would like to remember someone very special to me in this column. He was a good
friend, a wonderful person and I know he is truly missed by many in Rancho Santa
Fe. Julien Hug’s birthday is in the beginning of February. I want to
acknowledge his beautiful parents, Denise and Bertrand Hug.

You raised an amazing son and all us who were lucky enough to know him feel blessed that he
was part of our lives. I hope this town keeps his memory alive by
supporting Mille Fleurs. I even wrote a column a couple of years ago and
called it my “My happy place, the secret’s out,” based on different vignettes
that all took place under the stars at their beautiful restaurant.  Thank you,
to the Hug family for filling my life with so many wonderful memories.
Sometimes, it’s more important to remember than to forget. It’s more
important to keep those memories alive, with fond wishes and gratitude toward
his family.

Around town

On Jan. 26, Little League had makeup evaluations at Richardson’s field in

Rancho Santa Fe. Boys from all age groups that missed the weekend

tryouts showed up in droves for this popular
division in San Diego. Let’s just say if makeup day is any indication to how
this season is going to be, it going to be a dynamite season. I just want to say
thanks to all of those in charge in the Rancho Santa Fe Little league for taking
time out of your busy schedule to be a coach or an assistant.You know
what they say, “Play ball!”I have featured a photo from the Celebrity
Tournament at Rancho Valencia on Jan. 29. I have it on good authority that was
also local resident Jason Barry’s birthday that very day. Happy belated birthday
Jason.

Later that day, Ranch resident Violet MacDonald’s daughter-in-law,
Meredith MacDonald, celebrated her stepdad’s 80th’s birthday up in Newport at
the luxurious Balboa Bay Yacht Club & Resort. If you’ve ever been privy to
eating lunch or dinner there, you know firsthand that the view from your dining
table is filled with expensive yachts lining the harbor. Claude Whitney
— a former judge in Newport — enjoyed his long life with all family members,
along with his wife CC Whitney of Newport Beach. Thank you for sharing your
lovely event with me. Here is a photo from that day, which features their family
together for that special day.

On Jan. 30, longtime Ranch residents
Dottie and Ed McCrink celebrated their 90th birthdays (they both turned 90 in
January) in style with family and friends at the Rancho Santa Fe Country Club.
More than 100 guests arrived in fine fashion for this special occasion. Some
events eclipse others, and this was definitely a special night. I feel blessed
to say that Dottie and Ed are my grandparents by marriage.The McCrinks
moved here in the early 1970’s, and have been an integral part of this community
since then. All six children were on hand, including their many grandchildren. I
have included four photos from that evening. Also Patrick Galvin, president of
the Rancho Santa Fe Rotary, was there as well with his gorgeous wife. They are
featured here, along with Dottie and Ed McCrink. Ranch residents Bill and
Carolyn Fleischman were there, and I have featured Laurel McCrink with her
niece, Natalie Shull.

On Feb. 2, Elaine Gallagher sent some very
important information to me regarding someone local who is spreading the word in
fighting breast cancer. Local San Diego resident Andrea Scheider has written a
book called, “You A Not Alone: Life After A Breast Cancer Diagnosis,” in hopes
of educating and reaching women on how to prevent and detect breast cancer. I
have included a photo of Andrea here. If you know someone with breast cancer or
would like to find out more information for yourself, please check out Andrea’s
website at thriveandsurvive.net. She has a wonderful quote listed on her home
page that states, “The only courage that matters is the kind that gets you from
one moment to the next,” by Migon McLaughlin. Elaine Gallagher, thank you for
connecting me with your good friend Andrea Scheider. Her book looks like a
winner read.

Save the date

Don’t miss the Grand
Opening on March 12 — just around the corner. In case you don’t know, Lemon
Twist is the only business that burnt down during the massive Witch Creek Fire
in 2007. Local resident Katie Shull started the business, which is located
across from Cielo, more than 30 years ago. In the meantime, before the grand
opening, Lemon Twist is already open again, after temporarily closing due to
wintertime. I have featured a photo here of it, so you can make your way down to
buy some local organic produce. For more history on Lemon Twist, visit

www.lemontwistfruitstand.com. If you would like to order some chocolate covered
strawberries for your sweetheart or a large tray for your co-workers, call
(858)-444-6060 with your order in advance. http://lemontwistfruitstand.com/contact-us-2

To read more about The Witch Creek Fires, here is an article I wrote for The Villager in

2010:http://www.dreamvillager.com/article~info~News-Local-Witch-Creek-fires-remembered-in-Rancho-Santa-Fe~articleID~544.htm

Check out Ranch Resident’s Dr. Anthony Smith’s website here: http://www.taboosofleadership.com/anthony_smith.htmRead more: Coast
News Group – Ranch’s own Julien Hug remembered on his birthday: