Rancho Santa Fe Review
September 12, 2013
21
Update: TPHS grad Taylor Williamson gearing up for ‘America’s Got Talent’ finals Note: This story was written before the Sept. 10 final. BY ROB LEDONNE Taylor Williamson, the Torrey Pines High School graduate and stand-up comedian, has made it through yet another round of the NBC competition series “America’s Got Talent,� and this Tuesday, Sept. 10, performs on the show as part of the final 12 contestants. “It’s so amazing,� said Williamson via telephone from New York, where the series broadcasts live from Radio City Music Hall. “I appreciate it because I realize that I’m here because people decided I should go through.� Since debuting on the show in August, Williamson has quickly become a fan favorite. He caught the public’s eye after an inside joke with judge Heidi Klum (who was originally lukewarm on the comic) snowballed into a bit on the show where Williamson and Klum exchanged playful banter. As a result of his growing notoriety, Williamson has taken to calling his reverent fan-base Taylords — a play on pop stars giving a name to their fans (Lady Gaga calls them “Little Monsters� and One Direction’s fans are “Directioners�). In addition, Williamson has become a hot commodity in the cutthroat world of stand-up. “I recently sold out a headlining show at the Hollywood Improv on a Friday night,� explained Willaimson of the well-known venue. “That has never happened to me, ever. Two months ago I couldn’t even get an opening slot at a club like that. People really are enjoying what I do, and it’s so special.� Also excited is Taylor’s mother, Suzanne, a Del Mar resident. “She wanted to put up fliers [telling people to vote for me],� Williamson explained. “I had to tell her not to. “I’m still hoping she forgets about the money she lent me,� he joked. This Tuesday, Sept. 10, Williamson will take the stage again as part of the top 12 finalists. If he makes it through, there will only be one more week of elimination until a winner is announced.
Newcomers Club of San Dieguito Boogie Board Group
Newcomers become friends through San Dieguito club
Taylor Williamson “It will be hard because last time went way too well, it was a dream scenario,� Williamson said. “I have to try to top it.� “America’s Got Talent,� consistently ranked the number one show in the country, airs on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 9 p.m. on NBC San Diego. Voting opens, by phone and website, following Tuesday’s edition. For updates and more information, visit www.taylorwilliamson.com and www.nbc.com/AGT
BY KRISTINA HOUCK When Nazlin Kassamali moved to this area from Hemet four years ago, she had never been boogie boarding. Kassamali now boogie boards with her friends every week at Fletcher Cove. “I enjoy it so much,� she said. “I feel so alive. There’s something therapeutic about the salt water, I believe.� Boogie boarding is just one of many activities offered by the Newcomers Club of San Dieguito, an organization that welcomes new residents to North County and organizes charitable, educational and social events. “We were new to the area and this was a great way to meet new people,� said Kassamali, who moved to the community with her husband after the couple retired. She is also a member of the group’s book club, bridge club and Scrabble club. “Everyone was very supportive and helpful, and now I just come out and enjoy the water. It’s a shame to live by the beach and not go in the water. I think it’s an amazing feeling!� A book club and boogie board group
member, Del Mar resident Debbie Vescuso encouraged Kassamali to join the group because she “wanted to share the fun.� “I absolutely love this group of women,� Vescuso said. “This activity allows our inner child to come out to play.� Originally from New Jersey, Vescuso said she invites people to sit on the beach and watch, and before long, they join in the fun. “That’s how we’ve gained a lot of people,� she said. “Before you know it, they’re buying a wetsuit, they’re in the water and we’re teaching them how to catch a wave.� The Newcomers Club of San Dieguito has more than 200 members in 30 activities. Membership costs $25 per year and is open to people residing in the San Dieguito area, which includes Carmel Valley, Del Mar, Solana Beach, Rancho Santa Fe and other nearby communities. For more information or to join the Newcomers Club of San Dieguito, contact Membership Chairwoman Janie Boscacci at 858-461-4111 or janieboscacci@yahoo.com.
HUGE SAVINGS at all of our Bob Baker locations! TOYOTA • SCION bobbakertoyota.com (619) 287-2400
*ĂŠUĂŠ ,9- ,
" ĂŠUĂŠ,
bobbakerďŹ at.com (760) 431-3060
bobbakercjd.com (760) 431-3000
< bobbakermazda.com (760) 431-3050
bobbakervw.com (760) 438-2200
bobbakersubaru.com (760) 438-2200