“One of the most important predators in the kelp forest is the California sheephead, a fish that changes sex during its lifetime,” says marine ecologist Edward Parnell. All California sheephead begin life as females and …
September 3, 2008
La Jolla Stories
Help for the Kelp
Infinite Abyss
Welcome to La Jolla, home to champagne riches and caviar dreams, where you can shop for anything from Manolo Blahnik boots to 2009 beemers. Just be sure to stay far away from Via Capri and …
August 31, 2008
Meet Christopher Ashley, artistic director of the La Jolla Playhouse.
“Theater matters because it’s the only place where one can find hope. Films are manufactured for us, but in the theater, the actors and the audience are getting together to manufacture a narrative, and to …
August 27, 2008
La Jolla to Soledad Park
For a unique look at La Jolla — from the edge of the village’s commercial center to 811 feet of elevation — try this obscure walking or bicycling route. Cyclists beware: there are some tough …
August 6, 2008
Armadillo for Dinner
“Once I ran out of dry underwear I started hitchhiking, which is something you can do easily on a bike,” says author Jim Malusa. “A bike evokes a certain amount of sympathy. And everyone knows …
June 25, 2008
A Strip Mall Feel
Some members of the La Jolla town council say the multiple signs on the Vons storefront, located at 7545 Girard Avenue in La Jolla, makes the grocery store look like a strip mall. The grocery …
June 13, 2008
The Counter of Monte Cristo
‘The problem with La Jolla,” says Siamak, “is that its people are not experienced in sociability. It is a wonderful town, but it is very conservative. The locals don’t socialize.” Derissi strokes his beard and …
We Know We're Not White
“Scientifically, there is nothing meaningfully different about people in different racial groups,” says Laura E. Gómez, professor of law at the University of New Mexico. “Race is socially constructed; it’s not rooted in biology. Race …
March 12, 2008
Juiced old boys
Old politicos never die, they just become consultants and fade onto the advisory boards of taxpayer-funded organizations, where they make wealthy new friends, line up clients, and peddle their influence in ever-widening circles. Take the …
February 27, 2008
Newcomer’s reaction to the gentle riot
A pedestal stood in the vestibule of the Wyle Chapel at Torrey Pines Christian Church, its sandy surface studded with candles. Another pedestal stood at the entrance to the church proper, this one bearing two …
February 13, 2008
Torrey Pines Christian Church
“The term ‘emergent worship’ doesn’t really provide a good definition,” said Pastor Michael Spitters when we spoke before Sunday’s service. “We don’t know what we’re emerging to become. We just know that we’re getting out …
February 6, 2008
Greedy
With recession looming and tax revenues falling at an unprecedented rate, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and the legislature are threatening draconian reductions in state spending, including closing state parks and releasing “low risk” prisoners. So far, …
February 6, 2008
Hot, Miserable, Amazing
“The first thing I learned was that the man who has water on the mountain is king,” says hiking enthusiast Dana Law. “Water is absolutely the most important thing you’ll have in Southern California, because …
February 6, 2008
Preppy Head-Hunt
La Jolla’s Bishop’s School, tony alma mater of the late Andrew Cunanan, the gay serial killer who murdered fashion icon Gianni Versace before killing himself in 1997, is on the prowl for a new “Head …
January 30, 2008
House of Sand and Cash
Those posh new digs for UCSD's chancellor will have to wait at least another month or so. In the face of protests from historical preservationists and Native Americans, the University of California Regents, meeting in …
January 23, 2008
Charity Begins at the Mansion
With Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger proposing draconian cuts — including closing 48 state parks and beaches, slashing Medi-Cal and school funding, and releasing 22,159 “low risk” inmates from state prisons — it might not seem like …
January 16, 2008
Black's Beach
Name: Lyn Siem and Lisa Carulli Live: Ocean Beach Surfing: Black’s Beach Black’s Beach, famous for being “clothing optional,” is also a favorite of surfers because of its ability to hold a large swell. While …
January 2, 2008
The Rainbow Sign
We are a frazzled, worried country after seven years of every important decision being decided wrong by that "deciderator" and the awful gray eminences whispering in his ears. So do I dare to interpret the …
Mamacitas and Lobster
Super Cocina is the secret destination of San Diego gringos who love authentic home-style Mexican food. (It's no secret to local Latinos, of course.) If you're hoping to find something resembling the sophisticated Mexico City-style …
November 15, 2007
16 vacant lots remain on San Diego County beaches
Israel and Lebanon were at war. England and Argentina were at war. In Hollywood, the Red Hot Chili Peppers were formed. Navy beat Army 24-7, the Chargers beat the Dolphins 41-38 to make it to …