Our "Video 'n' Pizza" meeting on March 10 attracted 15 members to marvel at Simon Templar's ("The Saint") cool, dealing with crooks and beautiful women in the episode "The Counterfeit Countess". Loud cheers accompanied the appearance of his Volvo 1800, as the members were munching on excellent pizza washed down with Red Wolf and soda. Gabor Varadi volunteered (after a few brews) to be our club's representative to the San Diego Auto Museum Car Club Council (SDAM CCC), in the wake of the sudden career change and move by Jim Barnes. So look in future newsletters for some incisive commentary with a different slant about the goings on in other car clubs and at the museum. Thank you, Gabor for volunteering, and you, Jim, for a job well done! (Jim will still be a member of SDVSA). We also voted to contribute another $15 to the SDAM CCC toward the publication of the "Courier", a newsletter with the intent of keeping the general public aware of auto legislation, etc., and what is happening in the old car restoration hobby.

We had not seen Ken Monson for some time, but he must have relied on his sixth sense for attending the meeting that evening, because he hit Bob Skoog's 50/50 raffle with $33 in the pot!! This is the second win for Ken, a feat which had only been accomplished previously by Jim Barnes.

All the hard work Dave Hunt did in organizing the March 27 SDVSA activity, a visit to Swedish Speed and the Perris Auto Speedway, turned this into a major event. The SDVSA wants to thank him, and Mark Yarbrough, co-owner of Swedish Speed (and member of SDVSA) for putting on a first class affair. Inland Empire Volvo was another sponsor of this event, and they deserve a hearty thanks from all of us, too! A synopsis of the activities can be found on page 9.

April and May turn out to be busy months for us Volvophiles. Most of this issue of 1800 NEWS is devoted to information on upcoming events.

On Saturday, April 17 we have the Swap Meet at Westside Volvo in Cu1ver City between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. The details can be found on page 5.

Our first SDVSA Sunday Brunch for 1999 is taking place on Sunday, April 18 at the 94^TH Aero Squadron located at 8885 Balboa Ave. at 12:30 p.m. Turn the page for more information. Last year, we substituted "brunches" for "dinner meetings", arid met with initial success with increased attendance. With everyone's help, we can keep that trend going!

Mark Jankowski's plans for the East County Tour on Sunday, April 25 are revealed on pages 3 and 4. We are really excited about this tour, so carefully planned by Mark. This is a tour for exciting driving and exploring; -- from the Wisteria Candy Cottage in Boulevard (pictured on page 4) , historical museums along the way, a quaint restaurant in Jacumba, to the Desert View Tower. Do not miss this outing!!

And don't forget the Dr. Volvo Sports Club Event on Sunday, May 2 in Fountain Valley. A brand new flyer for this event appears on page 6. Prizes will be given for Best 1800, Best 120, Best 544, Best of Show (Master's choice & stock), High Mileage, Longest Distance, Best Limited edition (classic & recent), Best paint, Best modified, Best 1980 - present. WHEW!

And, of course, the 7^th Annual Menghini Wine and Horseshoe Party is happening on Saturday, May 22. Bring the whole family for a springtime picnic in Mike's orchard!