The San Diego Traveler

July 1st, 2008

Look, Ma! No Hands!

It’s July 1st and that means no more driving with one hand holding your phone to your ear in California.

California Vehicle Code §23123 prohibits all drivers from using a handheld wireless telephone while operating a motor vehicle. Motorists 18 and over may use a “hands-free device,” such as a single Bluetooth earpiece or a wireless speaker when talking on their cell phones.

The new law does not prohibit dialing, but drivers are strongly urged not to dial while driving. Nor does the law specifically prohibit texting while driving, but an officer can pull over and issue a citation to a driver of any age if, in the officer’s opinion, the driver was distracted and not operating the vehicle safely. Sending text messages while driving is unsafe at any speed and is strongly discouraged.

Drivers under the age of 18, however, may NOT use a wireless telephone NOR hands-free device, a pager, laptop, or any other electronic communication or mobile service device to speak or text while operating a motor vehicle (according to California Vehicle Code §23124).

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By Carole A. Lane -- 0 comments

June 30th, 2008

Blazin’ Hip Hop Dance Battle at Del Mar

Blazin’ 98.9 FM sponsored the Blazin’ Hip Hop Dance Battle at the San Diego County Fair last week, and the competition was fierce. Groups of 3 to 20 members competed in three age groups, and were judged on technical skills, showmanship, creativity, rhythm and costume.

Youth Division Winners, ages 6-12

First - Ujima Dance Group, San Diego
Second - Robot Rock, Temecula
Third - Famous, Chula Vista

Varsity Division Winners, ages 13-20

First - Toy Story, Temecula
Second - Breakthrough, Encinitas
Third - Flipside, San Marcos

Adult Division Winners, ages 21 and older

First - Choreo Cookies, Encinitas
Second - 220 Second to None, San Diego
Third - Junkyard, Spring Valley

Congratulations to all of these winners, and to the other totally sick (in a good way) dance troops who competed. This is one of the most popular competitions at the fair, and you can see why.

To watch more of this competition, check out the new videos on YouTube.

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By Carole A. Lane -- 0 comments

June 29th, 2008

Time for a Neighborhood Party

Does your neighborhood get together to celebrate Independence Day?  If not, why not start something?

I know that Californians don’t have the best reputation for being good neighbors. In fact, I have lived in places where I never even met my neighbors until the day I was moving out! Fortunately, I haven’t found that to be the case in San Diego county.

When we moved onto our cul-de-sac ten years ago, we heard that this neighborhood used to have the best 4th of July parties around, but they didn’t anymore. For the first few years here, we talked with neighbors about starting something up, but it just never came together.

Finally, after five years, I got on my computer and designed a flier for an old fashioned 4th of July Ice Cream Social, made a bunch of copies (about $4 worth), and put them in all of the mailboxes on the block.  I had no idea if anyone would come, but I figured the worst that could happen was that we would sit and eat ice cream alone. Not too horrible, right? Well, my kids and I made a couple of kinds of homemade ice cream that week (mango and chocolate chip, I think) and we waited.

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By Carole A. Lane -- 0 comments

June 28th, 2008

A View of the Wild Animal Park

For the best view of the San Diego Wild Animal Park, you need only ride the Great Rift Lift to the viewing platform. Overlooking the Journey to Africa, the platform is over 3000 square feet of viewing and photo opportunities. On hot days, the misters provide a cloud of cool mist over the tower, where visitors can also sit and rest, or purchase a snack.

Best of all, the Great Rift Lift raises visitors up from the lowest areas of the park (the lower exhibits of Africa, such as Lion Camp, Heart of Africa, Flamingos, Cool Zone and Balloon Ride) up to Mombasa Village, saving the climb up the most severe hill that was always so difficult at the end of the day, especially for those in wheelchairs or pushing strollers.

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By Carole A. Lane -- 0 comments

June 27th, 2008

This Week’s Featured Photos

Browsing through Flickr this week, I was thrilled to find these wonderful new images of San Diego:

Thanks to these talented and generous photographers for sharing these images with us.

Photo #1 credit: Flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/michael-seljos/2610349684/
Photo #2 credit: Flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/johnandketurah/2609286582/
Photo #3 credit: Flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/shindotv/2612803088/
Photo #4 credit: Flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/tkkate/2612632720/
Photo #5 credit: Flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/danielgreene/2599365712/
Photo #6 credit: Flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/vissago/2605323549/

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By Carole A. Lane -- 0 comments

June 26th, 2008

Gather the Clans for the 35th Annual San Diego Highland Games

It’s time to throw the caber, eat some haggis, and herd some sheep.  Yes, the San Diego Highland Games and Gathering of the Clans are coming to Vista this weekend, and the bagpipes are warming up already.

For a preview of the entertainment you can expect at this year’s games, you can come to the free concert at Moonlight Amphitheater in Brengle Terrace park on Friday night!

Also see photo galleries from previous years online to get a quick view of the athletic competitions and entertainment . Even if you don’t have a drop of Scottish blood in you, the Highland Games are great fun for the whole family.

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By Carole A. Lane -- 2 comments

June 25th, 2008

This Weekend is For the Dogs

Dog lovers will really enjoy San Diego this weekend. There are canine-centered events for dogs of all kinds, as well as those of us who love to watch our furry friends.

For the athletic pooch, there’s the Surf Dog Competition at Loews Coronado Bay Resort at Imperial Beach on Saturday (June 28). Coronado Surfing Academy will provide surfing lessons for the dogs from 9:30 to 10:30am, and competition will start at 11am. You can compete in a tandem surfing event with your dog from 12:30 to 1:30. This will be followed by a furry fashion show at 1:30, with the awards ceremony at 1:45. There will be puppy portraits, mutt massages, goody bags and more, and watching this event is free furry & family fun.

Working dogs will compete in the Sheepdog Trials at the San Diego Highland Games over the whole weekend at Brengle Terrace Park in Vista.

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By Carole A. Lane -- 0 comments

June 24th, 2008

Healthy Dining at LEGOLAND

Of all of the California theme parks, LEGOLAND seems to do the best job of catering to the healthy eaters among us. Nearly all of their restaurants have some healthy choices, but those with special dietary needs will really appreciate the following options.

Please note that they will accommodate you even better with prior notice of your needs 72 hours ahead, so be sure to email them before your visit if you have additional dietary concerns:

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By Carole A. Lane -- 0 comments

June 23rd, 2008

True Colors Tour Hits San Diego County

This Friday (June 27), the True Colors Tour will stop at Viejas Casino for a Concert in the Park, and what a great lineup! Headlined by Cyndi Lauper, Cyndi will be joined by The B-52s, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, special guest Andy Bell of Erasure, The Puppini Sisters, and host Carson Kressley! Wow!

This has got to be one of the wilder concerts coming up this summer, and I’d go just to see Cyndi Lauper OR The B-52s, but together - Fabulous!

A devoted advocate for the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) community for over 25 years, Cyndi Lauper launched the annual True Colors Tour in 2007. In partnership with organizations like the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) and Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG), this North American tour brings people together to voice their solidarity for GLBT equality and raise awareness about the continued discrimination the community still faces. From Cyndi and her openly gay sister, Elen, taking part in a highly successful national public awareness campaign for PFLAG to participating in countless events to raise funds and awareness for the fight for GLBT equality, Cyndi is committed to this vital community that has loved and supported her throughout her career. In appreciation for her work, Cyndi has been honored by many organizations including HRC, PFLAG, and the Matthew Shepard Foundation.

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By Carole A. Lane -- 3 comments

June 22nd, 2008

This Week’s Featured Photos

This week, I decided to feature some photos showing our public transportation in San Diego County. Of course, most of us drive and walk. Many bike and skate too, but those aren’t our only options here:

Thanks to these great local photographers for sharing their shots with us.

Photo #1 credit: Flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/7447470@N06/1385241006/
Photo #2 credit: Flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/nathaninsandiego/397236162/
Photo #3 credit: Flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/olasis/2583632392/
Photo #4 credit: Flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/olasis/2582811975/
Photo #5 credit: Flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/avantard/2410543615/

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By Carole A. Lane -- 1 comment