Daley Ranch Hike Offered

The City of San Marcos Community Services Department will be sponsoring the second in a series of winter interpretive hikes at the 3,058 acre Daley Ranch Preserve on Saturday, March 5, 2005, at 9:00 a.m. Hikers will divide into a moderate three-mile interpretive group and a more difficult six mile group. Both groups will hike near the historic Daley Ranch House.

DIRECTIONS: From Highway 15, take El Norte Parkway east about 3 miles. Turn left on La Honda Drive (look for Daley Ranch and Lake Dixon signs). Go one mile north to Daley Ranch parking area near Lake Dixon entrance.

Sign-in at the meeting location; no advanced reservations are necessary.  An adult must accompany all minors.  Participants should bring binoculars, water, trail snacks and/or a lunch.  Walking shoes are recommended. All dogs must remain leashed while in the preserve.  For further information on the hikes or the City of San Marcos trails, please call 744-9000 x 3505 or 3508.

School Location

Choices Abandoned

It was down to two locations and then dropped to zero locations for a new comprehensive high school as trustees for the Escondido Union High School District continue to wrestle with a problem that has faced them for almost two years.

Left in the running were Del Dios/Dorn, an 80 acre parcel at Del Dios Highway and Via Rancho Parkway and Mountain Meadow Road, off of Centre City Parkway, est of I-15, and is about 60 acres. 

There had been fierce opposition to the Del Dios site by neighbors who claim the traffic and environmental issues are overwhelming.  The Mountain Meadow Road location is surrounded by several families and a nursery business.

The high school district board room was jammed Tuesday evening with hundreds of people.  At press time no final decision had been made other than to narrow the list to the two locations above.  The meeting finally adjourned at 12:25am, long after all media had left due to press deadlines.  However, before the meeting ended trustees had decided to reject all sites.

Hawthorne Machinery

To Host Contractors & Truckers Fair at

Sports Arena

Hawthorne Machinery Company will host a Contractors and Truckers Technology Fair in the parking lot of the San Diego Sports Arena on Saturday, February 19. Admission is free.

 The event, from 2:30 to 7 pm, will feature a walk through display of the latest in engine technology, showcasing Caterpillar's advanced combustion emission technology (ACERT), as well as the latest in improved air system management, advanced fuel systems, progressive engine electronics, and effective after-treatment for engines. 

Proceeds from a late afternoon barbecue, served out of Hawthorne's BBQ truck, will benefit   The Leg-Up Ranch, a Ramona-based non-profit organization dedicated to inspiring children and their families afflicted with life-threatening illnesses.

2005 Doggie Dash To Benefit Escondido Humane Society                                                                                                                                                      

More than 2,000 runners, many along with their canine companions, are expected at the Escondido Humane Society's (EHS) 2005 Doggie Dash, beginning at 8 a.m. Sunday, March 13, at Kit Carson Park in Escondido.

This will be the sixth annual Doggie Dash, and last year, the event raised $66,000 for the Humane Society through sponsorships, vendor exhibits and pledges raised by the competitors. More than 200 volunteers are helping plan and stage the Doggie Dash. If you'd like to join in the fun, call the Humane Society at 760-888-2240.      

The morning's races include a competitive 5K run, a 5K run with dogs, and a 5K walk and one-mile walk, with or without dogs. Breakfast will be available before the races begin. Parking is free at the Westfield Shoppingtown North County, just across the street from Kit Carson Park, courtesy of Westfield Shoppingtown.

"With all of the different activities this year, we are looking for a terrific turnout," said Gary Neiger, vice president-development for the EHS. The Dash is very accessible from I-15 and we're expecting participants from all over the county and beyond.

"In addition to the runs, walks and vendor exhibits, there will be breakfast, refreshments and raffles," Neiger said.

Registration fees are $20 prior to Feb. 14 and $25 thereafter.  Registration on the day of the event is $28.  Those who register on or before Feb. 14 will be entered in a drawing on race day for a two-night stay for two at a luxury resort.  Check-in and same-day registration begin at 6:30 a.m., March 13.

Song Stylist

Ossie Arciniega

To Entertain His Fellow

Rotarians At Fund Raiser

Peruvian song-stylist Ossie Arciniega will bring his smooth romantic style and infectious smile to the musical festivities as the Escondido Rotary Club sponsors its Second Annual Coeur de Cuisine on Sunday, February 27, in the salons of the California Center for the Arts, Escondido. Mr. Arciniega, who joined the Escondido Rotary Club three years ago, has been a featured performer at several local venues, including First Night Escondido.

Ossie Arciniega

Last year, in its inaugural event, musical entertainment and the other venues netted over $70,000.  Over 30 restaurants and twelve wineries will participate in the gala celebration again this year as Rotary celebrates its 100th anniversary.