Eleven members and two guests took part in an unusually lively monthly meeting on April 14. We started out discussing upcoming events, of which there are many. Too many, perhaps, judging by the participation of members at recent functions (see below). Rick Brule, our new chairman of "product development and marketing" (see box on page 5), has connections at San Diego Volvo. He told us that San Diego Volvo would like to display a vintage Volvo, on an ongoing rotating basis of one or two months, in their new used car showroom. We contacted Scott Hinkle at San Diego Volvo and also talked about having our annual swap meet at their facility, and it sounds promising. If you have a car which you would like to display, contact Rick at (619)280-0025.

The winner of Bob Skoog's 50/50 raffle was Sandra DeMello, who, unfortunately, was not in attendance to gather the garganman prize of $18.50.

On Saturday, April 3, the Cactus Chapter of the VCOA held an all Volvo get together in Los Olivos, AZ. Although the tentative date appeared in this newsletter, no formal invitation or flyer was received by SDVSA. Some of our local members were disappointed that there was no prior notice for them to make plans to attend. Perhaps we can prevail on the leadership of the Cactus Chapter to send us a formal announcement, if they have another bash next year. Dave Hunt, with his stalwart P1900, took note of the date, called the hosts at the last moment, and braved the trip on his own. An account of his experiences appears on page 7.

On Saturday. April 17, the annual Swap Meet was held at Westside Volvo in Culver City between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. As far as we know, no local or other SDVSA cars and owners attended, and thus we have no first hand account on those proceedings.

As far as we know, no local or other SDVSA cars and owners attended, and thus we have no first hand account on those proceedings. The first SDVSA brunch for 1999 at the 94^TH Aero Squadron on April 18 only attracted three 1800s. Perhaps the low attendance had something to do with the record breaking heat that weekend. Or maybe not enough notice was given. In any case, it was a superb meal, and we really stuffed ourselves.

Mark Jankowski's East County Tour on Sunday, April 25 was a great event. But, again, the turnout was surprisingly low. We had Mark and Diane leading the way in her 544, followed by two 1800Ss, one 122 wagon, and one 1800ES. In addition, Russ and Rick Brule brought their families in a Camry and VW bus, respectively. We could not have asked for finer weather for a back country drive. Hazy sunshine and a strong breeze. Randy Blum snapped many 'photos (see above), and some more are shown on page 6.

The first Dr. Volvo gathering on May 2 was a definite winner! Four SDVSA members, but only one from San Diego, attended the Doctor's cavernous repair shop (twelve service stalls), participating in the lunch, raffle and a plethora of prize awards. Many members of the Western States VSA were there, including Bill Webb and Art Banks, and the president of the National VSA, Bob Berglund. The good doctor worked long and hard to make this a successful event, and, hopefully, we'll have even more participation of SDVSA members next time. Dave Hunt gives us a run down on page 8.

The 7^th Annual Menghini Wine and Horseshoe Party on Saturday, May 22 is this month's SDVSA event. Bring the whole family for a springtime picnic in Mike's orchard! Turn the page for exciting details.