Sign up for our E-Mailer! (A bi-monthly newsletter with local Happenings) Weather Forecast | Weather Maps | Weather Radar RECEIVE DAILY VC POSTINGS & ALERTS! Click to LIKE US now!    COME FOR A WEEK OR STAY FOR THE SUMMER!    Register Today At the Boys & Girls Clubs Serving Valley Center!   We will be offering our popular, fun and affordable Ultimate Summer Camp from June 14-August 20 at the Bronner Family Branch located at 28751 Cole Grade Rd.   The FUN begins June 14 with a variety of Theme Weeks including...Game On-Game Shows, Go Green-Environment, Survivor-Challenges, Mad Scientist-Science, Star Spangled Banner-Patriotism, Super Heroes-Heroes, Pirate Invasion-Pirates, Olympic Games-Sports, Wet and Wild-Water Activities and Can't Stop the Beat-Music and Dance.  Each full week of day camp includes a field trip to a fun location. Activities include contests & games, arts & crafts, fitness, computers, friends, fun and more!   Summer Camp Fees are very affordable at $99 per week for the first child and a 20% discount for each additional child. We do offer scholarships for those who qualify.  A one-time membership fee of $70, which includes a summer camp t-shirt & club membership valid through June 30, 2014, is required.   SPACE IS LIMITED, DON'T MISS OUT! Stop by, call 760.749.9822, email to rbimer@SDYouth.org  or visit SDYouth.org/VCH.aspx for more information.              Joe's Country Feed and Pet   It has been just a little more than six months since we moved to our new location at 27847 Valley Center Road and we are, for the most part, settled in. We do continue, however, to rearrange and fine tune product displays to achieve the most optimum layout for convenient shopping. We are in the process of expanding our live animal displays right outside the back of the store, which presently include rabbits, cockatiels, parakeets, button quail, finch, and roosters. Inside, our poultry brooders are in full swing with a changing selection of chicks, turkeys and waterfowl. The kitten "condo" toward the front of the store is beginning to see a lot of activity now that kitten season is here! One can still adopt a sweet little "feline" for the price of a bag of kitten food as has been our tradition during the past twelve years. Our newest venture has been the addition of the COUNTRY GIFT SHOP right inside the feed store. We offer western style purses, hats, jewelry, ladies T shirts, country home décor, cards, gifts, Wrangler jeans and much more! Our inventory is continuing to expand to meet the needs of our customers. As for the feed store and gift shop, we sincerely welcome and invite our customers' suggestions regarding products to bring in and ideas of how we can better serve them. Also, you can now follow us on Facebook. With all that said, our greatest desire as a business, and as individuals, is to GLORIFY GOD in the way we serve and care for the needs of all our customers.   Many blessings, Joe and Jenni Villalobos Visit, https://www.facebook.com/pages/Joes-Country-Feed-and-Pet/473169716088577?fref=tck for more details!

Valley Center  Headlines & Happenings   Paid Advertiser Fiddler On The Roof Opens This Week at Ridgeview Church    The Ridgeview Players and The Valley Center Orchestra presents “Fiddler on the Roof” a fun and interesting story that speaks to the current issues of our lives. Through memorable songs, engaging dialogue and a stimulating storyline “Fiddler” tells the story of Tevye (played by Brandon Cesmat) and Golde (Karen Johnson) as they raise their daughters in a changing world where traditions and moral values are up for grabs.  The script is filled with magical and whimsical moments that will trick you into a smile even as it explores social upheaval, prejudice and societal change. Unexpected lessons emerge about human affection, contentment, conflict and authenticity with God.   This timeless and immensely popular production was written by Jerry Bock and enjoyed a record breaking 10-year run on Broadway winning nine Tony Awards. Since its initial run “Fiddler” has had four Broadway revivals and a film adaptation that was nominated for eight Academy Awards.   The Ridgeview Players and Valley Center Orchestra co-production of Fiddler on the Roof features the local cast of Brandon Cesmat; Karen Johnson; Jack Delessio; Robert Coe; Jon and McKenna Barron; Jay, Taylor and Laine West; Don, Kathy, Jessica, Jeffrey and Michael Yarush; Sharon and Lauren Trok; Dave, Sassy, McKenna and Hanna Montross; Marcia Wallin; Violet Meyers; and India Parks.  The play is directed by Toni Montross.  The Valley Center Orchestra features 26 local musicians and is directed by Matthew Owensby. It’s a Great Story with Great Music and a Great Cast… A Great Time for the Whole Family!   The show will be performed at 6:30 P.M. on May 17, 18, 24 and 26.  Matinee performances will happen on May 19 and 26 at 2:00 P.M.  All performances will be held in the Ridgeview Church and Preschool auditorium at 28094 N. Lake Wohlford Rd., Valley Center.  The entrance is one driveway south of the Valley Center Middle School.  Tickets are $10.  In the memory of Youth Pastor Collin Barnes, the proceeds of this event will benefit the youth of Valley Center. Popular Actors Team Up Again In The Pajama Game Valley Center’s Maxine Theatre crackled with energy and excitement last summer when Kristin Collins and Fred Gaines Jr. performed together as Annie Oakley and Frank Butler in the Valley Center Community Theater (VCCT) production of Irving Berlin’s Annie Get Your Gun. As the two squabbling and thoroughly lovesick sharpshooters, Collins and Gaines possessed an on-stage musical chemistry in Annie that audiences couldn’t resist and wanted to see more of.  Now the popular pair is together again at the Maxine, singing and dancing in the VCCT musical revival of The Pajama Game. A huge hit on Broadway, The Pajama Game takes place in a pajama factory where the workers and their union are about to go on strike against management over a 71/2 cent raise. Collins plays the part of ‘Gladys,’ a prim factory assistant who turns outrageously funny when she finally lets loose with the now classic songs, “Steam Heat” and “Hernando’s Hideaway.” Gaines is cast as ‘Prez,’ the head of the local union who is more interested in chasing skirts than negotiating raises. When he gets Gladys in his sights, Gaines and Collins bring their special stage magic out in full force with their hilarious duet, “Her is.” Collins and Gaines each took their own journeys that lead them to perform at the Maxine, Theatre, with several unexpected twists that came along the way. Collins has always wanted to perform. She acted in her first show in San Diego at the age of four when she played one of the royal children in The King and I. A year later, she was one of the youngest performers ever to sing the National Anthem at the Del Mar Fair. At age six Collins and her family moved to Valley Center. “We found it to be a great place to live,” said Collins. “But there was one big problem. Valley Center had no community theater then.” Even without a local theater Collins continued to develop her performance skills. For several years she took lessons at Anne’s School of Dance. Collins spent another eight years teaching drama at a summer camp in Idyllwild for inner city kids.  When Valley Center Community Theater formed in 2006, Collins auditioned for the theater group’s debut show, The Sound of Music. “I played one of the nuns,” said Collins. “I must have made quite an impression. They forgot to include my name in the show’s program!” Collins kept working as an actress, playing a variety of different roles including the Cheshire Cat in Alice in Wonderland. Then Collins was given her star turn as Annie Oakley. She did not disappoint. “I always loved Annie and wanted so much to play her,” said Collins, recalling the performance that earned her rave reviews. “And, of course, the bonus for me was also getting to work with Fred.” Like Collins, Gaines had been in love with theater from an early age. But it took him twenty years to realize just how much he really loved performing. Gaines spent most of his school years acting in musicals. But when it came time for college he chose a different path. “I eventually made a career in labor relations,” said Gaines. “Which goes along well with my character as a union president in The Pajama Game. After two decades of being away from theatre, Gaines rekindled his love for performing. He read about an audition for Annie Get Your Gun in Valley Center and decided to try out. “It was wonderful to be acting and singing again,” recalled Gaines. “But the amazing part was that I got cast as Frank Butler, the lead male role.” Gaines’ long journey back to theater has brought him to VCCT and The Pajama Game and he couldn’t be happier, although now there is a very different journey he must take, almost daily. “I live near the Beach,” said Gaines, laughing. “It’s quite a trip commuting up to Valley Center for rehearsals and performances.” Gaines hopes to eventually move to Valley Center so that he can continue to work with VCCT. If that should happen, Valley Center audiences can look forward to many more performances with Collins and Gaines at the Maxine Theatre. The Valley Center Community Theater production of The Pajama Game continues this weekend at the Maxine Theatre. Show times are 2:00pm and 7:00pm on Saturday, May 18 and at 2:30pm on Sunday, May 19. Tickets are $13.00 and will be on sale at the door of the Maxine before each performance. VCHS Dance Ensemble Presents “Next Steps” Dance Concert Nearly 150 dancers will be featured in the Valley Center High School Dance Program’s annual Dance Concert “NEXT STEPS,” at the end of May at the Maxine Theater. Performances are scheduled for Thursday, May 30th at 6:30 p.m., Friday, May 31st at 6:30 p.m., Saturday, June 1st at 1:30 p.m. and Saturday, June 1st at 6:30 p.m.  Tickets are on sale now for $12 each and can be purchased at the door or online at http://maxine.vcpusd.net.  Proceeds benefit the student dance program.  The Maxine Theater is located at 31322 Cole grade Road in Valley Center.  Box Office opens one hour before show times. More than 145 dancers will perform 24 pieces originally choreographed by the students, guest choreographers and Carli Morasco, VCHS Dance Director.  The eight senior dancers will showcase their completely choreographed pieces.  Dances performed will be a mixture of Jazz, Tap, Contemporary, Hip-Hop and a little bit of Character. “The concert theme is 'Next Steps,' as the dancers have been focusing on establishing and working towards accomplishing their goals in a series of steps.” said Mrs. Morasco.  “These goals are not only created in relationship to their dance moves and abilities, but to their future hopes and dreams.  I encourage our community to come out and support this performance.  The students have been working hard all year to create and perfect each number.” The Dance Program produces these yearly shows not only to create great entertainment, but also to showcase their talented performers.  Sales from tickets and program advertising are used to raise the money needed to purchase costumes and props for future performances.  They continue to work hard to fundraise so that the students can have access to the art of dance in addition to their academics. For more information about the Valley Center High School Dance Program and how you can help, please email morasco.ca@vcpusd.org or call 760-751-5500.    Valley Center Lacrosse Foundation Receives Donation from Jon Rilling & Lilac Hills Ranch By: Richard Russell On Friday, April 26th, prior to the Valley Center Boys Varsity Lacrosse game, The Valley Center Lacrosse Foundation was presented with a $2500.00 donation from Jon Rilling and Lilac Hills Ranch. The Valley Center Lacrosse Foundation is a nonprofit organization created solely for the benefit of promoting the sport of lacrosse for boys and girls to play in Valley Center. High school and youth lacrosse programs are entirely self funded through the community. Jon Rilling and Lilac Hills Ranch donation will go to support the growing Lacrosse programs for the boys and girls in our community. Without these donations, Valley Center Lacrosse would not exist. Thank you to Jon Rilling and Lilac Hills Ranch for the kind donation to support boys and girls Lacrosse in Valley Center.   VCHS 2013 Grad Nite In Progress      Grad night is June 13 for all the 2013 VCHS graduates. It is from 9pm-5am, meeting and ending at the gym.  Tickets can be purchased at the VCHS cashier window for $70.  We are still fundraising and gladly will accept donations for raffle items for the graduates. Please contact Colleen Murphy for more information 760-855-2510.     The Valley Center Trails Association is Hosting Three Upcoming Hikes     The first hike will be a one-hour hike on private property in the beautiful West Lilac area on Saturday, May 18 at 9:00 AM.  Join us for spectacular views, spring vegetation and a waterfall.  We are limited to 50 hikers so registration is required.  Contact Steve Jacobs at 760.214.8017 or stevetjacobs@sbcglobal.net to make your reservations, details and directions.      Mark your calendar for Saturday, June 8. We will be returning by popular demand to the Stone House on Keys Creek.  If you have not made this short hike, do not miss this opportunity to visit a beautiful Valley Center landmark.     Saturday, June 22 will take us on a hike on the historic Rancho Lilac.  The ranch house hosted the team that drafted much of the United Nations Charter following WWII.  We are planning for a representative of the Valley Center Historical Society to be with us for details of the history.  This beautiful 900 acres has been purchased by Caltrans as mitigation land and will be forever open space.  Details of our hike are still pending.      We are hoping to be able to provide a trail ride for equestrians and a ride for mountain bikers but as of this writing we are not certain because the property is still a working cattle ranch.Check our website at VCTrails.org for details and pictures of previous hikes.Don’t forget the GPS training workshop schedule for Saturday, July 20 from 2 to 4 PM at the Valley Center Library. VCHS 2013 Grad Nite In Progress      Grad night is June 13 for all the 2013 VCHS graduates. It is from 9pm-5am, meeting and ending at the gym.  Tickets can be purchased at the VCHS cashier window for $70.  We are still fundraising and gladly will accept donations for raffle items for the graduates. Please contact Colleen Murphy for more information 760-855-2510.     The Valley Center Trails Association is Hosting Three Upcoming Hikes     The first hike will be a one-hour hike on private property in the beautiful West Lilac area on Saturday, May 18 at 9:00 AM.  Join us for spectacular views, spring vegetation and a waterfall.  We are limited to 50 hikers so registration is required.  Contact Steve Jacobs at 760.214.8017 or stevetjacobs@sbcglobal.net to make your reservations, details and directions.      Mark your calendar for Saturday, June 8. We will be returning by popular demand to the Stone House on Keys Creek.  If you have not made this short hike, do not miss this opportunity to visit a beautiful Valley Center landmark.     Saturday, June 22 will take us on a hike on the historic Rancho Lilac.  The ranch house hosted the team that drafted much of the United Nations Charter following WWII.  We are planning for a representative of the Valley Center Historical Society to be with us for details of the history.  This beautiful 900 acres has been purchased by Caltrans as mitigation land and will be forever open space.  Details of our hike are still pending.      We are hoping to be able to provide a trail ride for equestrians and a ride for mountain bikers but as of this writing we are not certain because the property is still a working cattle ranch.Check our website at VCTrails.org for details and pictures of previous hikes.Don’t forget the GPS training workshop schedule for Saturday, July 20 from 2 to 4 PM at the Valley Center Library.  Two Nutrients Proven to Protect Heart Health By: Dr. John Maher Researchers at the Harbor UCLA Medical Center in Torrance, California wanted to study the effect of two supplements on arterial elasticity and the inner lining of arteries, called the endothelium. In the small arteries that are closest to the cells it is the health of the endothelium that determines blood flow. As the endothelial function decreases, it deprives the cells of blood.      Both arterial elasticity and endothelial function get worse as we get older. The researchers found that, "The combination of aged garlic extract (300 mg) and CoQ10 (30mg) was independently associated with significant beneficial effects on arterial elasticity and endothelial function in firefighters with high occupational stress...      "If you have high blood pressure, are in a high-stress job, have heart disease, or for some other reason are at risk for heart disease, you should take note of this study, especially as both of these supplements are also known to significantly reduce blood pressure. Of course every person is different. There are many other factors to consider as well in determining the best diet,  exercise, nutrients and herbs in every case. If you already have high cholesterol, blood pressure, blood sugar or a history of stroke or heart disease, it is best to consult a doctor well versed in alternative, holistic or complimentary medicine.     Valley Center Chiropractic & Holistic Care at The Path to Wellness Spa 28547 Sunset Road, Valley Center, 92082 / 760-500-6253 www.valleycenterchiropractic.com VCHS 2013 Grad Nite In Progress      Grad night is June 13 for all the 2013 VCHS graduates. It is from 9pm-5am, meeting and ending at the gym.  Tickets can be purchased at the VCHS cashier window for $70.  We are still fundraising and gladly will accept donations for raffle items for the graduates. Please contact Colleen Murphy for more information 760-855-2510.     The Valley Center Trails Association is Hosting Three Upcoming Hikes     The first hike will be a one-hour hike on private property in the beautiful West Lilac area on Saturday, May 18 at 9:00 AM.  Join us for spectacular views, spring vegetation and a waterfall.  We are limited to 50 hikers so registration is required.  Contact Steve Jacobs at 760.214.8017 or stevetjacobs@sbcglobal.net to make your reservations, details and directions.      Mark your calendar for Saturday, June 8. We will be returning by popular demand to the Stone House on Keys Creek.  If you have not made this short hike, do not miss this opportunity to visit a beautiful Valley Center landmark.     Saturday, June 22 will take us on a hike on the historic Rancho Lilac.  The ranch house hosted the team that drafted much of the United Nations Charter following WWII.  We are planning for a representative of the Valley Center Historical Society to be with us for details of the history.  This beautiful 900 acres has been purchased by Caltrans as mitigation land and will be forever open space.  Details of our hike are still pending.      We are hoping to be able to provide a trail ride for equestrians and a ride for mountain bikers but as of this writing we are not certain because the property is still a working cattle ranch.Check our website at VCTrails.org for details and pictures of previous hikes.Don’t forget the GPS training workshop schedule for Saturday, July 20 from 2 to 4 PM at the Valley Center Library. Asian Citrus Psyllid Detected in Valley Center See below the notice that was sent to Valley Center residents in the area's that the Asian Citrus Psyllid was detected.  "The Asian citrus psyllid (ACP), a serious insect pest in California, has been detected in your neighborhood. The ACP is a tiny, flying insect that transmits a bacterial disease called huanglongbing (HLB) to citrus trees. Trees infected with the HLB disease produce bitter and misshapen fruit. The HLB disease is fatal to citrus trees. The ACP is a threat to California's backyard and commercially grown citrus. Emergency treatment and quarantine action is needed to protect California from the negative economic and environmental impacts the establishment of this pest throughout California would cause. The California Department of Food and Agriculture consulted with scientists who are experts in the biology of this pest. These experts have recommended a treatment plan designed to mitigate the infestation. Limited ground treatments with a formulation of a pyrethroid will be applied to the foliage of citrus trees on your property. At the same time, an imidacloprid insecticide will be applied to the soil beneath the citrus trees for ongoing protection against the ACP. Residents of properties scheduled for treatment will be notified at least 48 hours prior to the application. Included in this packet is a map outlining the project area. To inform you of planned activities, residents of the affected area are invited to attend an open house meeting on Tuesday, May 7, 2013, between 5:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. - in the Worship Center at the Valley Center Community Church in Valley Center, California. The open house will not feature a formal presentation; rather, it will be staffed by cooperating agency officials familiar with this program who will be able to individually address your concerns and answer any questions. Please feel free to stop by at any time during the scheduled 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. time frame. Your cooperation with this program is needed to rid California of this harmful invading pest while it is still possible. If you cannot attend this important meeting and require additional information, please contact our toll-free PEST HOTLINE at (800) 491-1899 for further assistance." Map of Area's Affected Solar Fun facts! Would you be surprised to find out that: by Cosmic Solar         ·         the US solar industry employs more workers than coal mining? ·         more Texans work in solar than in ranching and? ·         California has more solar workers than actors?     It’s safe to say the solar market in Southern California is really heating up. MidAmerican Energy -- a division of Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway -- is building two utility scale power projects.  These solar projects will generate enough energy to power about 160,000 average-sized California homes. As of April 2013, San Diego now has roughly 12,500 installed solar electric systems. Certainly nothing to sneeze at. What does this mean for Valley Center, you ask? As you may have noticed, Valley Center is quickly becoming one of the solar hot spots of Southern California, too. And be sure to take note -- Valley Center’s very own, Cosmic Solar, is leading this green revolution.     Cosmic Solar has installed over 100 solar systems in Valley Center alone, more than any other solar company.  We love working in Valley Center. For a town of our size, homeowners with solar have made an enormous contribution to not only the environment but also their well-being and future investments, as well. Congratulations to all Cosmic Solar alumni who have taken the exciting leap forward by installing a solar system with us. For more information or a free no-money-down quote, visit www.cosmicsolar.com or give us a call at 760-749-1111. Orchard Run Project Request Two Year Extension from the County This project is a subdivision consisting of 58 residential lots, two private open space lots, and three private street lots on a total of 20.95 acres. County of San Diego Tract No. 5087-1, known as Orchard Run, is located in Valley Center, on the north side of Mirar De Valle Road west of Valley Center Road (2009 Thomas Guide, Page 1090, D-4) The owners do not wish to construct the project and associated infrastructure at this time. A two-year extension will ensure that the responsibility for constructing needed infrastructure, such as streets, drainage and water facilities, will remain with the owner, and allow them to retain development rights on this project. This is a request to approve an amended agreement which would extend, for a period of two years, the performance completion date of the Joint Lien Contract for County of San Diego Tract No. 5087-1 (Final Map 15428) and allow the Valley Center Municipal Water District (District) to release the inspection deposit paid to the District.   VCCT Nominates President, Mona Smith for Honorary Mayor No amount is too small, all proceeds go to support VCCT’s actor’s scholarship fund which enables those who can’t afford the actors fees to participate in our productions.  Our main goal for this fund is to finally raise enough funds each year to make sure that we don’t have to charge anyone to participate in a VCCT production!  This effort supports our mission of making theater available to all in our community, fostering new involvement of those in our community who haven't been involved before and allowing the opportunity for everyone who wishes to be in a production an opportunity to do so either on stage, behind the scenes, or in the audience enjoying a great local theatrical production. Mona Smith is the President is Valley Center Community Theater and is running on the platform that “She knows how to ‘ACT’ like a mayor”! Remember to vote for VCCT, “bringing drama to VC since 2006!”    Donations equal votes for VCCT!  We are accepting donations for the Honorary Mayor’s race at Momma’s Coffeehouse, California Bank & Trust, Marsi Carr Music Studio, and El Valle Produce.  You mail also mail your donations to P.O. Box 1672, VC, 92082 or if you would like to use a credit card, please email us at vccommunitytheater@gmail.com with your phone number and we will call you to take your donation over the phone.   Valley Center High School - “2013 California Distinguished School”     Valley Center High School was named a California Distinguished School by State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson.  VCHS was one of only 218 public middle and high schools that made the 2013 California Distinguished Schools list. "These schools have gone the extra mile to provide high-quality instruction that puts their students on the right path toward career and college," Torlakson said. "Given the enormous challenges schools have faced in recent years, it is inspiring to see this kind of success in so many schools. Our future depends on meeting the needs of every student no matter where they come from or where they live." The 2013 California Distinguished Schools Program directly focuses on the right of California's students to an equitable and rigorous education, and recognizes those schools that have made progress in narrowing the academic achievement gap. To apply for Distinguished School honors, schools must meet a variety of eligibility criteria, including accountability measures. Once schools are deemed eligible, the California Department of Education (CDE) invites them to apply to be recognized as a California Distinguished School. The application process consists of a written application, which includes a comprehensive description of two of the school's signature practices, and a county-led site validation review process, which validates the implementation of those signature practices. Schools earning the Distinguished School title agree to share their signature practices with other schools and become a mentor to those seeking to replicate their work. To view the current Signature Practices Web site, please visit the Distinguished Schools Signature Practices page. Schools selected as California Distinguished Schools will be honored in May during regional award ceremonies where Torlakson will present each school with a 2013 Distinguished School plaque and flag. 4th of July Fireworks Committee is Looking for Donations By Kelly Crews     We are looking for donations again for this July 4, 2013 fireworks event at the Community Center. For permit, legal and logistical purposes we begin announcing the event up to a year in advance.  This causes difficulty for our fundraising efforts because people think we have all the money we need to logistically pull the event together.  This is not true, WE NEED YOUR HELP!  All checks need to be made out to: Fireworks for Valley Center, and mailed to: America West Bank, 355 W. Grand Ave, Escondido Ca  92025. VC Middle School TPC Board Nominates President, Martina Day for Honorary Mayor The Valley Middle School Teacher Parent Club nominated their President, Martina Day for Valley Center's 2013 Honorary Mayor. When asked why they nominated Martina they said "When you get to it and can’t do it… call Martina… she’s used to it!” So vote for the gal who can!"  Martina has been the president of the Valley Center Middle School's TPC for two years and was the past VCTPC Elementary School Site President and is the long time Chairperson of the VCPUSD TPC Halloween Carnival.  Donations can be dropped off for Martina's campaign in the office of the Valley Center Middle School, 28102 N. Lake Wholford Rd. Bee Safe This Spring  By: County News Center Springtime is when we get outside to do that yard work we’ve been thinking of all winter: trim the shrubbery, cut those weeds and deal with other landscaping needs. Springtime is also when the blooming flowers come out, and with them, the bees. It’s when encounters with bees are more likely and the best way to be safe is to avoid surprising bee swarms or nests say the experts at the San Diego County Department of Agriculture, Weights and Measures. Bees are an important part of the environment and agriculture. They pollinate flowers to produce many of the foods we eat. But as we all know, they can act in defense of their nests – to protect their young and honey – and sting us. There are two types of honey bees in San Diego: European bees and Africanized bees. European honey bees are the traditional type kept by beekeepers and are used to pollinate crops and produce honey. These are generally found in stacked white boxes found in fields or in your neighbor’s garden. European bees are the more docile domesticated bees. The swarms and nests of the wild or uncultivated bees around San Diego are mainly Africanized bees, or so-called “killer bees.” Africanized bees overtook Southern California more than a decade ago. These bees react defensively to common disturbances, especially to vibrations such as lawn equipment. They are more aggressive, attack more readily in greater numbers, and chase their target for a longer distance. Bees are not a threat when they are visiting flowers and you are back a safe distance. If you see bees flying overhead in a large group, that is a swarm and they are trying to find a new home. The swarms land and form a cluster the size of a football and may land on a sidewalk, a car, the side of a house, or a tree. Swarms are only temporary and hang around usually just a couple of days. They are generally not a threat if left alone. Hives, on the other hand, are a stationary nest of honey bees, where they raise their young and store their food – the honey. Bees are territorial around their hive and will react defensively if disturbed. Honey bees often nest in dark, quiet, protected places such as eaves, attics, trees, shrubbery, openings around pipes, chimneys, gutters and down spouts, abandoned vehicles, under the lid of compost piles, abandoned tires as well as utility boxes. You can tell it’s a hive when bees are making regular flights in and out of a main door or opening. Be more cautious around a hive especially since most wild hives in San Diego are aggressive Africanized honey bees. A honey bee swarm or nest will have a distinct buzzing sound. Loud motors of lawn equipment will mask the cautionary noises of a buzzing hive. You are at greater risk for unknowingly disturbing a hive when you are operating lawn equipment such as weed whackers, mowers or trimmers. Before you start your machinery, you may want to take a walk around the area. Listen and look for bees– from the ground level to above your head in the trees. And if you encounter a swarm or bee nest? Do not disturb the bees. Keep children and pets away. If they are disrupted already, move to a safe location. Alert your household and neighbors about the potential danger, and consider using cones or flagging tape to show where it is. Evaluate whether it is a swarm or a hive from a safe distance. If you have decided they are a swarm and are not in your way--where your kids play or in high traffic area-- it’s best to leave them alone and patiently wait for them to fly away. If you have decided it’s a hive, it’s better to act sooner than later. Don’t delay in removing it. Hives are easier and cheaper to remove when small. The removal fee for a young hive is much less than the potential costs of fixing the damage caused by a larger hive. Also, as hives grow larger with young and honey, bees are naturally more defensive, putting you or a passerby at greater risk of being stung. Contact a beekeeper, bee removal, or a pest control service and shop around for the best price.  The County and cities will remove bee hives only from public property – such as a parks, libraries, or streets. Bees are useful, but if bees interfere with you or your neighbors’ normal outdoor activities, put children or pets at risk, or are damaging property, do not feel bad for controlling them. San Diego County has no shortage of wild bees and there are plenty to go around. If you question whether it is a nest or a swarm, if they European or Africanized bees, or how to bee-proof your home, please contact the bee information hotline at 1-800-200- BEES (2337).

Click for Website Click Ad for Website Click Ad for Website Click Ad for Website Click Ad for Website Click Ad for Website Hoofs & Woofs Animal Rescue   All our animals can be seen at www.petfinder.com. Enter Hoofs and Woofs Animal Rescue, zip code 92082, and view our beautiful horses and others looking for loving forever homes.  When you find a face you would like to meet, call us and we will set up a time to come visit the ranch.     Volunteers are always welcome.  If you do not have horse experience, we will teach you.  We also welcome group visits.    Donations enable us to help animals in need. Dorothea Hoof and Woofs Animal Rescue A non profit public benefit corporation (714) 609-0799   Welcome to FalconRidge, a non-profit, humane equine organization, sanctuary, rehabilitation and training center for the horse. Nestled in the rolling foothills of North Valley Center in San Diego County, FalconRidge Ranch was founded in 2002 in order to provide the care, rehabilitation, training and temporary or permanent home to unwanted, abused, neglected or slaughter bound horses. The average number of rescued horses at any time at FalconRidge is over 50. Hundreds of horses have been saved, trained, housed, or rehomed by the equine charity in the last five years. Click here to view available horses. Nicki Branch Phone: (760) 742-0285 Email: nickbranch@aol.com   CAMP PENDLETON ANIMAL SHELTER ADOPT A PATRIOTIC POOCH OR CAT ! click to enlarge Yes, you can adopt from the Camp Pendleton Animal Shelter! The public is welcome. Come adopt a patriotic pet. We have lots to choose from! - - and we’re full. Come adopt.     All pets are spayed or neutered, vaccinated, and micro-chipped prior to adoption. Adoption fees: Dogs $110; Pit Bull & Rottweiler (and mix thereof) $50**  Cats $85 (includes test for FIV and leukemia)     Adoption Hours 7 days: Thursday - Sunday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday - Wednesday, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. by appointment.    Click Here to see more pet photos, or get directions on the website. Or call 760-725-8120