• Breakfast With Santa 2017

Another tremendous turnout for one of Wildomar's favorite yearly events. Despite some random raindrops here and there in the early going, more than 350 people filtered through Fire Station 61 for Breakfast With Santa 2017. 

Yum!

The event was co sponsored by the Rotary Club of Wildomar and the City. Also in the house were Wildomar Little League and Boy Scout Troop 332, while Kat Ellis snapped the pics with Santa.

Kip Meyer and Jaimie Benoit scrambling up some eggs.

Don't let me forget Dunkin Donuts. Not only did they bring copious amounts of their award winning coffee, but owner Mike Stout stayed for the entire event to help pour his liquid gold.

Mike Stout, Bridgette Moore, City Manager Gary Nordquist and Brittney.

There were so many people this year, that several tables were added outdoors to accommodate them.

One of the countless families that were enjoying a great morning in Wildomar.

This is an event that kids look forward to every year. 

Scarlet and Sunny... all smiles. ☺

The fire station is a great place for family photos. In addition to shots with Santa, there were plenty of other opportunities to strike a pose too.

Some small children didn't quite know how to react to the white bearded gent in red.

This "face in hole" photo prop was a favorite...
as it had several different locations throughout the morning.

Say "Cheeeeeeese"!

A couple of the helpers from EHS.

The cooking area was set up starting at 6:00am and was full of activity until the last flapjack was served at nearly 11:00am. 

Rotarian Miguel Casillas (owner of the recently reopened El Comal) helped get the cooking crew oriented before having to get back to work.

Gary Brown looks on as Kip Meyer and Miguel Casillas sort out the links.

Jon Favillo and Matt Bennett were the griddle masters.

These young volunteers were either mixing by hand or searching for shells. ☺

Dana DeJong offers up tortillas.

Below are a couple of group shots of those those that worked to make this event go smoothly... at least the ones that could be found as the morning was drawing to a close.

Let's just go with first names here... Martin, Dana, Carrie, John S, Marsha, Ben, Jaimie, Bridgette, Stewart, John W, Tim, Monica, Joseph, Allen and Paul.

City staffers and elected officials. Tim Walker, Brad Evans, Cameron Luna, Janet Morales, Sandy, Araceli Corona, Les Chapman, Marsha Swanson, Bridgette Moore, Ben Benoit and Daniel Torres.

Mayor Walker, Councilmember Swanson,
Councilmember Moore and Mayor Pro-Tem Ben Benoit.

2017 was a great year for community events in Wildomar and we're looking forward to 2018 as the city officially turns 10 years old.

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Make everything as simple as possible, but not simpler.
– Albert Einstein

Other than Simon, Wildomar Rap is as simple as it gets.

• Cops For Kids, Who Are They?

You've probably heard about Cops For Kids, but might not be sure what they do. 

I sat down with former Wildomar Chief of Police Dave Fontneau, Executive Director of the group, and learned more about them, a few days away from their biannual fund raiser at Chili's.

What started twenty years ago, by a couple of patrolmen out of the Lake Elsinore Sheriff Station, who saw a need among some in the underprivileged areas, who then went back to the station and took up a collection, bought gifts and distributed them to kids in need, while on duty, in uniform, from their marked patrol cars, has blossomed into an institution in the area: Cops For Kids. 

From that humble beginning it has grown to full 501c3 non profit, with an executive director and full board of directors (which is comprised of leaders in the community, donating their time). 

In addition to Christmas gifts, Cops For Kids operates year round and do other things including: 
     • Providing clothes for underprivileged children during back to school time.
     • Emergency housing.
     • Transportation to school.
     • There was an example given of supplying the necessary parts to repair the family automobile so that they could get their kids to school.

They also have a senior outreach program where they reach out to seniors during the holidays. People that are nearing the end of their lives with little or no family and are basically shut ins. They sing some Christmas carols, spend some time with them and provide them gifts.

The area served by Cops For Kids stretches from the unincorporated areas north of Lake Elsinore down to Wildomar. It basically mirrors the Lake Elsinore School District boundaries.

Some years they've served over a thousand kids. One year in particular they served over fifteen hundred kids. The events have been so large that they've been held at Storm Stadium in past years. It became so big that it was split into two events.

The excitement of picking out your own toy.

One is Breakfast with Santa (not to be confused with the Breakfast with Santa held at the Wildomar fire station) which is held at Lakeside High School. Typically the culinary arts department prepares the breakfast for the kids and families. 

Happy kids having a great morning.

They get a picture taken with Santa, and a chance to pick out their own gifts from what looks like a toy store, where thousands of toys are on display. 

As Santa listens attentively.

The other is for families that can't make it the breakfast, and they deliver the toys in uniform, in marked patrol vehicles, wearing Santa hats. Last year that number was around 125 homes... which often have more than one child getting gifts. 

How can you contribute?
The key ways are time, money or gifts. They accept new, unwrapped toys for kids of all ages. Specifically the need is for older children. You can also attend one of their fundraisers. *More about the next one below (Tips For Kids).

How do local kids get on the toy list?
They can be referred through their school, a community member can suggest a candidate family, and families can self refer.

All of the candidates are vetted through the board, to insure that they are truly in need. 

Their key fundraising events include Tips For Kids, which is held at Chili's in Lake Elsinore; which occurs twice a year, in May and in November. Wednesday, November 15th is the next event at Chili's. *More about the event at the end of the blog.

"Nash", the mini police car, is at the Tips For Kids event held at the Lake Elsinore Chili's.

There is an annual golf tournament that is typically held in May at the Dos Lagos Golf Club in Corona. 

Small businesses can participate through their toy drives where a collection box is placed for donations of new unwrapped toys.

The best way to get in touch with Cops For Kids is through their website at this link: Cops For Kids, they also have a facebook page you can visit, Cops For Kids FB page.

While talking to Dave Fonteneau I heard about a group of phone scammers that were claiming to be raising money for Cops For Kids in the Denver area.

Like with ALL charities, you need to make sure you're dealing with the actual representatives of the organization you're seeking to help.

 Caveat Emptor/Buyer Beware.

I've attended Tips For Kids at least four times. Though the restaurant is crowded, and there can be wait times not usual for a weekday evening, it's a fun time —especially for kids. 

They have "Star Cars" in the parking lot and I was happy to see the "Bluesmobile" there last year. They've also had Kit Car from Nightrider, the Delorean from Back to the Future among others.

Looks like Austin Powers stopped by.

One of the greatest Star Cars out there. The only cars that could top it would be the original Batmobile or Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. ☺

There are officers on horseback, a jail that you can send your friends to, even elected officials or the officers "on duty" at Chili's. 

Plenty of photo ops for the family.

These horses are so patient with people.

Smiles all around.

If there's a chance you'll be hungry for dinner on Wednesday, November 15th, and you'd be planning to eat out anyway... head over to Chili's. 

Sandi Fandrick, treasurer for Cops For Kids, got sent to the hoosegow.

Remember to bring a few extra sawbucks so that you can have a warrant served for someone's arrest... it's all in fun, and the money goes to a worthy cause. 

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Those who have the privilege to know have the duty to act.
– Albert Einstein

Wildomar Rap thanks all those that donate their time and energy to worthy causes that seek to add joy to the lives of others.

• Upcoming Events Final Quarter 2017

So many times I've heard people say, "Oh my, I only wish I'd have known about (insert name of event here), I'd have loved to have gone."

Well, here's your chance to put several events on your calendar, before they happen this go round. ☺

First up is the State of the City event. 

I've been to several of these, and though they are generally filled will fluffy happy talk, it's still good to get an assessment of where the city leaders think we stand. 

Tickets are free, but you need to get them ahead of time.

Here's the link to get tickets.

 City of Wildomar's 2017 State of the City 

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Next up on the calendar is the inaugural showing of the Scary Dairy. It's a fundraising event from the Wildomar Rotary Club. 

This will be happening on Friday and Saturday evening, October 21st and 22nd.

It'll be at Wildomar's famous DeJong's Dairy. See the flyer for more details. 

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Sunday October 22nd there will be a spaghetti dinner fundraiser for shooting victim Chelsea Romo at the Elks Lodge in Wildomar. 

There is a big window from 3pm to 8pm to come out to be part of this fundraiser. Leave the cooking and cleaning to others as you help out a local family in need.

Spaghetti is the the international food of friendship. ☺

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On Saturday October 28th, at Marna O'Brien park will be the site of Wildomar's 4th annual Trunk or Treat event. This event has really grown into a terrific community event. 

Plan on coming before dark and visiting all the candy-passer-outers. Come dressed in an original or clever costume and enter one of the contests and you might go home with a prize.

If you'd like to be one of the official "vendors" see the flyer below for details. There is no cost to sign up. It's a great way for your business or organization to meet a large swath of the community. Bring a lot of candy with you, and think of a clever way to decorate your vehicle too.

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Community Clean Up Day

Not as much fun as the other things mentioned, but for some maybe just what they've been waiting for. If you've got junk, then bring it to one of the two designated areas. 

This will be happening on Saturday morning, November 4th.

Be sure to check the conditions in the flyer before heading out... you don't really want to dress your truck up like that of the Beverly Hillbillies just to learn you showed up at the wrong location... or to mistakenly bring things on the contraband list.

Also, you'll be needing to unload your own junk, so bring a crew with you.

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Other things to consider include:

• Twin events, potluck at the VFW and a crafts fair the Elks Lodge on November 11th. The craft fair is starts at 10am and goes to about 2pm, whereas the potluck kicks off at 1pm. 

• The annual Christmas Tree Lane held at the Elks Lodge, Saturday December 2nd. 

• The annual Breakfast with Santa event that is held at Fire Station 61, on Gruwell St. 

There is no flyer made yet, but it's not too early for you to block out part of that morning to be part of one of Wildomar's most endearing and anticipated happenings.

• CERT reunion dinner, Thursday December 28th (other details to follow as we get nearer). There are many CERT alumni, but probably have lost contact after our classes were completed. 

As we've seen repeatedly this year, emergencies happen all the time, and seldom with much notice. If you've taken the CERT classes, it would be a good chance to reconnect over dinner... no cribbing on the menu. ☺

Come on out to one —or all of— these events and get a sampling of the Wildomar community in action. See you there.

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We know what we are, but know not what we may be.
– William Shakespeare

To Wildomar Rap or not to Wildomar Rap, that is the question. Nobility of suffering in the mind notwithstanding.

• Breakfast With Santa 2016

One of Wildomar's best yearly events, Breakfast With Santa, went off flawlessly once again. From the weather, to the helpers, to the attendees; one couldn't ask for more.

A look at the fire station as seen from across the street.

This event has been going on since before cityhood, and is now a joint venture between the Wildomar Rotary Club and the City of Wildomar. 

Miguel Casillas, Jaimie Benoit and Martin Haeberle cooking up some sausage and eggs.

Volunteers started arriving before the Sun came up (6:00am) to assemble the cooking area in the back part of Fire Station 61, and to set up the tables and chairs in the dining area (usually where the fire engines are parked inside).

An action shot of children having their pictures taken with Santa Claus.

Also represented at the event were WRCOG with a Christmas lights exchange (bring in your old incandescent strings and get new LED lights free), Wildomar CERT (always looking for more members) and boy scout troop 332 selling hot chocolate and mistletoe.

Breakfast consisted of scrambled eggs, sausage, pancakes (gluten free upon request), tortillas and a beverage (coffee, milk or juice).

The number of paid breakfasts were at the 375 mark, up by about 100 over last year. 

Many precious moments were had by local families.

An informal poll had most people reply that Facebook is how they heard about the event. 

You can curse Mark Zuckerberg all you want to, but people not using Facebook in the 21st century are a lot like those that refused to get a phone 100 years ago. It's how people communicate today.

The ornament painting booth was a popular activity. 

Local girl scout Marissa Hill had a table for Christmas ornament painting. It was a fundraiser in her quest for a Gold Award project (the Girl Scout version of an Eagle Scout project). I believe she is looking to put in a drinking fountain at the dog park —for both humans and canines. 

Santa getting some assistance from two of the Wildomar Queens as he dips a cookie into some Dejong's milk.

After the event I caught up with 2016 Wildomar Mayor Bridgette Moore to get her thoughts on the morning.

Bridgette
Moore

We had a great community event today. 

Served almost 400 breakfasts. We had WRCOG here doing a lights exchange. We had RTA on hand to get information for their first and last mile study, and to promote their ¢25 student fee [during the Christmas holidays] coming up. 

We also had a girl scout raising funds for her gold award. We had boy scouts raising funds for their programs, and all around it was just a really good day here in Wildomar.

It took many volunteers to make today's event go so smoothly. About half are missing from the photo above.

Today was somewhat of a first for me. 

In the three plus years I've been writing Wildomar Rap (fourth Breakfast with Santa), this is the first event I've seen all five city council members at the same community event... that counts functions like State of the City too.

That's because the usual missing fifth Beatle only has about 48 hours left in his term, and why ruin a perfect record at the 11th hour? 

Members of the Wildomar City Council, Dustin Nigg, Ben Benoit, Bridgette Moore, Marsha Swanson and Tim Walker.

☺

On that topic, Monday December 12th will be a special city council meeting. 

The agenda is brief and is just to have a swearing in of new councilmember Dustin Nigg, Bridgette Moore and a send off for outgoing councilmember Bob Cashman. 

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“My idea of Christmas, whether old-fashioned or modern, is very simple: loving others. Come to think of it, why do we have to wait for Christmas to do that?” 

― Bob Hope, 1903-2003

Wildomar Rap loved flipping flapjacks alongside Stewart Moore and Paul Bakeman. I dare say we are the new A team.

• Happy Thanksgiving 2016

I trust that all of you had a pleasant Thanksgiving this year. 
Hopefully, complete with some bird, beverage, family and football.

Though it's still going on, we at Casa de Dub Rap are having a splendid time. 

Just two middle aged people, that didn't get tangled up on the freeway, enjoying turkey, mashed potatoes, green beans, some vino and NO POLITICAL arguments (with delicate little snowflakes that can't handle reality).

I can imagine for some, it might have been a bit dicey if you have family members that insist on discussing partisan politics —even when it'll undoubtedly lead to a drunken brawl.

Gotta love SNL's Bobby Moynihan as "Drunk Uncle".

Next up is Christmas, then New Year's and then we get to start the whole shebang all over again in 2017. 

On the city calendar there are two events left. 

Breakfast with Santa, on December 10th at the fire station, and a holiday lights contest. 

Not really sure how the Christmas Lights contest works (see what I did there? I decided not to go all politically correct twice in a row). Voting starts December 20th according to the city's website.

There are three different categories

1. Traditional Entries 
2. Clark Griswold Entries
3. Best Block Entries

They seem self explanatory enough to me, but if you've forgotten who Clark Griswold is, check the video below.

Here is a link to the city's webpage about the Holiday Lights Home Decorating Contest. LINK

Breakfast With Santa is an annual event that predates cityhood

It is now a Rotary Club/City sponsored event. If you haven't been to it before it's ideal for kids of all ages. (Don't you just hate that old cliche? Tough, I'm using it anyway! ☺)

There you'll find scrambled eggs, pancakes, sausage, hot chocolate, coffee, pictures with Santa, fire trucks and other things that are still in the works. 

The price is $5 for adults and $3 for kids 

Now that I'm a member of the Wildomar Rotary Club I thought I'd donate my time to making a promotional video for the event. 

Take a look at how well Mayor Bridgette Moore pegged her lines.  Though she did wear a bit of green in her scarf which got keyed out during production. You probably can't see if you are viewing it on a phone, but on a full size screen you can see the green sleigh and blue sky shining through her. 

The hills at the bottom of the scene are from an old photo taken by David A. Brown himself. They are the ones you see on the east side of the freeway not too far from the Baxter offramp. 

Below is a look at a production still during editing.

On the left is the Mayor in front of the green screen, and on the right what it looked like after I'd keyed out the green and added the effects. 

The program is Adobe Creative Suite 6. None of that nasty Creative Cloud garbage that Adobe is pushing these days for me.

There is actually another event that is happening in December too. It's a retirement party for our Chief of Wildomar police, Captain Leonard Hollingsworth. He's been top notch and has set the bar pretty high for his successor. 

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My mom makes something called green pie, which I thought was a delicacy that many people only had at Thanksgiving, but it turns out it was just Jell-O with whipped cream on it. And it's delicious.

— Bobby Moynihan

Wildomar Rap isn't a fan of green pie or turkey jello, but is a big proponent of live and let live, so dig into your favorite food and have a Happy Thanksgiving no matter how profound our differences may be.