From a Friend

Well, 2013 is off and running. The world did not end in 2012, nor did we fall off the infamous fiscal cliff. All in all it seems like things are on an upswing for the area, and hopefully 2013 will turn out to be a great year. We know that we are excited to see what this year will bring. This is our 2nd Annual Local’s Choice Awards issue and we would like to thank all of those who voted and congratulate the businesses and people that won. Make sure to check out all the winners in each category & county—stop by, say hi and let them know you learned about them in Local Happenings Magazine. If you thought that someone else should have taken home the top prize keep in mind that voting opens up again on September 1st, so put it on your calendar now!

This issue also marks our 20th edition of Local Happenings. It has been a wonderful time so far developing this magazine and publishing it over the last 3-plus years. We are so grateful for both our loyal readers and advertisers. We are looking forward to the coming year and growing the magazine even more. We have been so fortunate in the growth so far in terms of readership and we are excited to see where this year will take us. We have some great ideas in store to improve both the magazine and web site, and we are anxious to make them a reality.

Lovers beware: it is that time of the year with Valentine’s Day and the first day of spring right around the corner. Make sure your cupid’s arrow is pointed directly at your lover’s heart and give them the perfect gift to show your true devotion.

We are also very excited as we move into spring. We do not suffer those bitter cold winters that some people across the country have to endure, but we are still looking forward to getting out more and enjoying longer days with warm weather. It is also a big time for us (and you) for events and happenings. Just like the buds on the plants in the garden, the outdoor events start to really ramp up in the early spring. There is just so much to do and enjoy, which is one of the main reasons that we started this magazine. We hope that we will continue to be your source for local events and that you will share us with your friends so that they will know what is going on around us as well. We also hope that you will continue to share your thoughts with us on how we can serve you and the community better, after all, that is what we strive to do.

Happy Birthday to Stephen S., Tony P., Corinne O., Meagan M., Larry B., JoAnn A., Gary M., Gary T., and Dennis K! Happy Anniversary to Larry and Clara!

Cheers to all of you until next time . . .

Robert Briseño

& Deanna Baillie

Yesterday helped. . .

The "Ramble" at the Empress Theatre in Downtown Vallejo is "Ben" friendly!

Two long walks, a nice afternoon lunch, completion of work tasks, dinner with colleagues and great music to end the day; I believe that yesterday was a good day. Living in the moment is something to be cherished and I do believe that my cup is over half full. I also believe that I am drinking red wine so no need for the rose-colored glasses.

Today Ben and I are out to greet the world and hopefully to make a difference; just waking up with a smile has made one for me.

Early am stretches and meditation; feed and walk Ben and away we go. . .

A day of meditation . . .

When a magazine finally goes to press I am sure that everyone thinks I sleep all day. The truth is I now find myself needing a day of deep meditation to finally feel relaxed and stress free. Unfortunately the workload is not over. Now I have to get all the stories ready to be put up on the web. The Flipbook on our website that I everyone thinks magically appears without much effort – WRONG. All the ads need to web linked and then sent switched to a technological miracle so that you may view the magazine as it will appear once it is printed.

I have had a glass of champagne with friends, have rested in a jet tub, I can now welcome the “humpday” with a smile on my face and know that I have made it through the toughest part of the year for magazine publishing. Ben and I can greet the day with a HUGE smile and know that we can rest a little easier today. Yes, we have meetings and still have work to do but at least we know that our 2013 goals and resolutions have been put in place and are working towards their fruition. With that said, I can now greet the day.

Early am stretches and meditation; feed and walk Ben and away we go. . .

Another issue is off my desk . . .

So another issue is on the press! This one will have all the winners of this years “Local Choice” winners. It was a lot of fun and I am really looking forward to a little R&R. (Carmel is calling my name!)

Ben and I have coffee/breakfast plans, then lunch plans and now late afternoon cocktails. Awww, this is way better than Calgon.

Early am stretches and meditation; feed and walk Ben and away we go. . .

We had a great run . . .

The San Francisco Bay Area is definitely a little depressed after yesterday’s game. The SF 49ers had a great season and I guess we got caught up in the fanfare since the SF Giants had won the World Series. They have nothing to be ashamed of though, it was a great game and The Ravens played better so the win went to the better team.

Back to work for me. Last week was a little rough since I had 3 funerals to go to and a deadline. I am on track though and feel like I will even finish a little early! Back to the keyboard for now.

Early am stretches and meditation; feed Ben and away we go. . .

Here we go . . .

Harbough giving his team some words of wisdom

Lots to do before I can get too excited about the 49ers on Sunday but my head is already dreaming about a win! The entire Bay Area is amped and ready to explode. I will try to keep Ben and I grounded since I do have a lot to do before kick-off but it will be hard. Imagine, the San Francisco Giants have won the World Series and now it’s possible for the San Francisco 49ers to win the Superbowl. GO NINERS!

Early am stretches and meditation; feed Ben and off we go. . .

Calgon take me away . . .

Jim Harbaugh and I at a Media Event last summer . . .

The last week and a half have been rough. A friend died, then another dear friends mother died (she had been sick and it was expected) and now another friends mother has died. (This one was a total shock, one day she wasn’t feeling well and the next she died.) A reminder: Always tell someone that you love them! I am right in the middle of deadline and I have no down time, I must keep my chin up but it will be so nice when I can just have “Calgon” take me away!

Ben and I will wake up early and try to get all of our work started then we have to go to a funeral and then come back and work again. Hopefully Ben will get a walk sometime today!

Still thinking positive thoughts for the San Francisco 49ers! Jim will lead the way!

Early am stretches and meditation; feed Ben and off we go. . .

and now he is taking us to the Superbowl!