• Wildomar Birthday Bash 2019

A fun evening at Marna O'Brien park to celebrate the 11th year of Wildomar's incorporation as a city. It was estimated that 500 people cycled in and out of the park between 6pm and 10pm.

Caption contest time:
"Daddy, we're on camera." "I know son, just act cool and he'll go away in a minute"

© Richard Deskin

There were vendors, exhibitors, our new police motorcycle along with Officer Hansen, a car show, a beer and wine garden and Wildomar's favorite band: Cougrzz Rock.

Once the sun started to set, the crowd grew larger and larger.

This was my first Wildomar birthday event as a council member, and I didn't have the opportunity to take many pictures like I would have in the past. Aloha Photography, run by Wildomartini Richard Deskin, lent me some of his snaps to share here. 

A look at the front of vendor row.
© Richard Deskin

Lake Elsinore Storm's Thunder was on hand. He stopped by Pack 332 for a photo op.
© Richard Deskin

Classic as classic can be.
© Richard Deskin

Taking it all in.
© Richard Deskin

Getting in a little cardio.
© Richard Deskin

Mayor Pro-Tem Dustin Nigg and Councilwoman Bridgette Moore declare best in [car] show.
© Richard Deskin

Grace Richardson of Cougrzz Rock in mid song.
© Richard Deskin

Billy's Trike. It was even more fun once it was dark and the lights came on.
© Richard Deskin

Keith Jared of TapSnap was busy helping families make memories.

TapSnap took a great pic of our Wildomar PD. Chief Lujan is in the front.

It was an enjoyable time, and I was glad to meet so many great people from Wildomar. 

I'm also learning that if I've only met a person once or twice, there's a good chance I'll not recognize them if they're wearing sunglasses. Sorry about that... about half a dozen times.☺

Posing with Myrna, a coworker of my wife.

We're midway through the year and there are still plenty of park events left for you to attend. If you're not already signed up for city email alerts, be sure to follow the link below and do so. That way you'll always be informed of things going on in town, including park events.

USE THIS LINK

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Human knowledge has doubled in the last fifty years and will double again in the next twenty. Yet along the way there is much that we have forgotten we might well have done to remember.
– EG Marshall, CBSRMT 1977

Wildomar Rap's knowledge has far more than doubled in the last fifty years, it's probably even tripled. Then again, being 54, I'm not sure if that's saying much.

This blog was produced for viewing on a desktop or a laptop. Though it's been optimized for smartphones, the formatting can look odd on a smartphone or if you get this delivered through email (such as missing video links). Link to proper format.

• The City of Wildomar Turns 10

The city threw a big 10th Birthday bash at Marna O'Brien park, and the attendees enjoyed their time at the celebration.

All three skydivers came in, hitting their marks, as they wowed those in attendance.

In years past, I had the chance to roam all over the park, trying to be in the right place at the right time, to get the best photos possible of the key moments, but this year I had a booth and was not able to roam around getting such shots. 

On the left, under the Edward Jones canopy, is the very affable Allen Montemagno. The nondescript blue canopy to the right is where team "Joseph Morabito for City Council" was set up. Twin Honda Fits parked on a city baseball field isn't something you see everyday.

Normally park event write ups are photo driven. But I only took about 2 photos this time (you've already seen them above ☺). So I'll just give a brief recap.

I give the city an A for planning, effort and execution. 

They planned out a fun late-afternoon that didn't end until 10pm. There were plenty of vendors, many run by local people, a ton of things for kids to do, two musical acts and after the sun went down, a laser show.

Over at the city booth, you could pick up a smartly designed brochure touting the city and community of Wildomar. If you didn't get one, contact city hall and see if there are still some available.

I was set up around the first base dugout on the southernmost ballfield. There were only a smattering of people the first 90 minutes or so (it was still nearly 100 degrees until past 5pm), and most people didn't even arrive until after 6:30pm from my vantage point.

Some vendors got to the park as early as 1:30 in the afternoon and the Summer Sun was relentless at times... people that stopped by the Edward Jones booth were offered a free bottle of water to stay hydrated (aren't I glad I was set up next door ☺). 

Like the brochure above, this special pin was available at the city booth. It was first shown at the previous city council meeting while cake was being served. This one is staying in the plastic so that my heirs, in 2118, will be able to sell it on ebay for $10. ☺

Even though the hours between 4pm and 6pm had sparse attendance, I still had a chance to talk to many people before the event was over. 

I'd say that 85% were from Wildomar, with one family coming in from Moreno Valley, because nothing was happening in their area according to the mom of the group.

Of the people in town, I'd say that it was evenly distributed from which part of the city they call home. I made a habit of asking how they heard about the event and I got replies that included: email, facebook, knowing Bridgette Moore, and driving by.

Suggestions for the next birthday celebration

After talking with attendees and vendors, I came up with a couple of suggestions.
1: Change the start time from 4pm to 6pm
2: Do an "Alice in Wonderland" un-birthday party in March, and heat won't be an issue.
3: I heard that the town itslef was established in November, so the second Saturday in November could work. Far enough away from Halloween, and still before Thanksgiving, but close enough to Christmas that there could be more interest in vendors with crafts. 

All in all, it was a great evening. I can't blame the organizers for people choosing to stay home, it was hot until the Sun was mostly set... but in the end, they're the ones that missed out.

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Imagine just one birthday every year. Ah, but there are 364 unbirthdays!
– Mad Hatter

Imagine just one Wildomar Rap every year... in your dreams!  ☺

This blog was produced for viewing on a desktop or a laptop. Though it's been optimized for smartphones, the formatting can look odd on a smartphone or if you get this delivered through email (such as missing video links). Link to proper format.

• Concert in the Park September 2017

What do you get when you mix great music with family and friends, a Rotary Club beer garden and an unexpected soupçon of rain?

There were people dancing in front of the stage during the whole show, but nothing like the final half hour. Countless people were up there, movin' to the groove.

You get one helluva good time! ☺

This concert in the park had nearly 300 people attending, and though there was a short rain delay that prompted the attendees to seek some shelter, or go to their cars to get umbrellas, I'd say this was one of the most enjoyable evenings that Marna O'Brien park has ever seen.

Rotary to the rescue. During the light, but steady, rain many people sought shelter.

At the midway point of the show, the band announced that this was their last gig. I guess that all good things have to come to an end, and this was Arena's finale. Great job fellas, and thanks for the two shows you played in Wildomar.

Link to Arena's Facebook page.

They didn't disappoint as each of the 70's and 80's covers they played were spot on. I heard one person remark that they'd recently seen Styx at Pechanga and that Arena's versions of their songs were just as good as that of the legendary band.

The rain was coming down for at least 10 to 15 minutes. Most of the sky was clear, but that didn't prevent everything from getting wet, and almost having to see the concert cancelled. Electrical instruments don't often mix well with water. 

This was the last concert in the park for 2017, but there will be another great park event in just a couple of weeks.

Don't miss this fun event.

Astronomy Night hosted by local astronomy buff John Garrett. Be sure to come out to Marna O'Brien park for that one on Saturday, September 23rd.

A look at the new parks event sign the city recently had made.

To better keep up with park events I'd refer you to the city's facebook page, but for some inexplicable reason, they still don't have one. 

Come on city fellers, I think it's time to join the other local municipalities in 2017 and bend a knee to the curly headed dilettante named Mark Zuckerberg. 

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By all these lovely tokens September days are here, With summer's best of weather And autumn's best of cheer.
– Helen Hunt Jackson

Wildomar Rap loves the hot weather, but is ready for cool Autumn and a long cold Winter after that.

• Wildomar Turns 9 in Style

Wildomar celebrated its ninth year as a city with a big bash over at Marna O'Brien park.

There were many vendor booths, a BBQ food truck, and a beer and wine garden sponsored by the Wildomar Rotary Club. In fact, about 80% of the park was fenced off and made into a de facto beer garden. 

Thanks to the many thirsty guests, Rotary will be able to send three more high school juniors to the 3 day RYLA camp next year.

I didn't get a chance to meet the owner of this car. Maybe next time.
My dad has a blue Roadrunner in his car collection.

There was a classic car show with many great vehicles. I had to like the 1968 Roadrunner (I think that's the year) as I spent many quality years —car seat and seat belt free, from toddler to kindergartner in. Had to also like Pete Kee's 1956 blue and white Chevy - that was one clean machine. Relic VW also had a booth and a couple of cars there.

People faced the flag as Jessi Talyor sang the National Anthem.
I've heard her sing it three times now, and every time she has made
great strides with her poise, confidence and performance.

At 6:00pm, still pretty hot outside, a crowd formed around a ribbon cutting in the parking lot, under the water tower. Eagle Scout candidate, Alec Vicnaire of troop 2011, was about to see his project dedicated to the city. 

A peek at the finished project on the left,
and the plaque on the west side of the boulder on the left.

His project involved removing old stones from under the water tower, replacing them with bark after leveling the area, and creating two DG paths to make getting from the parking lot to the grassy areas easier. 

A look at the plaque that is on the east side of the rock.
Commemorating the reopening of the parks that took place back in 2014.

Alec Vicnaire getting ready to cut the ribbon with his pocket knife. 
In the foreground, arm around his daughter, is District 2's city council representative
Dustin Nigg, and on the far right in pink is District 4's Bridgette Moore.

There were two bands that really rocked the house. One that played various covers called Big Truth, and another that was a Fleetwood Mac tribute band called Little Lies. Kudos to Robert Walker for his work as MC/DJ and being the man behind getting those solid acts into W'mar. (If you look closely in the photo of the ribbon cutting, you'll be able to spot him in the upper left part corner... wearing the shades and black shirt).

County Supervisor Kevin Jeffries, Planning Commissioner Stan Smith and City Council Member Bridgette Moore pose for a picture before the event got underway. Stan was still celebrating his birthday month. Happy 78th Stan.

I didn't get a chance to take many pics from about 6:30pm on since I was conscripted... I mean, I volunteered to work in the Rotary beer dispensary. But if you're on FaceBook, you probably saw a ton of photos that other people shared of the even.

This was at about 5:30pm, before the bulk of the crowd showed up. How can you blame them? By waiting forty-five minutes people saved at least 10 degrees Fahrenheit. On the stage is Stan Smith, Dustin Nigg, Bridgette Moore and Marsha Swanson. Dustin Nigg warmed up the crowd with his rendition of Happy Birthday sung to Wildomar, Stan Smith and City Manager Gary Nordquist... who happened to work some long hours on his Saturday birthday.

It was one of the biggest crowds to be at a Wildomar park event. There will be another free concert later in the Summer. Be sure to sign up for city emails so that you'll be sure to know when it's coming.

Follow this link to the city's email program.

Can't wait to see what the city has in mind to celebrate the 10 year milestone next year.

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Whenever I was upset by something in the papers, Jack always told me to be more tolerant, like a horse flicking away flies in the summer.
– Jackie Kennedy

If you find yourself upset by something in Wildomar Rap you might want to follow JFK's advice and flick away the flies. Flies basically suck.

• Concert in the Park September 2016

Marna O'Brien park was the setting of a great show put on by the band named Arena. 

It was probably the largest crowd at an evening parks event I've seen so far, and the weather was optimal.

The evening started with introductions, the pledge of allegiance, and a moment of silence to honor those killed during September 11, 2001.☺

☺

It was like taking a time machine back to the late '70s early '80s and switching back and forth between KLOS and KMET.

They played songs from Boston, Journey, Van Halen, Def Leppard, Styx, Kansas and several other bands I can't remember the names of.

Link to Arena's website.

Panoramic shots don't really give a good representation of the crowd size.

This shot doesn't pick up the other half of the crowd that is outside the view of the camera.

Many thanks to the city, and Janet Morales, for making this happen and we hope to have many more such concerts in the future.

Janet Morales, in the light blue top on the left, got flowers for her birthday.
Happy Birthday Janet.

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One good thing about music, when it hits you, you feel no pain.
— Bob Marley, 1945-1981

Wildomar Rap didn't shoot the sheriff and didn't shoot the deputy either.

• Wildomar Birthday Bash 2016

The evening had an inauspicious start with police activity, including a circling helicopter, centered at the nearby business Round Up gas station. There were a flurry of false rumors about the incident on FaceBook, including that it was a hostage situation and that the park event had been cancelled.

Ahhhh, Social Media... 
...you can't live with it, and you can't live without it. 

A quote from the Press Enterprise on the incident:
A patrol car driver's side window shattered for an unknown reason and the Riverside County sheriff's deputy behind the wheel was taken to a local hospital as a precaution.

Link to story at PE
Link to RiversideCountyNewsSource Story

A shot of the RSO helicopter as it flew overhead.

Other than that hiccup, the park event went off without any further ado. 

An estimated 300 people gathered, looked at classic cars, visited various vendor booths, ate hot dogs, drand some beer, kids jumped in a bounce house, made giant bubbles, got their faces painted, visited with family and friends as they listened to some great music.

In attendance were several of the city council members and some of the local pageant girls known as Wildomar Queens.

Mayor Bridgette Moore (fuschia shirt) as she gets the festivities started.  

On the grass Council Members Marsha Swanson  (middle, navy blue shirt) and Bob Cashman (black shirt) 

and Mayor Pro-Tem Tim Walker (far right).

There were 24 cars on display. Most cars were from the car clubs, Cadillac Kings of Temecula and Drifters Car Club. 

The band that played was a high end Beach Boys tribute band - Catch A Wave. Their talent is crazy good as they were the same band that played last year as the Beatles tribute band - Paperback Writer.

Below is a short video of the band singing Happy Birthday to Wildomar.

Link to blog about last year's concert. You have to see the picture of "the lads".

A panoramic look at the crowd as the band started playing.

Also in attendance was Riverside County Supervisor Kevin Jeffries, and Democrat candidate Tim Sheridan running for US Congress.

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I remember having this friend in school who said she didn't like the Beach Boys. And in that moment I knew we couldn't be friends anymore.

—Zooey Deschanel


Wildomar Rap tip of the day: You can go out with either Rhonda or Barbara Ann, but NEVER both at the same time... especially if they are California Girls.

• Paperback Writer Rocks Marna O'Brien

 Beatle tribute band Paperback Writer put on a spectacular show at Marna O'Brien Park tonight.

The crowd getting ready for the start of the show.

Wildomar Little League was manning the snack bar, and at one point they ran out of hot dogs. The crowd was easily in excess of 300 people, and families were enjoying themselves. Kids were dancing in front of the stage most of the night.

Mayor Pro-Tem Bridgette Moore holding up one of Scott Rux's "Straight Outta Wildomar" shirts.

The band started off with the original Beatles' mop-top look and played such classics as She Loves You, I Wanna Hold Your Hand, A Hard Days Night, Help, and many more for the first hour.

Getting that old Ed Sullivan groove down... poor "Ringo" was not easy to see from the front.

During the brief intermission they changed into Sargent Pepper's outfits and played many songs from that album. Songs, like With A Little Help From My Friends, When I'm Sixty-Four and A Day In The Life.

You've gotta love that "Paul" plays left handed!

They also played songs like Strawberry Fields Forever, Penny Lane, Ob-La-Di Ob-La-Da, Revolution, Magical Mystery Tour, Here Comes The Sun,  and they finished with a song that the Beatles were famous for, but didn't write: Twist and Shout.

A look at the band after the costume change and under the stage lights.

The crowd hooted and hollered and the band came back with an encore, and they obliged with Day Tripper. Which has one of the all time most recognizable riffs in rock and roll history.

Speaking of the Day Tripper riff... if you have 90 seconds check out my take on when the Beatles were in studio trying to record it.

Thanks to the city for putting on such a top notch show, and the diligent efforts on the part of city staffers Terry Rhodes and Janet Morales in getting the band to Wildomar. If I had any complaints it's that they didn't play ALL of the Beatles top 200 songs... but hey, that would have taken until at least 3:00AM and then they really would have had "Blisters" on their fingers. 

Click here to visit the bands facebook page

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Sheepdog
Standing in the rain
Bullfrog
Doing it again
Some kind of happiness is measured out in miles
What makes you think you're something special when you smile?        —  McCartney and Lennon, Hey Bulldog

Wildomar Rap knows all about those old orange and yellow Capitol Records Beatles 45s, as their sounds reverberated daily throughout the house.