Nothing cheesy about this company

By JEFF FRANK - Staff Writer | Wednesday, June 25, 2008 7:12 PM PDT ∞

While the main character of her children's books uses a magic bubble to travel around the world, Encinitas author Gretchen Wendel will use more conventional transportation, a car, when she goes to Los Angeles this weekend as one of "100 Extraordinary Women" honored by Kraft Foods of North America.

Wendel was selected after submitting an essay detailing her writing of the "Becka and the Big Bubble" books and four years of helping to raise money for the completion of Las Verdes Park in Encinitas. Four "Becka" books have been published, with two more to be released in September.

"There's a life lesson in every book. Nothing too heavy," said Wendel. "It's more about teaching kids about traveling to other areas and being kind."

Wendel is looking forward to the three days in L.A. and the chance to meet other "extraordinary" women. "It'll be an adventure," she said.

Golden advice: Actress Danica McKellar shared the "secret of life" with 31 Girl Scout Gold Award recipients at a ceremony Sunday in Poway honoring those earning Scouting's top honor.

"If you're feeling down, do something for someone else," said McKellar, who starred as Winnie in "The Wonder Years" and co-authored a mathematical theorem.

She had the right crowd, since it takes significant community service to qualify for the Gold Award. One recipient, Brianna van Kan of Encinitas, was thrilled to meet McKellar, admitting to being "obsessed with Winnie Cooper," and seeing a little of her in the character.

"I enjoyed watching her grow from being a misfit when she was younger into someone strong and confident," said Brianna, 17.

McKellar said her TV success didn't allow time to become a Girl Scout, or to participate in drama. Seems she did OK, anyway.

Play money: Blake Cortez got a rare opportunity Wednesday. He got to go into a bank vault and play with the money. Of course, Blake is only 3 years old, so play is all he did. The Escondido youngster was guest of honor at the San Diego National Bank branch in San Marcos, a supporter of the San Diego Make-A-Wish Foundation. Blake was diagnosed with a cancerous tumor on his kidney in February 2007, followed by surgery to remove the kidney and chemotherapy. Blake had "a great time" playing with the money, said his mom, Stacy, who joked, "I won't lie. I kept trying to get him to put the money in Mommy's purse." Blake will get his wish filled in September when he and his parents, Rick and Stacy, travel to Disney World.

Contact staff columnist Jeff Frank at (760) 740-5419 or jfrank@nctimes.com.