The new and updated event timeline for the Mini is below. Those already registered should read on for updates and changes. For those wishing to register, you'll find the link below.

See you in San Diego in February!! 

Roaringly,

The Mini’s REVISED Timeline

Thursday “no host” reception: For those arriving Thursday, we’re planning a “no host” reception in the large bar area at Il Fornaio, an Italian restaurant in the Del Mar Plaza, overlooking the beach and the Pacific. There you’ll be welcomed by Denver residents and former college roommates John Arigoni and Don “KP” Kirkpatrick, among others. Food and drinks are on your own. There is a large veranda and shops to explore. There is paid parking in the underground garage. Details to follow for registrants. Over twenty registrants told us they plan to show up. Please let us know if you plan to attend when you complete your registration!

Friday reception and dinner: The Mini “officially” begins with a reception starting at 5pm and featuring a relaxed meal at Solterra Winery and Kitchen, located blocks from the Pacific in Encinitas. We rented its “Costa Azul Barrel Room” and will pre-order a “1971 Tasting Menu” featuring several “Class of ’71 House Wines.” Dinner will feature rustic Mediterranean cuisine with SoCal influences, with two paellas, plus appetizers and sides.  

Our group in The Barrel Room the last time The Mini was held at Solterra, 2012

Saturday reception and dinner: An even more casual event “officially” starts on Saturday at 3pm at Stu Rickerson’s home, Coolangatta, in historic Rancho Santa Fe.

Before that, an optional, no cost “pre-game seminar” is in the works featuring Jenny Murphy, an acquaintance of our own Tom Sinclair. Jenny owns the California winery Oxlee Graham Wines. She produced several 100-point vintages before venturing out on her own. For those who wish to attend, this program is expected to start promptly at 1:30. Jenny will explain what she confronts in this industry, present flights of several of her wines, and explain how wine-lovers can make wiser choices. Please RSVP so we’ll have enough glassware.

Saturday’s “official” events will begin with a reception from 3 to 4:30pm, with relaxed conversation around the property or on the adjoining trails (weather-permitting). Dinner featuring salad, appetizers and custom-made-to-order, house-ground premium beef “smash burgers” (the “Tree-Hugger,” a vegetarian option with fried green tomatoes is available at no extra cost) on Japanese house-made milk buns with all the fixing’s will follow from 4:30-6:30. We expect conversations to continue into the evening.

Sunday “no host” get-away breakfast: For those who do not leave first thing in the morning, we are planning a “no host” getaway breakfast/brunch at Ki’s Restaurant on Highway 101 overlooking the Pacific in Cardiff-By-The-Sea. You’ll be welcomed by Rick Ostrow and John Drummond, among others. You can watch surfers catch waves (or get lucky and catch a glimpse of migrating whales) while dining on a wide array of healthy, hearty cooking. There is a large customer parking lot in front. Place and pay for your food and beverage order downstairs, then go upstairs to find seats and chat until the server delivers your order to you. Over twenty registrants say they plan to show up. Details to follow for registrants. Please let us know if you plan to attend when you complete your registration!

What does the Registration Fee cover?  Basically, everything except “extras” you decide to buy (at Solterra) or bring (on Saturday) or at the “no host” events (Thursday and Sunday). 

On Friday, your fee covers a multi-course dinner and your choice from among several Solterra Winery’s several “1971 House Wines,” the Barrel Room rental, a dedicated staff, their tips and taxes. You have the option to use your credit card or cash to buy food or refreshments not in The Mini’s prix fixe menu from Solterra’s extensive menu (say the catch of the day or your favorite Scotch, a Margarita, or sparkling wine).

On Saturday, your fee covers the optional wine-tasting, appetizers, the meal, desserts, and a variety of wines, beers, and other refreshments. Classmates are encouraged on Saturday to BYO legal refreshments or special foods for yourself or – even better -- to share with friends, new or of long-standing.

Registration Fees:

• “Regular” registration fee is $171 per person if received by Monday, January 20th 
• “Last Minute” registration fee is $221 per person on or after Tuesday, January 21st
• NOTE: Your registration is not complete until your payment is received
• Both Solterra and Coolangatta are smoke-free environments

Login and pay on the Class website, by clicking the registration button below.

While registering make sure you indicate any special requests, or to suggest ideas.

Please Note:

• Evenings get cool in February (typically in the low 50s) and winter is when San Diego gets most of its average annual rainfall of 7 inches. Pack and dress accordingly, and check weather forecasts.  
• Cancellation Policy: Refunds on cancellations received by January 20, 2025 will be refunded, LESS a $25 charge. The registration fee will be refunded only if The Mini breaks even – which is our goal. Refunds on cancellations on or after January 21, 2025 will be made only if The Mini breaks even.
• You can choose to stay wherever you prefer, as there is no room block. Registrants will receive some lodging ideas from the wide array of nearby hotels in all price ranges
• Though the organizers have budgeted to break-even, as in year’s past the Class executive committee approved that any surplus will go to the Save the WILD Life Fund.
• The Mini conflicts with Alumni Day in Princeton, February 22, 2025.