Children’s Primary Care Medical Group is the region’s only pediatric health network focused on children, their health and well-being.
Our pediatricians offer family-centered care including well visits, newborn care, camp and sports physicals, developmental screenings, behavioral and mental health consultations, lactation support and complimentary prenatal visits. CPCMG provides same day appointments, evening and weekend hours, video visits, 24/7 telephone medical advice, secure online access to your child’s health records and referrals to specialists.
Studios, 1 & 2 Bedrooms
Walkable 5-Acre Campus
Tranquil Country Setting
Engaged Local Ownership
Chef-Crafted Meals
Inspiring Events & Activities
Proven Award-winning Care
Tenured Nurses & Staff
24/7 Security & Supervision Dedicated Memory Care Building
Julie Reeder
Publisher Note
The 2026 Sourcebook magazine focuses on important topics regarding our area and local culture. Galway Downs, our cover story, highlights the equestrian organization’s rise to prominence in national and international competitions. Also featured is their support for local Pony Clubs.
The burgeoning winery culture is also detailed in the publication. Our inclusion and recognition as an American Vitaculture Area is an important benchmark, and is highlighted. We have also covered art, health, car clubs, downtown boutiques, local food products, and the many quality restaurants we enjoy. We included features on local businesses, our knowledgeable realtors, and a few nonprofits that are doing crucial work to support people in tangible ways. There’s also a feature highlighting many who have lived to be 100 or more, as well as information on what researchers have discovered regarding longevity.
You’ll find our familiar and well-loved guides: dining, golf, church, hiking and the nonprofit guide. The nonprofit guide is crucial. Because our towns aren’t incorporated, much of what makes this a special place to live is the result of efforts by nonprofit organizations. The open green spaces, hiking trails, parks, etc., were created by, and are maintained by, nonprofits. Our art properties were also created by volunteers, and volunteers maintain them. The charming downtown area was implemented by volunteers. Village Square, now named the Vince Ross Square, was a burned-out hardware store a few decades ago. Volunteers purchased the property, revamped it, and created something beautiful.
Public art has been imagined, commissioned, and installed. Thrift stores fund charities and philanthropic activities. Some groups were founded primarily for building community between people. Sports organizations support athletics. Whatever your interest or passion, there is likely a group of people who would enjoy working alongside you. This is what really builds community. It’s what makes our town special. Use the nonprofit guide to find a meaningful way to contribute locally while also building relationships with like-minded neighbors.
Stunning photographs, found throughout the magazine, are reminders of the remarkable beauty of our towns. We truly live in an extraordinary area—and we have so much to be thankful for. Thank you for supporting our advertisers who support us, and thank you for reading our stories.
Enjoy!
Julie Reeder
111 W. Alvarado Street, Fallbrook, CA 92028 | (760) 723-7319 my-sourcebook.com | villagenews.com | myvalleynews.com villageeditor@reedermedia.com | sales@reedermedia.com
Cover photo by Tina Fitch Photography.
Pleasenote:VillageNews,Inc.hasmadeeveryattempttoverifyanddocumentalloftheinformation contained in The Greater Fallbrook Area Sourcebook. If you have information or comments that would help us improve our 2027 Sourcebook, which is now in its planning stages, we ask that you contact our office at (760) 723-7319. We welcome your comments and suggestions. The Greater Fallbrook Area Sourcebook and all content is copyright 2026 by Village News, Inc.
The Greater Fallbrook Area Sourcebook a product of the Fallbrook/Bonsall Village News published weekly.
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Postmaster send postal change of address to: 111 W. Alvarado St Fallbrook, CA 92028
Publisher Julie Reeder
Editor
Nathalie Taylor
Editorial
Andrew Almazan
Anna Sapa’u
Christal Gaines-Emory
Dr Gene Ma
Heather Holdo
Julie Reeder
Lena Grace
Lisa Laughbaum
Lucette Moramarco
Melissa Staricka
Nathalie Taylor
Olivia Wadsworth
Sue Thorne
Tracey Lubben
Varun Talanki, MD, FACS
Staff Photographer
Shane Gibson
Contributing Photographers
Andrew Almazan
Ashlyn Trujillo
Christal Gaines-Emory
Julie Reeder
Lena Grace
Nathalie Taylor
Tina Fitch
Sourcebook Photo Contest Winners
April Dmytrenko
Curt Warner
Debra Dunbar
Glen Hoglen
Jennifer Moosa Sveinnsson
Joanne Van Doorn
Lori Cooper
Margaret Larson
Michelle Gutierrez
Nery Gaspar
Robert Sommers
Ron Montoya
Sydne Gilbert
Teri Stock
Thomas Rondeau
Tony Ochoa
Lead Sales
Josephine Mackenzie
Advertising Sales
Cindy Davis
Graphics & Production
Samantha Gorman Support
Anna Mullen
Chuck Reeder
Julie Reeder photo
JANUARY
THROUGH OCTOBER
$3,957,570
- Ken Follis After 20+ years working with many Sellers’s and Buyer’s in Fallbrook and the surrounding area, raising a family here, volunteering in the schools and throughout the community, I have enjoyed great friendships and an amazing life and I love helping those that need to sell get great results and I always love getting to share what I know about ‘Life in Fallbrook’ to those looking to move to our area!
- Sharon Robinson
Galway Downs
Equestrian Venue | pg 74
Fallbrook Winery
Euan Parker | pg 42
Balancing the Brain
Neurofeedback | pg 94
Lorena Geyer Harris
Librarian FHS | pg 130
FEATURE STORIES
8 Fashion in Fallbrook: Local boutiques shaping community style
12 KR Desighns, A Fallbrook Family Business Sells Handmade, Eco-Friendly Purses
16 Fallbrook Art Community Unites 18 Jim Fahnestock – An Artist’s Legacy 22 Glass Blowing in Fallbrook with Randall Reese 24 The Oceanside Samoan Cultural Celebration Is An Extravagant Celebration Of Polynesian Culture And Achievements
26 Samoan Dances And Traditions – An Integral Part Of The Oceanside Samoan Cultural Celebration
30 Eli’s Farms: Farm-to-Table Goodness Rooted in Fallbrook
32 “Dog Friendly” Restaurants
40 Elementa – The Epitome of Culinary Excellence
42 The Soul Of The Vines: A Morning At Fallbrook Winery
47 San Luis Rey AVA: A New Identity for Fallbrook and Bonsall Wine Country
50 A Taste of Provence in Bonsall: The Rise of Château Cal-a-Vie Winery
52 Fallbrook Wine Festival
54 A Love Letter To Italy, Written In The Hills Of Fallbrook
58 Budapest – A Delight on the Danube
60 Preserving The Past, Shaping The Future: The Story Of The Fallbrook Historical Society 62 Bishop’s Tree Service Owner Reflects On A Lifetime In The Canopy
64 Family-Run Business “She Shed Chicken Coops” Builds Luxury Coops In Fallbrook
66 Deep Roots in Fallbrook: How Michael Hulsey Built Roseland Nursery
70 Roger Boddaert – The Tree Man Of Fallbrook
74 Galway Downs Earns Its Place Among America’s Most Prestigious Equestrian Venues
78 Wild Wonders: Bonsall’s Hidden Haven For Wildlife Education And Conservation
80 Fallbrook: Where People Live To 100+
84 Living Beyond 100 - The Okinawan Secret To Longevity
86 Meet Inspiring Longtime Fallbrook Local, Helene — Still Rockin’ In Her 90s!
88 All Star Physical Therapy – Helping Patients “Reclaim Their Lives”
92 Why Locally Sourced Avocados And Avocado Oil Is Best
94 Balancing The Brain: How Kelly Wilson Uses Neurofeedback To Help Minds Heal
98 Healing Beauty From The Inside Out
100 Opening Of Southwest Healthcare Inland Valley Hospital New Patient Tower And Expansion Of Specialized Services In Early 2026
102 Aquablation: The Revolutionary BPH Treatment That Transforms Lives
106 Think You’re Too Young To Have A Stroke? Think Again
109 Meet Dr. Richard Gill — Bringing Modern, Patient-Focused Dentistry To Fallbrook
110 A Letter to the Community from Tri-City Medical Center
118 Fallbrook/Bonsall Car Collectors Are Guaranteed To – Rev Your Engine –
122 Real Estate Broker Associate With Broadpoint Properties, Elisabeth Hartig Lentulo, Creates Lasting Bonds With Every Property Sold
124 Coldwell Banker Chris Hasvold Leads With Four Decades Of Industry Experience
126 Ken Follis and Sharon Robinson Group: A Proven Partnership in North County Real Estate
130 Lorena Geyer Harris – One Librarian’s Journey
134 Hope Clinic For Women: Where Love Meets Life In Fallbrook
136 Hands of Mercy Missions: Bringing Hope and Opportunity to East Africa
137 Mentoring for Purpose
If you’re thinking about
or selling in
We are an active 55+ golf/tennis community conveniently located in North San Diego County. No space rent, you own! Our low HOA fees include Free Golf, Tennis, Bocci Ball, Billiards, Card Room, Library, Heated Pool Year Round and Spa. Dog Park, Community Garden, RV Storage, Walking Trails, Clubhouse...too many activities and amenities to list! I am a third generation resident and specialize in RMCC. Enjoy a safe, friendly, affordable community with VA, FHA and Conventional financing.
F ashion in Fallbrook: Local boutiques shaping community style
by
Fallbrook’s fashion scene isn’t driven by fast trends or mass labels. It’s intentional, it’s rooted in quality, comfort, wellness, and thoughtful design. Local boutiques throughout the Friendly Village reflect the values of the community they serve. From polished quality brand name designs in everyday wear and clean activewear to faith-based apparel, Western style, and globally inspired pieces, Fallbrook’s shops offer something far more meaningful than clothing alone. Five standout destinations –
Sharon’s on Main, The Grove Pilates & Boutique, Pressed & Blessed Clothing Company, Rexy’s, Caravan, and Jewelry Connection –together define the heart of Fallbrook style.
In the heart of downtown, Sharon’s on Main anchors downtown shopping with a refined yet approachable mix of fashion and lifestyle goods. The boutique carries brand-name women’s clothing, shoes, and accessories designed to transition seamlessly from everyday wear to special occasions. Beyond apparel, Sharon’s is also known for its carefully selected home décor and gift items, with seasonal offerings such as candles, charcuterie board pieces, and curated stocking stuffers. The addition of brand-name men’s clothing makes Sharon’s a versatile stop for a wide range of shoppers, contributing to Fallbrook’s walkable, small-town retail experience.
While Sharon’s focuses on polished style and gifting, The Grove Pilates & Boutique approaches fashion through the lens of health and longevity. Owner Amy Carpenter has created a 1,000-squarefoot retail space dedicated to clean, breathable, full-coverage activewear. Alongside well-known brands such as Lululemon, Vuori, and Free People, the boutique is intentionally shifting toward non-synthetic, natural-fiber options including cotton, linen, and hemp—reflecting growing concerns about polyester and microplastics in athletic clothing.
Amy’s mission is clear: to support wellness through thoughtful design. The Grove also offers Pilates props, accessories, cleaner non-plastic mats, and Botnia’s plant-based skincare line. With clients ranging in age from 13 to 92 and a full size run from 00 through extended sizes, the boutique prioritizes inclusivity, comfort, and confidence. Every item is selected with function, intention, and long-term health in mind.
Faith and fashion intersect just down the road at Pressed & Blessed Clothing Company. Owner Rebecca Christopherson launched the boutique after feeling called in 2006 to create uplifting Christian apparel, a vision that became reality in 2017. Pressed & Blessed blends feminine, boho-inspired boutique fashion with custom apparel for businesses, events, and personal celebrations. The shop produces high-quality hats, totes, tea towels, shirts, and sweatshirts while keeping price points accessible for the local community. Its in-house line of graphic tees remains a cornerstone of the brand.
Lena Grace photos
[L-R] Pressed & Blessed Clothing Company, Jewelry Connection and Sharon’s on Main.
Lena Grace
More than a retail space, Pressed & Blessed was intentionally designed to be a safe and welcoming environment where faith is openly embraced. Many customers come in for clothing and leave with encouragement, prayer, and connection—an experience that reflects the heart behind the business.
In October 2024, Rebecca expanded that vision with the opening of Rexy’s, located just two doors down and named in honor of her
late father. Now run by her daughter Olivia, Rexy’s has quickly become Fallbrook’s go-to destination for Western fashion, home goods, and interactive shopping experiences. The boutique features Western apparel, a charm bar, permanent jewelry, a Western hat bar, and a trucker hat bar, capturing the rising “Coastal Cowgirl” style that resonates especially with younger generations. Sip-andshops, special events, and community gatherings make Rexy’s a lively space to shop, connect, and celebrate Fallbrook’s creative spirit.
For those drawn to international style, Caravan offers a distinctly global perspective. The long-standing boutique on North Main Avenue is known for its vibrant, one-of-a-kind women’s apparel and accessories sourced from around the world. Owner Leslie Sommers curates clothing from countries such as Nepal, India, Thailand, Vietnam, Guatemala, and Japan, favoring natural fibers, rich textures, and pieces with character. The result is a colorful, eclectic collection that appeals to a wide range of tastes and sizes, complemented by distinctive jewelry and accessories. Personalized service and thoughtfully selected merchandise make Caravan a favorite among both locals and visitors.
No outfit is complete without jewelry, and Jewelry Connection remains a cornerstone of downtown Fallbrook. As the longeststanding jewelry shop in the area, it offers a large and diverse selection of fine and vintage pieces, including estate jewelry, brand-new wedding sets, and unique designs. The shop also provides full-service jewelry repair, resizing, and gold buying, earning a reputation as a trusted destination for both special occasions and everyday needs. Personalized service and expert craftsmanship have kept Jewelry Connection at the heart of Fallbrook for generations.
From diamonds and international fashion to clean activewear, faith-based apparel, and Western style, each boutique represents a distinct facet of Fallbrook’s personality. Together, they showcase the depth, quality, and creativity available right in our own downtown. Shopping local here is more than a transaction—it’s a chance to connect, discover, and support the people who make Fallbrook the vibrant village it is. Make time to shop local first. You will be glad you did!
Scott Weber Julia Routh
Western-inspired details and rustic charm inside Rexy’s, where Fallbrook style meets modern trends. Denim, layers and statement pieces are featured throughout Rexy’s.
A thoughtfully curated mix of apparel and gifts inside Pressed & Blessed Clothing Company. Find statement gemstone pieces at Jewelry Connection.
A selection of breathable, neutral-toned activewear and studio essentials at The Grove Pilates & Boutique. Soft colors and relaxed silhouettes are featured here.
Fallbrook High merchandise at Rexy’s.
KR Desighns,
A Fallbrook family business sells handmade, eco-friendly purses
by Christal Gaines-Emory
Created using recycled plastic, KR Desighns sells a wide variety of purses, wallets and everyday bags with a distinctive style. These unique bags come in all different colors with designs by business owner Kareenhapuc Rodriguez and her daughter, Vianney Rodriguez.
In 2016, Kareen-hapuc Rodriguez felt a need for a career change, so she decided to follow her family’s legacy and start a jewelry business. With silversmithing in her blood,
Rodriguez was excited to pursue this career while being able to stay home to care for her children.
In 2018, after waking up from a dream about selling colorful bags along with the silver jewelry, Rodriguez felt inspired to travel to Mexico and find the bags she had dreamt of. She searched through multiple cities and artisanal shops to find exactly what she was looking for, and on the last day of her trip she finally found the correct
Courtesy photo
The KR Desighns hardware used on the purses is also handmade using the family’s silversmithing skills. The wooden tags are created by a small business in Mexico.
style at a store in Lagos de Moreno.
“I had my newborn baby in my arms and we’d been searching for these bags for days,” Rodriguez said. “Just hours before my plane left, we found the bags and set up a last minute meeting with the store owner. I left for home with 50 bags hanging on my arms.”
These bags fulfilled everything she’d wanted to create within her business, handmade, eco-friendly, multi-functional items with a purpose. Each bag is handmade by male prisoners in Lagos de Moreno and sold to help support their families while they’re incarcerated. These bags also offer the men an opportunity to learn a craft, and to experience productivity, while serving their time.
Rodriguez was inspired by how the men worked to provide for their families through the creation of these purses, and she felt like their mission perfectly aligned with hers. She decided to bring these bags to the United States, sell them, then share a portion of the profits with the prisoners so they would be able to have a steady income through sales. Rodriguez and her daughter design the purses, then the men in Lagos de Moreno bring them to life with their craftsmanship.
Rodriguez and her husband visit the prison to meet the men, hear their stories and preach the word of God, while giving back money from the sales.
“These men work so hard to support their wives and families from behind bars, we’re happy to support them and continue giving back to them,” she said. “Since starting KR Desighns, the funds have helped the prison expand their educational programs to include music, drama and the arts.”
According to Rodriguez, the new job opportunity has also helped to support the inmates by keeping them preoccupied and pursuing positive outlets. She said that the violence in the prison has decreased to under 1% with the implementation of new arts programs and time dedicated to creating the purses.
KR Desighns has also helped Rodriguez support her family. When she began selling the purses, she started small at local markets. Then, the COVID-19 pandemic hit, causing her business to stop completely.
“I had been selling at farmers markets when the pandemic hit and everything shut down,” she said. “I had a garage full of bags
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Handmade purses are designed using recycled plastic on a loom, created by inmates at a prison in Lagos de Moreno.
Courtesy photo
and nowhere to sell them. It was a scary time, but I knew that God had a better plan for me than I had for myself.”
She began an Instagram page for her business, and the profile gained attention almost immediately. The profile grew to thousands of followers, and Rodriguez decided she needed to sell her purses online through Instagram Live. Within an hour, she had sold out of 137 bags.
“During that time, we grew to the point of needing multiple people working,” she said. “My mom, my sister, my daughter, and a few of our close friends, were working for KR Desighns to sell these purses and we grew to create such a beautiful community.”
Rodriguez expressed pride over the nationwide relationships built over her Instagram Live sales during the pandemic. She had the opportunity to reach thousands of people and bond with new customers from the comfort and safety of their homes.
The business experienced great success and helped the Rodriguez family purchase their home in Fallbrook in 2021. After falling in love with Fallbrook at the Avocado Festival many years ago, the family knew that they wanted to settle down in the town.
While they have grown to love many aspects of the Fallbrook community, they have experienced hardship, including issues with property maintenance, struggles within the school, family injuries and business difficulties.
Unfortunately, in June the original KR Desighns website and Instagram was hacked and forced to shut down. Rodriguez was forced to rebuild her entire online platform from scratch.
“We went from having thousands of people trying to buy purses on our Instagram Live to having 10 or 20 people join,” she said. “It became tough mentally and emotionally, we’d been relying on that income for several years and suddenly it was gone.”
Although the website and Instagram hacking negatively impacted the business, Rodriguez was determined to continue KR Desighns, and help support her family, along with supporting the families in Lagos de Moreno.
Along with running a business, Rodriguez is a mother of five children with demanding schedules as student athletes in San Diego. She is also actively involved in her church and attends service in Escondido with her family four days a week. When she isn’t working or attending a church service, Rodriguez is driving her
Rodriguez display at a local farmer’s market.
The Rodriguez family owns and runs KR Desighns, led by Kareen-hapuc Rodriguez and her daughter, Vianney Rodriguez who helps to design many purses.
The bags are created with many different colors and can be customized with wooden handles. They come with mini, small, medium and large sizes available.
Courtesy photo Courtesy photo
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Christal Gaines-Emory photo
Sometimes my plans are not God’s plans. When our business shut down, I knew I needed to trust in Him and He would provide. – Kareen-hapuc Rodriguez “ ”
children to and from school, soccer practice, games, and tournaments from Fallbrook to Santee to Tijuana.
“I drive all day to help my kids achieve their career goals in soccer,” she said. “They attend Sports Academy in Santee, they were scouted, and now they train at Xolos de Tijuana after school, we drive them all over to help them accomplish their goals.”
Although this schedule can be extremely demanding and time consuming, Rodriguez is grateful for the opportunity to spend time with her children and help them pursue what they love.
“My goals have changed because of my kids and their dedication to soccer,” she said. “I see their drive and their discipline, it’s inspiring.”
She is also greatly inspired by her faith and love for Jesus.
“Jesus inspires me in everything I do,” she said. “In our church, through his teachings, I’m inspired by Jesus in even the little things. My family and I aim to be the light of the world that we were all brought to be.”
Her love for Jesus also inspires her to persevere, even when facing adversity and obstacles in her life.
“Sometimes my plans are not God’s plans,” she said. “When our business shut down, I knew I needed to trust in Him and He would provide.”
In the past few months, she has successfully rebuilt the website and a new Instagram page dedicated to her business. With support from her family, Rodriguez and her daughter have begun attending events again to sell their purses, and they have been hard at work creating new, innovative designs for the purses.
“This kind of challenge could’ve ended the business, but we couldn’t let it,” she said. “We’re working hard to expand, create new designs and find new places to sell our purses.”
Through KR Desighns, Kareen-hapuc Rodriguez and her daughter, Vianney Rodriguez are able to combine their design, sales and marketing skills to help support their family and the families of inmates in Lagos de Moreno through the selling of unique and affordable bags, along with handmade jewelry.
According to Rodriguez, none of this would be possible without the love of her family.
“My husband having faith in God, and having faith in me, fuels me every day, and his leadership in our home inspires me to work hard,” she said. “My in-laws help us constantly, supporting our
children and allowing us to lean on them. We are truly a family business with so much support and love guiding us.”
Rodriguez hopes to gain recognition from the Fallbrook community and encourages locals to continue shopping at small businesses.
KR Desighns products can be purchased online and shipped anywhere in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, at https://krdesighns.myshopify.com/. Purchases are also available at various artisanal markets. Recently, KR Desighns has also started selling their bags at a downtown Fallbrook shop, Pressed and Blessed. Rodriguez hopes to continue expanding to sell purses in other local spots.
For those interested in a wider range of designs, Rodriguez encourages customers to contact her directly, and they can make purchases at her home office. Her phone number is (619) 9310481, email is Krdesighns@gmail.com, and she can also be reached @kr_desighns on Instagram.
“We’re always open for people looking for last minute gifts,” she said. “Come by and shop. We’d be happy to have you.”
Handmade purses are designed using recycled plastic on a loom, created by inmates at a prison in Lagos de Moreno. Courtesy photo
Fallbrook Art Community
by Christal Gaines-Emory
Lastspring, Fallbrook Arts Inc. and other local art organizations banded together to achieve a common goal: Earning Fallbrook a state designation as a Cultural Arts District.
After months of preparation, the application was denied as it did not meet all the necessary requirements. Unfortunately, due to time constraints, the group failed to reach an agreement with the county.
While this challenge could’ve impacted morale within the Fallbrook arts community, the artistic leaders banded together to create a vibrant district without a state designation.
Although Fallbrook is not technically recognized, leaders such as Karen Trapane, executive director of the Fallbrook Center for the Arts, have created a new organization focused on uplifting arts and culture locally.
The Arts and Culture Alliance, also known as TACA, was initially launched to seek the state designation. However, after being denied, TACA continued to meet and discuss the future of arts and culture in the Fallbrook area. TACA represents rural North San Diego County and its goal is to uplift the arts.
TACA is made up of many individuals and organizations passionate about preserving the arts. They include the Fallbrook Art Association, Fallbrook Center for the Arts, Inc., Fallbrook Chamber of Commerce, the Fallbrook Planning Group, the Mission Theatre, Posts for Peace and Justice, the Fallbrook Library, and the Valley Center Art Association.
According to Trapane, TACA could have easily felt discouraged when the state designation wasn’t earned, but it only brought them closer.
“Our keyword has always been community, and it still stands,” Trapane said, “We all pulled together through that experience. Even though we aren’t recognized by the state currently, TACA has goals to achieve. We plan to become a Cultural Arts District unofficially, then reapply for the grant when it opens back up.”
The California Cultural Districts program by the California Arts Council, also known as CAC, offers official state designation and grants to support areas of concentrated cultural activity. The Cultural Districts program offers a $10,000 grant for those who are able to meet all requirements and are approved for the designation. The California Cultural Districts program was established through Assembly Bill 189 and approved in 2015. But due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it was paused in 2020 and was reintroduced this year.
The purpose of the California Cultural Districts program is to help communities utilize their unique arts and cultural assets to grow tourism, help the economy, and recognize the importance of the arts.
According to Trapane, working towards earning the designation helped reunite the art community in Fallbrook and it has given TACA an opportunity to clearly establish its goals. It has also helped create a tight bond among TACA members.
“During the process, we learned that relationships are the most important thing, not necessarily the outcome,” Trapane said. “TACA’s goal now is to work together to create a more vibrant cultural arts community and to put Fallbrook on the map.”
Trapane moved to Fallbrook in 2019 after living in Carlsbad for many years. As a more recent resident, she fell in love with the natural elements, relaxing pace, and the local camaraderie.
Piece by Tom Marosz featured at the 2025 Galaxy of Glass Show at the Fallbrook Art Center.
“Tropical Feather” by Nic McGuire.
“Release the Kraken” by John Simpson. Ashlyn Trujillo photos
“When I moved to Fallbrook, I immediately felt community,” she said. “This is such a ‘handshake community’ and you really do feel that everywhere you go.”
Her love for the local environment has inspired her to continue pushing for recognition of Fallbrook as a Cultural Arts District, as well as obtaining a more abundant tourism draw to boost the local economy and help the community become more widely acclaimed.
When she was first hired at the Fallbrook School of the Arts, she took quick notice of the beautiful public art installations around Fallbrook. After being named Executive Director of the Fallbrook Center of the Arts collective, which includes Fallbrook School of the Arts, the Fallbrook Art Center and Art in Public Places, Trapane was excited to unite with other Fallbrook leaders to achieve common goals.
“I feel like trust is truly being built within the arts community here,” she said. “Through TACA, we’re supporting other local organizations and helping each other grow. We’ve learned that we want to work together, and that realization will be really beneficial for us all, it already has been because of the friendships we’ve built.”
TACA plans to continue pursuing the Cultural Arts District title when the grant opens again, but until then, they’re not slowing down. They are in the process of designing a logo, a website and they are planning their first event, a half day conference with San Diego Art Matters at California Center for the Arts.
TACA meets on the second Monday of every month at 4 p.m. at the Fallbrook School of the Arts in Studio A. Those interested in participating and becoming a member are welcome to attend a meeting to learn more.
“Girl with a Kite” by Melissa Ralston. “The Old Ones” by Brett Stokes.
“The Facts of Life” by Glenna Goodacre.
Courtesy photos
Jim Fahnestock rtist’sA – AN LEGACY
by Nathalie Taylor
Creating billboard-sized paintings may seem daunting to other artists, but for 80-year-old Jim Fahnestock of Fallbrook it is easier than painting a small portrait. He learned to paint using large scale “canvases,” such as walls and sides of buildings.
“When I make a highlight in an eye on a wall painting, I use a larger brush than I would for a portrait,” he explained.
Fallbrook Center for the Arts, Inc. DISCOVER INSPIRE CREATE
Fallbrook Center for the Arts, Inc. (FCA) is committed to integrating art into daily life by fostering creativity, connection, and community through innovative programs and collaborative initiatives. FCA is comprised of three divisions:
Fallbrook Art Center
103 S. Main Avenueexhibition space, gift shop and special events
Fallbrook School of the Arts
310 E. Alvarado St.classes, workshops, special events for ages 6 and up
Art in Public Places
Throughout Fallbrook(map available at the art center and school)
Jim has not strolled through his artistic career but has kept up a steady pace of success. Todd, Jim’s son, elaborates, “He wakes up every morning with a checklist of what he’s going to accomplish that day – and he actually checks every box!”
After graduating from high school in 1962, Jim attended Los Angeles Trade-Technical College to learn the art of sign painting. In 1964, after completing his courses, an instructor recommended the apprenticeship program at Pacific Outdoor Advertising, a large billboard company in Los Angeles.
“I had an impressive [sign painting] portfolio, but they said they needed artists for hand-painted billboards,” Jim related.
He created a sample picture during an interview, then after three interviews, Jim was accepted for a five-year apprenticeship, which he completed six months early. Then, the artist worked for several years hand-painting billboard murals in the Los Angeles area.
The Marlboro Man advertisement for cigarettes was probably one of the most recognized of his billboards.
In 1991, Jim continued to paint billboard murals after he and his wife, Shirley, founded Jim’s Sign Shop in Fallbrook. (Sean Olsen, Jim’s stepson, is now owner of the business.)
One of the more challenging aspects of billboard painting is capturing a true likeness of renowned actors. Jim is adept at this. When the popular film, “Three Men and a Baby,” was released in 1987, Jim painted an enormous likeness of Tom Selleck for a theatre in the Westwood area of Los Angeles.
On a large, multi-story office building in Los Angeles, Jim painted a billboard mural promoting the 1998 Robin Williams film, “What Dreams May Come.” He also painted advertising murals for films starring Michael Cain and Sally Field, among others.
Jim Fahnestock with a painting he created as a gift for his parents. It is a copy of his father’s favorite postcard.
Nathalie Taylor photo
The artist admires the work of Norman Rockwell, and has visited the Norman Rockwell Museum in Massachusetts on three occasions. Jim’s Fallbrook murals reflect his interest in Rockwell’s style, including the use of actual photographs as inspiration. Like Rockwell, Jim goes into great detail when he paints murals. Another similarity to Rockwell’s paintings is Jim’s thorough depictions of rural and small-town American life.
Todd, Jim’s son who lives in Colorado, explained the joy of a recent visit with his father, “I spent quality time with my father, who is a “poster child” for hard work and persistence. He just keeps chugging along. He is an exceptional artist.”
During Todd’s visit, he was asked to lend assistance to the team of artists at Jim’s Sign Shop as they refreshed a mural. During the refurbishment, Todd was pleased to work alongside his father, who was also asked to help with the project.
“I got to return to my roots. I grew up around my father doing exactly this. I would climb two stories up on scaffolding to hand him his tools. I watched him mix paint in the garage. I studied his calm focus as he gently
laid 24 karat gold-leaf onto a window,” Todd reminisced. Three outdoor wall murals in Fallbrook were Jim Fahnestock’s works of art. Of the three, two are still preserved. The mural entitled, “Main Street Circa 1920,” is located at South Main and Alvarado Street. It was painted in a sepia tone to resemble an old photograph. Jim painted it with vintage mounting corners to accentuate the era of the depicted scene. The mural is an imaginative compilation of several photographs, with a bit of artistic
Fahnestock’s mural at Emmanuel Baptist Church, Fallbrook. Nathalie Taylor photo
license taken. Jim added an image of his own dog, Maggie. The work of art was completed with expert advice from the Fallbrook Historical Society and Fallbrook Vintage Car Club. Jim studied
vintage photographs from both organizations.
“I painted it to make it look like an old photograph,” Jim explained, “and I also put my little dog, Maggie, in the mural, and she stole the show at the dedication.” Jim continued, “My wife, Shirley, was holding Maggie during the dedication, then she jumped out of Shirley’s arms and leapt up on stage!”
Maggie’s likeness is not only on the mural, but she is remembered for her antics at the unveiling ceremony. Maggie’s downtown legacy is definitely sealed.
I imagine, even though Jim is technically “retired,” he is an artist who will never fully retire because painting is his passion. Jim Fahnestock has created many magical works of art…and is still creating magic. Just ask the congregation at Fallbrook’s Emmanuel Baptist Church where, in March of 2025, at the age of 80, Jim painted a mural on the side of the church.
He first drew a design for the mural, then Pastor Tom Pfingsten approved it. “Tom said he loved it,” Jim noted.
The artist’s murals have a three-dimensional quality to them. When I first saw the church’s mural, it looked like the actual path to the church continued in the painting. I imagined that I could walk right up, open the door to the truck depicted, and drive off into the sunset.
“I put a lot of detail in that mural,” explained Jim, “I don’t normally go into so much detail, but because it’s my church, and the swansong of my mural career, I put a lot of detail into it.”
Jim completed the mural by adding his signature. Then, he offered a silent prayer of thanks to God for his successful tenure as an artist.
Whatever the future holds for Jim Fahnestock’s painting career, there will always be family and friends who will hope for many more creative moments.
When looking back at his years of artistic success, Jim said, “I have a God-given talent, and I have used it.”
Jim Fahnestock painting a mural of Tom Selleck as seen in the film, “Three Men and a Baby.”
Main
Fahnestock’s 1987 mural of Tom Selleck in, “Three Men and a Baby,” at the Crest Theater in Los Angeles.
Courtesy photo
Courtesy photo
Nathalie Taylor photo
Tom Rondeau Rainbow Designs.
Lori Cooper photo
by Lena Grace
The Fallbrook School of the Arts has been turning up the heat, hosting glassblowing experiences led by artist and department chair Randall Reese. The events give community members a rare opportunity to try their hand at an art form that has captivated creators for centuries.
“Blowing glass is what fuels my soul,” said Reese. “To be able to share that with our community is something that makes me ecstatic.”
Participants learned the fundamentals of glassblowing, from shaping molten glass to understanding the tools and techniques used for over two millennia. In just 15 to 30 minutes, attendees saw the entire process and even created their own glass vessel.
For Reese, the allure of glass art is unmatched. “Nothing moves the same way as glass,” he explained. “The way it amplifies and refracts light is something no other material can do. The process is hot, visceral, and easy to fall in love with.”
Local students also found the experience eye-opening. “When you go to the Art Center and see the gallery’s Sea of Glass or any exhibits there and you see these beautiful products, to be able to come here and see how they’re actually made makes what we saw at the Art Center that much more exciting because you realize the connection and how hard it is to do to get that one,” said one attendee.
Beyond the creative thrill, Reese believes events like this strengthen the community. “People interact with glass every day, but seldom do they get the chance to see or participate in its creation,” he said. “Opportunities like this not only teach but provide catharsis. Art helps people process trauma and express themselves in ways they otherwise couldn’t.”
The Fallbrook School of the Arts offers more than glassblowing, with programs in stained glass, printmaking, ceramics, fiber arts, painting, and drawing. For more information on upcoming classes, visit www.fallbrookschoolofthearts.org
A glass piece gets its finishing touch of flame during the Glass Blowing Experience workshop at the Fallbrook School of the Arts in August 2025.
Jamie Jacobs creates a glass piece during the Glass Blowing Experience workshop at the Fallbrook School of the Arts by instructor Randall Reese.
Shane Gibson photos
Treasures of Mother Earth
•
[Left] Glass blower Randall Reese helps Karen Kenner create a custom glass piece during the Glass Blowing Experience workshop at the Fallbrook School of the Arts.
Glass blower Tanner Miller helps process a participant’s glass piece.
Glass at the end of a blow pipe is placed in the furnace for heating.
Colored glass is added to help create custom pieces during the Glass Blowing Experience workshop.
Inby Nathalie Taylor
Oceanside, a free-of-charge, week-long celebration of Samoan culture was held in July of each year. In 2025, it was the 37th anniversary of the celebration, which is enjoyed by community members from Oceanside and throughout Southern California.
Soley organized by volunteers, the event is dedicated to honoring the Samoan culture and its many facets. Celebrants can expect to experience traditional Samoan dancing, as well as dances performed by other Polynesian cultures, such as Hawaiians and Tahitians.
Many other aspects of the Samoan culture, including scholastic achievement, food, sports, music, spiritual, and more, are celebrated. It is a meshing and melding of Polynesian cultures with a bit of American culture – such as pickleball – in the mix.
However, the event is planned with Samoan cultural values in mind – values such as respect and service to others. “The festival aims to create a strong and unified community,” according to the event planners. “The celebration is a testament to the Samoan community’s commitment to preserving and sharing their heritage, with a focus on inclusivity and collaboration among all community members.”
Wayne Godinet, Oceanside Samoan Cultural Celebration director, explained, “We do this for the love of our community, and to respect our parents who brought us here. This is what our parents began, and we are trying to keep it real.”
Many Samoans who joined the US military during WWII were based at Camp Pendleton. Because of the close proximity of Oceanside, countless soldiers made it their home. An ensuing relationship developed between the Samoan newcomers and the existing Oceanside community. Many of the current members of the Oceanside Samoan community are descendants of these soldiers.
In more recent times, some Samoans, and other Oceanside residents, felt the need to address gang and violence issues within the community. Thus the “Save Our Streets” community outreach was born. It was a success. Former gang members, and others, banded together for the good of the community. Programs were developed and the organization is still thriving today. One of their primary supporters was former San Diego Charger Junior Seau, who was Samoan. The late Chargers linebacker, a graduate of Oceanside High School, was known for his dedication to the
photos youth of the community.
Godinet noted, “Junior Seau donated money, and worked very closely with the community in the 90s when he was with the Chargers.”
LaDainian Tomlinson (LT), the retired Chargers running back, recognized Junior Seau’s love of community service, and said this at the late Charger’s memorial service, “He taught me the meaning of giving back to the community – I gave back to the community because Junior did.”
“We want to ensure that there is respect in our community. Save Our Streets volunteers work very hard in the various neighborhoods,” said Godinet.
Save Our Streets and the Oceanside Samoan Cultural Celebration are intertwined. Godinet said, “We work hard on the celebration because we have something to celebrate. After the celebration we return to our work with Save Our Streets, which affects the community year-round.”
Junior Seau’s great-grandfather was a village chief in Pago Pago, Samoa, which is one of Oceanside’s sister cities. The connection between the two cities was one of the catalysts for the formation of the Oceanside Samoan Cultural Celebration.
“We are also protecting Junior Seau’s legacy,” said Godinet. (The majority of the festival events are held at the Junior Seau Bandshell.)
“Pride in the Samoan community has never been higher,” Godinet shared.
“Thousands and thousands of people attend this and there are no incidences.”
Further information can be obtained at: www.oceansidesamoan. org
Courtesy
Samoan Dances and Traditions –An Integral Part of the Oceanside Samoan Cultural Celebration
by Anna Sapa’u and Nathalie Taylor
Each July, the Junior Seau Bandshell, and area around the Oceanside Pier, comes alive with a celebration of Samoan culture called the Oceanside Samoan Cultural Celebration (OSCC). Approximately 12 Polynesian Dance Groups participate. Also, celebrants are treated to food booths, sporting events, and much more, when they make their way to where the Pacific Ocean meets the Oceanside shore – about 5,000 watery miles from Samoa. The Samoan culture is among the oldest in Polynesia and can be traced back approximately 3,000 years. Honoring traditions is an important aspect of the Samoan culture.
Even modern traditions developed in America by Samoans, such as “Cup Stacking,” are a presence at the celebration. Wayne Godinet, director of the Oceanside Samoan Cultural Celebration, first debuted the competition in 1981. In 1990, the sport was featured on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson, and afterward gained nationwide popularity.
During the 2025 Oceanside Samoan Cultural Celebration, Anna Sapa’u served as entertainment director for the Tabernacle of Worship Youth Group. (This Oceanside Christian place of worship is led by Pastor Logi Fa’asā, who is also lead pastor in the OSCC Pastors’ Association.)
Anna Sapa’u shares thoughts regarding the significance of the Oceanside Samoan Cultural Celebration, and her role in the 2025 event:
As entertainment director, I worked closely with the youth, teaching dances and organizing performances that highlighted the customs and values that define us, ensuring that these traditions will continue to resonate with new and future generations. Within Samoan communities, the religious community forms the core of our social and cultural life. As a result, many dance groups are associated with local churches or faith organizations that actively practice Samoan customs and traditions.
Our faith is deeply intertwined with our cultural expressions, making dance not only an art form, but also a spiritual form that serves as a reflection of our beliefs and heritage. The OSCC stands out as a meaningful event because it is a synthesis of faith and culture. For us, faith serves as the foundation of our culture, and this celebration provides an opportunity to share and honor both aspects with the wider community.
I began dancing traditional Samoan dances at a very young age. This early introduction to Samoan dance laid a strong foundation
Mase Sitagta, Jr. dances the traditional Samoan Slap Dance at the 2025 Oceanside Samoan Cultural Celebration.
Anna Sapa’u at age 4.
Courtesy photos
for my appreciation and commitment to the art form.
For me, Samoan dancing, like any form of art, requires a deep and genuine passion for that culture. It is this passion that motivates you to continually learn, strive for perfection, and pursue excellence. My own enthusiasm for Samoan dance has been the driving force behind my journey. It has inspired me to dedicate myself to learning, teaching, refining my technique, and always seeking to improve.
Traditional is a very significant term in classifying Samoan dance. Ultimately, it is this unwavering passion for traditional Samoan
dance that drew me in. This passion continues to fuel my growth as a dancer and encourages my ongoing storytelling through dance.
My strong passion for Samoan dancing feels deeply rooted, and I believe it has been handed down through generations. This enduring enthusiasm could only have been instilled by those who came before me, as a way to preserve and honor Samoan customs and traditions. Their dedication to safeguarding our cultural heritage continues to inspire my own journey in dance.
Traditionally, most dance group’s attire is custom made by a local skilled seamstress. The accessories worn during our
The ‘ie toga (fine mat) ceremony is an important part of the Oceanside Samoan Cultural Celebration.
Samoan dancers entertain guests at the Oceanside Samoan Cultural Celebration.
performances, such as the flower (sei) placed in the girls’ hair and the raffia wrapped around the boys’ legs, are also custom made. These intricate pieces are crafted by a designated group of talented individuals from within our associated dance group, highlighting our commitment to authenticity and community collaboration in preparing for each celebration.
At the OSCC, our dance group, Tabernacle of Worship Youth Group, featured the presentation of the Samoan ʻie tōga, or fine mat, as part of our opening dance, highlighting its deep cultural and spiritual significance, as well as honoring its role in Samoan tradition. It is a powerful symbol of life, love, respect, reconciliation, and social status. The mats are often exchanged during important ceremonies. They embody the Samoan identity, heritage, and communal values of the fa’a Samoa (Samoan way).
Participating in the Oceanside Samoan Cultural Celebration is an experience I truly cherish. I consider it both an honor and a privilege to take part in the OSCC, and I hold this opportunity in high regard. This celebration serves as a meaningful gathering for the Samoan community, providing a special opportunity for everyone to come together and share our traditions.
The importance of this event cannot be understated, as it allows us to celebrate and reinforce our cultural heritage while connecting with others who value and uphold these customs. For many Samoans, this could be their only interaction with our culture; therefore, maintaining the OSCC is important for its continued presence and sustainability.
My nephew, Mase Sitagta, Jr., who is currently a junior in high school, is an enthusiastic student of Samoan dance. In addition to learning dances, he has taken the initiative to teach himself how to perform the fire knife dance. His dedication reflects the ongoing appreciation and interest in this unique cultural tradition among the younger generation.
Slap dancers from our group performed at the OSCC. Slap dancing, known for its energetic and rhythmic movements, is an essential and vibrant aspect of Samoan dance traditions. It holds a prominent place in nearly every performance, especially when boys or young men are involved. The slap dance is customarily incorporated into group routines, adding excitement and showcasing the skill and coordination of our young men. This tradition continues to be a feature of our performances, reflecting the enduring importance of slap dancing within Samoan cultural expression.
The Oceanside Samoan Cultural Celebration offers a vital opportunity for the community to come together and embrace the richness of Samoan heritage. This event has the potential to grow beyond the local level, reaching participants and audiences beyond state and national borders.
My commitment to this celebration stems from a personal belief that we must build cultural awareness essential for overcoming social and cultural barriers. By highlighting and celebrating our traditions that are rooted in faith, love, and community, we lay the groundwork for greater understanding and unity within our community and beyond.
of the Flower
performed
The Samoan Ministry at Mission San Luis Rey Parish embodies the rich faith, reverence, and communal spirit of the Samoan people. Through music, liturgy, cultural celebrations, and service, this ministry brings the gifts of the Samoan culture to the heart of parish life, expressing deep devotion to God with joy and dignity. Learn more at www.sanluisreyparish.org/ ministries/samoan-ministry
Tony Ochoa photos Celebration
Child
by the Samoan Ministry at Mission San Luis Rey Parish in Oceanside.
Eli’s Farms: Farm-to-Table Goodness
by Julie Reeder
Oneof the reasons people love Fallbrook is the farming lifestyle and scenery. It’s a reminder in that the heart of Southern California’s agriculturally rich town of Fallbrook, that you can slow down, breathe in the scent of fresh earth, and reconnect with the source of your food. One of the most prominent is Eli’s Farms—an independent, family-operated farm and community supported agriculture stand that has quietly been
serving the region’s residents and local farmers for more than two decades.
As a third-generation farmer Eli Hofshi grew up amidst avocado groves and vegetable beds. Followed his father in to the business and absorbed the rhythms of planting, nurturing and harvesting. “I’ve been working in agriculture my entire life,” he said. And his connection to the land is woven into the fabric of Fallbrook itself.
What began more than 34 years ago as a humble stand selling seasonal produce at local farmers markets has grown into a thriving farm enterprise—specializing in avocados (Hass, Reed, Fuerte varieties among others) and an abundant selection of vegetables and citrus.
And yet, the philosophy remains simple and wholesome: grow without chemical pesticides or herbicides, favor natural fertilizers, and bring the freshest produce directly to consumers who appreciate the authenticity.
What sets Eli’s Farms apart isn’t just what they grow—it’s how they engage with the community. On a typical visit to the farm stand now located at 705 Shady Lane in Fallbrook. You will find an array of seasonal produce that grow to be the most nutrient rich, still carrying the hum of the field. Depending on the time of year. Some of the harvest would be deep green collards, bright heirloom tomatoes, crunchy purple carrots and buttery avocados that are grown here in Fallbrook. Occasionally you will find specialty items that are in season such as cherimoya, dragon fruit, Longan and many others that grow in our amazing micro climates here in Fallbrook.
Local families know the place well. One parent shared that her children went from resisting oranges to happily clutching slices after tasting a sample at the farm. “The purple carrots taste like candy, the tomatoes are sweet, and the fuerte avocados are nutty,” she said. And for youngsters, it’s more than shopping—it’s exploration. The on-site environment invites curiosity. Kids can, see where their food starts, and perhaps spot the hawks’ nest tucked behind the farm stand, where birds soar overhead as the harvest is displayed below.
Recognizing the growing demand for local, seasonal produce delivered with ease, Eli’s Farms offers a
Courtesy photos
sign up for weekly or every-other-week boxes of fresh produce, delivered to homes or offices or available at local pick-up points.
This model benefits both the farm and the consumer: for the farm it provides reliable income that supports planning, planting and production; for the consumer it delivers freshness, variety and a direct connection to their grower. As Hofshi states, “I wanted to make our farm stand and CSA program as easy and accessible as possible.”
Hofshi says, “We Have two amazing bakers that have home kitchens here in Fallbrook. Bread by Day and A Little Piece of Mana. Bread by Day also occasionally makes par-baked sourdough pizza bread and Key has an amazing sourdough tortilla. Customers love the bread. We also have fresh made tamales on Saturdays.
The farm proudly accepts debit, credit or cash.
In a world where much of our food travels thousands of miles,
sits in cold storage, and is waxed, treated and engineered for uniformity rather than flavor, Eli’s Farms offers an alternative: food grown where you live, picked when ripe, and delivered with minimal waste and maximal taste. As an advocate for local agriculture wrote, “First of all, it’s important to keep the local farms around… the food is healthy because it’s fresh.”
That local connection also means fewer miles driven, less fossilfuel usage in transport, and produce that often arrives on your table within hours of harvest.
With three decades of growth behind them, Eli’s Farms is not resting on its laurels. Plans have included expanding educational opportunities, community gardens, and engaging young people in farming the way Eli himself was inspired as a 4-H kid.
For those living in the San Diego / Southwestern Riverside County, Eli’s is right in your backyard. You can taste the difference. The beautiful drive to Fallbrook is just part of the experience!
622 S Mission Rd., Fallbrook “Outdoor Seating Only”
Fresco Grill
5256 S Mission Rd., Ste. 601, Bonsall “Patio Only”
Greek Style Chicken
904 S Main Ave., Fallbrook “Patio Only”
Jesse’s Kitchen
La Cucina Trattoria
1415 S Mission Rd., Fallbrook “Patio Only”
Main Street Café
507 S Main Ave., Fallbrook “Front Patio Only”
Mariscos El Pacifico
111 N Vine St., Fallbrook “Front Patio Only”
Nessy Burgers
3235 Old Hwy. 395, Fallbrook “Patio Only”
Peking Wok
5256 S. Mission Rd., Ste. 303, Bonsall “Patio Only”
Rosa’s Mexican Food 1075 S. Mission Rd., Ste. A, Fallbrook “Patio Only”
The Coal Bunker
232 S Main Ave., Fallbrook “Patio Only”
Trupiano’s Italian Bistro
945 S Main Ave., Fallbrook “Front Patio Only”
Village Pizza
5256 S Mission Rd., Ste. 832, Bonsall “Outdoor Tables Only”
Winchell’s Donut House
1075 S Mission Rd., Fallbrook “Patio Only”
Z Café
5256 S Mission Rd., Ste. 1103, Bonsall “Patio Only. Enter By Outside Stairs”
Z South
5256 S Mission Rd., Ste. 903, Bonsall “Front Patio Only”
760.993.5150
Local Dining
SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE
Pala Casino Spa Golf Resort
Discover exceptional cuisine at Pala Casino Spa & Golf Resort. Savor the artistry of elementa and indulge in the intimate, immersive flavors of Anila’s Cucina Rustica. Feel the lively energy of Luis Rey’s and traditional Asian cuisine at Noodles. Sip crafted cocktails at Bar Meets Grill or stop by Coffee Amoré for something to satisfy every craving. Join us where exceptional cuisine meets inviting ambiance.
11154 Highway 76, Pala 877-946-7252
www.palacasino.com
Your Local Dining Experience
COMFORT FOOD
Backdraft Bar & Grill
Backdraft Bar & Grill a beacon of American comfort food, casual full-service restaurant where every bite feels like home. Passionately curated by a local family with deep community ties, and sister to the beloved Bonsall Fine Wine & Spirits, Backdraft offers a menu of hearty classics crafted from the freshest ingredients. With each pour of our exceptional beer and wine selections, we celebrate the spirit of camaraderie and good cheer.
5525 Mission Road, Suite F, Bonsall 760-993-5150
Follow us on Facebook & Instagram
Open Mon-Thurs 11-9, Fri-Sat 11-10 & Sun 11-8
Pala Mesa Resort
Discover Aquaterra Restaurant & Bar at Pala Mesa Resort – your destination for great food, handcrafted drinks, and good times. Enjoy fresh, flavorful dishes in our full-service restaurant or kick back in the lively sports bar, perfect for game days and gatherings. Relax on the patio during Live Music Happy Hour, featuring talented local performers and delicious food and drink specials from 5pm-9pm every Friday. Whether you’re unwinding, celebrating, or meeting friends, Aquaterra offers the ideal blend of dining and entertainment.
2001 Old Hwy 395, Fallbrook Main 760-728-5881 • Aquaterra Restaurant 760-731-6805 www.palamesa.com/dine
Mon-Thurs 11am-7pm, Fri-Sat 8am-9pm, Sun 8am-7pm
Domino’s Pizza
Domino’s has come to Bonsall! Locally owned and operated, this new Domino’s restaurant is sure to check your boxes and satisfy cravings during your next pizza night. With delivery to hundreds of addresses, and hot, quick service, come on by and give it a try! Enjoy over 20 different pizza toppings, pastas, sandwiches, bread items, desserts and more. This Domino’s team of local residents is excited to serve you! Dinein, carside and delivery available.
Open Sun-Thurs 10:30am-11pm, Fri-Sat 10:30am-Midnight
AMERICAN
AMERICAN CUISINE
PIZZA
Local Dining
ITALIAN RESTAURANT
Peking Wok
Fresh ingredients, authentic flavors and a warm, welcoming athmosphere. Peking Wok serves a large menu with every order made fresh with quality ingredients. From the grains of rice to the tender vegetables, you’ll be able to see and taste the difference. Open for lunch and dinner TuesdaysSundays, closed Mondays. Dine-in or carry out. Happy Hour and cocktails available. We can easily accommodate special requests and dietary needs as our entrees are made to order.
5256 S. Mission Road, Suite 303, Bonsall In the River Village Center 760-724-8078
www.pekingwokbonsall.com
PIZZA,
Village Pizza of Bonsall
With over 29 years in business, Village Pizza of Bonsall serves fresh, delicious pizza, sandwiches, salads, soups and more. A family-owned restaurant, we use quality ingredients in all of our dishes, including homemade dough and sauce. Brick-oven pizzas, stuffed sandwiches and satisfying pastas keep customers coming back for more. Open Sun-Thurs 11-9 & Fri-Sat 11-10.
5256 S. Mission Road, Suite 832, Bonsall In the River Village Center 760-414-9899
www.villagepizzabonsall.com
Fresco Grill and Wine Bar
More than an Italian restaurant, Fresco Grill also offers fresh fish daily, steak, lamb, chicken and vegetarian dishes with a great selection all year round. Every item on the menu is made with choice fresh ingredients. Owner Leone D’Arcangelo insists on using the same European-inspired flavors that are found in his homeland Italy. Come in Wednesdays for 1/2 price wine bottles. Gluten-free available. Catering also available. Open 7 days, M-F 4-9pm & Sat-Sun 1-9pm. Happy Hour M-F 4-6pm & Sat-Sun 1-6pm.
5256 S. Mission Road, Bonsall In the River Village Center 760-631-1944
www.frescorestaurants.com
HAWAIIAN SPECIALTIES
Z Cafe
Start your day right and end it even better at our cozy neighborhood café, serving up delectable breakfast, lunch, and dinner options. With a warm atmosphere and friendly service, our café is the perfect spot to gather with friends or unwind after a long day. Come join us for a delicious dining experience, morning ‘til night! We specialize in catering for all occasions. Contact Tiffany at zbonsall.hr@gmail.com. Open seven days 7am to 9pm.
5256 S. Mission Road, Bonsall In the River Village Center 760-940-1751 www.zbonsall.com
Local Dining
MEXICAN CUISINE
El Parque
Experience the vibrant spirit of Mexico right here in Fallbrook. We bring you the bold and savory flavors you love. Dive into our mouthwatering tacos bursting with tender meats. From zesty guacamole to cheesy quesadillas, we have something to tantalize every taste bud. Wash it all down with our refreshing beer and wine. Whether you’re dining in or grabbing takeout, let El Parque transport you to the heart of Mexico with every bite.
2659 Reche Road, Fallbrook 760-731-2775
www.facebook.com/elparquestagecoachstop
Open Seven Days 10am-7pm
AWARD-WINNING LUNCH & BRUNCH
The Veranda at Grand Tradition
Renowned for being one of San Diego’s most beautiful wedding venues, Grand Tradition also houses an awardwinning restaurant. The Veranda restaurant is open Thursday through Sunday for brunch and lunch. Guests dine on the veranda of the Beverly Mansion overlooking the lake, formal gardens and gazebo. Picnic baskets are also available for a romantic private dining experience in the gardens alongside your choice of several waterfalls.
220 Grand Tradition Way, Fallbrook 760-728-6466
www.grandtradition.com
Reservations are highly recommended
Z South
Embark on a culinary journey to Mexico’s vibrant flavors at Z South, where every dish is a celebration of tradition and innovation. Indulge in our tantalizing menu crafted with authentic ingredients, from sizzling fajitas to zesty ceviches. Complement your meal with handcrafted margaritas and premium tequilas from our full bar. With elegant décor and attentive service, immerse yourself in the essence of Mexico while dining in style. Experience the ultimate fiesta for your senses at our Mexican restaurant today.
5256 S. Mission Road, Suite 1103, Bonsall In the River Village Center 760-295-2481
www.zsouth.net | Open 7 Days 11am-9pm
ITALIAN & INDIAN CUISINE
Jesse’s Kitchen La Cucina Trattoria
Offering some of the best Italian & Indian cuisine in the Fallbrook area! Enjoy mouthwatering dishes as well as fine selection of Italian wines and a full bar in a relaxing, family-friendly environment. From tasty appetizers like bruschetta and garlic buttered roasted mussels to classic entrees such as chicken piccata, lasagna and chicken marsala, our extensive menu has something for everyone. We’re proud to offer fresh, authentic indian food prepared with traditional spices & flavors. Whether you’re craving butter chicken, aromatic biryanis, sauteed chicken, lamb dishes, veggie samosas or flavorful vegetarian curries. We also offer full service catering and have a party room available!
The Coal Bunker is a local, family and chef operated restaurant passionate about bringing Fallbrook together through scratch - made food and warm hospitality. Every dish from hearty entrees, fresh salads, and the best burgers in town are made with real ingredients and without seed oils or short cuts. Enjoy a rotating lineup of over 50 local craft beers. Coal Bunker is where great food, cold drinks, and good company always meet!
We at Mountain Mike’s Pizza believe passionately in being active participants in the community we serve. We proudly provide support to organizations and groups that better our community through education, youth and adult sports, development of the arts, charitable acts and spiritual leadership. Gluten-free crust available on 10” pizza. Delivery available (additional cost). Open Sun-Thurs 11am-9pm and Fri-Sat 11am-10pm.
1125 S. Mission Road, Fallbrook 760-645-0505
www.mountainmikespizza.com
Receive a 15% Discount with Coupon Code SB2026
Main Street Cafe
This cafe is a real gem in the middle of Fallbrook! Great breakfast house serving generous portions. Awesome food prepared with delicious fresh ingredients. Known for having the best skillets in town. Great service and great prices.
507 South Main Ave, Fallbrook 760-731-1405
Open 7 Days a Week 7:00am-2:30pm
GOURMET PUB
127 West Social House
Located in the heart of downtown Fallbrook, 127 West Social House is where “pub” meets gourmet grub. From gourmet burgers & stone-fired pizza to bison meatloaf & braised short rib, 127 is a true palette pleaser. Come drink at the bar or catch up with friends over dinner. We feature 20 craft beers on tap and extensive wines by the glass, including local wineries & breweries. Enjoy the ambiance of our interior shabby chic dining room & bar or dine “al fresco” in our outdoor patio.
127 West Elder Street, Fallbrook 760-645-3765
www.127-west.com
Visit our website for current hours
Local Dining
ITALIAN RESTAURANT
EXQUISITE FOOD IN A GARDEN SETTING
Trupiano’s Italian Bistro
Celebrating 21 years in Fallbrook, Trupiano’s Italian Bistro has become a Mecca for those who want to enjoy an authentic Italian dish while relaxing in a warm, vibrant and friendly atmosphere. We provide traditional Italian fare as well as new innovative culinary delights. Whether enjoying a quick lunch with friends or dinner with someone special the experience at Trupiano’s is always sure to please. Private chef and catering services available. At Trupiano’s, you are not just a patron, you are family.
945 S. Main Avenue, Fallbrook 760-728-0200
www.trupianorestaurantgroup.com
Visit our website for current hours
MEXICAN CUISINE
Rosa’s Mexican Restaurant
Your senses will come alive with the aroma of authentic Mexican cooking as you order your food either on the patio or to go. Enjoy the carne asada, chicken, fresh fish, shrimp, or carnitas – in burritos, tostadas, or tacos. Treat yourself to the best tasting chile rellenos, and seven seas soup. Salsas, red and green, are so good you’ll take some home. Serving beer, wine, and wine margaritas. Catering to go.
1075 S. Mission Road, Suite A, Fallbrook 760-728-8006
Open Tues-Thurs 10-8, Fri 9-8, Sat 9-8 & Sun 9-4
Breakfast Served All Day, Lunch & Dinner
Patio Dining, Take-Out & Curbside Service
Garden Center Cafe & Grill
A great dining experience! For breakfast, enjoy huge omelets, stuffed French toast, huevos rancheros or other traditional breakfasts. For lunch, try the exceptional salads with homemade dressings, soups, grilled sandwiches, fresh fish and daily specials. Dinner has an exquisite menu which proudly serves Certified Angus Beef® prime rib, steaks, fresh seafood, pastas, and more, incl beer & wine. Dine on the beautiful garden patio or take-out. Catering avail. Follow us on Facebook & Instagram!
1625 S. Mission Road, Fallbrook 760-728-4147 | www.gardencentercafeandgrill.com
Lunch: Tues-Fri 11am-2pm, Sat & Sun 8am-2pm
Dinner Seating: Thurs, Fri & Sat 4:30-7:30pm
Harry’s Sports Bar & Grill
Enjoy Harry’s, the only sports bar in town. We have 20 tap handles and 16 televisions with the best sports packages. We also have the best crew & great service. Happy Hour runs MonThurs between 3-6 pm and Dinner Specials are available MonThurs from 4-8pm. Stop in, visit with old friends and meet new ones! Follow your favorite sports here – we show every Major League Baseball game every day. Catch the game on our outdoor patio – fire pit, cold drinks and good vibes included!
We create delicious custom crafted macarons for any occasion. We offer macaron numbers and letters, variety packs, macaron cakes and towers, char-mac-erie boards and welcome custom orders. We also offer classes onsite! We have a large selection of flavors, most are naturally gluten-free! Ask us about printing company logos, photos and more on your macarons. Custom orders can be placed online, or visit our storefront or email us at savvymacarons@gmail.com. Follow us on FB & Instagram.
936 E. Mission Road, Suite D, Fallbrook 760-420-3730 www.savvymacs.com
Open Wed-Sat 11am-5pm & Sun 11am-4pm
COFFEE, BREAKFAST & LUNCH
Fallbrook Coffee Company
Fallbrook Coffee Company is dedicated to serving our community one cup of coffee at a time. My wife and I moved here in 2020 and reopened the shop in 2021. We have enjoyed meeting everyone and expanding our menu which now includes local baked goods, monthly specials, new favorites like our Cold Brew Twist and of course some old favorites such as the Farmhouse Wrap and Avocado Chocolate Chip Muffin. We look forward to meeting more of you soon!
622 S Mission Road, Fallbrook 760-728-6000
www.fallbrookcoffeeco.com
Open Mon-Fri 6am-3pm & Sat-Sun 6am-2pm
Fallbrook Cafe
Fallbrook Cafe is the neighborhood place for great food! The extensive menu offers eggs, omelets, Eggs Benedict, waffles, pancakes, specialty Lemon Ricotta pancakes, burgers, sandwiches, soup, salads, fresh fish, prime rib, fresh turkey & real mashed potatoes and more! Always quality ingredients & made fresh daily! Try our famously delicious CHICKEN POT PIES! Open daily at 7am for take-out or patio seating. We use DoorDash as a delivery service.
739 E. Mission Road, Fallbrook 760-728-1898
www.my-fallbrookcafe.com
Open 7 Days a Week!
Winchell’s Donut House
Home of the “Warm ‘n Fresh Donut®” – with more than 70 varieties of donuts and bakery products, Winchell’s offers a diverse menu that includes donuts, cinnamon rolls, muffins, bagels, croissants and sandwiches. We feature top-grade fruit fillings and aromatic spices plus a large beverage selection that includes specially blended coffee, hot & frozen cappuccino, tea and more. Winchell’s promises customers fresh products and personable service from the moment they walk through our doors.
1075 S. Mission Road, Fallbrook 760-451-6219
www.winchells.com
Open 24 Hours – Always 14 in a Dozen!
AMERICAN CAFE
DONUTS, COFFEE, SANDWICHES
Local Dining
MEXICAN CUISINE
BREAKFAST, BURGERS & HOT SANDWICHES
Estrella’s & Casa Estrella Cocina de México
Two locations: Downtown Fallbrook and South Mission in Fallbrook. Both restaurants feature authentic homestyle Mexican food! Family run and operated for 20 years. Full bar with extensive draft beer selection and live entertainment. Full menu is available for take-out as well as patio dining. Check our website for entertainment schedule.
Estrella’s: 129 E. Mission Rd, Fallbrook | 760-728-1200
Open Sun-Thurs 10:30am-8:30pm, Fri-Sat 10:30am-9pm
Casa Estrella: 3757 S. Mission Rd, Fallbrook | 760-728-3200
Open Fri 2pm-9pm, Sat 12pm-9pm, Sun 11am-8pm www.estrellasfallbrook.com
GREEK RESTAURANT
Greek Chicken
A cheerful Greek eatery in downtown Fallbrook featuring authentic Mediterranean dishes, quick service, a casual atmosphere, patio seating and a drive-through. More than 30 years in business! Try our famous Saffron Lemon Chicken Soup, Gyros and Chicken Pitas, Greek Salads, Kabob Plates and more. Always fresh! Senior & military discounts. Catering available.
904 S. Main Ave, Fallbrook 760-723-8050
www.chickenfallbrook.com
Open Every Day 10am-9pm
Nessy Burgers
Craving a delicious burger, look no further than Nessy Burgers. For more than three decades, our handmade and individually weighed fresh 1/2 lb burger patties have been cooked to order on freshbaked sesame seed buns. Topped with juicy jumbo tomatoes, crisp hand-broken iceberg lettuce, premium sliced American cheese, and sliced sweet onions (or grilled onions on request). Don’t forget about our Nessy Sauce, made fresh daily and similar to Thousand Island dressing, but with our signature Nessy twist.
By Pala Mesa Market on Old Hwy 395 near I-15 & 76, Fallbrook 760-731-1379
www.nessyburgers.com | nessy@nessyburgers.com
Open 7 Days per Week, 7am-7pm
Mariscos El Pacifico Mexican & Seafood
Mariscos El Pacifico specializes in Baja style seafood & grill. We offer delicious and authentic Mexican cuisine – each of our dishes is carefully prepared with the freshest ingredients and highest quality in the region. We also offer a wide selection of tasty Mexican snacks made from family recipes, with the flavor of beloved Mexican cuisine. Come visit us! See for yourself the quality of our service, friendly atmosphere and the delicious dishes that have made our kitchen famous!
111 N. Vine Street, Fallbrook 760-728-9737
702 S. Santa Fe Ave., Vista 760-630-5834
MEXICAN CUISINE
THE EPITOME OF CULINARY ELEGANCE
by Nathalie Taylor
Amidthe soft glow of delicate blue light, diners at Pala Casino Spa Golf Resort’s Elementa restaurant are greeted by a calm, ocean-themed setting. A mobile, representing a school of fish, circles from the ceiling in the private dining room.
Elementa is a fine-dining restaurant that focuses on thoughtful presentation and well-prepared food. Chef de Cuisine Henri Delahaye, from the Bayonne region of France, leads the kitchen and brings a classic European approach to the menu.
As guests are seated, servers place blue linen napkins over each lap. Water is poured from a glass decanter at the table, adding to the sense that care has been taken with every detail.
Dinner begins with warm garlic cheese bread and a trio of butters—olive, traditional, and tomato-flavored. The bread plates are decorated with wave patterns that complement the restaurant’s ocean theme.
My first course was Lobster Consommé. The broth was poured into a bowl filled with lobster, peas, tomatoes, and small cheese-filled ravioli. The dish was rich but not heavy, with just enough spice to bring out the flavors.
Roasted King Salmon was the main dish, and was served with choron sauce. The salmon was cooked simply and paired well with the sauce.
A couscous tabbouleh with basil and tomatoes added a fresh and slightly lemony contrast. Red sorrel was placed on top of the salmon for color.
Another guest ordered the Flat Iron Steak, which was served with a Cognac pepper sauce. The dish was full of traditional steakhouse flavor. It was served with Potato Grand Mere, made with sliced potatoes, cream, garlic, and Parmesan cheese, baked until lightly browned on top.
The Caramelized Scallops, ordered by another guest, had sides of cauliflower risotto and sautéed spinach. Edible flowers were used as garnish, adding color without overpowering the dish.
For dessert, I ordered the Tahitian Crème Brûlée. The sugar topping cracked gently when tapped with a spoon, revealing smooth vanilla custard underneath. The dessert was served with fresh berries on the side.
Overall, dining at Elementa was a well-paced and relaxed experience. The food was prepared with care, and the atmosphere made it a comfortable place for a special evening out.
“One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well.”
~ Virginia Woolf
Tahitian Crème Brûlée. Chef Henri Delahaye. Courtesy photo Courtesy photo
Courtesy photo
[Left] Roasted King Salmon. Nathalie Taylor photo [Middle] Carmelized Scallops. Nathalie Taylor photo [Right] Private dining room at elementa. Julie Reeder photo
Warm garlic cheese bread with a trio of butters is served to all guests.
The Soul of the Vines
a morning at fallbrook winery
by Julie Reeder
Irecently caught up with Euan Parker, who has been Fallbrook Winery’s enologist (winemaker) for 10 years. It was a relaxing drive past the vines as I approached the winery. The light of morning spilled across the vinecovered hills in an iconic Fallbrook setting. The rolling hills, the vines heavy with rows of grapes were welcoming. It’s harvest time, and the vineyard is busy with quiet purpose. Pickers move swiftly through the vines, their gloved hands cutting clusters. It’s cool in the early hours — just right for gathering fruit before the heat of the day can steal its delicate aromas.
While other wineries may import grapes from outside a country, this is where every bottle of Fallbrook wine begins. There is the soft rustle of leaves and the rhythm of a commitment that has hagged this land for more than twentyfive years. What was once a grove of avocado and citrus has grown into a hillside of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc, and other carefully chosen varietals. About 22 acres are planted on the estate along with fruit from another 20 acres sourced nearby, according to Euan. The property feels both intimate and expansive, wrapped in the quiet charm of Fallbrook’s ridges and rolling hills.
From Harvest to Fermentation
After the morning’s pick, bins of grapes are brought straight into the winery — a space filled with the gleam of stainless steel fermenters. Here, the fruit is sorted, crushed, and — in the case of reds — left with its skins and seeds to soak and transform.
“Those skins are where the magic is,” says Euan, who made Fallbrook his home after winemaking stints in Spain, France, and New Zealand. “That’s where the color, the texture, and so much of the flavor come from.”
During fermentation, the red wines are carefully “punched down” — a process called pigeage — where the thick cap of grape skins that rises to the top is gently pushed back down into the liquid. Euan describes the hands-on work: “You
have to do it two times a day. It keeps the heat evenly distributed through the fermentation and allows the maximum extraction of color and flavor from the skins, also preventing oxidative processes from affecting the top part of the ferment.”
Each tank bubbles quietly as yeast converts natural grape sugars into alcohol, releasing heat and the soft scent of rising fruit. Reds typically stay in these tanks for about a week. Whites — pressed free of their skins immediately — ferment cool and slowly, often
for nearly two months. “Whites are like glass,” Euan says. “You treat them gently, keep them bright and fresh. Reds need a bit more muscle and time.”
Wine Diamonds and Cold Beauty
When fermentation ends, the young wines begin their rest. But even here, there’s chemistry at work. Euan points out the ice on the outside of several tanks — a result of the cold stabilization process. “Wine naturally has salts that can form crystals in the wine,” he
Courtesy photos
explains. “They’re harmless, but people think they’re glass. So we freeze the wine a bit to make those fall out before bottling.”
He laughs. “We call them wine diamonds, but people don’t always appreciate surprises in their bottle.”
Aging in Oak
Beyond the building where the punching down and the tanks are housed, there’s another building. Heavy doors open into a quiet, cool space that smells of oak, earth, and time. Inside, about a hundred barrels line the walls, maybe 30 feet high, resting beneath a fully solar-powered roof. Each barrel has been chosen carefully — American oak for warmth and vanilla, French oak for elegance and spice, neutral barrels for balance.
“This is the patient part,” Euan says. “Wine doesn’t like to be rushed. It tells you when it’s ready.” Some wines rest here for months; others for years. The solar panels above not only power the winery but also reflect the team’s dedication to sustainability. It’s proof that stewardship of the land extends far beyond the vineyard rows.
A Winery Rooted in Place
Although the winery itself can’t expand due to county zoning conflicts, Fallbrook’s influence continues to grow, despite the industry challenges. “People are drinking less wine overall,” he says thoughtfully. “Some regions are even pulling out vines. But here, we focus on quality, on authenticity. Our wines are grown and bottled here, and we don’t bring in bulk juice and call it ‘American wine.’ What you taste is this land, it’s Fallbrook.”
Wine ages in oak and solar silence.
A table is set for a special event at Fallbrook Winery. Fruit is sorted, crushed and - in the case of reds - left with its skins ans seeds to soak and transform.
Bringing a picnic to enjoy while sipping wine on their deck or beneath the natural umbrella of shade of the avocado trees is encouraged. There isn’t any food for purchase, but feel free to bring your favorite food to enjoy in a beautiful setting!
The Taste of Home
As we walk back through the courtyard, the sunlight has climbed high, warming the whitewashed walls of the winery. A delivery van hums to life, bound for restaurants and shops across San Diego and Riverside counties. Inside the tasting room, the staff is setting up for the afternoon crowd — glasses
gleaming, bottles lined up like a quiet invitation.
Euan gestures toward a framed photo of Rebecca “Pepper” Wood, who, along with her late husband Ira Gourvitz, purchased the winery in the mid-1990s and gave it new life. Together, they replanted the vineyards and modernized operations, transforming Fallbrook Winery into the respected estate it is today. Pepper continues to oversee the winery’s business and operations, while Ira — whose love of wine dated back to his vineyard days in Sonoma in the 1980s — devoted himself to crafting and marketing award-winning vintages until his passing in the summer of 2023. Those who knew him remember
Fallbrook Winery produces a myriad of awardwinning white and red wines.
33° North Albariño is a popular white wine by Fallbrook Winery.
Winemaker Euan Parker graduated with honors and received a Biochemistry degree in New Zealand and obtained a master’s degree in Vine, Wine and Terroir Management from the prestigious Ecole Supérieure d’Agricultures Angers wine program in France.
his contagious enthusiasm and unyielding belief that great wine begins with great passion. Pepper, meanwhile, still delights in hosting gourmet dinners with family and friends, pairing her table with the same wines that carry their shared legacy forward.
But the story of Fallbrook Winery reaches further back. Before Ira and Pepper, the property belonged to John Culbertson, a retired Navy bomb-disposal expert and underwater contractor who, in the early 1980s, dared to turn an avocado ranch into one of Southern California’s first sparkling wine houses. Without formal training, Culbertson taught himself through study, experiment, and sheer determination. His risk paid off: within five years, his handcrafted champagnes were winning medals across California — even being served at the White House. His boldness and devotion to quality laid the foundation for everything that would follow.
Today, that same spirit endures in every
vintage. From Culbertson’s fearless beginnings to Ira and Pepper’s vision of excellence, and now through Euan Parker’s steady craftsmanship, Fallbrook Winery remains more than a place — it’s a living story of faith, patience, and artistry. It’s a truly local company that reaches out and represents a true taste of Fallbrook all across the country and possibly the globe. Fallbrook is blessed to have such a great example of our community, culture, and agriculture in every bottle.
And perhaps that’s the truest measure of Fallbrook’s craft: not just what fills the glass, but what fills the heart — the taste of a hillside morning, the care of a small team with big dreams, and the enduring promise of a vineyard that continues to find its voice in every vintage.
Winemaker
Euan Parker graduated with honors and received a Biochemistry degree in New Zealand, he was awarded a full scholarship to attend the prestigious Ecole Supérieure d’Agricultures Angers wine program in France, where he obtained a master’s degree in Vine, Wine and Terroir Management.
Fallbrook Winery provides a scenic backdrop to enhance your wine tasting.
Enjoy the beautiful vineyard views while sipping wine from the deck. Avocado trees and umbrellas provide shade on bright sunny days.
Local musicians entertain weekend visitors. Follow Fallbrook Winery on social media for music events. Fallbrook Winery gentle hills.
Tasting reservations are recommended for visitors. Reservations can be made by phone, email or through the online booking portal at www.fallbrookwinery.com
San Luis Rey AVA: A New Identity for Fallbrook and Bonsall Wine Country
by Sourcebook Staff
Northern San Diego County has quietly been cultivating vines, families, and wine traditions for nearly half a century. Yet until recently, the region had no official identity in the American wine world beyond being “somewhere near Temecula.” That changed in 2024, when the federal government formally recognized the San Luis Rey American Viticultural Area (AVA) - a 97,000-acre viticultural region stretching across north coastal San Diego County and including the communities of Fallbrook and Bonsall.
For wineries here – many small, family-led, and proudly rooted in this community – the AVA designation represents not just a technical milestone but a long-awaited affirmation.
The new federal boundary places Fallbrook and Bonsall squarely inside a recognized wine region with its own name, identity, and growing reputation.
What an AVA Actually Means
An American Viticultural Area (AVA) is a federally recognized grape-growing region with defined geographic, climatic, and soil characteristics. While AVAs do not determine winemaking methods, they do certify where the grapes come from. The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) oversees the process. To qualify, petitioners must show that the region is distinct—geologically and climatically—from surrounding areas, and that the name is historically or locally recognized.
Ron Montoya photo
Once approved, wineries may list the AVA name on bottle labels when at least 85 percent of the grapes inside come from within that boundary. For consumers, it signals authenticity of origin. For wineries, it strengthens identity, attracts tourism, and anchors marketing efforts. And for emerging regions—especially small, boutique ones—an AVA can be transformative.
How the San Luis Rey AVA Was Formed
The San Luis Rey AVA did not appear overnight. Its formal petition was submitted by Fallbrook Winery in 2021, representing local growers who believed the region deserved recognition for its distinctive soils and coastal climate. The petition traced the region’s wine history back to the Mission era and emphasized the long viticulture heritage associated with Mission San Luis Rey, founded at the end of the 18th century. Early mission vineyards here are among the oldest documented wine-growing efforts in California, long before the modern industry took root elsewhere.
In August 2023, the TTB proposed establishing a new AVA and took public comment. On August 30, 2024, it issued a final rule: the San Luis Rey AVA was officially established, effective at the end of September. The AVA is entirely within the broader South Coast AVA but now stands as its own federally defined subregion, joining California’s long list of geographically recognized wine areas—though few are as quietly distinctive as this one along the coastal foothills.
Today the AVA includes dozens of producing vineyards and more than twenty commercially active wineries, with additional plantings underway. Many are located in or around Fallbrook and Bonsall.
Distinct Geology and Climate
While parts of California are identifiable by sweeping valleys or steep mountain vineyards, the character of San Luis Rey lies in subtler features: gently sloped hills, coastal wind corridors, and older rock formations that weather into sandy soils. Much of the area sits just a few miles from the Pacific Ocean, separated only by rolling hills and low mountains. Afternoon ocean breezes moderate summer temperatures help cool the vines at night.
Once approved, wineries may list the AVA name on bottle labels when at least 85 percent of the grapes inside come from within that boundary. For consumers, it signals authenticity of origin.
The soils here are typically granitic in origin, forming welldrained sandy loams that naturally limit vine vigor. When vines grow less aggressively, the grapes tend to develop more concentrated flavor. Across the region, the combination of moderate heat, marine influence, and poor, well-draining soils produces fruit well suited for balanced, structured red wines and aromatic whites. The result is a style distinct from warmer inland locations: often refined, often restrained, rarely heavy.
Grapes and Winemaking Character
A wide mix of varieties is grown throughout the AVA. Classic Bordeaux grapes – Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc – thrive here, producing wines that emphasize structure and subtlety rather than sheer power. Mediterranean varieties such as Syrah, Grenache, Tempranillo, and Sangiovese have also become increasingly common because they handle warmer periods well and express themselves beautifully in sandy-loam soils.
White varieties such as Chardonnay, Albariño, and Vermentino are also planted and may gain importance as growers continue leaning toward drought-tolerant selections and Mediterranean grapes that thrive in San Diego County’s increasingly warm, dry climate.
The style emerging from this region tends to favor balance over intensity, making San Luis Rey wines increasingly attractive to sommeliers and consumers who seek nuance and food-friendly character.
Fallbrook and Bonsall’s Role
Long before federal recognition, Fallbrook had already established itself as a local wine community. Fallbrook Winery became a regional anchor, while emerging producers—including Myrtle Creek Vineyards, Beach House Winery, Adobe Hill, and others—added depth, innovation, and local pride. Many are family-run or owner-operated, offering intimate tasting experiences that have become a hallmark of the local wine community.
Bonsall and the surrounding foothills sit closer to the San Luis Rey River corridor and benefit from consistent ocean influence.
Map showing the area of the San Luis Rey AVA. Bf2002/Wikiphedia photo
Many properties there host smaller vineyards that contribute both grapes and stylistic identity to the broader region—often quietly, often without drawing attention beyond San Diego County. The AVA brings these efforts into the spotlight for the first time in a unified way.
The Opportunity Ahead
For Fallbrook and Bonsall, the most immediate benefit of the San Luis Rey AVA may be in tourism. Travelers who once overlooked northern San Diego wineries – thinking only of Temecula or Ramona – are now starting to search specifically for “San Luis Rey AVA wine tasting.” The name alone gives visitors a destination to seek out on maps and wine-trail apps.
The region is also poised for thoughtful growth. While only a fraction of the AVA is currently planted with vineyards, more acreage is suitable for vines. The number of wineries is modest, but quality-focused producers are showing what the area can offer. Rather than becoming a high-volume destination, San Luis Rey’s likely future lies in boutique, small-lot production that highlights craftsmanship. That aligns with the culture of Fallbrook—handson, local, welcoming, and community-oriented.
Climate trends also favor the region’s direction. Many San Luis Rey vineyards are shifting toward Mediterranean-origin varietals that tolerate heat and require less water. Given long-term climate concerns, that strategic shift could prove beneficial—positioning Fallbrook and Bonsall wineries for continued success in a changing environment.
A Name Worth Knowing
After decades of steady but quiet development, Fallbrook and Bonsall now occupy an official place within California wine geography. The AVA name will begin appearing on labels, tasting room signage, restaurant wine lists, and local tourism materials.
It tells the winedrinking public what locals have always known: this place matters. Its soils and climate are unique. Its wines belong to nowhere else.
For winery owners, farmers, and families who have poured years into the land here, the San Luis Rey AVA represents recognition – and an invitation. Because now, when someone asks where Fallbrook wine comes from, the answer has become much easier: it comes from the newest AVA in California, and one that’s very much worth discovering.
Local grapes.
Julie Reeder photo
A Taste of Provence in Bonsall: The Rise of Château Cal-a-Vie Winery
Courtesy photo by Julie Reeder
High above the quiet, oak-lined valleys of Bonsall, a new winery is taking shape – one that promises to bring the romance of Southern France to Bonsall in northern San Diego County. Château Cal-a-Vie Winery, the future on-site winery at The Havens, is poised to become one of the region’s most distinctive wine destinations, blending Old-World elegance with the warm, golden terroir of inland North County, including a perfect microclimate.
Although still in its development phase, Château Cal-a-Vie Winery is already gaining attention for its 20-year-old estate vines, its French-inspired winemaking philosophy, and its stunning hilltop setting that overlooks rolling vistas in every direction. Its story begins not as a commercial enterprise, but as a legacy project – one rooted in craftsmanship, culture, and a commitment to elevating the Bonsall wine experience.
A Winery Shaped by French Inspiration
toward European finesse with California sunshine.
Where Wine Meets Lifestyle
While Château Cal-a-Vie Winery is rooted in agricultural tradition, it also sits at the heart of a luxury-living renaissance. Its future tasting room will be just steps from The Havens Country Club, a 40,000-square-foot Southern French-style estate that recently received a $15 million renovation.
From its earliest concept, the vision for Château Cal-a-Vie Winery has been tied to a sense of European refinement. The architecture that will house the tasting rooms and winemaking spaces draws on the warmth and symmetry of Southern French design: terracotta tones, arched doorways, hand-troweled stonework, and the airy, countryside charm of Provence.
The design is intentional. It reflects what wine lovers will find in the bottle – wines shaped by tradition, but distinctly Californian in their boldness and depth.
The estate vineyards include classic Bordeaux varietals such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc, planted on terraced slopes that mirror the old estates of Europe. These vines –now two decades old – give Château Cal-a-Vie Winery an advantage rare for a new operation: maturity. Older vines produce lower yields, fuller concentration, and deeper flavor profiles, allowing the winemaking team to start strong, with wines that feel established rather than emerging.
The Terroir Advantage: Bonsall’s Hidden Wine Country
Though lesser-known than Temecula, the Bonsall-Fallbrook corridor has long been a quiet haven for vineyards due to its unique geography: coastal breezes drifting inland, warm days balanced by cool nights, and granite-rich soils that force vines to dig deep.
It is a microclimate that produces vibrant acidity and refined structure – characteristics prized by winemakers seeking elegance.
Château Cal-a-Vie Winery’s hillside position captures this balance perfectly. The sunrise warms the vines early; the afternoon marine layer settles against the slopes; the evenings fall cool and clean. The result is fruit of remarkable quality, offering flavor profiles that lean
But the winery is not merely an amenity – it is meant to be the emotional and cultural centerpiece of the entire community.
Guests and residents will eventually be able to walk to the winery along scenic trails, pick up a bottle on the way home, or spend an evening overlooking the vineyards as the sun sets behind soft hills. Events, winemaker dinners, private tours, and pairings are expected to become part of the rhythm of life.
Still, the heart of the project remains the wine: small-lot production, careful harvesting, and an emphasis on craftsmanship.
Crafting
Wines With a Sense of Place
Although the full lineup is still under development, the philosophy behind the wines is already clear—French-style winemaking with California character.
Early releases under the broader Cal-a-Vie label (produced from the same hillside fruit) reveal what wine lovers can expect:
Cabernet Sauvignon: structured, with refined tannins and notes of blackcurrant and cedar
Merlot: velvety and dark-fruited, reminiscent of right-bank Bordeaux
Cabernet Franc: aromatic, with floral lift and spice
Red Blends: layered, complex, and built for aging These wines balance elegance with intensity, reflecting both the maturity of the vines and the precision of the winemaking approach.
A Destination in the Making
What makes Château Cal-a-Vie Winery special is not simply the wine, nor the architecture, nor the location – but the harmony among all three. It is a place where the beauty of European tradition meets Southern California’s natural splendor. Where the slow pleasures of a glass of wine can be experienced not in the rush of tasting rooms but in quiet moments overlooking the hills.
And when it officially opens its doors, Château Cal-a-Vie Winery is positioned to become Bonsall’s most photographed, talked-about, and sought-after wine experiences – a jewel of Bonsall’s growing luxury and culinary scene.
For now, the vines continue their steady work, and anticipation continues to build.
Château Cal-a-Vie Winery will soon open onsite, meanwhile wines are available for puchase online.
The Havens Country Club, located in Vista, features the challenging and stunning Ted Robinson, Sr. designed golf course. The expansive French Château styled clubhouse is surrounded by breathtaking valley views and provides a grand dining room and several elegantly appointed venues.
Privilege awaits you and your family! Our world class amenities include exquisite dining, championship golf, world-class fitness and spa services from our sister property Cal-a-Vie Health Spa, tennis and pickleball at our picturesque courts and a friendly membership who welcomes you to the club!
Sharon Robinson, Local Realtor® and owner of Sharon’s on Main, toasts to the inaugural Fallbrook Wine Festival.
OFallbrook Wine Festival
Celebrates Local Wineries, Community, and the San Luis Rey AVA
A landmark event for Fallbrook’s growing wine culture
by Tracey Lubben
n October 25, 2025, the first annual Fallbrook Wine Festival brought together hundreds of guests, dozens of local businesses, and some of the region’s most celebrated wineries, for a sold-out celebration of Fallbrook’s thriving wine scene. Also celebrated was the San Luis Rey American Viticultural Area (AVA).
Founded by Mikel Palmerin of Fallbrook Wine Tours, and Tracey Lubben and Holly Schaefer of Friends of Fallbrook, the festival was created with a clear mission: To honor Fallbrook’s wineries, strengthen the region’s AVA identity, and showcase the local artisans, growers, and creators who make this community unique.
The festival took place at the stunning 72-acre Daily Blooms Lavender Farm in De Luz — an expansive property known for its sweeping valley views, calming lavender fields, and rustic farm charm.
A Celebration of Wine, Music & Community
Guests enjoyed wine tastings, gourmet food, artisan shopping, and continuous live music throughout the day. The 2025 lineup included an impressive roster of musicians: Ben Betts, Kingsland Music, Daring Greatly, Max Garza and Mr. Max.
In addition to wineries and live entertainment, guests explored vendors offering handmade art, jewelry, clothing, baked goods, pottery, and specialty foods — all from local and regional creators.
A highlight of the afternoon was the Amateur Wine Competition, giving rising winemakers a platform to showcase their craft. Festivalgoers also enjoyed a fully interactive 360 Photo Booth courtesy of AB Videos 360, capturing unforgettable moments with friends and family.
Participating Wineries
The festival proudly featured the following wineries, each representing the elegance, character, and terroir of Fallbrook and the wider San Luis Rey AVA: De Amo Winery, Adobe Hill Winery, Monserate Winery, Fallbrook Winery, Estate d’Iacobelli Winery and Myrtle Creek Vineyards.
Event Sponsor was D’Vine Path Program
The festival was honored to be sponsored by D’Vine Path, a Fallbrook nonprofit whose mission is to transform the lives of neurodivergent adults through vocational and life-skills training in agriculture, hospitality, and the arts.
Event Community Partners
This event was made possible thanks to the generous support of local businesses and community organizations: Daily Blooms Lavender Farm, Welburn Gourd Farm, Steele Insurance Agency, Junk Mode, Spinning Meats, Pala Mesa Resort, AB Video 360, Love Light Letters, The Balloon Bar LLC, The Coal Bunker, Ashley’s
Courtesy photos
Party Rentals, Will “The Wine Guy” Burtner, Happy Jug Liquor, Pike & Kettner, Friends of Fallbrook, Fallbrook Wine Tours, and Savvy Macs.
A New Tradition for Fallbrook
The success of the inaugural Fallbrook Wine Festival reflects
the community’s growing passion for local wine, tourism, and cultural experiences. The founders hope to make this an annual tradition, continuing to highlight Fallbrook’s wineries, AVA status, agricultural roots, and artisan community.
For updates on future events, follow Fallbrook Wine Festival on instagram (@fallbrookwinefestival) or visit their website www. fallbrookwinefestival.com.
A Love Letter to Italy, Written in the Hills of Fallbrook
At Monserate Winery, old-world charm meets modern luxury, creating a wedding experience defined by excellence in every detail.
by Monserate Vineyards & Winery
There is a moment that happens at every great wedding—a pause where the golden light hits the vines just right, glasses clink in celebration, and the world seems to stop spinning. It is in this pause that you realize you aren’t just at a venue; you are part of a legacy.
Located on 116 acres of breathtaking estate-grown vineyards in the Gird Valley of Fallbrook, Monserate Winery was born from a vision to bring the romance and tranquility of the Italian countryside to Southern California. But beyond the rolling hills and architectural splendor, we are defined by a singular philosophy that guides our team: “Excellence in every detail, and love in every moment.”
For us, this is not just a motto; it is a promise. We believe that no detail is too small to perfect, and we care deeply about each couple that walks through our gates. From the hand-laid stone of our courtyards to the vintage of wine poured at your reception, our goal is to ensure your wedding is not only everything you have dreamed of but an experience your guests will talk about for years to come.
The Tuscan Estate: Intimate Elegance
For couples seeking the warmth of an Italian village, the Tuscan Estate offers an immersion into old-world romance. Your guests are greeted by a stunning lawn adjacent to a large, ornate pond, where the sound of a cascading waterfall sets a serene tone. As you look out, the view transforms into expansive rows of lush vines and green oak-covered hills—a backdrop that feels thousands of miles away from the ordinary.
The true magic of the Tuscan Estate, however, lies in its courtyard. Shaded by majestic 200-year-old olive trees, this space transports you directly to the Mediterranean. It is the perfect setting for an alfresco cocktail hour, where the filtered sunlight dances through the silvery leaves. Just beside the courtyard stands our stone-clad Barrel Room. Custom-designed specifically for weddings, this space radiates character, offering a rich, textural setting that requires little decoration to feel grand yet intimate.
Villa de Fiore: Grandeur and Character
For those envisioning a celebration on a larger scale, Villa de Fiore stands as a testament to sophisticated design and natural beauty. This venue captures the imagination with its massive pond and central fountain, which serves as a sparkling focal point for the property.
The grounds here are anchored by historic sycamore trees and cork oaks that add profound character and shade to the cobblestone patio space—ideal for a romantic sunset reception. Inside, the Villa de Fiore ballroom impresses with soaring ceilings and beautiful exposed wood trusses, blending rustic warmth with high-end polish. It is a canvas ready to be customized, whether you envision a black-tie affair or a soft, floral-forward garden party.
Monte Bella: The Future Crown Jewel
As we continue to strive for perfection, we are thrilled to unveil the future of Monserate Winery: Monte Bella. Currently under construction and expected to open its doors in April 2026, Monte Bella is designed to be the crown jewel of our property. Every inch of this new venue is being crafted with our signature attention to detail, promising to elevate the wedding experience to new heights.
A Culinary and Vintner’s Journey
A world-class venue deserves a world-class menu. At Monserate, we offer a comprehensive experience including the venue, food, bar, and a dedicated venue coordinator to oversee the logistics of your day. Our brand is built on high-end quality, which extends to our beverage program. We hold a full liquor license, allowing for signature cocktails alongside our wine.
And the wine is truly the heart of the property. All our wine is estate-grown, produced from the grapes you see lining the hills, and bottled right here on the property. We invite you and your guests to taste the terroir of Fallbrook in every glass, adding a deeply personal, local touch to your dining experience.
Your Story Starts Here
Whether you choose the intimate charm of the Tuscan Estate, the grandeur of Villa de Fiore, or the anticipated luxury of Monte Bella, our venues cater themselves to be customized for your unique vision. We invite you to explore the grounds, walk beneath the oaks, and feel the dedication of a team that puts love into every moment.
Villa de Fiore features a massive pond and central fountain for a scenic backdrop.
Courtesy photos
Local Golf Courses
The Crossings at Carlsbad
The Crossings at Carlsbad Golf Course is inspired by its natural surroundings and spectacular ocean views. Voted by Golf Magazine as one of the “Top 10 New Courses You Can Play.”
5800 The Crossings Dr. • Carlsbad, CA 92008 760-444-1800 www.thecrossingsatcarlsbad.com
The Havens Country Club
Nestled in a tranquil valley, the golf course offers stunning views of the Southern California landscape, impeccable course conditions and unmatched playability.
29354 Vista Valley Dr. • Vista, CA 92084 760-758-2800 www.thehavenscc.com
The Golf Club of California
The course was designed to naturally integrate the ancient oaks, majestic sycamores, towering eucalyptus trees and beautiful redtop grasses that line the fairways and undulating greens.
3742 Flowerwood Lane • Fallbrook, CA 92028 760-451-3737 www.thegolfclubofcalifornia.com
Pala Mesa Resort Golf Course
The Pala Mesa Resort Golf Course is one of Southern California’s most challenging golf courses. Beautifully manicured 18-hole, Par 72, championship course.
2001 Old Hwy 395 • Fallbrook, CA 92028 760-728-5881 www.palamesa.com
Aviara Golf Club
San Diego’s only golf course designed by Arnold Palmer. Recognized as one of the country’s best golf courses by Golf Digest and Golf Magazine.
7447 Batiquitos Dr. • Carlsbad, CA 92011 760-603-6900 www.parkhyattaviara.com/golf
Omni La Costa Golf Course
Tighten your game on a redesigned legendary course – North Course. Or enjoy South Course, A redesigned and renovated course with spacious fairways.
2100 Costa Del Mar Rd. • Carlsbad, CA 92009 760-438-9111
www.omnihotels.com/hotels/san-diego-la-costa/golf
Local Golf Courses
Twin Oaks Golf Course
Scenic golf course with a driving range, pro shop, pub with a patio & 225-capacity events venue. Twin Oaks Golf Course is known for its stunning design, especially on the pictureperfect par 3′s.
1425 N Twin Oaks Valley Rd. • San Marcos, CA 92069
Hilltop 18-hole golf course with a driving range, putting greens, large clubhouse, grill & shop. Designed by prominent local architect Ted Robinson Jr.
5201 Village Drive • Oceanside, CA 92057
760-967-8400 www.arrowoodgolf.com
The Links at Lakehouse
The Links is a one-of-a-kind championship golf course for players at every level. Open for both Lakehouse resort guests and members of the public.
Featuring an emphasis on strategy and shot-making, the course winds through stunning tree-lined fairways and beautiful rolling slopes following the natural contours of the countryside.
14616 Woods Valley Rd. • Valley Center, CA 92082
760-751-3007
www.nativeoaksgolfclub.com
Welk Resort Golf Course
The Welk offers a pair of 18-hole layouts, the Oaks Course and the Fountains Course. Both courses are scenic golf courses designated by Golf Digest as “Best Places to Play.”
Lawrence Welk Drive | Escondido, CA 92026
760-749-3000
www.welkgolfsandiego.com
Marine Memorial Golf Course
Unyielding to the seasoned, yet playable for the novice, William P. Bell’s Marine Memorial Golf Course has been praised for its bunkers, ingenuity, and innovations in golf course construction.
18415 Mainside • Camp Pendleton North, CA 92055
760-725-4653 - Open to the Public www.pendleton.usmc-mccs.org
Budapest – A Delight on the Danube
by Nathalie Taylor
Lingeris one word that comes to mind when describing my experiences in Budapest, Hungary. Each time I approached another exquisite building, I felt compelled to linger and appreciate the details. Each time I enjoyed yet another delicious meal of traditional Hungarian cuisine, I felt the need to linger and savor every bite.
Relaxing on a bench in St. Stephen’s Square, I watched the slow parade of locals and tourists. Since it was May, the mild weather lured people outdoors to chat at sunny sidewalk cafes, stroll along narrow cobblestone streets, or, like me, observe St. Stephen’s Square, from a comfortable bench.
The people I watched seemed content and happy, reveling in the company of others and in the beauty of the surroundings. I
caught the wave of that spirit and enjoyed the moment. I was almost intoxicated by the penetrating sunshine and view of the striking St. Stephen’s Basilica. I lingered in the square, appreciating the ebb and flow of visitors. Even though I was a tourist, I didn’t feel like one. I felt at ease - and completely at home - in Budapest.
The Hungarian city of Budapest is comprised of two cities, Buda and Pest, with the Danube River flowing between them. The cities were separate until the Széchenyi (Chain Bridge) connected the two in 1849.
My home in Budapest was the stunning Aria Hotel, adjacent to St. Stephen’s Basilica. Nestled among shops and cafes along Hercegprímás Street, the hotel is fresh, artistically designed, and welcoming.
Aria’s High Note Sky Bar, a rooftop al fresco cafe, is where I would relax after a day of touring. Content and comfortable in my cushioned wicker chair, I enjoyed my artistically plated gourmet dinner in the shadow of St. Stephen’s Basilica. After I had been sufficiently dazzled by the cuisine, my attention was drawn to the sparkling lights of the city below.
Each morning at the Aria’s stunning Music Garden Courtyard, tables were laden with a variety of delicacies, from smoked salmon to artisan breads and exotic cheeses. Purple orchids bloomed from gleaming gold-hued planters, and the stone floor was fashioned with a unique piano keyboard design.
Due to the close proximity of St. Stephen’s Basilica to the Aria, I visited the cathedral more than once. The murmur of hushed voices echoed in the massive sanctuary as I sat quietly, attempting to memorize the details of the intricate dome paintings, plethora of gold leaf, and the many works of art.
Hercegprímás street, where the Aria is located, is home to several delightful shops and cafes. Tantalizing scents led me to more than one cafe. When I settled in for a meal, I would ask if they served traditional cuisine. At times, I would need to have the menu translated. Being a lover of paprika, one of my favorites was Paprikás Csirke (Chicken Paprika), which was slow-cooked in sour cream paprika sauce. Marvelous!
Fortunately, I am a fan of paprika, since it is the Hungarian National Spice, and used generously in many of the dishes
Nathalie Taylor photos
The Hungarian Parliament building is a stunning edifice.
The Liberty Bridge connects Buda and Pest.
I sampled. Paprika falls into three categories – sweet, hot or smoked. I prefer the sweet, so I bought several tins of the spice. Actually, I went a bit overboard and bought more than I could ever use. However, I remedied that situation by giving the spice as gifts.
Gulyás (Goulash), the extremely popular soup, almost became an obsession with me. Needless to say, I enjoyed it more than once. Since it is considered the Hungarian National Dish, the enticing concoction was easy to find. The flavors were a bit varied, and I enjoyed it served in either a hot metal pot, or ceramic bowl. Gulyás was always thick with beef, carrots, potatoes, onions, and – of course – more than a few dashes of vibrant paprika.
One of the most engaging Hungarian desserts is the dreamy Gundel Palacsinta (Gundel Crepe), which was created by Károly Gundel, a Hungarian restaurateur. A delicate crepe is filled with luscious chocolate sauce, then topped with whipped cream. If that isn’t enough deliciousness, a thinner version of the chocolate sauce is drizzled on the top!
Pest-Buda Bistro – cozy and cheerful – is an excellent choice for sampling traditional Hungarian cuisine. The cafe is located on Castle Hill, and is housed in a charming building that dates to 1696.
A Danube River cruise elevated my Budapest holiday from remarkable to unparalleled. Our boat slowly slid past charming edifices lining the banks of the Danube. Many of Budapest’s historical buildings and bridges are best viewed from the Danube perspective.
The Danube cruise was perfect for observing details of the 1896 Szabadság Híd (Liberty Bridge), which connects Buda with Pest. The green-hued structure, with its intricate spires, was aweinspiring. Its striking metal peaks and troughs flowed like waves across the Danube.
As the boat passed St. Anne’s Church, I savored a commanding view of its twin copper spires. Later, when I saw the church from a land perspective, it was even more striking. (When viewing a 1785 painting of the building, I happily discovered that, over the centuries, the glorious exterior hadn’t been altered.)
When the imposing outline of the Hungarian Parliament building came into view, I had tears in my eyes...it was so enchanting. I immediately thought of an ornately frosted wedding cake. I had seen photos of the castle-like structure, but never dreamed that I would actually see its delicately fashioned stone arches. However, to more fully appreciate the structure’s intricacies, I knew I needed to view the building closely from the grounds. The two perspectives lent a wonderful overview of this magnificent structure.
Through the Aria Hotel, I booked daily private car tours that were first class, but surprisingly affordable. The drivers were extremely knowledgeable about Budapest, and each day came with new discoveries. At my request, drivers would linger if I chose to explore an area in depth.
Over the stately Széchenyi Lánchíd (Chain Bridge) from Pest to Buda, I visited the extensive Buda Castle with its gardens crowded with colorful flowers. The massive bronze statues and flowing fountains were impressive. There was so much to absorb it was almost overwhelming.
The Halászbástya (Fisherman’s Bastion), which I also viewed from the tour boat, was another dramatic edifice. It stood out among the stone structures of Buda with a smooth style of stunning white walls, towers, and turrets. The sweeping view of the river
and city from the structure is definitely part of the bastion’s lure.
As I observed the Gothic-styled Mattias Church with its colorful glazed tile roof and towering steeple rising to 200 feet, I thought to myself...with so many remarkable structures in Budapest it is impossible to appreciate every detail. However, on my first visit to Budapest, I tried my best.
While the driver placed my luggage in the trunk of his MercedesBenz, I watched quietly. As he navigated through canyons of stunning buildings, I felt wistful. I was leaving Budapest. I knew there was much more to explore, much more to discover, much more to appreciate. Then I thought...it will only take a 6,200 mile airplane journey to return, and, in anticipation of another wonderful experience, that isn’t far at all.
Whether you’re craving a luxury escape, a bucket-list adventure, or a hidden gem only locals know, we craft custom itineraries to fit your dream and your vibe.
Ask me about cruises!
Opulent interior of St. Stephen’s Basilica. Matthias Church as seen from the Danube River.
Preserving the Past,Shaping the Future:
The Story of the Fallbrook Historical Society
by Olivia Wadsworth
Nestled in the rolling hills of northern San Diego County, the town of Fallbrook is often celebrated for its avocados, scenic charm, and small-town feel. But beyond its modern identity lies a rich, layered history — one that has been carefully preserved and proudly shared thanks to the dedication of the Fallbrook Historical Society.
Founded in 1976 during America’s bicentennial, the Fallbrook Historical Society was born from a desire to ensure that the stories of the town’s early settlers, industries, and way of life were not lost to time. Today, it remains a quiet but vital institution — a bridge between generations and a guardian of memory in an everchanging world.
A living archive
The Historical Society maintains a beautifully preserved 19th century building that houses the museum and the Ford Room as well as the Pittenger House, which was once owned by a pioneer minister and medal of honor recipient. The group also owns the historic one room Reche Schoolhouse that is located near the site of an Indian village and Live Oak Park.
Each room, exhibit, and artifact tells a story: the grit of early homesteaders, the rise and fall of the local railroad, the boom of citrus and avocado farming, and the countless families who built Fallbrook from the ground up. Volunteers, many with deep roots in the area, lovingly guide visitors through these time capsules, sharing stories that don’t appear in textbooks but matter just as much.
Why historical societies matter
In an era of fast-moving technology and fleeting digital trends, places like the Fallbrook Historical Society serve a critical role. They anchor communities. They remind us who we are and where we come from — knowledge that is essential to understanding where we’re going.
Historical societies:
Preserve local identity: While history books focus on national events, historical societies document the local milestones — the schoolhouse dances, the first town hall meetings, the founding farms and family businesses — that shape community identity.
Educate and inspire: Through school tours, lectures, exhibits, and archives, historical societies make history accessible and engaging for all ages.
Promote civic pride: When residents know and appreciate their community’s story, they are more likely to care for it, invest in it, and advocate for its future.
Safeguard records: Documents, photographs, and oral histories often live exclusively in local societies — irreplaceable data that could vanish without care and curation.
Community-powered preservation
The Fallbrook Historical Society thrives not because of vast funding or national recognition, but because of its people. Volunteers — retirees, teachers, local historians, and curious youth — are the heartbeat of the organization. Their commitment ensures that the old wagon out back gets restored, that faded photographs are cataloged, and that new generations learn the stories of those who came before them.
It’s also a collaborative effort. Local schools, veterans’ groups, the Chamber of Commerce, and civic leaders often partner with the Society on events and initiatives, from walking tours to history fairs. These connections reinforce a shared understanding that history is not a dusty relic. It’s a living, breathing part of daily life.
Looking ahead
As Fallbrook grows and new residents move in, the work of the Historical Society becomes more important than ever. Its mission is not simply to look backward, but to ensure that the stories of today become the preserved treasures of tomorrow.
In the words of a local volunteer, “You don’t have to be born here to belong here — but knowing the story of this place makes you part of it.”
The Fallbrook Historical Society stands as a quiet sentinel, watching over the town’s past, guiding its present, and lighting a thoughtful path into the future.
To learn more, visit the Fallbrook Historical Society website at www.fallbrookhistoricalsociety.org
Hometown Friendly Service Mon. - Fri. 8:30am - 4:30pm
Bishop’s Tree Service Owner Reflects on a Lifetime in the Canopy
by Andrew Almazan
Long before he became one of North County’s most trusted arborists, Brian Bishop was just a bright-eyed kid climbing every tree in sight. The owner of Bishop’s Tree Service says that the roots of his 40+ year career stretch back to childhood, back when he was enamored by the legend and grander-than-life accomplishments of folk heroes like Paul Bunyan.
“I was the youngest of four, and I could out-climb all my siblings,” Bishop said in our interview. “I believe I was just made to be a tree guy.”
Bishop began cutting firewood in the late 1970s before discovering professional tree trimming — and eventually, the science of arboriculture. His business, now a five-man operation, services San Diego and Southwest Riverside counties with a focus on long-term tree health, safety and informed pruning practices.
A Career Shaped by Meticulous Care
Bishop credits much of his approach to the Professional Tree Care Association of San Diego, which he says transformed his understanding of arboriculture and strengthened his commitment to proper technique.
He emphasized the importance of hiring licensed professionals, particularly in a region where landscapers often offer tree trimming without proper credentials.
“If you hire an unlicensed contractor and they get hurt, you become their employer,” Bishop said. “That’s the biggest reason you hire someone with a contractor’s license and workers’ comp.”
Craftsmanship Rooted in Knowledge
Bishop’s approach centers on understanding not only the individual tree, but the full landscape surrounding it. That perspective has shaped the company’s reputation for careful, consultative work.
“There’s a lot of people who cut trees, but they aren’t doing arboriculture,” Bishop said. “We have one of the largest varieties of trees in the United States here. Learning how they grow, how they respond — that’s everything.”
“When I show up on somebody’s property, I’m looking for a few words from the customer before I start talking,” Bishop said. “Let’s look at what you have, what belongs, what doesn’t belong, and how to make the best of it.”
While he no longer climbs every day, Bishop maintains an active role in guiding clients through their landscape needs, from historic oaks to fast-growing eucalyptus. He also pushes back against misconceptions — including the widely circulated claim that eucalyptus trees are inherently dangerous.
“They’re not the fire hazards people think they are,” Bishop said. “I’ve seen fires burn up all the oaks while the eucalyptus survived. Organizations like Cal Fire are starting to understand that.”
Brian Bishop has come across some unique artifacts as an arborist. Featured in the middle of his reclaimed wood working area stood the proud fusion of two trees, a unique remnant from just one of hundreds of jobs over the years.
Brian maximizes his skill set. He not only helps residents and businesses maintain beautiful landscapes, any felled wood or would-be “waste” is repurposed as material for his other venture where he preps live edge wood pieces for sale.
Andrew Almazan photos
Tools, Trends and the Future of the Trade
Beyond tree care, Bishop has watched the arborist industry shape — and be shaped by — innovations in climbing technology. He said rock climbing manufacturers increasingly adapt tools developed for tree workers because of the intense stress-testing arborists naturally provide.
“We wear stuff out. We stress test everything,” Bishop said with a laugh. “Our industry is bigger than rock climbing so in many ways informs the innovations that come out for the recreational climber. On top of that the tools that we have at our disposal just keep getting better.”
Despite global or economic uncertainties, Bishop believes arboriculture will remain an essential service.
“People need nature. Even in the middle of the city, you create something beautiful with trees and it changes people’s whole experience,” he said.
What it’s Really all About
After thousands of jobs, Bishop says the work remains rewarding — especially when clients see their property transformed.
“There are hundreds of moments like that,” Bishop said, recalling a recent project on a century-old Riverside estate. “The woman came home and was almost in tears — happy tears. That’s what you want.”
While Bishop’s Tree Service primarily handles residential projects, the business also takes on select commercial and pre-construction jobs. Parks and public landscapes, he noted, often suffer from deferred maintenance, making the work both meaningful and challenging.
Contact and Services
Bishop encourages prospective clients to reach out directly, noting that his process begins with education and clear expectations.
“I’m big on the consultation phase. I walk people through everything,” he said.
Bishop said a new website and expanded online presence are in development as he grows the business.
After more than four decades in the canopy, Bishop says the mission remains simple: “Trees are individuals, but they’re also part of a landscape. We try to keep it all working together the way it’s supposed to.”
For more information, call Bishop’s Tree Service at (760) 720-7649 or email bishopstrees@sbcglobal.net.
Bishop’s Tree Service
Bishop’s Tree Service, Inc. is a family owned business with 3 certified arborists and a tree safety professional on staff. Owner, Brian Bishop, has been serving North County’s Tree care needs for over 48 years. Trees define your property, give them a little love and if need be we can help.
TREE CARE
• Crown Cleaning
• Crown Reduction
• Crown Restoration
• Raising the Canopy
• Thinning
• Clearing the Underbrush
• Structural Pruning
REMOVAL • Removal of all sizes and quantities of trees
Stump Grinding • Brush Clearance/Chipping • Line Clearance
Brian Bishop’s newest rigs are a testament to his drive for constantly evolving with his business.
Family-run Business
“She Shed Chicken Coops” Builds Luxury Coops in Fallbrook
by Christal Gaines-Emory
Located in Fallbrook, She Shed Chicken Coops is a family business created by Steven Buccino and his wife Julie Buccino during the COVID-19 pandemic. Dedicated to creating luxury coops, Buccino has created more than 100 chicken coops since he began the business.
Previously, Buccino worked as a general contractor. At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, he decided to shift gears from his previous career working as a general contractor. During this time, his wife asked him to build her a chicken coop so she could raise a few chickens. That prompted him to start his business, She Shed Chicken Coops.
“This business has been really good for me and for the family,” Buccino said. “It’s a fun job, I’m always feeling happy and blessed.”
Buccino grew up in Palm Springs before moving to Colorado. While he and his family were living in Colorado, Buccino was always dreaming of returning to Southern California so he could be by the beach again. When they decided the snow was too much for them, they chose to move to Fallbrook. Now, they’ve lived here for 10 years, and they’ve enjoyed it greatly.
“Fallbrook really is a destination town,” he said. “It’s rural, peaceful, quiet, I hope it continues to be a quaint little town for a long time.”
According to Buccino, the Fallbrook atmosphere has been incredibly welcoming and comfortable for him and his family.
“The longer I stay here, the more I like it,” he said.
Since building his first coop, Buccino has expanded to create multiple different sizes of coops depending on the number of chickens, and the needs of the client. Currently, She Shed Chicken Coops offer a four-foot-wide option, and also six-footwide and eight-foot-wide options, but larger sizes can be made upon request. All coops are walk-ins, and they offer roosting bars, an egg hutch, a metal roof and more.
Buccino’s favorite part of creating the coops is the carpentry work that goes into making them. The hand-built coops require dedication and precision, Buccino loves the details that make each coop stand out.
“Grabbing a piece of wood and creating something beautiful
Steven Buccino and wife Julie run She Shed Chicken Coops in Fallbrook. Courtesy photos
Many people call our coops a work of art. We love exceeding the expectations and keeping our customers happy with a high-quality product.
– Steven Buccino
is a joy,” he said. “Everything fits together like a puzzle.”
Buccino spends his free time with his family, he is also an active member of his church and hosts spiritual meetings at his home to help others who need healing.
In 2017, Buccino was diagnosed with a serious illness, and he couldn’t walk or talk. He suffered from many seizures, and multiple doctors told him he would not survive the illness.
After attending a ministry conference in Georgia, he recovered and was able to continue living his life to the fullest. When he recovered, Buccino decided that it was important for him and his wife to help others experiencing health struggles by sharing their faith.
“We’re heavily involved in our church, and it brings us joy to share the word of God with others,” he said. “It’s important to us to help others, we want to help people from all different walks of life.”
According to Buccino, his faith has been an important aspect of all facets of his life, including his business.
“God inspires me to be a better business owner, a better husband, a better father, a better grandfather,” he said.
In the last year, She Shed Chicken Coops has nearly doubled in sales and Buccino plans to keep growing at that rate.
“We have a great product and a great service, and we’d like to double our sales again next year,” he said. “My family runs this business with me and it’s a blessing to work with them every day. I’m living the dream, and my hope is to continue growing this business so I can hire more people and share this joy.”
“Many people call our coops a work of art,” he said. “We love exceeding the expectations and keeping our customers happy with a high-quality product.”
Buccino stated that extensions are now available for the chicken coops for those interested in providing their chickens with additional space. He has installed coops all over San Diego County, along with Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, and Napa Valley. He’s excited to continue expanding the reach of She Shed Chicken Coops.
“I’m blessed to be working a job I love, surrounded by my family,” Buccino said. “I couldn’t be more grateful for the
opportunity to work a job that makes me smile every single day.”
For those interested in purchasing a handmade She Shed Chicken Coop, visit www.sheshedchickencoops.com or email info@ sheshedchickencoops.com
AVOCADO ANIMAL HOSPITAL
The business was created after Julie asked Steven to build her a chicken coop so that she could raise a few chickens.
Multiple sizes of coops are available as well as extensions to existing coops.
Deep Roots in Fallbrook: HOW MICHAEL HULSEY BUILT
ROSELAND NURSERY
by Julie Reeder
MichaelHulsey, on a 34-acre nursery property in Fallbrook with beautiful views, talks about the amazing 40 years that he has been working on what was once raw acreage, but has become a landmark in the region’s big-tree market. The Roseland Nursery operator can trace his life in trunks and boxes: queen palms that once impressed big-box buyers, oaks that now shade luxury developments, and the longtime employees who have watched the place—and each other—grow old. Roseland has four properties where they propagate, grow, and sell everything, including small indoor plants, beautiful roses, bushes, and trees of all kinds.
Hulsey came to North San Diego County in 1985 with a purpose that was both practical and personal. His family’s nursery story started decades earlier in Las Vegas, where his mother and father started and grew nursery businesses in the late 1960s—“’68, ’69,” Hulsey recalled. Those nurseries ended up being far more profitable as event businesses and are still flourishing today. By the mid-1980s, Michael, the oldest of the four Hulsey sons, made the move south and “started up the 18 acres here,” building a growing operation.
It didn’t unfold neatly.
For years, Hulsey said, the work was relentless and the margins thin. “When I came here, I struggled for 10 years,” he said. He described those early days with a mix of grit and humor—learning by doing, collecting seeds and cuttings, building stock any way he could. “I was hopping people’s fences, taking cuttings. I was getting the seeds off the trees. I was doing all that,” he said.
Then, the brother he was working with exited the nursery business, leaving him exposed. “All of a sudden, they got out of the doggone business. I got really stuck,” Hulsey said.
The pivot that followed would change not only his own
trajectory but Roseland Nursery’s reputation across Southern California.
Hulsey traces the breakthrough to what sounded, at first, like a routine buying trip to another nursery. He went looking for quality material he could resell or study; instead, he walked into a moment of timing and blunt honesty. Home Depot and Home Base buyers happened to also be there, he said, evaluating inventory—among it, a batch of purple-leaf plums.
He overheard the direction the buyers were leaning and couldn’t help himself.
“I went up to the buyers, and said, ‘You’re really not going to buy these purple leaf plums, are you?’” Hulsey said. “I said, ‘You want to see some good purple leaf plums come to my place. I’ll show you some nice purple leaf plums.’”
They came that afternoon.
What they found at Hulsey’s place—big palms, strong stock, a grower who understood what held up in the landscape—led to a new relationship. “They said, ‘We’re going to list you. We want you to supply,’” he recalled.
For a nursery operator who had spent a decade grinding through survival mode, the chain-store leap was a jolt of growth. “When I got Home Depot in as a client, that was a game changer for us,” he said. The account grew over time, he said, reaching “like 80 stores.”
But the scale came with a cost.
To supply big-box chains, Hulsey said, wasn’t simply about having good trees—it required a level of uniformity and volume that shaped everything from planting schedules to staffing to freight. “You have to have 20,000 in one variety…to do those guys,” he said. It took years to build the inventory. For palms alone, he described “two years, two or three years” to get stock
Overlooking Roseland Nursery.
Julie Reeder photo
Florencio
large enough and consistent enough to meet the demand.
The logistics were punishing. “It’s 14 hours a day easy,” he said. “You’re routing, shipping. I had semis going.” Regulatory changes and DOT requirements only added to the burden, he said, and today, at 71, he’s frank about why that chapter ended. “I’m not going to do the depots or the chains again. It’ll kill you,” he said.
If the Home Depot era gave Roseland its launch, Hulsey’s current operation reflects what he calls the “big tree business”—a niche where size, maturity, and reliability matter more than volume. He no longer focuses on “that little stuff,” he said, and instead supplies municipalities, golf courses, large builders, and high-end private clients.
In between the business details, another side of Hulsey surfaced. He’s a professional musician: a studio piano player, songwriter, guitar player and singer who has played locally and in churches. He talked about working with studios, playing for congregations, and the strange beauty of making music alongside the demanding physicality of nursery life.
Many independent nurseries sold out to a larger chain during COVID. We didn’t.
”
– Michael Hulsey
“One of our trees…is $25,000 for those big trees,” he said, describing specimen material in 120-inch boxes—so large, he added, it’s “one tree per truck.”
He spoke about projects in the same shorthand contractors use: names and places that carry weight. Beverly Hills. Casinos. Major developments. “Irvine Corporation buys a lot,” he said. He pointed to Pelican Bay, where he said the oaks came from a property he managed—trees he “dug” and relocated to become part of the finished landscape.
Because the nursery is known in that niche, he said, he doesn’t rely heavily on a formal sales team. “Not really. We’re kind of well known in the big tree business,” he said.
He talked about the competition now in 2025. “Many independent nurseries sold out to a larger chain during COVID. We didn’t. He described what he sees as a gap in quality and transparency with that larger chain, arguing that some customers end up paying premium prices for smaller material marketed in vague terms. He contrasted that with what he believes independent nurseries still offer: knowledgeable staff and craftsmanship in selection and planting.
Hulsey’s pride in Roseland isn’t only about trees. It’s also about people.
Several of his workers have been with him since the beginning, he said—back to 1985. He named longtime employees and described the kind of loyalty that’s difficult to manufacture. “You want somebody like that,” he said of a key crew member. “He’s been loyal for sure.”
Earlier in the business, he said, the nursery even helped provide housing for workers—something he described as less necessary now as many have moved into their own homes over time. Looking back, he framed it simply: “We watched each other… grow old.”
Hard work, he implied, is not a chapter he outgrew—it’s the foundation. He described childhood labor in extreme heat and the kind of upbringing that taught endurance early. “I was shoveling rock in 130-degree heat,” he said, then added a joke about his father’s belief in hard work early in life, and discipline that underscored how intense those early expectations were. That same drive, he suggested, is why the business exists at all— however succession is uncertain.
In 2000, Michael’s mom and dad moved to the Fallbrook property, where they lived in a beautiful house on the 34-acre property near Green Canyon. Michael’s dad, Joe Hulsey, passed in 2000. Today, Michael still looks after Lee Hulsey, the proud matriarch of the family. Lee enjoys life with her grandchildren.
Beyond her work in the nursery over the years, she has authored several heartwarming books, including “Lee’s Corner Lee-isms: Life’s Golden Nuggets” and “Nana Lee’s Poems to Entertain and Inspire You.” Whenever talking to Lee she stresses how life hasn’t been easy but how blessed she is. “At 91, I’ve had a blessed life,” she says. “God has been good.”
The business has grown into a cherished family legacy but Michael is skeptical that his children have any interest in working the nursery business.
He sees something different in the next generation. “My grandson has an interest,” Hulsey said. “He wants to do something…He’s in high school.” But the rest of the heirs have other interests.
For now, Roseland Nursery remains Michael Hulsey’s place— an operation built from scratch in 1985, shaped by a high-growth chain era, and refined into a specialized, big-tree supplier with deep roots in the region’s landscapes. He has worked hard, but admits he’s looking forward to retirement and slowing down.
However, for now, Roseland Nursery is still a vibrant and diverse wholesale operation, open to the public at 4802 5th St, in Rainbow, across from Rainbow Oaks Restaurant. Visitors can find an extensive selection of flowers, vegetables, succulents, palms, tropicals, shrubs, ornamental plants, fruit trees, pottery, fountains, and shade trees, making it a go-to destination for plant enthusiasts.
Roseland Nursery offers palms, shade trees, roses and blooming shrubs wholesale to the public as well as pottery and succulents.
Shane Gibson photos
Roger Boddaert – The Tree Man of Fallbrook
by Sue Thorne
How does one begin to describe the creative efforts of Roger Boddaert, known as the “Tree Man of Fallbrook,” and “Maker of Gardens,” who has lived in our friendly village for the past fifty years?
In the early forties, Roger was born in Los Angeles to European parents, and was raised in that urban setting. But, even as a child he spent time outdoors. At the age of seven, Roger started to mow neighborhood lawns for 25 cents each!
During his teenage years, Roger spent many a summer in Sweden on his grandparents’ farm. It was there that he learned to appreciate the natural flora and fauna of the surrounding woodlands. This inspiration set him on his career path.
As time moved on, Roger attended more than one college, California Polytechnic State University, UCLA, and UC Davis, where he studied horticulture, exploring the wide spectrum of the plant kingdom.
Roger’s next adventure was working in the film industry as a journeyman. He built movie sets for Hollywood for films such as, Hello Dolly, The Music Man, My Fair Lady, Carousel, PT 109, and others.
Another great horticultural experience for Roger was when the opportunity arose to work at the world’s largest orchid farm –Dos Pueblos Orchid Farm in Goleta, CA. The summer position gave him an opportunity to learn more about the beautiful orchid world.
In his spare time, Roger explored many garden estates in Santa Barbara and Montecito. On weekends, he worked in the bromeliad garden at the famous Lotusland.
Moving forward, Roger entered the landscape industry where he participated in projects, such as the renovation of LAX, landscaping of The Music Center in Los Angeles, and the landscaping of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art.
Roger Boddaert, left, with his “gang” ready to start planting.
Entrance to Roger’s dream garden.
Courtesy photos
He was also the overseer for the maintenance of street trees in downtown Los Angeles.
He then ventured off, starting his own landscape company. For several years, Roger designed many private gardens in and around the Los Angeles basin. All these experiences were building blocks. However, the calling of greener pastures, and the lure of the country life, led him south to Fallbrook, where he purchased a ranch-style home with an avocado grove and lemon orchard.
Roger’s next project was to start a flower company which he named, “Protea Farms of California.” The business provided cut flowers to florists in the Los Angeles area and beyond. Roger also planted many flower farms for his clients in North San Diego County.
His landscape designs and installations have appeared several publications including Sunset
Magazine, Los Angeles Times, San Diego Gardens, Architectural Digest, and Better Homes and Gardens.
Roger describes his own garden as a “Shangri-La” where his clients learn to enjoy the wonderful world of flowers, trees, and plants from around the globe.
In the early nineties, Roger hooked up with the Fallbrook Land Conservancy along with Jackie Heyneman, and helped form the Save Our Forest group whose mission is to plant, preserve, and protect the greenery of our unincorporated township.
One of the first tree plantings was at the newly acquired Los Jilgueros Preserve on South Mission Road. Some 750 volunteers from around Southern California gathered to plant 435 trees on a Sunday morning. This was a pivotal point at which the tree planting movement began to take root
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For over 30 years, Youngren Construction has crafted stunning homes for wonderful people. Let’s bring your dream to life, together.
White paint brush bulbs.
– One of Roger’s favorite quotes “ ”
The best time to plant a tree was twenty years ago, the next best time is today.
throughout Fallbrook.
Also at Los Jilgueros, Roger and others built a Firescape Demonstration Garden, which was the second of its type in California.
Roger was also instrumental in keeping Live Oak Park from closing, abandoned, or sold. After gathering more than 5,000 local signatures, volunteers submitted them to the county, and through the dedicated effort, they succeeded. Today the park thrives, with new oaks planted every year around Arbor Day.
The next major initiative for Roger and the Fallbrook Land Conservancy was developing a Master Treescape Plan for downtown Fallbrook, including Main Street and the Pico Promenade. So far, there have been more than 3,000 new trees that anoint the earth of our friendly village in the past thirty years. This community Treescape plan led to the creation of an educational kit used to assist other towns, hamlets, and cities so they can learn from Fallbrook’s success.
The California Department of Forestry has distributed hundreds of these educational kits across the United States. Each kit includes a custom-made instructional video, along with supportive Information. Roger is proud to report that the kit has received many awards from organizations such as the National Arbor Day Foundation, International Society of Arboriculture, Rotary Club, and SD People for Trees. They were also honored with the California Governor’s Award, as well as with a letter from Vice President Al Gore.
Twenty-five years ago, Roger was given the honor to help the Arbor Day Foundation establish a national tree. The foundation’s membership, encouraged by Roger, voted for the “mighty oak,” much to his delight. He now sits on the California Oak Foundation as a state consulting advisor.
Roger was once described as a mix of Johnny Appleseed, Paul
Bunyan, and Merlin the Magician, and that pleases him.
For the past thirty years, the Save Our Forest group, along with Jackie Heyneman and the support of its committed volunteers, have played a key role in maintaining our town’s green and clean environment.
The group is now working to release a second edition of its “Necklace of Leaves” informative video, so stay tuned. They are planning a local premier showing of this creative new film around Arbor Day 2026.
Over the years, Roger has conducted many workshops, seminars, and speaking engagements. He has also authored many articles for the Village News and Valley News about trees, plants, the environment, garden design, horticulture, the earth, and more.
On a personal note, Roger has been happily married to his Swedish wife Birgitta for over fifty years. The couple, along with their two children and six grandchildren, continue to enjoy the rural life of Fallbrook. Roger says, “It is a special place to live.”
Roger has a highly creative and visionary lifestyle and has enjoyed his “E-ticket” ride. He is always seeking new adventures to enrich and feed his soul and to help others.
Roger’s Favorite Quotes:
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” – Margaret Meade.
“The best time to plant a tree was twenty years ago, the next best time is today.”
“Carpe Diem- Seize the Day”
“May the forests be with you and yours” – Roger Boddaert
Roger Boddaert, the Tree Man of Fallbrook & Maker of Natural Gardens can be reached at bogitt@aol.com or 760-728-4297.
Roger’s garden features meandering paths.
Birgitta and Roger sitting on a log bench that Roger made from a fallen tree.
Roger’s garden is a designated Certified Wildlife Habitat.
April Dmytrenko photo
Galway Downs Earns Its Place Among America’s Most
Prestigious
Equestrian Venues
by Julie Reeder
Manypeople know Galway Downs in Temecula Wine Country as a beautiful wedding and special-events venue, or as a hub for community soccer fields. But within the equestrian world—particularly among national and international eventing competitors and trainers, it represents something far more significant.
Bonsall resident Olivia Putrino, founder of OKL Eventing, has competed at Galway Downs and describes it as a crucial regional training asset because of the caliber and breadth of competition it supports. Widely regarded as an elite equestrian venue, Galway Downs is not merely local or regional; it operates on a national and international stage and is one of the very few venues in the United States to host international-level competition in all three Olympic equestrian disciplines.
Galway Downs is known as an elite equestrian venue.
country’s premier equestrian venues, hosting nationally recognized competitions across multiple disciplines. For more than five decades, it has served as a training ground, competition stage, and community anchor—helping ensure that Southern California remains not just a place where horses exist, but where horse sport thrives.
Three-day eventing has been staged at the international level at Galway Downs for many years, drawing riders and horses from across the country and abroad. In recent years, the venue expanded its international footprint by adding high-level dressage competitions, which it has hosted for the past three to four years. In 2025, Galway Downs reached another milestone by introducing international show jumping, completing the rare trifecta of Olympic disciplines at a single site.
Galway Downs’ impact is matched by its sheer size and depth of history. Its 242 acres features 13 riding arenas, more than 500 permanent stalls, and four miles of cross-country courses designed to meet the needs of toplevel competition while remaining accessible to the broader local horse community.
Originally opened in 1968 as the Rancho California Track and Training Center, Galway Downs has evolved into one of the
Very few equestrian venues nationwide can make that claim.
That level of credibility did not go unnoticed when Southern California was preparing for the 2028 Olympic Games. Galway Downs was among the final venues seriously considered to host Olympic equestrian competition for LA28, a distinction that speaks volumes about both the quality of the property and the professionalism of its management. The decision to award Galway Downs the United States Eventing Association’s 2025 Championships further underscores its standing as a top-tier
Robert Kellerhouse and Temecula Valley resident Tamie Smith at The Preliminary Championships held at Galway Downs, spring of 2025.
Temecula based professional Erin Kellerhouse riding Million Bitcoin.
Tina Fitch Photography
Tina Fitch Photography
competition venue trusted to host the sport’s most demanding events.
However, Galway Downs doesn’t just exist as a continuously evolving international stage for equestrian sport. At the same time, it remains accessible to riders at every level and welcoming to spectators, families, and newcomers. That combination of elite competition, community access, and constant reinvestment is what makes Galway Downs a rare gem for anyone interested in horses, the equestrian lifestyle, or the future of equestrian sport in Southern California and beyond.
For many, the future of three-day eventing in Southern California is inseparable from this singular place.
“There aren’t very many places,” Putrino said. “Galway is the only one that runs formally recognized three day events in Southern California anymore. Otherwise, I would have to drive to Central California or Northern California.”
That reality shapes not only her own competitive career, but the daily training and development of riders and horses throughout North County and beyond. One of the best-kept secrets is that many of the competitions at Galway Downs are free for spectators of all ages to come and watch.
Putrino specializes in three-day eventing, a demanding equestrian sport that combines dressage, cross-country, and show jumping—all performed by the same horse-and-rider pair.
“The best way I can describe it is like a triathlon,” she explained. “There’s biking, running, swimming—and you have to use the same body to do all three. Eventing is the same idea, but with a horse and rider participating in three distinct equestrian disciplines: Dressage, Cross Country, and Show Jumping.”
That complexity makes space essential.
“You have to have a lot of property to host my type of sport,” Putrino said. “And Galway Downs has a big property and a great cross-country course. That’s why it’s one of the main features here in Southern California.”
Without it, she said, the sport would struggle to survive locally. It’s likely why they were being seriously considered for Olympic Equestrian events as well.
“Galway Downs has been really influential in keeping the sport alive in Southern California.”
Putrino, who grew up in Bonsall, trained and competed internationally, spending years on the East Coast and in England working for top trainers before returning home in 2012 to start her own business. Today, she trains competitive riders while continuing to compete herself—under the Italian flag in international events,
“Such an amazing experience! Marc was very knowledgeable and accommodating to my specific needs. He was very patient and kind. I will recommend him to anyone that is need of his services! Thanks again Marc!” – S. Johnson
“This is the second time Marc has had to help our family out in an emergency situation when we were in the middle of a health crisis. He takes the stress off of us and sets us up with the best options that we could ask for. Big problems or routine open enrollment questions, Marc’s the guy.” – Jennifer C.
Tamie Smith competing in the cross-country phase of a three-day Eventing competition at Galway Downs. Tina Fitch Photography
due to her dual citizenship.
Olivia trains out of the privately owned “Phoenix Creek Farms” facility in Bonsall, and relies on Galway Downs as an extension of her training program.
“Phoenix Creek Farms is a wonderful space to train for dressage and show jumping, but Galway Downs is unique in its ability to provide galloping space for my horses fitness and a wide range of jumping obstacles for myself and my students to be fully prepared for our cross country phase,” said Putrino.
“I have a lovely property, but it’s 10 acres,” she said. “There’s no galloping space. When I need to take my horses or my students to gallop, to jump big jumps, and get the horses off property, I go to Galway.”
Their world-class courses and facilities are accessible to prepare horses and riders for the demands of upper-level three-day eventing.
“They welcome us,” Putrino said. “They keep the space nice. They maintain the water jumps we need; they fill them for us. It’s a lot of space to maintain—but they do it.”
For Putrino, Galway’s impact goes far beyond elite competitors.
“Galway supports our local pony club, which is huge,” she said, explaining that the venue allows youth organizations to hold competitions and fundraisers on-site, often alongside major events.
“They’ll run their fundraisers at the same time as the big competitions,” she said. “That way, younger riders are exposed to higher-level riding. It’s really good for Pony Club.”
That accessibility is what sets Galway apart.
“In North County, we have a huge horse community,” Putrino said. “Supporting Galway Downs is important—and Galway supports us. It’s a mutually beneficial relationship.”
She contrasted that with other major equestrian facilities in the region, such as San Luis Rey Downs.
“It’s a wonderful facility,” she said, noting she worked their riding racehorses early in her career. “But because of liability, it’s not accessible to the average horse community to train out of, while Galway is.”
Putrino believes the long-term value of Galway Downs extends beyond sport.
“Galway Downs is important to Fallbrook, Bonsall, and Temecula because it’s a regional—and even international—level facility,” she said. “How lucky are we to have something of that quality that’s welcoming and dedicated to horse sport?”
She credits owners Ken and Tina Smith and the management of Robert Kellerhouse with intentionally preserving equestrian culture in North County and Southwest Riverside County.
“They’re passionate about keeping our horse sports alive,” Putrino said. “That passion, she said, protects the character and equestrian culture of the region itself.”
Temecula professional Kaylawna Smith-Cook competing on Coco Chanel.
Karen O’Neal and Clooney 14, winners of the CCI4*-L at The Eventing Championships at Galway Downs.
Tina Fitch Photography
“Part of the charm of this area is that there are so many horse properties,” Putrino said. “That’s what makes it valuable and unique. Otherwise, people would move to neighboring communities.”
As Southern California continues to face development pressure, Putrino sees Galway Downs as both a safeguard and a gateway—protecting the past while training the next generation.
“Their willingness to open their arms to Pony Club and local organizations—it matters to them,” she said. “And without that, this area would be in a real struggle.”
For Putrino and countless others in the equestrian community, Galway Downs is more than a venue.
It is the ground that keeps the sport— and the culture—alive.
Local Equestrian Programs and Organizations
Galway Downs: Website for the entire facility: https://galwaydowns.com
Olivia Putrino / OKL Eventing: Learn more about equestrian training and coaching: https://www.okleventing.com
Fallbrook Pony Club: Official chapter site: https://fallbrook.ponyclub.org
Vista Palomar Riders Club: Website: https://www.vistapalomarriders.org
Fallbrook Riders Field / Fallbrook Riders, Inc.: Equestrian facility and riding club: https://www.fallbrookriders.com
Galway Downs is owned by Ken and Tina Smith. They operate their diversified portfolio of hospitality and lifestyle properties under Kentina Hospitality, reflecting their commitment to creating exceptional destination experiences across Southern California. In addition to Galway Downs, Kentina Hospitality’s assets include Cross Creek Golf Course, Danza del Sol Winery and Masia de la Vinya Winery, Native Falls Campground, offering scenic outdoor lodging and recreation. The group also provides on-site lodging at Galway Downs through Stay Kentina’s Ranch Houses and clubhouse accommodations, blending resort-style stays with equestrian, event, and wine country experiences. Together, these properties demonstrate the Smiths’ strategic focus on preserving open space, supporting local tourism, and elevating guest experiences across hospitality and recreation.
County of San Diego Program
County of San Diego Program
Preserving
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San Diego Agriculture
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The County of San Diego’s Purchase of Agricultural Conservation Easement (PACE) Program supports local agriculture by preventing agricultural lands from being developed for other uses.
The County of San Diego’s Purchase of Agricultural Conservation Easement (PACE) Program supports local agriculture by preventing agricultural lands from being developed for other uses.
The County of San Diego’s Purchase of Agricultural Conservation Easement (PACE) Program supports local agriculture by preventing agricultural lands from being developed for other uses.
Agricultural property owners receive a one-time payment from the County for voluntarily placing an easement on their property. As a result, the agricultural land is preserved for continued agricultural use for future generations.
Agricultural property owners receive a one-time payment from the County for voluntarily placing an easement on their property. As a result, the agricultural land is preserved for continued agricultural use for future generations.
Agricultural property owners receive a one-time payment from the County for voluntarily placing an easement on their property. As a result, the agricultural land is preserved for continued agricultural use for future generations.
To learn more, visit us at www.sandiegocounty.gov/ pds/advance/PACE
Olivia Putrino and her horse Max Attraction are also featured on the front cover. Olivia is a professional equestrian based in Fallbrook. Her business is OKL Eventing.
Fallbrook resident and business owner Olivia Putrino
Tina Fitch Photography
Wild Wonders:
BONSALL’S HIDDEN HAVEN FOR WILDLIFE EDUCATION AND CONSERVATION
by Lena Grace
On the hills of Bonsall overlooking San Luis Rey River, Wild Wonders has grown from a small grassroots effort into an international wildlife education and conservation organization — all rooted in one mission: helping children and the public reconnect with nature.
Founded in 1991, Wild Wonders began when owner Jackie recognized that kids in an increasingly urbanized San Diego County were becoming disconnected from wildlife.
“It started with a chinchilla, a tortoise, an iguana, a boa constrictor, and an opossum,” she said. “I made handmade brochures and went door to door to preschools and kindergartens asking if they wanted an education program. Word spread and we started getting busier and busier.”
As the organization grew, so did the responsibility.
species most people don’t know about, and it’s really cool to educate the public about them.”
She added that seeing guests connect with animals is what makes the work meaningful.
“It really contributes to conservation for animals all over the world and seeing the joy in people’s faces when they learn about them, is a special part of my job.”
Wild Wonders offers private tours, where families and small groups can meet animals face-to-face, and also provides off-site programs for schools, birthday parties, festivals, and corporate events. “You name it — we bring our animals to them,” Alyssa said.
Another staff member, Anna Sherman, says her favorite part of working at Wild Wonders is the hands-on behavioral training that builds trust with the animals.
“People started abandoning animals at our gate and calling to rehome their animals,” Jackie explained. “Soon Fish and Wildlife and Animal Control began to work with Wild Wonders when they had confiscations and needed forever homes for these animals. That is how Wild Wonders began.”
Today, the facility cares for more than 100 rescued and non-releasable animals, each serving as an ambassador for conservation.
One of the educators, Alyssa, says the magic of Wild Wonders is watching people experience wildlife up close. “I don’t really have a favorite animal — I love them all — but I’d say our fennec foxes and binturongs are special,” she said. “They’re unique
“My favorite part of working here is training,” Anna said. “I love building a connection with them. You can see them working through a problem, me working through a problem — and when it finally clicks, it’s an ‘aha’ moment for both of us. It’s something really special that you don’t get to experience in much else.”
Despite being a small facility, the team takes pride in giving each animal a safe, enriched, and loving environment. “We work hard and give our animals everything we can to give them a proper and happy life,” Alyssa said.
More than three decades after its humble beginnings, Wild Wonders continues to inspire curiosity, compassion, and conservation through education — proving that even the smallest encounters can spark a lifelong love for wildlife.
Alissa with a bearcat at Wild Wonders.
Tenzi, Wild Wonder’s baby Eurasian lynx.
Anna with a Coati at Wild Wonders. Courtesy photos
Keep Your Home Fire Safe
Establish Defensible Space Around Your Home
No combustible material within 5' of home.
“Lean, Clean, & Green” Zone: It is important to regularly thin and prune vegetation within the first 50’ of your home.
Reduced Fuel Zone:
Create spacing between vegetation to slow potential spread.
FOR BOTH ZONES:
Stack firewood at least 30 feet away from all structures and fences.
Keep 10 feet of clearance around propane or butane tanks.
Trim off any dead tree limbs.
Remove debris and pine needles from under trees and inside of rain gutters.
Stagger plants, shrubs and trees in order to reduce the chance of fire spreading.
Clear your property of any unnecessary fuel like garbage, trimmings and other flammable waste.
Ensure your address is visibly posted at the end of your driveway so that we can easily find you in the event of an emergency.
50' 50'
Space trees out to reduce spread.
Trim mature trees 6' off ground to prevent vertical spread of fire
Now residing at Regency, Betty Rockwell moved to Fallbrook in 2006 because of the great weather and to be closer to family. She celebrated her 104th birthday in March 2024.
Lucy Sanders moved to Fallbrook in 1959 with her husband and six children. She died in February 2024, two months before her 104th birthday, survived by her daughter and one of her sons.
Robert “Bud” Roberds was a well-known and loved music teacher in Fallbrook; he passed away at home at the age of 104 on July 1, 2024. He was born March 30, 1920.
Leroy Houck celebrates his 100th birthday with his son Roy Houck, left, and daughter-in-law Kathleen Bigelow-Houck, August 2025.
friends
Joellen Beckstrom Maddock was 100 years old when she passed away on Dec. 29, 2023. She was born in October 1923, in Los Angeles, moving to Fallbrook in 1946 where she and her husband grew citrus and avocados and eventually established Maddock Ranch Nursery, which is still being run by the family.
Betsy Phillips
Nan Breining
Joellen Maddock
Helen Wilson
Barbara Taylor
Longtime Fallbrook resident Betsy Phillips, 108, admires proteas from Ruth Haferkamp’s garden. She was born in May 1917.
Nan Breining, seated, celebrates her 100th birthday with her “children,” from left, Laurie, Vicki, Jill and Bruce, July 2024.
Helen Wilson celebrates her 100th birthday Dec. 16, 2023, with more than 125 family members and
at Zion Lutheran Church. She and her husband Hugh built a home on North Stage Coach Lane in 1973.
Barbara Bristol Taylor celebrated her 100th birthday at Disneyland, and with dinner at the San Diego Yacht Club. She was born in January 1923 and passed in April 2023.
Mary Forbess
Ruth Mowatt
Bafa Gudelj Morison
Betty Gilby
Marilynn Gale
Betty Hatch
Nancy Fenton
John Blatchley
Lillian Cornish
Francisca Cortez
June Garrett
Mary Forbess, a Bonsall Woman’s Club charter member since 1980, turned 100 on Jan. 31, 2025. The BWC threw her a surprise party.
Ruth Mowat, who has lived in Fallbrook since 1998, now lives at Silvergate. She celebrated her 100th birthday with family in September 2025.
Bafa Gudelj Morison was a successful real estate investor raising three children on her own. She was born in Los Angeles to a Serbian father and a Danish mother. She loved to play Mahjong and visit with her friends here in Fallbrook. She turned 100 in August 2025 and passed away in October.
Betty Gilby, honored longtime member and World War II veteran, celebrated her 100th birthday in May 2019. She died in September 2021.
June Garrett passed away on Aug. 16, 2025, just shy of her 102nd birthday, survived by eight children, 17 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, four great-great grandchildren.
Marilynn Rasp Gale, who turned 102 in August 2025, visits the beach earlier in the year. Her husband Ernie died two years ago, six weeks short of his 99th birthday; they’d been married for 22 years.
Fallbrook resident Betty Hatch celebrated her 100th birthday Sunday, May 19, 2024; she moved to Fallbrook in 2009 to live with her daughter Pamela.
Regency resident Nancy Fenton celebrates her 103rd birthday Nov. 30, 2025. She used to live in DeLuz and was an artist.
Francisca Cortez smiles as she is celebrates her 100th birthday at the Fallbrook Food Pantry, Sept. 11, 2023.
Lillian Cornish celebrates her 100th year birthday May 1, 2024, with her family, from left, Peggy, Greg, Glenn, Lillian, Wayne, Stella, Aaron, Rachel and neighbor Pam Boyle.
Fallbrook resident John Blatchley celebrated his 103rd birthday at lunch with his wife at Garden Center Cafe & Grill, April 5, 2023. He died the following year.
Carlos Perez, Founder
Living Beyond 100 Living
- The Okinawan Secret to Longevity
by Julie Reeder
Fallbrook and Bonsall have their fair share of octogenarians. Why do we have so many? We look to the Blue Zones around the world for some clues. For instance, an island chain off the coast of Japan, people live not just long lives, but extraordinary ones.
In Okinawa, it is not unusual to meet someone celebrating their 100th birthday – and doing so with a sparkle in their eye and a sense of purpose in their step. Researchers have flocked there for decades, seeking to understand how these islanders defy the odds of aging. What they’ve found is a way of life we can all borrow from, no matter where we live.
The World’s Blue Zones
Okinawa is part of the fascinating group of regions known as “Blue Zones” – places where people routinely live well past 100. Discovered by journalist and explorer Dan Buettner and his team in the early 2000s, these five regions span the globe: Sardinia, Italy; Ikaria, Greece; Nicoya, Costa Rica; Loma Linda, California; and Okinawa, Japan.
On the surface, they couldn’t be more different –Mediterranean hillsides, Central American jungles, coastal California, and Japanese fishing villages. But beneath the cultural variety lies a strikingly similar recipe for longevity: a mostly plant-based diet, strong family and community ties, daily movement, purposeful living, and just enough indulgence to keep life joyful.
Okinawa’s Longevity Edge
Among Blue Zones, Okinawa stands out. Here, women boast the longest life expectancy in the world, and rates of heart disease, cancer, and dementia are dramatically lower than in Western countries. Genetics may play a role, but scientists agree the true secret lies in the choices Okinawans make every day – their food, their movement, and their mindset.
Yet, this longevity is fragile. Younger Okinawans who have embraced fast food and modern work habits are already living shorter, less healthy lives than their elders. The lesson? Lifestyle matters more than luck of the genetic draw.
What’s on the Okinawan Plate
The traditional Okinawan diet is simple, colorful, and rich in nutrients. Sweet potatoes – vibrant, starchy, and antioxidant-packed – once made up the bulk of daily calories. Meals feature tofu, miso, and other soy products, alongside fresh vegetables, herbs, seaweed, and small portions of fish or pork. Medicinal mushrooms, turmeric, and mugwort are common, lending both flavor and health benefits.
A cultural practice called Hara Hachi Bu—stopping at 80% full—keeps portions small and waistlines trim. On average, older Okinawans consume around 1,200 calories a day yet thrive because those calories are nutrient dense. It is food that fuels longevity, not excess.
Goya is a bitter melon that helps stabilize blood sugar.
Vecteezy.com photo
The Power Players of Okinawan Cuisine
Sweet potatoes - a cornerstone of their diet, loaded with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.
Goya (bitter melon) - helps stabilize blood sugar and ward off diabetes.
Seaweed - mineral-rich, hormone-supporting, and deeply nourishing.
Fermented soy (tofu, miso, natto) - strengthens bones, boosts immunity, and supports gut health.
Among Blue Zones, Okinawa stands out. Here, women boast the longest life expectancy in the world, and rates of heart disease, cancer, and dementia are dramatically lower than in Western countries.
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Medicinal mushrooms - from shiitake to reishi, prized for their immune and brain-boosting effects.
Healing herbs - turmeric for its anti-inflammatory properties, and mugwort for digestive support.
More Than a Diet – A Way of Life
Food is only part of the story. Okinawans live with intention and connection. They cultivate gardens, walk or cycle daily, practice martial arts, and do household chores without shortcuts. Social circles, known as moai, provide lifelong friendships and support. A sense of purpose, or ikigai, gives meaning to each day. And regular rituals of relaxation – sharing tea, laughing with friends, or simply enjoying the moment – help keep stress at bay.
As Buettner wrote, the world’s longest-lived people don’t “work out” in the way modern gyms demand. Instead, their lives naturally nudge them into movement, community, and calm.
Bringing the Okinawan Spirit Home
Few of us can uproot our lives and move to a Japanese island. But we can weave Okinawan lessons into our daily routines. Add more vegetables to your meals. Stop eating when you feel just shy of full. Choose walking over sitting whenever possible. Nurture relationships that give you strength and joy. And, perhaps most importantly, rediscover your ikigai—the reason you get up in the morning.
The centenarians of Okinawa remind us that longevity isn’t about chasing the latest health fad. It’s about building a lifestyle of balance, purpose, and joy. The secret to living past 100 may not be hidden after all – it may be waiting in the choices we make today.
Someone once suggested that if we walk to the store, buy healthy food, walk home, cook our own food and then enjoy it with family or friends, that is a great recipe for health.
We Hire Great Caregivers
Okinawa is part of a group of regions known as “Blue Zones” – places where people routinely live well past 100. Courtesy photo
MEET INSPIRING LONGTIME FALLBROOK
LOCAL,
HELENE — Still Rockin’ in Her 90s!
by Lisa Laughbaum
If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s too late to learn something new, just ask Helene. At more than 90 years old, she’s living proof that it’s never too late to pick up an instrument, raise your voice, and follow your joy.
Helene has become a familiar face at the Fallbrook Music Workshop, where three times a week she climbs more than 20 stairs without hesitation to reach her private drum and voice lesson. “Pilates,” she says with a twinkle in her eye, crediting longtime instructors Sara and Sherri of Fallbrook Pilates for helping her keep the strength and balance to stay active. Their guidance, she adds, has given her the confidence to keep chasing her passions.
Each lesson begins behind the drum kit. With paradiddles— those quick rhythmic patterns that challenge the brain and wake up the hands—Helene warms up before diving into the music. Soon the room fills with the pulse of rock classics and traditional favorites, from the stadium-stomping “We Will Rock You” to the joyful celebration of “Hava Nagila.” She plays with energy, laughter, and an obvious love of rhythm.
When it’s time to switch gears, Helene moves from the drums to the microphone. She starts with facial stretches, breathing exercises, and vocal warm-ups that strengthen her voice and expand her range. With scales under her belt, she’s ready for
karaoke-style singing, complete with just the right touch of reverb and echo. You can catch Helene pouring her heart into a foursong set of Carpenters classics, practicing each note with focus and grace.
Her curiosity doesn’t stop there. Helene has also dabbled in the ukulele during lessons. Though she insists she’s just a beginner, her natural sense of timing and easy strumming reveal the same musical joy she brings to everything she tries.
Helene often reflects on how music enriches her daily life. “It helps me feel fluid and strong, both mentally and physically,” she says. But beyond exercises and technique, it’s the connection, laughter, and pure joy of creating music together that she values most.
To those who know her, Helene isn’t just a student—she’s an inspiration. Her boundless energy, resilience, and openness to new experiences remind us all that creativity is ageless. Music, she proves, isn’t just about notes and rhythms; it’s about staying curious, staying connected, and celebrating life at every stage.
For anyone considering taking the leap, Helene’s story offers a simple message: it’s never too late to begin.
Interested in following in Helene’s footsteps? Find more information at www.luminaryarts.org/fmw.
Shane Gibson photo
All Star Physical Therapy Helping Patients
“Reclaim Their Lives”
by Nathalie Taylor
“Ready to reclaim your life? All Star Physical Therapy is here to help.” This is not just a slogan or catchphrase for the medical facility, it’s the truth. All Star is a place where injury and skill meet, resulting in changes for the better. It’s a place where your needs are assessed and a plan toward success evolves. The company has so many success stories that I am sure it would fill volumes!
All Star has 32 offices located throughout Southern California, specifically in Riverside, San Bernardino, Orange, and San Diego Counties.
“We have a fantastic team,” says the CEO of All Star Physical Therapy, Bill Atkins, PT, DPT, OCS, CSCS.
Atkins’ two sons, Andrew and Aaron, who are physical therapists, work in the family business, managing the Temecula and Murrieta offices in South Riverside County. Those two facilities will soon undergo an expansion project.
The highly educated CEO decided to become a physical therapist in 1981 during his college days. Atkins first contemplated a career as a football coach, youth pastor, or biology teacher. Then, after reading a magazine article that inspired him, he decided to pursue a career as a physical therapist.
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Throughout the history of All Star, many sports teams have referred injured players to their facilities. The All Star physical therapists mainly work with professional football and baseball players who have been injured in training during the off-season.
“I have seen pro baseball players with shoulder injuries, and pro football players with knee injuries, get better,” said Atkins.
All Star’s goal is to perform fewer surgeries and to use fewer drugs.
“We are finding out that we can do things with rehabilitating musculoskeletal systems earlier - before doing surgery. That is, if surgery is not required for the injury,” Atkins shared.
Atkins explained, “We try to get people moving early with active rehabilitation, which is much better than passive rehabilitation.” (Passive rehabilitation is focused on the patient’s rest or immobilization.)
We are finding out that we can do things with rehabilitating musculoskeletal
systems earlier - before doing surgery... we try to get people moving early with active rehabilitation, which is much better than passive rehabilitation.
Athletics was a passion for Atkins during his school days. That interest, coupled with the fact that his family owned the successful avocado/citrus grove – Atkins Nursery in Fallbrook – created a natural success legacy.
– Bill Atkins, CEO, PT, DPT, OCS, CSCS
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He further explained, “We are moving joints earlier in the process. We don’t want to do damage and make the injury worse.”
With the patients’ care, All Star physical therapists are also working towards eliminating opiates and painkilling drugs that have so many negative effects.
Over the years, physical therapy has been elevated as a profession, and the physical therapists today are more highly trained than in the past. Now, physical therapists need to
Temecula All Star Physical Therapy office manager Nallely Salinas and All Star South Regional Director Andrew Atkins.
Shane Gibson photos
APPLE VALLEY
16008 Kamana Road, Ste 200 ....... 760-810-7767
BUENA PARK
7941 Beach Blvd. Suite J ............... 714-736-6855
COVINA
210 W. College St. 626-967-7833
COACHELLA
50-225 Cesar Chavez St., Ste 103 760-698-8183
CORONA
2815 Main Street, Ste 205 951-475-1219
DESERT HOT SPRINGS
13313 Palm Dr., Ste B ................... 760-671-4760
ESCONDIDO
215 S. Hickory Street, Ste 112 ....... 760-737-8460
25136 Hancok Ave, Suite D 951-696-7474 24671 Monroe Ave, Bldg C, Ste 101 .... 951-677-4105
PALM DESERT
77-622 Country Club Dr., Ste G ..... 760-345-3087
PALM SPRINGS
1090 N. Palm Canyon Dr., Ste D ... 760-778-7150
PERRIS 126 Avocado Ave, Ste 107 951-564-3080
RAMONA 1338 Main Street 760-789-1400
obtain a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree. In years past, the only degree needed to work as a physical therapist was a Bachelor’s degree.
Atkins shared, “They were more like technicians, following the
physician’s plans. But now, with the elevated schooling, we see patients earlier, before they have surgery.” He added, “Before we get into a pain management problem, we try to get them moving. Statistics show that earlier musculoskeletal intervention has a better outcome.”
Some prospective patients should be seeking physical therapy treatment, but are hesitant, due to various reasons. There is a fear of experiencing more pain. Others are reluctant to seek treatment because they are not sure what to expect. Some are discouraged because they assume that physical therapy will not help them. The physical therapists at All Star are adept at addressing these various barriers to treatment.
Atkins is driven to continue in this line of work because, “It is very gratifying,” he said. “Almost everyone who comes here gets better. I see positive results almost all the time.”
He feels especially at home in the Fallbrook facility. “I know many of the patients because I have been in the community for 45 years.” He also has long-term relationships with his co-workers and has worked alongside some for over 20 years.
One of Atkins’ most remarkable success stories was experienced early in his career. While he was working at Fallbrook Hospital, he and his team worked with a 13-year-old girl who was brought in with head trauma from a car accident. She was comatose for a
Physical therapy equipment at the All Star Physical Therapy Temecula location.
Doctor of physical therapy Roy Dimapilis works with a patient at All Star Physical Therapy in Temecula.
while, however, Atkins’ team was able to bring her back from the head injury.
“We have seen many, many, many patients get better throughout the years,” he said.
Because of his passion for helping the elderly, Atkins took courses toward a specialty in geriatric physical therapy. “Falls are the number one life-changing event that happens as we age, and a fall is where most of the fractures come from,” he explained. “It is usually balance, as well as weakness in the legs, that create a fall. Then the bones break because they are brittle.” Akins further explains, “They take a fall, break a bone, and sometimes they don’t come back from it. It shortens their lifespan dramatically.”
At All Star, fall prevention is all about leg strengthening and balance training. Pain control meds can also affect balance, so All Star works with the patient’s physician regarding med use.
Are you dreaming of a life without pain, or a life with easier mobility? Or have you experienced a recent accident or illness that leaves you wishing for your former strength? Your journey to healing could start at one of the 32 All Star Physical Therapy facilities. As stated on their website, “At All Star Physical Therapy, we want to make your experience as stress-free and seamless as possible.”
To
Physical therapist Aaron Atkins works with a patient at All Star Physical Therapy in Murrieta.
All Star Physical Therapy Murrieta staff members from left, Office Manager Jessica Delgado, All Star Central Regional Director Aaron Atkins and Director of Speech Therapy Debra Normand.
Why Locally Sourced Avocados and Avocado Oil is BEST
by Village News Staff
Nutrition expert Dr. Eric Berg says consumers may not be getting what they think when buying avocados, avocado oil, or guacamole – and in some cases, they may be paying for products with little or no real avocado. Buying locally sourced products is usually a better option.
Berg said many avocados sold in grocery stores are artificially ripened with ethylene gas, a process that can hinder the development of natural flavor chemicals and phytonutrients. “Anytime you force something to ripen, it’s very unnatural,” he said.
A study of 22 avocado oil samples found widespread problems, including oxidation, contamination with other oils such as soy or canola, and even bottles with no avocado oil at all. Berg said oxidation – the same process that turns cut apples brown – can make oils more inflammatory to the body. He also noted there are no U.S. regulations defining or enforcing purity standards for avocado oil, unlike extra virgin olive oil.
Some products labeled “pure” avocado oil may be blended overseas before being bottled in the United States, still allowing the “product of USA” label. Many bottles also lack a true expiration date or harvest date, making it hard to know how long the oil has been stored.
Berg advised choosing avocado oil in dark glass bottles with an expiration date, a harvest date if possible, and a natural green tint from chlorophyll. He warned against cheap brands and clear plastic packaging, which can increase oxidation. Whenever possible, he said,
purchasing avocados and avocado oil from trusted local growers and producers is the best way to ensure freshness, quality, and authenticity.
The same caution applies to guacamole and cosmetics, Berg said. Some fast food guacamoles contain less than 5% avocado, replacing it with peas, starches, and hydrogenated oils. Many cosmetic products list avocado oil last, after cheaper ingredients such as soy or palm oil.
Despite the pitfalls, Berg said whole, properly ripened avocados remain a nutrient-rich food, with healthy fats, magnesium, and up to 900 milligrams of potassium per medium fruit. He recommended buying Californiagrown Hass avocados and avoiding overly shiny, wax-coated varieties.
“Avocados can be super healthy for you if you get the right kind,” Berg said.
This information was sourced by Dr. Berg, age 60, who is a chiropractor and specializes in Healthy Ketosis & Intermittent Fasting. He is the author of the best-selling book The Healthy Keto Plan, and is the Director of Dr. Berg Nutritionals. He no longer practices, but focuses on health education through social media with over 13 million subscribers.
Whenever possible, purchasing avocados and avocado oil from trusted local growers and producers is the best way to ensure freshness, quality, and authenticity. Courtesy photo
Fallbrook Eyecare Center
Eye Diseases
Special Testing Offered LipiFlow/LipiView for Dry Eye Treatment
Minor Ocular Emergencies
Optilight IPL
Balancing the Brain:
How Kelly Wilson Uses
Neurofeedback to Help Minds Heal
by Julie Reeder
Insidea quiet therapy room in Fallbrook, counselor Kelly
Wilson studies a computer screen, which mirrors the unseen rhythms of the human brain. The faint flickers of color are the only signs of a high-tech healing process called neurofeedback — a method Wilson says can help the mind learn to regulate itself, restoring calm, focus, and resilience.
Wilson, a Fallbrook resident and founder of a local counseling practice, Connections Counseling & Neurofeedback, combines traditional talk therapy with advanced neurofeedback techniques to help clients ranging from children with autism to veterans coping with trauma. “The brain wants balance,” she said. “Everything I do is about helping it find that balance again.”
Wilson began her career working with the homeless and veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. Though talk therapy gave clients coping skills, she felt something was missing. “I could give them coping skills to survive their days,” she recalled, but she wanted to help them actually heal.
That changed when she discovered neurofeedback while searching for help for her own young son, who was struggling with some challenging symptoms from Tourette’s, ADHD, and Autism. The transformation she witnessed in him inspired her to study the technique under the guidance of leading neurofeedback clinicians. Today, she and two associate therapists provide integrated care that addresses both the psychological and biological sides of mental health.
How neurofeedback works
Neurofeedback, also called EEG biofeedback, is based on the principle that the brain can learn to regulate its own activity if given the right information. Sensors placed on the scalp detect electrical patterns, brainwaves, which are then displayed on a computer screen. As the client watches the visual and auditory feedback, the brain “notices” its own instabilities and begins to
stabilize itself.
“It’s like holding up a mirror to the brain,” Wilson explained. “When it sees something’s out of alignment, the brain can correct itself.”
Sessions typically last 45 minutes to an hour. Clients sit comfortably while watching gentle visuals and listening to soothing sounds. As they share what they notice and how they feel, Kelly adjusts the placement of sensors and the training frequencies in real time. This creates a feedback loop; she receives feedback from both the client and the computer, while the client’s brain receives feedback through what it sees and hears on the screen.
Through this process, the brain becomes more aware of its own activity and learns to make healthier adjustments on its own. This growing awareness supports greater flexibility and resilience in the nervous system, helping to reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma, migraines, seizures, insomnia, and even gut issues connected to the nervous system.
The process, Wilson said, is surprisingly intuitive. “Your brain already knows what to do,” she added. Neurofeedback simply helps it see its own patterns, so it can remember how to return to balance on its own.
A science of self-regulation
Neurofeedback has existed since the 1960s, but only in recent decades has it gained broader use in clinical settings. It’s used in hospitals, the military, and private practices around the world. Research shows strong results for ADHD and seizure control, and growing evidence for mood disorders, trauma, and anxiety.
“It’s not magic,” Wilson said, “but it’s measurable.” She frequently coordinates with psychiatrists to help clients reduce or fine-tune medication as their brains begin to self-stabilize. “When the brain is functioning optimally, its need for chemical
Kelly Wilson prepares a client for a neurofeedback session.
Counselors Christina Gonzales, MA, ACSW, Cassandra Chatman, MA, AMFT and Kelly Wilson MA, LCSW.
Courtesy photos
www.connectionscounselingandneuro.com
Life can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone. At Connections
Counseling & Neurofeedback, we help children, teens, adults, couples, and families. We offer support that goes beyond conversation.
Our integrative approach combines the power of conversation with neuroscience, somatic therapy, trauma-informed care, CBT, and neurofeedback. We blend neuroscience and body awareness to help you feel more calm, think more clearly, and reconnect with yourself and others. Whether you’re navigating anxiety, trauma, stress, or relationship challenges, we help you find clarity, strengthen resilience, and create real, lasting change.
Support that meets you where you are and helps you move forward.
We Support with EEG ILF Neurofeedback
Not all neurofeedback is the same.
At Connections Counseling & Neurofeedback we offer the Othmer Method, a highly personalized approach that helps the brain regulate itself, rather than using one-sizefits-all protocols. By working with your brain’s natural ability to change, it can bring lasting improvements in mental clarity, focus, and emotional balance.
One-on-one personalized care with daily client check-ins to monitor progress Integration with talk therapy, somatic therapy, and trauma-informed care
At Connections Counseling & Neurofeedback, every protocol is customized. Neurofeedback offers a safe, holistic path to lasting change.
Christina Gonzales, MA, ACSW
Cassandra Chatman, MA, AMFT Kelly Wilson MA, LCSW
intervention can decrease or even go away entirely.”
Healing the nervous system
Wilson’s clients come from all walks of life: children with developmental disorders, adults struggling with panic or PTSD, and women navigating hormonal or metabolic changes. “I work with neurodivergent people who often feel misunderstood,” she said. She described a young woman whose nervous system produced severe seizurelike episodes with significant involuntary movements. It was so severe that she could no longer drive, “It took about five sessions for those symptoms to resolve,” Wilson said. “She’s now fully recovered.”
Wilson attributes many modern health struggles to an over-stimulated autonomic nervous system, the body’s internal “fight or flight” regulator that controls heart rate, digestion, and stress response. She notes that conditions like GERD, irritable bowel syndrome, and even chronic anxiety often stem from a dysregulated nervous system. “The brain and the body are always talking,” she said. “When the brain’s balance is off, the body speaks through symptoms.”
Faith, science, and compassion
While Wilson’s methods are grounded in neuroscience, her motivation is rooted in faith. “I’m a Christian,” she said, “I believe God gave me this tool, and He made me really good at it.”
She has endured her own share of hardship, trauma, loss, and what she describes as
personal healing through both faith and neurofeedback. “I was my own first client,” she said. “It was the best thing I’ve ever done. Now I sleep. I’m calm. I’m more regulated.”
Wilson’s practice operates with the same compassion she once sought for herself. She trains her associate therapists intensively to pass that care forward. “I want them to learn everything I can teach them, then go out and start their own practices,” she said. “There’s no shortage of people who need help.”
As rates of anxiety, depression, and trauma soar nationwide, Wilson believes neurofeedback and counseling together offer a pathway to true recovery. “You can’t just medicate pain away,” she said. “The brain is capable of healing itself when it’s given the chance.”
Her sessions combine clinical knowledge with empathy and real-world followup. Clients check in with her after each appointment, reporting physical or emotional changes, anything from headaches to a decrease in anxiety. “I tell them, it’s like an eye doctor appointment,” she said with a laugh. “Better, worse, or the same? We adjust until it’s right.”
Bringing balance home
For Wilson, success isn’t measured by test results but by the peace she sees in her clients’ faces, the veteran who finally sleeps through the night, the teenager whose panic attacks are gone, the family who regains hope.
“The brain is miraculous,” she said. “It just wants to be balanced. My job is to help it find the way back.”
Neurofeedback helps all ages including children.
As the client watches the visual and auditory feedback, the brain “notices” its own instabilities and begins to stabilize itself.
Sensors placed on the scalp detect electrical patterns, brainwaves, which are then displayed on a computer screen.
Connections Counseling & Neurofeedback, combines traditional talk therapy with advanced neurofeedback techniques to help clients from children with autism to veterans coping with trauma.
Teri Stock photo
Glenn Hoglen photo
Healing Beauty FROM THE INSIDE OUT
Melissa Staricka of AVO Aesthetics Med Spa helps her community rediscover confidence through customized wellness and compassionate care.
by Heather Holdo & Melissa Staricka
WhenMelissa Staricka welcomes clients into AVO Aesthetics Med Spa in Bonsall, they’re greeted with more than luxury skincare or advanced treatments, they’re met with understanding. Behind her calm professionalism is a story of determination, faith, and healing that began long before she opened her doors.
“I come from humble beginnings,” Melissa says. Born in Los Angeles County, she was placed in foster care at birth and adopted at age one by a loving family. In 1978, her family moved to the mountain community of Big Bear. “My parents worked hard to give us a good life,” she recalls. “They taught me responsibility and perseverance.”
Her parents opened a restaurant, and by age 12, Melissa began helping out. Her family’s small businesses, and early lessons in hard work, inspired her work ethic.
That spirit carried into her medical career. Melissa became a registered nurse at 22 and a nurse practitioner soon after. She was drawn to the adrenaline and fast pace of intensive care and emergency medicine. However, her calling toward skin health began in her teens, when she suffered from severe cystic acne. “I saw dermatologist after dermatologist and nothing worked,” she recalls. “It was a very painful time in my late teens where on top of regular insecurity, I had scars and acne on my face, neck, chest, and back. I often didn’t want to leave the house, never took any pictures, and avoided anything that would show my skin.”
Her breakthrough came when her “cousin” Jonny connected her to a dermatologist who, after three years of treatment, healed her skin and restored her confidence. “That experience changed
everything,” she says. “It gave me a passion to help others feel as beautiful and confident in their own skin.” That dermatologist would later become her mentor in aesthetic medicine.
As Melissa’s career evolved, so did her priorities. After years in hospitals, she wanted to merge her medical expertise with a focus on balance and wellness. “When I became a wife and mom of two kids, I wanted to spend more time with my family,” she says. “Aesthetics offered that chance for a better work-life balance.”
She had always offered aesthetic treatments on her days off, and one day a cancer survivor’s reaction to aesthetic treatment confirmed her purpose. “She looked in the mirror and said she felt like herself again, rejuvenated and less tired. That moment reminded me how powerful aesthetic care can be.”
After DNA testing revealed her Native American and Hispanic heritage, Melissa connected with a few close relatives who confirmed her roots. “When I was young, few effective skin care treatments were available for women of color and people with diverse skin types. At the time, I was at the mercy of whatever was available for acne, and I’m happy to see now there is much more representation in skincare,” she explains. “At AVO Aesthetics, we make sure every skin complexion is cared for.” Melissa says she has a special place in her heart for teenagers struggling with acne. “Having been through that experience myself, there’s nothing more rewarding than helping young patients regain their confidence and witnessing their transformation, even when the process isn’t always easy.”
Just over six years ago, Melissa and her husband launched AVO Aesthetics Med Spa. Her cousin Jon Mendoza, a Native
Melissa Staricka, owner of Avo Aesthetics Med Spa, poses in front of her door as she celebrates 6 years in business.
Courtesy photos
Melissa says she has a special place in her heart for teenagers struggling with acne.
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American business owner, joined as Director of Operations, and Dr. Kelly O’Neil serves as Medical Director. “Jon and Dr. O’Neil have been blessings,” Melissa says. “They give me freedom to grow while offering incredible wisdom.”
Their dedicated team, including her niece, also a nurse practitioner and medical assistant Sergio, shares Melissa’s belief that beauty and healing are inseparable. “We’re not just treating skin,” she emphasizes. “We’re helping people feel whole again.” AVO Aesthetics is a trusted sanctuary for patients across Bonsall, Fallbrook, and Southern California.
bringing new therapies to North County.
The spa now offers treatments like microneedling, injectables, dermal fillers, laser therapy, innovative skincare treatments, redlight therapy, hair loss restoration, hair removal, and IV vitamin therapy, each customized to the client’s needs. They have also expanded into the Inland Empire with Dejon Salon and Wellness, a sister spa run by Jon Mendoza and Christopher Rodriguez of 40+ years in the aesthetic beauty industry. Melissa is also exploring
“My mission is to help people tap into their God-given ability to heal,” she says. “Our bodies already know how to recover—we just need to give them the right support.”
Through AVO Aesthetics, Melissa Staricka continues to share that gift, helping her patients feel rejuvenated, heard, and radiant inside and out. “Beauty isn’t just about appearance,” she says. “It’s about wholeness. When we heal, it shows on our skin, and that’s where true confidence begins.”
PRP Treatment for Hair Restoration.
Melissa Staricka and Jon Mendoza.
Opening of Southwest Healthcare Inland Valley Hospital New Patient Tower and Expansion of Specialized Services in Early 2026
by Southwest Healthcare Inland Valley Hospital
Southwest Healthcare Inland Valley Hospital will open a new patient tower in March 2026. This action is being taken to address the region’s growing demand for these services.
The seven floor, 217,444-square-foot advanced acute-care hospital is located at 36485 Inland Valley Drive in Wildomar. It will increase the hospital’s capacity from 120 licensed acute care beds to 202 licensed acute care beds. The new tower will house key clinical programs that will either relocate or expand from their current locations. Inpatient and Outpatient clinical staff will also relocate to the new tower.
Services at the new tower will include: 100 General Acute Care Beds (18 Intensive Care and 82 Unspecified General Acute Care), Basic Emergency Medical Services, Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory Services, Occupational Therapy Services, Outpatient Services – Physical Therapy, Outpatient Services – Radiological Services, Nuclear Medicine Services, Outpatient Services –Surgical Services, Physical Therapy Services, Respiratory Care and Social Services.
The closest comparable facilities, also contracted with Medicare/ Medi-Cal, are Rancho Springs Hospital, Loma Linda University Medical Center – Murrieta, Menifee Global Medical Center, and Temecula Valley Hospital.
This notice is required by the Health and Human Services Agency with the California Department of Public Health, in accordance with Health and Safety Code sections 1255.1 and 1255.25, and Assembly Bill 2037 (Chapter 95).
For additional information, please contact Brian Connors at (951) 600-4347 or Brian.Connors@uhsinc.com
All individual patient rooms in the new tower will feature landscape photography by Jimmy Fu, a local photographer and friend of the hospital who passed away from cancer.
Jimmy’s photos are throughout the hospital with each floor having it’s own theme from his collection. Courtesy photos
AQUABLATION: The Revolutionary BPH Treatment That Transforms Lives
by Varun Talanki, MD, FACS, Tri Valley Urology Medical Group
Asa urologist with a deep passion for helping men reclaim their quality of life, I’m thrilled to share a groundbreaking treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) —Aquablation.
Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working with many men who suffer from the uncomfortable and often lifealtering symptoms of an enlarged prostate, and seeing how much Aquablation improves their daily lives brings me immense satisfaction.
If you’re a man over 50, chances are you’ve experienced some or all of the frustrating symptoms of BPH: frequent urges to urinate, weak stream, waking up at night to relieve yourself, and feeling like you just can’t fully empty your bladder. You’re not alone—more than 12 million men in the U.S. struggle with these issues. For many, BPH becomes more than just an inconvenience; it affects their sleep, their relationships, and even their emotional well-being.
As a specialist, I’ve seen how debilitating these symptoms can be. They lead countless men to visit a Urologist, and over the years, I’ve watched many patients endure the cycle of temporary relief from medications, only to face ongoing side effects or diminishing results. Surgical options like TURP (Transurethral Resection of the Prostate) have been the gold standard, but they come with risks to sexual function and urinary control. That is why I am so excited to offer Aquablation to my patients—it’s a game changer.
Aquablation is a state-of-the-art, minimally invasive procedure that uses water pressure to precisely remove prostate tissue, relieving the obstruction without harming surrounding structures. What I love most about this technique is that it allows me to give my patients lasting relief from BPH symptoms while preserving their sexual function and urinary control—something many men worry about with traditional treatments.
The procedure itself is performed under general anesthesia and takes less than an hour. What makes Aquablation so unique is the use of a high-pressure water jet combined with real-time ultrasound mapping. This ensures I can carefully target and remove the problematic prostate tissue while protecting critical areas, like the bladder neck, urinary sphincter, and ejaculatory ducts. The result? A significantly improved urinary flow without compromising erectile function or ejaculation.
But beyond the technical aspects, what truly excites me about Aquablation is seeing how it transforms my patients’ lives. I’ve had the honor of watching men who were once trapped by the constant need to urinate or
“
Aquablation is a state-of-the-art, minimally invasive procedure that uses water pressure to precisely remove prostate tissue, relieving the obstruction without harming surrounding structures.
”
Courtesy photo
Varun Talanki, MD, FACS.
afraid to leave the house without knowing where the nearest bathroom is, now regain their freedom. They no longer need to wake up multiple times during the night or feel anxious about their next bathroom visit. This procedure has not only given them their independence back, but it’s also restored their sense of well-being and confidence.
After the treatment, most of my patients experience an immediate improvement in their symptoms. They feel lighter, freer, and—importantly—more in control of their health. It’s incredibly rewarding to see how their lives improve as a result of this treatment, and it’s one of the reasons I’m so passionate about offering it.
As one of the most experienced centers in Southern California for Aquablation, we have performed this procedure on hundreds of patients at Tri Valley Urology in Murrieta, located at Southwest Healthcare’s Rancho Springs Hospital. We are proud to be one of the leading centers in the region for this cutting-edge therapy.
In clinical trials, Aquablation has been shown to offer comparable improvements in urinary flow and symptom relief as traditional TURP, but without the risks of erectile dysfunction, retrograde ejaculation, or incontinence. It works on prostates of various sizes— from 20 grams all the way up to 150 grams—and has even been used successfully for larger glands. And with a transfusion rate of less than 1%, and a retreatment rate
I’m so grateful to be able to offer this life-changing treatment to my patients, and it’s something I’m proud to specialize in.
”
– Varun Talanki, MD, FACS
of just 6% (compared to 12% with TURP), it’s clear that Aquablation is not only effective but also safe.
I’m so grateful to be able to offer this life-changing treatment to my patients, and it’s something I’m proud to specialize in. Whether you’re tired of taking medication, seeking long-term relief without sacrificing your quality of life, or if a previous treatment didn’t work for you, Aquablation could be the answer.
If you’re ready to take the next step toward feeling better and more confident, don’t hesitate to contact us. At Tri Valley Urology in Murrieta, we are here to help you live life without the constant interruption of BPH symptoms. Call us today at 951-698-1901 to schedule your consultation. I’d love to talk with you more about how Aquablation can help you live life fully and without compromise.
Courtesy photo
Varun Talanki, MD, FACS. 100 patients treated with Aquablation.
Thomas Rondeau photo
Thomas Rondeau photo
think you’re too young to have a stroke?
by Temecula Valley Hospital
Danae
Think Again.
Wilson was enjoying a healthy, active life without any significant medical issues. Before the waning days of summer 2024, if you asked her to list the symptoms of stroke at just age 35, she wouldn’t know where to start.
Danae injured her neck in late August while working at a local winery. She didn’t think much of it, but a few days later, she began experiencing unusual symptoms that she attributed to food poisoning before later falling, hitting her head and losing consciousness in her bathroom.
Danae thought she had symptoms of a concussion. She was experiencing dizziness, nausea, cold sweats, vomiting and slurred speech. Her husband, Charles, rushed her to the Temecula Valley Hospital (TVH) ER.
“Luckily, Charles had the intuition I lacked. I was dead weight. I couldn’t walk,” she recalls with emotion. “He saved my life.”
Quick, Life-Saving Action
When the Wilsons reached the TVH ER, staff took one look at Danae and knew she was experiencing a stroke.
“I was terrified. I didn’t understand why the staff was moving me through triage so quickly,” Danae explains.
Brian Cristiano, MD, an Endovascular Surgical Neuroradiologist and acute stroke intervention specialist at the Comprehensive Stroke Center at TVH, wasted no time.
“Danae’s symptoms were immediately recognized by emergency room staff as a possible stroke. She was evaluated in accordance with our established treatment protocol for immediate intervention,” Dr. Cristiano recalls. “Neurologist Dr. Rabia Yasin examined the patient with emergency staff and confirmed signs of brainstem ischemia (insufficient blood flow).
Danae was not a candidate for medical stroke intervention because her symptoms started over four hours prior. However, surgical stroke intervention was still possible. A CT angiogram showed an injury to a critical artery in her neck. A blood clot had formed at the site of injury and migrated to the head, resulting in an occlusion [blockage] in the basilar artery, the main artery in the back of the head that feeds blood to vital brain structures.”
Danae’s condition was life-threatening, and she needed endovascular surgery — fast. Percutaneous mechanical thrombectomy is a minimally invasive procedure designed to remove blood clots in arteries, including in the brain.
Danae was placed under anesthesia before Dr. Cristiano placed a small vascular sheath in a main artery of her right leg. He then inserted a flexible catheter through the sheath under image guidance to the level of occlusion and removed the blood clot. Dr. Cristiano removed the blockage in the basilar artery, restoring normal blood flow to Danae’s brain within minutes of the procedure start.
Danae Wilson and her Endovascular Surgical Neuroradiologist and acute stroke intervention specialist, Brian Cristiano, MD, DABR. Courtesy photos
Life-Saving Stroke Care, Close to Home – When Minutes Matter
As the area’s only Comprehensive Stroke Center, SOUTHWEST HEALTHCARE TEMECULA VALLEY HOSPITAL provides the highest level of stroke care — 24/7 — because time is brain. Meet three patients who experienced a stroke and received the treatment they needed right here.
“The thought that I had a stroke didn’t even cross my mind.”
– Danae Wilson
“
”
I truly appreciate everything they did for me. They saved my life!
–
Ronald Banks
“I understand now that my brain wasn’t working. I did not know the signs of stroke.” – Mike Rittel
Read all three patient stories at SWHtemeculavalley.com/stroke
Assess Your Stroke Risk! Scan the QR code to take our online stroke health risk assessment.
Remember … in a medical emergency, call 911 or get to the nearest emergency room.
31700 Temecula Parkway Temecula, CA 92592 951-331-2200
A Brave Road to Recovery
Due to her condition, Danae is unsure when she first heard the word “stroke” during her ordeal.
“It was all such a shock,” she recalls. “The thought that I had a stroke didn’t even cross my mind.”
Danae spent four days at TVH under close observation. She began anticoagulant (anti-clotting) therapy to prevent additional blood clots (arterial thromboemboli) from forming in the injured neck vessel and to allow it to heal without causing additional strokes.
“Danae’s story demonstrates that acute stroke can affect patients of all ages,” Dr. Cristiano states. “Due to prompt recognition of her symptoms by the medical staff at TVH and the expertise of the neurovascular and intensive care teams, an excellent outcome was obtained.”
Understandably, Danae becomes emotional when she recounts the story of her stroke. “These healthcare professionals are amazing and they know exactly what needs to be done,” she expresses. “They are efficient and made me feel so comfortable.”
While Danae’s dance background helped her quickly regain her balance, she still required outpatient rehabilitation.
“It’s been a process relearning how to drive and how to write. I’m thankful my speech came back pretty quickly,” Danae says. “When you wake up one day and you can’t do what you used to do, it’s really terrifying.”
Today, she’s back to work and feeling great. “It’s such a gift,” Danae says. “I wish I could call out every person by their name.”
Every case is unique and individual results vary. Early recognition is key. If you or a loved one are or may be experiencing symptoms of a stroke, immediately call 911.
Learn more and assess your stroke risk at SWHtemeculavalley.com/stroke Physicians are independent practitioners who are not employees or agents of Temecula Valley Hospital. The hospital shall not be liable for actions or treatments provided by physicians. For language assistance, disability accommodations and the nondiscrimination notice, visit our website.
– Dr. Brian Cristiano “ ”
Due to prompt recognition of her symptoms by the medical staff at TVH and the expertise of the neurovascular and intensive care teams, an excellent outcome was obtained.
DOWNTOWN DENTAL STUDIO OF FALLBROOK
1108 MAIN ST, FALLBROOK • 442-317-7000
Fallbrook residents have a fresh reason to smile: Dr. Richard Gill, DDS, has opened a full service dental practice offering comprehensive care in a welcoming environment.
With decades of experience in restorative and cosmetic dentistry, Dr. Gill brings exceptional skill, attention to detail, and a commitment to patient comfort. Whether it’s a first cleaning, an adult seeking a smile makeover, or someone looking for a stable longterm dental partner, his practice is built for you.
We welcome new patients who value quality care, attention to detail, and a relationship-based approach to dentistry.
What makes this practice different:
A warm, relaxed atmosphere where the goal is “every visit as comfortable and stress-free as possible… we want every patient to feel confident in their smile.”
Most services under one roof — cleanings, fillings, crowns, root canals, extractions, implant dentistry — for
continuity of care and convenience. Led by a dentist who’s not only deeply experienced but also invested in your long-term oral health. This new practice steps in to serve those who care about more than just “going to the dentist,” but about maintaining and enhancing their smile.
Dr. Gill graduated from the University of the Pacific School of Dentistry in San Francisco and has pursued excellence in cosmetic and restorative dentistry for years. Before his dental career, he attended University of California Berkeley and competed internationally for their swim team — bringing a disciplined, high-standard mindset to everything he does.)
Now in Fallbrook, he welcomes new patients who value quality care, attention to detail, and a relationship-based approach to dentistry. If you’ve been seeking a dentist who treats you like more than a number — and who helps you feel proud of your smile — consider giving Dr. Gill’s office a try.
To schedule an appointment or learn more about the services offered, call (442) 317-7000 or take in visit the office at 1108 South Main Street, Fallbrook.
Meet Dr. Richard Gill — Bringing Modern, PatientFocused Dentistry to Fallbrook
Patient care is priority for Dr. Gill. Every procedure at their state-of-the-art facility is carefully explained.
Dr. Gill has decades of experience in cosmetic and restorative dentistry.
Most services are performed in house for convenience and continuity of care.
Dr. Richard Gill at the newly opened Downtown Dental Studio of Fallbrook.
A Letter to the Community from Tri-City Medical Center
by Dr. Gene Ma, President & Chief Executive Officer Tri-City Medical Center
Aswe begin a new chapter at Tri-City Medical Center, I find myself reflecting with deep gratitude on a year filled with renewal, hard work, and meaningful progress. Our successes, both clinical and financial, are the result of the extraordinary people who serve this community every day: our physicians, nurses, clinical teams, first responders, volunteers, executive team, and staff. Their kindness, resilience, and unwavering dedication are the heartbeat of Tri-City, and I am profoundly grateful for them.
This year, we reached a milestone that speaks to the very core of who we are. Tri-City earned four distinguished American Heart Association awards (AHA)—Gold in Resuscitation, Gold in Coronary Artery Disease STEMI Receiving, and Gold+ in Stroke—making us the only hospital in San Diego to receive the AHA’s Commitment to Quality Award. We are truly grateful to have been acknowledged as San Diego’s top destination for Stroke and Heart Attack care. What it really means to the community we serve is when a life is on the line, Tri-City is your lifeline. These honors reflect not only the expertise within our hospital walls but also the essential contributions of our EMS partners, our paramedics, EMTs, and first responders, who care for patients in their most vulnerable moments. Their speed, compassion, and seamless collaboration save lives before patients ever reach our doors. These recognitions belong to all of us, together.
Behind the scenes, this year also marked a meaningful financial turnaround for our organization. Through thoughtful stewardship and teamwork across every department, we strengthened our foundation and restored stability. This renewed footing allows us to reinvest in our people, our technology, and the future of healthcare in North County.
That future grows even brighter as we prepare for our upcoming affiliation with SHARP HealthCare. This partnership represents a powerful alignment of values— two organizations rooted in compassion, excellence, and service. Together, we will expand specialty care, modernize our facilities, offer new opportunities for our workforce, and ensure that high-quality care remains available close to home.
As we move through this transition, we will do so carefully and transparently. Our priority remains unchanged: to deliver exceptional, uninterrupted care to every patient who walks through our doors.
Looking ahead, I am filled with hope. With renewed financial strength, nationally recognized clinical achievements, and a visionary partnership on the horizon, Tri-City is poised for a future defined by innovation, access, and deeply human care.
To our employees, physicians, first responders, volunteers, community partners, donors, board members, and to the patients and families who trust us—thank you. You are the reason Tri-City has served this community for nearly 65 years, and the reason our mission remains so strong.
Dr. Gene Ma. Courtesy photo
TRUSTED CARE IN NORTH COUNTY SAN DIEGO SINCE 1961 TRUSTED CARE IN NORTH COUNTY SAN DIEGO SINCE 1961
For almost sixty-five years, Tri-City has set the standard for compassionate, high-quality care in North County San Diego.
This year, Tri-City was recognized by the American Heart Association with Gold in Resuscitation, Gold in STEMI Receiving, and Gold+ in Stroke Care. With these honors, Tri-City is proud to be the ONLY hospital in San Diego to receive the American Heart Association’s Commitment to Quality Award.
Our legacy is built on the people we serve and the generations of families who trust us to provide healing, hope, and heart — close to home.
Hiking
Santa Margarita River Trails
Jennifer Moosa Sveinsson
Joanne Van Doorn photo
Stock photo
Dinwiddie Preserve
Preserves
Rock Mountain 2-3 trails, 78 acres
Santa Margarita Ecological Reserve 4,300 acres
Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Reserve
Sandia Creek Drive
have written permission Contact FLC@ fallbrooklandconservancy.org
have written permission moderate Contact pbryant@mail.sdsu.edu for tours
acres .6 - 2.2 miles, mulitple trailheads easy/ moderate Visitor’s Center, 39400 Clinton Keith Road, Murrieta Vernal pools, oak woodlands, wildlife
Michelle Gutierrez photo
Lori Cooper photo
Dr.JordanColby Dentist
Dr.TimothySebreros
Dentist
“Hi I’m DR COLBY and I am super excited to announce that the future of Dentistry is here! No more waiting for long dental procedures or leaving the o ce with ugly temporaries! Today we have created a world class dental experience where we o er nearly every dental procedure in house!
Here you can literally get the teeth you want in a day! We o er dental implants, cosmetic consults and Invisalign where you can straighten your teeth in typically 6 months! And of course family dentistry –we love to provide sincere care to all ages!
Today we use 3D cameras and 3D printers to produce our dental work so we don’t have to ll your mouth full of goop and leave a terrible impression!
I wasn’t always a dentist and I know dentistry can bring extreme anxiety for some but I want to promise you that you will love our o ce and our ability to take care of you in a fraction of the time!!”
Autoheim
“Where Relationships & Repairs Go Hand in Hand”
European Service and Repair
Autoheim has been a family owned and operated business since 1982. They are ASE certified and offer up-todate services and repairs on all European vehicles, while only using OEM parts or their equivalents. Autoheim is deemed an essential business and is committed to keeping your car in top condition.
Having worked in the automotive industry for a combined total of more than 50 years, father and son team Danny and Mike Covo work hard to provide their customers with the highest quality of service and dedication.
Using the latest technology and diagnostic tests to inspect a customer’s vehicle, both Danny and Mike are educated in the latest updates on automotive repair. They can explain what a vehicle’s status is, the measures needed to fix the problem, and provide the customer with pointers to keep their vehicle running in top condition. Because they strive to provide their community
with the best possible automotive repair service, it’s no wonder they have so many repeat customers and gain new customers yearly.
Most importantly, Autoheim offers coding and programming for most European vehicles including Audi, Bentley, BMW, Land Rover/Range Rover, Maserati, Mercedes Benz, Mini Cooper, Porsche, Volkswagen and more. Diagnostics of a vehicle’s electronic equipment, which previously could only be done by the car factory or dealership, is now available at Autoheim.
In addition to their long list of labors already offered, Autoheim provides a
SERVICE & REPAIR
complete maintenance for all European vehicles. A unique service, which sets them apart from other competitors.
For the customer’s convenience, they provide a complimentary shuttle service, or, if desired, a rental car from Enterprise Rent-A-Car at a discounted rate while your car is being serviced.
Autoheim accepts most extended warranties, while also offering factory scheduled maintenance, warranty book validations, and factory recommended services.
At Autoheim, they believe every car is a challenge and experience – a challenge and experience they enjoy. It is their passion and knowledge for their work that allows Autoheim to provide the best service possible and is the reason they have a great reputation.
“Autoheim is ASE-certified and offers up-to-date services and repairs on all European vehicles while only using OEM parts or their equivalents.”
Danny Covo and his son Mike Covo of Autoheim in Fallbrook.
Autoheim
Long
Big
Long time Fallbrook resident
Reputation
Dozens of repeat clients
Dozens of repeat clients
Tim
Tim takes the time to listen to your needs and create a custom plan to achieve your real estate goals
Cutting edge video and media marketing
Cutting
Expert
Expert negotiating skills with results beyond expectations
Rev your Engine
Sparkling eye candy, thunderous motors, unique metal art with patina, rust, and ground-hugging dynamics make up the wondrous special vehicles that Fallbrook and Bonsall car enthusiasts create and show around the village for our enjoyment.
Full Service Escrow Company
Our community has five unique car clubs that offer friendship, camaraderie and community endeavors to make the Fallbrook area the special place it is.
Fallbrook Shafters Car Club
Local men with a passion for powerful cars began gathering here in 1949. By 1951, the group had solidified enough to form a club and named it Fallbrook Shafters. Dode Martin, who grew up in Fallbrook, self-described as a “renegade drag racer” in his early years, served as the first president of the club. Martin, after many accomplishments in the racing industry, was inducted into the International Drag Racing Hall of Fame in 1998.
According to president Jeff Waldron, the club currently has 50 members, and sponsors a Cars and Coffee event on the third Saturday morning of each month (7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.) at River Village Shopping Center in Bonsall. However, it is not unusual for various classic car owners to gather every Saturday in the spot.
The Shafters are well known for supporting a wide variety of car shows put on by various organizations for charitable purposes. In addition, they support veterans’ causes and efforts to help the homeless.
On Tuesday and Thursday mornings (7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.) members of the Shafters also gather under a shade structure in the Major Market grocery store parking lot. “We welcome anyone to come hang out with us there,” said Waldron. Learn more about the club at shafters.org.
Fallbrook Vintage Car Club
Boasting 186 members now, the Fallbrook Vintage Car Club originated in the early 1950s with 10 members who called it the Model A Ford Club.
In 1961 the club spread its wings and made the decision to expand their membership to include people who owned other car brands. Paul Stiles served as the first president and helped
by Village News Staff
Car displayed at the annual Fallbrook Vintage Car Show held on Sunday, May 25, 2025 in downtown Fallbrook. Shane Gibson photo
move the club forward to 1975 when they changed the name to the Fallbrook Vintage Car Club.
Current president Steve Shapiro said, “Today you don’t even have to own a [classic] car. It can be anything on four wheels that runs!” The club is a member of the Antique Automobile Club of America (AACA), which focuses on bringing car enthusiasts together for an enjoyable and exciting club experience.
On Sunday, May 24, 2026, this dynamic club will present its 59th annual Vintage Car Show, which is a sight to behold with usually more than 400 vehicles. It is known to draw thousands of people to Fallbrook.
This charitable car show provides the funds for significant donations the club makes to causes such as the Fallbrook Senior Center, Armed Services YMCA (Camp Pendleton), William H. Frazier Elementary School Library, Fallbrook Boys Lacrosse Boosters club, and the Fallbrook Student of the Month program. More information about the club and car show is available at fallbrookvintagecarclub.org
5150
Rat Rods
Ever seen a low-slung hotrod lacking adequate paint, covered in rust or carefully crafted patina, with usually no fenders, but a roaring, powerful engine? If the hot rod has a deliberately “worn” appearance that you would view as “ratty,” you’ve likely spotted a rat rod.
Founded by Fallbrook native Jim Ramsey in 2017, 5150 Rat Rods So Cal has grown steadily to include 64 members. It now has chapters in Las Vegas and Arizona as well.
Compared to hot rods with a sleek, polished appearance, rat rods embrace a raw, rough style, pointing to a rebellious counterculture to pristine vintage cars. “There are no real rules in our
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5150 Rat Rods So Cal. If the hot rod has a deliberately “worn” appearance that you would view as “ratty,” you’ve likely spotted a rat rod.
Courtesy photo
club,” Ramsey said. “Whatever someone wants to build is cool. It can have original paint, rust, super chargers, blowers, and more.”
These custom-built bad boys include sometimes hilarious features that spectators often wonder if they are street legal. They are. Combine restless energy with a playful nature and metal art skills, and you’ve got the creators of these one-of-a-kind vehicles.
5150 Rat Rods is known for putting on charitable car shows each year to benefit the Bonsall Education Foundation and the American Indian Veterans Association (AIVA). For more information on the club, call Jim at (951) 323-5838.
Groupe NC
When sparkling lowriders cruise down Main Avenue, sometimes showing off hydraulic tricks, it’s an indisputable, entertaining crowd pleaser. With exquisite metallic paint catching the sun and creating colorful prisms, they captivate onlookers.
Groupe NC originated in Fallbrook in 2019, and is an affiliate of the original Groupe that began in 1971 in East L.A. The local chapter currently has 10 members.
“We focus on traditional lowriders and the lowrider culture,” said club president Ismael Mendez. “We are very family-friendly and like to do things to help the community. Everyone is more than welcome.”
Groupe NC holds its annual Car Show the second weekend of July. In 2026, the 6th annual show is slated for Sunday, July 12.
Small but mighty, this caring club also hosts a Trunk or Treat event in October for local children including those on Camp Pendleton, and a Toy Drive during the holidays for families in need. Members also support special needs youth and veteran’s causes. For more information, call Ismael at (760) 331-8242.
BROOKLIFE
The newest addition to the spectrum of car clubs in Fallbrook is BROOKLIFE.
Featuring lowriders, this small but growing club meets on the last Saturday morning of each month at the Boys & Girls Clubs of North County in Fallbrook.
One of the founders, Robert Lopez, said club members are actively helping community members by partnering with families who are doing car wash fundraisers for urgent needs.
The group also recognizes community members by distributing Mother’s Day flowers throughout town and holding a toy drive during the holidays for needy, local families.
To learn more about BROOKLIFE, call Robert Lopez at (760) 535-3864.
Sourcebook staff researched all car clubs based in the Fallbrook/Bonsall area for this article, but if we have missed a new club relating to vehicles, please let the Fallbrook Village News know by emailing villageeditor@ reedermedia.
Fallbrook Shafters Car Club often gathers at River Village Shopping Center in Bonsall.
BROOKLIFE features lowriders and meets monthly.
Fallbrook Vintage Car Club brings all types of car enthusiasts together.
Groupe NC focuses on traditional lowriders and the lowrirder culture.
Courtesy photo
Courtesy photo
Courtesy photo
Courtesy photo
Elisabeth Hartig Lentulo
Real Estate Broker Associate with Broadpoint Properties creates lasting bonds with every property sold
Elisabeth Hartig Lentulo, a broker associate with Broadpoint Properties, CA DRE# 01904564, has been a licensed realtor since 2011. Throughout the years she has greatly enjoyed creating a close connection with her clients.
Her path to Southern California was long and unusual, but since moving here, Lentulo has been very happy to create a home in North County.
Lentulo was born in Serbia but grew up in Germany. As ethnic Germans, her family was granted refugee status by Germany and settled there in the early 1960s. When she was 15 years old, her family moved to Canada, then a few years later to California. Although all this movement could have been a tumultuous experience for a young person, Lentulo enjoyed all the adventures that her upbringing allowed her to have.
The constant resettling and starting over in her life eventually opened her eyes to the world of real estate with the positives, as well
as the negatives, that sellers and buyers often experience.
“I’ve come to realize that all the moving we did, buying property with a language barrier, watching my parents go through bad situations without a realtor they trusted, I learned that things could go wrong very quickly without a good guy on your side,” Lentulo said. “It’s been my goal to become that good guy for my clients.”
Watching her parents start over again and again in new cities inspired her to support others through this process.
Her early career started in interior decorating and flooring, but when the flooring business she’d been working for closed, friends recommended that she pursue a career in real estate because of her extroverted nature and her knack for sales.
After more than a decade in the industry, Lentulo has learned a great deal about herself and the field.
“No two clients are alike, and no two homes are alike,” she said. “I love helping people through the selling process. California is a litigious happy state, and these contracts can be really intimidating. It’s very important for me to support my clients through it all.”
With dedication to her craft, Lentulo has created lifelong friendships with many of her clients, and she appreciates all the connections built through real estate.
“I’m honored when I’m chosen and trusted by clients,” she said. “This is one of the biggest financial decisions many people will ever make, and I’m happy being there with them through this process.”
According to Lentulo, she feels proud of the hard work she’s done, but she’s even more proud when she’s able to bring joy to her clients.
She’s always willing to help younger agents find their place in the industry. She loves to offer advice to anyone starting out and is pleased that her brokerage offers a strong support system for new agents.
“It’s expensive being an agent because of all the marketing, ads, paying dues, and not all young agents have a financial cushion. That can be hard for them,” she said. “My advice to a young agent would be to, if possible, team up with a more experienced realtor to learn the business.”
Elisabeth H. Lentulo
Lentulo has received accolades and certifications for her work as an agent, including earning the nationally recognized Seniors Real Estate Specialist designation from the Seniors Real Estate Specialist Council of the National Association of Realtors. She has also earned the Military Relocation Professional designation.
Along with staying busy as a licensed realtor, Lentulo spends a great deal of her time singing. Born into a musical family, she always felt inspired by music. She realized that although she was a good singer, she didn’t see a music career as a viable way to make a living. She chose to walk a different path after she graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in music. However, she still sings at every opportunity.
She is a member of the prestigious Bonner Singers and the popular Fallbrook Chorale. “Fallbrook has an amazing chorale,” she said. “Rehearsals are only five minutes from my house, and it is a fun and wonderful musical outlet, I love it.”
She is also co-author of “Near the Danube Bridge,” written by Catherine Allen-Walters. The book is a historical biography about Lentulo’s father and the life he experienced living in Serbia. Her father, Kalman Hartig, was a conscientious objector and was sentenced to two years of hard labor for his beliefs. During his sentence, he survived inhumane treatment and torture. He served as a medic after his sentence and finally was able to start a family. His goal was to never live under communist rule again. This led to the family’s move to Germany as ethnic refugees.
Before her father passed away, he asked Lentulo to share his story to help guide others through hard times. The book also highlights the importance of faith and perseverance through challenges.
According to Lentulo, the highlight of her life is her family, including her husband, two children and her three grandchildren, with a fourth on the way.
“My happy place, my time when I am genuinely gushing with joy, is when I’m with my grandchildren and surrounded by my loved ones,” she said.
She is also grateful for her husband of 38 years, George Lentulo, for the love and bountiful life they created together.
“I still love my husband for all the same things I fell in love with,” she said. “We’ve learned so much from each other.”
With her family, hobbies and career, Lentulo has a hectic schedule, but she enjoys the pace and getting to experience something new at every turn.
Lentulo looks forward to continuing her work in real estate, supporting her clients, singing with the Fallbrook Chorale, and the upcoming birth of her fourth grandchild.
Elisabeth H. Lentulo
Chris Hasvold Coldwell
Banker Chris Hasvold leads with four decades of industry experience
Real estate broker and owner Chris Hasvold has been supporting Southern California real estate needs since he began his career in 1980.
Beginning his real estate career at 20 years old, he quickly transitioned from residential sales to commercial and investment development, serving as President of Rancho Vista Development, which built and sold properties across Southern California. In 1993, he bought a Fallbrook real estate company founded in 1913, then later expanded it through a merger to become Coldwell Banker Village Properties.
Hasvold specializes in the sale of luxury homes and properties in Fallbrook and Bonsall. After previous experience in construction, he witnessed the many opportunities that real estate had to offer and chose to pursue that path. Along with his skills in sales, Hasvold brings a creative eye and a love for the community.
“Buying and selling your home is one of the most emotional choices people make in their lives,” Hasvold said. “I enjoy helping people through that emotional time. Helping people through these challenges is really special.”
According to Hasvold, some of the most impactful sales he’s ever made have been to first-time homeowners, because he’s able to offer his experience and knowledge to help keep the buyers make the best choices possible.
“First-time homeowners have to make a lot of really hard choices and navigating those choices can be incredibly difficult for them, finding an experienced realtor can make all the difference,” he said. “It’s an honor to find someone the home of their dreams.”
To better serve buyers and sellers with all of their real estate needs, Chris founded Village Property management and Village
Escrow Services. They are all conveniently located at the River Village shopping center in Bonsall.
Hasvold is passionate in making sure customers receive the best service possible, and he’s proud to serve the local community through the many changes the real estate industry is experiencing.
Along with the constant changing market values, as well as consolidation and legal changes that fundamentally impact real estate, the industry is also shifting with the usage of artificial intelligence, or AI.
With these changes in mind, Hasvold has begun to assemble a work group tasked with studying AI and how it can be used to benefit real estate without negatively affecting agents. This is an ongoing task, and he plans to involve the best and brightest in AI technology to help study how artificial intelligence can be used as a positive tool.
“No algorithm can replace a human being,” he said. “Human connection is the most important part of the job.”
Hasvold is an active member of the real estate community and volunteers for four different boards, aiming to create a positive impact on the industry. He’s involved with the California Association of Realtors, North San Diego County Realtors, CRMLS, and he is the board chairman for REdistribute, linking many of the largest multiple listing services in the country. Hasvold has earned many accolades for his hard work, including Realtor of the Year and the Distinguished Service award from the North San Diego County Realtors in 2024.
According to Hasvold, making time to actively participate within the industry is an important part of his career.
“I believe that what we do [in real estate] has value if it’s done well,” he said. “The
older I get, the more important it is for me to see this industry survive and thrive in a meaningful way.”
Through the AI work group and four different boards, Hasvold dedicates his time to uplifting the real estate community, sharing his knowledge and helping to ensure that the industry continues to grow.
In his free time, Hasvold enjoys traveling, spending time with his family and mountain biking. He competes in mountain biking competitions and describes biking as a great way to reduce stress.
“When I’m mountain biking, I’m only thinking about staying on the trail,” he said. “Everything else disappears when I’m riding.”
He’s also passionate about making time for his family, including his wife, two sons and two granddaughters.
“I’m so grateful that my wife has stood by my side through it all,” he said. “She’s supported the business through backend marketing and social media, she’s always helping. Through all the ups and downs, the good and the bad, she’s always been by my side and I’m so thankful for her.”
Hasvold plans to continue serving the real estate industry through his volunteering opportunities along with his full-time work at Coldwell Banker. With 45 years of experience and thousands of stories to share about his time in the industry so far, Hasvold hopes his leadership and knowledge can inspire future leaders in real estate.
Chris Hasvold, Cal DRE #00800277
Chris Hasvold is the owner/broker of Fallbrook’s premier, full-service real estate company, Coldwell Banker Village Properties. Chris and Lisa Hasvold are the sole owners of the company and work full time to meet their customer’s needs. Chris serves as the managing broker and has been in the real estate business for 45 years. Lisa serves as the marketing director and operates their in-house print shop, producing property flyers, brochures, direct mail pieces and other marketing material for the company’s agents.
Coldwell Banker Village Properties has 20 agents who are the top in their industry and on average have been with the company for 16 years. As managing broker, Hasvold’s attitude is that it’s his responsibility to provide his agents with the tools and resources they need to be successful. “I believe we have that and we offer the best range of services and support for our agents. We have the best agents around and I am here to serve them.
As a premier full-service real estate
company we can take care of everything. We offer an in-house lender along with local escrow and title company affiliations. Our team of agents specialize in homes, luxury properties, land, investment property and development. We truly understand all the nuances of selling real estate in an unincorporated county. It’s a different animal. We deal with septic systems, property corners, private roads and county restrictions that agents and brokers from cities don’t understand.
Our company’s reach is as broad as any national firm. Through the Coldwell Banker marketing program, we can expose properties more effectively than our competitors. Combine that with our local expertise and we offer the best of both worlds.”
Fallbrook’s top producing real estate company, Coldwell Banker Village Properties is conveniently located in River Village, 5256 So. Mission Rd, Suite 310, Bonsall at the intersection of Hwy 76 and Mission Rd. Easy access for customers from the coast as well as the inland areas.
Ken Follis and Sharon Robinson Group: A Proven Partnership in North County Real Estate
Withdecades of combined experience and a long-standing real estate presence in North County San Diego, the Ken Follis and Sharon Robinson Group represents a rare blend of institutional knowledge, local expertise, and modern execution. Based in Fallbrook, the group has built a reputation as one of the region’s most consistently high-performing real estate teams, known for guiding clients through complex transactions with clarity and confidence.
Follis and Robinson each established successful individual careers before
“Ken Follis and Sharon Robinson are among the top sales teams in Fallbrook, trusted by sellers and buyers alike for their strategic insight, disciplined negotiation, and deep understanding of the market.”
formally joining forces. They recognized that their complementary skill sets would allow them to deliver a higher level of service and results. That decision has proven prescient. Today, they are among the top sales teams in Fallbrook, trusted by sellers and buyers alike for their strategic insight, disciplined negotiation, and deep understanding of the market.
Follis brings more than four decades of experience to the partnership, having entered real estate in 1980 during one of the industry’s more challenging eras. That early exposure to difficult market
conditions shaped his approach and reinforced a steady, solutions-oriented mindset that continues to define his work.
Ken’s main goal and business model has always centered around providing precise product knowledge and establishing what criteria are essential to his buyers and sellers.
Follis states, “While I have enjoyed a history of success, my most important goal is to satisfy the needs of my current customers.”
His expert negotiation skills make a difference for his clients’ outcomes and bottom line, something he is proud of obtaining for his clients.
Robinson, who began her real estate career in the early 2000s, offers a similarly deep well of experience, paired with an intimate knowledge of Fallbrook and the surrounding communities she has called home for over 22 years. She prides herself on her honesty, integrity and respect for each client’s unique needs.
She is an active community leader, serving as a member of the board of directors for several non-profit organizations. She also directs scholarship programs for STEM and MUSIC for middle and high school students in Fallbrook and Bonsall.
Sharon has a proven track record of successful listings and sales throughout the area and doesn’t intend to slow down. Sharon and Ken are proud to have an office located in the heart of downtown Fallbrook to serve their clients and let them know they are available every day for their calls.
Ken and Sharon are honored to be included in Real Trends “America’s Best Real Estate Professionals,” with top
rankings of agents and teams in the USA.
Together, they operate as true local experts. Their guidance extends beyond property values and transaction mechanics to include schools, development trends, land use, and the nuanced factors that influence long-term livability and investment potential. Clients value their ability to anticipate questions before they arise and to provide informed answers grounded in experience.
The Ken Follis and Sharon Robinson Group has also distinguished itself through early and thoughtful adoption of technology, such as advanced digital marketing like Google Ads and leads generated from their Luxury Presence website blogs and video logs to social media campaigns. They also use detailed floor plans, high-quality photography and property websites, as well as drone assisted photography. AI-supported client tools are helpful as well. The team has continuously evolved its approach to meet the changing demands of the market.
These systems enable them to serve both local and long-distance buyers with precision and efficiency. Backed by COMPASS, their Broker, they are part of a network of top real estate agents ready to bring buyers to their listings. Compass invests billions in tech to sell their listings.
Sharon commented, “We can put your listing in the hands of local, state and international buyers. We understand what it takes to sell your home.”
While Fallbrook and Bonsall remain core markets, the group serves clients throughout North County, as well as select areas of Orange, Riverside and LA
Ken Follis and Sharon Robinson
counties. Their portfolio spans residential homes, land, investment properties, and commercial transactions, offering clients a breadth of expertise that few teams can match.
Beyond performance metrics, Follis and Robinson are deeply invested in the community they serve, supporting a range of local nonprofits and organizations. Their involvement reflects a long-term commitment to Fallbrook that extends well beyond individual transactions.
This year they have enjoyed supporting the Foundation for Senior Care as they give rides to seniors through their Care Van program. They have also sponsored a community holiday concert for the Fallbrook Music Society. In addition, Follis and Robinson have run music and STEM scholarship programs for the local high schools; and have also sponsored multiple events for the Hope Clinic for Women.
In an industry defined by constant change, the Ken Follis and Sharon
Robinson Group stands out for its stability, adaptability, and proven results. Their partnership offers clients the advantage of two seasoned professionals working in lockstep—bringing perspective, strategy, and accountability to every deal. Their results are proven year after year using their proven and strategic sales and marketing to bring top dollar to their listings.
Ken and Sharon are proud of their mission:
Our mission is to help everyone find their place in the world and we would be honored to help you embark on your next chapter.
Now, more than ever, the expertise of a real estate professional matters in the sale of your home!
Ken and Sharon are #lovinlifeinfallbrook. For buyers contemplating purchasing a home in the area - they look forward to answering your questions about life here.
Do not hesitate to get educated about buying or selling in Fallbrook- give them a call. They would love to hear from you!
The Ken Follis & Sharon Robinson Group can be reached by contacting Ken at (760) 803-6235, or Sharon at (949) 295-1161, or stop by their office at 100 N. Main Avenue, Fallbrook, CA 92028. Website: www. kenfollisandsharonrobinsongroup.com
2560 Rainbow Valley Blvd. Fallbrook, CA 92028 (760) 728-2051
www.thechurchatrainbow.org
Riverview Church
4980 Sweetgrass Lane Bonsall, CA 92003 (760) 941-1430
www.refc.org riverview@refc.org
Servant’s Church Calvary Fallbrook
1109 E. Fallbrook St. Fallbrook, CA 92028 (760) 990-9143
www.ccfallbrook.com
Seventh-day Adventist - English
1200 Old Highway 395 Fallbrook, CA 92028 (760) 723-7733 www.fallbrookadventist.org
Seventh-day Adventist - Spanish
439 Iowa St. Fallbrook, CA 92028 (760) 908-6805 www.fallbrookspanishca.adventistchurch.org
SonRise Christian Fellowship
463 S. Stage Coach Lane Fallbrook, CA 92028 (760) 728-5804 www.sonrisefallbrook.com
St. John’s Episcopal Church
433 N. Orange St. - Sanctuary 434 N. Iowa St. - Office Fallbrook, CA 92028 (760) 728 -2908 www.stjohnsfallbrook.com stjohnsfallbrook@att.net
St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Parish
450 S. Stage Coach Lane Fallbrook, CA 92028 (760) 689-6200 www.stpeter-fallbrook.org
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
621 S. Stage Coach Lane Fallbrook, CA 92028 (949) 423-9327 www.local.churchofJesusChrist.org
Fallbrook United Methodist Church
1844 Winter Haven Road Fallbrook, CA 92028 (760) 728-1472 www.fallbrookumc.org
Zion Lutheran Church 1405 E. Fallbrook St. Fallbrook, CA 92028 (760) 728-8288 www.zionfallbrook.org
Church Guide
Places of Worship in the Fallbrook & Bonsall Area
Courtesy photos
A page in one of Fallbrook High School’s yearbooks was dedicated to Lorena Geyer Harris.
Lorena Geyer Harris
– One Librarian’s
Journey
by Nathalie Taylor
Lorena Geyer Harris’s love of libraries began with her grandmother, Mildred Geyer, who nurtured her interest in books and libraries. Since Mildred was a librarian, Lorena felt she was destined to follow that path, “It’s in my genes,” she said.
In 1951, Mildred was hired as librarian at the Fallbrook Public Library. As a child, Lorena would accompany her grandmother to work. Those library experiences with her grandmother fueled her desire to become a librarian.
Lorena’s dream was to work at Fallbrook Union High School. A Fallbrook native, she attended local schools, then graduated from Fallbrook High in 1964. “It is a good school, and I am proud to be a Fallbrook Warrior,” she said.
Her parents, Jack and Eugenia Geyer, graduated from Fallbrook High in 1938. Lorena’s husband, Tom Harris, as well as the couple’s two daughters, are also proud to be Fallbrook High graduates.
Mildred, her librarian grandmother, encouraged Lorena to attend college. She graduated from Palomar College with an Associate of Arts degree in Library Science. Lorena then earned a Bachelor of Science degree from California State University, Northridge. Lorena continued her education at San Jose State University where she graduated with a Master’s degree in Library Science.
In 1967 and 1968, Lorena worked at Camp Pendleton taking inventory of the 13 Base libraries. “It was during the heat of the Vietnam War, and soldiers would hang out at the main library, waiting to be deployed,” Lorena recalled. “I would always offer them cookies, or something good to eat.”
In 1980, Lorena was hired as librarian at Fallbrook High. “It was a dream come true,” she related. “When I was librarian at
Academic Programs Include:
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Associate Degree in Administration of Justice
Certificate of Proficiency in EMT Basic
Certificate of Achievement in Child Development Associate Teacher
Core preparation in Biology, Nursing, and Chemistry
ESL Credit and Noncredit Classes
Financial Aid and Scholarships are available.
Lorena Geyer Harris worked as Fallbrook High School’s librarian for 33 years.
Fallbrook High, I knew I was where I should be. Fallbrook High School was a unique school – the staff felt like family.”
Lorena served as librarian at Fallbrook High from 1980 to 2012. During those 32 years she helped countless students navigate the search for information.
“I loved the kids and thoroughly enjoyed helping them with their research,” she said.
Lorena was a great help to me when I was conducting research for historical stories. She knew exactly where to find the information I needed. When I was writing a piece about the history of homecoming queens at Fallbrook High, Lorena helped me find information on Jeanne Forsyth, Fallbrook High’s first homecoming queen. She also told me that Jeanne later married cartoonist Charles Schulz. The story was greatly appreciated by Jeanne, and I could not have written it without Lorena’s help.
With her Master’s degree, Lorena could have earned a higher salary if she had worked, “behind a desk,” but she enjoyed working in the library and helping students with research projects.
“I tried to instill in them that Wikipedia was not a valid reference tool, and they needed to view the Internet as a source, but not your only source,” she noted.
Throughout her Fallbrook High librarian days, Lorena undertook various projects, but the most involved and timeconsuming project was something that Lorena herself proposed. She transferred information from 50,000 library books to the computer. Lorena researched all classroom assignments to ascertain which books would be used for reading lists.
“It took five years, and I used at least six screens for each book,” she explained. “These kids were in training for college, and they needed to know how to use computers to find information.”
Her most puzzling library experience took place over several weeks. To bring cheer to the library, Lorena had decorated an area with several potted plants. She noticed that someone had been watering her plants – but not all of them. This person watered only two plants out of the entire grouping. Lorena watched for a while, then finally discovered the identity of the mysterious waterer. The two plants had been placed by this person…and were marijuana plants! The last chapter in that mystery book was closed.
During the 1990s, plans began to take shape for a new school library. The existing building would be demolished, and a new structure would take its place. Lorena worked with the architects on various aspects of the new library plan and was able to provide invaluable information. At one point, after looking at the plans, she told them the library needed more space for books, so more bookshelves were added.
At the onset of this project, Lorena, keeper of the books, undertook a monumental task. It was necessary for her to decide which books to place in long-term storage, and which to store in the portable classroom. She was familiar with the class assignments and chose the books accordingly.
“There is an art to moving an entire library of books – choosing the right books, then packing them,” she explained.
Lorena selected 2,500 books to be used for assignments, and another 2,000 for reference. Approximately 4,500 books out of the
library’s 50,000 were kept out of long-term storage. However, all books had to be packed in boxes.
She ordered enough boxes to hold 50,000 books, then Lorena, with her husband, Tom, packed the boxes. “We packed and packed and packed,” she said. The packing project took one year to complete.
When the Poway High School library personnel went through a similar process of packing up their library, they sought advice from Lorena. She was somewhat surprised. “I did not realize I had become an authority,” she said.
In 2012, Lorena Geyer Harris shelved her last book at the Fallbrook High School Library, then joined the ranks of the retirees.
“One of the hardest things I ever did was to retire, because I didn’t want to leave the kids,” Lorena explained. “But several students did stay in touch with me.”
Not long after her retirement, Lorena had a poignant encounter while shopping at Major Market. “I was very touched when I was surrounded by a group of former students who told me, ‘We appreciate you! You were always professional, and it wasn’t just a job for you.’”
As a founding member of the Fallbrook Historical Society, it was natural for Lorena to work with the organization after retirement. “Fallbrook is part of me,” she said. “My life is entwined with Fallbrook’s history.”
One example of Lorena’s life becoming entwined with Fallbrook’s history is the fact that Lorena and Tom were married in the historic Fallbrook Methodist Church on Fig Street, built in 1888. (Now home of First Christian Church.)
“2022 Pioneer of the Year,” was an honor bestowed upon Lorena by the Fallbrook Historical Society. This event occurred 30 years after her grandmother, Mildred Geyer, was chosen “1992 Pioneer of the Year.”
Lorena summed up her journey succinctly, “I thoroughly enjoyed being a librarian, and I am proud of being part of Fallbrook’s history.”
A retirement party was given to Lorena Geyer Harris, who was FHS librarian from 1980-2012.
GREAT FUTURES START HERE.
Club Sites:
•
Character and Leadership Development Education and Career Development (Homework Help) Health and Life Skills
Sports, Fitness & Recreation (Sports Leagues, Special Events)
The Arts (Music, Visual Arts)
Youth Development Strategy:
• William H. Frazier Elementary
• Maie Ellis Elementary
• La Paloma Elementary
• Turnagain Apartments
• Vallecitos Elementary
• Teen Center
Our Mission:
The mission of the Boys & Girls Clubs of North County is to inspire and enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens.
FHope Clinic For Women: Meets Life Where Love
by Julie Reeder
allbrook is a beautiful town that offers peace and tranquility for most. But for some who are facing uncertainty, including pregnancy, there is a place where hope is not just a word — it’s a place where refuge, education, provision, and hope are found. It’s the Hope Clinic for Women, where mothers and fathers facing some of life’s most difficult decisions are offered not just help, but healing – not just services – but genuine care.
Confidential & Supportive Care
For more than a decade, the clinic has been quietly changing lives one family at a time. It’s the kind of place where nervous young women walk in unsure of their future and walk out holding an ultrasound photo — often with tears of relief, joy, and newfound courage.
At its heart, Hope Clinic is a nonprofit medical and pregnancy support center dedicated to serving women and families with compassion and dignity. All services are confidential and provided free of charge, thanks to generous community support.
The clinic offers pregnancy testing, limited ultrasounds, prenatal and postnatal education, parenting classes, and fatherhood mentorship programs. What makes the clinic unique is that it doesn’t stop at the first visit — it walks beside families for the journey ahead.
“We’re not just here for a moment in their crisis,” said Executive Director Carolyn Koole. “We’re here for the long haul — to help equip them, educate them, and to remind them they’re not alone.”
The clinic’s Earn While You Learn program gives mothers and fathers the tools to grow as confident, capable parents. Clients can attend classes on nutrition, infant care, budgeting, emotional wellness, and spiritual growth. Each class earns “baby bucks” that can be spent in the clinic’s boutique — a cheerful room filled with donated diapers, wipes, formula, and baby clothes.
And the dads? They’re not left out. The Fatherhood program pairs men with coaches who teach practical parenting, leadership, and faith-based life skills. “We’ve seen dads completely transformed,” said one volunteer. “They go from feeling unsure and overwhelmed to becoming protectors and providers.”
Stories of Hope
Every life that walks through Hope Clinic’s doors is a story unfolding.
Like Maria, who came in afraid and alone, and unsure how she would raise a child. Through counseling and parenting support, she found stability, faith, and a community that rallied around her. Today, she’s a confident mother of a healthy baby boy — and now volunteers to encourage others.
Or James and Erica, a young couple who joined the fatherhood
Reception area at Hope Clinic for Women.
Courtesy photos
and parenting classes together. “It wasn’t just about learning to care for our baby,” James said. “It was learning how to care for each other — how to build a family rooted in love and purpose.”
These stories aren’t just testimonials; they’re living proof that one small act of kindness, one listening ear, can alter the trajectory of a family’s life forever.
Hope Clinic’s mission thrives entirely on the generosity of individuals, churches, and local businesses who believe in protecting life and strengthening families. Volunteers serve as mentors, teachers, receptionists, and prayer partners — the “hands and feet” of hope.
“Every diaper, every dollar, every hour someone gives makes an eternal difference,” said the director. “When you give to Hope Clinic, you’re giving a child a chance to be born, a mother the courage to continue, and a father the strength to lead.”
How to Help
Hope Clinic for Women relies on community donations to keep its doors open and services free.
Supporters can contribute through:
• Monthly donations to sustain ongoing services
• Baby item drives (diapers, wipes, formula, gently used clothes)
• Volunteer advocacy and coaching and prayer teams
• Sponsoring fundraisers or baby bottle campaigns through local churches and schools
To learn more, visit www.hopefallbrook.com, text (760) 9657513, or call (760) 728-4105.
Because in Fallbrook, hope has an address — and it’s changing lives every single day.
Celebrating 47 years Serving the Greater Fallbrook Community
Since 1978, the Angel Society has donated more than $5.2 million in funds to local nonprofits and other worthy causes through the operation of our Angel Shop.
We are proud of our success, and also grateful for the hard work and dedication of our volunteers, who have numbered in the thousands over the years.
We are grateful for the generosity of the many members of our community who continue to bring us their donations of gently used clothing, household goods, small furniture and collectibles. Your support has been vital to our business. Together, we look forward to many more years of serving the greater Fallbrook/Bonsall community.
The Angel Shop is located at 1002 S. Main, Fallbrook, CA 92028 (corner of Main Avenue and Aviation Road) Open Tues-Sat 10am to 2pm Donations are gratefully accepted Tues-Sat 10am to 1:30pm 760-728-6513 | www.theangelsociety.org
Hope Clinic for Women offers ultrasound services.
Clients can attend classes on nutrition, infant care, budgeting, emotional wellness and spiritual growth. Each class earns “baby bucks” that can be spent in the clinic’s boutique.
Bringing Hope and Opportunity to East Africa Hands of Mercy Missions:
by Lena Grace
Handsof Mercy Missions is making a lasting impact across East Africa, serving communities in Tanzania, Uganda, Burundi, and beyond. Missionary Andrew Reeder describes their work simply: “We go wherever the Lord calls us.”
One of their most meaningful projects is the Tanzanian Children’s Center in Kangaza Village, where 36 children receive shelter, care, and education. This year brought a major milestone — for the first time, four students were accepted into college, with several more expected next year.
“In Tanzania, being chosen for college is a huge honor,” Reeder explained. “If they miss that first eligibility year, they can’t go back. And private school is far more expensive. So getting them in now, with room and board provided, for just a few hundred dollars, is life-changing.”
Beyond education, Hands of Mercy also supports the Children’s Center through practical, sustainable life-saving resources. The organization has supplied pigs and chickens, allowing the center to raise its own meat and eggs and even sell the surplus to generate income. They have also provided beds for children who had previously been sleeping on the ground, as well as athletic equipment to improve the children’s daily life and physical development.
“In some areas, families have crops. But in others, starvation is real,” he said. “You can’t hold a gospel event when people are too hungry to stand. A warm meal goes a long way.”
Reeder also described the spiritual challenges common in villages influenced by superstition or occult practices. During prayer meetings, people often seek deliverance and healing.
“It’s not something people fake,” he said. “When someone is set free, they walk away renewed. Seeing God touch people in such a real way is my favorite part of the work.”
For the first time, four students were accepted into college and more are expected next year.
During trips to East Africa, Hands of Mercy works closely with trusted local partners like Mujuni, who oversees the Children’s Center. Reeder says the first thing they often face is hunger.
For those who want to support the mission from home, the needs are straightforward: Food, Bibles, and the cost of medical needs, water and local interpreters.
“A few thousand dollars can feed people, give out resources, and run a full event,” Reeder said. “And the Children’s Center always needs help covering basic essentials each month.”
He encourages anyone interested — whether through giving, prayer, or future involvement — to reach out through www.HandsOfMercyMissions.com. “Any amount of support goes straight to the work on the ground,” he said. “And if someone feels called to go, there’s a place for them too.”
Hands of Mercy Missions continues to bring hope, education, and the gospel to communities across East Africa — one meal, one child, and one village at a time.
Andrew Reeder, front right, with children from the Tanzanian Children’s Center in Kangaza Village.
Children receive shelter, care and education through the support of Hands of Mercy Missions. Courtesy photos
Mentoring for Purpose
by Julie Reeder
Mentoring for Purpose is a nonprofit public benefit corporation based in Fallbrook, California, dedicated to fostering meaningful mentoring relationships with students and individuals of all ages. The organization exists to help people discover their strengths, build confidence, and find purpose through real-world experience, guidance, and community connection.
Mentoring for Purpose grew out of the work of the Village News and Valley News, which for more than 28 years have mentored interns in journalism and media-related fields. Through this long-standing internship model, students received hands-on instruction in journalism, critical thinking, photography, marketing, digital publishing, and social media. Participants were not only taught skills but were given the opportunity to publish articles, photos, and multimedia content in local newspapers and online platforms— allowing them to build professional portfolios, gain confidence, and experience the responsibility of real deadlines and community impact. The program has helped launch dozens of young people into successful careers, many of whom have gone on to hold influential positions in their fields. Several former interns have described the experience as life-changing, crediting it with giving them both direction and self-confidence.
Beyond media training, Mentoring for Purpose places strong emphasis on helping participants identify their top strengths through assessment tools, online programs, and in-office experience. The nonprofit also prioritizes connection to the broader community, offering participants opportunities to engage with local leaders, organizations, and civic life. By attending and covering public meetings, interviewing community leaders, and exploring different sectors of the community, participants gain insight and access they might not otherwise have—developing a deeper understanding of how their community functions and how they can contribute meaningfully within it.
To contribute to this worthy cause, which supports students, community, and local independent journalism, you can write a check to Mentoring For Purpose and send it to 111 W. Alvarado St. Fallbrook, CA 92028
Olivia Wadsworth, shown with her bird Randy, and Lena Grace are current interns in the Mentoring for a Purpose program. They both have written stories for this edition of Sourcebook. Courtesy photos
Ashlyn Trujillo.
Chauncy Miller.
Erick Maganda.
Christal Gaines-Emory.
Will Fritz.
Cari Hachmann.
Mario Morales.
Some of the past interns of Village and Valley News.
ORGANIZATIONS & SERVICE CLUBS
ARTS
CAST Dance Academy
200 N. Main Ave. Fallbrook, CA 92028 (760) 731-2278 www.castacademy.org infocastacademy@gmail.com
Fallbrook Art Association 119 N. Main Ave. Fallbrook, CA 92028 (760) 645-0491 www.fallbrookartassn.org fallbrook.art.assn@gmail.com
Fallbrook Art Center 103 S. Main Ave. Fallbrook, CA 92028 (760) 728-1414 www.fallbrookartcenter.org
Fallbrook Camera Club fallbrookcc@gmail.com
Fallbrook Chorale
P.O. Box 2474 Fallbrook, CA 92088 www.fallbrookchorale.org
Fallbrook Music Society P.O. Box 340 Fallbrook, CA 92088 (760) 451-8644 www.fallbrookmusicsociety.org
Fallbrook School of the Arts
310 E. Alvarado St. Fallbrook, CA 92028 (760) 728-6383 www.fallbrookschoolofthearts.org
Fallbrook Warrior Music Band Boosters
P.O. Box 1604 Fallbrook, CA 92088 www.fhwarriormusic.org
Fallbrook/Bonsall International Film Festival 431 S. Main Ave. Fallbrook, CA 92028 760-638-1732 www.fbiff.org
1175 Old Stage Road Fallbrook, CA 92028 (760) 728-8784 www.fallbrookvfw.org
SENIORS
Adult Day Care – The Club 320 W. Alvarado St. Fallbrook, CA 92028 (760) 723-7570 www.foundationforseniorcare.org fsc@foundationforseniorcare.org
Fallbrook Senior Center and Thrift Shop 399 Heald Lane Fallbrook, CA 92028 (760) 728-4498 – Senior Center (760) 723-4602 – Thrift Shop www.fallbrookseniorcenter.com
Foundation for Senior Care 135 S. Mission Road Fallbrook, CA 92028 (760) 723-7570
P.O. Box 2155 Fallbrook, CA 92088 www.foundationforseniorcare.org fsc@foundationforseniorcare.org
SERVICE
AAUW Fallbrook, CA Branch P.O. Box 1061 Fallbrook, CA 92088 fallbrook-ca.aauw.net aauwfallbrook1@gmail.com
Angel Society of Fallbrook Angel Shop 1002 S. Main Avenue Fallbrook, CA 92028 (760) 728-6513 www.theangelsociety.org angelsociety32@gmail.com
Bonsall Rotary Club P.O. Box 934 Bonsall, CA 92003 www.bonsallrotary.com
Bonsall Woman’s Club P.O. Box 545 Bonsall, CA 92003 www.bonsallwomansclub.org bonsallwomensclub@gmail.com
Bottom Shelf Bookstore Friends of the Fallbrook Library 124 S. Mission Road Fallbrook, CA 92028 (760) 451-9606 -Bookstore www.fallbrooklibraryfriends.org bottomshelf@fallbrooklibraryfriends.org
Care Van Donation based transportation for seniors and the disabled (760) 723-7570 www.foundationforseniorcare.org
Fallbrook Animal Sanctuary 232 W. Aviation Road Fallbrook, CA 92028 (760) 685-3533 www.fallbrookanimalsanctuary.org info@fallbrookanimalsanctuary.org
Fallbrook Child Development Center Inc. 320 N. Iowa Street Fallbrook, CA 92028 (760) 728-5402
www.fallbrookchilddevelopmentcenter.org
Fallbrook Community Center 341 Heald Lane, Fallbrook, CA 92028 (760) 728-1671
Fallbrook Village Rotary P.O. Box 2186 Fallbrook, CA 92088 (760) 517-6355 www.fallbrookvillagerotary.com fallbrookvillagerotary@yahoo.com
Fallbrook Woman’s Club 238 W. Mission Road Fallbrook, CA 92028 (760) 728-1758 P.O. Box 208 Fallbrook, CA 92088 www.fallbrookwomansclub.org fallbrookwomansclub@gmail.com
Sydne Gilbert photo
April Dmytrenko photo
Robert Sommers photo
Hidden Treasures Thrift Store
913 S. Main St. Fallbrook, CA 92028 (760) 723-2800
Legacy Endowment
5256 S. Mission Road, Suite 1210 Bonsall, CA 92003 (760) 941-8646 www.legacyendowment.org info@legacyendowment.org
Rotary Club of Bonsall P.O. Box 934 Bonsall, CA 92003 www.portal.clubrunner.ca/10093
Rotary Club of Fallbrook P.O. Box 1227 Fallbrook, CA 92088 www.fallbrookrotary.org rotarycluboffallbrook@outlook.com
St. Peter Thrift Store 520 S. Main Ave. Fallbrook, CA 92028 (760) 728-7012 info@stpeterthriftstore.org
Welcome Back Foundation (Do-Gooders Thrift Store) 720 E Mission Rd Fallbrook, CA 92008 (760) 626-5857 www.welcomebackfoundation.org
Whiskers & Tails Resale Gift Shop (Funding the Fallbrook Animal Sanctuary) 746 S. Main Ave. Fallbrook, CA 92028 (442) 444-7117 www.whiskersandtailsshop.com shop4rescue@gmail.com
SPECIAL INTEREST
Cairn Terrier Club of Southern California (760) 728-7133 www.cairnterrier.net
California Macadamia Society www.californiamacadamiasociety.com info@californiamacadamiasociety.com
Daughters of Norway Hulda Garborg Lodge No. 49 www.daughtersofnorway.org/ lodges/list-of-lodges/hulda-garborg
Daughters of the British Empire www.dbenational.org
Fallbrook Garden Club
P.O. Box 1702
Fallbrook, CA 92088 www.fallbrookgardenclub.org fallbrookgardenclub@gmail.com
Fallbrook Historical Society P.O. Box 1375 Fallbrook, CA 92088 (760) 723-4125 www.fallbrookhistoricalsociety.org info@fallbrookhistoricalsociety.org
Fallbrook Newcomers Club P.O. Box 1392 Fallbrook, CA 92088 www.fallbrooknewcomers.com
Fallbrook Riders, Inc. 1627 S. Stagecoach Lane Fallbrook, CA 92028 www.fallbrookriders.com fallbrookriders92028@gmail.com
Fallbrook Running & Walking Club hammerin77@yahoo.com
Fallbrook Sports Association P.O. Box 503 Fallbrook, CA 92088 www.ingoldsportspark.com ingoldsp@gmail.com
Fallbrook Union High School Alumni Association www.fuhsalumni.org fallbrookalumni@gmail.com
Fallbrook Village Toastmasters www.d5tm.org/clubs-list/fallbrookvillage-toastmasters
Palm Society of Southern California www.palmssc.org
Rainbow Valley Grange 2160 Rainbow Valley Road Fallbrook, CA 92028 www.grange.org/rainbowvalleyca689/ rainbowvalleygrange@gmail.com
SUPPORT SERVICES
Al-Anon (families and friends of alcoholics) Alateen (ages 12-18 – families and friends of alcoholics) 2667 Camino del Rio South, #208 San Diego, CA 92108 (619) 296-2666 www.alanonsandiego.org
Encouragement FactorPhyllis Sweeney (Certified Grief Instructor, Crises Trauma) 120 S. Main Avenue Fallbrook, CA 92028 (760) 468-9172
Grief Support Group
Christ The King Lutheran Church (760) 728-3256
National Domestic Violence Hotline (800) 799-7233
Palomar Family Counseling 120 W. Hawthorn St. Fallbrook, CA 92028 (760) 731-3235 www.palomarfamilycounseling.com pfcs@pfcs.agency
YOUTH
Boys and Girls Club of North County 205 West Alvarado Fallbrook, CA 92028 (760) 728-5871 www.bgcnorthcounty.org info@bgcnorthcounty.org
Fallbrook/ Bonsall Rally For Children P.O. Box 2575 Fallbrook, CA 92088 www.rallyforchildren.org
Fallbrook Pop Warner P.O. Box 302 Fallbrook, CA 92088 www.tshq.bluesombrero.com/ fallbrookpw info@fallbrookpopwarner.net
Fallbrook Youth Baseball 324 Elm Tree Lane Fallbrook, CA 92028 www.fallbrookyouthbaseball.com fybwebsite@gmail.com
1st Place - April Dmytrenko See winning photo on page 73
April Dmytrenko Snapshot pg 11
April Dmytrenko Snapshot pg 73
April Dmytrenko Nonprofit Guide pg 139
April Dmytrenko Nonprofit Guide pg 140
Curt Warner Nonprofit Guide pg 138
Debra Dunbar Nonprofit Guide pg 141
Glenn Hoglen Snapshot pg 97
Jennifer Moosa Sveinsson Hiking Guide pg 113
Joanne Van Doorn Hiking Guide pg 113
2nd Place - Ron Montoya
See winning photo on page 47
TO THE 2026 WINNERS! You can win too! Enter next year’s contest!
Joanne Van Doorn Nonprofit Guide pg 139
Lori Cooper Snapshot pg 21
Lori Cooper Hiking Guide pg 113
Lori Cooper Hiking Guide pg 114
Margaret Larson Snapshot pg 11
Margaret Larson Nonprofit Guide pg 138
Michelle Gutierrez Hiking Guide pg 113
Nery Gaspar Advertiser Index pg 142
Robert Sommers Nonprofit guide pg 140
Ron Montoya Feature Story pg 47
Ron Montoya Hiking Guide pg 112
Ron Montoya Nonprofit Guide pg 139
Ron Montoya Nonprofit Guide pg 141
Sydne Gilbert Nonprofit Guide pg 140
Teri Stock Snapshot pg 97
Thomas Rondeau Snapshots pg 105
Tony Ochoa Snapshots pg 29
Each year we ask our readers to submit photos of the community – people, places, events and everything that makes Fallbrook and Bonsall special! We love seeing our community through your eyes. To be considered for next year’s Sourcebook photo contest, please send your high resolution photo submissions to sourcebook@reedermedia.com.
NEVER MISS A MOMENT
The Pala Mesa Resort Golf Course is one of Southern California’s most challenging golf courses. Beautifully manicured, this 18-hole, Par 72, championship course continues to be recognized as one of the most beautiful golf courses in the Greater San Diego area.
