JAN. 4, 2019
13
T he R ancho S anta F e News
Lots of history for little-known town hit the road e’louise ondash
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ikely you’ve not heard of Tubac, a town of less than 1,200 residents about 45 minutes south of Tucson, but it has undeniable and important ties to California history. It was 245 years ago this month that Juan Bautista de Anza, a military officer in the service of the Spanish Empire, left Tubac (then a part of Mexico) on an expedition to find a route to Northern California. The goal was to continue the colonization of Alta California to enhance Spain’s grip on the New World. The route took de Anza through the state park that bears his name — Anza Borrego Desert State Park — and culminated in what is now San Francisco. We first discovered tiny Tubac about five years ago when we stopped for the night after touring southeast Arizona. Tubac was a pretty sleepy village then; we could walk down the middle of the
THE JUAN BAUTISTA DE ANZA National Historic Trail, known locally as the Anza Trail, follows A MARIACHI BAND that includes a Mexican Elvis entertains the Santa Cruz River near Tubac, Arizona. A 4-mile portion of the verdant path runs from at Soto’s Outpost in Tubac. The town of 1,200 lies about 45 Tumacácori National Historical Park to Tubac Presidio State Historic Park. Photo by Fred Snyder minutes south of Tucson. Photo by E’Louise Ondash
few streets and not worry about sharing the pavement with cars. Our return visit in mid-November, thanks to a nephew’s wedding, revealed a place that hadn’t changed much but did have a bit more of what makes Tubac a great place to visit. Tubac (pronounced TWO-back) still provides a weekend respite from the frenetic urban pace, but this still-small rustic artist enclave now offers more boutiques, galleries, good food, scenic hiking trails and historic sites. We enjoyed the cuisine
at Tubac Market, with its abundance of deli offerings (including an ample selection of gluten-free meats and salads) and a respectable wine selection that makes it ideal for lunch; Soto’s Outpost, where we were serenaded by a fourman mariachi band that featured a greatly entertaining Mexican Elvis; and Elvira’s, where the mole and amazing glass artwork blanketing the ceilings and tables merge into an explosion of flavors and colors. Don’t miss the next-door store where you’ll find one-of-a-kind (and
sometimes downright bizarre) home furnishings and works of art. Winter days in Southern Arizona are ideal for hiking, and the Juan Bautista de Anza National Historical Trail (known locally as simply the Anza Trail) is perfect for an easy 7-mile trek — or as far as you want to go. Cool mornings and the heavily shaded path means dressing in layers is a must. I was bundled up for the first several miles; by the end, my jacket was tied around my waist. The countryside
seemed surprisingly verdant for this time of year and reminded me that Arizona offers diverse topography and climate zones. It was pure pleasure to walk the trail as it followed the winding Santa Cruz River, which looked pretty peaceful and innocent. Heavy rainstorms during the summer and winter, however, can turn the Santa Cruz into an angry, dangerous tool of erosion. On this day, though, the water was nothing but a part of a beautiful landscape. I didn’t have time to visit the nearby Tumacáco-
ri National Historical Park, but other wedding guests did. The story of the late-17th-century mission (pronounced toom-a-COCKor-ee) weaves the history of Europeans, Mexicans, Spanish and the O’odham (formerly Pima) nation — all who lived in or immigrated to this corner of the Southwest. Visit http://tubacaz. com. For more photos and commentary, visit www. facebook.com /elouise.ondash. Want to share a trip? Email eondash@coastnewsgroup.com.
Coffee at 10 a.m. Jan. 10 at Pegah’s Kitchen, 945 Santa CONTINUED FROM 12 Fe Ave., Vista. Come preINTERFAITH LUNCHEON pared to order a no-host The San Dieguito In- breakfast. Anyone interestterfaith Ministerial Associ- ed in joining VFN, call Sanation will meet for lunch at dy at (760) 390-2397. noon Jan. 9, at Seaside Center for Spiritual Living, 1613 LOOKING FOR DOCENTS Lake Drive, Encinitas. Our Docent training for the many guest presenters will San Diego Botanic Garden be those who attended the will be held from 9:30 a.m. Parliament of the World’s to 1 p.m. Jan. 10 through Religions Conference in To- May 2 at 230 Quail Gardens ronto, Ontario in November. Drive, Encinitas. Cost is $60 Bring a dish to share from fee for nine classes. Prereqyour faith or culture which uisites required. Register at reminds you of our similar- sdbgarden.org/docent.htm ities. or contact jgardner@sdbgarden.org.
cies among its five local Citizen Commissions, including Budget & Finance, Climate Action, Parks & Recreation, Public Arts and View Assessment. Applications are being accepted until 5:30 p.m. Jan. 14. Applications and more information are available at cityofsolanabeach.org or call (858) 720-2400.
tional of Vista and North County Inland will host a one-mile Human Trafficking Awareness Walk 12:30 to 3 p.m. Jan. 12, at the Wave Waterpark, 101 Wave Drive, Vista. Information tables and STOP Trafficking signs will be provided. Registration at Wave Waterpark entrance. Speakers will include San Diego District Attorney Summer Stephan, JAN. 11 Joseph Travers, Saved In America, Jaimee Johnson, LEARN TO LOAD E-BOOKS Did you receive an Sisters of the Streets. For eReader for the holidays more information, visit sothis year? Learn how to ac- roptimistvista.org. cess digital eBooks and eAudiobooks on your eReader, HELLO KITTY COMES TO TOWN tablet, smartphone, or comThe signature Hello KitJAN. 10 puter with free classes from ty Cafe Truck will make a COMMISSION SEATS OPEN BE A NEWCOMER The city of Solana 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Jan. 11 stop in the area at The ShopVista Friends and New- Beach is currently seeking at the Oceanside Public Li- pes at Carlsbad as part of its comers will host a January volunteers to fill 17 vacan- brary, Civic Center Oceans- California tour, from 10 a.m. ide Public Library, 330 N. until 8 p.m. Jan. 12 in the Coast Highway, Oceanside parking lot near Regal Cineor 1 to 2 p.m. Jan. 18 at the mas and Luna Grill, 2525 El Oceanside Public Library, Camino Real, Carlsbad. For Mission Branch Community more information, call (760) Sweet, the perfect Room, 3861-B Mission Ave., 729-6183 or theshoppesatsize and poofy in all the Oceanside. Call for more de- carlsbad.com. right places … no we’re tails and to register for these not talking about the tasty classes. DAR MEETING baked treat, we’re talking The Santa Margarita about Muffin, the cat. Chapter, Daughters of the At 16 months old, JAN. 12 American Revolution, will Muffin is ready to be your EYEGLASSES FOR NEEDY meet for a 9:30 a.m. breakwarm piece of goodness. Encinitas Chapter of Li- fast buffet Jan. 12 at the El Her white coat is decoratons Club International, with Camino Country Club, 3202 ed with big brown patchthe California Lions Friends Vista Way, Oceanside. Memes including an adorable in Sight, Essilor Vision Foun- bers will learn about veterlittle one right below her dation, and the Encinitas ans and Elizabeth Hospice nose. She’s a curious girl library, will provide free vi- from Lisa Marcolongo. Visit who enjoys exploring new Rancho Santa Fe. Kennels sion and hearing screenings, santamargarita.californiatoys and will work her way are open daily Monday and free refurbished eye- dar.org. into your arms. She can’t through Wednesday from glasses from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. wait to meet you at Helen 1 to 6 p.m.; Thursday and Jan. 12 at the San Dieguito GET YOUR HEART SCREENING Woodward Animal Cen- Friday from 1 to 7 p.m.; United Methodist Church, The Eric Paredes Save ter. Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 170 Calle Magdalena, Encin- A Life Foundation, Carlsbad Her adoption fee is p.m.; and Sunday from 11 itas. No registration is neces- based soccer club and LA $56. All pets adopted from a.m. to 6 p.m. (last applicasary. First-come, first-served Galaxy San Diego are offerHelen Woodward Animal tion accepted 15 minutes basis. For more information, ing a free heart screening to Center are vaccinated and before closing). visit https://clfis.info/ or en- all youth athletes aged 12 to micro-chipped for identiFor more information cinitaslions.org. 25 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Jan. fication. Helen Woodward call (858) 756-4117, option 12 at the Carlsbad Senior Animal Center is at 6523 #1 or visit animalcenter. WALK TO FIGHT TRAFFICKING Center, 799 Pine Ave, CarlsHelen Woodward Way, org. Soroptimist Interna- bad. Register at https://
epsavealife.org /register/ registration-galaxy/. The EP Save A Life Foundation will also provide hands-only CPR training for all youth getting screened as well as parents.
nitas, with lectures, demonstrations and a field trip, presented by the Solana Center for Recycling. Cost is $50. Register at solanacenter.org.
CALENDAR
Pet of the Week
LEGACY USERS GROUP MORE MINDFUL LIVING
The city of Carlsbad’s Mindful Living Workshops continue with “Mindful Stress Navigation: Parenting” from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Jan. 12 at the Carlsbad City Library Schulman Auditorium, 1775 Dove Lane, Carlsbad. Admission is free. Seating is first come, first served.
JAN. 13
FRIENDS AND FAITH
The Catholic Widows and Widowers of North County support group, for those who desire to foster friendships through various social activities, will have a meeting and pot luck at St. Margaret Catholic Church, Oceanside Jan. 13 and go bowling at Surf Bowl with dinner at Hunter Steakhouse, Oceanside Jan. 17. Reservations are necessary at (858) 674-4324. BRUNCH WITH FRIENDS
North County Widows & Widowers Club will gather for a Champagne Brunch and lively conversation at 11 a.m. Jan.13 at The Broiler in Oceanside Harbor. Cost is $28 (tax and tip not included) and $6 for a bottle of champagne. Make reservations with Dale at (760) 522-5144. COMPOST IN 2019
A five-week Master Composter Course is being offered from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Jan. 13 to Feb. 17 at San Diego Botanic Garden, 230 Quail Gardens Drive, Enci-
Legacy Users Group, sponsored by North San Diego County Genealogical Society, will meet from noon to 2 p.m. Jan. 11 at the Nina Cole Library, 1250 Carlsbad Village Drive, Carlsbad. Learn how to use the Legacy Family Tree software to track, organize, print and share your family history. Free, reservation not necessary. For information call (760) 542-8112 or e-mail lug@nsdcgs.org. GEM FAIRE
A gem and jewelry fair will be held noon to 6 p.m. Jan. 11, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Jan. 12 and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Jan. 13 at the Del Mar Fairgrounds, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar. $7 for a weekend pass. For more information, visit gemfaire. com.
JAN. 14
SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE
The San Diego Foundation has opened up the application for 100 scholarships for San Diego County students pursuing higher education during the 20192020 school year, totaling in $2 million in grant availability. The holidays are the perfect time for students to work on these applications for an opportunity to receive financial support for school. The San Diego Foundation Common Scholarship Application is available at sdfoundation.org/students/community-scholarship-program/ until 2 p.m. Feb. 5, 2019.