SCARY BUT SWEET… New Year’s Day is about two weeks away. Christmas another week nigh (Come on, admit it. You didn’t think I could use a word like that, did you? It’s a cool word, especially this time of year. I think I’m going to do the whole column inside these little brackets. It feels safe in here, like nobody’s really seeing this stuff. I know, nobody’s really seeing this stuff inside or outside the brackets. Oh well, I might as well come out now…don’t get too excited.)

I can’t believe it’s almost 2006. I’m not one to get too hung up on dates, or arbitrarily designated time coordinates, but 2006 seems like The Future.

This is heavy man.

(You’re right…I’ve gotta get outta the house more.)

Actually I did get out of the house a couple weekends back for the 15th Annual FEAST FOR AIDS at the Beach Club at Pebble. If there is a more beautiful setting around here for an event, I’d like to see it. As always, it was a heartwarming, fun, tearful and spiritually uplifting affair. I got some really cool things at the auction, including a day of rock climbing at that place in Seaside (I think I already lost the certificate). Don’t ask me what I’m going to do with that, I’d probably knock the wall down, but I got caught up in the buying frenzy and it feels so good to help out WAYNE JOHNSON and the whole MCAP group.

The event was a smashing success and the money raised ensured that the families being helped in our area will all have Christmas gifts and be able to enjoy the holiday season. It is easy to forget the reach of this disease and the number of people that are affected. Wayne is always quick to point out the point of the organization—he’s wonderful that way. Everyone was saddened to hear that he is stepping down as the dictato…er, I mean, director. Then again, now he’ll be free to really get important work done. Great job everyone.

ALL GOOD PEOPLE… I got an e-mail from a friend, MICHELLE JONES, a couple of weeks ago. I wasn’t able to get it in until now and it’s important. She’s a really cool chick who works out at Hullaballoo in Salinas. She also does a heap of good in the community (among other things, she coordinated the auction for the Community Feeds Our Nation at the Aquarium a while back) and is always very cheerful and fun to be around.

Here’s what she wrote to me: “I am involved with a wonderful project in East Salinas. I am helping in the opening of a Youth Coffee House at an organization called LUPE (www.lupenet.org). LUPE was founded by César Chávez to help the Latino community. The Youth Coffee House will provide a safe and fun environment for local youth. It will have snacks, beverages, books, music, art and other entertainment. It will also provide an opportunity for the youth to learn how to run a business.”

They need some help to get this thing started. Eventually it will generate its own revenue, but for now they need all types of supplies, like cups and lids, stir sticks, sugar packets, bagels, muffins, fruit, popcorn machine, coffee, soda, etc., etc. Also, for the room they need area rugs, books in English and Spanish, magazines, art or frames, plants…you know the deal. Give Michelle a call and find out how you can be of help—it’s a nice idea. Call her at 261-7257.

Another nice idea is something I forgot to include in this space a couple of weeks ago about Fresh Cream, the showpiece restaurant in Monterey: If you are a teacher, or a member of the military, STEVE CHESNEY will give you a nice discount for eating there. Check it out for yourself. Hey, I’m kind of like a teacher aren’t I…I teach people how not to behave…and I’m a soldier of love, baby.

OUR LITTLE POND… In the local wine knowledge department: ELSBETH WETHERILL (that’s a cool name), co-owner of Escafeld Vineyards down in the Lockwood section of southern Monterey County, was the editor of a recently published book entitled, Build Your Castles in the Air: Thoreau’s Inspiring Advice for Success in Business (and Life) in the 21st Century. It provides insight into Thoreau’s wisdom in an enjoyable, user-friendly format. It is nice to know somebody is trying to infuse some sound philosophical principles into the oft-times sleazy world of business dealings—hope it catches on. Get a bottle of Escafeld (check www.escafeld.com) wine, sit down and have a good read, especially those of you out there who are cutting corners…you know who you are.

Another local wine impresario (he’s gonna love that), KEN “I’M NOT JUST A GOLF BUM” RAUH, of Taste of Monterey (Monterey, Salinas, Carmel Valley Ranch and online) has two different wines of his own: Mission Trail Vineyards and Pot Belly Vintners. I’ve got a bottle of the Mission Trail 2001 Friars’ Reserve Cabernet Franc that is silky and elegant and quite nice, along with a cute stubby 500 ml bottle of Pot Belly Port, an unctuous, rich, delicious Cal-style number. Check this and other stuff out at Taste of Monterey, any branch, or flag Ken down on the golf course and see if he’s got a bottle in his bag.

For the Pebble Beach crowd: WENDY “STOP CALLING ME HEIDI” HEILMANN, the new Wine and Spirits Director at the Pebble Beach Market, has begun a regular series of monthly tastings. The latest, and I apologize for getting it in so late, is Thursday, Dec. 15 from 4:30 to 6:30pm, featuring four versions of Dom Perignon: 1996 Vintage (98 points from Wine Advocate), 1998 Vintage (96 points from Wine Advocate), 1995 Brut Rosé (93 points from Steven Tanzer) and the gorgeous (Wendy’s term—I love that word) 1990 DP Oenotheque (96 points Wine Spectator). Get over there now or check out what’s happening later: heilmanw@pebblebeach.com or 622-8771…Cheers y’all.