El Pescador Fish Market & Restaurant is in La Jolla

Posted April 9, 2009 by Barry Berndes

El Pescador Fish Market and Restaurant is in La Jolla. Seafood lovers from the area come here weekly to buy the freshest seafood in town. They also serve fresh fish sautéed or char-grilled that you can eat right there at small tables. They are also home to San Diego’s original charbroiled seafood sandwich! Accept no imitations.

Their popular sandwiches, salads and tasty clam chowder are fine complements to any meal. From their extensive menu, you can choose from a variety of delicious-tasting seafood selections such as snapper with lemon butter or served Cajun style; local swordfish prepared with teriyaki or lemon butter; Alaskan or local halibut prepared with lemon butter or wild Alaskan salmon (in season) prepared with lemon butter.

A nice addition to any meal is their sautéed and specialty selections including fish tacos served with cabbage salad; seared pepper Hawaiian ahi tuna; sautéed Manilla clams with sourdough bread and the list goes on and on.

Seating is limited and the tableware consists of plastic forks and paper plates. But the informal presentation doesn’t deter diners from flocking here for great-tasting, fresh seafood. For a delicious and casual seafood meal in La Jolla, this is the place.

El Pescador Fish market and Restaurant is open daily 11 a.m.–9 p.m.

Spreckels Organ Pavilion: Listen to the World’s Largest Outdoor Pipe Organ for Free

Posted April 9, 2009 by Barry Berndes

Balboa Park is home to the world’s largest outdoor pipe organ at Spreckels Organ Pavilion. It was first played in Balboa Park in 1915; thus, the organ is celebrating its 99th anniversary this year. Today, it continues to attract audiences with its grandiose appearance and its beautiful music.

Best of all, the organ concerts are free. Currently, daytime performances are held every Sunday at 2 p.m. Many San Diego residents come to the park to enjoy an afternoon picnic with live music.

During the summer, from mid-June to mid-August, is the International Summer Organ Festival, featuring free performances on Monday nights at 7:30 p.m. as well as free mid-day performances. This year’s festival will run from June 23 to August 25.

The Spreckels Organ Pavilion is a captivating on-of-a-kind attraction that should not be missed.

: World Organ Day at Spreckels

: Spreckels Young Organists

: Movie Night at Spreckels

San Diego Air & Space Museum Displays Famous Aviation Artifacts & Aerospace Memorabilia

Posted April 9, 2009 by Barry Berndes

San Diego Air and Space Museum (619-234-8291) [sandiegoairandspace.org] is in the historic Ford Building in Balboa Park. This impressive museum displays famous aircrafts, engines, spacecraft and aviation artifacts from the dawn of aviation through the space age.

The museum’s blockbuster exhibit is “Be The Astronaut”. You’ll have to pay an extra ($5) to see this special touring exhibit, but it’s well worth it! The museum is open daily 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. with the last admission at 4:30 p.m. Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Admission to the museum is only ($19.75) for adults 12 and over; ($16.75) for seniors, students and retired military with ID; ($10.75) youth ages 3–11; children under 2 are admitted FREE! Make sure to use their coupon for $4 OFF adult admission! Credit cards: AE, MC, VISA.

Be a Part of History at the San Diego Air & Space Museum

History takes flight at the San Diego Air and Space Museum. Aviation history is truly a remarkable story, and it all unfolds at the San Diego Air & Space Museum in beautiful Balboa Park. Your journey through the evolution of flight begins as you enter the museum beneath two iconic aircraft, an A-12 Blackbird, an early version of what would become the fastest plane in the world, and a Convair Sea Dart, the world’s first supersonic seaplane.

The museum’s rotunda is packed with noteworthy air and spacecraft, including an airworthy replica of the Charles Lindbergh’s “Spirit of St. Louis” which he used to make the first solo flight across the Atlantic Ocean in 1927. Stand inches from the actual Apollo 9 Command Module nicknamed “Gumdrop” and a replica of the Bell X-1, the first plane to fly faster than the speed of sound in level flight. The museum also is home to the largest collection of moon rocks west of the Mississippi, and is California’s official Air and Space Museum and Education Center.

Take a Journey Through Time

The museum’s first gallery is dedicated to early flight, where you will stand beneath a model of the Montgolfier brothers’ hot air balloon of 1783–the first manned vehicle to ever break the bonds of gravity and lift humans above the Earth.

Rare specimens of aircraft recreate the excitement of air combat in the museum’s popular World War I Gallery, which includes examples of planes from Great Britain, France, Germany and the United States.

Get $4 OFF admission with this COUPON!

Guests marvel at the entertaining and dangerous antics of the barnstormers of the 1920s and the air racers of the 1930s– including an iconic Gee Bee R-1–in the Golden Age of Flight Gallery.

The World War II Gallery includes some of the most recognizable war planes in the world, including: a Supermarine Spitfire Mk. XVI; Messerchmitt Bf 109G; Navy F6F Grumman Hellcat; North American P-51D Mustang; Chance Vought F4U Corsair; Douglas SBD-4 Dauntless dive bomber; and Mitsubishi Zero.

In the Modern Jet & Space Age Gallery you will get up close and personal with an A-4 Skyhawk jet, a McDonnell Douglas F-4J/S Phantom II, and an F/A-18 A Hornet “Blue Angel 1.” These beautifully preserved airplanes help visitors appreciate the increasingly complex technology represented in the classic military aircraft of Korea and Vietnam.

The museum’s evolving display of space age technology–including expert mock ups of spacecraft from the Mercury and Gemini programs–may never be finished for it represents an adventure which the human race has truly just begun.

Meet Important Figures of Aviation History

During your journey through time, you’ll meet more than 200 luminaries from the history of aviation and space exploration in the world class International Air & Space Hall of Fame exhibit that weaves throughout the museum as it continues to grow with deserving new inductees each year.

And don’t forget to visit the one-of-a-kind American Women of Flight exhibit featuring some of the most famous women in aviation history, including aviatrix Jacqueline Cochran, Bessie Coleman– America’s first licensed female African-American pilot–astronaut Sally Ride, and the incomparable Amelia Earhart.

All-ages Food & Fun

You can also experience the new 3D/4D Zable Theater which is the first of its kind in Balboa Park! The theater uses advanced 3D technologies employing interactive seats and unique special effects to give a multi-sensory experience the whole family will enjoy.

There are several new additions which make a visit to the San Diego Air & Space Museum even more fun. Open select days from 11am-3:30pm, is the Flight Path Grill ($.50-$8, which offers hungry museum visitors great cheeseburgers, sandwiches, pizzas and a tasty Caesar salad with beverages. They even have specials and if you go online you can download a coupon for a free cookie with a combo purchase. Check online for the daily schedule.

Visiting the museum just got a lot more fun with the new Kids Aviation Action Hangar. This “kids only” area has an abundance of attractions for kids of all ages from preschoolers with coloring books and magnetic toys to a flight simulator experience for the older kids in a real wind tunnel. A visit to the Kids Aviation Action Hangar is included in the price of admission.

But wait, there’s more! Soar through the skies in the 360 degree full motion flight simulator. They do sky loops and screaming dives as well as aerial combat turns. This is the ride every dare devil will want to ride. But you must be at least 44 inches in height to climb aboard.

Japanese Friendship Garden is a Great Place to Explore its Gardens & Enjoy Peace & Tranquility

Posted April 9, 2009 by Barry Berndes

It is an idyllic retreat, radiating serenity, simplicity and beauty. View a Zen Rock Garden from a meditation room in the Exhibit House, which also features Japanese art and crafts. Relax on the moon viewing deck next to a restful koi pond and its soothing waterfall. The garden is truly a treasure you’ll want to experience.

Another attractive feature of the garden is its educational programs. They offer classes and demonstrations where you’ll learn the secrets of bonsai or origami. It also hosts a traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony every first Tuesday of each month. If you’d like to learn conversational Japanese, classes are available here too.

The garden is open Labor Day through Memorial Day, Tues.–Sun. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. and Memorial Day to Labor Day, Mon.–Fri. 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; Sat.–Sun. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Admission is ($4) for adults; ($2.50) for students and military with ID. Free admission on the third Tuesday of each month.

Banquet information: With its serene setting and lush grounds, the garden has become a popular setting for weddings and other special events. The Fujidana (wisteria arbor) is a romantic outdoor reception area that can accommodate up to 200 people. Contact Heather Hutchins (619-232-2721).

Prado Restaurant in Balboa Park is the #1 Place to Eat

Posted April 9, 2009 by Barry Berndes

Experience Art , Culture & History at Balboa Park

Located in the House of Hospitality, and open daily for lunch and dinner. This casually elegant 400-seat restaurant is picturesquely set in beautiful Balboa Park. On warm sunny days, be sure to dine on the patio overlooking the lush greenery of the park. A host of delicious soups, appetizers and tapas are all great beginnings to any meal.

Priced from ($30) and below. Credit cards: AE, DISC, MC, VISA

Hours: Tuesday thru Saturday 11:30 a.m. –8 p.m. and Sunday till 7:30 p.m Closed Monday.

Wonderful main course selections include beautifully presented jumbo prawns with garlic mashed potatoes. Also impressive is their pork prime rib, which is no less than four inches thick and delicious. Also worth ordering is the steamed sea bass. Wonderful menu selections and attentive service against the backdrop of beautiful Balboa Park make dining at The Prado an exciting experience. Weddings are a specialty here.

San Diego’s Natural History Museum is Filled With Life-Sized Prehistoric Animals & Exhibits

Posted April 9, 2009 by Barry Berndes

San Diego Natural History Museum This huge Balboa Park treasure, which is the oldest museum in Southern California, is where you’ll find life-sized dinosaur models and hands-on natural history exhibits. The museum’s permanent exhibition is Fossil Mysteries, which takes you on a journey through 75 million years of Southern California’s rich history. One of Balboa Park’s best-kept secrets is the museum’s giant 3-D theater. Admission to all films is included in the ticket price and they play several times a day. The museum is open daily 10 a.m.–5 p.m. except Thanksgiving and Christmas. Admission is ($17) for adults, ($15) for seniors, ($12) for military and students with ID, ($11) for children 3-12 and children 2 and under are free. The museum also offers over 300 nature related experiences, from free hikes around the county to exotic excursions to the Galapagos Islands.

FROM MARCH 25TH, 2012 TO MARCH 16TH, 2021: Nestle into a dinosaur nest. Tell a T. rex tale by the campfire. Hide out in a tent with a book or a puzzle. Have a dino campout!

FROM OCTOBER 26TH, 2011 TO OCTOBER 26TH, 2015: SKULLS contains close to 200 skulls from theNAT’s research collections of animals from all over the world, from the tiny to the spectacular. Mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians are all on display, showcasing an eye-popping array of horns, beaks, bills, teeth, and more.

FROM JULY 19TH, 2008 TO JULY 19TH, 2015: Through photos, maps, video, and hands-on activities, learn about current, local issues on land and in the ocean. Examine the infrastructure of the regional water system, and discover how we import the majority of our water and the costs associated with this practice. Water: A California Story also looks at effects of a changing climate on our region’s water supply and reveals how southern Californians can help protect water for future generations.

Natural history specimens and live animals will serve as reminders that the natural environment and its inhabitants are also legitimate users of water resources.

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FROM JULY 1ST, 2006 TO APRIL 13TH, 2015: From dinosaurs to mastodons, discover the rich fossil history of our region. In this major exhibition, created by the Museum, ponder a mystery, examine the strong fossil evidence from the Museum’s collection, and use scientific tools to discover answers.

Traveling through a 75-million-year timeline, from the age of dinosaurs to the Ice Ages, experience an unfolding of the prehistory of southern California and Baja California, Mexico.

House of Pacific Relations, International Lawn Programs: Free Sunday Programs for the Family

Posted April 9, 2009 by Barry Berndes

Enjoy free Sunday programs of ethnic song and dance from 2 p.m.-3 p.m. on the outdoor stage of the International Cottages. While you are there, be sure to visit The International Cottages, open noon-4 p.m. Sundays, featuring international artifacts, history and international food samples. Call (619-239-0512) or (619-234-0739).

Spanish Village Art Center in Balboa Park is where you Can See Artisans at Work in 37 galleries and studios

Posted April 9, 2009 by Barry Berndes

A visit to Balboa Park would not be complete without visiting the 37 working artist studios managed by over 250 local artists and see and speak to many of these artists while they create their works of art that are all offered for sale. This unique venue is showcased in The Spanish Village Art Center at 1770 Village Place in the heart of Balboa Park (619-233-9050).

The Spanish Village Art Center is nestled in the north eastern end of beautiful Balboa Park between the San Diego Zoo and the Natural History Museum. And there is a large parking lot literally steps away from the Spanish Village Art Center itself.

Family and pet-friendly Spanish Village Art Center, creates a unique one-of-a-kind venue were juried local artists create and sell arts and crafts in 37 individual, working, art studios. Each studio is manned by an artist. And they are at their best in explaining their creations, which are all unique, handmade, original, artwork of all kinds in all mediums. This is the biggest art colony in San Diego. Yet, it is both informal and fun to visit often. Plus, they have a lot of seasonal activities that brings locals back again and again each year.

Unquestionable, the charming setting of the cluster of quaint little studios situated around a spacious open-air patio is what gives this experience such a great appeal. And virtually everyday a different artist or a series of artists can be seen showcasing their work on the colorful patio shrouded by trees. And to add a touch of class to this romantic venue is often a bit of live music played by a talented guitarist sitting under a tree in The Spanish Village Patio. Something should also be said about the painted tiles that adorn the patio. They’re eye-catching!

A real plus, is that you can purchase all of these museum quality Fine Art and Contemporary American Crafts at reasonable prices because you are buying directly from the artists. So there is no middleman. And you can interact with the artists at work in their individual studios. It’s a beautiful way to spend the day discovering beautiful Balboa Park. Most studios and galleries accept credit cards.

Better yet, admission is Free to everyone of these 37 working artist studios/galleries, which host over two hundred independently juried local painters, sculptors, metalsmiths, jewelry designers, clay artists, gourd artists, photographers, printmakers, fiber artists, basket makers, mixed-media artists, glass artists, enamel artists and many more arts.

The 37 Spanish Village Art Center working artist studios are open to the public 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. everyday except Christmas Day, Thanksgiving and New Years Day. Come experience the process of creativity. And be sure to consult the SAN DIEGAN Calendar of Events for the many ongoing juried shows and sales to the public. Several times a year they have huge seasonal sales, which are displayed in the courtyard. So you can browse to your hearts content before you make your purchase.

Historically speaking, these quaint buildings and its romantic courtyard were built in 1935 to depict a charming old village in Spain for the second California Pacific International Exposition. Today this colorful and charming Balboa Park attraction is home to over 250 of San Diego’s best and most talented artisans and craftsmen. So come and explore this one of a kind exhibit and explore one of the world’s most unique attractions.

You will soon discover that The Spanish Village Art Center is home to The San Diego Potters’ Guild, Art Glass Guild of San Diego, Sculptors Guild, Enamel Guild, Southwestern Artist Association and the San Diego Woodcarvers Guild. So it’s San Diego’s showpiece for local professional artists at work!

A real crowd pleaser is the Southwestern Artists’ Association Gallery, with its grand entrance and marque. This must see gallery features the works of talented local artists who always have something new to see. Their juried works of art make perfect gift. But this reviewer couldn’t part with some his discoveries and has them proudly displayed in his home and office. You will undoubtedly be impressed with your finds as well.

The Spanish Village Art Center is also a perfect setting for weddings, parties and corporate events. The unique appeal of this venue is its Spanish architectural setting and open air patio. Everyone who visits The Spanish Village Art Center loves it and so will you.

You can begin or conclude your discovery of these fascinating working studios by following the map, which are coded with map numbers that correspond to their studio numbers (see map). And the number of each studio is clearly marked on the front of each studio. As an added benefit, sandiegan.com has added the names of many of the artists you will undoubtedly come to see again and again at your favorite studio.

Studio 1:
The first studio on your left as you enter The Spanish Village Art Center from the south is where you will find museum quality oil paintings being created, right before your eyes, by Carol Foster and Yanush Godlewski. These talented artists have over 25 years of experience and offer a treasure trove of original seascape paintings in oils. If you have a photograph of a seascape and want it recreated to hang on your wall, these talented artists will bring it to life. Or perhaps you’d like a beautiful San Diego seascape to remember your visit to San Diego? Then you have come to the right place.

Studio 2:
Featured here are a wide array of watercolor paintings by Kay Frances Hubbard, photography by Denise Strahm with eye-catching ceramic tiles by talented Kathy Waller.

Studio 3:
You must stop in and say hello to the friendly and talented Don Knapp, who has made a name for himself with his eye-catching mixed media paintings and collages. He is a homegrown talent.

Studio 4:
Studio 4 is home to Lucy Wang who not only creates and sells her delicate and beautiful watercolor on silk and watercolor on rice paper but she teaches Chinese brush painting as well. Check her out at [wang.com]. Class schedule: Chinese Brush Painting: Sat. 9.m.–11:30 a.m., Sun. 9:30 a.m.– noon. You must be either an adult or at least 10 years of age to attend her classes. www.LucyWang.com

Studio 5:
San Diego Enamel Guild
Here is the San Diego Enamel Guild, which is the first of many active guilds and is a must see gallery featuring the best of the best in exquisite enamel works of art in copper, steel and silver. And the guild has a huge list of talented local artists to choose from including: Pat Aiken, Marla Anderson, Steve Artz, Theresa Beatty, Jane Beiser, Karim Carlock, Sue DePriest, Elizabeth Fischer, Carol Haney, Tiffany Hauschild, Joan Hernandez, Tree Hill, Sandy Hull, Edith Kahn, Jean Kreutzer, Margaret Landstrum, Sally Lyons, Barbara MacKusick, Karla Maxwell, Diane Montag, Cynthia Pardoe, Kimberly Parry, Rudy Pengler, Shirley Perkiss, C.J. Perry, Darielle Peugh, Adriana Rodstrom, Rick Schneider, Dorothy Stephenson, Vivian Stillwell.

Studio 6:
This studio showcases works in the mediums of handmade pottery, porcelain, sculpture, watercolor, oil paintings and silk paintings. Featured artists include: Elizabeth Woolrych – Handmade Pottery, Raku, Porcelain, Sculpture. Joan Boyer – Watercolor, Pastel and Oil Paintings;
Rebecca Lowell – Hand-woven Baskets of Palm Sheath;
Michelle Gonzalez – Mixed Media Watercolor and Acrylic;
Laura LeMaster – Silk painting. And an extensive list of classes are offered: Class Schedule: Village Morning Art Classes & Exposure to Art Charlotte Ibach. Explore Balboa Park and collect natural objects to create walking sticks, animal masks, crowns and more. Creative Clay with Elizabeth Woolrych. Learn basic hand building, discover clay sculpture, use a potter’s wheel and create bowls, masks, animal mugs & rattles!
$140 per week. Classes are for children age 6 and up. Classes begin at 9:00 am and end at 12:00 noon.
Registration information: call (619) 236-8997 or go online www.ewoolrychpottery.com
Children’s Pottery Classes – Ongoing classes for children Age 6 and up • Every Saturday, rain or shine 10:30 am to 12:30 pm No registration required, $20 Hosted by Elizabeth Woolrych, 619-236-8997
Adult pottery classes. Beginning, Intermediate and Advanced. Tuesday or Wednesday, 6:30-9:00 pm?4 classes for $110.00, Includes clay, glazes and firing. Contact Elizabeth Woolrych, 619-236-8997
Sunday Art Camp with Laura LeMaster Sundays only. $15 – 11:30am-1:00pm – ages 5-17 Variety of classes with different and creative mixed media project each class. Giving children a chance to experience a fun variety of art materials. Drawing classes by appointment. pre-register 760-715-5045 or email lauratheartist@att.net

Studio 7:
Showcased here are eye-catching fused glass jewelry handcrafted in gold and silver by Grace Miller as well the works by Sandra Davis in the medium of fused glass and jewelry. Here too are the one-of-a-kind photography by Cyndy Campbell weaving by Brigid Delano jewelry by Mershid Arjmand and Arleen Hammer and paper art by Tracy DePue.

Studio 8:
Here is a fun studio with a nice array of art in virtually all mediums starting off with mixed media by Jean Schindler followed by stunning ceramics by Mary Baldwin. Neal Evans showcases his works with paintings, colored pencil and boxes here too and Kathi Vargo offers gourds and jewelry and David Vargo offers mixed media art and Joyce Koenig features works in glass, hot lampwork and jewelry. Be sure to ask a lot of questions about how these works of art are made. It’s part of the fun of being able to actually speak to the artists themselves.

Studio 9:
For an eclectic array of exquisite unique works of art in a wide array of mediums by talented local artists, this is the place. Chris Stell offers dichroic glassware and jewelry, Gail Woods creates her offerings in polymer clay; Jan Petec does lampwork glass beads and jewelry, Vaughan Nelson is a ceramic artists and Howard (Mick) Mosley offers eye-catching objects made in cold glass, metal sculpture and mixed media.

Studio 10:
Here the works of Charlotte Ibach is featured with clay masks, clay sculpture, jewelry and raku. If you’d like to learn how to create your own works of art in these mediums, Charlotte Ibach offers classes. Give her a call at 619-818-8120.

Studios 10 & 11: The San Diego Mineral & Gem Society
Eye-catching gems such as tourmalines and even gold has been discovered right here in San Diego. So venture into this large building and get educated on another aspect of what makes San Diego such a rare gem indeed! Here you will find huge glass cases displaying an almost unlimited selection of quality jewelry by talented jewelers such as blue ribbon winner Judith Moore [wiredadorned.com]. It’s a browsers paradise. Here too in this rather large building are many other glass cases filled with virtually every mineral and gem mined in San Diego as well as fossils. Classes are offered in cabochon cutting, faceting, silver fabrication, casting, enameling, bead stringing, rock carving and sphere making. Visit their website [sdmg.org/] for a complete description of their multiple offerings including how to become a member and learn more about the physical beauty of San Diego County.

Studio 13:
Here at the northern tip of The Spanish Village Art Center is where you will find ceramics by Sylvia Mejia and watercolors, mixed media and African-American designs created by Jihmye Collins. Ceramic Art Classes are also offered and it is an all ages experience offering for you to learn how to create whatever your heart desires in clay including sculptures to wall art. includes all materials, firing, tools. For Reservations call 619-274-1041 Email: sylviasceramics@yahoo.com

Studio 14:
Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind must see gallery featuring museum quality eggshell designs from Four Masters of Egg Artistry from Old World to the Contemporary made from featured artists include Frank Cascaini, Anita Downs, Linda Kline, Ana Garcia – Fiber-Felting, Beadwork, Roxanna Maria Polymer Clay and Kathi Ruiz Fiber, quilting.

Studio 15:
This studio is home to yet another masterful artist whose works adorn the galleries of the rich and famous. He is Doug Snider and his medium is contemporary ceramic sculptures. Don’t miss either one of these galleries. Adult Pottery Classes: are offered Mon. or Wed. 6 p.m.–8 p.m. with continuous enrollment of 8 sessions for $200. All materials are included. For reservations call (619-232-3305).

Studio 16A:
Featured here is a one-woman show featuring sand paintings and sculptures by Mary Renner.

Studio 16B:
Features the works of four talented local artists which include: Vicky DeLong who works in 3D Mixed Media & Pottery, Linda Iles offers exquisite jewelry, Mary Ella Bowles works with mixed media in 3D, photography, gourds and Ally Benbrook is a specialist in watercolor painting.

Studio 18:
Features 3 artists including Barbara Reemelin who works in 3-D mixed media in paper mache, Lynn Daniel works in 3-D mixed media, and in copper, Victoria Ward showcases here jewelry here and Peggy Caballero offers textile fiber arts. Classes in Photography are offered by Rose Stepan beginning in April 2012. Thursday & Saturday Morning 8-11am?4 classes $150?1-know your camera, 2-basic composition/Balboa Park Shoot, ?3-basic composition/SD Zoo Shoot, 4-Intro to Photoshop?858-231-2524 – email rose.stepan@yahoo.com

Studio 19:
Tucked away in a corner, but well worth discovering are the Hand blown glass by Andy Cohn and Partners. Andy Cohn is a expert in the art of hot blown glass along with Kevin Baker, Lance Burcham, Susan, and Art Harris and the medium of Joan Nies is oil paintings and printmaking. Art Classes: in the art of Blown Art Glass by appointment: Classes are available for individuals wishing to learn glass blowing. Introductory to advanced lessons available. All classes are one-on-one, all materials supplied. For reservations call 619-338-0441. Oil Painting Drawing Classes: are offered by talented Joan Nies for both adults and high school aged students (619-850-6055).

Studio 20:
Features a one person showing of the exquisite works of Margaret Gordon-Espe who offer works in printmaking, oil painting, paper, leather and jewelry,

Studio 23:
The Southwestern Artists’ Association.
Easy to spot is the The Southwestern Artists’ Association. It has a large impressive and inviting marque. It is open daily from 10 a. m. to 4:30 p.m. (619-232-3522)the Gallery maintains an ever evolving exhibit of original artwork every month from its juried membership of over 50 local artists. The first Monday of every month, SWAA holds its membership meeting followed by an art demonstration, 10 am to noon. The Annual Juried Art Show is open to all San Diego County artists in the spring, and in the fall their Annual Art Festival is held on the patio.

Southwestern Artists’ Association was founded in 1949. They have the largest membership in the Spanish Village Art Center. We believe the arts are an important part in the life of a healthy community. Our mission is to establish and maintain a gallery that extends friendships and promotes knowledge amongst San Diego county artists.

Gallery 23 maintains an ever-evolving exhibit of original fine art paintings every month from our juried membership of over 50 local artists. The featured artists (Two-Artists Show and the smaller Alcove Gallery) are changed bi-monthly. The gallery’s gift shop displays unique handcrafted items; jewelry, glasswork, basketry, polymer clay, carved gourds, painted eggs, miniature paintings and cards.

In the spring we hold our “Top 100” and One Foot Show. This is an Annual Juried Art Show (open to San Diego County artists), Plein Air Contest, and our outdoor Art Festival & Sale in the fall. Membership meetings are conducted on the first Monday of the month starting at 10am followed by a demonstration given by a local artist, which is free and open to the public. Prospective members are invited to attend our meeting to learn more about the benefits of becoming a member of Southwestern Artists’ Association.

Studio 24:
Amy Sommerville offers hand painted and etched glass and Mirror works of art and?Alane Gray offers fused glass jewelry. The works of Martin Marshall in the medium of hot glass blowing is sure to please you. Patrick Cowan offers attractive and Sue Walker has created exceptional pieces in precious metal clay.

Studio 25:
Art Glass Guild
This studio has 35 different glass artists in one studio! We have everything from handmade glass beads and jewelry to weathervanes! Blown glass bowls, plates, tumblers, fused light switch covers, paperweights, vases and stained glass sun catchers. They feature, blown, fused, torch worked, stained, mosaic, etched and custom glass. Our Glass Guild has sales two times per year on The Spanish Village Patio. They also offer classes and demonstrations. Come share their passion for glass! Please contact: Gail Pulkrabek 619-702-8006).

Studio 26:
Hector Aguilar specializes in black and white photography. Peter Acosta is a jeweler (619) 233-0013. Jeffrey Hammer also does jewelry. And for watercolor and works in mosaics look for the works by Edward Moores. Mark Moskowitz is a Printmaker and does photo etching. Classes are also offered in basic basketry using natural fibers. Call Lai Quon at 858-279-6602. For Jewelry Creating Classes contact Peter Acosta (619-823-3399) or Jeffrey Hammer (619-287-3187). When visiting Studio 26 you might be lucky enough to meet talented artist Lai Quon [basketlai@yahoo.com] who is both a master basket making and a oil pastel artist. Her wonderful works of art can be seen on display in Studio 26.
As she puts it, “I enjoy expressing myself through colorful, whimsical, dog paintings, made from oil pastels on canvas, ranging in size from 16”x 20” to much larger canvases”.

These eye-catching colorful oil paintings from the wall of the long, narrow, hallway that constitutes this funky rectangular studio. Here too in great abundance are a host of her organic, woven and coiled baskets, all one-of-a-kind, that line the shelves, which are her creations too!

Dog lovers and lovers of whimsical art will undoubtedly fall in love with her extensive collection of art work devoted to man’s best friend—Dogs!

As she says, “Dogs have been best friends and the love my life. They are loyal, loving, protective, goofy, soulful, creatures that sometimes display more humanity than humans. I have great respect for dogs, and therefore enjoy painting them. My colorful, whimsical, dog paintings are inspired from my love of dogs and my imagination”.

“My approach is very much like a child. All appropriateness and correct techniques are thrown out the door”. The fact that it is definitely is not representational art gives her work exceptional charm”.

“On good painting days, the dog, itself, seems to tell me how to create him. From spots to stripes, hot pink to chartreuse, the dog seems to create it’s own personality, quirkiness and whimsy. When someone looks at my painting, I like to believe, the eye of the beholder draws from his own emotions, and sees it in the dog’s expression”.

“Oil pastels have a sensual feeling to applying the layers of colors, smoothing the oil pastels with my fingers, mixing and moving the colors. During the summertime, when the weather is warm, the oil pastels are softer, spread easier, move more quickly. My hands and clothing get covered and smeared with the colors, making me feel closer to the painting. I love it”.

For a description of her eye-catching one-of-a-kind baskets she says, “Sometimes, when a change of pace in art is needed, I create natural fiber, organic, baskets. They are very calm, muted, primitive baskets. I glean the basket materials from fallen plant material that has fallen to the ground. I do not pick live material from a plant. The plant lives, sheds what it no longer needs, falls to the ground, I pick it up, and recycle it into a basket. It’s saved from the mulch pile and given a second life becoming my sweet and quiet baskets”.

Embellishments, such as feathers, beads, old Chinese coins, found items, interesting shapes of wood and more, are used to decorate them. Usually she says she has to wait for a strong wind storm to knock down the material from trees in order to get the natural material need to make her baskets.
“I create baskets with a loose idea versus a predetermined pattern, and l hope for the best. For making baskets, once you get into the art of making baskets, the experience becomes an almost hypnotic experience”.

“In a time where computerization is all too prevalent and where there’s a space station in outer space, and international corporations rule the world, it is too easy to lose sight of Mother Nature and her nurturing and her beauty. I feel connected to all the basket makers throughout the millenium, and wish more people would pause, and think about the impact that Mother Nature still has on us all”.

And she says, “Be sure to bring Rover. I have milk bones and tummy rubs (for the dogs) as well as pats on the head, fresh water, and a comfortable place for them to lay down and watch the tree squirrels in our courtyard.”

To stay in touch with what’s going on with Lai Quon, follow her blog titled “Bella’s Blog” which is on The Spanish Village’s website at [spanishvillageart.com]

Connecting with the artists themselves is what makes visiting this art colony comprised of San Diego’s most talented professional artists so special.

Studio 27:
Your next stop on the tour should be to discover the works of Jane Stadulis, who offers a one-person show of beautiful jewelry and impressive watercolor paintings. Do stop in and say hello.

Studio 29: Potters Guild
Everything hand made from clay using various techniques and many styles and types of decorative and functional ceramics are created by over forty local potters in this guild. Semi-annual exhibitions on the patio of The Spanish Village Art Center: 2nd weekend of June and November. 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Studio 30:
Here at Studio 30 you will find the works for Ellie Hitchcock whose medium is Polymer Clay. Polly Mitchell does creative beadwork and Al Nashashibi creates painting using Acrylic.
And Janet Nelson creates impressive quilts. There is so much talent showcased here that it should come as no big surprise that virtually every gallery offers some kind of art classes for all ages in all mediums. One of the most popular are their supper camps teaching art in several different mediums, including Chinese brush painting, beadwork, polymer clay and altered books. Especially popular are their summer camps for children. They are open to all children from 2nd – 8th grades. Each camp runs for a week and each day and offers a different medium. Contact Ellie Hitchcock at 619-236-1182 or email ehitchcock@cox.net to download a registration form.

Studio 31:
Randi Hawkins is a one-man shop offering 2D mixed media paintings worth seeing.

Studio 32:
Cassandra Shepard showcases her works in silk painting, mixed media 2D, metalsmithing, jewelry and pencil. Ramon Villon offers exquisite jewelry. Silk Painting Classes are offered by Cassandra Shepard and she can be reached at (619-230-0039).

Studio 34A:
Shelley Madariaga’s passion is Gourd Art. Entry level adult classes are offered here in Gourd art making.To enroll call (619-275-5762). The instructor is Shelley Madariaga. Susan Ludwig specializes in fiber artist. Sue Britt offers colorful collage paper arts. Deb Gargula showcases her wonderful talent of colored pencil works.

Studio 34B:
Danielle Deaton showcases eye-catching watercolors as does Sally Bly. Linda Lepeirs Slawson does photography and Laura Wells offers both jewelry and lampwork.

Studio 35:
Master crafts woman Maureen King offers exquisite works in jewelry and as a metalsmith.

Studio 36: Sculpture Guild
Everybody’s favorite is this patio and showroom filled with larger than life sculptures in all mediums. These exceptional works are all work done by local artists in bronze, terracotta, stone and etcetra in a variety of traditional and contemporary styles, that range from miniature to life size. They also have bi-monthly shows, featured artists & Sculpture Garden. Classes in Classical Sculpture are offered by Patty Palenschat who can be contacted via e-mail at p.palenschat@cox.net or via (858-692-8689). Cost is $35 for a 3-hour course plus materials.

Studio 37:
Judy Stinton is a seamstress extraordinaire! She creates wearable art that is both stunning and comfortable to wear. For a peak of what to expect visit judystinton.com. This unassuming studio could be easily missed, but don’t pass it by. Take the time to appreciate the works of this exceptionally talented artist. If you are searching for a stunning dress, this should be your first stop. Her array of talents include hand painted silk clothing and fiber wrapped jewelry, which are exceptionally beautiful to see. No less pleasing are the creations by?Dr. Carl Jepsen, who creates stunning feather and leather designs, which are so exceptional that they are truly one of the ten wonders of the world. Also here are unique beaded jewelry created by are Phyllis Wergeles Fogel and Liz Abbott offers fiber arts appliqué, which are all nestled together in this small “must see” gallery.

Studio 38: Wood Carvings & Wood Turning Co-O-Guild
This gallery is a real show stopper with an amazing display of wood work created by more than 16 artists with great flair. Once you get home you’ll probably wished you’d bought something here, so call Nan Bushley (760-728-0591) to have it shipped.

Studio 39:
Beverly Hartgrave shows off her unique sculptures and raku pieces combined with fibers, rocks and fossils. No less imaginative are the works of Chris Brown whose mediums are ceramics and mosaics and Jon Evans offers works in photography and Blown Glass (858) 663-9052.

Studio 40:
Teresa Rodriguez-Ross offers beautiful works in metal smith, jewelry, colored pencil and Patricia Salazar shows off her talent in colored pencil work and 2-D mixed media and Mindy Gersenfish-Turk offers one of a kind jewelry. Classes: in Textile Dyeing with Botanicals are offered. Learn how to transfer pigment from fresh flowers and leaves to fabric. Group classes are available for both children and adults. Contact Peggy Caballero (619-401-8428).
Featured daily on the patio are one person must see shows!

Fleet Science Center Offers Smart Fun in San Diego

Posted April 9, 2009 by Barry Berndes

Reuben H. Fleet Science Center Balboa Park

Fleet Science Center, at 1875 El Prado, Balboa Park (619-238-1233) [rhfleet.org]. Admission is ($21.95) for adults; ($19.95) for seniors . (+ 65 years); and ($18.95) for juniors 3-12. They are open daily at 10 a.m. and close at these times on these days: Mon.–Thurs. 5 p.m., and Fri., Sat. and Sun. at 6 p.m.

This “must see” 93,505 sq. ft. science center showcases more than 100 fascinating interactive exhibits that will both fascinate and entertain people of all ages. Plus, they offer monthly blockbuster IMAX films and mind-boggling films on Southern California’s only Heikoff Giant Dome Theater with its wraparound screen that surrounds the audience, creating a “you-are-there” experience.

This awe-inspiring Balboa Park attraction, with its dome theatre, offers thrilling onscreen adventures such as floating through outer space or a dive to the ocean depths without leaving the comfort of your seat! Don’t miss seeing this incredible attraction. Their extensive gift shop is filled with fascinating treasures. Credit Cards: AE, DISC, MC, VISA.

Discover More at the Fleet Science Center

Explore the ends of the Earth, dive deep into the ocean, float through outer space—all without leaving the comfort of your seat. Inside the Fleet’s iconic Heikoff Giant Dome Theater, IMAX® movies and planetarium shows come to life, immersing you on a 360-degree tour of places you’ve only imagined.

With a 76-foot wraparound movie screen and 16,000 watts of digital surround sound, the theater is a marvel of science itself. The state-of-the-art, full dome digital projection system produces crystal clear images nearly eight stories high. It’s a top attraction in Balboa Park and one of the most technologically advanced facilities of its kind.

With exhibits to touch, films to see and fun to be had, the Fleet Science Center is an educational, entertaining experience for visitors of all ages, with plenty of great new exhibitions arriving each quarter.

The facility is named for aviation pioneer Reuben H. Fleet, who founded the U.S. Air Mail service. Fleet’s San Diego-based company, Consolidated Aircraft, built several of the famous aircraft of World War II, including the B-24 Liberator and PBY Catalina. Fleet and his family made the initial gift that established the Science Center.

One IMAX film or planetarium show is included in admission. They open daily at 10 a.m. and close Mon.–Thurs. at 5 p.m. and Fri.–Sun. at 6 p.m., with extended summer hours.

Classic Cars at San Diego Automotive Museum

Posted April 9, 2009 by Barry Berndes

San Diego Automotive Museum, Balboa Park (619-231-2886). The museum is open daily 10 a.m.–5 p.m. and features rotating themed shows that display significant, rare and exotic cars and motorcycles, and vehicles reflecting the history of the automobile. Enjoy the classics of bygone eras as you stroll through rows of cars that are all restored to glittering splendor. Browse through the automotive gift shop. Discounts are also available for the military, seniors and students. Credit cards: AE, DISC, MC, VISA.

The San Diego Automotive Museum showcases an amazing permanent collection of classic & vintage cars, racers, motorcycles, and special one-of-a-kind cars like Louie Mattar’s Fabulous $75,000 Car (distance driving record set in the 1950’s) and a rare 1948 Tucker. Specialty exhibits rotate throughout the year and are included in the admission price. Their most popular exhibits include the Barn Finds, Harley-Davidson and Show Stoppers.

There is also an interactive children’s area and lots of displays of memorabilia to enjoy. The museum also offers an excellent museum store with a huge inventory of gifts and clothing for the auto lover in your life.

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Their newest exhibit, Japanese Steel, runs through September 17th, 2017. The display features features an amazing collection of Japanese automobiles spanning the twentieth century.

San Diego Model Railroad Museum is North America’s Largest Model Railroad Exhibit

Posted April 9, 2009 by Barry Berndes

The San Diego Model Railroad Museum features interactive toy trains, Lionel-style electric trains and a 20-scale mile long rail crossing of the Sierra Nevada mountain range. Plus, this museum is the only accredited railroad museum in the entire United States. It is the largest permanent operating model railroad exhibit in North America with 27,000 sq. ft. of exhibit space.

Always expanding and always under construction are new exhibits that are created by local railroad clubs.

Also fascinating is the Toy Train Gallery, which is home to an impressive exhibit of an imaginary town with multiple train lines. The town changes with the seasons; look for autumn colors in the fall and Christmas lights in the Balboa Park in winter. Kids can even operate some of the trains with the push of a button!

Be sure to check out the LEGO Train City and Brick City Kids Zone, open through January 18th. Come to a miniature world made entirely of LEGO bricks presented by the Southern California LEGO Train Club. You’ll be amazed at the craftsman like detail of the LEGO Train Layout. Also, on display from the L Gauge Museum is a collection of LEGO toys showing the transition of wooden LEGO trains to the modern day brick trains. This is a World Premier of some of the oldest LEGO Trains in existence. Let your child’s imagination come to life in Brick City, an entire room of LEGO brick creativity. Make LEGO art on a LEGO wall or learn how to create your own LEGO Train. Brick City is sponsored by the LGauge Museum

Make sure not to miss a visit to the gift shop, which is filled with a fabulous array of railroad memorabilia for the railroad lover in your life. Their selection of vintage railroad posters is especially noteworthy. And if you are a history buff, their Erwin Welsch Research Library is a must.

The museum and gift shop are open Tues.–Fri., 11 a.m.–4 p.m. and Sat.–Sun. till 5 p.m. Admission is ($8) for adults, ($6) for seniors 65 and older, ($3) for students with ID, ($4) for all military with ID, and free for children 14 years and under when accompanied with an adult. Admission includes access to their railroad history library.

Big attractions here are their themed birthday parties and special events for kids of all ages. Contact Ana Parra (619-696 -0199).

San Diego Museum of Man is Where You Can Experience Unique Exhibits on Human Evolution

Posted April 9, 2009 by Barry Berndes

The Museum of Man features fascinating exhibits on human evolution, Egyptian artifacts, Kumeyaay culture and Mayan monuments. Little ones can also enjoy the Children’s Discovery Center, which allows them to experience living in ancient Egyptian times. With its striking architecture and historic setting, the Museum of Man is a favorite for banquets, corporate functions and other special events.

The Exhibitions of the world-renowned Museum of Man are a major resource for the San Diego community. Permanent exhibits explore the Maya, ancient Egypt, the Kumeyaay Indians of San Diego County, Human Evolution, and the Human Life Cycle. These exhibits inform and entertain San Diegans and visitors alike, and are used extensively in the region’s school curricula to study ancient history, local history, Indigenous cultures, and health sciences. These permanent exhibits are complemented by a series of changing exhibits on display throughout the Museum.

Core Exhibitions

Ancient Egypt
The culture of ancient Egypt holds a universal appeal and fascination for adults and children alike. The Museum of Man is fortunate to have one of the most important ancient Egyptian collections in the United States.

Children’s Discovery Center
The Children’s Discovery Center (CDC) exhibit, Discover Egypt, gives Discovery Center visitors an opportunity for interactive, sensory learning about ancient Egyptian civilization, and about the role of anthropologists and archaeologists in the research and interpretation of the culture.

Footsteps Through Time
The Museum’s West Wing houses our fabulous anthropology exhibit, Footsteps Through Time: Four Million Years of Human Evolution. The permanent exhibit—covering 7,000 square feet and featuring five galleries and more than a hundred touchable replicas of early humans.

Kumeyaay: Native Californians
The Kumeyaay, or Diegueño (as they were later called by the Spanish), are the Native American people of present-day Southern California (San Diego and western Imperial Counties) and Northern Baja. For many generations before the arrival of the Spanish, they occupied the deserts, mountains, and coasts, developing sophisticated means of adapting to the diverse environments.

Maya: Heart of Sky, Heart of Earth
The ancient Maya left behind evidence of a sophisticated and complex culture. Using cycles of the moon, sun, and planets, they were able to develop accurate calendar systems. More than a thousand years ago, they used unique hieroglyphic writing to carve important dates, names of their rulers, and ceremonial events on stone monuments in southern Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, Honduras, and El Salvador.

Weddings are a specialty at the historic Saint Francis Chapel, which is the only chapel in Balboa Park. Contact the museum to plan your ceremony, service, or reception, the Special Events Manager is Teri Saffon, at 619-239-2001 ext. 31 or tsaffon@museumofman.org. Admission: Adults (18 and over) – $12.50; Students (13-17 and college students with ID) – $8; Seniors (62+) – $10; Military (active duty with ID) – $10; Children (3-12, children under 3 free) – $5; and residents with ID are free on the third Tuesday of every month.

Directions and Parking: Coming from the west, Laurel Street changes to El Prado as it enters Balboa Park across the historic Cabrillo Bridge. The San Diego Museum of Man is in the California Building, a San Diego landmark with its tower and tiled dome, located at the east end of Cabrillo Bridge at the entrance to Balboa Park.

Harney Sushi in Old Town is a Trendy Restaurant with great Catering

Posted April 9, 2009 by Barry Berndes

From the moment you walk into this trendy Japanese restaurant, you’ll see what makes Harney Sushi so unique. The stylish decor and DJ playing hip music make this the perfect place for a night out. They feature more than 40 sakes, 25 award-winning wines, microbrews from local breweries, a private VIP booth and more than 35 gourmet specialty rolls.

All of their entrées are beautifully and artistically presented and they taste as good as they look!Their extensive menu of mouthwatering options makes it difficult to decide what to order. A great way to start any meal is with the ahi poke. It’s diced ahi tuna mixed with chuka salad, green onions, ponzu sauce, sesame seeds and togarashi chili spice and served in a martini glass. Another delicious entrée is their signature Miso Harney roll. It’s eel, cream cheese and avocado tempura fried to perfection and drizzled in eel sauce and sesame seeds.

They also offer nigiri, sashimi, tempura, sushi combinations and a variety of Japanese entrées. Plus, it’s the only place in San Diego with its own sake bar! Harney Sushi has enhanced the art of presentation, perfected the taste of sushi and created a trendy atmosphere making it the best of the best in Japanese dining.

They are Open Mon. – Thurs. 4 p.m. .–10 p.m.. , Fri. – Sun. 1 p.m. – 10 p.m. They also offer banquets and catering.

Old Town
3964 Harney St.
San Diego, CA 92110
(619-295-3272)
[map] [directions]

Oceanside
301 Mission Ave.
Oceanside, CA 92054
(760-967-1820)
[map] [directions]

El Indio Mexican Food & Tortilla Factory Since 1948

Posted April 9, 2009 by Barry Berndes

El Indio Mexican Restaurant is World Famous

Yes, it’s true El Indio Mexican Food & Tortilla Factory Since 1948 is the repeat winner of the California Restaurant Association’s Gold Medallion Award for Best Casual Mexican Restaurant again and again and has been featured on the Travel Channel’s Mexican Food Paradise, the Food Network’s Diners, as-well-as Diner’s Drive-ins and Dives. is so popular that customers literally line up at the door for the great Mexican food at affordable prices mostly to go or as a take-out order, but you can also eat in or on their outdoor patio. Ole!

El Indio is home to their World Famous Taquito

This San Diego legend is also celebrating its 77 years in business. In fact, their tortilla chips are so famous that they are shipped throughout the United States. Try any of the 30 combination plates served with rice, beans and fresh chips. Founder Ralph Pesqueira, Sr., coined the word “taquito” for his rolled tacos and these rolled tacos are the best in town.

El Indio also has a fantastic deli, which showcases everything you’d need for a home-cooked meal, with tamales, enchiladas and chiles rellenos ready to heat and serve with rice and beans. Vegetarian food available too!

El Indio’s Famous Food Shipped World-Wide

Today, El Indio is well-known around the world, having provided care packages to our soldiers while fighting in Vietnam, Desert Storm and other far-flung conflicts.. Over the years many local politicians in Congress have requested these “El Indio Care Packages” to be sent to Washington D.C.

Even a couple of our Presidents have had occasion to sample El Indio food while in the White House. Pete Wilson, former Mayor of San Diego, had many opportunities to enjoy El Indio food, they even catered his first inauguration as Governor of California.

Catering for Weddings or Any Occassion

Patriotic El Indio also offer 10 percent off to police, fire and active duty military personnel. Catering (619-299-0385) for all occasions including weddings, corporate affairs and picnics. Ask for Martha (certified wedding consultant).

Be sure to download their coupon for 10% Off your next catering order!

Moda Salon in Hillcrest is One of San Diego's Top Rated Hair Salon's For Men & Women

Posted February 18, 2009 by Barry Berndes

Moda Hair Design is one of San Diego’s most popular Hair Salon’s, with a great team of stylists and professional hair designers. If you’re looking for a new look, or to work with a trusted and professional hair stylist, look no further than MODA in Hillcrest.

Be sure to book your appointment with Amber Gimbel, who is their most popular stylist and has worked with many popular celebrities. She is also available as a stylist for hair and makeup for weddings, photoshoots and other events.

Pala Casino & Spa Resort is a Four Diamond Luxury Casino Featuring Las Vegas Style Gaming

Posted January 10, 2009 by Barry Berndes

This beautiful casino is at the foot of serene Palomar Mountain in North San Diego County. Take I-15 to Hwy. 76 and go east five miles. Or, take I-5 to Hwy. 76 and go east 23 miles. This 950,000-sq. ft. Four Diamond luxury casino offers Las Vegas-style gaming. With more than 2,300 slots, 87 gaming tables and a luxury resort hotel, you’ve got a lot of living to do. Guests must be 21 years or older.

Viejas Casino is in East San Diego County

Posted January 9, 2009 by Barry Berndes

This 372,000-sq. ft. casino is open 24 hours with 2,000 slot machines, more than 85 table games and bingo. They have restaurants, live entertainment Wed.–Sun. and an outlet shopping center. You must be 18 years or older to enter the casino.

Holiday Inn Oceanside Marina is Located Right On the Marina, Near Oceanside’s Major Attractions

Posted December 22, 2008 by Barry Berndes

Holiday Inn Oceanside is Oceanside’s newest ocean and marina view high-rise hotel, boasting 110 beautifully appointed modern rooms ($129–$199). It’s also Oceanside’s only hotel with a restaurant and cozy cocktail lounge. They also offer room service.

For business or pleasure they have it all including a business kiosk and board room accommodating 40–60 people.

Plus, Holiday Inn Oceanside has high-speed Internet, flat screen cable TV, refrigerator, microwave, Bath and Body Works products, coffee maker, an in-room safe and dry cleaning service.

Holiday Inn Oceanside is located a half mile from Camp Pendleton and only steps to the beautiful Oceanside Harbor with its many top restaurants and attractions.

Each room offers a choice of hard and soft pillows so you will definitely get a good night’s sleep here as well.

Skydive San Diego Hosts the Newest, Safest, and Largest Jumpships in the Skydiving Industry

Posted December 13, 2008 by Barry Berndes

When a president of the United States jumped out of an airplane to celebrate his 85th birthday, it said a lot about how safe and fun this thrill of a lifetime has become! The president was George H. W. Bush, our 41st president of the United States. And he made a tandem jump from 10,500 feet over Kennebunkport, Maine where he has a summer home in tandem with a member of the US Army’s Golden Knights parachute team.

And, believe it or not, this once cutting edge sport has evolved into being a mainstream sport enjoyed by grandmothers, girl friends, and first timers galore. Skydiving has become another San Diego attraction not to miss.

You’ll be amazed at how may people have put sky diving on their to do list, of jumping out of an airplane at 13,000 feet above sea level on a beautiful sunny southern California day. You’ll get a big rush of having the wind in your face and breathtaking views of the ocean and the land below you with Skydive San Diego. This is another major San Diego attraction not to miss, be it as a skydiver or as a spectator.

So if you’re looking for the thrill of a lifetime or the perfect way to celebrate a milestone birthday all rolled into one incredible experience – you’re in the right city because Skydive San Diego is the premiere skydiving company in the industry.

This popular sport is experienced by thousands of enthusiasts and first timers daily throughout the world. Yet, believe it or not, southern California is everybody’s favorite spot to enjoy this popular sport.

The turning point in the popularity of this sport took a major leap forward with the advent of tandem jumping for first time jumpers. This term literally means being harnessed together with an experienced jumper with an experienced instructor who has jumped out of an airplane hundreds of times.

Rest assured at Skydive San Diego their seasoned professionals will make sure that long before you board the plane you’ll receive lots of on-the-ground coaching and instructions from their team of seasoned professionals. Skydive San Diego will provide you with all of the essential details and instructions you’ll need to follow to make your sky diving adventure smooth and enjoyable.

And with the popularity of the sport, Skydive San Diego has invested in purchasing new, custom build airplanes called jump ships that have revolutionized the industry. So you won’t be the only person jumping. Some planes hold up to 23 jumpers at a time, which opens the door to the opportunity of jumping with your buddies. Yes, lots of first timers do it on a dare and that means you’re jumping for sure with your friends. No matter what the circumstances are that get you to make your first jump, most jumpers are repeat jumpers.

The obvious appeal to being a repeat jumper is the sudden rush of free falling thousands of feet a second through the beautiful clear sky on a sunny southern California day. And as a first time jumper you’ll have the comfort zone of being in tandem with a seasoned sky diving instructor with hundreds of jumping experience behind them.

Your instructor will be the one who pulls the parachute cord to open at the right moment. And they will maneuver the parachute so that you glide to a safe landing. And moments later your friends will be greeting you with shouts of joy and laughter.

And practically every first time jumper has a video made of their first jump, which is a priceless souvenir that you and your friends can enjoy seeing over and over again. And nobody jumps without having their friends either making their first jump with you or watching from the ground. So having a video of your sky diving experience is an absolute must you’ll want to share with your friends!

San Diego’s premier sky diving company in southern California just happens to be right here in sunny San Diego. It’s aptly named Skydive San Diego, Inc. It’s located minutes from downtown San Diego at 13531 Otay Lakes Rd. with an official address of being in Jamul, but it’s actually best described as being located just East of Chula Vista, off of the 805 Freeway (619-216-8416).

Being freeway close is a great appeal for making Skydive San Diego your favorite place for sky diving, because most sky diving locations are literally an hour or more away in remote places and when you jump you’ll be miles from the airport and a vehicle will have to come pick you up in a deserted field and drive you back to the airport, which is not the case with Skydive San Diego.

Your friends on the ground can see and film your decent from comfortable chairs at the airport. And when you touch ground they’ll be the first ones to greet you.

And speaking of soft landings, with an instructor hitched up to you, you’ll glide to the ground like a dove. With the advent of small hand held video cameras or even your smart phone, you can record the event for posterity.

Plus, Skydive San Diego offers the luxury of sky diving from their own modern state of the art Twin Otter and Cessna Caravan airplanes, which are designed for skydiving. No other parachute center in the world has newer planes than Skydive San Diego.

Skydive San Diego Inc. is a full service skydiving company a top-of-the-line facility with multiple training buildings, a bunkhouse, deluxe packing lofts, a grass landing area, a nice barbecue deck and patio where you and your friends can celebrate your and their experience. The incredible scenery is hard to match!

The greatest appeal for choosing Skydive San Diego is because it is freeway close, has top-notch instructors with years of experience, offers the newest planes that are equipped to take up to nearly two dozen jumpers up at a time, depart and land from their own airfield, and best of all jumpers will be landing at the airfield where they took off. So jumpers and their friends, on the ground, can watch and record the decent. Then it’s party time on their barbecue deck and patio or at a nearby restaurant.

It’s no wonder that Skydive San Diego is yet another major San Diego attraction not to miss be it as a skydiver or getting out to their freeway close airport to enjoy watching skydivers glide effortlessly to the ground or taking a leap yourself. Skydive San Diego is located in Chula Vista off of the 805 Freeway. You exit and go east on Telegraph Road that turns into Otay Lakes Road. And continue going east to Skydive San Diego’s own airport at 13531 Otay Lakes Rd. (619-216-8416).

Skydive San Diego hosts the newest, safest, and largest jumpships in the skydiving industry. Our flagship Twin Otter holds 23 jumpers, and our Cessna Caravan holds 12 jumpers, allowing you the opportunity to jump with your friends. No other parachute center in the world has newer planes than Skydive San Diego!

Skydive San Diego, Inc. is a full-service skydiving facility with multiple training buildings, a bunkhouse, deluxe packing lofts, a grass landing area, a BBQ deck and patio, and incredible scenery to match! Unlike some outfits that will depart a public airport and land you in a field miles away requiring a van ride back to your friends, Skydive San Diego is set up to takeoff and land right in the same place, where your friends can watch!

Jacumba Airport is Used Mainly as an Operation Area for Gliders, Especially on Weekends

Posted December 11, 2008 by Barry Berndes

Jacumba Airport was acquired from the federal government in 1953. The airport is unattended and unlighted. It is used mainly as an operation area for gliders, especially on weekends.

Flying over, or driving by on Interstate 8, you might miss tiny Jacumba. But hundreds of soaring enthusiasts know the airport and some even know where the town is. However, few people know what Jacumba is all about.

On weekends you’ll find sail planes being towed aloft to catch the thermals, with pilots who savor the solitude and challenge of powerless flight. During the week the airport is quiet, inhabited by hawks and their prey.

The town itself has a history. Today some 400 people live in Jacumba. What now appears a quiet high desert retreat was once a thriving spa. In the 1920s and ‘30s the community thrived, its therapeutic hot springs a mecca for Hollywood celebrities and wealthy Imperial Valley growers. Clark Gable is said to have made Jacumba famous by frequenting its spa.

Old U.S. Highway 80 bisects the town which is about three miles west of the airport. There are several stores including a market and gift shop. The landmark Jacumba Hotel was destroyed by a fire and was torn down in 1991. But walking through town on a sunny day you get the sense of history. The old buildings, tumbleweeds and dry air give the imagination room to wander, to sense what was.

Ocotillo Airport in the Anza-Borrego Desert is a Great Way For Pilots to Visit this Remote Area

Posted December 11, 2008 by Barry Berndes

Golden rays of dawn peek over an eastern knoll warming away the early morning chill. From the west, the smell of breakfast wafts across a hard-packed dry lakebed. Gradually, the sapphire sky, with its pinholes of starlight, dissolves to deep azure. Ocotillo Wells.

Here in the Anza-Borrego Desert life is best lived from September to May, away from the searing heat of summer. Here there is the opportunity to see the ancient and the modern.

Ocotillo Airstrip, one of eight aviation facilities owned by the County of San Diego, is a great way for pilots to visit this remote area. The strip’s two runways, one 2,475 feet long and the other 4,210 feet, sit on a dry lake bed about 100 miles east of downtown San Diego. A small café, gas station and general store are directly across State Route 78. Tie-downs are available at the airstrip’s transient area.

Ocotillo Wells State Vehicular Park is due west of the airport and has more than 42,000 acres of desert landscape. Some of the most unusual terrain in the county is within hiking distance of the airport.

Devil’s Slide is a 200-foot high granite and sand island, a decomposing mountaintop. You may find old hidden mine shafts which some say are haunted. The Pumpkin Patch is a huge field of globular sandstone “concretions” formed by the natural cementing of sand particles to a small object such as a grain of sand, a piece of shell or even a bug. Dozens of other unique spots include Barrel Springs, Shell Reef, Blow Sand Hill and Gas Domes.

When you fly in to Ocotillo Airstrip for hiking or camping, make sure to bring appropriate clothing, food and plenty of water. Even on cooler days, you’ll need water in this arid area. Also, keep an eye on the weather. If heavy storms are on the way, it’s best to play it safe. The airstrip is built on a lakebed, which can sometimes turn to mud with rain.

Walking through remote areas near Ocotillo Airstrip and the adjoining Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, you may get the feeling you’re the first person to leave footprints in the sand. But archeologists found evidence of human activity in the area as long as 6,000 years ago. Nomadic groups of Native American Kumeyaay and Cahuilla left evidence of their life in the desert.

A little research in travel books or on the Internet before your trip provides insights into the history and splendor of Ocotillo Wells. It’s worth the effort.

Agua Caliente Airport is a Popular East San Diego County Airport North of Interstate 8

Posted December 10, 2008 by Barry Berndes

Agua Caliente Airstrip is north of Interstate 8, on County Highway S2, 95 miles east of San Diego. The County Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) has leased State lands for park and recreational purposes, namely the Agua Caliente Springs County Park, since before 1988. In 2008, DPR entered into a new 20-year operating agreement with the State of California to provide for the development, operation, control, and maintenance of the park, consisting of approximately 900 acres. Under terms of an agreement with DPR, County Airports is responsible for development, operation, control, and maintenance of the approximately 55-acres Agua Caliente Airstrip within this park for the same 20-year period. County Airports may use the area as a public airstrip and for aircraft overnight parking or other aviation purposes. Non-aviation use of the Agua Caliente Airstrip is strictly prohibited.

The facility serves residents of rural east San Diego County and visitors to Agua Caliente Hot Springs County Park. To the uninformed, Agua Caliente Airstrip looks like a blacktop field next to a two-lane desert highway in the middle of nowhere. To those with knowledge, it’s the gateway to a beautiful hideaway.

The airstrip is within an easy walk to the park which features geothermally-heated springs and pools, hiking trails and panoramic vistas. A small store adjacent to the park sells supplies and curios.

The park has picnic areas, 140 campsites and two naturally-fed pools for guests. Hikers can roam miles of trails which meander through canyons and hillsides and offer spectacular views of the Anza-Borrego Desert. A relatively abundant water supply supports a wide range of desert flora including acacias, willows, palms and mesquite. And, depending on rainfall and season, there are many wildflowers and succulents.

The park is open from Labor Day to Memorial Day. For park reservations call (858) 565-3600. A single, paved runway, paved tie-down area and vehicular parking are the only facilities available at the airstrip.

McCarthy Transfer & Storage is San Diego's Oldest Family Owned & Locally Operated Moving Company

Posted November 30, 2008 by Barry Berndes

McCarthy Transfer & Storage, provides full service residential and commercial moving services in San Diego County. Their San Diego movers offer a wide range of moving services to our customers from assisting with packing to moving and storage services. Whether moving around the corner in San Diego, to Northern California or across the country, their regional fleet of highly trained San Diego movers and moving crews can move you safely and efficiently at an affordable cost.

As a family owned San Diego Moving company with years of experience in the residential and commercial moving, McCarthy Transfer & Storage can handle any size San Diego residential move. We are here to offer you a full range of moving services for a totally customized move – Packing, Moving, Unpacking, On-site moving, Storage and More!

With their San Diego storage service, there is no need to rent a truck, no need to break your back, all you have to do is let them know what you need to store. They will send professional movers with storage containers to pick up your belongings from your residence, inventory all your possessions to be stored, blanket wrap to prevent damage and bring everything back to their secure warehouse located in East San Diego County.

Their storage warehouse is fully equipped to protect your property including sprinklers and is connected to 24-hour fire and a security alarm system. At McCarthy Transfer & Storage, they know how valuable your items can be. They have taken every step possible to ensure that they are at your disposal and in the condition you expect them to be all of the time.

McCarthy Transfer & Storage offers affordable storage solutions for your commercial or household goods. They provide temporary Storage and long term storage options to our San Diego storage customers. They also offer an efficient, organized system to store your belongings. Your belongings will remain safe and organized until you are ready to move out of storage.

Marty’s Valley Inn is an Oceanside Favorite

Posted November 25, 2008 by Barry Berndes

Marty”s Valley Inn is a well-managed two-story Super 8 hotel with 108 rooms and a nice conference and banquet center. Also ideal are their very reasonable rates from ($55) plus tax depending on the season. They also offer lower rates for extended stay guests and a free full hot breakfast daily. It’s ideally located between Camp Pendleton and Oceanside’s biggest attraction, the historic Old Mission San Luis Rey. Plus there are restaurants nearby. Amenities include high-speed Internet, HBO, ESPN, ironing boards, coffee maker, micro – waves, refrigerators, a daily newspaper, fitness center, heated pool and Jacuzzi.

For reservations, click here.

When staying at Super 8 Marty’s Valley Inn, you can see and do it all. Just 10 minutes away are miles of white beaches and the west coast’s longest wooden pier as well as picturesque Oceanside Harbor. Plus, you are practically next door is the must-see breathtaking King Of The Missions, Mission San Luis Rey. This restored mission offeres self-guided tours, which should not be missed. The mission was founded in 1798. If you are a golfer, you are within 30 minutes of your have your choice of several challenging 18 hole golf courses. Especially if you are traveling with a big family and are more interested in seeing the sites than lounging around their swimming pool, then staying at Marty’s Valley Inn is the perfect choice.

Oceanside Marina Suites at the Tip of the Harbor Offers Romantic Bay & Ocean Views

Posted November 23, 2008 by Barry Berndes

There are 57 romantic, harbor and ocean view rooms ($145–$500). The hotel is located on a private peninsula, away from the crowds. Amenities include fully equipped kitchens, private patios, fireplaces, meeting rooms and a complimentary continental breakfast in their poolside cabana room.

They also have a stunning waterfront wedding gazebo for that perfect ceremony. This hotel is the premier location for weddings in Oceanside. If you are looking for romance or a memorable weekend escape, this is the place.

Plaza at the Border Shopping Center NOW OPEN

Posted November 1, 2008 by Barry Berndes

The Plaza at the Border shopping center is NOW OPEN. This fantastic new shopping destination is located next to the busiest border crossing in the world and just west of the high-performing 560,000 SF Las Americas Premium Outlets. This 98,000 SF shopping center is anchored by Ross, TJ Maxx, Ulta, Fashion Q and other popular stores Vitamin Shoppe and M’s Clothing and designed to complement The Outlets at the Border. Look for their large electronic billboard for daily bargains.

Ulta Cosmetics is your cosmetic store for every beauty essential from facial cream to hair care they have it.

Fashion Q offers the latest fashions for less is what makes Fashion Q the perfect shopping destination.

Ross Dress for Less, this is the newest of the two locations of this awesome dress for less stores at the border.

M’s Clothing is a great store filled with women’s fashions at great prices.

TJ Maxx, expect to find awesome deals every time your shop at this TJ Maxx Store.

Tourismo Express RT Shuttle Bus to Tijuana

Posted October 29, 2008 by Barry Berndes

Tourismo Express RT Bus to Tijuana, formerly Mexicoach, makes crossing the international border relaxed and convenient. No more waiting in long lines and no more costly auto insurance. It’s the easiest and safest way to go to and come back from Tijuana, Mexico.

Tourismo Express RT Bus to Tijuana runs daily express buses from San Ysidro to downtown Tijuana 7 a.m.-6 p.m. These departures are from Border Station Parking in San Ysidro every hour on the hour and until 6 p.m. The fare is ($6) one way and ($10) round trip. Since the drivers and the people at the ticket booths ALL SPEAK ENGLISH confirm the return times from Tijuana with them, but they are a super reliable company yet this is the pandemic.

So, the the best and safest place to park your car is at Border Station Parking on the U.S. side of the border. Border Station Parking #(1) on the map at 4570 Camino de la Plaza (619-428-9477) is easy. To get there take the last exit before crossing the border from the freeway. The signs are clearly marked on the freeway announcing U.S. Last Exit Parking. The sign is referring to Camino de la Plaza as the last exit before entering Mexico.

Ease into the right lane and exit here. At the end of the exit is a traffic light. Turn right at the signal and 20 yards later take a quick right into the Border Station Parking Lot. As you enter the parking lot, glance to your right and you will see a small white building and perhaps see the shuttle bus waiting for passengers to board the bus. The entire experience is simple and smooth.

Border Station Parking does not own the bus line but has as a customer service for decades offered the shuttle stop to the bus line, which results in a reliable round trip bus ride for you to take from Border Station Parking to downtown Tijuana and to Plaza Rio Tijuana and back to Border Station Parking via Tourismo Express. Thus, you don’t have to run the risk of getting into a car accident or finding parking in Tijuana, Mexico. Being an international city, the traffic patterns are confusing.

Border Station Parking offers a 24-hour attended parking lot, which is well lit at night and has surveillance cameras for your safety. It is undoubtedly the best and safest place to leave your car at the border. The parking rate is ($9) for ten hours Monday thru Thursday. Then on Friday and Saturday, it jumps to ($18) for ten hours. Plus, on holidays and special occasions, it’s even higher. So, traveling to Mexico for the day should be Monday through Thursdays. The parking lot includes a tourist information center (619-428-6200), which is open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. It’s where you’ll catch the round trip Turismo Express to Tijuana and back. The bus will take you to 1020-B Relolucion Ave, which is the center of Downtown Tijuana’s shopping district. Be sure to read my walking tour of Tijuana. It includes where to bargain shop and recommends awesome restaurants including dining at Caesar’s Restaurant, which was were the world famous Caesar’s Salad was invented!

The good looking modern Tourismo Express Shuttle Bus leaves from the Border Station Parking lot enroute to Downtown Tijuana’s shopping district and the Tourismo Express Depot (8) at 1020-B Ave. Revolucion every half hour from 7 a.m. till 3 p.m. daily. Buses leave Tijuana every two hours at 1, 3, 5, and 7 p.m. returning you back to your well-protected automobile after a FUN day in Tijuana, Mexico.

When you consider the complexity of international travel from one country to another this is an amazingly good and reliable way to get you to Tijuana and back to your securely protected car after a fun-filled day in the International city of Tijuana, Mexico where you have dine and shopped at the best personally researched places. Be sure to bring your Passport, because, without it, you cannot enter or return to the USA. One way fare is ($6) and round trip is ($10). Payment is in cash only.

Of course, you can walk both ways, but why do that especially since the walk from the border to the shopping districts is an additional mile away after walking a quarter of mile to the border crossing itself. Plus, if you have purchased a lot of items to declare at the border, it’ll be a BIG HASSLE. The bus service is the way to go.

I have taken this bus service dozens of times without any incidents. I have also taken my car to Tijuana hundred of times and parked there without incidents, but I know Tijuana like the back of my hand, and you don’t. But the big issue is dealing with the long lines waiting for hours to cross back into the United States unless you wait till 3 o’clock in the morning. PLUS, YOUR AMERICAN INSURANCE IS INVALID IN MEXICO so expect to pay another ($10) for one day insurance. It’s a huge hassle you can easily avoid by taking the shuttle.

Departure times from Tijuana via Turbo Express (619-428-9477) are every 2 hours 1, 3, 5, and 7 p.m.

If you miss the 7 p.m. bus — take a cab to the border

Agree on the price before getting into the cab. It should only be a few dollars. Then when you get to the border, you will have to walk in a block long line and go through customs and declare any items you purchased. Show the receipt if requested. You caln bring back up to $800 worth of goods such as liquor, French Perfume, and silk dresses into the U. S. duty-free port of entry. My shopping tour map is helpful.

If you are coming to Tijuana to shop for Corona Virus fighting drugs, you’ll be amazed at the number of drug stores in Tijuana. The best one with multiple locationss is Farmacias Gusher (10) (01152-664-684-0235). You can take a cab or shuttle to their Plaza Tijuana Shopping Center location (10).

The big hassle is from the port of entry back to your car with whatever you purchased in tow is two long blocks (1/4 mile) and a long bridge you’ll need to walk across to get back to your car. You could catch a cab, but you’ll still have to walk a block to catch a cab to take you a block. I have done everything I am explaining to you here. So, I can attest that taking the bus definitely through the border into Mexico and back is a MUST. Catching the last bus before it leaves Tijuana is my best advice.

Be sure to read my extensive Tijuana Shopping and Dining Chapter with it’s a very useful map. Plus, the map will come in real handy as it’s smartphone friendly. Don’t forget to do some duty-free shopping at the huge Las Americas Duty-FREE Outlet Stores kitty-Corner across the street from the Border Station Parking Lot. Be sure to read the Tijuana chapter and the Factory Outlet chapters, which are extremely helpful.

Versus the buses are clean and well maintained and the drivers are friendly and they speak english.

Don’t forget that American citizens need a valid U.S. passport to enter and leave Mexico. If you are 21 years or older you can bring back one quart of liquor duty-free. Victor and Sons Liquor (10) at 1020 Ave. Revolucion in downtown Tijuana has the best selection.

San Ysidro is home to the world’s busiest land border crossing, where U.S. Interstate 5 crosses into Mexico at Tijuana. Each year over 14 million vehicles and 40 million people enter the U.S. at the San Ysidro port of entry.

Crossing times by car is notoriously slow at San Ysidro. Yes, up to 10 hours during the pandemic, particularly for those entering the U.S. in cars. Plus, your American insurance isn’t valid in Mexico. So, you’ll need to buy Mexican insurance. And parking in Tijuana is a challenge too. For these reasons taking this shuttle is 1,000% better than driving or walking across on foot. See and read my Tijuana chapter and study my maps. This is my 54th year in offering my walking tour of Tijuana.

Tourismo Express (619-428-9477) also takes people to the airport border crossing CBX for a fee of ($10) each way. Until the city of San Diego builds a bigger parking lot, the best way to avoid getting a ticket for parking too long on the street near the terminal and getting your car towed away and having to pay a huge fee to get it back is to opt for a shuttle service. Tourismo Express makes multiple stops at CBX, The Tijuana Airport Terminal — in San Diego Daily.

Living Coast Discovery Center is Both a Unique Zoo and Aquarium on San Diego Bay in Chula Vista

Posted October 17, 2008 by Barry Berndes

A must-see for San Diego families! The Living Coast Discovery Center, formerly known as the Chula Vista Nature Center, is a unique zoo and aquarium located on the southern edge of San Diego Bay in Chula Vista. The center offers an intimate wildlife experience for animal lovers of all ages. Guests are able to get up-close and learn more about a wide range of marine and terrestrial animals native to the Southern California coastal region including endangered sea turtles, sharks, rays, jellies, eels, snakes, tortoises, octopuses, owls, hawks, eagles, falcons and shorebirds.


Living Coast Discovery Center	Living Coast Discovery Center	Kids With Crabs

Uniquely situated within the natural beauty and tranquility of Sweetwater Marsh National Wildlife Refuge, the center is a favorite destination for families and wildlife enthusiasts. Visitors are invited to watch the daily animal feedings or, for an extra-special experience, add on a VIP Animal Encounter for families or small groups to go behind the scenes to meet, feed, touch and ask questions about your favorite Discovery Center animals.


Girl With Owl Hat	Living Coast Discovery Center	Bald Eagle

Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy the breeze off San Diego Bay. Bring binoculars and bird watch from the observation decks and take in the panoramic views of the downtown skyline and Coronado Bridge. Take an easy stroll through the wildlife refuge and explore for crabs, shorebirds and other critters. Don’t miss the gift shop for special animal mementos of your visit.


Owl	Turtles	Duck

In addition to the ongoing live animal exhibits, the center also offers a variety of educational and recreational programs throughout the year including day camps, Family Overnight Adventures, wildlife lectures, art workshops, environmental conservation trainings and school field trips.


Living Coast Discovery Center	Living Coast Discovery Center	Living Coast Discovery Center

The Discovery Center is open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission: $14 adults, $9 Children (4-17)
Young Children (0-3), $9 Seniors (65+), $9 Students (18+ w/ID), Military – 20% Discount
Group Rate – 20% Discount (reservation required).


Living Coast Discovery Center	Living Coast Discovery Center	Living Coast Discovery Center

Annual memberships are available, including a family membership good for two adults and up to five children for just $75. Members enjoy unlimited admission all year, plus discounts at the gift shop and on day camps, the annual food and wine event and other special programs.


Jackson With Flower	Jonah With Turtle	Meghan with Tortoise

Just minutes from Downtown San Diego, the Discovery Center is located just off Interstate 5 at the E Street exit. It is also just steps from a San Diego Trolley stop. The shuttle bus takes visitors from the parking lot onto the protected wildlife refuge approximately every 15 minutes. Parking is free and the last shuttle leaves at 3 p.m.


Shark	Trail	Tyto

More information, including special events and promotions, can be found at www.thelivingcoast.org or by calling (619) 409-5900. The Living Coast Discovery Center can also be found on Facebook and Twitter.


Baby Sea Turtle	Living Coast Discovery Center	Living Coast Discovery Center

Trolley Map

Khan’s Cave Asian Tavern & Grill is a Hidden Gem in Kearny Mesa With Delicious Asian Fusion Cuisine

Posted October 12, 2008 by Barry Berndes

It’s located at the north west corner of Clairemont Mesa Boulevard and Ruffin Road behind the Wells Fargo Bank, with easy freeway access from anywhere. Khan’s Cave Asian Tavern & Grill is open Mon.–Fri.. 11 a.m.– 8 p.m.; Sat. 4 p.m.– 8 p.m. closed Sunday. ($20 – $50). Happy hours Mon.– Fri. 3 – 7 p.m. $5 Happy Hour includes discounts on foot bites and libations.

Khan’s Cave Asian Tavern & Grill is a local favorite. Its welcoming atmosphere makes it a perfect place for intimate dining as well as the right place for an office party.

This is because Khan’s Cave Asian Tavern & Grill is nicely divided into several inviting dining rooms and an equally inviting patio with heaters. And their half-moon-shaped cocktail lounge is everyone’s favorite for happy hour and sports events when everyone’s attention is focused on their big screen TV’s. No less pleasing is their well-thought-out lunch menu focused on the lunch crowd with quick, yet filling, lunches during the day.

At dinner and after hours the restaurant presents itself as the perfect place to dine. So you get-the-best-of-two-worlds at Khan’s Cave Asian Tavern & Grill. For lunch their focus is on diners in a hurry to eat and run with an extensive selection small bites and tapas, daily fresh soups and salads, platters and a wide assortment of dumplings and tasty wings. Every offering is especially delicious such as their savory chicken lettuce wraps.

Then when the sun goes down Khan’s Cave Asian Tavern & Grill takes on a new look, which is a soothing yet upbeat atmosphere with happy laughing customers in one room and intimate diners enjoying a cozy meal on their romantic outdoor deck. And every entrée tastes like it’s their house specialty, be it a savory steak, tasty seafood entrees or their host of lamb dishes. Yes, you guessed it, their house specialty is a wide array of savory lamb entrees served in a variety of memorable ways. At the top of the list is their Mongolian stir-fried lamb served with rice and a tossed salad.

But you won’t go wrong with Khan’s lamb and beef koftas served in a tantalizing curry sauce. Their Mongolian rack of lamb is offered in two sizes. For not so hungry diners, their half rack is a delicious-tasting selection for just ($18).

For extra hungry diners you won’t go home hungry with their full rack of lamb, which is perfectly cooked and beautifully presented for just ($32). Steak lovers will definitely be pleased with their 12 oz. Angus New York steak served with rice and green beans. And Osso Bucco lovers will simply rave about this savory offering.

Seafood lovers will also have nice things to say about their Chilean sea bass served with steamed vegetables and your choice of garlic ginger or black bean sauce.

In keeping with their unique oriental themed menu, you’ll be happy you ordered the grilled channel sea bass with a tangy kung Pao sauce topped with peanuts. Their garlic wok baked filet of sole is also a delicious winner.

But don’t overlook their delicious selection of memorable desserts such as their mocha mile high ice cream cake topped with whipped cream. And an after dinner drink could be the answer for a meal to remember.

Yes, Khan’s Cave Asian Tavern & Grill has it all: a great location with easy freeway access, an ideal restaurant layout, great prices and a great restaurant venue all rolled into one very enjoyable dining experience.

Credit cards: AE, DISC, MC, VISA.

San Diego History Center in Balboa Park

Posted October 12, 2008 by Barry Berndes

San Diego History Center (SDHC) was founded by George W. Marston in 1928, then as the San Diego Historical Society (SDHS). Marston stated that the objective of the Historical Society was “for the discovery, collection and preservation of books, pamphlets, maps, genealogies, portraits, paintings, relics, manuscripts, letters, journals, surveys, field books and any and all other books, articles or materials which may establish or illustrate the history of Western America, particularly the County of San Diego and the State of California, and the publication and dissemination of such historical matter as this corporation may authorize.”

Motivated by the understanding that San Diego was a growing city, Marston began acquiring land on Presidio Hill, right above Old Town San Diego, to commemorate the site where Franciscan Padre Junípero Serra and Captain Gaspar de Portolá had built the first Spanish settlement in Alta California in 1769. He hired William Templeton Johnson to design the Junípero Serra Museum which, for over sixty years, was the site of the San Diego Historical Society and Research Library.

In 1955, the Society began publishing a journal to chronicle, in what the first issue described as “those valuable bits of the region’s history and lore.” The Journal’s circulation reached over 3,500 in the 1970s and today The Journal of San Diego History is the longest running chronicle in San Diego’s history and is one of the most popular of the History Centers’ offerings and has accumulated an impressive range of material for use by future generations.

In 1982, the Historical Society moved from their base of operations in Presidio Park to their present location in Balboa Park.

In 2010, the San Diego Historical Society officially changed its name to San Diego History Center. Today, we serve over 81,000 visitors each year and attract over 640,000 distinct hits to our website making it among the most visited websites in Balboa Park. The heavy usage is a result of the enormous amount of rich, San Diego-related content on our site.

SDHC’s core programs and services include: exhibitions; educational programs; the operation of a research library; and scholarly publications. Permanent and changing exhibitions interpret the history of San Diego from the period prior to European settlement to the present.

Educational programs are offered for school children, families, and adults. Special emphasis is being devoted to introducing new K-12 programs which are tied closely to the school curriculum and focus on strengthening children’s reading, math, and other skills while they learn about history. School program attendance increased from 12,500 in FY 2009 to 17,000 in FY 2010. Hands-on activities are offered for family audiences, and public programming for adults includes tours, lectures, and panel discussions. The library houses over 2.5 million photographs making it one of the largest in the country.

Join us as we position ourselves to feature hands-on, interactive exhibitions that enable visitors to explore the contemporary city, its diverse people, and issues that are helping to shape its future.