I love Boca Raton and I would not want to live anywhere else in South Florida. Even though I am a strong advocate for our city, I believe that we need to continue to strive to make Boca the best it can be. As we start 2008, I propose the following resolutions:

1. Safety first. All crime, including purse snatching, robbery, carjacking and even sadly murder, needs to be addressed and stopped now. Everyone - police, elected officials, judges, businesses, ordinary citizens - should act in concert to show that there is a zero tolerance for any type of crime in Boca.

2. Open the Spanish River Boulevard library. The slow pace of building is starting to rival Gaudi's famous church, La Sagrada Familia, as the library was approved by public referendum in 2003 with construction started in 2004. It looks beautiful from the outside and now is the time to finish the project and let everyone enjoy this new public facility.

3. Build an ice rink. Recreational activities benefit both locals and visitors, making it a big plus for our city.

4. Bring back the boat parade. Traditions are what make the most lasting memories. We need to continue and support all city wide events to create a strong sense of community.

5. Plan for the future. Give the voters proposals as to long range plans for developing a downtown that links Royal Palm Plaza and Mizner Park and address road congestion, water purification safety and hurricane preparedness.

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It has now been over a week since the bodies of Nancy Bochicchio and her daughter Joey were found in their car at Town Center. The City of Boca Raton has offered a generous reward for information regarding the crime. The police appear to be working diligently to track down the killers. Despite these efforts, it is unknown whether the perpetrators will ever be brought to justice.

Mall management has been relatively quiet during this troubling time period. The Mayor's initial comments to wait and see what the investigation reveals were indicative of the laissez- faire attitude about crime at the mall that has been displayed to date. Several City Councilmen have commented privately to various citizens that there is a crime problem at the mall. No one has really stepped up and addressed the issue of mall safety.

Simon Property Group Inc. should be in the forefront of re-evaluating what can be done to stop criminals from using the mall as stomping grounds. Solutions like more cameras, better lighting, less prime parking taken up by the paid parking and car wash areas, and procedures to assist staff who are leaving work, need to be put into place. The mayor's office and the police department should work with Simon to formulate a plan to protect shoppers at the mall. A zero tolerance policy toward all crime, including shoplifters and purse snatchers, should be implemented.

Now is the time for Simon, the Mayor's office, the City Council and the police department to come forward and show everyone that this is a priority that is being and will be addressed. Let us hear from these groups so that the citizens of Boca know that they are working to honor the memory of Nancy and Joey Bochicchio by trying to assure that this tragedy is not repeated.

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I just returned from the Dolphin game and I am euphoric! Players and fans can now breathe a sigh of relief that the team will not be recorded in infamy as the record holder of the reverse perfect season. The Miami Dolphins scored their first victory of the season and it was exciting to be in attendance for this long awaited win.

The entire second half of the game was an emotional rollercoaster. The joy of Miami finally pulling ahead by a field goal with a little more than two minutes to go was quickly tempered by the Ravens field goal, which tied the score and forced overtime. The Ravens won the coin toss and thanks to a botched kick off were able to easily get within field goal range. The stadium was ecstatic when the Ravens missed the field goal and when the Dolphins countered with a pass that turned into a 64 yard touchdown, the celebrating truly began.

The occasion was even sweeter in light of the half time show which celebrated the 35th anniversary of the1972 undefeated Dolphin team. Having the players and coaches of the 1972 team present was inspirational and it felt good to know that they too did not have to sit through another week of watching their team lose.

Fans held signs around the stadium that read "All I want for Christmas is a win." The Dolphins have been so close at other times but has always managed to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory. This holiday victory was a special present to all of South Florida and a reminder to Cam Cameron that there really is a Santa Claus. While a 1-13 record is nothing to boast of, for this one afternoon, the fans united around our beloved team and the team really gave us something to cheer about.

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The tragic news that a mother and daughter were found dead in their car at Town Center at Boca Raton raises significant concerns about security at the mall parking lots. This is not the first time that questions have arisen as to what is happening in the parking areas at the mall.

In March, 2007, Randi Gorenberg was seen leaving Town Center. She was murdered less than one hour later in Delray Beach. Videotapes showed her exiting the mall but, as there are no cameras in the parking lot, do not show what happened when she entered her car.

In August, 2007, a women and her son were carjacked at gun point from the center and taken to a bank where the woman was forced to withdraw cash from the automatic teller. Police will tell you that being right off an interstate highway allows for easy get-aways and makes the mall a prime target for thieves.

Given this, WHY ARE THERE NO CAMERAS IN THE PARKING LOTS? There are numerous cameras throughout the mall and the parking lots needs to be under video surveillance as well. The mall owners, Simon, should at a minimum take this important step to protect customers. In addition, a complete evaluation needs to be quickly conducted and implemented to combat parking lot crime.

Call Simon at 368-6000 and let them know that you are concerned. Mall management has cordoned off many of the best parking spaces for valet and paid parking, forcing many people to park far from the nearest entrance. Security needs to be stepped up and not with a temporary band aid of a few more police during the holiday season. While cameras and better security may not stop all crimes, it should serve as a deterrent and provide evidence that may assist in apprehending the perpetrators of these heinous crimes.

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While I have no special credentials in the gift giving department, as a giver and receiver of holiday presents, I offer the following pointers:

1. For everyone but your true love, cash is king. Although it might be viewed as impersonal, everyone is happy to receive money to spend as they please.

2. Gift cards are second best. Try and pick a store that the recipient enjoys shopping in and watch out for hidden charges and expiration dates. The Simon gift card at Town Center at Boca Raton costs $2.00 to purchase and if the recipient has not used it up at the end of 12 months, there is a $2.50 service charge per month.

3. Food and drink gifts are okay if done tastefully. Bringing a salami from Publix doesn't cut it, but a nice thoughtfully put together gift basket is always appreciated.

4. Unless you are 100% certain that you really know the recipient, do not give a gift that can not be returned. Be especially careful of holiday boutiques. Although you might love that unique one of a kind item, it could end up sitting unused in a drawer or closet.

5. Always ask for and place a gift receipt in your present. By the time the receiver goes to exchange the item, it will probably be on sale. Unless you want to charitably support your local department store, a gift receipt assures that you get full credit for the item.

6. The best gift that you receive may actually be one that you give. Instead of giving presents to each other, the employees of the Florida Institute for Periodontics and Dental Implants in Boca Raton each purchased a gift for a child for $25. The gifts were donated to the children in the oncology and cystic fibrosis wards at St. Mary's Medical Center. The children loved the gifts and the joy of making them happy was much more meaningful than the receipt of a $25 present.

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Ready, set, go ....... ever since Black Friday, it feels as if we are in a race with the holiday season. There's the rush to buy presents and the hurry to get ready for and attend holiday parties. The pace gets so hectic it's an accomplishment just to make it through each day and complete some of your to do list.

Other than the standard platitudes, about starting early, staying on budget and keeping organized, there really is no answer to this annual holiday dilemma. The only thing you can do is to focus on what is important to you. As they say, don't sweat the small stuff.

Try and spend some time each day living in the present and not always planning for the next event. Enjoy being with your family and friends and take time to savor the special moments. Keep up with family traditions because they are truly what everyone will remember and cherish.

If it's not already part of your family tradition, the Boca holiday parade which takes place on Federal Highway on December 5th is always a fun event. The parade is a real mom and pop affair with lots of homemade floats. It brings out the true community spirit of Boca and is one of those activities that make wonderful memories.

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