THAT’S MORE LIKE IT! Eighteen (18!) members attended the November 9th SDVSA General Meeting. And with no added incentives, like “Pizza ’n’ Video” night! Some people were there to invest in another year of membership, and others were there just to show their ongoing support for San Diego’s only Volvo club. Maybe it had something to do with anticipation of our two most important yearend events—SDVSA’s Annual Swap Meet on November 19 and our Annual Holiday Party on December 11. The parking lots by the Auto Museum have been crowded on Wednesday evenings for the last couple of months due to other activities in Balboa Park, so it was difficult to arrive at the definitive number of Volvos present. Suffice to say, we had a rich sampling of classic model “I roll-ers.”

Also, law enforcement officers appear to be cracking down on noisy vehicles and cars without front license plates. Furthermore, the old notion that the CHP can’t use radar on local freeways is no longer valid, so be extra alert! Sven was busily BBQing hot links, and Editor Doug was already enjoying the fruits of Sven’s culinary efforts, as Editor Emeritus Goran Freske and former 1800 NEWS  Publisher Jeff Perry joined them at the 2005 SDVSA Annual Swap Meet early Sunday, November 19. A terrific turnout was soon to follow. Crown Point, at the north end of Mission Bay Park, was basking in the usual perfect San Diego fall weather as, one by one, the Volvos rolled in. Various models and vintages came and went from 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., when the last participant left. We lost count after 17, with

    
     After we pried attendees away from comparing Volvo notes in the parking lot, the meeting could begin. We had lots to iron out for the upcoming events. Local Volvo notable Sven Olafsbrosson had let us know he’d likely be unable to play host at the Swap Meet this year, and contingency plans were made to fill the void created by his absence. Happily, Sven’s dedication to the club got the best of him, as you’ll read in Doug Gagliardi’s write up of this happening on page 5. We owe a great deal of gratitude to Sven for changing his plans to accommodate us!

about half the cars belonging to local San Diego members. There was an unusual wealth of  parts offered for sale or trade this year, brought by a record number of “vendors,” as Doug testifies in his article. Jeff measured out a regulation 40-foot horseshoe court, and there was plenty of cold beer and sodas, so anyone who wanted to indulge in physical exercise could do so and have a cold drink as a reward. Most participants just enjoyed the day and the camaraderie of fellow Volvo nuts. Park rangers circled the area for awhile, and eyed the treasure troves laid out the grass and on plastic tarps with suspicion. But they apparently

      We also finalized the plans for the Holiday Party at Richard Pattee’s house, and we extend our thanks to Richard for volunteering to host our traditional end-of-the-year event. Please note that the Holiday Party will serve as our December General Meeting, so we WILL NOT be getting together at the Auto Museum on the evening of Wednesday, December 14!

     There was more discussion about caravaning to the Bozzani Volvo Show in Covina on November 12. A show of hands indicated a definite decline in interest since the October meeting (4 hands in October vs. NO hands in November). From the emails we received after the fact from OCVC, SoCal VSA, SoCal VCOA and our own Doug Gagliardi, it seems we may have missed out one of the best shows ever! Read more about it on page 8.

     Our San Diego Auto Museum representative, Richard Pattee, warned us of imminent state smog legislation now being discussed in Sacramento affecting older cars. Richard will keep an ear to the ground and let us know how we can take collective action if needed.

decided that ignorance was the better part of valor on this mellow morning, and they didn’t inquire what we were up to. The SDVSA Swap Meet of 2005 will go down in the annals of club history as one of the most successful yet!

     The end of the year is once again upon us, and your club officers are, as always, looking for ways to serve the membership better. Please contact us with YOUR ideas via postal mail, e-mail, or in person at our monthly meetings and semi-monthly events. Contact information for our President and VSA Chapter Coordinator, Peter Webb, and the other officers, is always listed in “The Box” at the bottom of the Schedule of Events page.

     We’re launching 2006 with one of our most popular annual events, the Temecula Wine Country Tour on Saturday, February 18, which has been ably hosted by Del Skoog since 1997! Look for details in January.