Fireworks Shows and July 4th Entertainment

July 4, Saturday

(Dates and times subject to change)

Aviara:

Four Seasons Resort Aviara Fireworks display starts approx. at 9:00pm. Non-hotel guests may watch from the golf course along Batiquitos. (760) 603-6800 Date TBD www.carlsbad-connect.org

La Costa:

La Costa Resort and Spa Fireworks display (for hotel guests only) www.lacosta.com

San Marcos:

Fireworks show and entertainment at Bradley Park, Rancho Santa Fe Road and Linda Vista. Activities begin at 5pm and fireworks display is at 9pm. www.san-marcos.net

Legoland:

“Red, White and Boom.” Fireworks show begins approx. at 8:30 pm and is choreographed to a spirited American music tribute. Call (877) Legoland www.legoland.com

Quail Botanical Gardens:

Children’s Parade through the gardens with decorated strollers and wagons. Come dressed up in Red, White, and Blue. Parade begins 10am sharp. (760) 436-3036. 230 Quail Gardens Drive, Encinitas 92024.

Escondido:

Independence Day celebration features spectacular fireworks display, live concert, great food and family entertainment at Grape Day Park and California Center for the Arts. Fireworks begin at approx. 9 pm. Visit www.ci.escondido.ca.us/events/fireworks/.

Vista:

“Red, White and Boom” at Brengle Terrace Park. 1200 Vale Terrace Drive, Vista, CA 92084. Fireworks begin at approx. 9 pm. (760) 726-1340 x1141 www.cityofvista.com

Camp Pendleton:

4th of July Beach Bash and fireworks, sponsored by Ken Grody Ford. Vendors and live entertainment all day. Fireworks show starts after dusk. www.mccscp.com

Encinitas:

Red, White, and Blue Parade at Quail Botanical Gardens, 9:30am. (760) 436-3036 www.qbgardens.org

Del Mar:

San Diego County Fair at Del Mar Fairgrounds. Fireworks display begins approx. at 9:30pm. (858) 793-5555 www.sdfair.com

Seaworld:

Experience the Sky Blast fireworks celebration with music and choreographed blasts that will light up the summer night. Fireworks begin at 9:30pm. (800) 25-SHAMU www.seaworld.com

La Jolla:

“Lights over the Cove” fireworks display booms and sparkles over La Jolla Cove at dusk. Best seen from La Jolla Cove, Scripps Park, and La Jolla Shores Beach. (858) 454-5718 www.lajolla.com

Coronado:

Parade at 10am. Free concert at Spreckles Park at 4:30pm. Fireworks show visible along the Glorietta Bay starts at 9pm. (619) 437-8788 www.coronado.ca.us

San Diego Bay:

Fireworks with KYXY 96.5 presented by the Port of San Diego. Display from barges begins at 9pm. www.thebigbagy.com or www.portofsandiego.org

Mission Bay Park:

Fireworks at dusk. www.sandiego.gov

San Diego Embarcadero Marina Park South:

Summer Pops presents “Star Spangled Pops” July 3-5. Classical and patriotic music synchronized with fireworks at 9pm. www.sandiegosymphony.com

San Diego Maritime Museum:

4th of July Barbecue and Fireworks Celebration on 1898 ferryboat the Berkeley. 7pm-9:30pm (619) 234-9153 ext. 101 www.sdmaritime.org

Ocean Beach Pier:

Fireworks start approx. 9pm. (619) 224-4906 www.oceanbeach.com

Chula Vista Marina:

Bay Side Park, starts approx 9pm. www.cvmarina.com

Poway:

Old Fashioned Fourth at Old Poway Park. Fireworks begin approx. at 9pm. www.poway.org/oldpowaypark

Rancho Bernardo:

Spirit of the Fourth at Webb Park. Independence Day Fireworks begin approx. at 9pm.

Julian:

4th of July Parade in the small town of Julian, nestled in San Diego’s apple country. www.julianca.com

Hornblower Cruise:

Fireworks Dinner Cruise on the Bay. Reservations required. Boarding time is approximately 6:30pm. (888) 467-6256 www.hornblower.com

Mira Mesa:

4th of July Celebration at Mira Mesa Gil Johnson Recreation Center. Parade in the morning with fireworks beginning approx. at 9pm at Mira Mesa Blvd and Greenford Road. www.sandiego.gov

The Californian Cruise:

Fireworks Cruise on San Diego Bay. Reservations required. Departure approx. at 6:30pm with ship arriving back at dock at 10pm. Fireworks approx. at 9pm.

La Costa Town Square Development Moving Forward

By Andy Lee

Four years and some months ago, I had the pleasure of meeting John Tworoger, CEO of Aspen Properties, Smith Consulting Architect Bill Sharon, and Gretchen Webster. The meeting was about Aspen’s grand plans to build a 47- acre Town Square site located at La Costa Avenue and Rancho Santa Fe Road, in southeast Carlsbad. At the time, everyone in the room that day was giddy with excitement, especially John. No one, that day, had the slightest notion that this project would take so long to get built.

I can’t tell you how many times over the years friends and neighbors have asked me what was happening with this project, especially recently, because of our country’s economic mess. Fortunately today, I am the bearer of good news. The La Costa Town Square project is once again moving forward. The Environmental Impact Report and traffic studies are complete and the project that sits on a hilly 83-acres with multiple elevations should be completed in three years from now.

The project has had its setbacks. About a year ago, when the economy was showing signs of slowing, I called John on the phone and asked him if he had plans to scale back the project. “No way!” he said, “This is prime property. If it was up to most of the businesses and restaurants we’ve been talking to, they’d have us build bigger!” I told John, in light of all the delays, I thought he must be a very patient man. He responded, “You have no idea, I’m not patient at all. Just the opposite, but the City is working very closely with us. They want this project to happen. I guess projects this size just take longer and need to go through the process.” About a week later, John Tworoger suddenly passed away on the operating table during a planned surgery. He will be missed dearly. This project will be part of his legacy.

John’s wife Brenda, who has always worked side-by-side with him, has since taken over the helm, and along with John’s assistant, Gretchen Webster, I’m confident the Town Square project is in good hands. It’s taken many years to get to this point, and along with recessionary concerns and the absence of John, the project is staying its course, although there have been some changes. Some pieces are gone. The movie theater has been removed, along with the outdoor amphitheater. “In regards to the movie theater,” Gretchen explained, “when I went out to the site and actually stood on the sidewalk, (on La Costa Avenue) I realized it was too close to the street. The amphitheater went with the movie theater.” She later added, “Sometimes, when we have important decisions to make, the approach we take is asking ourselves, ‘What would John do?”

The removal and redesigning of those parts of the project had a two-fold effect. It helped with the traffic and noise challenges that a group of nearby residents were fighting, but it also caused more delays. Aspen had to go back to the drawing board and pitch it once more to the City and go through all the red tape all over again.

The site was designated by the City of Carlsbad for commercial and retail development over 30 years ago, in 1972, and was originally planned as a traditional strip mall. The project envisioned by Aspen Properties group has always been to bring a lively “Main Street and Town Square” to the upscale La Costa neighborhood.

The complete 83-acre site is planned for retail shopping and dining, 64 single-family detached homes, up to 128 multi-family homes and two commercial office buildings. The heart of the project is the 47-acre retail site named La Costa Town Square.

Intended to be a family friendly meeting place, the La Costa Town Square is designed with Italianesque architectural features and large open-air plazas. Tranquil fountains will invite shoppers to rest and relax, while lively cafés, bistros, and white table clothed restaurants will bustle with purpose and burst with style throughout the retail areas.

Soon to be seen by cars passing by, fine dining restaurants will be located on each side of the Piazza Ristorante water fountain at the corner of La Costa Avenue and Rancho Santa Fe Road.

Two entrances will be along Rancho Santa Fe Road. The main entrance will be just past the Piazza Ristorante restaurants. The other entrance will be further up the road on the far north side of the project and will lead into a gas station/convenience store/car wash. Upon entering from a Date Palm lined main entrance, you will pass a bank/financial center then up to a group of 16-20 pedestrian-friendly retail stores located on both sides of the road. The main entrance road ends at a clock tower and water feature in the center of the Town Square. Past the clock tower, there will be more retail, a food court, a department store, a grocery store and personal service shops, so you will be able to pick up daily essentials.

Another entrance into the Town Square will be from La Costa Avenue, and another entrance further down La Costa will lead into a business park, which is the area that was originally planned for the movie theater.

If approved by the city, Aspen estimates completion by 2012. The project is expected to generate almost $1 million in new sales tax revenue for the City of Carlsbad, which is an increase of about 20% to the sales tax revenues now generated by existing shopping centers within the City.

Because the project hasn’t broken ground yet, and still needs to go before the planning commission and the city council, it is too soon to announce names of stores and restaurants. Although, what I can announce, is that Aspen will soon have a website up that you will be able to take a virtual tour of the complete project.

For comments email Andy Lee at info@hotinnorthcounty.com.

NORTH COUNTY SUN EXPANDING THROUGHOUT NORTH COUNTY

Here comes the Sun!

First there was The La Costa Canyon Neighborhood News, then the La Costa Breeze, then two years later, The Palomar Sun, www.HotinNorthCounty.com, and most recently www.NorthCountyClasses.com. Now, The Palomar Sun has changed its name to the North County Sun and plans to be the entertainment newspaper for San Diego North County.

Print Zone Media owner and publisher, Andy Lee, began publishing the La Costa Breeze newspaper in 2003 (formerly the La Costa Canyon Neighborhood News). He mailed it to 2,000 nearby homes as a volunteer neighborhood newsletter. Five years later, Lee has created a small but formidable media group that provides family entertainment, with a spotlight on local events, and features articles with a positive slant. Up to this point distribution has been limited to a very targeted audience in Carlsbad, Encinitas and San Marcos. But now, as its new name indicates, the North County Sun will broaden its sphere of influence to all North County residents and visitors.

“I’ve learned a lot over the years,” Lee states. “People want to work and play close to home. Even in a down economy, they want to know about entertainment, especially free entertainment, in their area. They want to eat out and they still want to have fun. That’s what our newspapers and websites focus on, and that’s why we are growing. The North County Sun will have a much broader appeal and will be expanding its circulation and distribution to more newsstands, stores, hotels, and shopping centers throughout North County.”

Both the Sun and the Breeze are directly linked with their North County entertainment website www.HotinNorthCounty.com, as well as their North County classes, lessons, seminars, and kid’s camps website www.NorthCountyClasses.com.

At www.HotinNorthCounty.com you’ll find an extensive calendar of events including concerts, theater, movies, art exhibits, surfing, fairs and festivals, restaurants, spas and boutiques, as well as the biggest contests and ticket giveaways to the hottest attractions and concerts in San Diego County.

If you’re looking for a degree in nursing, surfing lessons, kid’s summer camps, kid’s birthday party businesses, or classes in dance, cooking or graphic design, www.NorthCountyClasses.com is the only website that lists classes, lessons, seminars, workshops, kid’s camps, and birthday parties for North County.

Look for the new North County Sun in stores and shopping centers throughout the area.

For advertising or general information about www.HotinNorthCounty.com, www.NorthCountyClasses.com, the North County Sun, the La Costa Breeze, or Print Zone, please email us at info@HotinNorthCounty.com or call us at (760) 635-9100.

Awesome Activities for Kids at JW Tumbles, Captain Cook’s and Playwerx

By: Celia Taghdiri

Captain Cook’s Culinary Academy for Kids in Carlsbad is a wonderful place where children have fun while they learn the basics of cooking. The first children’s cooking school in North County teaches children about organic and nutritious foods, cooking techniques and kitchen safety. Students get to mix, measure, chop and dice but do not work with the stove-top.

Karen and Jon Whitehead founded Captain Cook’s to encourage families to purchase ingredients from local farms and cook more at home. “Jon and I saw a need for good nutrition since there is so much fast food consumption along with processed foods. Cooking from scratch, kids will eat healthier and enhance their creative skills,” said Karen. “We’re also trying to nip childhood obesity in the bud.” They also teach conservation and green living. “Our building is eco-friendly because it has low VOC paint, fluorescent lighting, and low-flow bathrooms. We used recycled construction materials and we teach our kids to recycle and use reusable containers.”

Captain Cook’s is a great place for cooking classes, kid’s summer camps, kid’s night out, and birthday parties. They schedule school field trips and will be offering day camps during spring break (April 6 -10) and throughout summer. Karen says, “If kids get involved and experience new tastes and flavors while preparing their own meal, they are more likely to eat. Even the pickiest little eaters will eat their own food.”

The weekly classes offer themes such as, Healthy Eats and Apples Galore. Classes cost $25-$40 each, or $80-$130 for a series of four. Themed birthday parties, from luaus to Hannah Montana and pizza parties, are $350 for a minimum of twelve guests. The Academy is registered with the national rating system for LEED (leadership, energy, environmental design). Visit their site at www.captaincooksculinaryacademy.com.

JW Tumbles, a learning playground in Encinitas nurtures children’s development through experimental learning and building self-esteem by focusing on a child’s individual needs. Owner and operator, Scott Horton, believes that exercising young minds and bodies can positively impact the lives of children. Participants range from four months-old to age thirteen. Children under three are enrolled in a parent-participation program. From 3-13, there are two instructors per class. Various skill sets include strength building, tumbling skills, balance, and hand-eye coordination. “It is so rewarding to see the kids graduate from our program and play for their high school sports teams,” said Horton.

In addition to classes and birthday parties, JW Tumbles conducts a mobile program in backyards, parks and beaches. It consists of games and obstacle courses, water balloon throwing and swinging on ropes. On Fridays they have Kid’s Night Out; and they organize kids’ entertainment for corporate events. During spring break, JW Tumbles will offer day camps with arts, crafts and other activities. In July, they will coordinate outdoor camps at local parks. Class series cost $135-$149. Open-gym is available every Tuesday but parents must remain at the facility. Birthday parties are $350 for up to 20 children.

“I love kids so watching them develop and grow out of their shell to become better athletes is priceless. We want our kids to feel better about their bodies and learn to love exercise for the rest of their lives,” said Horton. Visit www.encinitas.jwtumbles.com.

Playwerx in Carlsbad is a giant indoor play structure for children. From toddlers to 9-year-olds, kids can explore and release their energy in a clean and secure environment, while parents enjoy the down-time at Playwerx’ café. There are no instructors at the play structure and socks must be worn. “We have hit the nail on the head,” said owner Joanne Coval. “Kids love the play structure and parents enjoy socializing or just reading a book at the café, which reflects our commitment to healthy foods and responsible business practices. We serve organic coffee and espresso, healthy pizza, drinks and a great selection of natural organic snacks. You won’t find sodas or other junk food here.”

Children can drop-in and play for an unlimited time. The rate for children 3 years-old and under is $5 per child; and $10 for children 4 years and older. This includes time at the play structure, the arts and crafts room and the library. Playwerx is absolutely the best place for birthday parties! “I took my 3 year-old son to Playwerx and he just loved it. I didn’t have to worry about him and I managed to get some work done,” said Gita Nassiri. For more information visit their site at www.playwerx.com.

For a complete directory of kid’s classes, summer camps or birthday party ideas visit www.NorthCountyClasses.com.

Edible Landscapes – Thrifty and Sensible

Eat right from your own garden and save money!

“Living Green is ‘in’ these days,” says Evelyn Weidner of Weidners Gardens, who offers her expertise on growing your own food. We’re all busier than ever, but we can still eat healthy and save money by growing vegetables right in our flower gardens. Make it a family affair and invite the kids to join in the project.

A big garden is nice, but you don’t need 20x10 ft. dedicated to vegetables. Mixing vegetables in with flowers works wonderfully. Your mixed garden will need a lot of sun. The different leaf lettuces, carrots, parsley, cilantro, basil, tomatoes and eggplant will look beautiful in your flowerbeds. Tuck them into any available spot. When they are past their peak, replace them with new ones.

Corn requires a large plot because you need a lot for pollination. You also must make sure the corn ear caterpillar doesn’t get there first. For cucumbers and zucchini you must plant two. They may develop mildew, but keep them until you have harvested most of the crop; then remove them and plant one or two more. Melons need really hot weather to get sweet. Frankly, it’s more practical to buy them.

There are many good varieties of tomatoes. You can choose between the old Heirlooms and the modern VF plants that are resistant to the different tomato wilt viruses. Heirlooms are supposed to taste better but you may not get a very big crop. Because they stay pricey all year round, tomatoes in your garden will save you plenty of money.

Regular green peas are out; snow peas are in. Frozen baby peas are picked and frozen within hours and are better than you can grow. The best time to plant snow peas is winter into spring. When mildew comes, out they go.

The root vegetables - carrots, beets, turnips, and radishes - are easy to grow all year long. Grow small amounts often. Between Swiss chard and spinach, I personally prefer the chard; it has a longer life and is easier to grow. If you prefer spinach, pick the leaves when they’re very young.

My little vegetable and flower plot has just eight red leaf lettuce plants, some green onions, and radishes; and there’s a navel orange tree in my front yard. I often enjoy a fresh salad of greens mixed with fresh orange slices plus avocado (store bought). I even make my own Orange Delight salad dressing. By the way, I can pick lettuce leaves every other night from those eight plants and not run out. Don’t cut the whole plant, only a few leaves off each one. We do not want our veggies to come into bloom. Keep picking even if you don’t eat them. If you are planting lettuce, be sure they are leaf lettuce types or one of the Mesclun or European mixes. Lettuce cost, around $1.00 per bunch. The Mesclun/European mixes cost close to $5.00 per pound.

Let’s look at small spaces for fruit. Three or four large pots of blueberries will live for years and give you fruit all summer long. Add lots of peat moss and cottonseed meal and you will have lots of blueberries. Think about planting grapes on your fence or covering your arbor. There are great coastal varieties and success is all in the pruning.

Most newer homes have side yards that average about 10 feet wide. If you have sun, you can train apples or other fruit trees on an espalier (trellis or lattice) that takes almost no space and you. Do you enjoy fruits like peaches, apricots or plums? Plant three or more trees in one hole and prune them to keep them low enough to pick without a ladder. Go for early, mid and late season varieties and have fruit all summer.

Weidners Gardens has several free Workshops scheduled on Success with Vegetables by Seeds or Plants during the season. Call 760 436 2194 for more information. Don’t forget the ladybug weekend, May 2 and 3. Free ladybugs for the children.

Weidners Gardens 695 Normandy Rd Encinitas, 92024 www.weidners.com