DV-Perceptions provides discreet resource for affluent victims of domestic violence

By Matt Liebowitz

Local company DV-Perceptions is providing a confidential, safe, much-needed outlet for wealthy, professional women suffering from domestic violence.
Started in October 2008 by CEO Melina Jacobs, DV-Perceptions offers private consultations for victims of domestic violence. In a confidential location of their choice, each client meets with Jacobs, who provides the women with a full spectrum of resources, including access to therapists, legal advocates, and contacts at the Family Justice Center, a nationwide network for victims of family violence.

Head to Toe Expo is Dec. 4-6

Women throughout the San Diego region can take a quick break from their hectic, overscheduled lives to relax with their girlfriends at the ultimate day out for women – the Head to Toe Women’s Expo! Coming to the Del Mar Fairgrounds, Dec. 4, 5 & 6, this expo will bring 10,000 women together for shopping, informative talks, and with the holidays coming a place to relax and gather unique gift ideas. With over 200 local and regional exhibitors, attendees will also get the opportunity to experience a live fashion show and meet local celebrities including designer and colorist Jen Guerin from HGTV's “DesignStar,” who is also a San Diego County resident. Show hours are Fri., Dec. 4, 10 a.m. to 5p.m., Sat., Dec. 5 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sun., Dec. 6 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets, available at the door. Parking is $9 at the Del Mar Fairgrounds. For more information, visit www.headtotoewomensexpo.com or call (877) 491-0677.

Local author takes unique approach in memoir My First 90 Years on a Small Planet

By Sara Mark

With a creative mind and a passion for individual expression, local resident Gayle Grant yearned to take her background as a visual artist to the next level. The result? A memoir 90 years in the making. Comprised of what she considers “a natural collection of all that I’ve learned, studied and lived,” Grant’s book, My First 90 Years on a Small Planet, is the often humorous, wildly captivating tale of the author’s life.

Downtown Del Mar celebrates the season with Holiday Wonderland Dec. 6

A visit from Santa, children’s craft activities and fun zone, restaurant tastes from over 20 participating restaurants, live music, and much, much more will all take place at the annual Holiday Wonderland in Del Mar on Sunday, Dec. 6 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Celebrating the holiday season in true Del Mar fashion, the charming seaside village brings back a bit of yesteryear with a taste of an old fashioned Christmas. Take a carriage ride, participate in a school run cake-walk, or simply enjoy the sights and sounds of downtown Del Mar during the festive family event.
Held on Sunday, Dec. 6, Holiday Wonderland starts at 1 p.m. and takes place throughout downtown Del Mar starting at the Del Mar Plaza on Camino Del Mar/Pacific Coast Highway 101 from 15th Street until 9th Street.
Holiday Wonderland event tickets (used for children’s rides, games, craft activities and restaurant tastes) are available on the Del Mar Village Association website – www.DelMarMainStreet.com Pre-event tickets are $20 for 25 tickets. Day of the event tickets are $25 for 25 tickets.

The San Diego Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Chapter now accepting nominations for
2010 Student Youth Board

The San Diego Chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is now accepting nominations for the student youth board of its successful CureFinders® program. The CureFinders® Student Youth Board will provide students with a unique opportunity to learn leadership skills, gain fund-raising experience and become involved in the planning and execution of a school-based change-collection program. “Their experience with CureFinders® will also be an excellent résumé builder for college and a great way to earn meaningful community service hours” says CEO of Cornerstone Wealth Management and President of the San Diego CFF Board, Chris Meacham. The Foundation’s business model has been recognized by publications such as Forbes, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal and BusinessWeek.

The importance of preventing shingles

By Rayna Gordon, Intern Pharmacist UOP School of Pharmacy and Linda Woods, PharmD

Shingles can be a painful, blistering rash usually on one side of the face, head or body. Shingles is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. This virus lies dormant after a chickenpox infection and can be reactivated as a shingles infection at any time. Once the virus is reactivated, it causes vague symptoms of irritation, pain, numbness, itching or tingling. The pain from the rash can be severe and may be accompanied by headache, fever, chills and an upset stomach. Some people who develop Shingles experience long-term pain, which can last for months and even years.

Woodward Pet of the Week

“Parka” & “Fleece” are 7 month old, neutered, males, domestic short haired felines. Furry, purry and full of fun, these brothers are totally toasty and warm together. A purr-fect pair, “Parka” & “Fleece”, are available to warm your hearth, heart and home! Adopt “Parka” & “Fleece” today from Helen Woodward Animal Center.
“Parka” & “Fleece’s” adoption fee: just $150 (for both).
All pets adopted from Helen Woodward Animal Center have been spayed or neutered, have up-to-date vaccinations and microchip identification. Helen Woodward Animal Center kennels are open every day from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. (applications accepted till 5:45 p.m.) at 6461 El Apajo Road in Rancho Santa Fe. For more information call 858-756-4117, option #1 or log on to www.animalcenter.org.

Ranch Connection: Celebrate Thanksgiving, the holidays and New Year’s Eve at the RSF Clubhouse

The Thanksgiving Day Buffet at the Ranch Clubhouse is filling up fast. There are still a few open reservation times available from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. This is a great opportunity to visit with other families of the covenant while enjoying the elaborate buffet presented by Chef Larry and his culinary team. Looking ahead to the month of December, the holiday spirit comes alive with Santa Day, Sunday, Dec. 13, from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. with a breakfast buffet

Local artists thrive in mentor program
at San Diego Fine Arts Society

By Matt Liebowitz

A new mentor program at the San Diego Fine Art Society (SDFAS) is giving local artists the professional tools, knowledge and guidance to thrive.
In the SDFAS Artist Mentor program, a group of dedicated San Diego artists meet weekly with Yoram Gil, who brings to his role as mentor more than 35 years of experience in the art world, as both an artist and gallery owner.

San Diego fashion designer Gordana ‘Goga’ Gehlhausen places fourth in ‘Project Runway’

By Matt Liebowitz

San Diego fashion

Design by “Goga”

designer and boutique owner Gordana “Goga” Gehlhausen took fourth place in the popular reality television competition “Project Runway.”
On Nov. 5, Gordana “Goga” Gehlhausen was eliminated from season six of the show. Gehlhausen was chosen out of more than 10,000 applicants to participate in the competition.
A native of Bosnia, Gehlhausen, 45, is self-taught, and runs GOGA by Gordana, a boutique at 401 Market St., and another GOGA boutique in Charleston, South Carolina.
Though she’s no longer on the hit TV show, Gehlhausen has big plans for her career in the fashion world, and hopes to take an active role in fostering the creativity of younger generations.
“I would love to have an opportunity to maybe do some sort of after-school program, like something called Design with Gordana,” she said. “I’m very much connected to young people and I feel that a lot of times if you don’t get straight A’s or if you not good at math and science, you’re kind of labeled as not very intelligent. There are so many kids out there who are so creative.”
Visit www.shopgoga.com or call (619) 564-7660 for more information.