Steve Peterson does not appear to be a loud, sloppy, rambunctious man. In fact, he seems rather calm. But he shares one important characteristic with Dewey Finn, the main character portrayed by Jack Black in the 2003 movie titled “School of Rock.” Both have an unquenchable passion for rock ’n’ roll music.

Peterson is hard at work preparing to open School of Rock Scripps Ranch at 12090 Scripps Summit Drive, the former location of Sanctuary Lounge.

Unlike the movie, School of Rock is a very real company – an international franchise – with a program, classes and teachers to help guide aspiring rock ’n’ rollers through lessons in rock music.

“It started in 1998. It actually came out before the movie,” Peterson said. “There are schools all over the world. It’s very popular in Australia, South America, Europe.”

Peterson said he began listening to rock ’n’ roll when he was very young. He has played bass and guitar in several rock bands. The music has been a major influence throughout his life.

“It’s so fun. There is so much energy and so much passion in rock ’n’ roll. There is so much story,” he explained. “It’s part of our culture. It’s part of what defines our lifetime in so many ways. You hear a song you haven’t heard in 20 years and it makes you feel great.”

Opening the local School of Rock franchise will be Peterson’s first go at such a venture.

“I’ve been unwittingly preparing for this my whole life, honestly,” he said. “I came from the high-tech world. I worked for Intel and Qualcomm, but I’ve always somehow figured out a way to bring music into my work through different programs that I did with the big companies I worked for before. But now I get to do music full-time.”

Peterson said Point Loma and Encinitas already have franchises. His daughter, Melanie, is already taking classes at one of them. He chose to open his School of Rock in Scripps Ranch for a couple of reasons.

“This is a great community. … This area needed one,” he said. “This is what I want to do with the next 20 years of my life. I want to grow a community of young musicians who can play and have fun with rock ’n’ roll. In a lot of ways, it’s extending a legacy of the music that I grew up loving.”

Peterson is hoping to open his school in December or January, but much remains to be done, including securing the business permits and licenses.

When School of Rock Scripps Ranch does open, it will offer classes for everyone. Children can start as young as age 4, but the core programs start at age 7 and run through age 17. There will be a program for adults as well.

Experience is not necessary. One of the programs – Rock 101 – is for beginners.

“We get them up to speed and once they graduate from Rock 101, we put them into a program called the Performance Program,” Peterson said.

Students in the Performance Program will perform in a seasonal show. For example, Melanie Peterson recently performed in a seasonal show featuring music by Jack White of the White Stripes. She prepared for three months and learned six songs. She spent each week learning music and practicing the songs. By the time the show came up, she had all the music down, Peterson said.

Melanie has signed up for another show in the Performance Program. This one is themed “One Hit Wonders,” and she will have four months to prepare. This time she will get to play guitar, bass and might sing, Peterson said.

School of Rock Scripps Ranch will offer lessons in guitar, bass, drums, keyboards and vocals. Students will have the opportunity to occasionally perform at established venues in San Diego where rock fans regularly go to hear live rock ’n’ roll.

While Peterson is an experienced rock musician, he plans to hire other professionals to teach his students. He will have his hands full coordinating the operation.

Meanwhile, Melanie thinks she would like to pursue a career in rock. Her father hopes that she will one day teach students at his School of Rock in Scripps Ranch.

STEM Floral Co., located at 9992 Scripps Ranch Blvd. in the spot formerly occupied by Posies, opened Nov. 5 to provide Scripps Ranch and surrounding communities with a fresh take on beautiful flower arrangements.

Co-owned by Scripps Ranch native Madison Jones along with Andi Supergan, STEM offers flower arrangements, vase arrangements, flower crowns, corsages and boutonnieres for student proms and other special occasions.

“We try to do custom-made arrangements,” Supergan said. “Most flower shops have pre-made bouquets. We don’t have anything like that. When a customer comes in, we ask what colors they are looking for, what style they like and if they like fragrance. Then, an arrangement is designed just for that person.”

“I would say our style is funky and unique,” Jones said. “We want everyone to feel like they’re getting something special.”

In addition to helping customers at the shop, STEM also takes phone orders and can deliver up to 25 miles away.

STEM is the first business venture for both women, but they bring a wealth of experience, having worked for years at Posies before that business’ owner, Leigh Fischer, decided to close that longtime Scripps Ranch flower shop.

“Leigh trained us and gave us the love for being florists and working in the flower industry,” Supergan said. “She was such a hard worker, and when she said she wasn’t going to continue having the storefront, she really supported us and said, ‘You girls can do this if you wanted to.’ So, we took a leap of faith.”

Jones reported that community response to their soft opening the weekend before the official opening was good.

“People were so excited,” she said. “Family and friends and the community all came in and wanted to see what we did with the shop.”

Before opening as STEM Floral Co., the space received a substantial makeover, including a new roof, new insulation, expanded walls for more workspace, and new floors and workbenches.

Now, STEM is open for business with two owners ready to meet the community’s floral needs with enthusiasm and their own style.

“Yes, we’re young, but we care about this business so much, so we’re ready to take this on completely,” Jones said. “Hopefully, the community likes it and likes what we’ve done with the shop and continues to support us the way that they supported Posies in the past.”

The striking painting above is titled “Mosaic Path” by contemporary impressionist Erin Hanson, a Scripps Ranch resident. It is one of 20 creations in her Fall Colors show, now on display at The Erin Hanson Gallery, 9705 Carroll Centre Road.

The “Pleasure of Your Company” music series, sponsored by the Scripps Ranch Friends of the Library presents jazz pianist Yuko Maruyama on Sunday, Nov. 11, at 2:30 p.m. at the Scripps Miramar Ranch Library Center.    

Yuko and the Mercantile Alley Band will perform original compositions from her albums “In Tone Nation” and “Piano Bento,” as well as her uniquely modern interpretations of favorite American classics from the 1940’s Big Band era. In addition to Yuko on the piano, this four-piece band features Taylor Smith on bass and vocals, Miles Clowminzer on drums and vocals, and Risa Schapiro on accordion, percussion and vocals.

Pianist-composer-arranger Yuko Maruyama is from Tokyo, Japan. She graduated from the University of Southern California with a master’s degree in Jazz Studies. A Kawai Pianos performing and recording artist, Yuko toured the U.S. with her CD “In Tone Nation,” for Kawai Piano Company in 2002. Her new album, “Piano Bento,” features her original compositions and arrangements and incorporates an assortment of pianos, from antiquated to electronic, to create a unique blend of sounds and instrumentation.  

There is no charge for the concert, although donations are appreciated. Meet the artists at a complimentary post-concert reception.

Scripps Ranch Theatre (SRT) will ease playgoers into a holiday mood with its second play of the season, “She Loves Me,” running Nov. 9 through Dec. 16.

Described on the SRT website as “perhaps the most charming musical ever written,” “She Loves Me” is a romantic comedy featuring music by Jerry Bock and lyrics by Sheldon Harnick, the same songwriting team behind “Fiddler on the Roof.”

“[‘She Loves Me’] is a love story but it also has a holiday theme to it, so it fits in perfectly with a November-December time slot,” director Tim Leib said. “The play takes place in a perfume shop around the holiday season. There’s even a big number called ‘12 Days to Christmas’ that counts down the days left to finish holiday shopping.” 

The main story in the play is about Georg [yes, that’s how it’s spelled] and Amalia, two people who work in the same shop, but do not get along with each other. Both have a pen pal who they’re devoted to writing to each week and look forward to reading the letters sent to them. As the letters go on, both Georg and Amalia fall in love with their pen pals, even though they’ve never met.

If that story sounds familiar, it’s because this play, based on the 1937 Hungarian play by Miklos Laslo, is the story upon which the Tom Hanks/Meg Ryan movie “You’ve Got Mail” is based. The story was also the basis for a 1939 Jimmy Stewart film titled “The Shop Around the Corner.”

Subplots of the play include another couple working in the shop who have a different view on love, and the shop’s owner who is starting to think his wife of 30 years has been unfaithful.

“This show is a unique piece. A lot of people think this is the best score from the ’60s,” Leib said. “It is such a beautiful piece. I don’t know anyone who has seen a decent production of it who doesn’t love it.”

While written by the same team behind “Fiddler,” the songs of “She Loves Me” have a very different sound and feel from that play, featuring more of a classical musical theater style, according to Leib.

“The music is absolutely gorgeous. Some of the songs people likely would have heard before, like ‘Vanilla Ice Cream,’ the title song ‘She Loves Me,’ a beautiful tune called ‘Will He Like Me?’ and a song called ‘Ilona,’ which has a nice bossa nova feel to it,” he said.

Leib reported that the show is a favorite among theater actors and that fact prompted an enthusiastic response to the casting call.

“It’s not a show that’s done that often, but it’s something that a lot of musical actors know by reputation or experience,” he said. “It’s a lot of fun for the actors to perform and hopefully for the audience as well.”

The cast includes Taylor Magee, making her debut at SRT, in the role of Amalia; and Luke Monday as Georg. Tara Brown-Sampson makes her SRT debut as Ilona and Tanner Vidos plays Steven.

“This cast is energetic. They love one another. Everybody’s so excited to be putting this show on, and I think that’s going to translate to the audience,” Leib said.

The show on Friday, Nov. 9 is considered a soft opening, with Saturday, Nov. 10 being the official opening night. As is tradition at SRT, opening night will include a post-show reception that provides anyone who attended the show with the opportunity to meet the cast, directors and others who help put on the show.

Chatime San Diego, is open for business at 9870 Hibert St., suite D-6, in the same shopping center where Trader Joe’s is located. It’s grand opening will be celebrated Friday, Nov. 9 with a buy one-get one free offer which will run through Nov. 15. Store hours will be 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday.

Chatime is the world’s largest teahouse franchise. It’s based in Taiwan and its stores serve an assortment of tea, boba tea, milk tea, smoothies and health drinks.

Chatime is unique because ingredients for its drinks are all imported directly from Taiwan.

Two San Diego partners own and run this newest franchise. They chose the location because of its proximity to Scripps Ranch High School, Miramar College, Trader Joe’s and the nearby restaurants in the shopping center. The owners also chose Scripps Ranch because they heard it’s a great community where residents are friendly.

The Scripps Ranch News Homecoming Dance Photo Contest for Grownups has been a fun way for entrants from Scripps Ranch to travel back to their youth, recall a few memories and have a few laughs. 

Christina Hornedo is the lucky winner of the contest. As first place winner, she will receive a $100 gift certificate to Yanni’s Bar & Grill and one free month of membership at F45 Training Scripps Highlands.

Barbara Schroer earned second place for a photo of her high school homecoming dance in Santa Barbara. She will receive a $50 gift certificate to Yanni’s Bar & Grill and one free month of membership at F45 Training Scripps Highlands.

Yanni’s Bar & Grill and F45 Training Scripps Highlands are the official sponsors of the 2018 Homecoming Dance Photo Contest for Grownups. Yanni’s Bar & Grill is at 12015 Scripps Highlands Drive. F45 Training Scripps Highlands is at 9872 Hibert St., Suite 4D. 

Flippin’ Pizza, is celebrating its grand opening at the new Scripps Ranch location today until 2 p.m. at 10006 Scripps Ranch Blvd., Suite 102. A good crowd is already on hand.

Flippin’ Pizza is offering with free slices of its authentic, hand-tossed New York-style pizza plus complimentary beverages and Coca-Cola Freestyle® fountain drinks. It is featuring live music throughout the event. The event is open to all members of the community and includes giveaways and a fundraising raffle for The Seany Foundation in San Diego, whose mission is to bring relief and happiness to kids struggling with cancer and to their families. Drawings will be announced throughout the event.

Flippin’ Pizza, the award-winning San Diego based fast, casual pizza chain with Brooklyn roots, celebrates the grand opening of its new Scripps Ranch location on Saturday, Nov. 3 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 10006 Scripps Ranch Blvd., Suite 102.

Grand Opening festivities begin at 11 a.m. with free slices of hand-tossed NY pies plus complimentary beverages and Coca-Cola Freestyle® fountain drinks. It will feature live music throughout the event. This event is open to all members of the community — the first customers will receive select Coca-Cola® giveaways.

Flippin’ Pizza will give back to the society by partnering with The Seany Foundation in San Diego, whose mission is to bring relief and happiness to kids struggling with cancer and to their families, particularly siblings. Join in supporting the long-term emotional health of kids with cancer and their families.

Guests will have the option of purchasing raffle tickets in which 100 percent of the proceeds will go to the foundation. Drawings will be announced throughout the day for giveaways like cool memorabilia donated by Coca-Cola®, tickets and passes to local parks and events, free slice cards, free pie cards and other prizes, as well as a chance to win free pies for a year.

Flippin’ Pizza has contributed more than $1,000,000 to local communities across the country through donations, fundraisers and giveaways via the Raise Some Dough fundraising program. Flippin’ Pizza partners with local schools, sport organizations, non-profits, community groups and organizations by giving up to 50 percent back during fundraising events and by donating lots of dough to organizations to help generate funds. Through the Youth Sport League Program, every team in the league receives a free pizza party to reward players. 

Flippin’ Pizza has generated a cult following by serving authentic hand-tossed NY pizza since 2007, earning “best pizza” awards from coast-to-coast, as well as a place on Entrepreneur Magazine’s Franchise 500® list in 2015 and 2017.

The Erin Hanson Gallery will present a new collection of fall color paintings by contemporary impressionist Erin Hanson, a Scripps Ranch resident.

Erin Hanson invites the public to join her for an evening of art, wine and live music for the opening of the Fall Colors Show from 5 to 9 p.m. at The Erin Hanson Gallery, 9705 Carroll Centre Road. All are welcome to attend.

This 20-piece collection of works is an exploration of fall and the magnificent colors found within the season. The Fall Colors Show includes pieces inspired by Hanson's travels through the East Coast, Kyoto, the Pacific Northwest and the southern reaches of Canada.

Hanson spent the fall of 2017 traveling to iconic autumn locales in search of premium fall colors at the very peak of the season change. Her exploration took her through the furthest reaches of Acadia National Park and on an East Coast-wide adventure spanning the coast from Maine to North Carolina. She then set out for Kyoto, Japan, for the ultimate in fall foliage or “leaf peeping” as many call it. This new collection focuses on her love for the unbridled hues of autumn. 

The “Pleasure of Your Company” music series, sponsored by the Scripps Ranch Friends of the Library, will present the San Diego Jewish Men’s Choir on Sunday, Oct. 14, at 2:30 p.m. in the Scripps Miramar Ranch Library Center.

Under the direction of Ruth Weber, this accomplished ensemble will perform a varied program from its repertoire — from Yiddish and Israeli songs to opera, movie and Broadway music. The choir will be accompanied by Michael Munson with drummer Bob Weller and oboist Emilia Lopez-Yañez.

The choir’s recordings have won three Global Music Awards, among other honors. The San Diego Troubadour has called the San Diego Jewish Men’s Choir “one of the finest vocal ensembles San Diego has to offer.”  

There is no charge for the concert, although donations are appreciated. Meet the musicians at a complimentary post-concert reception.

Scripps Ranch Swim and Racquet Club members and their guests are in for an afternoon of family fun when the club presents its 19th Annual Family Oktoberfest, 4-9 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 6 at 9875 Aviary Drive.

The event is open to members of the club and guests of members. Guests of members can attend using a guest pass or by paying $10 per person. Guests under the age of 4 are free.

“It’s our biggest event of the year,” said club manager Tal O’Farrell. “We had around 1,200 people attend last year.”

Visitors can expect, of course, a beer garden for those 21 and older, plus food trucks, music from DJ Tim Council, and a wide range of games and family-friendly entertainment.

“Food trucks were a new item last year, but this year we’ve added even more,” O’Farrell said.

The beer garden will feature more than just beer, although Ballast Point will be featured there. The garden will also offer mead (a drink made from fermented honey, yeast and water) from Bronto Meadery, hard cider from Newtopia Cyder, and red and white wines. While enjoying those refreshments, beer garden attendees can try their skill at shuffleboard or a life-size Jenga game.

At the entrance to the beer garden, 100 complimentary pint glasses will be available while they last starting at 4 p.m. While the limited supply of glasses is free, drink tickets will cost $4 each.

With adults occupied in the beer garden, kids will be free to enjoy activities like a climbing wall, a quad pod, wrecker ball game, six different carnival games, Astro Jumps, a giant LED foosball table, a hi-striker and a toddler obstacle course. There will also be pony rides and a henna tattoo artist.

Families can bring their own food for a picnic. However, no alcohol brought in from outside is allowed during Oktoberfest. Tables at the event are available on a first come, first served basis.