April 11, 2007 - Top Stories
A nine-year tradition in Valley Center may not happen this year.
Michael Crews Development, which has sponsored the July 4 fireworks show at Jaguar Stadium since 1999, won’t be able to provide the financing this year.
Unless some organization or donor, or group of donors steps forward very soon, the show won’t take place this year.
According to Kelly Crews, who has overseen the production each year, the show costs about $32,000 to put on, plus labor expenses which can be offset by experienced volunteers, who are ready, willing and able to dedicate to the event. In the past Michael Crews Development supported the event with paid employee support.
“We are trying to find some other sponsors for it,” she told The Roadrunner, “but time is short.”
They have been in touch with a few large organizations and so far have had no luck.
“We are continuing to pursue every lead,” she said.
Although the entire $32,000 doesn’t need to be paid up front, there is a nonrefundable deposit of $10,000. What’s more, Pyro Spectaculars, the company that provides the fireworks, needs to know by the end of April whether the show will go on.
The fireworks company needs to know by April 30 whether to reserve a fireworks technician for July 4, which is a popular day for fireworks, although shows can also be held on July 2 or 3.
That cost includes fireworks and rentals of such things as the kids rock walls.
There are ways to cut back on the cost of the show. The fireworks show could be put on for as little as $15,000, although it would be a much smaller show.
It has been, in the past, the second-largest fireworks show in North County.
Mrs. Crews says she will make herself available to anyone who wants to take over the event.
“We are looking at the community to take over the event. I will walk them through every step of it. It’s such an awesome event that we want to help them to help it to continue. I will do anything I can,” she said.
“For example, If we could get thirty families to step forward with a one thousand dollar donation we could go forward. What heroes they would be!” she said.
In the past the fireworks show has been done in cooperation with local service clubs like the Kiwanis and Rotary clubs.
Putting on the show doesn’t just involve fireworks. There is a wealth of preparatory labor involved, ranging from permits needed for parking, from the county Health Dept. to operate food booths, as well as arranging for portable toilets.
You can reach Kelly Crews by e-mailing kelly@michaelcrews.com. or calling her at 760-535-6166.
Friday the 13th looks like it will be lucky for Valley View Casino, which will celebrate the opening of the first phase of its $114 million expansion with a ribbon-cutting Friday, April 13 at 8:30 a.m.
The public is invited to attend.
The completed project includes increased gaming space, an upscale steak house and lounge, an all-new buffet, increased slots and table games and more.
The public will be able to see the 62,000 square feet of new casino space including a fully enclosed, 7,500 square foot non-smoking casino and non-smoking bar.
Additions include an all-new Players Club, an Elite Lounge, a gourmet snack cart and a new guest entrance.
Valley View's buffet has been relocated to a larger, more upscale venue until it moves to its permanent location this fall.
The new casino floor will offer 1,300 new slot machines and ten new table games, including single-deck, double-deck blackjack and Pai Gow poker.
The rest of the expansion, including increased slot machines and table games, an all-new buffet, a 24-hour café, an ice cream shop, a homemade pastry and cappuccino bar, an event center and a cabaret bar with live entertainment will be revealed in a grand opening this fall.
For more information about Valley View Casino, visit valleyviewcasino.com or call 1-866-VIEW-WIN.
Helen J. Cramer, beloved and devoted mother of three and grandmother of six, died on March 23, 2007.
She was 89 and living in Escondido at the time of her death. She and her late husband, Jack, were residents of Valley Center in the 80s and early 90s.
Mrs. Cramer had a lifelong love for writing. She received her Associate of Arts degree in journalism from L. A. Valley College and was a reporter for The Roadrunner for much of the time they lived here.
She wrote a weekly column on sayings from the Bible, as well as human interest articles and assignments from then-publisher, Van Quackenbush. Her late husband, Jack, took backup photos.
She also had a love for dolls and was an avid collector. They both were active members of Emmanual Faith Community Church in Escondido.
Mrs. Cramer was preceded in death by her husband of 58 years, Jack Cramer. Survivors are: daughter Sue Turnbull of Pauma Valley; son and daughter-in law Michael & Patricia Cramer of Lake Forest; daughter Kathleen “Tera” Rutecki of Drain, Oregon, and grandchildren, Todd, Erik, Travis, Orissa, Jedediah and Joseph.
Private services will he held May 26. For details call daughter, Sue, at 742-3862. The family suggests donations to the Alzheimer’s Assn., San Diego Chapter, 4950 Murphy Canyon Road, Ste. 250, San Diego, CA 92123
This year’s Valley Center Stampede Rodeo will have a variety of things for the whole family to enjoy.
Here’s a small sampling of what’s new at the rodeo:
Pie Baking Contest—Information will be up soon on the Rodeo Web site (www.valleycenterrodeo.com) to find out how to enter this contest and we will also publish the rules in The Roadrunner. Look for them!
Pony rides and a petting zoo for kids of all ages to enjoy. The Rodeo has announced that it will have several new food vendors, besides having the VIP booth, which is sponsored by Jag’s Grill & Spirits in Valley Center.
“We also will be looking forward to watching some exciting Barrel Racing on Sunday which is sponsored by SCBA/WPRA,” said Joyce Holmes, a spokesman for the Rodeo.
Another dimension is being added to this year’s Valley Center Rodeo Queen contest: a Junior Valley Center Rodeo Queen contest. The competition will be held Saturday, May 12 and Sunday, May 13 with the crowning ceremony following the horsemanship competition.
You will be able to attend this event for a small paid admission. Buy your tickets from the competitors.
VC High School students participated in a contest to choose the logo for this year’s Western Days. The winner, left, was drawn by Matthew Owensby, a freshman. He also drew the one at top, left. The logo at top, right of center was done by Maryann Fuentes, a senior. The logo at far right was drawn by Eirene Rocha, a junior. Maren Preston, a junior, drew the logo at right, bottom. The winning logo will be used in all publicity for the event.
Traffic delays can be expected at about 2 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday, April 18 and 19, in order for the contractor to blast rock for the Valley Center Road Project.
Blasting will occur on the east side of Valley Center Road south of Ridge Ranch Road.
Note that the scheduled time of 2 p.m. may change due to weather conditions.
To ensure the safety of vehicles traveling on Valley Center Road, through traffic will be temporarily stopped. The blasting and inspection process is anticipated to take about 15 minutes.
The closure time may be extended if additional cleanup work is necessary. Allow extra time while driving through the area or use an alternate route.
For questions or concerns, call the Project Hotline at (619) 232-2640.
The Valley Roadrunner
P.O.B. 1529, Valley Center, CA 92082
Tel. 760.749.1112 Fax 760.749.1688
Website: www.valleycenter.com
Email: editor@valleycenter.com
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