Max - Moonlight Beach, Encinitas, CA.
Winner of the first ever young Slash Look-A-Like Contest.
Peter Beames - Stone Steps Beach, Encinitas, CA.
Any old man trogging down through the surf with a club in hand and full golf regalia has unquestionably earned O.G. status. So when I asked him to stop for a photo it came as no surprise to hear him say, “No problem, I’m famous”.
Beames is his name, golf is his game. He said he was a hot shot on the PGA back in the day and now instructs golf in Rancho Santa Fe. A charming article about him can be read by clicking here.
Close Encounters - Stone Steps Beach, Encinitas, CA.
After a big storm, a sunny low tide day at Stone Steps beach.
Moai Statue created by Tim Richards - Swami’s Beach, Encinitas, CA.
Here lies the gravestone of a true Swami’s local: an 80 year old Torrey pine tree. The Torrey pine, which had been attacked by bark beetles was ordered by the City of Encinitas to be taken down to a stump in January in efforts to prevent the beetles from migrating to and infesting neighboring trees.
Local Encinitas woodworking artist Tim Richards donated his time and considerable skill to creating this Polynesian inspired Moai statue. Tim was able to complete the Moai statue in about 65 hours over a 3 week span.
McDonald’s - Encinitas Boulevard and El Camino Real; September 2nd, 2011.
“Thank you… Drive Thru!”
McDonald’s - Encinitas Boulevard and El Camino Real; September 1st, 2011.
These days I am more of an In-N-Out guy if anything, but back in the day, much of my formative years were spent deep inside the box of a Happy Meal with the promise of a toy and ever-so-precious Chicken McNuggets. The night of September 1st, when McDonald’s went up in flames (click here for more photos), news of the event on Facebook spread like wildfire. It seemed as if everyone of age who grew up in Encinitas waxed nostalgic over their beloved Mickey D’s.
Why is this so? I think for a lot of us, The McDonald’s on Encinitas Boulevard harks back to a bygone era when ENC-life was a little simpler: Leucadia Boulevard didn’t go through, “Super” Target didn’t exist, and date night was at AMC theatre. For us, McDonald’s wasn’t just a restaurant; it was a state of mind.
I know everything good must come to an end; I just never thought it would be my childhood McDonald’s. And so while I don’t think this is an early sign of the Apocalypse, I do pray to God yet another Yoga studio doesn’t decide to mosey on in.
Jack Mabie - Mabie Residence; Encinitas, CA.
Jack Mabie will kick your ass… just ask him. Standing maybe 5’ 5” on a good day, Jack will walk right up and inform you just what a bad mamma-jamma you’re looking at. The next moment, with his arms held behind his back and a friendly grin, he’ll approach a cute, twenty-something young lady and politely ask, ”Excuse me miss, would you like to go home with me today?!”. Whether half-joking or not, he knows you’ll never get anywhere without trying.
Jack has dedicated his life to doing things his way. One half of his career was spent as a Professor of Humanities at the University of Chicago, while the second half was spent in a profession far more nefarious; landing him some hard time at the Leavenworth Penitentiary. Jack is a survivor. He survived prison, multiple marriages, and recently a second heart attack three months back. A month after his heart attack, Jack resumed his usual 3 hour long workouts and racquetball matches.
At 82 years old, Jack Mabie is a true Encinitas legend. He grabs life by the balls and takes no prisoners. Jack is a true inspiration to me and serves a constant reminder to live life to the fullest.
Fulano’s - 145 Leucadia Blvd.
This blog is normally reserved for the people of Encinitas and it’s surrounding areas and I would typically choose against covering a local establishment. But as I drive past this one restaurant in particular for the umpteenth time on what should be a busy Saturday night, it is of course, just another evening where there is exactly one car in the parking lot (likely the owner’s) and a sign that reads “Open” but nobody’s home.
I admit my own dining experiences at this establishment are rather limited. My best friend Gordon and I decided one evening 10 or so years ago to try something few people in the world could claim: dinner at Fulano’s. We entered the restaurant and were greeted by the host- who was also the waiter- and asked us to have a seat. Being just teenagers at the time, we asked if we could sit on the side of the building which was neon lit… teenagers are very attracted to neon lighting. The waiter sternly said “No”, and informed us that section was strictly reserved for private parties. Given the fact at this point in our lives we had already driven past Fulano’s hundreds of times and NEVER seen more than one patron inside, we thought this as inconceivable. The rest of the experience was as one might imagine, underwhelming. The waiter, who we surmised was also the cook, would disappear for very long stretches of time only to deliver the food and later the check. There was no ambient music to drown out the haunting sounds of our own echoing voices. The food was bland and forgettable.
I don’t think Gordon and I are alone in thinking something is fishy here… in fact, if you never hear from me again, we probably all know why. How does a business go about operating for 15 years when nobody ever eats there? Do you know anyone who has eaten there??? Could it merely be a coincidence that Fulano de Tal loosely translates in English to “John Doe”? I think not.
Fulano’s has a kitchen and I suppose is indeed a legitimate business. Some Yelpers even claim to enjoy the place. I’m just saying if one day something out of the “Soprano’s” goes down there late one night, it’s not going to be me caught in the crossfire.
Melissa - Solana Beach, CA.
Melissa enjoying a cigarette outside the Belly Up after seeing the Young Dubliners.
Tommy Coleman - Leathersmith. Cardiff, CA
A description of Tommy and his leather goods from his website:
As a teenager growing up in Southern California, TommyTuckerJeans founder/designer Tommy Coleman a.k.a. Tommy Tucker began a creative quest in fashion with supplying the demands of “punk rock” fashion trends. While still seeing influence of punk rock origin, Tommy Tucker pieces continue to evolve and expand on themes of biker chic, gothic subculture, BDSM, the “old west,” heavy metal glamour, and post-apocalyptic culture.
In the style of the true artisan, everything found of TommyTuckerJeans is fashioned by hand. Pieces are cut, finished, and assembled with time and care as to produce a handmade quality more often seen in years long past. Employing beautiful, durable leathers, and the evolving use of long-lasting fasteners and treatments, TTJ has earned a trademark of quality. Tommy Tucker clients have been everyone from sporting stars and fashion whores to film and music industry entertainers.
