Black Friday Run Black Friday Run

January 2006 Vol. 17, No. 1 Black Friday Run By Lisa Martin The day after Thanksgiving in the United States, is frequently referred to as Black Friday. The idea behind the term is that Black Friday is a day in which retail stores have enough sales to put them "in the black” - an accounting expression alluding to the practice of recording losses in red and profits in black. Well, Black Friday now has a whole new definition to the “M” crowd a small group of diehard Socalmers that decided to go on an impromptu run lead by Tom and Merrilyn Holcomb. Looking Down The Road… We’ll be planning the 2006 events at the annual meeting! Inside this issue: Black Friday Run 1 Club Information 2 Financial Snapshot 3 President’s Message 3 Black Friday Run (cont) 4 Holiday Party Report 5 Board Meeting Minutes 7 Socials 8 Upcoming Events 9 Club Resources 11 Seven Miatas and thirteen adventures headed out after eating a hearty breakfast at the Ranch side Café in San Fernando. The route took us by way of Little Tujunga Canyon road to Soledad Canyon and up through Big Pines. The weather was perfect for top down driving with big blue clear skies above. The Highways were well paved and the terrain varied from twisties through the hills to the upper dessert flats. At one point we made a scheduled stop were the Hwy ended and the road turned to dirt. The white powdery dirt and golden hillsides against the brilliant blue sky made for an (Continued on page 4) Don’t miss the club’s annual meeting on Saturday, Jan 14th at 10:00 am. Come on by Mazda headquarters in Irvine to elect the 2006 board members and participate in your club! See page 9. Page 2 CLUB INFORMATION 2005 SOCALM OFFICERS Birthdays 01/01 01/03 01/06 01/07 01/09 01/10 Steve Goldin Ben Katz Nikole Moore Deb Simon Brian Seale Wally Stevens Bruce Virnelson Leta Schulz Victoria Bakker Janet Wyrick Yvette Palinkas John Redel Roger Cunningham Rita Clewell Don Kennelly Charles Lusch Lynn Ballard 01/15 01/17 01/19 01/20 01/22 01/24 01/25 01/26 01/28 01/29 Janeen Vaden Robbe Gibson Denis Feria Timothy James Mike Clewell Joachim Feise Ruben Balagtas Jr. Jeffrey Leites Iori Suzuki Wendy Harp Stacey Goodman Bob Elliff Manfred Lindenhoven Rosemary Wallin Executive Board President Zack Broadbent............ president@socalm.org 714.686.5398 President Pro-Tempore Dean Rudenauer .......... president@socalm.org 626.967.0825 Vice President David Woolery ...................... vp@socalm.org 562.947.5355 Secretary Gwen Vilbrandt ............ secretary@socalm.org 805.404.0939 Treasurer Bob Davis.................... treasurer@socalm.org 909.597.1664 Regional Representatives N. Orange County Brian Bousman............... northoc@socalm.org 714.717.6891 S. Orange County Kathie McClelland ........... southoc@socalm.org 949.644.1327 San Gabriel Valley Juli Davis ......................sgvalley@socalm.org 909.597.1664 Los Angeles Vacant ...................... losangeles@socalm.org 000.000.0000 Valley/Ventura Jim Killian ............ valley-ventura@socalm.org 818.362.7546 Inland Empire Terry Wyrick ........... inlandempire@socalm.org 951.454.9062 South Bay Merrilyn Holcomb ......... southbay@socalm.org 562.596.5073 Appointed Officers & Committee Members Activities Coordinator Phyllis Weiter..................... activities@socalm.org Membership Coordinator Bari Russell .................. membership@socalm.org Club Librarian Bill Bryant ..........................librarian@socalm.org Vendor Coordinator Tori Bakker......................... vendors@socalm.org Motorsports Coordinator Keith Horton ................. motorsports@socalm.org Public Relations Coordinator Barry Rosenberg ......................... pr@socalm.org Webmaster Jim Killian ...................... webmaster@socalm.org Merchandise Bill Hyde ......................merchandise@socalm.org Reward Staff Newsletter Editor-in-Chief Brian Bousman....................... editor@socalm.org Newsletter Layout Brian Bousman...................... layout@socalm.org 01/14 New Members William Donoghue Bonnie Lawry Jeff & Barbara Nowell Richard Ress Michael Sweeney & Kathryn Pierce Anaheim Ontario Anaheim Encino Los Angeles 2006 Galaxy Grey 2006 2005 1992 1996 Sunlight Silver Nordic Green Classic Red Starlight Membership Renewals James Bardis Melissa & Marc Carlsen Diana Carmel Mark & Susan Creatura George Darby Bob Davis Melissa Eberhardt Terry & Lynn Lore Jackie Morris Jim Neforos Donna Sinkway & Stan Fry Wally Stevens Jerry & Rosemary Wallin Pasadena Moorpark Irvine Irvine Anaheim Chino Hills Studio City Aguanga Lake Forest Long Beach Riverside San Diego Laguna Woods 1994 1997 1994 1995 2001 2003 1990 2003 2004 1993 1994 1990 1992 1996 Montego Blue White Brilliant Black Classic Red Crystal Blue Strato Blue Crystal White Splash Green Velocity Red MS Crystal White Brilliant Black Classic Red & Sunburst Yellow Starlight Blue CLUB INFORMATION SOCALM is a non-profit organization whose primary purpose is to gather for enthusiastic fun and to share information about the Mazda Miata. Annual Dues: $25.00 per year. Check the mailing label on this newsletter. The date at the top is your membership expiration date. If that date has passed, then this is your LAST issue of The Reward. Submissions to The Reward should be sent to the club address below. You can also send articles, pictures, and letters via e-mail to editor@socalm.org. The standard deadline for submissions is the 10th of the month, but you should always call the Editor-inChief to check on last minute submissions. Submissions may be edited for content or length. The Reward, its contributors, the and SOCALM assume no liability for the accuracy or legality of any information appearing herein. Reprint permission: Use of articles or stories by other Miata clubs is hereby granted, provided proper credit to this publication and the author is given. Back cover picture by Amanda Britz. Southern California Miata Club Website: www.socalm.org Toll-free 24-hour Hotline: (877) 211-6146 PO Box 1088 Lake Forest, CA 92609 Membership Statistics Memberships Single Dual 297 141 156 People Cars 453 321 PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Page 3 Final Lap By K. Zack Broadbent The holidays have come and gone and now it’s time to start a new year. 2006 marks two new beginnings: it’s the first model year of the 3rd Generation MX-5 and it’s also time for SOCALM to elect new officers. 2005 was an interesting year, starting with the unprecedented tie between myself and co-President Dean Rudenauer. Together, we have worked towards a common goal of a fun, lively club. When we were standing there last year, both wondering “a tie? Now what?!” – I think we both came to the same conclusion that the best course for SOCALM was away from “politics.” So, with the flip of a coin, we split the year. I’d say it worked out pretty well. politics, and 2. It allows the most-active members (those who show up) to have the greatest amount of influence in the leadership of the club. Leading a club like SOCALM is gobs of fun. Regardless of what position you may have, being on the Board can be one of the best ways to maximize your SOCALM experience. Yes, it can also be a lot of work – but the best things in life are never easy, are they? I know that my 3.5 years as President have been some of the best in my life, and I certainly would encourage every member – new or old – to step up and lead the club. SOCALM is always what we, the members, make of it. It reflects who we are. To quote the lyrics from a preweirdness Michael Jackson song, “If you want to make the world a better place, take a look at yourself and make a change.” The same is true with SOCALM, and I am excited to see where the club will go from here. “I know that my 3.5 years as President have been some of the best in my life.” The big question, of course, is who will lead SOCALM for 2006? The only way to find out first-hand is to come to the annual meeting on January 14. Nominations and the election take place on the same day and there is no “absentee” voting. I know this has been an issue over the years, but there are two very compelling attributes to our system of “SOCAM Democracy:” 1. It keeps down the pre-meeting New Club Policy! As of January 1, 2006, SOCALM will begin offering a FREE name badge to all NEW memberships who opt to take the Reward newsletter online instead of through the U.S. mail. Any other name badge orders (second badges or badges for existing members) will cost $10. Snapshot View As of November 30, 2005 Balance as of 10/31/2005 Revenue / Deposits: Dues – Renewal Dues - New Merchandise BOB5 - Registration, Raffle, etc. Name Badges Total Revenue / Deposits: Expenses: Reward Printing – December Reward Postage – December Domain Registration Supplies - Membership Host Reimbursement Name Badges BOB5 – Donation – 50% Proceeds Total Expenses: Ending Balance as of 11/30/2005 $5,601.76 $425.00 225.00 0.00 0.00 49.00 699.00 $(243.33) (118.80) (0.00) (60.00) (0.00) -0(616.72) (1038.85) $5,261.91 FINANCIAL REPORT 2006 WALL CALENDARS They have been much-anticipated and now they are here! The SOCALM 2006 MIATA WALL CALENDAR will be available for purchase at the annual Hangover Run, the Annual Meeting, and all future events. The cost is $15 for a high-quality, color photo 2006 wall calendar. If you are unable to make the Hangover Run or Annual Meeting, contact Zack (president@socalm.org or 714-6865398) and you will receive FREE SHIPPING on orders placed prior to January 14! After January 14, there is a $1 per calendar fee for postage if you want it mailed to you. Page 4 (Continued from page 1) BLACK FRIDAY RUN (cont) Once it was dark we jumped on Angeles Hwy, which at one point we discovered was closed. We quickly back tracked onto Angeles Forrest as an alternate route leading us back to Angeles Crest. Before continuing on we pulled into a rest stop for a needed break. Hal broke out the telescope and showed us some amazing constellations. What a treat that was. Hal spent some time on pointing out some interesting clusters, many which I was not familiar with. awesome photo opportunity for shooting some of the Miatas. As we continued on our way towards Mile High Café we made another pit stop next to a lake that was lined with beautiful trees that were in full autumn swing. Yes, another photo opportunity. And it was spectacular too. Once all the picture taking was over we headed into Wrightwood for some lunch. And a quick tour through a craft fair. Once we were done it was back on the road and down the mountain. Dean and Tom thought it might be fun to throw in a few extra miles by driving a part of Big Tujunga Canyon rd too. We all ended up at a restaurant at the bottom of the mountain where we all had dinner. A perfect close to a perfect day. All in all it was an amazing day of fun, driving twisties covering nearly 300 miles, and being with wonder friends. It doesn’t get any better than that. Then it was on to Arrowhead and around the lake tour. It was amazing the amount of traffic we experienced in such a rural area. You could feel the hustle of holiday shoppers, and the bargain hunters. Oh yes it was Black Friday and they we out in full force! After a needed Starbuck’s stop, we decided it was time to head down from the mountain. It was unanimous that going back the way we came would be a more enjoyable and a less traveled way back home. As the afternoon came to a close we drove back the same way we came, being delighted by a beautiful sunset. Article and pictures by Lisa Martin. http://www.lisamartinphotography.com/ HOLIDAY PARTY Christmas - What does it mean for a Miata owner? Page 5 Christmas is not only the time of year you spend with Before we started the gift exchange we had a raffle your family; you also spend it with your friends. This for some items that required them to all be over year we spent it with our SOCALM family at Donna $5.00 in cost some were up to $50.00 + . Thanks to and Gary Nelson’s home. Romero Mazda for donating some oil filters and a "36-LED Flashlight" talk about bright. Miatafun donated a rear brace and other items, and some members including our host donated wine and car soap, just a lot of fun things to raise $180.00 for Charity for "Habitat for Humanity - Operation Home Delivery" There were some great prizes, actually I did not see one silly prize and just about everything was stolen once or twice. One fun time was when Dennis had one electric blanket and stole one from someone else that person then turned around and stole the one Dennis already had! So Dennis ended up still with only one blanket. I don't think there was a dry eye in the house. Well the party was over and the guests wished all the seasons' greetings to each other and our hosts. Now for that wonderful winter drive home in the brisk air in our top down convertibles, zooming over the hills and through the valleys to Home sweet home. Many great thanks for our Host for the evening. Everyone had a great time and went home with a tummy full of yummy treats, and a trunk with a little Christmas gift to put under the tree when they arrived home. We hope that everyone had a great Christmas and We will look forward to seeing you all in the coming "New Year". with the club. We showed him what a great time we can have while our cars were parked! We were the first to arrive! I believe that it was because it is the first Christmas I did not have to drive over an hour or two! We drove our Christmas Red Mazda Speed and parked it in the drive way like Rudolph with his nose so red to let our fellow SOCALM'ers know where the action was! As more and more of our members arrived the wonderful side dishes started to give you the Christmas dinner aroma syndrome a big rush. There were great salads, breads, and lots of deserts to go with the Turkey and ham. An abundant supply of snacks and dips were placed about for every palettes taste along with some red and green M&M's plain and peanut! The drinks and water were in a really cool red coke cooler that resembled a coke machine of the past. After the streets were lined with Miatas and a few OTM's the evening started with dinner and a contest to see who could name the most car manufactures slogans, like Mazda's "Zoom zoom zoom" Then there was a “who had the oldest penny”, “the best $1.00 Bill serial number poker hand”, and other fun games. We had a new member show up for his first event "Holiday party" Page 6 HOLIDAY PARTY (cont) Article and pictures by Tom Wood. http://www.miatafun.net BOARD MEETING MINUTES Socalm Board Meeting Minutes - December 4, 2005 Page 7 The meeting was called to order at 1:22 PM by Presi- 60 cost us $698 dent Zack Broadbent, with 18 board and club mem80 cost us $785 bers present. 100 cost us $865 The minutes of the October meeting will be posted We do have a $200 sponsorship toward the cost of online. They were available for members to read. printing, so the clubs cost will be less the $200. Reports: Treasurer: Bob Davis. There has been little activity. The balance on hand as of Sunday, December 4, 2005 is $5261.91. Membership: no report Area Reports Inland Empire-Terry Wyrick Nothing new. Thanks for participating in the BoB5 and making it successful. South Orange County: Kathie A motion was made by Bob Davis and seconded by Terry Wyrick to print 60 calendars. The motion passed. Katrina Relief/Habitat for Humanity: Bud The fundraising is doing well, right now neck and neck with SDMC. Ideas were tossed out on how to spread the word. Posting a message on socalm at Yahoogroups and Jim could put an add on the website front page. Tom is willing to donate a button. New Business: Zack: Would like to create an ad-hoc committee to December’s joint social at the Steer Inn is upcoming. count the ballots at the January General Membership November was at the Lazy Dog. meeting on January 14th. North Orange County: Brian A motion was made by Terry Wyrick that we create See above! For other reps who have yet to name De- an ad hoc committee of three people to count the cember social sites-get the information to him ASAP. officer election ballots. South Bay: Merrilyn Holcomb The motion passed. The Belmont Diner was a success, everyone enjoyed it. In December they’ll go to Nino’s. San Gabriel Valley: Juli John Starr, Gwen Vilbrandt and Zack Broadbent volunteered to be on the committee. John Starr would like to have a run on January 7th November’s joint social was a success! December will with the 21st as a rain date. The theme is Smog Test be at Costa’s in Covina. Only Station visit, or tips on how to get cars ready to pass the smog test. He’ll contact Phyllis, Activities Los Angeles: Zack Coordinator. No LA people are showing up for their own social, it Brian asked if there was any club resolution in case is supporters from other areas. there is a tie in future officer election voting. Zack Ad Hoc: said no, as it is unlikely to ever happen again and it Remember to send Bari Russell the motion that was would require a change in the bylaws. made on the name badges from the Oct. meeting. Linda: Jim is looking at the website to make it more Send copies of the minutes of Oct. and this meeting attractive, and he is taking any suggestions that to Brian for the newsletter. members might have. She has some today on her Brian: The next newsletter deadline is December laptop, with links, etc. and are available for viewing. 10th. Since Jim is not here to review them ahead of time Vice President: Dave Woolery No report. she wasn’t sure if they would pass muster, but it President Pro Tempore: Dean Rudenauer No report. would be incentive for ideas. Juli asked if there are job descriptions to pass out for President: Zack Broadbent the elections. They are posted online and are in the Reminder: the last social area reps are to schedule is bylaws for anyone to review. We also explain the duFebruary 2006. Since our Board meeting is January ties before the election. th 14 , it doesn’t give the new reps or newsletter lead There being no further business, a motion to adtime to get them set up and advertised. journ was made at 2:15 PM by Juli, which passed. Old Business: Zack: How many calendars should we print? They will not be ready by Dec. 10th, the Holiday Party, but will be available by the Celestial Lights Run. The cost breakdowns are Gwen Vilbrandt Secretary Pro Tempore Page 8 SOCIALS Inland Empire Directions: Located just off Harbor about a mile above the 91 freeway. Santa Fe is just south of Commonwealth. The restaurant is on the east side of the street (that’s the right side if you are heading north on Harbor). Park anywhere you can - this is a busy place with several restaurants and a train station. South Orange County Date: Tuesday, January 10 Time: 6:30pm Place: Mi Casa Mexican 296 E 17th Street Costa Mesa, (949) 645-7626 Host: Kathie McClelland (SOC) 949.644.1327 southoc@socalm.org Description: Please come and enjoy a nice meal at this popular Mexican restaurant with some of your Miata pals. They feature all types of traditional dishes from soup to Mexican Pizza. Prices range from $5.00 to $15.00. There is a full bar if you'd like a Corona or a Margarita with your dinner. Directions: From any area freeway take the south bound 55 freeway until it ends at 19th street in Costa Mesa and becomes Newport Blvd. > Left on 17th Street go up to the second signal light and Mi Casa will be on your left. > Left on Santa Ana Avenue. > Left into the first driveway and it is on the right. Mi Casa is in a shopping center with a Dietrichs Coffee, SuperCuts and other shops. It is on the corner of 17th Street and Santa Ana Avenue and Mi Casa is set back from the street behind another small building with a phone store and a pastry shop. Parking can be crowded sometimes, but if you park where the many store fronts are located, it's just a short walk to the restaurant. Date: Thursday, January 19 Time: 7:00pm Place: Romano's Macaroni Grille 10742 Foothill Blvd. Rancho Cucamonga 909.484.3200 Host: Terry & Janet Wyrick (IE) 951.454.9062 C inlandempire@socalm.org Description: Everybody loves Italian! So come join your Miata Friends for good food, at very reasonable prices, in a casual dining atmosphere. Directions: Exit the 15-Freeway in Rancho Cucamonga at Foothill Blvd. and go West about one-half mile. Romano's Macaroni Grille in on the right side of the street. San Gabriel Valley Date: Tuesday, January 10 Time: 7:00pm Place: Villa Italia 1028 Huntington Dr. Duarte, 626-357-3938 Host: Bob and Juli Davis 909.586.1664 rmdavis2002@yahoo.com Description: "A touch of Italy in a family-style atmosphere" Directions: Exit the 210 freeway at Mountain Ave, heading north. Turn right (east) onto Huntington Dr. Turn right into Target shopping Center. Restaurant is in the group of shops on the right. Los Angeles Date: Monday, January 23 Time: 7:00pm Place: Dinah’s Restaurant Coffee Shop & Diner 6521 S. Sepulveda Blvd Los Angeles, 310.645.0456 Host: Zack Broadbent 714.686.5398 C president@socalm.org Description: Dinah’s has served the Los Angeles area since 1959. They are known for their fried chicken and skillet-baked German Apple Pancake with a cinnamon glaze (available large or small). Directions: Near the corner of Sepulveda and Centinela. From the 405 South, take Jefferson Blvd. east to Sepulveda. Head south on Sepulveda. Look for Dinah’s on your right just past Centinela. From the 405 North, exit Howard Hughes Parkway to Sepulveda. Turn right (north) and look for Dinah’s on the left. South Bay Date: Wednesday, January 18 Time: 6:30pm Place: Jimmy's Fish & Grill 6563 E. Pacific Coast Hwy Long Beach, CA 90803 562-594-9479 Host: Merrilyn Holcomb 562-596-5073 or MRS.MOUSE1@JUNO.COM or MERRILY1224@AOL.COM I do need to make a reservation and they require a count so "PLEASE" RSVP! Valley Ventura North Orange County Date: Thursday, January 12 Time: 7:00pm Place: The Old Spaghetti Factory 110 E. Santa Fe, Fullerton, Date: Tuesday, January 17 Description: Great food, great service Time: 6:30 to 8:30 pm Place: Bear Pit Bar-B-Que Restaurant and VERY LARGE portions. 10825 Sepulveda Blvd. Mesquite Grilled Seafood.....Oyster Mission Hills, 818.365.2509 bar, beer, wine, pastas, salads, Host: Jim Killian chicken, BURGERS, steaks, crab, lob818.362.7546 ster etc. 818.472.5970 c valley-ventura@socalm.org Pricing: approximately $8.00 for burRSVP: would be appreciated! gers, $12 and up for seafood. Directions: Located at E. 2nd St & PCH across the street from the Marina Hotel. It's in the South East corner of the parking lot way in the back behind the theater. Good parking due to its location. Enter from PCH at about where the sign is for the theater. Jimmy's is behind Lone Star. (CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE!) 714.526.6801 Brian Bousman 714.717.6891 C northoc@socalm.org Description: Let’s go visit this popular place and see if we can’t spread some Miata cheer. Host: “I want to join SOCALM!” UPCOMING EVENTS Valley Ventura Social Date: Tuesday, January 17 Time: 6:30 to 8:30 pm Place: Bear Pit Bar-B-Que Restaurant 10825 Sepulveda Blvd. Mission Hills, 818.365.2509 Host: Jim Killian Page 9 turn right at the light onto Rancho Viejo. At the dead end/ light, turn left onto Calle Arroyo. Go another 0.2 miles and turn right into the Orange County Health Services parking lot; if you reach a stop sign, you went too far. The parking lot may appear small at first, but bear to the right and you'll see it extends a long way behind some small office buildings. Date: January 7 (Saturday) or January 21 if rained out 818.472.5970 c Time: 10:00 AM valley-ventura@socalm.org Place: Test Only Center of Buena Park RSVP: would be appreciated! 4344 Artesia Ave @ Dale Fullerton, 714.739.0571 Description: Has this place been there forever? Probably RSVP: John Starr, (562) 921-2200 not, but certainly for a couple of decades. Plenty of parking my94whitetail@yahoo.com and cozy atmosphere mean you can relax and let the day's tension go while gnawing on a bone or sipping on a drink. Directions: From the 91 freeway, go north on Beach Blvd 1.3 miles, or from the 5 freeway travel north on Beach Great food and their sweet sauce is "to die for!" Blvd about ½ mile to Artesia Blvd and make a right. ArDirections: Located just north of the 118 freeway and tesia Blvd becomes Artesia Ave. (Why? I don’t know. Just east of the I-405, this great barbecue place is freeway trust me.) In about ¾ mile you’ll come to Dale Street. The close and easy to find. If you're heading West on the 118, very next RIGHT is Dale Place. (Why? Beats me.) On the you're gonna exit at Sepulveda, turn right, and get over to corner is Test Only Center. Make the right turn onto Dale the left PRETTY DARNED QUICK, because the Pit is before Place and pull in behind the shop on your left. the first intersection! Description: Here is an opportunity for you to find out, with no strings attached, if your Miata is doing its part to reduce smog or if your ride is the next worse thing for the environment since the Exxon Valdez. If you have received The Final Hangover Run a notice from the DMV and you are due for a smog test, Date: January 1 (Sunday) RAIN OR SHINE! you can receive one here today for only $40.00. If you Time: High Noon (12:00pm) simply are curious what effect your latest engine mods will Place: Orange County Health Services have, you’ll have your turn on the rollers at no charge. 27512 Calle Arroyo, San Juan Capistrano Whether or not you have your car tested, all who attend Cost: $1 facility use fee per car at rest stop in will enjoy the Q & A time with a Smog Pro. Come and find Lake Elsinore out how to pass the smog test with flying colors and do Host: Zack Broadbent, president@socalm.org your part to keep our air clean. 714.686.5398 After the testing, we’ll take a short jog to Nick’s, also in 818.362.7546 The Smog Jog Details: This is it! The final hangover run. Starting later in Fullerton, an automotive themed eatery that serves the 2006, Ortega Highway will undergo major road construcbest pastrami in the world. Well, the best in Fullerton. tion and is likely to be closed for long periods of time. It Note: Anyone is free to join us and to bring any vehicle for could be 2008 before it is reliably open again. So, this is testing. However, RSVP’s are suggested, especially if you likely the last year for the hangover Run as we know it. require a smog test. As with past years, this is an ALL MAZDA event. It would be fabulous if we got at least 100 Miatas and could top Annual Meeting And Elections the all-time car-count high of 133. There won’t be anDate: January 14 (Saturday) other chance for it, so let’s make this one count! Can we Time: Noon make it to 150 cars? How about my race number of 176? Place: Mazda North American HQ Or 200?! 7755 Irvine Center Dr., Irvine The run follows a fun, but passenger-friendly, pace from Host: Zack Broadbent, president@socalm.org Orange County to some of the neatest inland roads. This 714.686.5398 is the run which introduced SOCALM and SDMC to the wild 27% downgrade on Los Gatos. Expect some huge smiles and spectacular views. The run will end at approximately 4:00pm in Temecula for an early dinner. Details: If you attend only ONE meeting in the year, this should be it! Our annual meeting is where we vote on club officers for the year. If you don’t show up, we just might nominate and elect you in absentia. (You think that’s funny? It HAS happened! Evil Grin) This is the only way to start the new year. It has never rained on this run (it came very close the first year, starting to rain just as the last car was putting up its top at the end of the run). Regardless, this run is a “go” rain or shine! Directions: Exit Interstate 5 at Ortega Highway (74) and head inland (from the 5 south, turn left). Go 0.2 miles and Directions: Exit Interstate 5 at Alton Parkway and turn left (from the 5 South, you will first turn right onto Enterprise). Turn right onto Gateway. Turn right into Mazda. Look for all the pretty Miata's! Everyone will need to sign in and out with security at the front door. Page 10 UPCOMING EVENTS Laughlin Getaway 2006 Miata Performance Driving School Date: March 24-26, 2006 Place: Thunderhill Track (just north of Sacramento) Cost: $400 Now is your chance to be one of the nearly 1,000 Miata owners who have attended the Miata Performance Driving School by registering for the 2006 class. This course teaches Miata owners the basics of high speed driving, Reservations: 800-662-5825 and give our group code SLSCC06 by January 11, 2006 at which time unused rooms equipment, human limitations, proper steering techniques and many other skills necessary for safe performance drivwill be dropped. There is a 72 hour prior to arrival cancellation policy. I’m holding 25 standard double non-smoking ing. rooms for these two nights. If charging your room call the You can register via the Internet by going to the Miata Perabove number Please remember the Friday night will auto- formance Driving School Web Site at www.teammiata.com/ matically be charged to your card. If you request other thunderhill/school.htm. Fill out the online form, or than a standard double room, the rate could change. Our download the PDF file and print it out and send it in with Standard room rate is $36 a night plus 9% tax. If paying your check. If you don't have Internet access, send a self by check make them payable to me and send ASAP to the addressed, stamped envelope to: Ken Freeze, Miata above address! The amount is $78.48 for two nights. Once School, 1521 Ridgewood Dr., Martinez, CA., 94553 and a again I promise not to get new tires for Ty. complete packet will be sent to you. But hurry - in past years the class was full by the first of December so don't Deadline: January 11th. 2006 wait until it's too late. Details: This is a fun laid back weekend! If we’re lucky the Big Screen camera crew might join us this year as they Mountain Miata Colorfest were a no show last year! Let’s get excited! Let’s get Date: May 4-7, 2006 hyped! How about a weekend in Laughlin? Changa, Place: Asheville, North Carolina Changa, Clang, Clang, those hungry machines are waiting Host: Ridgerunner Miata Club for us. I’m holding 25 Standard rooms. Smoking and king Description: on May 4-7, 2006, the Ridgerunner Miata rooms are based on availability upon arrival but you can Club of Western North Carolina is having a celebration and request them when you make your reservation. Please we would like you to join us. That's right, it's the same RSVP me if you plan to go so I can start a rooming list. folks who brought you "Miatas at the Biltmore Estate" in Let me know what type of room you need, king, double or May 2004. We're having a celebration of the glorious colors smoking. PLEASE THIS IS IMPORTANT! that adorn our beautiful roadsters ,a celebration of the Let’s meet for breakfast Saturday at 9:00AM in the Buffet amazing colors that nature bestows upon these mountains Restaurant at the Flamingo. Then assemble on the upper and a celebration of Miata fellowship that flourishes whenlevel of the Flamingo parking structure. If it’s raining, we’ll ever and wherever Miata's gather. meet at the highest covered level at 10:30 to leave at Visit the famous Biltmore Estate in Asheville if you wish. 11:00. Join us if you think you might like to go for a little The Biltmore Estate is a unique destination, which includes spin. a 250 room French Chateau filled with art and antiques, You’re on your own for other meals. Maybe we can organ- spectacular gardens, and an award-winning winery surize something when we get there. Post when you’re leavrounded by lush vineyards. ing for caravans. So get those wrappers together and start Navigate through our website, www.ridgerunnermiata.com rolling! You won’t want to miss out on all the fun! to answer all your questions or email Sal at sal@gerisAny Volunteers to lead our Saturday outing to Oatman? bazaar.com or Johnny at jandcwalker@earthlink.net if you have additional questions. Date: January 27th & 28th, 2006 Place: Flamingo Laughlin RSVP: Bari Russell 23294 El Greco, Mission Viejo, CA 92692 949/588-1531 or 714-856-9890 Cell barirussell@earthlink.net Miata Spring Fling Yuma Prison Run Date: February 18-19, 2006 Place: Yuma, Arizona Host: Sahuaro Miata Club, Old Pueblo Miata Club, San Diego Miata Club and SOCALM Why: Just for fun and to meet Miata owners from other clubs – a one-night get-a-way! The host club is The Sahuaro Miata Club of Arizona. Club website: http://www.sahuaromiataclub.com/ Miatas in Moab III (2007) Date: May 18-20, 2007 Come join the Utah Miata club for Miatas in Moab III. Moab, Utah is the gateway to Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park. Visit Dead Horse Point State Park and see for yourself the dramatic red cliffs scaled by Tom Cruise in the movie Mission Impossible. This is redrock country at it's best! We have the entire Best Western Canyonlands Inn reserved for our group. May 18, 19, 20, 2007. The rate is $89.99 per night for a standard and $99.00 for a suite. Please see the pricing page for reservation info. For more information contact: Wanda Bates (801) 489-9107 email:wahbates@compuserve.com http://www.utahmiataclub.com/miatasinmoab CLUB RESOURCES CLUB DISCOUNTS Accurate Alignment Orange 714.538.1916, ask for Chris or John Parts and labor discounted 25% Auto Entertainment Santa Monica 310.453.3541, ask for Robert email: sales@automotiveentertainment.cc 10% off Audio, Video, Navigation & Tint, 5% off accessories Auto Expressions Galveston, TX 281.910.5511 web site: www.auto-expressions.com info@auto-expressions.com 10% off on grille teeth, 5% off on all other products, no sales tax Autorecon Irvine 14 McLaren, Unit A, Irvine 949.587.2886, ask for Rich or Tim 15% discount on all interior and exterior repairs. Free rental car while your vehicle is in our shop if repairs are $600 or more. Autowise USA Inc. 714.761.8330 Cypress 714.839.4700 Fountain Valley 714.855.9991 Irvine 714.961.0202 Yorba Linda Parts and labor discounted 10% Brain Storm Los Angeles 310.313.0088 Call for SOCALM discounts Clark’s House of Suspension Lake Forest 949.768.6261, ask for Clark Smith Parts and labor discounted 10% Alignment and brakes Coast Car Covers San Diego 619.275.7100 Wholesale prices Custom Ear-Plugs 949.212.2429, ask for Greg Paulson 10% off DJ Interiors (auto upholstery) Aliso Viejo 949.436.2577, ask for Derek Geisen email: djinteriors@cox.net Mazda Miata Convertible Tops as low as $550.00 Mazda Miata Plastic rear window replacement from $225.00 Fasrack Chatsworth 818.772.8433, ask for Brent Removable trunk lid luggage rack discounted 25% Fast Freddy’s / Rotary Reliability & Racing 2608 South Harbor Santa Ana 714.839.8018, ask for Nick. Parts and Labor discounted 10%. DYNO AVAILABLE! Good Guys Car Audio Riverside 909.343.8600, ask for Kenny Smith Installation free on head units, and demos discounted to 20% GreatBrakes.com Plano, TX 866.478.7237, ask for Kingman Hitz 10% off entire catalog Integrity Tire 1267 N. Waterman San Bernardino 909.889.2626 ask for Israel Meneses 14” Toyo T1S: $79.99 each MazTech Valencia 661.259.6026, ask for Rob Parts and labor discounted 10% Neptune Speed Huntington Beach 714.842.8548, ask for Hiro web site: www.neptunespeed.net Import & domestic parts 10% off; Miata parts 15% off Planet Stereo Covina 626.332.7812, ask for Frankie Retail and custom installation discounted to 15% Page 11 Porterfield Enterprise Ltd. Costa Mesa 949.548.4470 Porterfield and Hawk brake pads discounted to 15% • Rotors discounted $10 • Pint Motul 600 brake fluid – $9 Route 66 Tire Pros Glendora 626.852.7778 Parts and Labor discounted 10% Racing Beat Anaheim 714.779.8677 Rte66 Sound Factory 941 W. Foothill Blvd #1 Azusa 626.633.0300 Sport Imports North Hollywood 818.765.3333, ask for George Used Miata parts discounted to 50% Strictly Automotive Huntington Beach 714.848.1224 Parts discounted 10% Topline Paint and Body Fullerton 714.441.0505 • 714.444.7207, ask for Louis Montello Bodywork and paint discounted to 10% Tucker Tire Company Laguna Niguel 949.364.3225, ask for John Tucker or Wade Sine Discounted 10% Velorack Canada 888.690.0096, ask for Alain | arvika@sprint.ca Trunk-mounted bike rack discounted to 10% Wheel Store Oceanside 760.967.1336, ask for Joe Jordan Competitive tire discount, $10 off alignment Wolf Miata Accessories, Ltd. England www.wolfmiata.com Power windows, central locks, security systems, etc. discounted 10% MAZDA DEALERSHIPS Anaheim Mazda Robert Burow Parts & Service 714.956.1820 Parts 30% above cost, and labor discounted 20% Caliber Mazda Norco George King Parts - Steve Hinka Service 909.734.1555 Parts and Labor discounted 10% Don Kott Mazda Carson 310.816.2670 Parts discounted 15% Galpin Mazda North Hills Jay Ross Parts 818.756.3434 Parts 15% with club ID Irvine Mazda Irvine Roger Lubeck Parts Robert Croker Service 949.583.9900 Parts and Labor discounted 10% Center Chevrolet Mazda of San Bernardino Dan or Ron Burg Parts 909.884.6431 15% off parts Mazda of Thousand Oaks Thousand Oaks Gene Levy Parts - Kevin Swartz Service 805.371.5555 Parts and Labor discounted 10% Phillips Mazda Laguna Hills Don Tomblin Parts - Bill McLain Service 949.837.2400 Parts and Labor discounted 15% Redlands Mazda Redlands Chad Frankenberge Parts Dennis Cummin Service - 909.793.2141 Parts and Labor discounted 15% Romero Mazda Ontario Jack Waasdorp Parts - Kirk Irvine Service 909.390.8484 Parts discounted 25%, labor discounted 10% Santa Monica Mazda Santa Monica Emma Mabic Sales Manager 310.393.9881 Parts discounted 15%, labor discounted 15% Star Mazda Glendale John Kepner Parts Gary Bussjaer Service 818.247.1903 Parts discounted 15% Tustin Mazda Tustin 714.832.6222 Parts: cost plus 20%, Labor: 20% off retail LOCAL MIATA CLUBS BAMA Bay Area Rick Weldon President President@BayAreaMiataAssociation.com Delta Miata Club Central California Larry Meek, Larry_meek@hotmail.com www.deltamiata.net Sahuaro Miata Club Phoenix, AZ Theresa Kernitzki, Membership Coordinator 623.979.1214, www.sahuaromiataclub.com SAMOA Sacramento Catherine Black, president@samoa.org www.samoa.org SDMC San Diego Sue Hinkle president@sandiegomiataclub.org www.sandiegomiataclub.org SJVMC San Joaquin Valley Don Asperger president@sjvmc.net www.sjvmc.net MOOV Las Vegas Jerry Bruce, jerrybruce@cox.net www.miataownersofvegas.com Redwood Coast Miata Club Jack Penrod President, jack1@humboldt1.com rcmiataclub.tripod.com VROOM Vandenberg Bill Findley 805.473.1752 williamjr@aol.com JANUARY 2006 Su M 2 3 4 5 6 7 Smog Jog T W Th F Sa 1 Hangover Run 9 SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA MIATA CLUB P.O. Box 1088 Lake Forest, CA 92609 Driving the twisties since 1990! Su 8 M T 10 San Gabriel Valley Social South OC Social North OC Social 9 W Th F Sa 14 Annual Meeting 13 12 11 Su M T W Th 19 20 21 Smog Jog (alternate) Inland Empire Social F Sa 18 South Bay Social 17 Valley Ventura Social 16 15 Su M 23 24 25 26 27 Laughlin Trip Begins Laughlin T W Th F Los Angeles Social 22 Sa Su Th F 29 30 31 28 Return From Laughlin Hal Jandorf’s SKYVUE