our  top 10 romantic beaches [and what to do when you get there]

Starting with #10 and making you wait for #1…

10. South Mission Beach – As the sun sinks toward the waves, the kiddos pack up and leave Mission Beach with their families, leaving a long boardwalk, a peaceful sunset, and the bright lights of the beach-side amusement mecca, Belmont Park.  Unlike the daytime, dusk in Mission Beach becomes downright tranquil.  At the south end of Mission Beach, plentiful parking is available in a  large public lot.  Bonfire pits along the Mission Bay channel provide a front row seat as boats head in and out to sea.  Looking for a bite?  Eateries are mostly located in the central area of Mission Beach, where you can visit the traditional favorite Saska’s Steak & Seafood ($$), or hit the WaveHouse Bar & Grill ($) where you might find a quiet corner on their large patio and listen to a little live music.

9. Pacific Beach – Crystal Pier – Crystal Pier offers a quiet stroll while open to the public during daylight hours.  One benefit to the sunset above the sea is the amazing golden glow it casts back along our waterfront.  Watch PB light up with the setting sun as dusk falls.  Afterward, keep your ocean view with a stop at the chic JRDN ($$$) on their patio located off the boardwalk at the Tower 23 Hotel.  For more frugal fare, check out World Famous ($$) just 5 blocks south of the pier, with fresh seafood and excellent cocktails.

8. Del Mar – City Beach – There is always something going on in Del Mar, and the perfect end to a day is an easy stroll along the walk-out beach.  Check out the view up the coast from Powerhouse Park, as well as the variety of sand-level beach front homes (a rarity in North County.)  Afterward, splurge on a nightcap at L’Auberge ($$$) or stay beach-side and continue to enjoy the waves from the patio at Poseidon($$)

7. La Jolla – Coast Boulevard Park – They don’t call it the ‘Wedding Bowl’ for nothing!  This narrow grassy park along Coast Boulevard has panoramic views of the reefs and beaches south of the Children’s Pool.  Pack a picnic basket & blanket and enjoy a breathtaking sunset. Or walk a few blocks into the Village for refreshments at one of many popular eateries, such as Roppongi ($$$) for an indulgent Asian treat.

6. Oceanside Pier – We’re not sure what it is about a pier that’s so romantic.  Maybe it’s the easy pace, enjoying a walk above water and watching the skyline recede as you walk with someone special.  Maybe it’s feeling of a walk back in time as you tread the worn boards underfoot.  Regardless, Oceanside’s pier is one of our top picks.  Extend your stay & enjoy refreshment from Ruby’s Diner ($) at the end of the pier, or head back to shore for a special evening at 333 Pacific ($$$)

5. Carlsbad – Robert C Frazee Beach – Romance is often times spontaneous, and this beach has amenities to accommodate your mood.  Whether you feel like a stroll in the sand or a tour along an oceanwalk path [or both,] Frazee can meet your needs.  Stay at street level and walk along Highway 101 on several miles of sidewalk that overlook the beach, or head down to walk in the sand at one of several access stairs.  After your stroll, head to Carlsbad Village and ‘go French’ at ultra-romantic Le Passage ($$$) or cross 101 at Tamarack to Vigilucci’s Seafood & Steakhouse ($$) for ocean view dining.

4. Ocean Beach – Sunset Cliffs – Sunset is a magical time of day, and there’s no better place to watch the sun make its final fiery descent than at Sunset Cliffs.  You won’t find a beach here [except at low tide] but there’s plenty of space atop the towering bluffs to have a seat, and watch Mother Nature at work.  Impressive waves churn below the golden rocks, and surfers always impress with their determination & skill.  Bring a picnic to fortify yourself, or stop by one of OB’s growing selection of wine bars such as The Vine ($$) or 3rd Corner ($$) as you head back to civilization.

3. La Jolla – Torrey Pines – If you’re looking for a peaceful escape, Torrey Pines State Reserve & Beach delivers.  Enjoy the bluff-top trails, or walk along the beach.  At lower tides, you can continue south in the direction of Black’s Beach, La Jolla’s unsanctioned nude beach.  [Participation is by no means mandatory, and you risk a fine, as law enforcement increases in the area] Crowds dwindle as you make the long trek, and you may very well have a stretch of beach all to yourselves.  There’s no dining in the immediate area, but if you drive just north to Carmel Valley Road, charming restaurants will welcome you. Eda-mami ($$) often has sushi specials, and Iris ($$) features some well conceived signature drinks & plates.

2. La Jolla Cove – Want to impress?  The Village of La Jolla is the place to begin.  Step back in time to the Cave Store and descend into the mouth of Sunny Jim’s Cave.  There’s even a marriage proposal etched in the handrail!  [TIP: Don't go during low tide, it gets  a little pungent  from the fauna] Continue your walk around the point through Scripps Park and down to the much photographed La Jolla Cove.  At this popular destination you probably won’t have privacy, but the cozy beach is a romantic spot regardless.  Near the Cove, Brockton Villa ($$) offers dining with a marvelous view in one of the original dwellings of old La Jolla at a reasonable price. Over at La Valencia’s Sky Room ($$$) rise above it all to an elite romantic get away, with stellar views of the coastline.

1. Coronado – Hotel del Coronado Beach – Coronado Beach, our number 1 pick, ranks in the Top 10 Beaches, nationwide. The beloved ‘lady of the beach’, the historic 1800’s Hotel del Coronado sits upon the shore, continuing her legacy of romance and mystery.  The white sandy beach stretching in front of the ‘The Del’ is perfect for a meandering stroll or a spot to take in the expansive view.  The epitome of fine dining, 1500 Ocean ($$$) awaits as the quintessential romantic restaurant. The Sheerwater ($$) offers eclectic dining on the oceanfront patio, tucked against the historic white clapboard of the hotel, or overlooking the beach complete with fireplaces.  Don’t forget the Del during the winter holiday season, when their ice rink makes for a truly unique San Diego experience with ice skating at the beach!

]]> http://sandiegosuncoast.com/2010/03/01/top-10-romantic-beaches-in-san-diego-county/feed/ 0 http://sandiegosuncoast.com/2010/03/01/top-10-romantic-beaches-in-san-diego-county/ http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/SanDiegoSunCoast/~3/5A9NBQeARaY/ http://sandiegosuncoast.com/2010/03/01/americas-and-carlsbads-olympic-golden-boy-shaun-white/#comments Tue, 02 Mar 2010 04:21:08 +0000 Lance I'mstrong http://sandiegosuncoast.com/?p=12520 Click here to view the embedded video.

What does it mean to be a snowboarder?

“It’s about having fun, with your friends or by yourself. It’s about pushing yourself to try new things and do the unexpected. Finally, and most importantly, it’s about being creative.” (ShaunWhite.com)

Who is Shaun White? He’s a snowboarder, a skateboarder, a surfer, a product & clothing designer, a philanthropist…  He is 23 years old.

On snowboarding… Since he first stepped into the bindings on a set of skis at age 4, the momentum began and has never stopped for Carlsbad’s native son.  First skiing then snowboarding, once he hit the slopes there was no slowing his roll.  Shaun entered his first snowboarding competition at the age of seven. He won.  Earning a wildcard position in the Nationals, he placed just outside of the Top 10.  Obviously he enjoyed finding a spot on the podium, and as he continued to compete, it would be rare that he didn’t claim a medal.  After seeing a home video of Shaun on the slopes, Burton began sponsoring him, and within five years he went pro at the young age of 13.

On skateboarding… Shaun was spotted at a skate park at age nine by equally legendary Carlsbadian, Tony Hawk.  [Shaun's hard to miss with his mane of red hair, and has been dubbed The Flying Tomato.]  Beginning a long-standing mentorship with Hawk, Shaun went pro in skateboarding at 17.  He became the first athlete to compete and win a medal in different sports in both the Summer and Winter X Games.

On the Olympics… Flash to mid February – Vancouver, Canada, at the Winter Olympics. Shaun won his second gold medal in the Men’s Halfpipe.  He swept the competition, but rather than palying it safe, he stunned the crowd in his final run with a new gravity-defying trick, the dangerous Double McTwist 1260.  Call it the Double Mc or the Whitesnake, the trick brought him a score of 48.4 of a possible 50. Snowboarding became art in motion.

Shaun the businessman… Red Bull, Target, Oakley, Ubisoft… Brands love him and the list continues to grow. He has collaborated with his brother to create a line of boys and mens clothing for Target, designed sunglasses and goggles with Oakley, and developed a self-titled video game with Ubisoft that to-date, has sold more than 3 million copies worldwide.  He is still with Burton, and has developed lines of clothing and outerwear for men and women.  If all that isn’t enough, Shaun has somehow carved out time for charities that are important to him. The Tony Hawk Foundation, Heartgift, Make-A-Wish Foundation, and the Target House – all call Shaun friend. All this at age 23.

So as to the question, “Who is Shaun White?”… we say he is an inspiration to a new legion of boarders, and continues to set the bar for ‘art in motion’ both on land, and in the air.

]]> http://sandiegosuncoast.com/2010/03/01/americas-and-carlsbads-olympic-golden-boy-shaun-white/feed/ 3 http://sandiegosuncoast.com/2010/03/01/americas-and-carlsbads-olympic-golden-boy-shaun-white/ http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/SanDiegoSunCoast/~3/DEcbvPf0FRc/ http://sandiegosuncoast.com/2010/02/27/tsunami-advisory-hits-the-san-diego-coastline-breaking-news/#comments Sat, 27 Feb 2010 16:36:29 +0000 JT http://sandiegosuncoast.com/?p=12535

This was Cardiff-by-the-Sea in January 2010

High surf (maybe 5-6 ft?) combined with high tides hit this low lying area of Highway 101

The surf report for today & tomorrow?

“Wave sets near 7 feet Saturday, Sunday up to 11 feet”

Todays Severe Weather Warning – per the National Weather Service: Tsunami Advisory

A TSUNAMI ADVISORY IS IN EFFECT WHICH INCLUDES THE

COASTAL AREAS OF CALIFORNIA … (actually the whole west coast from Alaska to Baja)

PERSONS IN TSUNAMI ADVISORY AREAS SHOULD MOVE OUT OF THE

WATER… OFF THE BEACH AND OUT OF HARBORS AND MARINAS.

TSUNAMI ADVISORIES MEAN THAT A TSUNAMI CAPABLE OF PRODUCING

STRONG CURRENTS OR WAVES DANGEROUS TO PERSONS IN OR VERY NEAR

WATER IS IMMINENT OF EXPECTED.

SIGNIFICANT WIDESPREAD INUNDATION

IS NOT EXPECTED FOR AREAS IN AN ADVISORY. TSUNAMIS ARE A SERIES OF

WAVES POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS SEVERAL HOURS AFTER INITIAL ARRIVAL

TIME. ESTIMATED TIMES OF INITIAL WAVE ARRIVAL FOR SELECTED

SITES IN THE ADVISORY ARE:

LA JOLLA – CA at  12:02 p.m. PST – FEB 27, 2010

Click below links for more details….

National Weather Service Statement

High Surf Advisory for San Diego County Coastal Areas

Huge Quake hits Chile – Tsunami threatens Pacific – SignOn SanDiego News

Coastal San Diego Prepares For Potential Tsunamis – KPBS

Liberty Station is going to the dogs…

This Sunday [Feb. 28th] from 9 am to 4 pm in NTC Park, over 35 different shelters and rescue organizations will come together for the Doggie Street Festival, helping animals in need of a good home.  The Festival is dedicated to increasing public awareness of pet homelessness, as well as educating the public on issues pertaining to animal safety, health and responsible pet ownership.  The event is free and open to the public, and will include entertainment, obedience and fitness demonstrations.  Also featured will be local pet-centric companies, such as Leash Your Fitness, Wag’n Tails, Muttique, Dogs and the City Daycare & Spa, and many others devoted to pet care, health and well being.

Here’s the scoop…

Are you looking to adopt a new family member? In search of resources to better take care of your present dog?  There’s no better place to start looking than this one-stop shop & extravaganza!

Many rescue groups in attendance will be breed specific, including those devoted to Dachshunds, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Chihuahuas, Italian Greyhounds, Coonhounds, Labradors, Bulldogs, Pugs, and harder to place breeds such as German Shepherds, Rottweilers & Pit Bulls.

The Doggie Street Festival was created out of local film-maker Jude Artenstein’s personal mission. While researching for a documentary titled ‘Rescue Me’, she saw that the already large problem of abandoned and neglected pets was growing rapidly, an additional casualty of our depressed economy.  No longer simply an issue of neglect, dogs are now being displaced along with their owners as job losses and foreclosures rise.

Attendees will have the opportunity to meet the groups working within San Diego and surrounding areas to find happy homes for dogs of all kinds.  Even if you’re not looking for an addition to your family, this is a great chance to meet the people behind the scenes!