The Paper • Page 6 • April 20, 2017
Hidden Treasures. . . Cont. from Page 6
The native Northern Diegueno Indians (a.k.a. Kumeyaay) once inhabited this land, dating back some 9,000 years B.C. There is a strongly-supported theory that Elfin Forest was once a Native American burial ground, which is a most reasonable assumption with any aboriginal group which lived, flourished, and died in the same region for all those thousands of years. Though the ghostly stories are popular enough to be acknowledged by park personnel, it is officially down-played since it has never been proven – as is the case with most ghost tales.
Ghostbusting celebrity, Bill Murray, is no stranger to wandering through dark Escondido Parks at night, whether at Elfin Forest or other similar haunts. Several years ago, Escondido residents bumped into ghost-buster legend, Bill Murray, wandering around Kit Carson Park in the darkness, as if on a supernatural quest of some sort. After signing autographs for the locals at 1 a.m., off Murray went through the woods like a phantom, as one source described it. According to San Diego Magazine, Murray owned property in Pauma Valley. Escondido’s Elfin Forest is, certainly, known to Bill Murray. Regarding making another Ghostbuster movie, Murray had this to say: “No one wants to pay money to see fat, old men chasing ghosts.” I would.
Such ghostly happenings are not given serious thought from visitors to Elfin Forest today. Visitors are there to enjoy the natural surroundings, fresh air, and spectacular views. And to conduct themselves in responsible manner.
Elfin Forest is a Recreational Reserve in an un-incorporated rural community of San Diego County, located in the foothills of the Santa Rosa Mountains. The official geography is cited as southwest of Escondido proper with the following physical address of 8833 Harmony Grove Rd., Escondido, CA 92029. Daily operating hours during the summer are 8 a.m. till sunset, according to Jeff Anderson, Park Supervisor. I spoke with Anderson and he offered this helpful hint for visitors: “Carpool if at all possible due to limited parking spaces, especially during a busy weekend, otherwise your left to park on the shoulder of the roadway. Week days are not as crowded, but carpooling is still a wise decision,” Anderson told me. To learn more about Elfin Forest, you may call (760) 632-4222. Or visit their website at: https://elfinforest.olivenhain.com/ (Note: Escondido’s Elfin Forest should not be confused with Elfin Forest in Los Osos at San Luis Obispo County.)
Various comments on Yelp regarding Elfin Forest give a clear picture of the place: “So well-maintained with the double parking lots, trails, tables, benches, and even bathrooms.” Regarding the walking trails, and for dog-lovers, there is this helpful Yelp comment: “By far my favorite place to hike on the weekends. Trails are always clean & there’s a long flowing creek/river that is beautiful. Especially if you have dogs, they LOVE to swim and play before and after hikes.”
One Yelp comment is of vital importance for any visitor regarding what to bring with you, as well as precautions when entering the park region: “Don’t forget to bring water, sunscreen, and preferably long pants (some areas have poison oak, though I stayed on the trails and didn’t come across any). Be on the lookout for rattlesnakes, mountain lions (there’s a warning prior to walking up the trails that they have been spotted there), oh, and horse dung because no one wants to step in
that.”
My close companion, Carlos Ambriz, commented: “With mountain lions, rattlesnakes, and poison oak to lookout for – I wouldn’t sweat the horse dung!”
I asked Park Supervisor, Jeff Anderson, on the subject of wildlife and he confirmed periodic sightings of bobcats and cougars have been reported, however, it is not an everyday occurrence. As popular as Elfin Forest may be for many visitors, it is still widely-unknown to larger segments of our North San Diego County residents – to a surprising degree.
Since being prominently mentioned in such newspapers as The Los Angeles Times and publications as San Diego Magazine, you would think Elfin Forest would be less of a secret for more Escondido residents.
FREE WEDNESDAYS. The California Center for the Arts in Escondido is a magnificent sprawling edifice that offers first-rate entertainment. But did you know that there are two upcoming free events at this complex? Well, it’s true. And now that I’ve got your attention, here are the two free Wednesdays to mark on your calendar. On May 3, 2017, the amazing musical group, Rip Carson & the Valiants, who specialize in Rockabilly music, are scheduled to perform two free shows, one at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. Regarding Rip Carson & the Valiants, they have headlined concerts, festivals, and clubs around the world and have several successful albums to their credit. Rip Carson was a prodigy of Rockabilly music since age 13. Just think, on May 3, 2017, you will have an opportunity to see them free of charge in a most magnificent setting!
And on June 7, 2017, the world-famous songstress, Missy Andersen, rocks the house with her patented blues vocalizations. Her two shows are slated at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. Regarding the celebrated singing sensation, Missy Andersen, PBS Australia has called her, “One of the truly great voices of our time,” and Southland Blues Magazine describes her singing as, “Vocal magic that lights up the night!” Missy Andersen is internationally-renowned in singing the blues to eager crowds worldwide. Born in Detroit, Miss Andersen now calls San Diego home. Here is your chance to see her FREE! I personally spoke with Stephany Farley, Community Events & Outreach Supervisor, at the California Center for the Arts in Escondido, and she is very excited in getting word out to the general public regarding these two Free Wednesday concerts. Both of these Free Wednesday live concerts are to take place at the 400-seat Center Theatre within the complex. Tickets to these incredible performances are handed out on a first-come, first-seated basis as you enter the venue. Doors open one hour prior to showtime, and shows fill-up quickly, so arriving early is strongly recommended.
If you would like to beat the line, reserved seats are available for $12 and must be purchased at least 24 hours in advance, preferably sooner at the box office. The California Center for the Arts, Escondido is located at 340 N. Escondido Blvd., Escondido, CA 92025. Box Office Tele. (800) 9884253. Their website is at: www.artcenter.org It must be acknowledged that these two Free Wednesdays are sponsored by Mrs. Lois Brossart and the Rotary Club of Escondido Foundation. It is through their generosity and kindness that these
incredible free public events are made possible at no cost to the general public. I also wish to thank Stephany Farley for her helpful input; her assistance is most appreciated and reflects highly of her role at the California Center for the Arts, Escondido. There are many other lesser-known secrets and hidden treasures to enjoy here in our beautiful Escondido areas. Too many to list here. I hope this article serves only as a starting point to begin your own adventure in finding more Escondido Hidden Treasures that are out there – just waiting to be discovered by you!
For a great GIFT idea anytime of the year
Give a gift subscription to The Paper!
Freidrich Gomez - our prolific writer. This is his 70th cover story for The Paper. He may have just found a new franchise ... writing about all North County cities! More to come!
Mental Health and Drug Abuse - A Dual Issue
As a member of the Assembly Health Committee and the bipartisan Mental Health Caucus, the critical problem of cooccurring disorders: mental health and drug addiction leads to increasing crime and homelessness and ultimately impacts safety throughout California.
This session I have introduced two bills which will address treatment issues for inmates in county jails with co-mental health and substance addiction problems. AB 473 creates a pilot project with the University of California to assist participating counties treating the estimated 72% of mentally ill inmates who also suffer from substance use disorders. My other bill, AB 532, sets up a program authorizing counties to offer mental health and addiction treatment services to women charged with misdemeanors. With the new laws in effect, misdemeanors are gener-
Call 760.747.7119 for details
ally cited and released without tapping into existing wraparound services.
Last session I introduced AB 59, which was ultimately signed into law by the Governor. AB 59 extends the sunset date for assisted outpatient treatment for severely mentally ill persons by five years. This program, known as Laura’s Law, has shown great results in helping otherwise untreated individuals return to productive lives. This allows San Diego County and 12 other participating counties to continue to benefit from this important health and public safety legislation. Those suffering from mental illness and substance abuse can often turn their lives around if they receive treatment. By adopting these modest proposals, taxpayer dollars will be saved, homelessness and crime will decrease and lives will be restored.