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Save the Date for the 4th Annual Bird Rock Tour of Homes

The Bird Rock Home Tour benefiting Bird Rock Elementary School will take place Saturday January 30th, 11:00-3:00. The six homes will be revealed on the day of the event. Ticket prices are: $25 per person $20 w/ BRCC membership. Tickets can be purchased in advance starting January 15th or the day of the event at: Bird Rock Coffee Roasters 5627 La Jolla Blvd.

Keep calm, it's only Christmas...

too funny not to share! From creative blog Happy Loves Rosie.

Bird Rock Community Council 2nd Annual Toy Drive

Please join Bird Rock residents in our second annual toy drive! Drop off a new unwrapped toy at Bird Rock Coffee Roasters 5627 La Jolla Boulevard, through December 22, 2009. The BRCC team will be distributing the toys to children of homeless families through one of the local agencies. If you are keeping your dollars local, please consider purchasing the toys from Little Locks Toy Boutique. It's conveniently located on same block, 5565 La Jolla Blvd., as Bird Rock Coffee Roasters where toys are being collected.

If you love to drive around San Diego to see Holiday lights stop by Bird Rock

Bird Rock residents go all out in getting into the Holiday spirit. This year the residents on the 5500 block of Waverly Ave collectively decorated the trees that align their street. It's a beautiful sight to behold.
Bird Rock village is a great place to walk around, do some shopping, get something to eat, catch the sunset and then get in the car to drive-by and see the lovely lights!

Don't miss Do Bianchi Holiday Six-Pack Wine Selections!

An essential part of entertaining is matching food and wine. Here, Jeremy Parzen of Do Bianchi has done all the work selecting for you. The Holiday Dinner Party Six-Pack offering ($137.93) includes six wines and pairing notes for a dinner party for 6 people - with pairings for 6 courses, including the aperitif and dessert. Act quickly since this is Do Bianchi’s last offering for 2009 and Jeremy will be shipping and delivering the wines next week. In addition to this offer, delivery is free for La Jolla and San Diego residents. To order, simply respond to this email address: JParzen@gmail.com.  Cheers!

Holiday fundraiser goal reached to preserve La Jolla's Holiday Banners and Street Light Decorations!

Last summer La Jollan's joined together to light up the skies to celebrate the fourth of July.
Now the grass-roots drive to light up the streets of La Jolla to celebrate the holidays has met it's goal.
This year we will again have the "Happy Holidays" banner on the overpass on Torrey Pines Road and the street light decorations and banners in the Village*.
Also, don't miss this years La Jolla Christmas Parade.

(* BRCC will fund the holiday banners in Bird Rock)

Happy to be listed on americantowns.com as a featured blogger!

Americantowns is an online community network, plugging you in to the information, businesses and events related to your city, town and neighborhood. It's a useful link to La Jolla blogs, La Jollan's on Twitter and other great local resources.

Just loving this charm necklace by Etsy seller "Tenthings"

Already thinking about Holiday gift shopping. Then I saw something I wanted for myself! Tenthings I LOVE L.A. charm necklace. Custom work is advertised, designs come in Gold or Silver. I'm thinking I can order something displaying my local pride, I LOVE Bird Rock or I LOVE La Jolla! Pictured here, gold California charm, star charm and a lucky wishbone hang from an 18" gold fill chain. Also, La Jolla Mom updated me that this designers jewelry is part of the Surf Diva's store Friends and Family Sale! You can print coupon here. Act fast, sale ends 11/29. If your not local, Tenthings offers free shipping anywhere!

The amazing 3-Day Cancer Walk made it's way through La Jolla and Bird Rock today!

Participants brought their energy, passion, humor and fashion sense to the Breast Cancer 3-Day!

More than just 60 miles over a long weekend. Bird Rock merchants and residents helped celebrate by providing the walkers drinks, food, music and cheers from the sidelines. Signage that included positive affirmations and pink balloons lined La Jolla Blvd and Turquoise St. Supporters provided an inspiring tribute to those walking.

La Jolla Christmas Parade is coming, and Bird Rock needs your help to build our float!

Are any residents interested in crafting a Bird Rock Community Council/Bird Rock float for the La Jolla Christmas Parade, Sunday December 6th? Time is running out, the registration deadline is Nov 17th.
This year's parade theme is "Through the Eyes of a Child". This is a chance to show off our neighborhood pride and the BRCC will reimburse expenses! Potential volunteers please send an email to: brcc@san.rr.com

Have you visited Armonia Skin Care? Don't miss their upcoming Sale - December 10th

Deadline for Holiday custom pillow orders December 1st!

For more details please contact me or visit my online boutique. Please note, 20% of Holiday sales will be donated to National Foundation for Autism Research: http://www.nfar.org

Bird Rock Historical Museum finds a home

Starting out as a history "project" seeking a temporary home has become a full-fledged museum with its own permanent residence. The new address for the soon-to-be community museum is a familiar one: Bird Rock Coffee Roasters at 5627 La Jolla Blvd. - more specifically, the organic coffee roaster's newsstand room, which owner Chuck Patton has offered for use as history museum/exhibit space.
News of Patton's offer of permanent exhibit space for a community museum was enthusiastically received by 37-year Bird Rock resident Philomene Offen, who just started documenting the La Jolla neighborhood's history in January.  Hopefully it will help trigger folks who have old photographs to be willing to share them with us," Patton said.
Residents who have old photographs of Bird Rock area are encouraged to share them long enough for copies to be made for display. For information or photo's to contribute please email Philomene Offen.
The new museum/exhibit space is planned to open by Thanksgiving.
*Electric Ave Photo: On La Jolla Hermosa Avenue an old section of the curb shows it former name, Electric Avenue. Source: San Diego Historical Society and La Jolla Light

Our pillow designs are a great idea for Open House home staging

This Bird Rock Starfish pillow is featured as an accent in Bellevue Avenue home for sale. A newly re-built home in Bird Rock with lovely ocean views and designer finishes throughout.

For more information on next open house contact Michelle Dykstra, michelle@michelledykstra.com

For great Holiday photos, don't miss this great offer from Studio M La Jolla

Great opportunity for creating Holiday cards and photo gifts. For more info http://www.studiomlajolla.com/

La Jolla's First Friday Artwalk, November 6th

Enjoy a self guided stroll of art galleries, delicious cuisine and unique wine selection in the Village of La Jolla. From 6:00-9:00pm, November 6th, 2009.

Don't miss Bird Rock Bikini's Storewide Clearance sale!

Also, check out the new website and online store: http://birdrockbikini.com/

Enter Code: brb10 for an additional 10% discount plus free shipping! Limited time only.

Have you visited Little Locks Children's Salon and Toy Boutique?

As the holidays approach be sure and visit Little Locks Children's Salon and Toy Boutique. They carry a huge selection of imaginative toys including learning activity kits, books, arts n crafts, games, puzzles, dolls, and lots of Thomas the Train! Also to add to the fun your child’s hair can be cut while sitting in a car, jeep or airplane styling chair, there's also videos and Nintendo! 5665 La Jolla Blvd.

Buy wine and support the La Jolla Playhouse

La Jolla Playhouse, along with award-winning San Francisco winemakers Crushpad present La Jolla Playhouse's Limited Edition Wines. Inspired by and named for the productions in the 2009/2010 Season.
Sample these wines all season long at Jai by Wolfgang Puck; purchase by the bottle or the case. All proceeds directly benefit La Jolla Playhouse. Help sustain great theatre in San Diego with this delicious purchase! For more information http://www.lajollaplayhouse.org/playhouse-wines

Do you need less stress and more joy?

Find your folly, follow your bliss, get your joy back! You hear this and really want to act on. Well, I found there is no better way to have fun, connect with your neighborhood than to jump on a beach cruiser and ride around town. If you live in La Jolla and don’t own one, now is the off season and best time to buy. If you’re not sure you want to commit you can also rent a beach cruiser from Bird Rock Surf Shop. There are so many routes to choose from, the La Jolla bike path, and the coastal route from Windansea to La Jolla cove. Or going south to the Mission Beach Boardwalk or Mission Bay loop. Sundays are a wonderful day to clip on a basket and head over to La Jolla’s Farmers Market. I rode mine recently to Bird Rock Coffee Roasters for my latte (did you know you can add a cup holder!), then down to Calumet Park to enjoy the wind in my hair, smell the ocean air and hear all of the sounds of our neighborhood coming to life! It was all I needed to start my morning and feel inspired and connected.

La Jolla's Warwick's Books

They said it themselves, Warwick's is a totally awesome independent bookstore in La Jolla. Did you know that La Jolla's Warwick's books has a Youtube page? It's http://www.youtube.com/user/Warwicksbooks. Where you can access videos of some past book signings - like Ron Carlson, William T. Vollman, Lisa See, David Benioff, and Kathryn Stockett to name a few. This is a huge benefit if you can't be there in person! In addition, Warwick's has embraced other social media channels and you can follow them on their blog, Twitter or become a fan on Face Book. Join Warwick's for the next Cooking Club event with actress and author of "The Kind Diet", Alicia Silverstone on Thursday, October 29 at 6:00pm at Isabel's Cantina in Pacific Beach. For more information: info@warwicks.com

La Jolla-Bird Rock Halloween Happenings!

Upcoming Events
Kids from K to 5th grade are invited to renew a Bird Rock Halloween tradition, painting and decorating storefront windows the merchant district. 11:00-1:00pm, 10/24 with the BRCC providing the paint and supplies. Check in at Sharpe Fitness, 5701 La Jolla Boulevard. All participants must pre-register by e-mailing sharpefitness@yahoo.com. Please provide your name, e-mail address, cell phone number, # of children & their ages. You will be assigned a merchant window at check in. All supplies will be provided at check in.

Haunted Aquarium: 6-9pm, 10/23-24, Birch Aquarium, 2300 Expedition Way. Costume contest each night, refreshments, slimy encounters with creatures from the deep and more! More info

La Jolla Shores Fall Fest: 1-4pm, 10/25, on Avenida de la Playa. Restaurant will offer free samples, goodies from shops and boutiques. Festivities include Halloween costume contest face-painting, jumpy, and musical appearances by Hullaballoo and Blonde Brothers. A percentage of ticket sales to benefit charity. For more info email: lajollashoresmerchants@gmail.com

Mutts-querade: 6-8pm, 10/28, Muttropolis, 7755 Girard. Mutt mingle, costume contest, photos, bobbing for biscuits, treat for best trick. More info
  
Halloween Festival: 1-4pm, 10/31 at La Jolla Recreation Center 615 Prospect. Carnival games, Costume contest, face-painting, pony rides, astro-jump, music and more. More info
 
Bird Rock Community Council is getting the word out that once again an all-out effort is being made to guarantee a safe and secure Halloween Saturday Oct. 31. Residents handing out Halloween treats are being asked to do so only from 5 to 8 p.m. Though voluntary, it was noted that restricting hours on Halloween helped cut down on problems. This effort has been met with an overwhelming amount of support by residents. So if you’re participating, please turn your lights off at 8 p.m.. Halloween is the busiest night of the year for police.

Bird Rock resident, Dr. Anne Wallace, discusses new study to improve care for breast cancer patients

Each Wednesday during Good Morning San Diego, KUSI provides the latest research, advice, and health information. October is breast cancer awareness month and this week, Dr. Anne Wallace, Director of the Breast Center at Moores UCSD Cancer Center discusses San Diego's participation in a statewide study to improve care for breast cancer patients by designing and testing new approaches to research, technology and health care delivery.  For more info, visit Moores Cancer Center. #beatcancer

Please note: eBay/Paypal are donating a cent per hashtag (via tweet, Facebook update, or blog post) saying #beatcancer. Send a tweet with #beatcancer

Bird Rock's, Stay Polished, an Organic Nail Spa

Stay Polished is the hottest little nail boutique in Bird Rock. They pride themselves on keeping up with the latest in healthy, high quality products. Incorporating biosculpture and OPI polish gels they are able to guarantee no chipping or they will fix your nails for free! Some of the benefits include, no drills, no noxious odors, use all autoclaved implements to clean up and provided with their signature boutique service. If you want to learn about the many reasons to choose BioSculpture for your nail beauty and health click here.

Bird Rock Oktoberfest Celebration

First annual Bird Rock Oktoberfest Community Picnic at Calumet Park! Bring a blanket or chair and enjoy great food, your friends and neighbors and a beautiful sunset. This Tuesday, October 6, 5:30 - 7:00 pm.
Price $12 Adults, $8 Children payable at the picnic. Enjoy Knockwurst, Bratwurst, Hot Dogs, Sauerkraut, German Style Potatoes and Assorted Desserts.

La Jolla Art & Wine Festival, Celebrating La Jolla's Artist Colony Roots and Supporting Our Public Schools

October 10 & 11, 9:00am to 5:00pm. This two-day event will be held in the Village of La Jolla on upper Girard Avenue. The La Jolla Art & Wine Festival will feature juried art, children's art center, live music and entertainment, gourmet food vendors, a garden featuring wine and beer from the finest local wineries and breweries, and a silent auction. Admission will be $7 for adults, $3 for children, and free for children under two.
The La Jolla Art & Wine Festival is created by the Friends of La Jolla Elementary, Inc as an extension of its well-established Open Aire Farmers’ Market. This event will donate all of its proceeds to key programs at three area public schools: La Jolla, Torrey Pines, and Bird Rock Elementary Schools. This festival will not only benefit La Jolla's public elementary school children, but also create energy and enthusiasm within the La Jolla community.  More info: http://www.lajollaartandwinefestival.com/

*Artwork by Susan Wickstrand
Title: SHE'S GOT IT, WIND 'N SEA, LA JOLLA, 70's
Hope she'll participate! Check out her work regardless....

Calumet Park, a hidden gem in Bird Rock

Calumet Park is a small park off Midway on Calumet Ave in a residential neighborhood of Bird Rock. It over looks the ocean and a popular surfing site called Rock Pile. This is a popular destination for locals to meet up with dogs, for family picnics, watch sunsets and for weddings. Events can be permitted for up to 80 people. In addition, Bird Rock has two fabulous resources to help you plan your wedding, Bridal Bar and bridal boutique Chez Bride Moderne.

Have you checked out Artsy Smartsy Kids Art Classes in Bird Rock?

Artsy Smartsy is a unique children’s art center. They offer arts and crafts classes for children ages 2-7. Artsy Smartsy uses a variety of materials and introduces a new project in every class. La Jolla Mom turned me on to this great deal. BuyWithMe San Diego is offering this exclusive deal that saves you 60% on a 3 class pass, 3 classes for $30. I just purchased so my little one could try out. Artsy Smartsy is located at 5709 La Jolla Blvd. Click here for details.

Have you heard about PR in a Flash!

PR in a Flash is a public relations writing service for small businesses and creative professionals. Materials are created on a per-project basis without the high retainer, overhead and hourly fess often associated with PR agencies. All copy created for you is yours for unlimited usage. This sounds perfect for many of our local small business owners, real estate professionals and entrepreneurs. Founded by La Jolla resident Jennifer Spengler, a marketing and PR specialist with nearly 20 years experience. Contact PR in a Flash to inquire about their unique services.

Bird Rock Coffee Roasters Brews Success

It takes community to build a thriving business. NBC San Diego profiled San Diegans who have changed their professions and have started over. Former teacher and Bird Rock resident Chuck Patton learned some lessons of his own when he opened his successful coffee house in La Jolla.
To read the article

A selection of surf art (local and abroad)

A selection of surfing inspired art from featured artists on www.clubofthewaves.com - an international surfing, surf art & culture website. Check out the site for more great surf art, photography and interviews. Support up and coming artists like Heather Brown, her artwork and mural on display at Bird Rock Surf Shop.

50% off End of Summer Sale Still going on at Bird Rock Bikini!

Other Bird Rock neighborhood sales:
Chez Bride Moderne up to 70% off wedding dress sample sale
Stephanie's Shoe Boutique up to 75% off selected styles
Bodywear Boutique up to 50% semi-annual sale
Bird Rock Surf Shop up to 40% of end of summer sale

La Jolla Writer's Conference Nov 6th-8th, 2009

Antoinette Kuritz is the founder and director of the La Jolla Writers Conference and the host of Writer’s Roundtable Radio Show.
This years conference will take place, November 6th-8th, 2009 at Paradise Point Resort & Spa
For more info, visit: www.lajollawritersconference.com

Bali comes to La Jolla, my dream home is for sale on Avenida Cresta!

All year my husband and I have enjoyed walking by this home and seeing all phases of construction. It's one of the most unique properties we have seen in La Jolla. If you have an opportunity check it out! It's currently presented by Maxine & Marti Gellens on http://www.gellens.com/. Description from their website: This is an absolutely breathtaking Balinese residence, built new in 2009, on a generous corner lot in Lower Hermosa. 6 bedrooms, 7 full baths plus 2 powder rooms, an office, elevator, exercise room with sauna, game room, media room, temperature-controlled wine room, a rooftop deck, lush tropical landscaping, and a heated saltwater zero-edge pool & spa with water features. Impeccably designed using exotic, custom and imported materials. Photos and details

I just love these map bracelets! La Jolla is featured here

They're great for anyone no matter what region you live in. You can wear your bracelet to represent your current city, hometown or favorite neighborhood. Check out this Etsy artist and shopkeeper for details on how to purchase: vsc83.etsy.com

La Jolla physician has been recognized as one of the top plastic surgeons in America

La Jolla physician Steven Cohen of FacesPlus has been recognized as one of the top plastic surgeons in America by Castle Connolly and Best Doctors Inc. He and his wife, Sheri, are involved with a number of charities, including Fresh Start Surgical Gifts, where he has served on the Advisory Board and received the 2004 Founder's Award for his work on children. They also support the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego in La Jolla and are helping to lead a fundraising campaign to benefit the Center for Neuro-Craniofacial Surgery at Rady Children's Hospital. In addition, Cohen is a painter and sculptor, whose work is in a number of private collections and galleries.

Labor Day Weekend: Heading off to the beach!!!

Salami Shop

To my surprize the Salami Shop is closed this Labor Day weekend 9/5-7. It's a great place to pick up lunch on the weekends and ideal for anyone passing through Bird Rock heading down to Pacific Beach or up to La Jolla to spend the day at the beach. In Bird Rock Village plaza, in the back corner between Bird Rock Yogurt Co. and Starbucks you will find this Italian deli. They added some gourmet specialty items for purchase too.

La Jolla First Friday Art Walk, September 4th, 6:00-9:00pm

The La Jolla First Friday Art Walk takes place tonight, September 4th, 6:00-9:00pm. Featuring 19 galleries on Prospect Street all the way throughout La Jolla Village.
For details and map.
In similar news a new La Jolla Art and Wine Festival is in the works for October 10-11 and will benefit three La Jolla Schools-La Jolla Elementary, Torrey Pines Elementary and Bird Rock Elementary. For more detail.

*Photo, Peter Lik Gallery

Elizabeth Allen Atelier of Bird Rock honored

Specialty retailer Elizabeth Allen Atelier of Bird Rock was honored as a winner in Gifts & Decorative Accessories' Retailer Excellence Awards (REAs) during the New York International Gift Fair in the category of Store Design/Redesign (small scale).  Elizabeth Allen Atelier was among the top honorees along with the likes of the The Store at the Museum of Arts & Design in New York and Dreamy of Encinitas.

*Source: La Jolla Light

Bird Rock's Capricorn Boutique has been nominated for 10News.com A-List

Help Capricorn Boutique to be nominated as the “Best Women’s Boutique” in San Diego! Click on the link below and cast your vote today, voting ends on September 4th. http://kgtv.cityvoter.com/capricorn/biz/381128

Bird Rock History Exhibit

If you did not get to see the Bird Rock History Exhibit at the Taste of Bird Rock, it will be part of “Back to School Night” September 22nd in the library of Bird Rock Elementary. Later it will be on permanent exhibit at the new Bird Rock History Museum next to Bird Rock Coffee Roasters, 5627 La Jolla Blvd. Do you have any information or photo's to contribute? If so, please email Philomene Offen.

*Electric Ave Photo: On La Jolla Hermosa Avenue an old section of the curb shows it former name, Electric Avenue. Source: San Diego Historical Society

How do you show your neighborhood pride?

Valuable weekly blog on La Jolla Real Estate

La Jolla real estate expert Michelle Silverman addresses such topics as local real estate trends, real estate facts, tax issues and answers readers questions. In addition, provides great tips if your considering listing your property: Views of La Jolla Blog

Traveling Tips from La Jolla Mom

Blogger La Jolla Mom has written a series of articles that are a must read for anyone who's planning on traveling with children! They have flown from LA to Hong Kong and back 3 or 4 times a year. La Jolla Mom has flying with a toddler down to an art! Get ready to take notes: Part One http://www.lajollamom.com/2009/07/long-haul-travel-young-kids-part-1-planning-flight-jet-lag/ Part Two http://www.lajollamom.com/2009/07/long-haul-air-travel-part-2/ Part Three http://www.lajollamom.com/2009/07/long-haul-airplan-travel-kids-part-3- and Part Four http://www.lajollamom.com/2009/08/long-haul-airplane-travel-kids-part-4/

Cup's La Jolla, a new cupcake lounge, with free WIFI opening in La Jolla Village

Cups, opening this fall! This cupcake bakery will offer catering, cupcake baking classes and decorating events, as well as the more traditional sit-down and takeout menus. Their focus is organic cupcakes, not just for the flavor, but also for the health-consciousness. In addition, they support smaller, sustainable farms when buying all their ingredients. In the meantime, you can follow them on Twitter @cupslj

“Addicted to Beauty” Oxygen network reality series set at local med-spa.

“Addicted to Beauty” will debut August 4th, 11:00pm on the Oxygen network. A workplace dramedy will follow CEO Diane York-Goldman and plastic surgeon Dr. Gilbert Lee as they combine resources to launch their new medi-spa. The show will also help educate viewers about what treatments and procedures are available, results and pro’s-con’s. The series will also showcase La Jolla, its residents, shops, nightlife, museums, galleries and beaches. Be sure to tune in!

Quicksilver Sample Sale at Bird Rock Bikini!

Late breaking news... Bird Rock Bikini Sample Sale 5651 La Jolla Blvd. featuring Quicksilver, Paul Frank, Sanuk and more. 8:00-1:00 8/9-/8-10 cash only. Inside the shop they have Vix sundresses on sale too. Also, great swimsuits and clothes for the teenie wahine's.

Little Baby Bird Rock Moving to Pacific Beach

Sad to say Little Baby Bird Rock children's boutique; is moving from Bird Rock and relocating to Pacific Beach. We have enjoyed shopping here since it's launch in 2004. With this announcement comes a Moving Sale and 50% off all Plan Toys. The new location, 4150 Mission Blvd., Ste 151 in Pacific Beach Promenade.