Scary

http://www.flickr.com/photos/birzer/1776203368/in/set-72157602738780788/

Pity the Bees: Fake Halloween Cobwebs Kill

You may have heard about the mysterious disappearance of honeybees, which would have huge consequences for farmers and growers needing crops and plants pollinated, which in turn affects the food chain. How does this connect to your Halloween celebration?

Let me share: A few years ago, my kids and I decorated for Halloween by placing that poly-spun cobweb stuff on our rosemary bushes near our outdoor entry. A few days later we heard bees -- not the usual hum of bees doing their nectar-gathering thing, but bees in severe distress. Upon inspection, we discovered dozens of bees trapped by a single poly thread in the cobwebs. The threads seemed to stick to their legs, rendering them unable to fly or get away.

My advice: don't use this stuff outdoors. Your neighborhood bees will thank you.

Womenade: Helping Christofer

Here is an easy way to ease the way of another person going through a tough time:

Womenade is a group celebrating its 5th year of quarterly dinners. Each dinner honors an individual or family in vital need. Each woman who attends brings a small potluck dish to share (enough for 4, either savory or dessert) and a check for what would have been spent on a dinner out with friends…or as much as you are inspired to contribute. 100% of all the money raised goes directly into the hands of the person or family we are honoring that night.

The next Womenade dinner is set for Tuesday, November 6th from 7 to 9 p.m.

Womenade founders Jane Andersen and Stephanie Donavan were contacted by several Laguna Beach friends who told them about a local 3-year-old boy named Christofer. Here's what Jane wrote:

"We were really touched by the urgency and the need that they described. Some of you might already know about Christofer, the son of Anna and Eddie Krajec. Anna is a teacher at Anneliese’s schools in Laguna Beach. Christofer was recently diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor. Because Western medicine cannot help Christofer at this point (4 neurologists have given Christofer a 1% survival chance using radiation and chemotherapy), Anna and Eddy are looking to non-traditional treatment methods. As you are most likely aware such methods are not covered by insurance companies.

"At this point, Anna and Eddie have already been forced to use their savings for each of the specialists for Christofer. They have seen neurologists, craniologists, osteopaths, chiropractors, as well as natural pathologists and acupuncturists. Their insurance has covered some and sometimes none of the above specialists. Also, the family needs to do 3 more MRIs in the next 2 months and their insurance covers only a portion of the MRIs.

"Our goal at the next dinner is raise at least $3,500.00 to help them cover the costs of the alternative specialists that they are turning to and to help them with the costs of the remaining MRIs.

"We hope you can attend the dinner and help us raise money for Christofer and his family. If you can’t come, please consider sending a check. Please write your check to Christofer’s Miracle Fund."

Womenade Potluck Dinner
Tuesday, November 6th, from 7:00 to 9:00
435 El Camino del Mar (Stephanie’s house)
Please RSVP to Jane at 464-0022
or Stephanie at 497-9214

Jane added:
"Please bring any and all friends who would like to attend. The more people who contribute, the more we’ll be able to help this family. We look forward to seeing you on the 6th!"

Update: Goko Stays!

Never doubt the power of a handful of vocal locals. Goko Cafe has gotten a reprieve and will stay in its location at Thalia and Coast Highway. Agreement was reached this week between building owners Cary Glenn and Richard Zona and Goko proprietors George Risteski and Connie Stojkoski, averting the possibility of a formula-based Quizno's Sandwich Shop in the quaint but admittedly rundown space.

Mayor Toni Iseman said that this kind of activism is what Laguna's all about, and as a former firebrand herself, she was pleased that the issue awakened Lagunans long enough to sign petitions and pass around e-mails to save the homegrown eatery.

But be aware that our mayor just added to the onerous list of activities a true patriot must do to prove his worth (besides bearing a magnetic yellow ribbon on one's car in support of our troops). Mayor Toni Iseman admonished constituents: “It’s our patriotic duty to eat there.”

Gosh darn, how much can one person give??

Dining Out: Bon Appetit, and Buyer Beware

SAVE GOKO CAFE!!! goes the e-mail sent to The Lagunan at least 6 times since a front-page story came out in the INDY about its imminent demise due to changing market conditions....and the fact, it turns out, that the OC Health Dept. noticed a few, er, infractions, pretty much every time it paid Goko a visit. Seems locals want to petition to keep this cute, homey, albeit grungy mom and pop cafe in a prime location where the landlords want to install a Quiznos sandwich shop.

Then an interesting exchange ensued, with a short message to all from an area journalist who received the "Save Goko!!!" e-mail, labeled "The other side of the story. " It went like this:

FYI - There is a reason the current owners of the building would like another business there. It is my understanding that while the community concern about Quiznos will be addressed, here are the health department reports for the past two years on GOKOS

http://foodinspections.ocgov.com/foodinspections/insp.aspx?record_id=PR0021705&agency=OCH&violsortfield=TB_CORE_INSPECTION_VIOL.ENTERED_BY&violsortorder=desc

Sure enough -- ick. But then it got even juicier.

Back came another e-mail from a fellow who took the time to search and report back on the OC Health Department's findings in several favorite Laguna eateries. Read on:
--------
Hello. Since you have plainly "accused" Goko's of running a dirty, unhealthy kitchen that should by all rights be closed, I think it only fair to point out that by using the same yard-stick, the following establishments should also be shot down – and each sooner than Goko’s!

In 2007 based on routine inspections year-to-date:

GOKO’S CAFE: 3 MAJOR violations, 11 minor violations
ANNALIESE SCHOOL 4 MAJOR violations, 12 minor violations
ANASTASIA’S CAFE: 5 MAJOR violations, 24 minor violations
COTTAGE RESTAURANT 5 MAJOR violations, 20 minor violations
ALISO CREEK INN 5 MAJOR violations, 15 minor violations, 1 PERMIT SUSPENSION
LOFT at Montage Hotel 5 MAJOR violations, 12 minor violations
A LA CARTE 5 MAJOR violations, 16 minor violations
CLAES at Hotel Laguna 6 MAJOR violations, 1 minor violation , 2 PERMIT SUSPENSIONS

QUIZNOS, Lake Forest 4 MAJOR violations, 24 minor violations

This information is readily available at the County website:
http://foodinspections.ocgov.com/foodinspections/main.aspx?agency=och

I’m glad that the County is tough on all our eating establishments, but Goko’s history with the health department provides ZERO justification for whether a long-standing business should be replaced with a cookie-cutter FRANCHISE.

-----
The Lagunan here again. I just have to wonder aloud -- has anyone ever worked in a restaurant or cafe? If so, you know what goes on behind the swinging door if the establishment's managers are not vigilant, whether mom and pop are in charge or someone hired to wear the tie. I know at least one person who was sickened after eating at Goko and never returned. Everyone needs to eat, even the creatures we call vermin. If restaurants aren't able to keep the varmints out of the ingredients, wash their dishes in water hot enough to kill bacteria, make sure the refrigerator is actually refrigerating, they should get their just deserts -- for everybody's good.

What are girls supposed to do?

Got a young daughter? Watch this with her. Then talk to her.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=JaH4y6ZjSfE

More Spit and Polish

I'll take the polish, please.

This Saturday the Marines are reprising their Car Wash Saturday. After you've dropped off your e-waste a the LBUSD parking lot, go get the car washed and help out military families.

Here are details from Sita Helms, the "helmswoman" of the project locally:

Marines Car Wash Rain Date OCT 13TH 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post #9934, Dana Point, is sponsoring a car wash for our United States Marines of the 5th Marine Regiment, Headquarters Company from Camp Pendleton. Marines will wash and dry your car to a "Spit and Polish Shine." Donations accepted.

In November, these troops will attend their annual Marine Corps Birthday Ball, prior to deploying to Iraq for a 12-month tour. We hope to defray most if not all of the costs they will incur, through this car wash event. Come by to shake a hand, say a "thank you" and be a part of this event.
Where: South Shores Church Parking Lot
Address: 32712 Crown Valley Parkway, Monarch Beach
(Just up from PCH & Crown Valley)
When: Saturday, October 13, 2007
Time: 9AM-2PM

If you are unable to attend and wish to make a contribution, you may make your checks payable to "Headquarters Company Ball Fund" and send them to:
Headquarters Company Ball Fund
ATTN: 1st Sgt. Pritchard
5th Marine Regiment
Headquarters Company
Box 555453 Bldg 62448
Camp Pendleton CA 92055