Tom's Picks

The following businesses are ones that I have found over the years that are reliable, do good work, and are honest.  A winning combination, these days! 
Where there is more than one business, they are in alphabetical order.

  1. Appliances:  B & B Appliance 760.746.5555

  2. Appraisers:  Cindy Johnson 619.985.6194; Adam Jones 760.216.9510; Tony Spires 760.807.8512

  3. Asphalt:  George Weir Asphalt 760.746.0232

  4. Carpet/Tile:  Empire Flooring-- Mike Lucas 858.487.3759

  5. Chimney Sweep:  Chim Chiminey Sweep 760.741.9139; Pott Belly Shoppe 760.789.4567

  6. Computer help:  Ralph Kenyon 760.402.7741

  7. Drywall:  Pat O’Neil 760.749.0775

  8. Electrician:  Francis Sabato 760.801.3052

  9. Engineer:  Martin Owen (soil) 619.813.8462; Masson Associates (survey) 760.741.3570;  Mike McCarley (septic) 760.644.6652

  10. Finish Carpenter:  Bob Nickel 760.736.4541

  11. Foundation Repair:  Larry Teves 619.295.1230

  12. General Contractor:  Preferred Remodelers—Jim Ward 760.741.1902

  13. Hauling:  Ace Hauling 800.720.4285, Salvation Army 760.746.8321

  14. Heat & Air Conditioning:  Aelott Heat and Air 760.746.1333

  15. Home Inspection:  Lorrie Tustison 760.518.3599

  16. Insurance:  Allstate--Peter Solman 760.758.5906; Barney and Barney-- Peter Holmes 858.587.7592;  Farmers Insurance—Randy or Chelsie 619.222.6500

  17. Mortgage:Anthony Ramirez  858.550.2580, Cell 619.733.8669; Gregg Rudenberg 858.657-1050 Cell 619. 504.2006   

  18. Painting:  Darby Painting—Ted 619.401.1779

  19. Pest Control:  Antimite 760.745.7612; Corky’s 800.901.1102; Western 760.741.3186

  20. Plumber:  Larry Tustison 760.749.9049

  21. Property Exchange:  Exchange Resources 619.528.1031

  22. Property Management:  check with Tom 760.519.6061

  23. Resident Screeners:  Melisa Vannalom 760.741.9139

  24. Roofing:  Stan Knudsen 760.747.1864

  25. Security System:  Knight Security 760.745.3604

  26. Utilities:  SDG&E 800.411.7343, SBC phone 800.310.2355, Cox cable

  27. Wells:  Stehly Brothers 760.742.3668

  28. Window Cleaning:  The Window Washing Company--Mike 760.757.5197

  29. Window Treatments:  The Drapery Shop—Lewis 760.727.1617

    30. Favorite eating establishments:

    As I travel through the county I have some favorites, most are small, but they all have one thing in common—Great Food!


    A step above casual dining

  30. Brigantine Seafood and Steak:throughout the county 760.743.4718.  Love their prime rib, sea food, and original torched heated throughout crème brulee

    31. Casual Dining

  31. Café Rosarita : 1816 Oceanside Blvd., Oceanside 760.722.6224 Scotty’s special is my pick.

  32. Chick Fil A:Here and there throughout the county.  I like their idea of being closed on Sundays, so their employees can go to church.  Great place to support.

  33. In N Out:800.786.1000  Call for locations.  I love the double/double animal style and if I am feeling skinny I order a shake.

  34. Lourdes Mexican Food:651 N Escondido Blvd., Escondido 760.746.1141  Great chicken soup, has cilantro, avocado slices, and lots of chicken.  Get a half-bowl and leave room for dessert.

  35. Primo Market:606 Morse St., Oceanside When the weather gets warm for Oceanside and it is a weekend their smoker starts smoking some great ribs.  Can’t wait for summer weekends, pick it up and eat at the beach.

  36. Golden Spoon:frozen yogurt—Mmmmm Mmmmm All over the county, tastes great and a little pick me up that is low or fat free.

    37. Fun Things to do

  37. Beach:Any location will do…love to go and take a picnic, watch the sunset, swim, build sand castles…you get the idea…Relax

  38. Wild Animal Park:Escondido –We have been members for 20+ years.  Enjoyable place to walk and enjoy the animals, the plant collections and an occasional ice cream cone. San Diego Zoo  Fun for all ages!

  39. Coronado Island:Enjoy taking our bikes and cruzing on the almost flat island.  We also enjoy the Hotel Del…