Monday, December 08, 2008

Hang Ten Holiday - CoastalLiving.com


Dreaming of a White Chritmas? Not me, and not the Mattisons of Oceanside CA apparently. If I want a bit of the white stuff a trip to the mountains is in order, but if the "white stuff" is surf foam...it would be a trip to the beach, here in Southern California. We make new traditions...

"Visions of sugarplums have been replaced with dreams of the perfect wave at the Mattison home in Oceanside, California. On Christmas morning, the presents under the tree can wait. Stockings stuffed with goodies can hang out a little longer. Breakfast? Maybe later. This clan makes a fast break to the beach as soon as the sun comes up."

Did someone say beach?

See:Hang Ten Holiday - CoastalLiving.com for the full article.

Tuesday, December 02, 2008

Oceanside: A Strategy for Saving Money When Visiting San Diego?

Everyone is looking to stretch the dollar (US or Canadian), Euro, and GBP these days, so it's time to think outside the box. We all know about Priceline, and kayak, bookingbuddy and other internet sites that help us save money, but how about just staying somewhere "else?"

According to: Strategies for booking hotels on a budget - USATODAY.com: "Visitors to urban centers may save by booking outside main tourist areas. For San Diego, for example, 'you could stay in Carlsbad or even up as far as Oceanside,' said Joe McInerney, CEO of the American Hotel & Lodging Association."

So take a look at the next "big city" trip and consider if there may be a smaller city nearby without the name recognition that will save you significant amounts of money. Who knows, you may just discover the some hidden treasures in the new locale.

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Oceanside Museum of Art: Babette's Feast Culinary Series 12/6/08

OMA Culinary Cinema Series
"Babette's Feast"
Saturday, December 6
5:30 PM
.
Babette's Feast

Third in our Culinary Cinema Series that pairs food themed films with mouth-watering cuisine, "Babette's Feast" is presented in the beautiful setting of the museum. Academy Award winning director Gabriel Axel tells the story of two elderly Danish sisters whose pious life is humorously altered with the unexpected arrival of Babette Hersant, a 19th century Parisian political refugee who cooks them a French feast they will never forget. Join us at the museum for this delightful film and delectable French cuisine prepared by master chef Carol Blomstrom.

Hors d'oeuvres
tiny toast with crème fraiche and caviar
artichoke mousse on sesame crackers
Salad
haricot vert and red-onion
Entrée
coq au vin over noodles
Dessert
white and dark chocolate mousse

Reservations required in advance, limited to 100 guests. Cost is $60 for OMA members, $75 for non-members. Vegetarian entrees available upon request. Call the museum at 760-435-3721 for reservations.

5:30 PM Pre-film reception, wine & hors d'oeuvres
6:00 PM "Babette's Feast" screening
Dinner following the film


Oceanside Museum of Art
704 Pier View Way
Oceanside, CA 92054
www.oma-online.org
760.435.3720

Saturday, November 22, 2008

OCEANSIDE: Art museum nabs an Orchid : North County Times - Californian

OCEANSIDE: Art museum nabs an Orchid : North County Times - Californian: "OCEANSIDE ---- The Oceanside Museum of Art was honored by the San Diego Architecture Foundation last week during its annual Orchids & Onions Awards.

The museum's $5.8 million central pavilion, designed by Frederick Fisher, opened in March. It is attached to the museum's former home, which is now its gift store. That building ---- Oceanside's former city hall ---- was built in 1934 by San Diego architect Irving Gill.

Of the Fisher expansion, the jury said: 'This slick, cool addition to a museum dedicated to regional artists is very straightforward with a minimalist approach that speaks of a refinement ... one of the most sophisticated buildings in North County.'

'Orchid' awards represent the best designs for architectural projects in San Diego County."

Monday, November 10, 2008

Oceanside Museum of Art: Jazz, Vigilucci's, and Babette's Feast

UPCOMING EVENTS AT THE OCEANSIDE MUSEUM OF ART

Vigilucci's Jazz at the Museum
Jamie Valle and Friends
Thursday, November 13
7:00 - 9:00 PM

Jamie Valle

"Vigilucci's Jazz at the Museum" presents local jazz great Jaime Valle on November 13th for a night of Latin-edged jazz at Oceanside Museum of Art. Valle's masterful guitar work has drawn praise for over 30 years in performances worldwide and locally winning the San Diego Music Awards several years running. Joining Jamie for a quartet are Tripp Sprague -sax and flute, Ramon Banda on percussions and Rob Thorsen, acoustic bass.

The evening will begin with Vigilucci's scrumptious hors d'oeuvres and signature wine at 7:00 p.m. Admission at the door is $15 or $10 for OMA members. Open seating is on a "first-come" basis, there are no reservations. In addition to the concert guests will have the opportunity to view the exhibitions, Damngorgeous: Millard Sheets and His Southern California Legacy and Quilt Visions 2008: Contemporary Expressions.
OMA Culinary Cinema Series
"Babette's Feast"
Saturday, December 6
5:30 PM



.
Babette's Feast

Third in our Culinary Cinema Series that pairs food themed films with mouth-watering cuisine served in the beautiful setting of the museum is "Babette's Feast." Academy Award winning director Gabriel Axel tells the story of two elderly Danish sisters whose pious life is humorously altered with the unexpected arrival of Babette Hersant, a 19th century Parisian political refugee who cooks them a French feast they will never forget.

Join us at the museum for this delightful film and delectable French cuisine prepared by master chef Carol Blomstrom. Dinner includes hors d'oeuvres of tiny toast with crème fraiche and caviar, artichoke mousse on sesame crackers, salad with haricot vert and red-onion, entrée of coq au vin over noodles, and white and dark chocolate mousse for dessert. Reservations required in advance, limited to 100 guests. Cost is $60 for OMA members, $75 for non-members. Call the museum at 760-435-3721 for reservations.

5:30 PM Pre-film reception, wine & hors d'oeuvres
6:00 PM "Babette's Feast" screening
Dinner following the film


Oceanside Museum of Art
704 Pier View Way
Oceanside, CA 92054
www.oma-online.org
760.435.3720

OCEANSIDE: First surf film festival a hit

The first annual Oceanside surf festival is done, but you can enjoy the fun still and get ready for the second annual surf festival at the following link:
OCEANSIDE: First surf film festival a hit : North County Times - Californian: "OCEANSIDE ---- Oceanside happily upped the ante on its Surf City status with a winning first edition of a three-day surf film festival that ended Sunday.

'It’s just amazing,' California Surf Museum President Daryl Dick said about packed screenings of new and classic surf films and a VIP reception with crowds that spilled into the streets during the inaugural California Surf Festival.

'We got a huge amount of press all over the world,' he added, citing headlines from as far away as Australia about the event, which Dick said he anticipates will be repeated next year."

Thursday, November 06, 2008

New San Luis Rey River Bridge, Oceanside, CA

Finally... The new bridge from Oceanside Harbor to North Pacific Street outside North Coast Village is completed AND the old earthen "Arizona crossing" has been opened up to allow the river to flow (somewhat) freely to the Pacific Ocean. The views just keep getting better and better. We are looking forward to seeing what happens in the wildlife habitat restoration corner, and of course to the great surf break right by the breakwater.

In this photo, taken from North Coast Village "G" landing, the new bridge is in the right side in the middle, and the opening to the ocean is in the left side directly opposite. It looks like just a portion of the crossing was removed fully, and perhaps nature will take it's course on the rest.

Thursday, October 23, 2008

OCEANSIDE: Pacific Street Crossing finally meets its end : North County Times - Californian

We've been waiting for this project for years and anxiously await the San Luis Rey River opening freely to the Pacific Ocean.



The removal of the Pacific Street crossing started this week just south of the Oceanside Harbor. The crossing, which was replaced by the Pacific Street Bridge, was prone to being washed out by heavy rains. (Photo by Jamie Scott Lytle - Staff Photographer)
OCEANSIDE: Pacific Street Crossing finally meets its end : North County Times - Californian: "OCEANSIDE ---- A long-armed excavator worked this week to remove the final boulders and metal pipes that have kept the Pacific Street Crossing in place for decades.

'We should be finished with removing everything and knocking it down by Halloween,' said David Toschak, manager of the city's Pacific Street Bridge project.

On Sept. 9, the city opened the crossing's replacement, a modern 351-foot concrete bridge that cost $18 million. With the new bridge serving as a second entrance and exit for Oceanside Harbor, the old crossing has become redundant.

Crews worked this week to remove tons of protective 'rip rap' boulders and steel pipes that allowed the San Luis Rey River to pass under the sand-and-rock crossing.

After all of the hard stuff gets hauled away, Toschak said bulldozers will flatten the sand berm underneath. Soon all that will remain is a large lump of sand at the river mouth. The project manager said he expects Mother Nature to remove the sand this winter.

'Without the rip rap, the next big storm will just wash it out,' Toschak said.

It will be an ironic end for a structure that the city of Oceanside has rebuilt and fought to protect from winter storms for decades. John Daley, local historian and owner of the 101 Cafe, said the crossing opened shortly after the Oceanside Harbor was completed in 1963. Heavy storms, he said, would wash the structure out to sea every four years or so.

Once, in the 1980s, Daley said the city refused to rebuild the crossing, so he and a group of contractors did the job themselves.

"We took it to (the) Coastal (Commission) and everything," Daley said. "I think it probably cost like $10,000 or $15,000 back at that time."

Today the crossing creates a kind of shallow pool between the new bridge and the old crossing. No one seems sure what will happen to the birds and plants that currently live in the area once the river mouth is opened to the sea.

Daley said the area around the San Luis Rey river mouth was known as "beach lake" before the harbor was built.

"It would close off in the summer and form a big lagoon," Daley said. "I remember it was big enough that they actually had boats on it with people (water) skiing."

Meanwhile, work is almost complete on remaining components of the bridge project. Workers are putting the finishing touches on reconstructed harbor parking lots that were disturbed by the construction process.

Parking lots six, seven, nine and 10 are to be closed from Nov. 10-14 for final asphalt sealing and striping. During that time, the city asks harbor visitors to park in lots eight and one.

Contact staff writer Paul Sisson at (760) 901-4087 or psisson@nctimes.com."

The First Annual FUELTV California Surf Festival

The First Annual FUELTV California Surf Festival

Celebrating Bruce Brown’s 50th Anniversary

October 10th, 2008 Oceanside, California – The FUEL TV California Surf Festival, a benefit for the California Surf Museum in Oceanside, CA, is rolling by the beach beginning November 7, 2008. Highlighting this inaugural Festival will be a special anniversary celebration of Bruce Brown and his 50 years in Filmmaking.

The FUEL TV California Surf Festival is a presentation of FUEL TV and the California Surf Museum. The CSM will be sharing the progress of its new location here in Oceanside and encourages your support. The Festival is a continuing aspect of the Museum and its focus on preserving the culture and history of the surfing lifestyle. This Festival will enrich the locals and visitors alike on the world of surfing and share in the surroundings of downtown City of Oceanside.

The keystone event of the Festival is honoring Bruce Brown and his milestone in an outstanding career in filmmaking. This year marks the 50-year anniversary since the release of Brown’s 1958 surf classic, Slippery When Wet. His defining The Endless Summer (1964) has reached audiences and fans all over the world and all walks of life. Bruce will do a LIVE narration of The Endless Summer as it once was done close to 50 years ago. This one-time-only event will take place as we celebrate the anniversary on Saturday, November 8th. Dana Brown, his son, and grandson Wes Brown will be assisting Bruce in this momentous evening.

Special guests will create a great opportunity for surfers, filmmakers and everyone to enjoy surf films and surf culture. The three-day Festival will feature some of the newest surf films for surfers and others of all ages with some of the filmmakers on hand for the screenings.

The FUEL TV California Surf Festival will take place in Oceanside at the Crest Theater, located at 102 N. Freeman Street, Oceanside, CA, on November 7th, 8th and 9th. Tickets are on sale now and may be purchased online at www.californiasurffestival.com or at the California Surf Museum. A VIP Ticket for a pre-screening reception with Bruce Brown and The Endless Summer LIVE is $150; as well, the VIP Ticket allows entry to all movies all weekend. General admission to the Bruce Brown Event is $35. General admission to all other movies is $10 each. Space is limited.

TALL SHIP LYNX TO VISIT OCEANSIDE




PIRATES OR PRIVATEERS
122-FOOT WAR OF 1812 EDUCATIONAL TALL SHIP LYNX TO VISIT OCEANSIDE


Oceanside, CA: On October 22, 2008 – All law-abiding and loyal citizens are urged to be vigilant and alert to the presence on your coast of the Weatherly, fast, and heavily arm’d Clipper Schooner LYNX. The 122-foot square topsail schooner LYNX will be sailing into Oceanside on Wednesday, October 2 2, 2008 at 3 pm, join the flotilla as she fires from her main battery of 6-pounder carronades upon her grand entrance. Don’t miss this photo opportunity as we relive history.

The 122-foot square topsail schooner Lynx is an interpretation of a privateer or naval schooner from the War of 1812. She is fitted with period ordnance and flies pennants and flags from the 1812 era making her one of the first ships to defend our freedom. The Lynx crew wear period uniforms and operate the ship in keeping with the maritime traditions of early 19th Century America. Students and adults will recognize the War of 1812 as a significant element of American heritage and as a turning point in the development of our national identity. The Lynx Science program is where students will individually investigate and examine useful information to utilize in hands-on experiments. They will learn how water quality, food chains and weather are related and affect our natural balance. Students will also become aware of the importance of maintaining our ecological systems now and for future generations. The Early American history and science programs that are taught aboard Lynx meet California State Standards.

The Privateer Lynx was hired to train the cast and crew of the hit movie Pirates of the Caribbean.

The Privateer Lynx will be offering Educational Dockside Tours and Sailing Adventures October 22 - 30, 2008. Climb aboard and step back in time as you relive history. Join the crew and hoist the sails, steer the ship, fire the main battery of six-pounder carronades and experience first hand life aboard a traditional, square topsail schooner. Get ready to rumble as you and your kids take part in this unique, interactive sailing adventure.

Schedule:

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Grand Arrival: 3 pm

Dockside Tours: 4 pm – 5 pm Free

Saturday & Sunday, October 25 - 26

Dockside Tours: 10 am – 1 pm Adults $5.00 (children 12 & under free)

Adventure Sail: 2 pm – 5 pm Adults $65.00 (children 12 & under $35.00)

Boarding at: Dolphin Dock

Sail aboard the Privateer Lynx berths are available for incredible port-to-port passages.

King Harbor/Redondo Beach – Oceanside – October 21 - 22

Oceanside to San Diego – October 31

The LYNX operates under the auspices of the Lynx Educational Foundation a 501(c)(3) non-profit, organization, dedicated to hands-on educational programs that teach early American history. The Maritime challenges during the War of 1812 are taught aboard the American Privateer Lynx utilizing a comprehensive, interactive program designed to enrich personal achievement through teamwork and the discipline of sail training.

For reservations please call 866-446-5969

www.privateerlynx.org

Distinclty American... Oceanside Music Festival October 24, 2008

Oceanside Music Fest

Distinctly American

Friday, Oct. 24, Sunshine Brooks Theatre, North Coast Highway, Oceanside, 7:00pm


This is a concert you won't want to miss! Four unique, talented groups will take the audience through the history of American music:

John Kalb, will perform original 'story telling' songs akin to Woodie Guthrie's stories and music;
JD Crawford takes on the Country-Western music adding a little old school soul and R&B. He will be performing his new hit single.

Ric & Eric move into the American Songbook, and remniscent of 'Old Blue-eyes' they do it their way.

Frequency Vocal Jazz Ensemble of MiraCosta College will close the program performing classic and contemporary vocal jazz, accompanied by a full band.

Tickets are $15.00 General Admission; $12.00 Senior; $10.00 Student and Military with ID

For more information call 760\433-3632"

New "Visit Oceanside" Blog from the CA Welcome Center Staff

Oceanside's own Lois Fillmore from the CA Welcome Center in Oceanside, CA is now publishing a blog that has fantastic photos like the one here from local events, and plenty of great Oceanside information for locals and tourists alike. Be sure to give the blog a look at Visit Oceanside Blog
Visit Oceanside: "Harbor Days 2008
Oceanside’s Harbor Days is an annual two-day celebration that is free to the public. It is a family-friendly event which attracts an estimated 40,000 people each year and seems to get better and better every year."

Monday, June 09, 2008

Latest on the Bridge

June 9, 2008 Important Oceanside CA Bridge Update for North Coast Village Guests and Owners:

Per Dave Toschak City of Oceanside:

"1. They aim to open the stretch of new road from the bridge construction
down to our 'G' gate entrance by July 4. This will be ONLY for pedestrians
and cyclists. Safety barriers etc, still have to be erected so nothing will
be allowed along there before this date.

2. The completion and opening of the new bridge is still scheduled for July
16 when the existing 'Arizona' crossing will have been removed."

Please contact the city of Oceanside for up to date construction news.

Sunday, April 27, 2008

The SPRINTER Has Arrived Linking Escondido to Oceanside and Everything In Between

Now visitors to Oceanside, especially parents and prospective students to Cal State San Marcos, can travel as easily by train West to East as they can North to South.

Check it out:
See the SPRINTER MAP

North County Transit District - SPRINTER: "About Your New Light Rail System
North County has a new east-west mobility link between Oceanside, Vista, San Marcos and Escondido: the SPRINTER rail line. This investment in our community is significant; it's one of the largest public works projects this region has seen. The SPRINTER makes North County a nicer place to be, here's why:

The SPRINTER runs 22 miles along the Highway 78 corridor effortlessly transporting passengers to work, school, shopping centers and other activities.

Riders have the freedom to read, work or relax as these European-style light rail vehicles sprint to the 15 stations.

With significant population growth coming, we're all worried about congestion and the resulting pollution. The SPRINTER will reduce traffic by eliminating hundreds of cars and will offer North County residents a green alternative.

The predictable, reliable service is easy to use, practical and consumer friendly. It's easy to reach North County's top destinations using the BREEZE bus system, which serves all fifteen stations. Additionally, the COASTER trains connect with the SPRINTER in Oceanside.

The SPRINTER also encourages transit-oriented development in the cities along the route, a prospect that supports the principles of Smart Growth.

Click here to view the new North County Transit Network map.

↑ Top of Page ↑


Service Features

The SPRINTER is a sleek,"

Saturday, April 12, 2008

Bike for Free Along the San Luis Rey River in Oceanside CA


(Image provided by City of Oceanside Web Site)

The San Luis Rey River Trail in Oceanside is now more accessible to visitors and residents alike. Don't have a bike? Didn't bring your bike on vacation? No problem, Dasani Water has provide 20 bikes to the City of Oceanside for your use on the trail. Read more about the progam by visiting: Dasani Blue Bikes and Oceanside

If you want to spend more than just the afternoon or morning riding on the trail, please look into staying here in the city at the beach a little longer. We have many lodging options including beach vacation rentals at North Coast Village at the head of the bike trail.

Pacific Street Bridge Construction Information Oceanside CA

Pacific Street Bridge Construction Update

Work continues on the Pacific Street Bridge and the project is currently on or ahead of schedule. The above link is the spot for current information as well as the 24 hour hotline:
760-599-3739.

For complaints or specific questions the construction manager number is: 760-898-5188.
The City Project Manager is David Toschak 760-435-5106.

The San Luis Rey River will be returned to it's natural state with completion of this project where the causeway and false bridge will be removed. Please bear with the construction, noise, and inconvenience for now.

The construction typically only effects the north and east side of North Coast Village, and not even all of those most of the time. We expect the bulk of the work impacting NCV to be completed before the high summer season of 2008.

The bridge is currently closed and those wishing to reach North Coast Village need to do so via Surfrider Way to Pacific Street. Those staying in some of the north side

Tuesday, April 08, 2008

Pipes, Dredging of Oceanside Harbor to End Shortly - March 8, 2008

Oceanside Harbor is dredged every year as late in spring as possible to prevent dangerous conditions at the mouth of the harbor. The dredging operation for 2008 is nearing completion and pipe removal should begin today.

The sand that is removed from the harbor is moved to Oceanside's south beaches.

For those who only visit in the summer: many of California's beaches undergo dramatic changes in the winter. Our winter storms remove much of our sand, in some cases creating shore front cliffs, and in others depositing rocks and seaweed in what most know as pristine sandy beaches in the summer. Oceanside, and the beach in front of North Coast Village is no exception. During my last storm visit, I walked out the gate of NCV to the sea wall to be struck with a stiff breeze, white caps, and a spectacular array of kelp and rocks and not beach to speak of. I LOVE storms at the beach as much as I love warm sunny days there! That said, we wage a constant battle of man and machine vs nature here in California so you will find bull dozers, back hoes, dredging equipment, beach rakers, and so much more are needed to not only keep our beaches sandy and full, but also to keep our harbor safe.

Enjoy, and rest assured the noise and disruption are nearing completion - just in time for the beach soccer tournament in May!

Oceanside Historical Society to begin History Walks : North County Times - Californian

Oceanside Historical Society to begin History Walks : North County Times - Californian: "It's time for the Oceanside Historical Society's annual meeting and to kick off the return of the group's popular Downtown History Walks.

The annual meeting will be at 10 a.m. April 19 at St. Mary's Star of the Sea School, 515 Wisconsin St.

The Downtown History Walks are at 9 a.m. on the second Saturday of each month through September. This event is free and participants meet in front of the Oceanside Public Library in the Civic Center, 300 N. Coast Highway.

The walks are usually led by noted historian John Daley, or another member may fill in, including Society President Kristi Hawthorne. For information call the Historical Society at (760) 722-4786 or e-mail: info@OceansideHistoricalSociety.org."

I had no idea these historical walks existed, but I cannot wait to go on one of these. I'm fortunate enough to have met John Daley (Cafe 101) through the Oceanside Tourism Council where he presented on the history of rail travel in Oceanside with a vision for the future. He is a treasure trove of information and great old photos. There's a lot more to Oceanside than the beach - ask me about our newest publication: "102 Things to Do in Oceanside"!

Monday, March 24, 2008

No Pipes for Oceanside Beaches this Summer!

Managing sand in southern California is a job few tourists and non coastal residents ever consider. Last summer, that all changed when the city of Oceanside CA was forced to dredge the harbor entrance in the middle of the important tourist season. Never Again! is the chant being heard around the city this winter:

For Complete Article:Dredging prep work begins on Oceanside beach : North County Times - Californian: "OCEANSIDE -- In an effort to prevent last year's August dredging do-over, crews are already preparing to start annual harbor dredging this spring.

Yellow earth-moving equipment is working this week on the beach just south of the North Coast Village condominium complex to lay the groundwork for dredge pipes that will soon carry about 180,000 cubic yards of sand south past the Oceanside Municipal Pier and deposit it on the beach just west to Tyson Street Park."

Sunday, March 09, 2008

The Sprinter's long road to today : North County Times - Californian

Who says you have to have a car in southern California? San Diego County continues to lead the way in public rail transit as far as I'm concerned. Click here to learn more about the new Sprinter line that runs east/west.:
The Sprinter's long road to today : North County Times - Californian

Friday, February 15, 2008

Aargh! Calling all Pirates and Mates: Tall Ship Lynx returns to Oceanside Harbor

The privateer tall ship Lynx is now making regular trips to Oceanside Harbor. Come take part in the festivities this weekend, or check their website for other times. If you've never been aboard or seen a tall ship "battle", this is something you just have to do. It's hard to believe that men passed not so long ago in these mighty ships.

From: www.villagenews.com Thursday, February 14th, 2008.
Issue 07, Volume 12.
OCEANSIDE — The tall ship Lynx has returned to Oceanside Harbor.

Public dockside tours aboard the Lynx will be offered on Saturday and Sunday, February 16 and 17. In addition, the Lynx will host the Spirit of Dana Point, a 118-foot, traditionally built, accurate replica of a 1770s privateer used during the American Revolution.

Both ships will be engaging in a high seas battle sail reenactment that weekend. The public is welcome so climb aboard and experience the roar of their deck guns, smell the black powder smoke mixing with the fresh sea breeze, cheer the crew on as they chase down the enemy and step back in time to relive history.

Dockside tours run from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tickets: adults, $5 donation; children 12 and under, free.

Battle sail re-enactments run from 2 to 5 p.m. Tickets: adults, $65; active military, $55; children 12 and under, $30.

For more information, visit www.privateerlynx.org.



Privateer Lynx has been designed and built to interpret a privateer or naval schooner from the War of 1812. Displacing 114 tons, she is
78 feet overall with a 23-foot beam and a draft of nine feet. Privateer Lynx is operated by the Lynx Educational Foundation.

Thursday, February 07, 2008

Coastal Commission OK's Oceanside riverbed clearing - North County Times - Coastal -

These are exciting times for the San Luis Rey River and I for one cannot wait to see the progress. Just yesterday the CA Coastal Commission approved a brush clearing plan for the army corps of engineers to begin next month. Couple that with the removal of the causeway where the river hits the ocean outside of the harbor and North Coast Village, and the river with its bike trail alongside promises to be a new favorite spot for myself and many more.

Read the coastal commission decision and coverage here:
Coastal Commission OK's Oceanside riverbed clearing - North County Times - Coastal -: "Coastal Commission OK's Oceanside riverbed clearing

By: MARGA KELLOGG - Staff Writer
Work expected to begin March 1
OCEANSIDE -- A plan to clear overgrown brush from the San Luis Rey River channel won unanimous approval from the California Coastal Commission on Wednesday morning during a packed meeting at the Del Mar Fairgrounds."

Tuesday, January 08, 2008

Harbor Fish and Chips, A Second Glimpse

Quite some time ago I reviewed Harbor Fish and Chips in Oceanside, CA on a social networking site, and mentioned the great service and gave mixed reviews on the food. This is a family owned hole in the wall seafood joint at Oceanside Harbor, 35 miles north of San Diego. True to a family owned place, the owner emailed me and commented on how they had increased their grilled fish portion size and dropped the crab cakes (both which I had commented on).

I love "seafood dives" and decided to give this one a second chance when I was down in Oceanside working this last week right before New Years. Even after 2 pm on New Years Eve this place was hopping on a chilly day. True to course, the service was pleasant, competent, and relatively quick for fresh cooked fish. This time I stuck with the fish and chips (you even get to choose how many large pieces of fish you want) and enjoyed it to go (kind of messy so grab lots of napkins). The fish was delicious with plenty of batter, flaky, but not falling apart. The chips are fat cut fries that taste like real potatoes, so be sure to put a little salt or malt vinegar on them to suit American tastes. All for less than $10 bucks. I'll be back.

Harbor Fish & Chips stays on the list of must visit seafood dives (no offense this is a good thing), in southern California. Fresh fish...friendly and pleasant service, waterfront, and reasonable pricing.