S anta C atalina
Island Company
SCinews
FEBRUARY 2015 | Avalon & Two Harbors
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Catherine’s Terrace
Grand Opening
On Tuesday, January 20th, we officially opened
our lovely, new building at the Descanso
Beach Club; Catherine’s Terrace. Although we
have been enjoying Catherine’s Terrace since
December, it had not been officially recognized
as our newest venue. Geoff Rusack and Alison
Wrigley Rusack and our executive staff were
there to welcome town dignitaries and residents,
the business community and the press.
The building has a gracious and appealing
presence as it blends into the curve of Descanso
Canyon Road and the hillside beyond. As you
step into the building, light reflects all around
you as you look into the main room or ahead
to the cozy living room, set around a stunning
fireplace. The entire front of the room is all glass
leading onto a lovely balcony canopied with tan
awnings and beautiful views of the bay. There
is a large outside area for a cocktail bar, chaise
lounge seating and incredible views. The main
ballroom can be separated into three good size
areas for meetings or special events.
Catherine’s Terrace is a premier venue for
your next corporate meeting, social event, or
wedding. Indoor seating in our ballroom can be
arranged for an intimate group of 20 guests, or as
accommodating as a space for up to 200 guests.
The new space offers approximately 1,900 square feet of indoor space and can be split in half with an airwall (Ballroom I
and Ballroom II). The ballroom is situated on the 2nd floor and has retractable doors that allow guests to enjoy panoramic
views of the ocean on a 1,970 square feet Terrace and a 230 square feet gazebo.
On the 1st floor, we will have a 7,000 square feet commercialized kitchen and a small outlet which will be open to the
public, featuring sandwiches, pizza, ice cream and pastries. Descanso Fresh will be offering fresh wedding and birthday
cakes too. Indoor seating capacities on the 2nd floor are:
• 150 people for banquet seating
•
•
•
•
110 people classroom
170 people reception
160 people theatre
44 people U-Shape
The downstairs kitchen is a dream come true for every chef or aspiring chef. Occupying almost the entire ground floor, it
gleams with every culinary device you would ever need. The other part of the ground floor will be Descanso Fresh, opening
soon. It serves gourmet coffees, salads, sandwiches and bakery goods to go or enjoy on the Club’s patio.
Make sure you get out to Descanso to see for yourself. The Club is open every day except in inclement weather. Catherine’s
Terrace will make you proud and is our latest venue for everyone to enjoy.
Catalina Chimes Tower Foundation
One of the most charming features of Avalon is the iconic and
beautifully designed Chimes Tower. Wanting to do something
special for the community, Ada Elizabeth Wrigley, wife of William
Wrigley Jr., purchased the Deagan Westminster chimes and, in
December 1925, had a tower built to house them. It was her hope
that the unique and melodic chimes would sound across the town for
years to come, bringing enjoyment to all who came to Avalon and
adding another bit of “character” to the magical island that had
captivated her family.
Since 1925, the town has awakened to the delightful sound of the bells, originally beginning at 7:00 AM and continuing
until 10:00 PM. Currently they ring from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Although the chimes operate on a timer mechanism,
this can be turned off, which is what is done when Islander Jani Eisenhut, steps into the tower to play special tunes for
Christmas, Easter and other events. Occasionally, Jani plays just for the sheer love of it.
The chimes, made by the J. C. Deagan Company of Chicago, are in good order and continue to ring on a daily basis; however
the tower surrounding them has greatly deteriorated due to its advanced age, despite various efforts to maintain it.
Since May of 2013, Geoff and Alison Wrigley Rusack, as well as the management of the Santa Catalina Island Company,
have been working to set up a charitable entity, under 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, to restore this beloved
landmark, operate it, and keep it maintained for future generations to enjoy. The establishment of the “Catalina Chimes
Tower Foundation,” the granting of a perpetual easement over the land, and the donation of the historic structure and
Deagan Westminster chimes have now been approved by the Island Company’s Board of Directors. Geoff and Alison have
agreed to match any contributions made to the Foundation up to $100,000.00 in order to help kick off the renovation.
The Catalina Chimes Tower Foundation Board has also been set up, and is responsible for the management and operation
of the entity. Comprising the Board are Charlie Canby, Lourdes Thoricht, Blanny Hagenah, Geoff Rusack, Alison Wrigley
Rusack, Packy Offield, Randy Herrel and Catherine Stephens.
We all look forward to seeing the Chimes Tower come back to its original glory. For those who would like to help, tax
deductible contributions may be sent to The Catalina Chimes Tower Foundation at P.O. Box 677, Avalon, CA 90704.
For questions and comments please email [email protected].
The Inn on Mt. Ada
Inn on Mt. Ada
The Inn is getting closer to making her Santa Catalina Island
Company debut. The opening date is Monday, February 9, 2015.
The Inn closed at the end of November and has been undergoing
maintenance and renovation. The entire interior of the home is
being repainted, linens are being redone and some furnishings have
been replaced. She looks better than ever and the great aspect to her
reopening is that she will remain the same in price, amenities and
extraordinary customer service. Also still available is the opportunity
to have breakfast, lunch or appetizers even if you are not an overnight
guest. This is done by reservation only and is available on a limited
basis. Reservations can be made by calling 310.510.2030.
A golf cart, breakfast, lunch and evening appetizers are still included
in the price. In addition, the overnight guests will receive special guest
privileges at many of our venues.
It’s wonderful to have the Inn up and running again for all of us to enjoy.
Special
Events
Two Harbors Valentine’s Sweetheart Dinner
February 14
Bring your sweetheart to the “Island of Romance” for a
romantic dinner at the Harbor Reef Restaurant. Please call
310.510.4215 for reservations
Valentines Day at Avalon Grille
February 14
Join us on Saturday, February 14 and celebrate Valentine’s Day
at Avalon Grille. Reservations at Opentable.com, 310.510.7494
Aero Club Social Fly-In
February 14 (2nd Sat. of the month, weather permitting)
Fly-in or take the Wildlands Express from the Avalon Plaza
to the Airport in the Sky. From 10am to 2pm. Visit with
pilots from around the region and view amazing airplanes.
310.510.0954. www.CatalinaConservancy.org
34th Annual Avalon Harbor Underwater Cleanup
February 21
This is the only time scuba diving is allowed in Avalon Bay,
with 500+ expected volunteer divers collecting trash and
debris. Awards ceremony follows on Wrigley Stage with
prizes & giveaways. Proceeds benefit the USC Hyperbaric
Chamber and the Robert E. Given Fund for Ocean
Conservation & Educational Research.
562.437.8555 x 224; www.CatalinaConservancy.org,
[email protected]
An Evening with Oscar
February 22
Please join us at for An Evening with Oscar at the Casino
Ballroom, an event to benefit the Catalina Island Medical
Center. Guests have the opportunity to watch the live Oscar
telecast, enjoy a buffet dinner, and bid on silent and live
auctions items. 5pm – 11pm. Catalina Island Medical Center
Foundation. 310.510.5160, www.aneveningwithoscar.org
Catalina Film Society
March 11 (2nd Wednesday of every month)
An opportunity for film enthusiasts to enjoy, discuss and
celebrate brand new unreleased independent films on a
monthly basis. Suggested donation of $10 for non-members,
or become a member and support the effort to celebrate and
educate the art of independent films. 818.787.1946,
www.CatalinaFF.org
Catalina Island Conservancy Marathon
/10K/5K/Kids Run
March 14
This event will feature the exciting and historic marathon
course, used largely since the first year, on the Catalina Island
Conservancy’s lands. This includes much of the rugged terrain,
spectacular vistas and special challenges enjoyed by Hans
Albrecht and friends in the earliest days of the event under
his management and enhanced over the years. Volunteers
welcome & appreciated. Spectrum Sports Management.
909.399.3553, www.RunCatalina.com
Passport
Your island adventure begins
here with exclusive offers at a
rewarding mix of Santa Catalina
Island Company locations.
Join us at the Avalon Grille for
50% off well cocktails or $10
off any 50-minute or more
spa treatment at Island Spa
Catalina. Discounts on SCICO
tours and activities, like zip line and the
undersea expedition. For more exclusive
offers pick up your passport today.
Tours &
Activities
Zip Line Eco Tour
Ship & Zip – with rates as low as $109!
Depart from several locations including Long Beach, San Pedro, Newport Beach,
Orange County or Dana Point via the Catalina Express, Catalina Flyer or Island
Express Helicopters and experience the Zip Line Eco Tour on Catalina Island.
Propel down 5 separate zip lines dropping from 600 feet above sea level with
one run that is 1,100 lineal feet long all on its own. This incredible experience
will forever change your idea of what a tour should be.
Click here or call 877.778.8322 to book today!
Cape Canyon Expedition
Tour Times*
*Tour Times may vary, please call 877.778.8322.
Zip Line • 10am–2pm
Twilight Zip Line • on select days
Inland Expedition • 11:45am
Avalon Scenic Drive • 12pm, 1:30pm
Cape Canyon Expedition • 9:30am
Casino “Behind the Scenes”
12:30pm, 3pm
Discover the Casino • 11:45am, 2pm
Dolphin Quest • 12:30am, 2pm
East End Adventure • 2pm
Glass Bottom Boat Voyage • 1:30pm, 2:30pm
Dolphin Quest
Skyline Drive • 11:45am
Avalon Scenic Drive
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Glass Bottom Boat
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Undersea Expedition Semi-Submersible
12pm, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm
Avalon Bay
Santa Catalina Island Company
Ticket Booth locations.
casino
General Info
DBC Cabanas and
Chaise Lounges
Indulge in private cabanas or chaise
lounges at Descanso Beach club!
For reservations call 310.510.7410.
Mooring Reservations
at Two Harbors
Now accepting mooring
reservations on Catalina Island!
On-line reservations available
each Thursday at 10pm for the
following 7 nights only. Go to
www.VisitTwoHarbors.
com/MooringRez to make
your reservations now or
call 310.510.4237 for more
information.
Hermit Gulch Camping
Situated in Avalon Canyon near
the Nature Center and The Wrigley
Memorial and Botanical Gardens,
the campsite offers a nice view
of the surrounding hills that are
home to a wide variety of plant and
animal life. 877.778.1487.
Dive & Recreation
Get ready for a fun filled day and
stop by the Dive & Recreation Shop
for everything you’ll need. We rent
all kinds of equipment, including
snorkel gear, kayaks, stand-up
paddleboards, beach umbrellas,
tennis rackets, mountain bikes,
wetsuits and SCUBA gear.
310.510.4272.
Avalon Grille
Dining &
Entertainment
Valentine’s Day Dinner
The Valentine’s Day menu will be available from 5pm to close on Feb 14.
The cost is $50 per person exclusive of tax and gratuity. Each couple will
receive a chocolate treat at the conclusion of the meal. Wine pairing available
for an additional $25 per person. We will also be offering a limited version
of the regular menu for those that do not want the special menu.
First Glance
Oyster and Champagne
Cucumber & Green Papaya Relish / Caviar
---------
Hand in Hand
Octopus & Barley
Crisp Octopus / Warm Barley & Chick Pea Salad / Banyuls Vinaigrette / Olives / Green Pesto
OR
Strawberry Jicama Salad
Pickle Strawberries / Mixed Greens / Goat Cheese / Jicama / Walnuts / Strawberry Vinaigrette
---------
True Love
Surf & Turf
Pan Seared Mahi-Mahi / Tenderloin / Zucchini Puree / Baby Carrots / Red Wine Reduction
OR
Grilled Pheasant
Chimichurri Marinated Pheasant / Grilled Persimmons / Beluga Lentil Ragout
---------
Sweet Endings
Chocolate Decadence
Passion Fruit Ice Cream / Caramel Reduction
OR
Red Velvet Cake
Lemon Cream Cheese “Kisses” / Jivara Milk Chocolate Curls
Catalina Camping
As an outdoor lovers paradise,
there is no better way to experience
this beautiful island than to
be at one with nature and the
breathtaking surroundings. We
offer camping in Two Harbors as
well as Avalon. Explore the interior
of the island by staying at a rustic
inland camping spot, or explore
areas only accessible by boat with
Boat-in Camping sites. Tents and
other camping gear are available for
rent. For more information, please
call 310.510.4205.
WECC
(West End Cruising Club)
Join the West End Cruising Club
with tons of benefits in both
Avalon and Two Harbors! Call
310.510.4266 or email us at
[email protected].
Movies at the Avalon Theatre
Movies are shown nightly at 7:30
pm. Matinées start at 4:30 pm
and are shown on Wednesdays
and Saturdays.
February 6–12
Taken 3 • PG-13
Ex-government operative Bryan Mills
is accused of a ruthless murder he never
committed or witnessed. As he is tracked and
pursued, Mills brings out his particular set of
skills to find the true killer and clear his name.
February 13–19
American Sniper • R
Navy SEAL sniper Chris Kyle’s pinpoint
accuracy saves countless lives on the
battlefield and turns him into a legend.
Back home to his wife and kids after four
tours of duty, however, Chris finds that
it is the war he can’t leave behind.
February 20–26
The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge
Out of Water • Not Yet Rated
SpongeBob goes on a quest to discover a
stolen recipe that takes him to our dimension,
our world, where he tangles with a pirate.
February 27–March 5
Fifty Shades of Grey • R
Literature student Anastasia Steele’s life
changes forever when she meets handsome,
yet tormented, billionaire Christian Grey.
Catering Menu
A fabulous new Catering Menu has just been introduced by our Executive Chef, Matt Alleshouse and his culinary team,
including our new Banquet Chef, Kapo Kealoha. Our catering offerings can be ordered for all our venues or for venues
outside of the company. Click here to see the wonderfully enticing selections being offered on the new menu.
Below is an example of one of the Plated Dinner menus, carefully designed for each course to complement each other,
offered at $64.00 per person.
Roasted Vine Ripe Tomato Salad
English Cucumbers / Maldon Smoked Sea Salt / Balsamic Vinaigrette / Masia Olive Oil
Roasted Pacific Fish
Herb Spaetzle / English Pea Puree / Candy Striped Baby Beets / Heirloom Carrots / Purple Kale Chips
Cabernet Braised Grass Fed Boneless Shortribs
Creamy Parsnip Puree / Smashed Mixed Marble Potato / Stewed Baby Carrots
/ Micro Radish /Wild Mushroom / Braising Jus
Mascarpone Cheesecake
Strawberry Fluid Gel
Fresh Brewed Illy Coffee / Decaffeinated Coffee / Fine Teas
Featured Recipe
White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Cookies
The
Wrigley
MARTINI
TM
A Catalina Island Classic
1 cup Granulated Sugar
1 cup Brown Sugar
1 ¼ cup Cold Butter
3 each Whole Eggs
3 cups All Purpose Flour
1 tea Salt
2 tea Baking Soda
1 cup Macadamia Nuts
2 cups White Chocolate Chips
Procedure:
Preheat oven to 325f. Mix flour, salt and baking soda. Set Aside. Cream both
sugars and butter until combined. Beat in eggs to butter mixture. Gradually
blend in flour mixture. Stir in Nuts and Chocolate. Using a cookie scoop, pan
out cookies onto a wax or parchment lined cookie sheet. Bake for 12-15 minutes
or until golden brown. Enjoy warm.
Welcome aboard!
Please welcome the wonderful new people who have recently joined the Santa Catalina Island
Company and the Inn on Mt. Ada.
1. April Golladay, Activities
2. Bridgett Vroman, Activities
3. Robert Kealoha, Jr., F&B
4. Ashley Nakano, F&B
5. Herschel Robel, F&B
6. Aenith McCollum, F&B
7. Jason McCollum, F&B
8. Irais Barriga, F&B
9. Cody Hisey, F&B
10. Natalya Pepelea, Finance
11. Tyler Polentz, Finance
12. Arlene Blake, Mt. Ada
13. Donna Harris, Mt. Ada
14. Carmen Medina, Mt. Ada
1
2
3
8
9
10
15 16
4
11
New
Faces
15. Martha Ibarra, Mt. Ada
16. Lourdes Castillo, Mt. Ada
17. Omar Bravo, Mt. Ada
18. Lidia Krasowskis, Mt. Ada
19. Leticia Gonzalez, Mt. Ada
5
6
7
12 13 14
1718 19
Familiar Faces, New Positions
Sal Castillo
Sal Castillo who was manager of the Banning House Lodge has relocated back to
Avalon where he will serve as Assistant Manager of the Inn at Mt. Ada. Congratulations Sal!
In 2015, SCICo wants to reinforce safety as a top priority. We will be centralizing the operation
by creating a full-time on island position that will create a stronger culture of safety. This position
will have access to new and current resources to help in achieving our safety goals in 2015.
Ann Luchau
We are pleased to announce that Ann Luchau is accepting this new position with the Company as Vice President, Safety
Compliance. Ann has been responsible for maintaining safety programs for Two Harbors for many years. Ann’s knowledge
and experience in safety has been instrumental in reducing workplace injuries for Two Harbors and we look forward to that
same success throughout the organization. Maintaining a safe work environment is extremely important to us and we ask for
your support as we move forward with our 2015 safety initiatives. Please join us in congratulating Ann in her new role.
Ann will work in Avalon four days a week and one day at Two Harbors. For all safety issues, concerns and/or questions
please contact Ann directly by email [email protected] or by calling 310.658.4432.
Vons rendering
Did you
Jani Eisenhut
know?
How does gas pricing work in Avalon?
Large gasoline chains buy huge amounts of gasoline and by pooling their purchase power; they are able to negotiate on what
they will pay per gallon and are able to offer their product to the consumer at substantially lower prices. Unfortunately
Catalina Freight Lines does not have that power since the island purchases are significantly smaller amounts of gasoline.
When our 5,000 gallon tanks get low (around 2,000 gallons) we place a call to Catalina Freight who has a gasoline vendor
that supplies Avalon. Unfortunately we are dependent on whatever quantities that vendor has available & at whatever price it
is; we do not have the luxury of shopping multiple vendors for the lowest prices.
Because we have multiple quantities delivered at multiple rates our 5,000 gallon storage tanks are often filled with several
different priced deliveries. To account for this a ‘gas report’ is generated weekly, the average is taken & we adjust retail costs
accordingly. We try to keep about a $.10-$.20 spread between regular, premium, & diesel to accommodate all types of vehicles.
The Santa Catalina Island Company has always operated the Pebbly Beach Gas Station and has for many years maintained
the same margin markup. The small amount that the company makes goes towards buying and maintaining the tanks,
upgrading and purchasing everything the government and the EPA require to be in compliance with the law and providing
an on-site employee. Many safety regulations are in place for the shipping of fuel over water which adds to our shipping costs
and the vendor’s pricing. Santa Catalina Island Company’s markup of approx. $2.00 per gallon has to cover all operating
expenses, regulatory requirements and equipment replacements. So the frustration we sometimes feel about our local gas
prices can’t be fairly blamed on the Island. Perhaps it can be considered a price we pay for the privilege of living in paradise.
The Avalon Gas Station is open 7:00am-4:00pm; pumps are open 7:30am-3:30pm, and 7 days a week; accepting credit
cards, cash and checks from our customers. We are lucky to have long time employee Jani Eisenhut on site 5 days a week
who is always ready with a smile to help or answer any questions. Currently, we are enjoying the lower fuel costs and have
been dropping retail prices accordingly!
The latest news on Vons?
The Planning Commission met this week to discuss the various issues associated with the planned Loading Dock at the
proposed new Vons. Three different solutions were offered in addition to the first proposed plan. However, the Planning
Committee did not feel that any of the three new proposals offered a better solution and since the Commission preferred the
original design, they sent the plans to the City Council in its original form. The City Council will make their decision at their
meeting in late February or early March.
Newsworthy
Mark Walberg, host of PBS’s most popular show, “Antiques
Roadshow” visited Avalon on January 12th. Mark and
his production crew, Dick Clark Productions, are putting
together a thirteen episode series called “Buried History.”
Tying some of the stories to former residents buried in the
Avalon Cemetery, the series will bring forward the history
of the individual and their impact on Avalon. Interviews
were conducted with Bill Hill, Lolo Saldana and Michele
Bestudik. They will keep us posted as to when the series will
begin. Avalon will be the first episode.
The following week the Brighton Company, makers of fine
handbags and jewelry, were here to photograph their new
catalog. The crew of twenty spent three days setting up
some beautiful shots of the island as a background to their
product. This is the second time the company has shot their
catalog here. Brighton products are carried by Buoys & Gulls
and the Avalon Bay Company.
Safety
The Avalon City Fire Department are in the process of performing
their regular annual Fire Safety Inspections at all commercial
businesses in Avalon. Listed below are common discrepancies
that are found during annual Fire Safety Inspections. Commercial
business owners/tenants, please use this list to check your property
and make the appropriate corrections:
•Outdated, obstructed, unmarked, or improperly hung
fire extinguishers
•Exits obstructed or without appropriate signs
•Obstructed electrical panels
(no obstructions within 36” of panel)
•Improperly stored flammable and/or hazardous materials (must be stored in a labeled metallic container/locker)
Avalon City Fire Department
•Extension cords (allowed for temporary use only)
•General housekeeping
•Inoperable smoke detectors
•Fire sprinkler systems functioning correctly and
appropriate 5-Year Inspection Certificate
•Address and unit clearly visible on the front of your property
If you have any questions, feel free to contact the Avalon Fire
Department at 310.510.0203
Phone Numbers
Hotels:
Reservations • 877.778.8322
Pavilion Hotel Front Desk • 310.510.1788
Hotel Atwater Front Desk • 310.510.1789
Operational Hours Avalon
Avalon Grille
Lunch • Friday–Sunday, 11am–3pm
Dinner • Sunday–Thursday, 5–9pm
Friday & Saturday, 5–10pm
Bar • Daily from 3:00pm,
Saturday & Sunday, 10:00am
Happy Hour • Daily, 3–6pm
Descanso Beach Club
Open Daily from 11am–4pm
Happy Hour • Sunday–Friday,
3pm–4pm. Half off all drinks
Chaise Lounge • $20 per pair
Beach Cabanas • $200 Daily
Presidential Cabanas • $500 Daily
Activities:
Reservations • 877.778.8322
Descanso Beach Club • 310.510.7410
Restaurants & Dining:
Avalon Grille • 310.510.7494
Ben’s Bakery • Coming soon!
Operational Hours Two Harbors
Banning House Shuttle Hours
Pick-ups can be requested at Visitor Services,
or after 5pm at the Harbor Reefs hostess desk.
8am–9pm, Daily
General Store
9am–5:30pm, Monday–Thursday
9am–6:30pm, Friday
8am–6:30pm, Saturday
8am–5:30pm, Sunday
Visitor Services
8:30am–4:30pm, Daily
8:30am–6pm, Fridays Only
Campground Rangers
8:30am–5pm, Sunday–Thursday
8:30am–10:30pm, Fri–Sat
Dive & Recreation Center
9am–5pm, Sun–Thurs
8:30am–6pm, Fri–Sat
Boat Shop
8am–4:30pm, Daily
Fuel Dock
8am–4:30pm, Daily
Warehouse
8am–4:30pm, Daily
Mini-Golf
9am–5:30pm, Sun–Fri
Last tee-off time, 4:30pm
9am–8:30pm, Saturday
Last tee-off time, 7:30 pm
Best wishes to our Jen Milburn, Project
Manager in the Planning Department and
congratulations to James Ansite, Jen’s
new husband.
Jen and James were married on January
10th. The ceremony took place at the
Virginia Country Club in Long Beach. Jen
and James honeymooned in Honolulu. The
couple will continue to live in Long Beach.
We wish them a happy, happy life together.
Cheers!
Our Cross Sell Winner for December is Tim Bouey
from our Zip Line Team. Congratulations Tim on
receiving the $500 reward.
Jen and James
Tim Bouey
Employee of the Year Celebration
One of the nicest celebrations we have is when we honor our employees that have demonstrated their ability to perform
their job with extraordinary ability and attitude. On February 15th Geoff Rusack and Alison Wrigley Rusack hosted
an elegant dinner at the new Catherine’s Terrace to recognize these employees for their special talents in their work
performance. These employees are chosen by their co-workers and divided into categories. The categories and winners are:
Excellent Customer Service
Joy Adelsperger (Hotels)
Going Above and Beyond
Lauren Geving (Two Harbors Administration)
Positive Attitude
Sierra Caldwell (Retail)
Sales Star
Janet Flathers (Group Camping Sales)
Teamwork
Alvaro Tamayo, Ricardo Tamayo, Jose Octavo,
and Sebastian Sanchez (Banquet Housemen)
Leading by Example
Catherine Rinehart (Descanso Beach Club)
Special Recognition
Collier Cook (Sales)
Helping Out
2014 closed with deep sadness. A dramatic windstorm that
unexpectedly turned deadly took the lives of two beloved
members of our community. Both Harbor Patrolman, Tim
Mitchell and harbor resident, Bruce Ryder died trying to save
property and lives.
A very powerful and emotional service was held at Casino Point
for Tim. The bond of the men and women that protect our lives
is a strong and honorable one. Hundreds of representatives from
the Harbor Departments up and down the coast, Lifeguards from
Los Angeles County, Los Angeles Sheriffs and Avalon and County
Fire Departments attended the service to honor one of their own.
A beautiful poem by Alfred, Lord Tennyson was read:
Crossing the Bar
Sunset and evening star,
And one clear call for me!
And may there be no moaning of the bar,
When I put out to sea,
But such a tide as moving seems asleep,
To full for sound and foam,
When that which drew from out the boundless deep
Turns again home.
Bruce Ryder
Tim Mitchell
Twilight and evening bell,
And after that the dark!
And may there be no sadness of farewell,
When I embark;
For tho’ from out our bourne of Time and Place
The flood may bear me far,
I hope to see my Pilot face to face
When I have crossed the bar.
The Catalina Express Boat provided free transportation for
overtown guests. The Island Company was honored to partner
with the City of Avalon and other local businesses to assist
with both memorial services. The Island Company provided
complimentary shuttle bus for Tim’s service, easels, reception
food, public address sound equipment, stage, chairs and
illuminated the Casino in blue lights in honor of Tim Mitchell
and Avalon Harbor Department for two nights.
Although we are barely into 2015, the company has
already made many contributions to worthy causes:
Channel Islands Cetacean Research
Town & Gown – USC Scholarships
Shea Riding Center – A horse riding program for children with
physical and cognitive disabilities
Movie and mini-golf tickets for the Teen Center
Underwater Cleanup coming February 21st
A step
back
in time
When the Chicago Cubs came for Spring Training on Catalina Island, their
home field back in Chicago was Weeghman Park.
In 1921 as they set up the field and clubhouse in Avalon Canyon, although
never officially named, Avalon townspeople began calling it Wrigley Field.
In 1925 Mr. Wrigley had another field built in Los Angeles when he was owner of the
Los Angeles Angles. That ballpark was named Wrigley Field and no longer exists.
In the meantime Weeghman Park in Chicago was re-named “Cubs Park.”
Not until 1926 did the Chicago ballpark become Wrigley Field. So, that makes
Avalon the first site of a Wrigley Field which puts us in the baseball history books.
Property News
Please join us in welcoming our new
tenant, Gina Ciccone. As of January 1st,
Gina took over the card and gift shop
in the Island Plaza next to Pete’s Café.
The name of the store will be Mermaid’s
Grotto and in addition to cards, Gina
is adding unique gifts both locally and
internationally sourced. Other items
will include handmade dresses and
handbags by Silvana Cicconi, gift basket
arrangements, packaged party kits, gift
wrapping, art and costume supplies,
kids’ crafts and customized paper crafts
and cards. Gina has been a life-long
resident of Avalon and is looking forward
to working with the local and visitor
community. Please stop by and check out
her new and exciting merchandise.
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