San Diego 2012 Fireworks

Here is some information on the 4th of July Fireworks.  Please feel free to add to the list!

Big Bay Boom - July 4th 9:00 PM multiple locations in San Diego Bay and Imperial Beach Pier Google map Pick your favorite spot near Seaport Village, Coronado Ferry Landing, Spanish Landing, Embarcadero Marina Parks North and South, Cesar Chavez Park, Coronado Tidelands Park, Imperial Beach Pier, Shelter Island and Harbor Island. This year, fireworks will also be discharged at the Imperial Beach Pier. Check out the link below for parking and shuttle information. Big Bay Fireworks

Seaworld San Diego - July 4th around 9:30 pm. Park opens at 9 AM and closes at 11 PM for the weekend. 500 Sea World Drive, San Diego Cal. Phone number: (619) 222-6363. View for free from Mission Bay Park, or spend the day at Sea World and enjoy the shows and rides before the fireworks.

El Cajon -  Kennedy Park, 1675 E Madison Ave., El Cajon Google map, fireworks at 9:00 PM tentative.  For more information see El Cajon 4th July Celebration

Santee - Town Center Community Park East, 550 Park Center Drive, Santee, California 92071 Google map fireworks at 9:00 PM  For more details on this event Santee July 4th Events

Camp Pendleton Beach Bash - July 4th 9:00 PM, Del Mar Beach at Camp Pendleton Google map
Annual beach bash celebration and fireworks for military Marine Corps families. For more information see Camp Pendleton Beach Bash

Del Mar Fairgrounds - July 4th 9:30 PM Google map  This is the last day of the San Diego county fair. For information visit San Diego County Fair.

La Jolla Bay  Google map, July 4th 2012 9:00 PM (tentative)
La Jolla Shores, Kellogg Park, Ellen Browning Scripps Park and La Jolla Cove, along the La Jolla Coast Walk.  For event details see La Jolla San Diego Fireworks 2012 Fourth of July

Coronado - July 4th at 9:00 PM, over Glorietta Bay Google map
For more information see Coronado 4th of July Celebration

Mira Mesa Community Park -   Google map July 4th 2012 9:00 PM   For event details see Mira Mesa Fourth of July

Mission Bay Yacht Club - 1251 Carmel Place - July 4 2012 parade and fireworks at 9:00 PM Tentative.  Enjoy the boat parade and fireworks show near the Mission Bay Yacht Club. For more information see Mission Bay Yacht Club

Ocean Beach Pier Google map, July 4th 2012 9:00 PM 

National City-  Kimball Park  Google map July 4th fireworks at 9:00 PM
Annual carnival and fireworks show at Kimball Park.  For more information see National City Fireworks

Poway High School  Google map, July 4 2012 fireworks at 9:00. For more information see Poway 4th of July Celebration and Poway 4th of July Fireworks

Ramona - Olive Pierce Middle School, 1521 Hanson Lane, Ramona Cal 92065 Google map, fireworks at 9:00 PM  For more information see Ramona 4th of July

Are You Ready For Your Super Bowl Party?

See us in the Big Game For the first time in the 40-year history of our brand, we will air a commercial during the most watched television event of the year. The Super Bowl has a unique place in American television: when the commercials air, viewers actually start paying more attention to the broadcast. Did you know that over 111 million people are expected to watch this year's Super Bowl, and I hope you will be watching and see CENTURY 21 Agents right in the middle of it! On February 5th, tune in to your local NBC station to watch as CENTURY 21 Real Estate takes a new place in history! We are sponsoring a full half-hour segment in pre-game, and we air 11 pre-game commercials during that day. And of course, as our finale, our special :30 Super Bowl commercial will air in the 3rd quarter of the game itself. Don't forget to watch and vote for us! You'll see exactly how to cast your vote for your favorite commercial on Super Bowl Sunday at century21.com. Sideline Starters (click link to find recipes) Every great party needs great food. Here are just a few highly rated recipes that would make a great addition to your Big Game Bash. Seven Layer Taco Dip Super Nachos Super Bread Bowls Super Sliders Hot Wings Recipes provided by foodnetwork.com and allrecipes.com. Bring The Games Home Here are a few games ideas from purpletrail.com. Pass the Lucky Cup Super Bowl Game: This is yet another classic game for a perfect Super Bowl party. It is simple and a great way to make some cash for both you and your guests. In this game the person who holds the cup makes the rules for the game. The owner of the cup says a word like “touch down”, “first Down” or “50-yard line”. Then the cup is passed and each guest is supposed to add a dollar to the cup. The next time there is a touch down in the Super Bowl game, the person holding the cup collects the money inside. Then the game starts all over again. The money collected through the game can also be donated to the local food bank or charity, of course with your guests consent. Drinking game – Take a Shot: This game for adults is a fun activity to a certain point. Being the host, you will need to be careful with this game though if you want you and your guests to see the end of the game. To be on the safe side, try picking light drinks for this game. For this game, you line up fans of each team and force them to drink for every turnover, sack, fumble or dropped pass. As a variation you can also try picking a favorite play or call and every time your team is called on, you have to take a drink. Another variation is that each time the commentator says, “Did you see that” everyone has to drink. Rate the Super Bowl Commercial Game: Each year the Super Bowl commercials get more wild and crazy. A terrific game is to pass out “commercial score cards,” and have your guests rate each of the big commercials on a 1-5 star scale. After the game, tally up the winners. Pop The Balloon Game: This is an easy to play game that would be great after the Super Bowl is over. You pick team colors for balloons, and in each balloon you put a slip of paper. On the slips you can write something like “penalty”, “Personal Foul” etc. and on one of the slips write the score of the winning team. Then ask your guests to pop the balloons and the guest who gets the “score slip” turns out to be the winner of the game. For prizes you can hand out silly gifts like a toy football or pom pom. your guests are sure to have a hearty laugh playing this kiddie game. Keep the Kids engaged: If kids are going to be a part of your celebration then it would be a good idea to make some arrangements for them as well. A good way would be to allot them their own “Kids zone”, away from the grown up crowd. You can arrange for some nice movies, maybe a foosball table, easy crafts or even puzzles. Here are some game ideas for the kids at your party. You can take help of an adult family member who is not interested in the Super Bowl game and can help your keep the kids engaged with the games listed below: Monkey in the Middle Game: This is the old time favorite Super Bowl party game for young party-goers and will keep them entertained during the game. Ask the kids to make a circle. Have one child stand in the middle of the circle and hand out a football to one of the kids making up the circle. The child standing in the middle of the circle is the designated “monkey”. Players in the circle toss the football around and across the circle, trying to keep it out of the hands of the “monkey in the middle”. If the “monkey” catches the ball, they swap places with the person who threw the ball. Super Bowl Laugh Game: This is a fun game that all your little guests will love. While sending out the invitations, you can mention a line stating that all kids are supposed to come with a football joke. Have 2 to 3 judges who can rate the football or Super bowl jokes. The one who gets the best rating is the winner and gets a football for a prize. Video game: The most easy to setup game for a Super Bowl party for little guests would be arranging for a video game station on a separate television. You can set up games like “Madden” or “NFL Blitz” for guests to play during the big game. A Super Bowl party is one of the most fun, laid back parties one can ever attend. But the most important game on Super Bowl Sunday is “Hide the Keys Game”. In this game you need to hide the keys from your drunk friends so they don’t get out on the road. This is very important if drinks are going to be a part of your Super Bowl celebration. Have a Great Super Bowl party!

San Diego Martin Luther King Jr Parade - 2012

Here is a good link that provides the details for this Satuday's Martin Luther King Parade in San Diego.  Get out there and enjoy!  Parade Link

Post Holiday Help

If you are like me you enjoyed way too much rich, yummy food this weekend.  I know I am feeling a little guilty about the calories I consumed.  I plan on getting a head start on my New Years resolution to exercise more in 2012.  If you want to repair some of the damage done this holiday season, here is a list of some of the fitness centers in El Cajon.  Please add to the list.  Enjoy!!

Crunch Gym
The Sporting Club
Pure Fitness
24 Hour Fitness
Women's Fitness World
East County YMCA
Bikram YogaOptimum Condition

Tis the season for Christms lights!  Here is a list of where you can see some festive lights around San Diego.  Get out and enjoy!

Allied Gardens: 7048 Hillsboro St, off Waring and Princess View, Dec 10-24, dusk to 10:00.
Chula Vista:  "Christmas Circle", Whitney St, between 1st and 2nd, off H St., Dec 10-26, 5-10pm.
El Cajon:  "Jingle Bell Hill", Solomon Ave/Pegeen Pl
San Carlos:  7900-8000 block of Hillandale Dr., Dec. 1-31, 5-9pm
Santee:  Tomel Court, off Magnolia, Dec 17-26, 7-10pm
Tierrasanta:  5306 Belardo Dr, tune radio to 89.7 to hear lights dance, through Dec 26, 5:30-10pm

San Diego Bay Boat Parade of Lights: Dec 18th, fireworks at 5:30 then parade until 9:00.  Starts off Shelter Island, through bay and elds at the Ferry Landing, Coronado. www.sdparadeoflights.org

Where is your favorite place to see the lights and get in the holiday mood?

My 12 Days of Christmas Wish List!

Here is the video of us singing it at the office meeting.

On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me...
A like of my facebook fan page.

On the second day of Christmas my true love gave to me...
2 reviews on Yelp
And a like of my facebook fan page.

On the third day of Christmas my true love gave to me...
3 Twitter Tweets
2 reviews on Yelp
and a like on my facebook fan page

On the fourth day of Christmas my true love gave to me...
4 blog comments
3 Twitter Tweets
2 reviews on Yelp
and a like of my facebook fan page.

On the fifth day of Christmas my true love gave to me...
5 New Listings!
4 blog comments
3 Twitter Tweets
2 reviews on Yelp
and a like of my facebook fan page.

On the sixth day of Christmas my true love gave to me...
6 bank approvals
5 New Listings!
4 blog comments
3 Twitter Tweets
2 reviews on Yelp
and a like of my facebook fan page.

On the seventh day of Christmas my true love gave to me...
7 short sale letters
6 bank approvals
5 New Listings!
4 blog comments
3 Twitter Tweets
2 reviews on Yelp
and a like of my facebook fan page.

On the eighth day of Christmas my true love gave to me...
8 Lenders lending
7 short sale letters
6 bank approvals
5 New Listings!
4 blog comments
3 Twitter Tweets
2 reviews on Yelp
and a like of my facebook fan page.

On the ninth day of Christmas my true love gave to me...
9 Qualified Buyers
8 Lenders lending
7 short sale letters
6 bank approvals
5 New Listings!
4 blog comments
3 Twitter Tweets
2 reviews on Yelp
and a like of my facebook fan page.

On the tenth day of Christmas my true love gave to me...
10 Savvy Sellers
9 Qualified Buyers
8 Lenders lending
7 short sale letters
6 bank approvals
5 New Listings!
4 blog comments
3 Twitter Tweets
2 reviews on Yelp
and a like of my facebook fan page.

On the eleventh day of Christmas my true love gave to me...
11 Good appraisals
10 Savvy Sellers
9 Qualified Buyers
8 Lenders lending
7 short sale letters
6 bank approvals
5 New Listings!
4 blog comments
3 Twitter Tweets
2 reviews on Yelp
and a like of my facebook fan page.

On the 12th day of Christmas my true love gave to me...
12 Escrows closing
11 Good appraisals
10 Savvy Sellers
9 Qualified Buyers
8 Lenders lending
7 short sale letters
6 bank approvals
5 New Listings!
4 blog comments
3 Twitter Tweets
2 reviews on Yelp
and a like of my facebook fan page.

Gift Ideas For New Home Owners

With the lower home prices and crazy low interest rates, many of the people buying homes are first time buyers.  They are moving from condos, apartments and even their parents homes.  Once the excitement of getting the keys and moving in has passed, they are sometimes faced with another reality of home ownership...repairs.  This opens up a whole new area when it comes to gift purchasing.  Do you know someone who recently bought their first home?  If so, here are some great gift ideas I wanted to share.

Tool Belt:  to carry all the new tools
Tool Box:  for convenient tool storage
Hammer:  If I had a hammer, I'd hammer in the morning...
Tape Measure:  funiture placement and finding midpoint
Level:  make those pictures straight
Handsaw and miter box:  for baseboards and crown molding
Chalk box and string:  for marking and measuring, great for floor installation
Pliers:  to pull all the pesky nails out of walls
Wrenches:  fix that leaky pipe
Screw Drivers:  all sizes and shapes will do the trick
Utility Knife:  scoring drywall
Drill  and drill bits: 
Voltage tester:  Safety First

These are some of my ideas but I am always looking for more.  Please feel free to add to my list and help others find the perfect gift.

Things to do this Weekend in El Cajon

For those of you who live in La Mesa, Santee, El Cajon, Lemon Grove, Spring Valley or other areas of San Diego East County, here are some great events that are going on this weekend.  For those of you who are considering buying a home in Rancho San Diego or other nearby areas, take a look at some of the great events and get out there and enjoy!

Santee Family fest: Saturday Aug. 27, 11-3:00 at Town Center Community Park East, 550 Park Center Drive, Santee. This event offers crafts for kids, carnival games, booths, inflatable jumping toys, laser tag, fitness challenges, swimming, a WNBA basketball clinic at 1 p.m. for children 7 to 13 (requires a waiver), and food. This event is Free. Information: (619) 254-4100 ext. 201 or Santee City page.


Sycuan Resort Anniversary party: Thursday Aug 25th, 5:30 to 8 p.m. on the lawn at Sycuan Resort, 3007 Dehesa Road, El Cajon. This event will benefit the nonprofit, Stoneys Kids and feature hors d’oeuvres, dinner, raffle and live auction of an electric guitar signed by country singer Toby Keith. Cost is $25 per person. Information: (619) 204-8245.

Summer Movies in the Park: Friday August 26, 7:30 p.m. at the Lemon Grove Recreation Center, 3131 School Lane. Watch “Rio.” Free. Information: (619) 825-3810 or Lemon Grove City page.
Concerts on the Green: 6 to 8 p.m. Aug. 26 at Prescott Promenade, 201 E. Main St., El Cajon. Aunt Kizzy’s Boys will perform blues music. Free. Information: (619) 401-8858.

Spring Valley Car show: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 27 at Faith Chapel, 9400 Campo Road, Spring Valley. Christian Rods & Customs Car Club. This annual event will feature classic cars, trophies, food, live music, raffles, vendors and entertainment. Admission is free. Information: (619) 286-5501 or Christian Rods and Customs.
Spring Valley Library Book sale: Friday, August 26, 1 to 4 p.m. at the Spring Valley Library, 836 Kempton St. The Friends of the Library will host a book sale featuring hardcovers, paperbacks, videos, magazines and other items. Information: (619) 463-3006.

Job fair: 9 a.m. to noon, Friday, Aug. 26 on the second floor of the student center at Cuyamaca College, 900 Rancho San Diego Parkway, El Cajon.  A number of employers, including those in insurance, communications, technology, retail, law enforcement and entertainment will have representatives. Information: (619) 448-5201 http://hunter.house.gov/.

“The Heart of Mt. Helix”: Saturday Aug. 27, 5:30 to 10 p.m., at the amphitheater on Mount Helix, 4901 Mount Helix Drive, La Mesa. This event features work by local performing and visual artists, food and live music. Tickets are $60 general admission. Information: (619) 741-4363 or Mt Helix Park.

Cool zone for seniors: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday to Friday and noon to 4 p.m. Saturday at the Heritage of the Americas Museum, 12110 Cuyamaca College Drive West, El Cajon. Free admission to senior citizens looking to cool off during the warm weather months. Information: (619) 670-5194 or Cuyamaca College.
Military Momma Mondays: 9 a.m. each Monday at La Mesita Park, 8855 Dallas St., La Mesa. This fitness class is for any active duty or dependent military mother. The classes involve walking and intervals of toning. Free. Information: (619) 436-7404 or Stroller Strides.

Cajon Classic Cruise: Every Wednesday through Oct. 26, 5 to 8 p.m. on East Main Street at Prescott Promenade in downtown El Cajon. The weekly car show features hundreds of classic, custom and hot rod cars and motorcycles, vendors, food, DJs, and live entertainment. Free. Information: (619) 401-8858 or Downtown El Cajon.

Del Mar 2011 Race Schedule

Century 21 and The Cake Boss

This year Century 21 is celebrating their 40th anniversary in real estate. To celebrate the big event we are having an amazing cake provided by the cake boss himself, Buddy Valastro from Carlos Bakery. Check out the show on June 6th on TLC. Here is the TLC trailer for the show.  It should be a good one!

"Buddy takes on one of his most difficult cake builds, creating a cake that must represent houses from around the world for Century 21's 40th anniversary. To add to the challenge, it must also feed over 4000 employees and deliver to Las Vegas"

Congratulations to Century 21 for being the leader in real estate for 40 years.  Through forward thinking, adaptation to the real estate market and embrassing of technology Century 21 will surely remain a leader for many more years to come.



Carlos Bakery

TLC - Cake Boss

El Cajon 2011 Concerts on the Green

Once again Sycuan Casino is presenting Concerts on the Green.  Fridays from May 6th through September 30th you can enjoy a family friendly event and enjoy some great music.  Concerts are held on Friday evenings from 6:00 - 8:00.  The concerts are located on the Prescott Promenade in downtown El Cajon, across the street from the court house.  Parking Map   Here is a list of the scheduled performers.  If you would like more information, visit Downtown El Cajon

May 13  Candye Kane (swing/blues)
May 20  Taildraggers (bluegrass)
May 27  Downbeat Big Band (big band/swing)
June 3    Rhythm & The Method (rock & roll/ folk/indie)
June 10  Theo & The Zydeco Patrol (zydeco)
June 17  Middle Earth Ensemble (middle eastern fusion)
June 24  Upstream (carribean/reggae/calypso)
July 1     Back to the Garden (classic rock/tribute to Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young)
July 8     Downbeat Big Band (big band/swing)
July 15   Shawn Rohlf & The Buskers (folk/country)
July 22   Fandango (classic rock)
July 29   North County Cowboys (country)
Aug 5    Illiana Rose Band (latin jazz)
Aug 12  Sara Petite & The Sugar Daddies (americana/country)
Aug 19  Sonos (indie/acappella)
Aug 26  Aunt Kizzy's Boy's (blues)
Sept 2   Old Town Road (bluegrass)
Sept 9   Akayaa & Bolga Zohdoomah (world music/african)
Sept 16 Scott Martin Latin Soul (latin jazz)
Sept 23 The Stoney B Blues Band (blues)
Sept 30 Sue Palmer & Her Motel Swing Band (boogie woogie/swing)

Bring your blanket or a chair and I hope to see you out there.  Enjoy!!

Why God Made Moms

My Friend Joy sent this to me and it cracked me up.  Happy Mother's Day to all the Moms out there.  I hope this puts a smile on your face.

Answers given by 2nd grade school children to the following questions:


Why did God make mothers?

1. She's the only one who knows where the scotch tape is.

2. Mostly to clean the house.

3. To help us out of there when we were getting born.



How did God make mothers?

1. He used dirt, just like for the rest of us.

2. Magic plus super powers and a lot of stirring.

3. God made my mom just the same like he made me. He just used bigger parts.



What ingredients are mothers made of?

1. God makes mothers out of clouds and angel hair and everything nice in the world and one dab of mean.

2. They had to get their start from men's bones. Then they mostly use string, I think.



Why did God give you your mother and not some other mom?

1. We're related.

2. God knew she likes me a lot more than other people's mom like me.


What kind of a little girl was your mom?

1. My mom has always been my mom and none of that other stuff.

2. I don't know because I wasn't there, but my guess would be pretty bossy.

3. They say she used to be nice.


What did mom need to know about dad before she married him?

1. His last name.

2. She had to know his background. Like is he a crook? Does he get drunk on beer?

3. Does he make at least $800 a year? Did he say NO to drugs and YES to chores?


Why did your mom marry your dad?

1. My dad makes the best spaghetti in the world. And my mom eats a lot

2. She got too old to do anything else with him.

3. My grandma says that mom didn't have her thinking cap on.


Who's the boss at your house?

1. Mom doesn't want to be boss, but she has to because dad's such a goof ball.

2. Mom. You can tell by room inspection. She sees the stuff under the bed.

3. I guess mom is, but only because she has a lot more to do than dad.


What's the difference between moms and dads?

1. Moms work at work and work at home and dads just go to work at work.

2. Moms know how to talk to teachers without scaring them.

3. Dads are taller and stronger, but moms have all the real power 'cause that's who you got to ask if you want to sleep over at your friends.

4. Moms have magic, they make you feel better without medicine..


What does your mom do in her spare time?

1. Mothers don't do spare time.

2. To hear her tell it, she pays bills all day long.


What would it take to make your mom perfect?

1. On the inside she's already perfect. Outside, I think some kind of plastic surgery.

2. Diet. You know, her hair. I'd diet, maybe blue.


If you could change one thing about your mom, what would it be?

1. She has this weird thing about me keeping my room clean. I'd get rid of that.

2. I'd make my mom smarter. Then she would know it was my sister who did it not me.

3. I would like for her to get rid of those invisible eyes on the back of her head.







WHEN YOU STOP LAUGHING -- SEND IT ON TO OTHER MOTHERS, GRANDMOTHERS, AND AUNTS.... and anyone else who has anything to do with kids or just needs a good laugh!!

Summer Time Dangers

13 Summer Time Dangers

Here is a link to 13 summer time dangers.  It is a good reminder as we head into the warm, sunny days of summer.  But living in San Diego there are a couple of things I would like to add to the list.  The first and probably the scariest for those of us who live in El Cajon and rural areas is rattle snakes.  They are masters of hiding and you may not see them until it is too late.  So if you are out hiking, walking in tall grass or even moving items around your backyard, use extreme caution.

The second reminder is not something that is specifically for homeowners but it is something we will hear about this summer.  Rip currents can be sneaky so if you are heading to the beach remind everyone to be on the look out.  It is also a good idea to remind your out of town company who may not be aware of what a rip current is, how to avoid them, and what to do if they find themselves caught in one.

The third reminder is sunscreen.  With spring here and the sun shining we may forget just how quickly we can get sunburned.  Use your sunscreen and don't let a red painful sunburn ruin the memory of a great day in San Diego.

I am sure there are many other things that can be added to this list of summer time dangers.  Please feel free to add your own.  Take care of yourself and each other and enjoy this beautiful San Diego day.

San Diego 4th of July Fireworks 2010

Here are some of the places you can catch Fourth of July Fireworks this year.

SAN DIEGO

SeaWorld San Diego - Celebrate Independence Day on July 3rd, 4th & 5th starting at approximately 9:30 p.m.

Ocean Beach Pier – On July 4th, Fireworks begin at 9 p.m and will be synchronized to KYXY Radio's patriotic music.

Port of San Diego: at 9 p.m. - San Diego Bay is the place to be on Sunday, July 4, 2010. You can see these fireworks from Shelter Island, Harbor Island, Spanish Landing, Embarcadero Marina Parks North and South, Cesar Chavez Park, Coronado Tidelands Park and the Imperial Beach Pier.

La Jolla Cove Fireworks - over La Jolla Cove at 9 p.m. on the 4th (858) 454-1444.

Mira Mesa Recreation Center/ Mira Mesa Community Park: July 4th, Fireworks begin at 9 p.m. and will be synchronized to KYXY Radio's patriotic music.

Rancho Bernardo Fireworks begin at 9 p.m. and will be synchronized to KYXY Radio's patriotic music.

NORTH COUNTY

Poway -The fireworks to begin at 9 p.m.

The San Diego County Fair - The fireworks will begin at 9 p.m.

San Marcos at Bradley Park – Fireworks will begin at 9

Escondido Grape Day Park – Fireworks will begin at 9 p.m. and will be synchronized to KYXY Radio's patriotic music.

Vista's Brengle Terrace Park 4th of July - Fireworks to begin at 9 p.m

EAST COUNTY

Lake Murray Fireworks - Fireworks to begin at 9:15 p.m.

Ramona Fireworks - Olive Peirce Middle School, Fireworks to begin at 9 pm. and will be synchronized to KYXY's radio's patriotic music.

El Cajon Fireworks : Kennedy Park, Fireworks to begin at 9 p.m. synchronized to KYXY Radio's patriotic music.

Santee Salutes July 4th: - Fireworks to begin at 9 p.m.

Spring Valley Swap Meet – Fireworks to begin at 9 p.m.

SOUTH BAY

National City: Kimball Park - Fireworks to begin at 9 p.m.

San Diego Fireworks

Here is a list of the 2008 Fireworks. Please let me know if I have missed any. Enjoy and have a fun and safe 4th of July!


CENTRAL SAN DIEGO

California Fireworks Cruise (Maritime Museum of San Diego): 6:30 to 10 p.m. $65; available to ages 7 and up. Check-in is at 6:15 p.m. (619) 234-9153.

Embarcadero Marina Park South: 7:30 p.m. Fireworks are presented to synchronized classical music. $15-$75. (619) 235-0804.

Fireworks Cruise by the Bay: 7 p.m. Hornblower Cruises & Events presents this event, which features food and music. Boarding time starts at 6:30 p.m. $71.40 for children 4-12; $119.00 for ages 13 and over. (800) 668-4322.

Glorietta Bay (Coronado): 9 p.m. Daylong festivities include a half-marathon, rough water swim, Art in the Park and live music. The annual Independence Day Parade takes place at 10 a.m. (619) 437-8788.La Jolla Cove: 9 p.m. (858) 454-1444.

Mira Mesa Recreation Center: 9 p.m. Celebration begins at 12 a.m. with a parade, followed by food, rides, games and entertainment in Mira Mesa Community Park. (858) 538-8122.

Mission Bay Yacht Club: 9 p.m. (858) 488-0501.

Ocean Beach Pier: 9 p.m. (619) 226-8613.

Paradise Point Resort and Spa: 9 p.m. Fireworks follow an All-American Barbecue that starts at 6 p.m. ($72 for adults; $29 for children younger than 12). (858) 274-4630.

San Diego Bay: 9 p.m. (858) 751-5755.SeaWorld: 9:30 p.m. $47-$57; parking is $10. Viewing also available along Crown Point. (800) 25-SHAMU.

EAST COUNTY

Town Center Community Park Ballfields (Santee): 9 p.m. (619) 258-4100, ext. 201.

Spring Valley Park: 9 p.m. (619) 479-1832.

NORTH COUNTY

Bradley Park (San Marcos): 9 p.m. Food and music are part of the celebration earlier in the day. Amazing Dana the Magician will perform at 6 and 7:30 p.m. (760) 744-9000 or ci.san-marcos.ca.us.

Brengle Terrace Park (Vista): 9 p.m. Daylong festivities include food, live entertainment and children's games. (760) 726-1340, ext. 1574.

Del Mar Beach (Camp Pendleton): 9 p.m. Daylong activities include music, food and games. (760) 725-2134 or mccscp.com.

Grape Day Park (Escondido): 9 p.m. Afternoon festivities, including game and food booths, music and entertainment for all ages. (760) 745-1159.

Julian: No fireworks. All-day Fridays festivities, beginning at 10 a.m., include a gunfight on Main Street, flyovers by World War II aircraft, a parade at noon, horses, a quilt show and a deep-pit barbecue. (760) 765-1857.

Legoland: 8:30 p.m. Regular park admission applies, though non-park guests are welcome to view fireworks from the parking lot for $2 after 7 p.m. $49.95-$59.95. (760) 918-5346.

Oceanside Pier: 9 p.m. The O'Fest Carnival on the strand includes a lineup of live music at the Oceanside Pier Amphitheater, 2 to 9 p.m. (760) 754-4512 or msoceanside.com.

Olive Pierce Middle School (Ramona): 9 p.m. Grounds open at 5 p.m. for town picnic including food booths and games for the whole family. 760-789-1311.

San Diego County Fair (Del Mar Fairgrounds): 9 p.m. A 7:30 p.m. performance by the Navy Band Southwest will be followed by fireworks and a concert by KC & the Sunshine Band. The show is free with fair admission for unreserved seats on the third and fifth levels, and for the standing area in front of the stage. $6-$12; parking is $9. (858) 755-1161.

SOUTH BAY

Kimball Park (National City): 9 p.m. The National City Community Concert Band will play during the fireworks. Carnival rides, games and food booths will be open at various times from July 2-6. A parade will be held July 5 at 6 p.m. (619) 336-4290.

Listings compiled by Gwen Jackson, Jason Ilgenfritz and Marcia Manna, Union-Tribune

Things to do in San Diego

Here are some fun things to do with the family this summer. Do you have something to add to this list? Send me your ideas.

1. Gather up the kids and go to the Children's Museum (619) 233-8792
2. Go wild at the San Diego Zoo (619) 234-3153
3. Enjoy the Stephen Birch Aquarium Museum (858) 534-3474
4. Visit your favorite orca at Sea World www.seaworld.com
5. Get soaked at Knott's Soak City (858) 674-2270
6. Build something great at Legoland www.lego.com
7. Check out the "new" ballpark and support the Padres (619) 795-5000
8. Have a ball at a Chargers game (858) 874-4500
9. Go on Safari at the Wild Animal Park (619) 231-1515
10. Find your inner scientist at the Rueban H Fleet Science Center (619) 238-1233
11. Satisfy your need for speed at Miramar Speed Circuit (858) 586-7500
12. Experiment at San Diego's Children Museum (760) 720-0737
13. Hurry, don't forget the San Diego Fair www.sdfair.com
14. Have a picnic at San Dieguito Park (858) 565-3600
15. Go old school at the San Diego Natural History Museum (619) 232-3821
16. Go for a ride at Belmont Park in Mission Beach (858) 228-9283

This is just a start of fun things to do this summer. More will be added to this list. Have a great summer!

Before you Head To The Beach

Although yesterday it was cold and cloudy, we are heading into summer and for many that means heading to San Diego's beautiful beaches. Before you go, take some time to read the article below. You can never be too safe.



By Kathy Van Mullekom

RISMEDIA, June 5, 2008-(MCT)-You’re all set for a day at the beach or on the boat. Snacks and beverages are packed, towels are tucked into your tote bag and you’ve got sunglasses and a book or two to browse.

Is your protective sunscreen in there, too? Hopefully it is. Your skin is something you really want to protect from sunburn even moderate tanning.

“There is no such thing as a `healthy tan,’” says Leslie Coker, a dermatologist and the mother of a 2-year-old daughter in Hampton, Va. “Tanning of the skin is a result of ultraviolet ray damage to the DNA of your skin cell. Sun damage is cumulative. A golden tan while you are young could mean skin cancer and a leathery hide when you are middle aged.”

Q. What makes a good sunscreen and how should you use it?
A. Look for a broad-spectrum sunscreen-one that blocks UVA and UVB rays—with a SPF of 15 or more. Remember that waterproof sunscreens protect up to 80 minutes in the water, while water-resistant ones are good for only 40 minutes. As for makeup with sunscreen, the more the better.

Q. What protection do kids need?
A. They need sun-protective clothing and swimsuits, hats and sunscreens. Zinc- and titanium-based sunscreens are best for kids and adults with sensitive skin. Spray sunscreens make life easier but need to be used liberally.

Q. What’s your opinion on tanning lotions?
A. I like them. They are safe but still a little messy.

Q. How does being on the beach or in a boat change what the sun does to your skin?
A. You are getting direct sunlight plus you’re exposed to reflective rays off the water. Sweating and swimming rinses sunscreen off so reapplying it is important. Unfortunately, reapplication on sandy or wet skin is tough. Go for sun-protective clothing for large body areas. Wind breaks down the outer protective layer of skin and this magnifies sun damage; lube up with a heavy sunscreen and wear a hat.

Q. What are the visible signs of sun damage to skin?
A. Age spots, freckles, wrinkles and fine superficial blood vessels are the typical signs. Ultra violet rays also accelerate the breakdown of collagen and elastin, causing the skin to become thin and not as elastic.

Q. Do people use too much sunscreen, at the risk of not getting enough Vitamin D from the sun?
A. Most people get adequate amounts of sun exposure with daily activities like getting your mail or walking to and from your car. For anyone who never sees the light of day, Vitamin D deficiency is possible. Women and men with a personal or family history of osteoporosis should have their Vitamin D levels checked.

Q. What is good and bad for skin in general?
A. Many people over wash. The skin is a barrier that prevents moisture loss and protects us from infection, etc. Detergents and scrubbing, as in exfoliating, is so popular and, in most cases, I find it detrimental. Smooth pink skin exfoliated or raw skin is not healthy. I recommend using soap in body folds but discourage my patients from lathering up their entire body. A thin layer of petroleum jelly on wet skin traps moisture and when used correctly leaves skin soft and smooth.

Q. What summer skin-care regimen do you follow for yourself and child?
A. I hate to name products because there are many good sunscreens available at drugstores. I like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide products (sun blockers) and I have found a very sheer product that I use first thing in the morning. Ellie and I both wear sun protective clothing and hats because even I dislike rubbing creams on my arms and trunk. Ellie and I reapply our 30+ SPF every two hours when we are outside and we always search for shade! My skin-care maintenance routine includes tretinoin cream (like Renova) alternating with topical Vitamin C serum nightly.

Summer Skin Care

Wear your sunscreen. Find a sunscreen you like. If something is thick, stinky or sticky, you are less likely to use it frequently. One to two ounces of sunscreen, about the size of a golf ball, covers your body and needs to be reapplied every two to four hours. So, obviously, one tube of sunscreen shouldn’t last much more than a weekend at the beach.

Also, overcast days provide plenty of harmful rays so remember your sunscreen when it’s cloudy outdoors.

Protect your lips and ears. Skin cancers in these areas are often aggressive so wear a hat over your ears and/or use sunscreen on these vulnerable parts.

Seek shade. Cover up with clothing. A typical cotton T-shirt only provides protection equal to about an SPF 15 sunscreen and when wet, it can drop to an SPF of 8. Sun-protective clothing is ideal if you dislike lathering up with lotion especially great for kids who won’t stand still as well as athletes and outdoorsmen. Some of these fabrics are as light as tissue paper and provide optimal ventilation.

Learn to perform a good skin exam. It’s like doing a tick check; look for anything that appears out of place. Learn the warning signs for melanoma, as well as basal or squamous cell skin cancers; Google or go to the Website www.aiderm.com for photos.

Schedule checkups. Get a baseline exam by a dermatologist to ensure your skin stays healthy.

- Dermatologist Leslie Coker of Hampton, Va.

© 2008, Daily Press (Newport News, Va.).
Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.

El Cajon Concerts on the Green Schedule

Are you looking for something fun to do on a warm summer night? Consider the El Cajon Concerts on the Greens series. See below for the schedule. See you there!


Presented by Sycuan Resort & Casino

FREE on Friday Evenings
May 23 - September 5, 2008
6:00 - 8:00 pm
Prescott Promenade


2008 Schedule
May 23
The Stiletto's Rockabilly

May 30
Stars on the Water Tropical Rock

June 6
Eve Selis Roadhouse Rock

June 13
Sue Palmer Boogie Woogie

June 20
Breez’n Variety

June 27
The Cathryn Beeks Ordeal Rock

July 11
The Cat-illacs Rock & Roll

July 18
Theo & the Zydeco Patrol Zydeco

July 25
The Screamin' Primas A Tribute to Louis Prima

August 1
The Hayriders Country

August 8
The Corvettes Doo Wop and Motown

August 15
Bill Magee Blues

August 22
The Coolrays Beach Boys Tribute Band

August 29
The Variations Big Band

September 5
The Mar Dels Dance

* Schedule Subject to change