California’s biggest resident taken by a brother in the sky…

Over 5,000 entered 2010 5/10k run…not counting strollers!

All balsa wood boards 1956

Oscar Night Full of Humor, Grace and Karmic Lessons

What makes every contest more interesting is a back story, whether it be the Superbowl or the Oscars a little drama goes a long way to help make for a more interesting viewing experience. Whether you were rooting for the underdog, the ex, or the hometown girl with a great sense of humor you were likely not disappointed with the results of tonight’s Oscars.

Kathryn Bigelow was awarded the Best Director Oscar for Hurt Locker over James Cameron for Avatar, making her the first female to win the honor. Hurt Locker won a total of six Oscars including Best Picture. Not to discount her talent or quality of the movie but perhaps a lesson in karma is also to be had. Bigelow was married to (and divorced) James Cameron back in the 90′s when he allegedly had an affair with his next wife Linda Hamilton on the set of Terminator 2.

Hometown favorite, Sandra Bullock won for Best Actress, just one night after accepting a Razzie award in Hollywood for her role in “All About Steve”, making her the first actress (or Actor for that matter) to win both a Razzie and an Oscar in the same weekend. Bullock’s acceptance speech was poignant yet funny including a moment where she thanked her Mother for raising her to be accepting of all people while joking about Meryl Streep being “a great kisser” in a way that only Sandra Bullock could pull off.

As predicted the Best Actor Oscar went to Jeff Bridges for his role in “Crazy Heart”.  Comedian Mo’Nique won for Best Supporting Actress for her dramatic role as Mary Jones, an abused and criminally abusive mother, in “Precious: Based on the Novel ‘Push” by Sapphire.”

Video of Sandra Bullock Winning Razzie Award on Saturday Night:

Video of Sandra Bullock Winning Oscar Award on Sunday Night (poor quality):

OC’s most Delicious Dining event returns February 28th – March 6th

More than 100 restaurants across Orange County’s vast dining landscape are ready to dish up amazing food at fantastic prices during Orange County’s most anticipated culinary event.

From all corners of the county this foodie celebration provides OC locals the opportunity to indulge in a selection of specially priced prix fixe menus from over 100 of Orange County’s best Restaurants. These menus showcase some of the region’s most talented chefs who have personalized each menu to reflect their culinary style. The prix fixe menus are priced at $10, $15 and $20 per person for lunch, and $20, $30 or $40 per person for dinner. The only thing to make for dinner during Restaurant Week is reservations!

This is the time for food lovers to try new places, get groups of friend and dine out and just really enjoy a week of fabulous dining. Start planning your week of dining out.

For more information visit OrangeCountyRestaurantWeek.com.

Sun and Snow at Seal Beach Pier

Snow and Beach by Ken Welch Photography

Dogs Compete for Top Honors In Long Beach

The American Kennel Club® and Eukanuba announced today that nearly 4,000 dogs will compete for more than $225,000 in cash prizes at the Ninth Annual AKC/Eukanuba National Championship on Dec. 12 and 13, 2009 in Long Beach, Calif. The two-day event is held in conjunction with the AKC Agility Invitational and the AKC National Obedience Invitational (entries of 457 and 109 respectively) making for a combined entry of almost 5,000 dogs competing in all events. 

 In celebration of AKC’s 125th anniversary, the show has adopted an open format for 2009 (it will return to invitation-only in 2010), which means any AKC registered purebred unaltered dog six months of age or older has an opportunity to compete for top dog honors.  

“With our partners, we’re thrilled to host one of the most well-respected dog shows in the world and to be able to commemorate the AKC’s anniversary with the open format at this year’s AKC/Eukanuba National Championship,” said Jason Taylor, external relations manager, Procter & Gamble Pet Care. “Every year the road to best in show is full of suspense for owners, handlers and breeders and the open format allows for more surprises in the ring and opportunities for established champions and new contenders alike to make a run for the title of top dog.”

The AKC/Eukanuba National Championship is also host to the Eukanuba World Challenge, a unique event showcasing top canines from 41 countries all competing for prestigious international recognition. Rare breeds such as the Cesky Fousek, Thai Ridgeback and Bracco Italiano will compete against more traditional favorites such as the Doberman Pinscher, Poodle and Golden Retriever for the title of “World Challenge Champion” and a total of $15,000 in prize money. 

“We are proud to celebrate AKC’s 125th anniversary with this unique show,” said Ron Menaker, show chairman. “With nearly 5,000 entries in the conformation, agility and obedience competitions, it’s the largest AKC dog show in 2009, and will be a memorable event for both spectators and competitors.” 
HAPPENINGS AT THE AKC/EUKANUBA NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP

• Best in Show Competition – Because of this year’s open format, more dogs than ever will be competing for top dog honors including dogs who have never shown before and the country’s top show dogs from each of the 161 AKC recognized breeds. The owner of the AKC/Eukanuba National Championship Best in Show winner will receive more than $50,000, and the breeder/s of the Best in Show winner will be awarded $15,000.  

• AKC Agility Invitational – This year the invitational will be housed in 60,000 square foot pavilion adjacent to the Convention Center that is 39 feet tall and spans the length of a football field. Under the big top during the two-day show, the agility competition demonstrates the versatility and speed of canines as they race against the clock and overcome a challenging obstacle course of tunnels, weave poles, jumps and seesaws. It is a sport of physical skill, control, patience and most importantly, teamwork between handler and dog.

• AKC National Obedience Invitational – Obedience trials demonstrate how useful a dog is as a valued companion. Accuracy and precision are essential, but the natural movement of the handler and the willingness and enjoyment of the dog also are important. 

• Eukanuba World Challenge – The international challenge will feature top dogs from 41 countries and six continents. Watch and cheer on Holly, the 2008 AENC Best in Show champion, as she represents the U.S. in this intense competition.

• Junior Handlers – Top-ranking preteen and teen handlers (ages 9-18), who have met high academic standards and qualification criteria based on year-round competition will compete for prestigious wins and scholarship money.

• AKC Humane Fund Awards for Canine Excellence (ACE) – Each year dogs are recognized for their outstanding contributions to their respective communities. There are five categories the ACE Award recognizes: Law Enforcement, Search and Rescue, Therapy, Service and Exemplary Companion.  These honorees and their owners will be on-hand in Long Beach to receive their awards and be recognized in front of the AENC audience. 

• AKC Meet the Breeds® – Showcasing more than 150 breeds, with dogs of all ages, AKC Meet the Breeds is designed to teach responsible dog ownership while providing an interactive and fun experience for show attendees. Debuting at the event are some of the newest breeds recognized by the AKC – the Irish Red and White Setter, Norwegian Buhund and Pyrenean Shepherd.

• Dog Sensory Exhibit – The Eukanuba booth will feature a full-sensory exhibit where attendees can see, smell, hear and taste exactly as a dog does.
 
AKC/EUKANUBA NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP BY THE NUMBERS

• All 161 AKC registered breeds are entered to compete. 
• The largest entries include: 106 Golden Retrievers; 80 French Bulldogs; 66 Cavalier King Charles Spaniels; 65 Australian Shepherds; and 63 Rottweilers.
• The newest breeds to compete include: 10 Irish Red & White Setters; 6 Norwegian Buhund and 15 Pyrenean Shepherds.
• By group, entry totals are: Sporting – 680; Hound – 554; Working – 676; Terrier – 505; Toy – 573; Non-Sporting – 481; Herding – 404 and Miscellaneous – 47.
• Dogs from 41 international countries will compete in the Eukanuba World Challenge including Australia, Ireland, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and Venezuela.
• More than $225,000 in cash and prizes are offered by Eukanuba. In addition, another $10,000 has been offered by many of the 133 breed clubs that are hosting a specialty or supported entry in commemoration of the AKC’s 125th anniversary.
• The owner/s of the AKC/Eukanuba National Championship Best in Show winner will receive more than $50,000 while the breeder/s of the Best in Show winner is awarded $15,000. 
• More than 1,300 dogs are entered in the Bred-by-Exhibitor (the dog’s handler is both breeder and owner) competition, making up 32 percent of the entry who will be eligible to win the $15,000 cash prize. Same-day video coverage of the Bred-by-Exhibitor Groups will be provided on akc.org. 
• Nearly 300,000 square feet of event space will be utilized.
 
AGILITY AND OBEDIENCE INVITATIONALS BY THE NUMBERS

• Agility (held in a unique, 60,000 square foot, enclosed pavilion) – 457 total; 130 breeds from 41 states (plus Canada, Brazil and Japan). 

• Obedience – 109 total; 44 breeds from 31 states and Canada.

To purchase tickets, get more information about the show and sign up to receive updates on show results via our Facebook and Twitter pages, visit www.akc.org/aenc.

Women’s Conference Inspires Thousands in Long Beach

Over 10,000 women (and a few men too) attended The Night at the Village event on Monday night at the Long Beach Convention center, which is part of the two day Women’s Conference held here at the Convention Center.  The Night at the Village is a complimentary event to the conference which sold out in just two hours this year.   For two full days, more than 100 newsmakers and world opinion leaders gather with more than 25,000 women from all walks of life to be educated, inspired and empowered to be Architects of Change in their own lives, within their communities and around the world.

More than 10,000 women were in attendance for the Night at the Village where they were able to  “meet, mix and mingle” with the nation’s best-selling authors, most inspirational speakers, top chefs, socially responsible companies and Architects of Change like themselves, all in a dynamic 160,000 square foot women’s village. The Village stays open for shopping, networking and book-signing throughout the conference and it is a popular gathering spot for speakers, authors and attendees to connect with each other and build a community.  Featured speakers such as Maria Shriver, Jillian Michaels (personal trainer on The Biggest Loser), Paula Deen (celebrity chef) and book signing opportunties which also included Caroline Kennedy, Mario Lopez and Kate Gosselin. 

The lineup of speakers and participants for today’s event includes former Secretary of State Madeleine K. Albright,
FDIC Chairwoman Sheila Bair, Martha Beck, Sir Richard Branson, Katie Couric, Stephen M. R. Covey, Geena Davis, Paula Deen, Elizabeth Edwards, Linda Ellerbee, Dr. Jane Goodall, David Gregory, Senior Advisor to the President Valerie B. Jarrett, Caroline Kennedy, Alicia Keys, Ashton Kutcher, Annie Leibovitz, Lisa Ling, Cindy Hensley McCain, Somaly Mam, Dr. Mehmet Oz, Danica Patrick, Robin Roberts, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, Claire Shipman, First Lady Maria Shriver, U.S. Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis and Paula Zahn.

The speakers at today’s event will be broadcast live at WomensConfrence.org.

Photos from Night at the Village below:

Construction Underway on the First Registered U.S. Green Building LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Homes on the California Coastline

Laguna Beach has long been a source of inspiration for artists (the Plein Air school of landscape painting), television producers (MTV’s Laguna Beach: The Real Orange County), and other innovators.

Now, this picturesque resort town is the setting for a major development in the eco-building movement, as Tresor Properties – a premier Laguna Beach-based real estate investment, construction and brokerage firm – builds the first U.S. Green Building Council LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) for Homes registered project on the California coastline.

With these two luxury oceanfront residences, Tresor Properties is pursuing the U.S. Green Building Council’s highest “green” building rating – a Platinum designation. According to the Certified Projects Database at USGBC.org, there are only 81 LEED for Homes-certified Platinum projects completed in the world as of October 2009.

Tresor Properties’ “Pursuit of Platinum” project is newsworthy not only for bringing a new level of eco-friendly homebuilding to the West Coast, but also for raising the bar for green living.

“With our Laguna Beach oceanfront residences we’re making a clear statement that you don’t have to sacrifice luxury and quality when you build green,” says Ken Fischbeck, Vice President of Construction and Founding Partner, Tresor Properties. “Not only are we building to the highest level of energy efficiency and environmental sensitivity, we’re also building with functionality, longevity, quality and beauty in mind.”

Other luxury home brands that are committed to sustainability have joined the “Pursuing Platinum” project, demonstrating their support of Tresor Properties ushering in a new era of luxury green homebuilding. These firms include renowned German kitchen manufacturer Poggenpohl and Italian door and window makers STR Infissi.

“Combining high-end design with state-of-the-art building technologies is our passion, and that is why we are partnering with Tresor,” says Ted Chappell, President of Poggenpohl U.S., Inc. “These homes will be among the greenest in the world and the design elements are stunning.”

Other “Pursuing Platinum” project sponsors include Coastal Concrete, Hillcrest Framing, and B and D Plumbing.

The two U.S. Green Building Council Platinum LEED registered homes-in-progress are located at 990 and 992 Ocean Front, in the heart of Laguna Beach’s sought-after “Village” district. Gracing two prime parcels of oceanfront land, the residences will feature views of the coastline, crashing whitewater and Catalina Island. Designed by prominent Laguna Beach architect Mark Singer – who is known for creating award-winning contemporary homes inspired by nature – the homes will encompass 3,650 square feet and 4,500 square feet, respectively, of casually elegant beachfront living. They also will feature expansive oceanfront terraces, private steps to the beach, pools, spas, elevators, three-car garages and state-of-the-art home automation technology. In addition to their anticipated receipt of the USGBC Platinum LEED designation, the homes also are planned to exceed California’s current strict Title 24 requirements for energy efficiency building by more than 58 percent.

“High-end homebuyers have been waiting for this product – a house that blends luxury living with a beachfront location and environmental design,” says real estate agent Marcus Skenderian of eco-brokerage Surterre Properties in Laguna Beach, who is part of a team representing the homes for sale. “We already have an impressive roster of interested clients and the buzz surrounding the properties is tremendous.”

Estimated completion for the homes is mid-2010. Both residences are offered for sale by Surterre Properties, a leading luxury real estate firm that also is a green company and the only eco broker in Orange County. For more information, interested parties may contact Marcus Skenderian of Surterre Properties at 949.295.5758 or visit his website at www.skenderianproperties.com

Be A Seal Beach Santa..Save a Life!

The Seal Beach Animal Care Center Presents a Christmas present that will be a “forever” present.

We want to find “forever” homes for 77 wonderful cats and kittens.

We are going to place 77 cats in 77 days!

We have streamlined our adoption process, with same day approvals available most days. We are offering rebates of adoption fees, and discounts for multiple adoptions and adoptions of senior and special needs cats, through December 31, 2009!

Come and meet Ducky, Frisky, Jitterbug, Brando & Emmie and other wonderful cats and kittens, and probably one will be your new best friend!

Make a difference in the life of a homeless cat or kitten and in your own heart as well as the new owner!

Trust me, these little guys know when you adopt them and their love is almost immediate.

Contact the Seal Beach Animal Care Center
1700 Adolfo Lopez Drive
Seal Beach, CA 90740
(562) 430-4993

www.sbacc.org

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