January 2009 Archives

On Sunday, Feb. 1, the park will reopen with some restrictions. The park will be open for day use and camping.

 §         Hills for Everyone Trail                     

§         East Fence Line Trail                      

§         Sidewinder Trail

§         Water Canyon Trail

§         Scully Hill Trail

*Telegraph Canyon Trail is open but please use caution adjacent to Little Diemer trail due to a mudslide washout.

 he park is missing many trail signs, so please do not venture into the backcountry unless you are familiar with the park. We will continue to work on restoring the park. We will reopen the trails that are closed once it is safe to do so.

 For more information and updates please call: 951-780-6222.

            "This new Sealcam will provide our visitors with a unique and extremely clear, close-up window into the world of these magnificent sea creatures," said State Parks Director Ruth Coleman.  "I am excited that HD technology and solar energy enables our visitors to get the kind of view you would only get otherwise if you were actually sitting next to these animals."

              For the first time in the history of the Reserve, live High Definition video of the Elephant Seals located on Año Nuevo Island will be displayed real-time on a large plasma screen in the Visitor Center.   The new High Definition Sealcam is located a mile and a half off shore on Año Nuevo Island in the middle of a very isolated colony of the Northern Elephant Seals.   It is necessary to have a camera, because the island is a marine reserve, a restricted-access location, that is set aside for protection of the seals and a camera is the only way for the public to view this unique natural setting. 

            Powered by green energy (a 720-watt photovoltaic solar system), the HD sealcam, with its thirty magnification zoom lens,  will provide visitors with a spectacular new way to observe the Elephant Seals as well as  the other extraordinary marine life that frequents the island.  This new video portal onto the island produces a clarity of image that is only possible using a High Definition video format.

            Año Nuevo State Park is one of the largest mainland breeding colonies in the world for the northern elephant seal, and the parks interpretive program attracts tremendous interest every winter during the Elephant Seal breeding season.  Elephant Seals have gained their name because of their large size and the long pendulous noses on the males.  The male elephant seals at the Ano Nuevo measure fourteen to sixteen feet in length and weigh up to 5,000 pounds each.

            While the northern elephant seals may be seen year-round at the reserve, the largest number of seals can be seen during their breeding season, which extends from December through March.  The huge bull elephant seals engage in violent battles on the beach to establish dominance and to take control of their "harems".   The females give birth to their young on the dunes. Most of the adult seals are gone by early March, leaving behind the weaned pups that remain through April.

            Funded by donations, the Elephant Sealcam will also provide university researchers with an exciting new opportunity to remotely monitor the nests of Pelagic Cormorants that breed on Año Nuevo Island during the summer. In addition, live video from the Elephant Sealcam will also be used 

as part of the "Parks Online Resources for Teachers and Students" (PORTS) program for classroom education programs on the Elephant Seals at Año Nuevo.  (See http://www.ports.parks.ca.gov for more information about PORTS.)

            The dramatic video produced by the new Año Nuevo Elephant Sealcam will also be available on the State Park web in a lower resolution format.  To view the video remotely, go to the State Parks Web Site at:  http://www.parks.ca.gov/default.asp?page_id=523 

             During the breeding season through March 31, daily access to the Reserve is available only via guided walks. Advance reservations are recommended for walks.  Reservations can be made by calling 800-444-4445.

 From December through March, visitors have the opportunity to view the return of the gray whale, the state's official marine mammal, in a number of prime locations in California State Parks.  We have included a listing to make your selection easier.

"Whale watching along our coast is a wonderful and exciting family adventure," said Ruth Coleman, director of California State Parks.  "I would suggest a little research on whales along our coast to get the kids primed, and then find a safe spot where crashing waves won't interrupt your adventure. And, bring the binoculars!"

On their journey, the whales move past Point Reyes, the Farallon Islands, through Half Moon Bay and Monterey Bay, and follow the coastline along Southern California before reaching Mexico. The whales travel in small groups and stay close to the shoreline for protection from predators, such as killer whales.

Traveling 70 to 80 miles per day, the whales' spouts of vaporized water (at times reaching 12 feet high) can be seen as the whales surface every three to five minutes to breathe. Their 12,000-mile round-trip trek is the longest known distance any mammal migrates on an annual basis. The whales' migration pattern reverses when they lead their new-born calves back to Alaska.

State park whale watching sites include:

HUMBOLDT COUNTY

Humboldt Lagoons State Park (Dry Lagoon), phone: (707) 677-3121

Patrick's Point State Park (Palmer's Point and Wedding Rock) in Trinidad phone: (707) 677-3570

Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park (Gold Bluffs Beach), phone: (707) 464-6101, extension 5300

MENDOCINO COUNTY

MacKerricher State Park (Laguna Point) on the Mendocino Coast three miles north of Fort Bragg, phone: (707) 964-9112 or (707) 937-5804

MONTEREY COUNTY

Julia Pfeiffer Burns State park (Vista Point, Highway 1), phone (831) 667-2315

ORANGE COUNTY

Crystal Cove State Park (949) 494-3539

SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY

Montaña de Oro State Park, phone: (805) 528-0513

San Simeon State Beach, phone: (805) 927-2035

SANTA BARBARA COUNTY

El Capitan State Beach (805) 585-1850

SAN LUIS OBISPO OUNTY

Estero Bluffs State Park (805) 772-7434

California State beaches also offer a number of programs and locations for viewing migrating whales. For details on what programs are offered, contact the state park listed below or call (800) 777-0369 for general information on all state parks or go on line to www.parks.ca.gov

MENDOCINO COUNTY

Manchester State Beach (707) 937-5804

MacKerricher State Park (707) 937-5804

Mendocino Headlands State Park (707) 937-5804

MONTEREY COUNTY

Garrapata State Park (831) 624-4909

Patrick's Point State Park (707) 677-3570

Point Lobos State Reserve (831) 624-4909

Point Sur State Historic Park (831) 625-4419

SAN DIEGO COUNTY

Silver Strand State Beach (619) 435-5184

SANTA BARBARA COUNTY

Point Sal State Park (805) 733-3713

SONOMA COUNTY

Fort Ross State Historic Park (707) 847-3286

Salt Point State Park (707) 847-3221

Sonoma Coast State Beach (707) 875-3483

CALIFORNIA WHALE FESTIVALS

Dana Point Festival of Whales

http://www.dpfestivalofwhales.com/home.html

Fort Bragg Whale Festival

Mendocino Whale Festival

http://www.mendowhale.com/events.htm

Point Mugu to Point Dume Whale Festival (Leo Carrillo State Park)

http://www.parks.ca.gov/events/event_detail.asp?id=2184

Redwood Coast Whale and Jazz Festival

http://gualalaarts.org/Festivals/2009WhaleJazz.html

Visit California State Parks on line at www.parks.ca.gov

• Romantic in-suite Valentine's Menu for Two by Signature Executive Chef Uday Huja

   Priced at $100 per couple, this delectable dinner includes: Roasted heirloom beet carpaccio with satsuma orange vinaigrette;Pan-seared chicken breast marinated in Chardonnay and herbs; Tomato basil fettuccine tossed with sautéed julienne carrots, yellow squash and zucchini in aSan Marzano tomato sauce; Raspberry cheesecake with Chambord mint sauce paired with a bottle of Moscato D'Asti 

• Tickets to share Valentine's Day with critically acclaimed singer-songwriter Billy Joel's Feb. 14 concert at the MGM Grand Garden Arena priced at $175, $125 and $75, excluding tax and service charges

   Indulge your sweetheart with a rejuvenating Valentine's service from MGM Grand Spa and receive a complimentary box of chocolate truffles

  Chocolate Truffle Pedicure, $90

   Raspberry Truffle Massage, $125

  Chocolate Raspberry Facial, $150

  Coupled with Chocolate Treatment (massage for two), $250

*The Signature at MGM Grand's Romance Package is available February 1, 2009 to March 31, 2009.  The $159 starting rate excludes tax and is based on a two-night minimum stay in a junior suite.  Please inquire for specific rules and restrictions.  Rates and availability vary.

Click on the following offers to view our Sunsational Savings Packages:

Sunsational Savings 2009 with THIRD (3rd) NIGHT FREE and Upgrade:

• Third (3rd) Night FREE
  
• FREE daily breakfast buffet for two (Neighbor islands only) or $75 Dining Credit (Oahu properties only)
• PLUS one category room upgrade based on participating categories

Sunsational Savings 2009 with FREE NIGHT and Upgrade:

• FREE night (varies by property)
  
• FREE daily breakfast buffet for two (for Neighbor island properties only) or $75 Dining Credit (Oahu properties only)
• PLUS one category room upgrade based on participating categories

Sunsational Savings 2009

• FREE night (varies by property)
  
• FREE daily breakfast buffet for two (for Neighbor island properties only) or $75 Dining Credit (Oahu properties only)

  For the gentleman who wants to dazzle that special someone in an intimate home setting, Executive Chef Jason McLeod and Wine Director Jesse Rodriguez will once again host a pre-Valentine's event on Friday, Feb. 13 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

They'll welcome men only at an hors d'oeuvre and wine reception, followed by a cooking class and demonstration. Men will leave with a packaged prepared meal for two to finish on Feb. 14. Limited to 15 participants, the cost is $125 per person; an additional $90 for two paired half bottles of wine. For reservations, please call 858-314-2000.

Every Thursday through Saturday in February, chocolaty-yummy cocktails and special wines paired with chocolate accompaniments will be served in The Grand Del Mar's Lobby Lounge from 7 to 10 p.m.

  Try these special libations: Banfi, Brachetto d'Acqui, "Rosso Regale," Italy served with Valrhona Chocolate or Chambers, Muscat, Rutherglen Australia served with Ganache. Flight of three chocolate and wine pairing is $28.

 Or try a Chocolate Pumpkin Pie Martini concocted from Modern Spirits Pumpkin Pie Vodka, Godiva Dark Chocolate Liquor with Nutmeg and Cinammon; Espresso Mojito with Anejo Rum, Espresso, Orange Mint Syrup and Club Soda; or Chocolate Brûlée created with Vanilla Rum, Verona Chocolate, Espresso and Steamed Milk. Prices range from $12 to $15.

Located north San Diego County, The Grand Del Mar opened its doors in October 2007, after two years of construction and planning. The luxury resort features 249 elegantly appointed guestrooms and suites.

It features San Diego's only Tom Fazio-designed championship golf course; two outdoor tennis courts; a 21,000-square-foot Renaissance-inspired spa; four swimming pools; regional dining, including Addison, the signature restaurant and Amaya, an all day Mediterranean-style venue.

For more information, call 858-314-2000 or visit the Web site at www.TheGrandDelMar.com.

For a one-night stay any day of the week, seniors receive a 10 percent discount off the room rate at both the Furnace Creek Inn and Furnace Creek Ranch.  For two-night stays, the discount increases to 20 percent for the room for both nights, and three or more nights will result in a 30 percent discount off the room.

Cabin units at the Furnace Creek Ranch are not included. Some other restrictions and blackout dates apply, and this offer cannot be combined with other offers.

"We appreciate all of our guests of course, but we think our young-at-heart guests over the age of 60 deserve a special benefit just because of their longevity," said Phil Dickinson, director of sales & marketing for the Furnace Creek Inn & Ranch Resort.

Travelers can book the special discount online via "Special Promotions" at www.furnacecreekresort.com or by calling 1-800-236-7916 or 1-303-297-2757.

 The Furnace Creek Inn is open mid-October through mid-May. It features 66 rooms, two suites, the Furnace Creek Inn Dining Room, tennis courts and a secluded spring-fed pool. One mile from the Inn is the Furnace Creek Ranch with 224 rooms, general store, spring-fed pool, tennis courts, horseback riding and the Borax Museum.

 Adjacent to the Furnace Creek Ranch is the Furnace Creek Golf Course, an 18-hole championship course that is the lowest golf course in the world, at 214 feet below sea level.

In addition to golfing, guests can spend their time seeing Scotty's Castle, a 25-room Moorish-style castle built by a Chicago millionaire in the 1920s; relaxing by one of the resort's pools; taking in the beauty of Death Valley from one of the park's many overlooks and viewpoints; hiking the sand dunes or one of the park's other geologic wonders; enjoying an afternoon horseback trail ride or strolling the gardens surrounding the venerable Furnace Creek Inn.

• VIP check-in at port
• Exclusive access to attend a Q&A with John Mayer
• Invitation to an on-board VIP cocktail party
• A special gift from American Express and Sixthman

Tickets sales are until February 15, 2009, or while cabins remain available. The cruise will depart from the Port of Los Angeles in San Pedro and visit Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. This offer is available to all American Express Cardmembers at the price of $1,298-$1,498 per person depending on cabin choice.*

To make reservations for this cruise, please call 1-877-SIXTHMAN and refer to promotion code: SXMAE, or visit www.sixthman.net/americanexpress or www.mayercraftcarrier.com for additional information.

"Tourism is the lifeblood of our economy, and we cannot afford to let the benefits of this industry stop flowing to the heart of our City," Villaraigosa said. "This campaign is L.A.'s latest blockbuster hit, and standing center stage and playing the leading role is a new set of ads and images that lead tourists and Angelenos to think to themselves: 'That's SO LA'."

The campaign features a series of ads that highlight unique sites around the City and showcase major attractions and top personalities in new and exciting ways. This effort includes images of basketball stars Kobe Bryant and Baron Davis; Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson; Lauren Conrad, star of "The Hills"; and soccer phenom David Beckham.

The campaign will be marketed through a mix of media channels consisting of a robust on-line marketing strategy, and regional print and radio buys. Specific focus will be placed on Southern California and the San Francisco Bay Area, LA's largest feeder market. Locally, visitors and residents will soon be seeing ads at LAX terminals; and over the next few months, it will be rolled out on-line to key domestic and international markets.

"Initially, the new campaign will target regional visitors and promote cost effective vacation alternatives for Southern California visitors looking for an adventurous 'staycation' or getaway closer to home," said Mark Liberman. "Our plan is to take advantage of the 21 million people living right here in Southern California because the regional visitor offers the greatest potential for LA tourism in the coming months."

Timed to coincide with the launch of this campaign is the debut of LA INC.'s expanded and revamped website, www.discoverlosangeles.com, where visitors and Angelenos can find local attractions, make reservations, and book hotel rooms throughout the LA area. The website also offers residents the opportunity to help build the tourism effort by creating their own advertisements online.

Tourism represents the second-largest industry in Los Angeles, supporting more than 250,000 jobs and bringing in $14.2 billion in the past year. In addition, the City attracted 26 million visitors in 2008 and continued to serve as a primary destination for travelers from South Korea, Japan, China, Mexico, El Salvador and locations throughout Europe and the United States.

"It's been quite a journey, but we're delighted to have the doors opening on Jan. 8," said General Manager Michel Morauw.  "We look forward to welcoming our first guests and the community to Andaz."

Andaz West Hollywood has gutted the 14-story former Hyatt on Sunset.  While guests may still find subtle hints from its earlier days, the new hotel focuses on unique details and locale of West Hollywood.

Sebastien and his team work in a kitchen completely open to the 100-seat bar and restaurant.  The walk-in coolers even feature glass doors so guests can observe their entire meal taking shape from storage and preparation to cooking and plating. 

Artist Jacob Hashimoto added final details to his aluminium and stainless steel public sculpture that adorns the façade of RH and the hotel.

Got to love it! More than 100 San Francisco breweries and pubs are organizing SF Beer Week, Feb. 6-15, 2009, to celebrate the early roots of the modern Renaissance in artisan beers. Count us in!

The 10-day celebration will showcase the Bay Area's brewing heritage with 150 events. It will be anchored by the Bistro Double IPA Festival, and the Toronado Barleywine Festival.

Beer week will end with a new full-blown Bay Area Beer Festival. In between there will be beer dinners, cheese and beer pairing events, gourmet food events with world-class cuisine, special releases, meet the brewer evenings, homebrewing demonstrations, music, films, and even a museum exhibition exploring the history of Bay Area brewing, from Monterey to Sacramento and beyond.

"We want the public to know that San Francisco is a hot spot for artisan and craft beers. It is an artisan environment," said Dave McLean, owner and brewer of Magnolia Gastropub and Brewery, and the Alembic bar. "San Francisco has the top examples of artists - from cheese, to wine, to arts and culture - and beer is a part of that excellence."

Many local breweries and pubs will contribute to the event, including Magnolia, the 21^st Amendment and Toronado. "Independent businesses celebrate a cause that is larger than themselves," says McLean about the brewing community. "It's always been that way - in the old days there were guilds. Beer promotes sharing of ideas. We freely share ingredients. It's an amazing industry. There's something about beer that brings people together."

The Alembic will feature brewers who distill fine spirits and focus on beer cocktails. Gordon Biersch will host a Bavarian Beer Breakfast showcasing Hefeweizen - there will be four or five varieties, which is brewer John Tucci's specialty.  "It's the most authentic style of German beer. It makes GB unique. A lot of craft beers are hoppy English styles.  We are the opposite side of that perspective and I think that's good," says Tucci.

America's craft beer movement began in the San Francisco Bay Area as far back as the 19^th Century. San Francisco was the brewing center of the west with close to 50 breweries.

With Anchor Brewing's rescue by Fritz Maytag in 1965 and the founding of New Albion Brewing in 1976, craft beer grew into the silver age of American brewing, with more than 1,400 small craft breweries today. Northern California alone has more breweries than most states and enjoys an unrivaled reputation for the quality and diversity of its craft beer.

Microbreweries represented a new strategy in the brewing industry: rather than competing on the basis of price or advertising, they attempted to compete on the basis of inherent product characteristics. They emphasized the freshness of locally produced beer; they experimented with much stronger malt and hop flavors; they tried new and long-discarded brewing recipes, often reintroducing styles that had been popular in America decades earlier. For example, Maytag used West Coast hops instead of English hops and West Coast IPA emerged. Now British and Belgian brewers now use West coast hops.

Events are listed on the SF Beer Week Web site at www.sfbeerweek.org. For visiting beer lovers interested in best-rate accommodations and other activities, visit the San Francisco Convention & Visitor Bureau's Web site at www.onlyinsanfrancisco.com.