Fans of Coastal San Diego is Relocating

No doubt you have noticed I have not been including much information here recently. I am STILL a huge fan of San Diego but with my business and keeping up my other blogs it has gotten to be too difficult to continue to post here regularly, and I have been trying to consolidate some on-line activity.

I have been writing a lot on my ActiveRain blog and include lots of information there about Carlsbad and San Diego in general. So going forward I will be posting my Fans of Coastal San Diego stuff there. Please feel free to stop by and visit Carlsbad Homes And Real Estate Tidbits.

You may also be interested in my Carlsbad Video and Photobloggery. This is ONLY photos and videos about North Coast San Diego - no articles at all. If you have photos you would like to share, please fee free to send them along to me at JDowler@remax.net. I am happy to post them, anonymously if you wish.

Jazz Concerts in the Park in Carlsbad

Do you enjoy outdoor concerts in the summer?

Carlsbad, where I live, has a 10 concert series on Friday nights in the local parks. Their TGIF Jazz in the Parks is a fun, free way to enjoy the summer evenings.

You can learn more about these concerts here.

A Trip Along Route 101 in Carlsbad

Route 101 is a historic road here in the San Diego area, perhaps more so in North County.

A trip along this coastal roadway leads past beautiful beaches, dozens of eateries, loads of shopping and so much more. Route 101 is NOT just a way to get from point A to point B (and avoid the freeway) but is really a visual experience.

Take a look at my recent post (which won a contest) for a trip along this coastal highway in Carlsbad, and enjoy the VIDEOS.

Beach Life in the San Diego Area

Here's my pictorial perspective on beach life in the Carlsbad area of San Diego.

Art Lovers - New Exhibit at Cannon Art Gallery

For San Diego art lovers, the Cannon Art Gallery in Carlsbad is hosting its first exhibit of the 2008 at the gallery, opening this Sunday January 20 with a reception.

Read about the Cannon Art Gallery November December 2007 Show.

The exhibit, "UNIVERSAL APPEAL - Memorable Portraits from National Geographic" should be a stunning show, with some very recognizable photographs (one, in particular, is a photo that is known to millions of people around the world).

I'll post an article with photos of this exhibit either Sunday or Monday. Stay tuned.

If you'd like to attend, the Cannon Art Gallery is located adjacent to the Carlsbad Library in South Carlsbad at 1775 Dove Lane, just a short distance north of the Alga Road/El Camino Real intersection near the La Costa Resort and Spa.

The National Geographic show runs from January 20 through March 16, 2008

Carlsbad's Cannon Art Gallery Fall 2007 Exhibit

Here are some photos of the latest show at Carlsbad's well-known Cannon Art Gallery. I was iimpressed with the talent and creativity although I am not sure what I think at this point. Decide for yourself (beware - there are 35 slides).

A Visual Tour of Southern California

I have now lived here in Carlsbad for about 2 and 1/2 years. It's hard to believe that much time has gone by.

I have collected lots of photos from the San Diego area, as well as from other trips to nearby locations and thought I would share them as MY view of California. Hope you enjoy them.

Art Splash 2007 in Carlsbad

I recently wrote about a list of many fairs and festivals occurring in the San Diego area - here's the post in case you missed it.

My wife and I went to Art Splash in Carlsbad yesterday - what a terrific (and FREE) event, which benefits the art programs in the Carlsbad schools. We didn't get there on Saturday and missed the Taste of Carlsbad, but yesterday was very cool. Dozens of art vendors (paintings, sculpture, jewelry, pottery), violin makers, rock balancing, a small circus and much more.

Of course the highlight was the chalk art (just one example shown above) and there were several dozen artists participating.

You can read more about the festival here and enjoy a slide show (there are many photos so it may take some time to load and to view).

San Diego Area Fairs and Festivals

I'm partial to Carlsbad because I live here, but San Diego has multiple fairs and festivals in the next couple of months to attend, probably more than one can reasonably expect to visit, and many of them are FREE. These outdoor fairs and festivals cover music, film, theatre, arts and crafts, food and much more. Here's a PARTIAL list of the things I discovered - I won't tell you that this is complete but it provides a pretty good range of things to do in different towns.

CARLSBAD
August, 31, September 7 and 14 - movies begin at sunset
Friday Night Film Festival at Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park. Visit Carlsbad Connect for more information and schedule.

September 22 and 23 - 10 am - 6 pm (SAT), 10 am - 5 pm (SUN)
5th Annual ART SPLASH. Includes Taste of Carlsbad on Saturday, Fern Circus on Sunday. Amazing chalk art, sand sculpture, hands-on stone stacking, among other activities and learning opportunities. Fine arts and crafts, plenty of food, great ocean views. FREE.

September 22
11th Annual Taste of Carlsbad, at Armada Drive in Carlsbad just north of Palomar Airport Road held in conjunction with Art Splash

ENCINITAS
September 15 - 8 am to 3 pm
28th Annual Wavecrest Woodie Meet,Moonlight Beach - the biggest woodie meet in the world, 250-300 woodies, food, entertainment

September 23 - 10 am - 5 PM
13th Annual Encinitas Heritage Oktoberfest, sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce, at Mountain Vista and El Camino Real (6 blocks), 200 craft booths, food (German picnic BBQ), Bavarian bands, dancers, and a sweepstakes drawing for a trip to Germany.

ESCONDIDO
October 21 - 9 am - 5 pm
California's second largest street fair, at Grand Avenue between Centre City and Ivy. 700 vendor booths, international food, farmer's market.

October 27 and 28, and November 3 and 7th - 10 am to 6 pm
7th Annual Fall Renaissance Faire and Shakespeare in the Park Festival, at Felicita Park. 1000 costumed folks participate in a range of activities. Fee is $15 for adults, $12 for seniors (62+), $7 for children 11 and under (4 and under FREE). West of I-15, exit Via Rancho, west to Felicita Road then follow signs.

JULIAN
September 15 and 16 - 9 am - 6 pm SAT, 9 am - 4 pm SUN
37th Annual Bluegrass Festival, in Frank Lane Park (2645 Farmer's Road) in the Cuyamaca Mountains. Tickets are $15 (purchase from Chamber of Commerce, at the festival or on-line). Music, workshops, instrument petting zoo, art vendors and live jam session.

September 1 - 11 am - 7 pm
Julian Grape Stomp Fest (fund raiser for the Julian Chamber of Commerce) at the Menghini Winery, 1150 Orchards Drive. Italian music, bocci ball, dancing, wine tasting, foods and crafts.
Tickets at $10 for adults, $5 for children 6 - 12.
SAN MARCOS
October 7 - 10 am - 4 pm
10th Annual ALIVE Street Fair at the San Marcos Civic Center, corner of Mission and San Marcos Boulevard. 20 art projects to participate in, meet artists, art show, food court, dancers, live bands, magicians, baton twirlers, carnival with games, clowns, face painting and more. Call 760-744-9000 for information

OCEANSIDE
September 15 and 16 - 9 am - 6 pm
Annual Oceanside Harbor Days with fishing derby, lots of food, music, arts and crafts, sailing competition (Mayor's Cup Regatta with sailing enthusiasts from all over the county)

October 28 - 10 am to 4 pm
Dia de los Muertos Festival, downtown Oceanside is transformed into a Mexican festival - music,dancing, food, retail Mercado, Chalk Cemetery, craft area, street entertainers and more.

VISTA
September 20 - 10 am to 4 pm
Vista Family Fun Fest, downtown Vista 1 block from Krikorian Theatre near corner of Vista Village Drive and Santa Fe Avenue. Food court, live music, entertainment, children's area and 120 vendors (arts and crafts, jewelry, clothing and local business services).

LA JOLLA
September 27 - 5 pm - 9 pm
La Jolla Gallery and Wine Walk, self-guided tour of 25+ galleries with wine tasting (register by 5pm, 21+ only) and specialities from more than 12 of La Jolla's finest restaurants. Tickets are $30 and benefit Promote La Jolla (tickets are limited).

SAN DIEGO
September 22 and 23
STREET SCENE 2007 (originally in the Gas Lamp District starting in 1984), now at COORS Auditorium, in cooperation with Live Nation music company. One of the top urban music festivals in the country with more than 40 groups, vaudeville acts, interactive processions, comedy stage and more. Tickets start at $120 for both days.

MIRAMAR (San Diego)
October 12 - 14 from 9:30 am to 4 pm; 5:30 - 9 pm on Oct. 13
Miramar Military Air Show - the world's largest air show, for more than 50 years, at MCAS Miramar off the 805(Miramar Road and La Jolla Village Drive exit)

Want to know more about what's happening in North County San Diego? Check out Hot in North County.

WIFI on the Beach

What could be better than sitting on the beach in Carlsbad, watching the surfers (yep, I’m dreaming not participating), enjoying the warm sunny weather, and blogging…or checking email. Or while you are sitting at your picnic table? Or in your tent or RV?

Sounds pathetic, doesn’t it? I suppose so, at least for those who can tear themselves away from their computers and PDAs. But for those who can’t, move over Starbucks!

There is WIFI at many of the California beaches, including South Carlsbad State Beach (within 150 – 200 feet of the Lifeguard Headquarters in the park) for folks at the picnic areas, campgrounds, in their RV or cabins, and yes, if you are on the beach close enough (and can see with all the glare). Some other local San Diego beaches with WIFI include Torrey Pines (La Jolla) and San Eljio (Cardiff).

AT & T is teamed up with the park system to provide WIFI service in multiple state parks at the beaches and elsewhere, such as the Anzo-Borrego desert (I believe this actually began back in 2005). And as long as you have wireless capability and are within a couple of hundred feet of an AT & T hotspot, things should be golden.

Ain’t technology wonderful?

Carlsbad Business Expo in September

The Chamber of Commerce in Carlsbad will be hosting the 17th annual

Carlsbad Business Expo

September 19 from Noon to 6 PM

at the Westfield Plaza Camino Real (just off the 78).

This is the largest business expo (over 100 vendors) in San Diego County and a terrific place for consumers and other business owners to learn more about technology, health, home and other products and services. You might also strike up some new business relationships while chatting with one of the vendors.

There will be a Technology Pavilion that will have high-tech equipment, services and information from local experts. Also featured is a Home Pavilion (products and services for improve and care for your home) and a Health and Wellness Pavilion.

A neat service also to be featured is the E-Recycling Truck by E-WorldRecyclers. They will be collecting e-waste such as computers, TVs, monitors, laptops, LCD screens and more. Anyone bringing in e-waste to recycle will be given FREE ADMISSION to the expo. Otherwise admission is a very reasonable $5.00

Don't miss this great opportunity to expand your business and learn more about today's new products and services.

Call Lisa Manemann for more information and to learn how to become an exhibitor at (760) 931-8400 or visit the Carlsbad website.

Follow-up on Cannon Art Gallery Show August 2007

Well I didn't get to the golf course to check it out on opening day, but I did stop by the artist reception at the Cannon Art Gallery.

Here are some photos. Enjoy!

Jeff

New Art Exhibit at the Cannon Art Gallery in Carlsbad

The Cannon Art Gallery opened another winning show last night, June 21, with the annual exhibit and contest of works by Carlsbad City Employees and their families.

This show is definitely worth a visit before it closes in late July.

What is so wonderful about this exhibit is that is showcases amateur as well as professional works by employees of the city and members of their families, across all age groups including children.

The full breadth of artistic mediums is explored including photography, prints, drawings, oil paintings, watercolors, sculpture, pottery and ceramics, quilting and much more.

There is no admission fee to see this terrific show of more than 200 works of art at all levels.

I wrote recently about the Plein Air Brunch Fundraiser at the Gallery, just another example of the exciting activities that take place at this Carlsbad gallery.

Follow-up on Plein Air Brunch at the Cannon Art Gallery, Carlsbad

I wrote a few weeks about about the upcoming Plein Air Brunch fundraiser at the Cannon Art Gallery in Carlsbad, CA.

This fine event took place yesterday, May 20th at the Gallery and I have posted a summary and a great slide show on my ActiveRain Blog - The 6th Annual Plein Air Brunch Fundraiser.

Hope you will stop by and take a look.

Jeff

BlueFire Grill at La Costa Spa in La Costa, Carlsbad, CA

I just wrote an article about a great dining experience at the La Costa Spa and Resort's BLUEFIRE GRILL in Carlsbad. If you have not yet dined there, it is worth the trip, especially in the warmer months where you can dine outside beneath the stars.

Scott Diehl, Chef de Cuisine, and Rosie (Rosalinda) Watling, Restaurant Manager, will take good care of you.

Check out "A Special Night at BlueFire Grill in La Costa, Carlsbad, California."

Brunch at Le Papagayo

I’ve written about Le Papagayo before, on the subject of dinner, but I had my first brunch here yesterday and decided to share that, since this has become a favorite restaurant in the area (I live in Carlsbad but spend lots of time in Encinitas, especially Leucadia. both for my real estate business and for pleasure).

Located along the Coast highway (101) in Leucadia, Le Papagayao fits right in with all that Leucadia is about. Dinner (twice) in the past was great, and brunch was not a disappointment either.

There is a great menu with a wide selection of creative breakfast and brunch dishes that are consistent with the creativity and flavors in the dinner menu. There is seating indoors and outdoors along the 101 or on the side by the parking lot so you can enjoy the scenery while dining. My Neptune Avenue dish was terrific – a 3-egg omelette with shrimp, crab meat, lobster sauce and avocado. Not a bad way to start my Sunday.

The place was almost packed when we arrived around 10, and the flow of people continued in and out while we were there. Friendly, helpful service and great food made for a very enjoyable late morning breakfast. Too bad the sun was not shining, but that’s life along the coast sometimes.

So stop by for brunch sometime. It won’t disappoint. But if you want high end trendy food, with china and silverware, this is NOT your place. But then you wouldn’t want to be in Leucadia anyway.

Have no fear – brunch at the Four Seasons, just a few miles away in Carlsbad, won’t disappoint either, if high-end brunch is your preference.

Plein Air Brunch at the Cannon Art Gallery, Carlsbad

The Cannon Art Gallery in South Carlsbad is hosting its 6th annual Plein Air Brunch, the fundraiser for the gallery. If you have an interest in art, like to support it in the local community, and would like something fun to do on a Sunday morning, this may be it.

This cool event is being held on Sunday, May 20, 2007 in the courtyard at the gallery/Carlsbad Library at 1775 Dove Lane, just west of El Camino Real, and about 1/2 mile north of the La Costa Spa and Resort.

9:30 a.m. Table Viewing
10-11:30 a.m. Brunch

Cost is $50/ticket - ON SALE NOW!

Here are the details from the Press Release:

"Don your spring hats and come to the annual gala Plein Air Brunch at The William D. Cannon Art Gallery. This unique fundraiser will be held on Sunday, May 20, 2007 in the courtyard of the Carlsbad City Library at 1775 Dove Lane. The 6th Annual Plein Air Brunch features tables decorated by local artists and guest designers in the style of famous artists from throughout the ages. This event is sponsored by the Carlsbad Friends of the Arts and is open to everyone. Proceeds from this fundraiser go toward the Gallery's Arts Education Program, Three-Part-Art. As this is the ONLY FUNDRAISER for the much visited and applauded community art gallery, contributions are needed, solicited and very much appreciated.
A few of the table designs this year will include artist interpretations of: Gustav Klimt, Monet, Degas, Cassatt and Joaquin Sorolla among others.

Each year, there is a much anticipated silent auction and raffle. New this year is a silent auction of WORKS OF ART, donated by well known artists from the surrounding San Diego county area. In addition, the artists and designers who graciously design the table settings have been given an opportunity to display their work in the adjoining gallery/library vicinity. Their work will be available to purchase, with proceeds going directly to the artist

Contributions are tax deductible to the full extent of their legal value. Tickets go on sale mid to late March. To contribute and be recognized in the event's program bulletin or for ticket information, contact the Cannon Art Gallery directly at 760-602-2021."

So check it out - you will enjoy yourself, have some wonderful food catered by Isaac's Catering (I have been to several events that they catered and the food is great!), and can help support this wonderful gallery.

PS - I am donating the champagne - come enjoy a glass or have a mimosa!

Construction Everywhere

I have been amazed at the amount of construction going on here in the San Diego area, since arriving here less than 2 years ago. now that may seem somewhat surprising, coming from someone who lived in Boston and put up with the BIG DIG for 16 years, beginning in 1991. Granted, the Big Dig was a monumental project of unprecedented proportion and budget (yep, they overran the budget by, I believe, $50 billion), and Bostonians and visitors have been putting up with the aggravation, traffic jams, detours and overall mess for an incredibly long time. And there have been a myriad of delays and recent defects have been discovered. Oh, and yes, the lawsuit. But I digress.

First, there is the housing construction. Since I am a real estate professional I take more notice of these things, I suppose. The hills near my house in La Costa (which used to be almost bare and that I can see from my yard) are now mostly covered with houses at La Costa Greens. And La Costa Ridge is now being built atop the highest hill in La Costa. Bressi Ranch is nearby and the hundreds of homes there have changed the California landscape forever (and not, IMHO, in a good way). Should I mention San Elijo Hills (yes, I think it offers alot for buyers, but wow what a change to the area. And the on-going obliteration of the terrain along Rancho Santa Fe Road. Incredible. I have to acknowledge that I am more used to seasonal construction (for the most part) in Boston due to the weather, but here it is all year long.

There is also all the new housing that has been built at Santaluz, and at The Bridges and The Crosby in Rancho Santa Fe. And the new luxury condos in La Jolla. You can't help but notice the pages of new construction information in the Sunday Union-Tribune.

So what else? Well, Oceanside is seeing dramatic changes to the downtown area and in the redevelopment zone (6 projects, I believe, in the works or planned). The pic to the left was taken during one of my picture-taking journeys around the Oceanside area - the view is from The Strand right along the ocean.

Then there are the massive changes going on with the widening of the freeways, especially the 805/5 junction - at that point in Sorrento Valley I believe there are 21 lanes (new lanes to open in a few days I believe). Amazing.

Some other construction...we have a new racetrack surface being installed at the Del Mar Racetrack, that will supposedly be safer and help avoid the tragedies of this most recent racing season (28 horses had to be euthanized - so sad). And Del Mar voters will get to vote on the proposed median to be installed on Del Mar Heights Road - now that should be a fun construction project. Imagine the traffic at rush hour! And then there is the new public golf course, The Crossings, being built in Carlsbad and due to open in July of this year.

Oh, and I forgot to mention the numerous condo/high rise and commercial projects in San Diego - completed, in progress, or planned - with hundreds of new homes in the financial area, near the marina, in the Gaslamp District, etc.

I could go on...and this is just in the areas I normally travel to. But it's amazing to see especially when you see old photos of the area, even just a few years ago. I guess it's progress.

La Costa Greens at La Costa in Carlsbad

I just compiled a community information profile on La Costa Greens, a master planned community in the La Costa area of Carlsbad. There are some nice photos, links to some virtual tours on Carlsbad, La Costa, Aviara and Rancho Carrillo, information on homes for sale, and more.

This is a great community with some terrific views of the golf course, panorama, and ocean. If you like master planned communities, this is a winner.

Take a look and let me know your thoughts. I'd love your feedback.

Jeff

Impossible to Forget?

Impossible to Forget is the title of the upcoming show at the Cannon Art Gallery in Carlsbad, photographs of the Nazi concentration camps 50 years later.

This show, featuring 88 photographs by English photographer Michael Kenna, promises to be a troubling, emotional pictorial of the condition of these camps in nine countries as they currently exist.

The Cannon Gallery always features rewarding, skillfully-created shows, and this one promises to be yet another. This show is traveling nationally, so don't miss your opportunity to see it. It will be a memorable one, in many ways.

March 25 through June 3, 2007 at the Cannon Art Gallery, adjacent to the Carlsbad Library at 1775 Dove Lane, the 1st light past the intersection of Alga/Poinsettia and El Camino Real as you head north on El Camino.

[photo, by Michael Kenna, taken directly from his website - "Topiary and Column in Northamptonshire, England, 2005"]