Marine Room kicks off this summer’s unofficial series on “Rooms with a View — and Bargains, Too.” The small tradeoff that recession brings to visitors and staycationers alike is that some of San Diego’s most …
July 15, 2009
La Jolla Stories
In the Realm of the Senses
Pitifully Doomed
San Diego mayor Jerry Sanders recently announced that the City has launched a new website at which people can make donations to support the fire-pit program. Despite a $259,500 donation, fire-pit funding has only been …
A Play in Pieces
The La Jolla Playhouse’s popular Page to Stage series, which presents readings of works in progress, has an astonishing track record: Billy Crystal’s 700 Sundays was a major Broadway hit; Doug Wright’s I Am My …
July 8, 2009
Poachers Get Shellfish
For many San Diegans, the La Jolla Underwater Park is a tranquil place to observe marine life in its natural environment. Poachers, however, seem to view the state-protected marine conservation area as their own personal …
June 25, 2009
Tainted Catch
Divers take note — if you’re in Mission Bay, La Jolla, or anywhere else along the California coast, don’t move a mussel. Or, to be more specific, don’t harvest and eat a mussel. A quarantine …
June 1, 2009
Torrey Pine Down
What caused a healthy 60-foot pine tree to snap at the base and crash down on Torrey Pines Road during rush hour last week? Typically, wet weather can soften areas around roots. But May 14 …
May 21, 2009
Shy Sherri
District 1 Councilmember Sherri Lightner isn’t San Diego’s most outspoken city politician. Typically, her comments at council meetings are succinct, slightly awkward, and usually start off with a clumsy grab at the microphone. She’s not …
May 18, 2009
Barabbas Road Church
“I met my wife in a bar in New York City,” said Barabbas Road pastor Matt Smith. “I was a rower, training for the Olympics, and I hated religion. I knew she was the girl …
April 22, 2009
Feeling Puckish
It’s odd to think of a glitzy, Angeleno Wolfgang Puck restaurant on a bucolic, wooded college campus, but Jai (pronounced “jay,” like the bird) is no college dining hall. (The press release says the name …
April 1, 2009
Cameras Don’t Lose or Lie
Drivers have another red light camera to watch out for as they make their way around the UCSD/Torrey Pines area. The latest one has been installed at the intersection of North Torrey Pines Road and …
March 28, 2009
Tough Lit Guys
Author Max Miller (left) and Colonel Gregory “Pappy” Boyington, a Marine fighter ace who shot down 26 planes. In this 1952 photo, Miller prepares for the annual La Jolla Rough Water Swim with what appears …
March 11, 2009
High and dry
Yet another local recession victim: the San Diego office of the National Marine Manufacturers Association, producer of the annual San Diego Boat Show, is being shuttered, and future shows may be canceled. “The recreational boating …
March 11, 2009
Escorts & Engagements
I remember getting a call years ago from a girl named Caryn. She was having a birthday party, and I hadn’t been doing this column very long. The details sounded interesting. She was dating a …
March 4, 2009
Mi Casa es Seal Casa
During the past 15 years, seals have taken over La Jolla’s Casa Beach. The beach that was established as a swimming area for children in 1930 became a hotspot for seals to “haul out” and …
February 18, 2009
Crabby Mood
This is the winter of my discontent, following the autumn of my growing grouchiness, and the summer of my increasing reservations. It’s the economy, stupid — the stupid economy. For seven months, I’ve been trying …
February 11, 2009
Toilet Vandals
Torrey Pines State Reserve is one of San Diego's treasures enjoyed by visitors and locals alike. Behind the scenes, the park is maintained by a dedicated crew of rangers and maintenance specialists who work year-round …
January 30, 2009
Smugglers at Torrey Pines?
At approximately 7 a.m. on Wednesday, January 28th, 2009, a lifeguard discovered a 28-foot vessel abandoned at the edge of the surf in the Torrey Pines area close to Tower 7. Local agents followed tracks …
January 28, 2009
Rockin' Around the Block
When I was four, I formed two distinct memories of events that happened at Christmastime. The first was when my mom, newly single, took my older brother and me to see Santa Claus. We didn’t …
January 14, 2009
Backyard Bow-Hunting in La Jolla
I live in La Jolla, once a scrub-covered area of sandstone hills and arroyos, now covered with homes that, come a half inch of rain or so, slide down said hills into said arroyos. No …
January 14, 2009
The Perils of Paradise
Author: Philoméne Offen Neighborhood: La Jolla Age: 61 Occupation: Retired Several years ago, as part of a kitchen remodel, we opted to add skylights around the house as a way of reducing the mildew that …
December 28, 2008