This is the beginning of the 20^th Anniversary year for the San Diego Chapter of the VSA! For those who recently joined this most prestigious organization, there is a short history of the club on page 5.

   Only six "I roller"-ers showed up at the December 8 General Meeting of the SDVSA. It was a rather short session, where we mainly discussed plans for the then upcoming Christmas party. No 50/50 raffle was held, and we start out the year 2000 with $25 in the pot.

   By the latest count, we usher in the new year with 63 paid-up members and 8 honorary members (such as dealers, other VSA chapters, etc.), who follow our every action through 1800 NEWS.

   Christmas 1999 was celebrated by the SDVSA on December 19 at the Auto Museum. This venue was another first for our club, and it turned out rather well. Special mention and thanks go to Russ Orrell, our club president and coordinator of the event, and his wife, Debbie, who provided and set up the decorations. Also to Del and Bob Skoog, who averted a major "deep freeze" of the main course by their vigilance, and managed to provide the turkey and ham as if nothing had happened. And thank you Mark and Diane Jankowski, for handling the RSVPs and organizing the selection of the side dishes. By the way, the Jankowskis volunteered their house for next year's bash! Thanks again from all! And a big thanks to all of you who made the effort to support the club by attending and bringing goodies for everyone to enjoy. We collected at least 50 stuffed animals for the kids in the care of SAY (Social Advocates for Youth), a private San Diego midtown charity.

The White Elephant gift exchange was hilarious as usual, and we had some great door prizes. Jeff Perry, our "staff photographer", took many pictures, some of which will grace his future article on this event, promised for the February issue of 1800 NEWS. Jeff also provided the picture at the top of this page of 01' St. Nick ( see page 4), and his elf, Dave, in his 1956 PI900 sleigh. We have no idea of who those other characters are!

   Don't forget the SDVSA January event - the Tune Up Session at Bob Workman's European Auto on Sunday 23. Bob has once again graciously volunteered his know-how to the club - as well as giving up his Sunday away from SU6s, "EINSPRIZEN" units and other assorted Bosch components. There are more details of this "not to be missed" event, as well as a map and directions, on the next page.

   And to get you in the mood for February's Temecula Wine Tour, Dave Hunt submitted some propaganda about the virtues of the Temecula Valley -- sanctioned by their Chamber of Commerce, no doubt. See page 6 for that article. Del Skoog is already working hard on making this event another winner.

   We have heard that Harry Stevenson, one of our members and staunchest SDVSA supporters, has had a serious operation, and we express our sincere hopes and wishes for Harry's speedy recovery. Harry feels that since he is not going to be able to devote much time in the near future to restore his newly acquired '66 1800S, he would, however reluctantly, like to part with it. The ad for his car appears on page 11.