Is it just me, or is everyone ready for another Southern California GTG?

I'm looking at the month of August and Saturdays only, like Aug. 3rd, or 10th.

I say we meet at a park, where we can park our cars, enjoy relaxing in the shade - like under a big tree, and sit down at a picnic table. A place with a BBQ would be nice. We could bring our wives / girlfriends, kids, friends, etc. and talk about our cars, BBQ hamburgers / hotdogs / chicken for lunch, and bring things like potato salad, drinks, chips, etc. If BBQing sounds like too much trouble, we could do a pot luck or bring KFC, pizza, or whatever.

We could meet in the morning, like 10 a.m., have lunch, and then call it a day whenever we're done, like 2 p.m., or so.

Let's all choose a place that anyone knows of that would work, and we'll sort of build a consensus on where everyone wants to meet.

I'll nominate Craig Park in Brea. It's off of the 57 Freeway at Imperial Highway. It's a huge park with a lake and lots of places to BBQ.

Paul,
Sounds good to me! I am definitly looking forward to it. I'm easy... don't mind the location.
COunt me in. ;)

August is a tough month for me, about the only weekend I have is the 10th.

3rd & 4th - pistol match that I'm hosting. 17th & 18th a Laughlin trip followed by a four day regional pistol match 21st through the 24th.

The park sounds good, much better for the munchkins than the parking structure - more room to run ;). Maybe the Missus will be able to come this time (and I won't have to chase after the girls after every other word :eek: ).

Hey Paul,

I would like to go but the 10th is the only weekend in August I have free. Any chance Sept. would work out better? Keep us posted!

Rgds, Ed

I have a heavy travel schedule in September that covers most weekends, so I wanted to try and make it for August.

August the 10th is fine with me.

Shall we call it for the August the 10th? Speak now or forever hold your peace.

As for location, I'm in Diamond Bar near Brea. David is in Newport Beach. I spoke with John Elliot (JCE) this morning on the phone, and I'm sure he'll be in. He lives in Mission Viejo. Mike is in Temecula, which would be a nice place to meet. I'm not sure where ML Dude lives.

Come on guys, give us some suggestions as to some nice parks near where you live.

How about a relatively new MBZ devotee and his wife coming to this. We have never been to one before. Would love to meet some of you and see your cars. I live in San Pedro and don't mind driving to where ever.

Rayson
1982 380 SL

ML Dude is in Tustin... so seems like it should work for him. ;)

BTW: August 10th sounds good to me.

Sugi,

I can make it on August the 10th. After that I will have a busy schedule do to some business trips.

Pot luck seems an excellent idea ! My only request is to consider a place near my area, Cristina is always looking to bring her car and join us but with two daughters, long rides on the Mercedes are not very pleasant.

Rayson, you should second my request, I live in Palos Verdes and work in Pedro, right at the harbor, next to Cabrillo Marina ! Let me know if you will be interested on having lunch together sometime.

Palos Verdes is convinient located for people coming from LA as well as the ones coming from OC.

Well if it's the 10th count me and hopefully my wife in! I guess we all need to decide where to hold it.

Just today I drove through the mountains between Temecula and San Clemente and I have to say it is absolutely beautiful and if anyone knows of any parks near there I think the drive alone would make it worth while for everyone.

Other than that I really don't have any locations suggestions. Brea or anywhere near Hwy 5 is cool with me.

The 10th sounds good, anywhere between San Diego and Ventura and points inland. I (probably we) will be there!

Placo1

If you liked the ride out to Temecula, sometime we ought to put together a rally on the circuit around Camp Pendleton. Lots of neat back roads, fantastic views, interesting stops. Mike Tangas knows a lot more of the history of the roads in the area than I do (Mike: do you know where in your neck of the woods the Yankee troops intercepted a contingent of Californian Confederate volunteers to keep California from declaring for the South, and the location of the Yankee prisoner of war camps in California where they were held?)

That would be further down by Escondido John, San Pascual (close to the Wild Animal Park), at least as far as the battle goes. Not sure about Civil War POW camps.

If y'all wanted to do Temecula, that would permit a nice drive through the De Luz Canyon area, nice narrow twisties on a road that is basically unimproved since 1934 (WPA/CERA project of Mr. Roosevelt), follows the old stage route between Fallbrook and Murrieta. Or even a leisurely drive through the wine country, but beware it do get hot here.

As far as parks go, we have the Sports Park, free and ample parking but little shade. Or Lake Skinner, but that costs to enter and it's even hotter out there. We do have a number of smaller parks/greenways, but would have to check on the parking situation. Unfortunately we are taking off for the Northwoods on Sunday and will be gone for 2 weeks (time to check on the property and install a couple gates, plus a little fishing), so very little time for research.

I'm not opposed to the drive to Diamond Bar/Brea, or even Casper Park on the Ortega - no kids have been eaten by mountain lions for years there.

Pretty close! Us 3rd generation Californios didn't get this info from our history books in school - it took links from Huell Hauser's California Gold PBS series.

San Pasqual was the Mecican American war of 1846 - Yankee troops vs. Californios sympathetic to Mexico. (Seems as if Californians have never been strongly sympathetic to Washington DC!) After Gold was discovered in CA, the Union took a strong interest in keeping California in the fold, especially as Arizona declared for the South after Union Cavalry pulled out leaving settlers at the mercy of the Apache Indians. The Confederates sent cavalry to Arizona to fight Apaches if AZ declared for the south, which seemed like a good idea to the settlers. The western most battle between regular troops of the 2 sides was in Arizona at Picacho Pass http://www.wtj.com/articles/picacho/ .

A steady stream of Californians also left to join the Arizona and Texas Confederates, intercepted at Minter Ranch near the Mt Palomar/Lake Henshaw/Butterfield stage coach station area. Numerically outnumbered and tactically surrounded, the Confederate volunteers surrendered without a shot, and were sent first to Yuma prison, then to a prison camp at Drum Barracks in Los Angeles. They gave their parole, were released, broke parole and enlisted with the south. To the north, Confederate privateers were detained at Alcatraz, which started as a fort, changed to a POW camp, evolved to a military prison, then became a civil prison. At one time during the war between the states, 40 % of union troops were stationed in the southwest and pacific rim states.

http://www.sandiegohistory.org/journal/61april/minters.htm

http://www.militarymuseum.org/DrumBks.html

http://www.cwrtorangecounty-ca.org/THE%20CIVIL%20WAR%20LEGACY%20OF%20ORANGE%20COUNTY.htm

What all this has to do with a MB get together escapes me at present, but it seemed too esoteric and inconsequential to avoid sharing (That way not just my brain is clutered with useless facts ;) )

10th sounds cool to me.

Just name the time and place and I should be good to go.

Alon

Sundays are always better for me but I think I can make it on August 10th. :)

I don't have any location suggestions but I'm willing to drive a bit so name a place and I'll try to be there. Like Mike said, a park would be great for the kids. :)

HEY YOU GUYS!!!!

sundays are usually the best for me...cause that way i can actually enjoy the gtg rather than rush off to work!!! ugh on saturday...

is august 10 for sure?
where exactly?
what time?
etc....

woo hoo!!!!

Well the 10th it is then, but P.V. does not seem central to me.

Based on the responses, maybe the Brea park would be good or even Whittier Narrows park might work.

JMO, Ed

sad to say i'll have to pass on this GTG...it's a bit too far for me on a saturday as i have to work beginning early that evening :( :( :(

Great! We're settled on August the 10th.

Let's decide on a location. So far, we've got Craig Park in Brea and Whittier Narrows Park (in Whittier, I guess).

There's also a nice park off of the 605 or 710 Freeway in La Mirada - or at least it's called the La Mirada Regional Park.

I really don't care if the park we go to has a lake, or not. I just know that Craig Park in Brea has one, and the park is pretty large.

We just need to choose a park that's large enough to accomodate a lot of people. I'm sure that many of the parks will be used on a Saturday in August. Many of the parks allow you (or require you) to reserve an area. Just something to keep in mind.

Come on everyone, feel free to nominate a place, and then let's vote, or at least achieve some sort of informal consensus.

Paul S.

Where is the Brea Park located? I will be travling up the 15 and wasn't sure about this. I wouldn't vote for anything on the 605, all those gravel trucks scare me!:eek:

Just kidding but really would prefer somewhere near the 15 or the 5 if it's possible.

Craig park is off of the 57 freeway at Imperial Highway, in the city of Brea. Cal State Fullerton is just South of there off of State College Blvd., and there is the Brea Mall right there on the northwest corner of State College and Imperial Hgwy. There is also a Nordstroms if the women want to shop instead of listening to us talk about our cars.

From where you live, you'd take the 5 freeway to the 57 North. It's about 10 miles or so to Imperial Highway, and the park is right off of the freeway just south of Imperial Highway on State College Blvd.

I think the 15 freeway is a little far for most everyone involved (except for poor Mike Tangas).

The 5 freeway wouldn't be bad. Nominate a location. I know there is a Mission Viejo Lake, and you'd think it'd be in the middle of a park, wouldn't you?

I've been there once to look at the lake, and I remember there were expensive homes around it, but I don't remember if there were trees or picnic facilities.

I don't mind where ever we go. However I have a great park with lots of parking in Newport Coast.

It's a huge park with tons of parking, while at the same time, it's secluded. It's basically in Newport Beach, and right off the 73 FWY, about 5 min south of the 405 & 55 on the 73.

It's really a pleasant and beautiful park... just a suggestion.

Hey Guys,

Whittier Narrows is close to the 605 but for those coming up the 15 you'd go west on the 60. Just past the 605 there is Rosemead Blvd exit and the park is accessible from there to the north or also off of Santa Anita if we want to go the south, where there's a lake.

Not pushing for this location, I would prefer Brea or N.B, just mentioned it for our L.A. brethren.....

Alrighty, we've got 3 good suggestions:

1. Craig Park in Brea
2. Whittier Narrows
3. Newport Coast

Any others???

I vote fore Newport Coast. I love the drive up the 101 and if my wife doesn't feel like going to the meet I can drop her off at Fashion Island.

Maybe we should just take a pole on this. You already have my vote!

http://www.a-p-group.com/cklasse/NewportCst.JPG

Can't go wrong there. ;)

Let's give it another day or so for others (only those who plan on going) to nominate locations, and then we'll take a poll.

Newport Coast sounds like a fine place to me, too.

Hey Alon, your brother, Gavin, is coming too, isn't he?

i wanna go!!!!!
ugh...

if you guys push it to the 11th....email me someone!!!!

Sundays are no good - you know, church and all....

I don't see any good reason why you couldn't make it.

Meet around 10:00 - ish, eat lunch, shoot the breeze, and leave whenever you want 1:00-2:00-ish.

If you have to work in the early evening, even as early as 4:00, I can't figure out how you couldn't make it....

The NEWPORT COAST Park sounds GREAT!Cool Ocean Breeze!
As Its SUMMER... And Inland Will Be Warm! No Make That HOT!
I Have not been to a Meet since the Mall Meet...
Looking Forward to See some CLEAN CARS!
BTW Who Is In Charge of the BBQ/Food/Pot Luck...ETC
So David Where is the Park in NEWPORT COAST? MAP?
Is Parking ok? and Close to the Grounds?..For the BBQ?

And Please add Me to the list!

BTW Huntington Beach Has a Great Big Park(CENTRAL PARK)
With a Lake/Resturant/Horses/Trails ...ETC GREAT PARKING!
Also Central park has a CAR SHOW that Has a Good Draw!
Plenty of Space!With a OCEAN BREEZE...close to the Beach !
Just thought I would throw It In!

Ok you guys might hate me for this........or maybe not

I was just on the phone with Meguiars and they are checking into holding a detailing presentation at their facilities in Irvine CA!

Here are the details:

I'll be meeting with them next week to discuss having a group of 15 to 20 Mercedesshop People visit their facilites on A Saturday morning. I will arrange a list of members for them so they can insure their is enough staff to answer everyones questions.
This event will be held exclusively for Mercedesshop and the size limit is 20 cars.

When I meet with them next week they will be doing tests on my paint to determine if the scratches on my car can be removed. If testing is positive they will show everyone a step by step procedure on how to perfect your paint (Using my car of course:D ) If my car proves unsuccessful we will be searching for another car but it will require inspection prior to the date.

After mine is finished they will take each members car and bring it into the detail bay and discuss with each member what their goals are. They will then do test spots on your car to determine which products to use. You may purchase them on the spot or wait for a later time but they recommend taking notes so that you can get successful results when you do it at home.

Here's the reason you might hate me. Since so many of you have this day free I thought August 10th might be appropriate for that size group to go to this.

So what do you guys think. Does this date sound ok or should I push it off a week or two. The date isn't set in stone so I shouldn't have too much difficulty changing it.

Input would be great. By the way, the session will be shown on their website for everyone to see at a later date!

how early
and when would it be over?
i would love to be a part of the meguire's thingy but i need to be on my way home by 2 pm
please let me know

afshin-you know how bad my paint job needs to be fixed..ugh
so count me in

Placo1,
You're right...we hate you! :) j/k!

Anyway, my preference would be to do the Meguires' event another time. I'm sure it would be enlightening but I'd rather be able to bring my family and hang out at the park with a bunch of MB enthusiasts! :D

i'm in for the maguires, only cause the bbq sounds like a full day, and sadly, since it's on a saturday, i'm not able to spend the day.... :( wah!!!!!

I'd love to do the Meguiar's event, but on another day, like Aug. 4th, maybe.

If we do the Meguiar's event, it would be impossible to bring wives and kids.

So, whenever you arrange the Meguiar's 'Rub-Down', include me in.;)

About the park, I agree that it would certainly be cooler to hold it nearer the coast.

I say either the Newport Coast park or the Huntington Beach Park would be fine. I'm still in for Craig Park in Brea if others vote for it.

As for the pot luck, why don't the people that are going simply call out on this board what it is they can bring, and then we'll know right away what is missing.

I think I'm going to start a new post in the discussion section to separate this event.

August 4th might be too soon to get a good size group to go but maybe towards the end of August. I'll put a post up in the detailing and the discussion section and have everyone vote on some dates as well as who's interested in going.

I want to have at least 15 people to make it worthwile for them and us. More input is appreciated.

hey afshin...
count me in!!!
i'm in i'm in i'm in ....

Greetings from Mexico City !!! The land of the Mariachi and the Tequila !!! Ajuuuuua !

Afshin,

Good idea to separate both events. Both of them sound great so please also count me in for the Meguiar's clinic.

If possible I would like to suggest August 31st. for it. On August 24th. I am joining the group from benszport at the Peterson Automobile Museum for a GTG.

Please check it out !

http://www.benzsport.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=10424

You might want to join us ;)

Everyone check the detail forum for the Meguiars GTG. Please repost their if your interested.

Ernesto,

I'll talk to Meguiars and determine whats good for them as well, the 31st works for me and I know my wife won't mind either! I'll keep everyone posted as things progress.

I'm still debating about the Peterson Museum, seems like most of August is already filling up so I don't want to plan too much.

HEY ERNESTO!!!!!


could you do me a favor?

last year i went to ensenada and had a wonderful dinner there...food was great but what made the night even better was the 4 piece mariachi group that sang songs for money....

could you find me one or two cd's of really great romantic, beautiful, harmonious mariachi music while you're down there?

i'll pay you back when i pick them up from you...
i just don't have a clue of what to buy.....


and now back to the mercedes benz postings.....

I would really like the mcguires thing as my 380 SL could use some help until I can afford to paint it. I have already convinced my wife that the GTG would be great fun and she has agreed to come as we have never been to one so I have to stick with that and my vote would be for one of the places close to the coast so as to be cool.

Thanks,
Rayson
82 380SL in slow restoration.

OK. CONFIRM

Date: Sat, August 10, 2002
Time: 10:00(ish) - 2:00(ish)
Location: Newport Coast, 92657. Community park.


Here are some maps & Directions:

Heading South on the 405 (from LB/LA)

405 South
73 South (near JWAirport, 55fwy, & South Cst Plaza) 5 miles
Exit Newport Coast ($1:00 toll); it will direct you West
RIGHT turn @ first Stop light called San Juaoquin Hills Rd.
RIGHT turn @ first stop light called Vista Ridge.
Immediate Right turn @ first turn in (to parking lot)



Heading North on the 5 Fwy (from South OC/SD)

5 Fwy North
73 North (will pass through $3.00 toll station)
Exit Newport Coast, & make a LEFT turn (west-bound/UpHill)
RIGHT turn @ first Stop light called San Juaoquin Hills Rd.
RIGHT turn @ first stop light called Vista Ridge.
Immediate Right turn @ first turn in (to parking lot)



Coming from inland using 91/5/55 Fwys

*opt.* a. 91 fwy South to 55-fwy South
b. (57-S. to:) 5 fwy South to 55 South
55 South FWY (5 miles on 55fwy between 5fwy & 73fwy)
73 South (5 miles)
Exit Newport Coast ($1:00 toll); it will direct you West/UpHill
RIGHT turn @ first Stop light called San Juaoquin Hills Rd.
RIGHT turn @ first stop light called Vista Ridge.
Immediate Right turn @ first turn in (to parking lot)



Coming from Pacific Coast Hwy

North/South on PCH
Turn (INLAND/East-Bnd) on Newport Coast (between Newport Beach/CdM and Laguna Beach, by Crystal Cove)
Continue up Newport Coast for roughly 3 miles.
Make a LEFT turn on San Juaoquin Hills Rd (just past Shopping Ctr).
RIGHT turn @ first stop light called Vista Ridge.
Immediate Right turn @ first turn in (to parking lot)


****************************
First Map. Newport Coast, 73 fwy, and the park are at the bottom ctr of the map.
http://www.a-p-group.com/cklasse/NwptCstBIG.jpg


Second Map. Park is at the ctr of the map. Near the Newport Coast & San Joaquin Hills Rd intersection.
http://www.a-p-group.com/cklasse/NwptCstMapMED.jpg


Third Map. The park is located right off (in the map, to the Rt of: ) Newport Ridge Dr. East
http://www.a-p-group.com/cklasse/NwptCstMapSmall.jpg


Also, if you have any questions e-mail/PM me or I can give my #.

Hope this makes sense to everyone ;)

Not too fast David... Everything sounds great but I do believe that we were thinking on August the 10th. or did I miss something :confused:

Apart from the date discrepancy, thank you David for all the valuable information !

Rich,

I'll be looking around for some Mariachi music for you, maybe I could ask the Mariachi on my brother's wedding if they have their own cd's for sale.

On mexican weddings it's a tradition to end up the reception with a couple of hours with Mariachi, doens't matter how upscale the social event is there are always five to six hours with a life band after the meals and then Mariachi just before they start serving breakfast early next morning. 8 to 10 hours of serious party :eek:

Like the area but can not make it on Aug. 4. Whatever happened to the 10th.

Rayson
'82 380SL

I Thought It The Date was THE 10th:confused:

Sorry about that!

10th it is. ;)

I changed it to the 10th, my bad.

Ok The 10th it is!
Need a Sign Up /Post up..For the BBQ/Food/STUFF!

I Will offer My BBQ ! But I NEED a LARGE Truck to bring It!
Its 5 feet tall 6 feet long... And It Wont Fit in my Wagon.....

Great! It's settled for August the 10th at the community park in Newport Coast.

I can bring fried chicken and some cold drinks, like Snapple Iced Tea.

I'd come and bring my three pedaled Mercedes but my wife is having her baby shower that day. BTW you're all invited:D

August 10th if nothing comes up to change our schedule then my wife and I will be there. Looking forward to meeting all and seeing your cars. Thanks for the great directions.

David:

We still have a Go for the 10th? Phil from FastLane/PartsShop emailed me and said he would be there with his wife, and were bringing a Mandrin Ham and Potato salad. Leise and I will be there early to help with set up, and will bring paper plates, utensils, and lots of her home made German (what else) Chocolate Chip cookies. Do we need a confirming sign up list for attendees and what they are bringing? It all sounds great so far!

Ohh boy.. where is that page? I got your e-mail... let me bring that other thread back up!

I'll bring a chicken or two of El Pollo Loco and a 24-pack case of Snapple Iced teas / juices.

I'll wait and see how many people are showing up to decide how much chicken to buy.

My wife is recovering from some minor surgery, and although she's fine, she can't drive in the car because of the bouncing motion, so I'll be bringing my girlfriend.

Just kidding...

:D ;) :p :cool: :eek:

hey paul i might be able to make it for a quick "hello; wow look at that car!!!; hey phil nice to finally meet you; and mmm mmm this el pollo loco is real good!!!"

is there something that i can bring, that wouldn't be missed if i wasn't able to make it?

woo hoo!!!!

bring yerself rich, cause you will be missed if you can't make it. :) and while youa re at it, Call in sick to work!!! then you can definately make it.

Alon

i wish i could call in sick but my po' a$$ is broke....

Come on Rich, you have to join us... a working day is no big deal... come on !!! :D

Paul, one or two Pollo Locos only for me is fine... but don't forget to consider some more for the rest of the gang :p