Heritage of the Americas Museum in Rancho San Diego Takes You on a Journey Through Time

Posted March 22, 2013 by Barry Berndes

Heritage of the Americas Museum, located on the campus of Cuyamaca College in Rancho San Diego at 12110 Cuyamaca College Dr. West off of Jamacha Rd. (619-670-5194) [heritageoftheamericasmuseum.com]. Open Tues.-Fri. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and Sat. noon- 4 p.m. Admission for adults is ($3); seniors (55 and over) ($2), children 17 years and younger, students and members are admitted free.

Visitors of all ages are invited to experience a journey through time. Five wings divide the building into areas of Natural History, Archaeology, Anthropology, Art and Education. This one-of-a-kind Museum is a cultural and educational facility featuring an incredible display of the prehistoric and historic art, culture and natural history of the Americas. Credit cards: AE, DISC, MC, VISA.

Take a Journey through Time

Early inhabitants of the Americas came from Asia, both across the land bridge in the north and by sea into South and Central America. Consequently, the museum houses one of the finest exhibits of Chinese jade artifacts, including a jade burial suit. A visit to the museum truly takes you on a journey through time.

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The Natural History Wing

Natural History is the first stop on your journey, where you will find meteorites, rocks
and minerals, fluorescing rocks, shells, taxidermy mounts, and fossils, including a saber
tooth skull and an outstanding collection of trilobites.

The Archaeology Wing

Right around the corner in the Archaeology Wing you will see the paleo and archaic
projectile points, as well as pre-Columbian treasures from Mexico and Peru. There is an
extensive collection of artifacts from Teotihuacan and an outstanding Mayan collection.
This wing includes murals by Mona Mills depicting the life of the Kumeyaay before
1492, as well as a fine collection of Kumeyaay artifacts.

The Anthropology Wing

The third stop is Anthropology, where you will be afforded a glimpse into the daily life
of the Cheyenne, Eskimo, Hopi and many other Native American cultures. Of particular
interest are the headdress given by the Sioux Nation to Charles Lindburgh, Cheyenne
Chief Thunderbird’s buffalo council robe, and a Nez Perce dentalium shell dress worn to
a meeting with President Theodore Roosevelt.

The Art Wing

Your final stop is the Art Wing, which includes many excellent examples of Western
art, including original oils by such noted artists as Olaf Wieghorst, Marjorie Reed, and
Alfredo Rodriguez. It is in the Art wing where you will find an outstanding collection of
Chinese artifacts. Referred to as the Stone of Heaven collection, it includes more than
one hundred exquisite Chinese jade artifacts of the late Neolithic, 4300-2500 BC, through
the Ming period, AD 1368-1644. Of particular interest is a rare and valuable jade burial
suit from the Han dynasty (206 BC-AD 221).

The public is invited to take our journey through time. The museum is open Tuesdays through Fridays, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.; Saturdays noon to 4:00 p.m. Closed Sundays, Mondays and most major holidays. Admission for adults is $3; $2 (ages 55+); free (ages 0-17 with adult). There is also free parking at the Museum.

Spring 2015 Director’s Report
Everything is going incredibly well at the Museum. The volunteers are kept very busy as the field trippers keep coming and coming. They’re also returning on Saturdays to give their parents a tour. It’s really cute.

The Museum Board of Directors spent much of 2014 updating the Vision, Mission and Values Statement and developing a 2015-2020 Strategic Plan. This was a major undertaking for both the Board and staff. I want to thank the Board members, Chairman Ron Raymond, Dr. Teresa Dodd-Butera, Stephanie Newman, Fred Thompson, Gene Yale, Mark Lueck, and Dr. Mark Zacovic, for taking on this important task. I also want to give a special thank you to my co-worker, Patrice O’Halloran, for the many hours she put into researching, organizing, and keeping these projects moving along.

We have a lot coming up that you’ll want to put on your calendars. The Spring Garden Festival will be on April 25th and you now have another chance to be a big winner in the Five-Choices Dream Raffle. Stop by and visit the Museum and check out the prizes for the raffle. We also have our Museum Roadshow scheduled for May 2nd. And don’t forget, the Códice Borbónico (page 3) is on temporary display. Don’t miss these great events!
Kathleen Oatsvall, Director

Kudos, Anne and Lee
The Museum is fortunate to have 35 wonderful volunteers. They work as docents, receptionists, and jump in and help in many different ways as needs arise. All are invaluable and they truly are the treasures of the Museum.

I always avoid singling out any of our volunteers, but what Anne Henderson and Lee Gower have accomplished this year (January through March 12th) is unbelievable. So far, Anne has put in 93 hours and Lee has put in 147 hours (and I’m quite sure they each put in many more hours that weren’t recorded).

So what on earth have they been doing? As you may know, the 4,000 children who come to the Museum on field trips also shop in the Museum Store. We have as many items related to the Museum as possible and put the prices as low as possible. The number of items bought each day is incredible. Keeping the shelves filled throughout the school year is quite a task, but the beginning of the year is always an enormous challenge that Anne and Lee always tackle. Each January, I go to the Gem and Mineral Show in Quartzsite, Arizona to buy, buy, buy for the Museum Store. It avoids a lot of “shipping and handling” charges throughout the year. I come back with car and trunk totally filled with boxes for Anne and Lee to sort through, inventory, organize, and put in the Store. It’s overwhelming, and they both keep smiling. Amazing! I appreciate their tremendous efforts so much.

Keeping the Museum Store stocked so the children will be able to take something home from their field trip is important throughout the year (everyone shops; if children forget to bring money, I give them some). Joan Thompson and Edna Hastings do the ordering and everyone works to have the shelves filled. All of our volunteers help in the Museum Store and I am so grateful. The children love it!

Youth ~ Awesome!!!
We have been so fortunate to have outstanding college students working here at the Museum. In the past few years, Ronnie Teague (UC Santa Cruz), Raine Hartman (Cuyamaca), Jason Calhoun (University of Northern Colorado), and Sam Hirmiz (Cuyamaca) profoundly upgraded the signage throughout the Museum, along with helping in many other ways. Now we have three students who are proving to be just as invaluable.

Brittany Gardner actually isn’t a student at the moment. She graduated from SDSU last year and is working part-time at Cuyamaca. Her major was archaeology. She’s finishing the task of relabeling all of the artifacts and is a frequent docent. Like Ronnie, she was once a third grade field tripper! She is truly incredible.

Olga Odeesh is a student at Cuyamaca and is here as part of the Federal Work Study Program. She helps us in so many ways, and is a great help to Lynn Rosen with getting ready for the field trips each week. All 4,000 students get a workbook, so creating these is really a huge job.

We are also thrilled to have Ariel Zotz here as an intern from SDSU. She is a history major and is looking forward to graduation this year. The primary task that she has taken on is awesome. Bud Lueck, the founder of the Museum, put together an outstanding collection of books for the Museum Library. Regretfully, because storage space is limited in the Museum, over the last 22 years the library has served as a workroom and, even worse, has become the place to put all of those things that you don’t want to get rid of but don’t know what to do with! We even have an area in the library that we refer to as “the dungeon.”

Our big push this year is to better serve college students. Apparently, it’s working! More and more teachers, classes, and students are coming in from Cuyamaca, Grossmont, and SDSU. Ariel decided that they should have much better access to the Museum Library. Undaunted, she has taken on the task.

We have been cleaning out, throwing out, and moving things out. Now Ariel is going through the massive number of books and rearranging them. She is dividing the books by Wing, i.e., Natural History, Archaeology, Anthropology, and Art. Then she is putting the books in case order. That way, if a student is looking at the Anasazi artifacts in Case 26 and wants to do more research, she can go into the library and easily find the books with information on the Anasazi. Amazing!

She’s also uncovering some rare and awesome treasures, including the Códice Borbónico, on temporary display in the Museum Guest Case. Below are photographs of the Códice Borbónico, with the description and story she wrote.

In addition to the incredible and innovative work they do, it is also such a pleasure to have them here in the Museum. I walked in the Library today and Brittany, Olga and Ariel were happily chatting and working together. It put a big smile on my face. They are wonderful and I appreciate them so much.

Sheraton La Jolla Hotel is a Resort-Style Hotel steps from major Shopping Malls & things to do

Posted March 6, 2013 by Barry Berndes

Sheraton La Jolla Hotel is filled with palm trees and minutes to attractions.

Sheraton La Jolla Hotel is a resort-style hotel encompassing 7.5 acres of tropical beauty. It is just a 10-minute drive from spectacular beaches, tide pools, the famous Torrey Pines Golf Club, snorkeling and sunbathing at romantic La Jolla Cove and the Pacific Ocean. Step out their doors and walk to theaters, restaurants, and shopping.

Lose yourself at the Sheraton Hotels in La Jolla. Stay in a freshly appointed La Jolla guestroom and then relax in their tropical atmosphere with a large and inviting swimming pool, waterfall, and Koi pond. Enjoy their newly renovated fitness center, open 24 hours a day. their exclusive Sheraton Club rooms offer upgraded amenities and access to the Club Lounge with complimentary continental breakfast, evening hors d’oeuvres and a variety of beverages. Rest assured while you are staying there and having fun, you are making an environmentally friendly choice as well, as Sheraton La Jolla continues to honor their commitment to eco-friendly hotels in La Jolla.

Escape to Sheraton La Jolla Hotel and enjoy the nearby beaches, Torrey Pines Golf Course, and the romantic La Jolla Cove. This low-rise resort style hotel provides the perfect backdrop for a family vacation or romantic weekend getaway. Just a short walk away is theaters, restaurants, and shopping centers. The Sheraton La Jolla Hotel is also located in La Jolla’s business triangle, and just a few miles from the world famous San Diego Zoo and popular Gaslamp Quarter.

Humphreys Half Moon Inn, a San Diego Getaway

Posted March 5, 2013 by Barry Berndes

Humphreys Half Moon Inn & Suites is ideally located on Shelter Island, San Diego’s own Hawaiian Isle. This tropical resort-style San Diego hotel, framed by America’s Cup Harbor and the San Diego Bay, offers breathtaking views of the hotel’s private marina and downtown San Diego. Their tranquil setting is just minutes from the airport and San Diego’s famous attractions, making Humphreys Half Moon Inn & Suites the perfect choice for their visit to America’s Finest City.

Whether you are traveling for business or leisure, their Shelter Island location offers a wide range of newly renovated guest rooms and suites beautifully appointed with their relaxation in mind.

Their San Diego lodging near the beach offers a wide range of services, amenities and San Diego hotel deals to fit their diverse needs. Humphreys staff works tirelessly to maintain their San Diego hotel’s impeccable reputation for service and strives to exceed their guests’ expectations.

Humphreys Half Moon Inn & Suite’s picturesque location is the ultimate setting for meetings and conferences, weddings, family vacations or romantic weekend getaways.

Their San Diego waterfront hotel retreat provides countless entertainment options, from relaxing by the pool and strolling through the landscaped grounds to biking around Shelter Island, California.

Experience Humphreys Restaurant with an innovative menu reflecting Modern Global Cuisine created by their award-winning chef. At night, enjoy the best live music and dancing San Diego has to offer at Humphreys Backstage Live Music Club. Admission to BackStage Live is complimentary for all hotel guests (except during special engagements).

Humphreys Half Moon Inn & Suites is proud to host Humphreys Concerts by the bay, San Diego’s premier outdoor concert series. Every May through October, nationally renowned acts take the stage in this unique San Diego concert venue nestled between the hotel’s private marina and tropical gardens.

Come see for yourself why Humphreys Half Moon Inn & Suites is a perfect choice for your San Diego getaway!

Mission Trails Regional Park is the Largest of San Diego’s Parks and is Great for Hiking

Posted February 20, 2013 by Barry Berndes

Mission Trails Regional Park is the largest of the City of San Diego’s parks and is the third gem of the city’s park system. Mission Trails is larger than Mission Bay and Balboa parks combined. At 5,800 acres, it is the largest open space urban park west of the Mississippi. It includes two lakes, a scenic stretch of the San Diego River and Old Mission Dam; a day-use campground for picnics; and Cowles Mountain, whose summit offers a panoramic view of the city clear to the ocean. Over 40 miles of trails accommodate hikers, mountain bikers, rock climbers, birders, and equestrians. There are about 600 different types of plants within the park, including over 300 varieties of wildflowers.

Take a view of the locations of the numerous habitats that exist within the park. Various interpretive walks and special programs afford visitors unique, exciting outdoor educational and recreational experiences throughout the park on a regular basis. There are a number of points from which you can enter Mission Trails Regional Park: going east on Mission Gorge Road enter at the west end of Father Junipero Serra Trail to reach the Visitor Center, at the east end Clairemont Mesa Blvd. in the community of Tierrasanta, The Equestrian Staging Area at SR 52 & Mast Boulevard, at Jackson Drive and Mission Gorge Rd., at Cowles Mountain at the corner of Golfcrest Dr. & Navajo Road or from Barker Way or from Big Rock Road in Santee, or the east entrance of Father Junipero Serra Trail to drive to the Kumeyaay Lake Day-Use Campground and the Old Mission Dam.

Mission Trails Visitor & Interpretive Center

The hub of these activities is the 14,575 square foot Visitor and Interpretive Center which is located just 20 minutes from downtown San Diego and is open from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. every day except New Years, Thanksgiving and Christmas. The park itself is open every day of the year. The Center features a rotating exhibition of works by local award winning artists, and in May of each year, photographs taken by shutterbugs in the annual amateur photography contest are on display.

The 4,000 square foot Visitor Center Terrace offers presents a spectacular view of Mission Gorge. The Amphitheater seats up to 150 people with a backdrop of Mission Gorge. The Visitor Center gift shop offers authentic local Kumeyaay Indian baskets, pottery and jewelry as well as unique photographic prints and books, each telling its own story about Mission Trails.

Enjoy the sights and sounds of the center’s state-of-the-art exhibits; they make learning about the park’s geology, plants, animals, and history fun and easy. The Visitor Center boasts a 94-seat theater featuring four films that run daily featuring captivating vistas of the park’s natural beauty, and the people who worked and lived here.

Featured Films Include:

Stewardship through the Ages
A film about the people… Native Americans, Spanish, Mexicans, Americans…that have been an integral part of the landscape that has become Mission Trails Regional Park.

Mission Trails Regional Park: A Natural Beauty,
An inspirational film shown through a high definition blu-ray projection system presenting the beauty that is Mission Trails.

Mission Trails Regional Park…Link with the Past, Experienced Today,
Explores some of the history and recreational opportunities afforded in Mission Trails.

Trails of the Kumeyaay,
A film highlighting the local indigenous people, their culture, traditions and beliefs up to the present day.


Visitor Center	Visitor Center Gallery	View from the Terrace

Events & Activities at Mission Trails

Free Guided Nature Walks Every Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday, Join an MTRP Trail Guide in the Visitor Center at 9:30 a.m. for a free guided nature walk and learn about the history, geology, plants, animals and ecology of the park.

Trail Guides choose from three trails:

1) The Oak Grove Trail leads to a small oak woodland with majestic coast live oaks and rare
Engelmann oaks.

2) The Visitor Center Loop Trail takes you through coastal sage scrub, chaparral, and riparian
woodland habitats.

3) The Riverside Grinding Rocks Trail leads to one of the archaeological sites in the park,
where Kumeyaay Indians historically ground acorns on the rocks for food.

Walks may also include the Native Plant Garden near the Visitor Center. These interpretive nature walks are offered to enhance your appreciation of our open space and the unique beauty of San Diego’s natural environment. Walks are free and open to the public, with no reservations required. Each walk lasts about an hour and a half. The trails used are easy, but have uneven surfaces and some involve steps, so be sure to wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes and bring along water. A hat and sunscreen are also recommended.

Guided Nature Walk from the Kumeyaay Campground Entry Station Guided nature walks, led by Trail Guides start from the Kumeyaay Campground Entry Station on the 2nd and 4th Saturday of each month from 8:30 – 10:00 a.m.

Trail Guides choose from three trails:

1) On the Kumeyaay Lake walk, you are surrounded by cottonwood and sycamore trees growing along-side dense willow thickets, the habitat of the endangered Least Bell’s Vireo.

2) On the walk to Old Mission Dam, a registered historic site, you learn the story of San Diego’s early efforts to achieve a reliable water supply.

3) The Oak Canyon Trail takes you along a narrow streambed with seasonal waterfalls and colorful wildflowers.

Walks may incorporate a portion of the Grasslands Trail. These interpretive nature walks are offered to enhance your appreciation of our open space and the unique beauty of San Diego’s natural environment. The walks are free and open to the public, with no reservations required. Each walk lasts about an hour and a half. The trails used are easy, but have uneven surfaces and some involve steps, so be sure to wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes and bring along water. A hat and sunscreen are also recommended. Walk canceled if it is raining.

Wildlife Tracking Walk:
The first Saturday morning of each month from 8:30 – 10:30 join an MTRP Trail Guide and Tracking Team member for an adventure in wildlife tracking! Learn the art of discovering signs left behind by resident creatures during two fun-filled hours of “dirt time.” These free tracking walks meet out in front of the Visitor Center and are suitable for the whole family! Don’t forget to wear long pants, for kneeling down on your knees. Rain cancels the walk.

Astronomy:
Saturday, March 9, join MTRP Trail Guide and resident Star-Gazer, George Varga, at the far end of the Kumeyaay Campground’s Day Use Parking Lot, from 6 to 9 p.m. A telescope will be available to view the nighttime sky! In consideration of others, no lanterns or white-light flashlights near the telescope, please.

The Moon will be two days short of being New. Consequently it will not contribute to light pollution. Many open clusters in Auriga, Gemini and Canis Major will be up. The Orion Nebula will be to the west of the Meridian, the imaginary great circle that intersects with the North and South Celestial Poles and passes through the observer’s position. Jupiter will be in the Western sky.

The second Friday of each month from sunset to 10 p.m. join members of the San Diego Astronomy Association (SDAA) at the Kumeyaay Lake Campground Day Use Parking Lot for another opportunity to explore the universe through their telescopes.

Bird Watching:
Join Trail Guide and Birder Jeanne Raimond for a free adventure in bird watching on the 3rd Saturday of each month from 8-10 a.m. Link to events calendar for monthly location.

Join Trail Guide and Birder Winona Sollock for a free 90-minute class to learn 5 simple techniques for identifying birds in the field. You’ll also learn how to use a field guide, so bring one along if you have one. This free class meets the last Saturday of each month at 1 pm. in room “A” of the Visitor Center.

Art Classes: Children’s Art Classes with Nora Kearney-Johnson Nora’s Art Classes for children ages 5-12 are being offered from 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. at the Mission Trails Visitor Center. Each class is a different topic and children may take home their art project each week. All art supplies are included. Each class is just $15. Save $5 by registering for an entire month of classes in any given month. The dates for the classes and weekly topics are on the website. Link for additional information and registration forms.

Concerts:
The third Sunday of each month there is a free concert in the 93 seat Visitor Center Theater.

Art Exhibitions:
The Visitor Center has an excellent art gallery. Under the direction of Vicky DeLong, the Art Show Coordinator for the Mission Trails Regional Park Foundation, 10 individual or group shows are featured each year. Each exhibition is on display for one month. Link to the 2013 Art in the Park schedule. Each year we have an amateur photo contest, (entry deadline April 30) and the photos will be on display from May 4-31. Link to the amateur photo contest entry form.


Star Gazing	Red Tail Hawk	Children’s Art Classes

The Old Mission Dam, Camp Grounds, Hiking & Activity Areas

Old Mission Dam:
This man-made structure across the San Diego River is a California Historical Landmark, built by the Kumeyaay Indians was completed approximately 1817, under the supervision of the Spanish Padres to provide water for the Mission de Alcalá cropland downstream. Walk along the wheelchair accessible pathway and enjoy the touchable models of the dam and surrounding area, as well as the interpretive panels which discuss the history and habitat of this scenic location. The area is still popular as a picnic spot as it was 150 years ago and is great for bird watching and just relaxing.

Equestrian Staging Area:
FJST is actually the road you can drive/walk/or bicycle on through the park. When first built, it was the original Mission Gorge Road.

Hikers, joggers, equestrians, bicyclists, and all park visitors the park’s enjoy the entry facility at SR52 and Mast Boulevard. It is the best entrance to the Grasslands and the East Fortuna trail. It includes 18 pull-through spaces for equestrians, corrals, and separate parking for others. Picnic tables and barbeques are located throughout. The comfort station restrooms are open daily. Two areas are available for special events or for the cool down of horses after a good ride. Or just sit on a picnic bench and watch the hawks soar over San Diego’s Mission Trails park. This area is also the gateway to several trails including the Grasslands Loop Trail.

Kumeyaay Lake Campground:
Due to the City of San Diego’s budget restrictions, Kumeyaay Lake Campground is closed to overnight camping until further notice. The Campground sites are now available for Day Use only.

• Hikers and cyclists are welcome to walk into the Campground to utilize the picnic tables while
the park is open.
• The East Comfort Station restrooms will be available.
• No BBQs, grills, stoves or open fires are allowed.
• Existing BBQ grills in the day-use park log and at the adjacent amphitheater may be used.
• No overnight camping is allowed.
• Trash must be disposed of in the appropriate receptacles.

Lake Murray:
Murray Reservoir is located within the boundary of the City’s Mission Trails Regional Park. When full, the reservoir has 171.1 surface acres, a maximum water depth of 95 feet, and 3.2 shoreline miles. Murray Reservoir has a water storage capacity of 4,684.2 acre feet. Water levels are monitored weekly.

This lake is very popular for bicycling, jogging, walking, rollerblading, and picnicking. Patrons can walk on paved road only as far as the dam gate (approximately 3.2 miles) and then must return, making it a 6.4-mile round trip. There are 10 barbecues and 64 picnic tables located around the lake. Patrons can bring their own barbecues for use in designated areas only. No ground fires or glass containers are allowed. Dogs must be kept on a leash at all times and at least 50 feet away from the water. Dogs are not allowed on any boats. Smoking and alcohol are prohibited at Murray. Overnight camping is not allowed at Murray Reservoir.

They rent boats on a first come basis only, no reservations. They do have California state fishing licenses for sale. There is bait available – shiners, crawdads, nightcrawlers, meal worms and wax worms. Patrons can use credit cards for boat rentals and other purchases, but permits are cash only.

Fishing:
Murray is open for fishing, launching and general access seven days a week except for certain holidays. On days or times that the concession is closed patrons can purchase permits from the iron ranger boxes (envelope system) at the lake. The reservoir is stocked with Florida-strain largemouth bass, bluegill, channel catfish, black crappie and trout. Minimum size limit for bass is 12 inches. Fish limits are five trout, five bass, five catfish and 25 crappie and bluegill in aggregate, with no limit on other species. Anglers 16 years of age or older must have a California state fishing license. Fish catch information is updated weekly.

Watercraft In addition to fishing from boats, patrons can use float tubes, waders, or simply fish from shore. Use of float tubes is restricted to within 150 feet or less from shore. Float tubers must wear chest waders and have a Coast Guard approved personal flotation device readily available at all times, and have 144 square inches of international orange visible at least 12 inches above the water line. They must also possess a horn or whistle to warn approaching craft. Any float tube that uses oars or has a motor must purchase a private boat use permit.

Directions From Interstate 8: take Lake Murray Boulevard exit, turn right onto Lake Murray Boulevard, and turn left on Kiowa Drive, which leads to the reservoir entrance.

Hiking & Bicycling:
There are 40 miles of trails to explore and enjoy and many are accessible to mountain bikes. It is recommended you have proper shoes, an adequate supply of water, a cell phone, and during the warm days, a hat and wear sunscreen anytime you are hiking in the park. There is an interactive trail map accessible on the Mission Trails website. This Link takes you directly to the interactive trail map for the entire park. Move your cursor over any of the trails and additional information will pop up with information about distance, level of difficulty, and if is hiking only, mountain biking only, or a multi-use trail. Stay on the designated trails at all times.

There are five primary peaks in Mission Trails: South Fortuna, North Fortuna, Pyles Peak, Kwaay Paay, and Cowles Mountain. The top of Cowles Mountain is the highest geographical point in the city of San Diego at 1,592 feet.

Hiking Categories
1 = Easy, mostly level or gradual inclines
2 = Okay for beginners in good physical condition
3 = Moderate, may require climbing over rocks and/or fairly steep inclines
4 = Difficult, for hikers/bikers with good stamina, involves extended climbs
5 = Very challenging, for experienced hikers/bikers in excellent physical condition only

Primary Hiking Trails at Mission Trails Regional Park:

Mission Gorge Region
Visitor Center Loop Trail (Category 2) 1.4 miles roundtrip.
Father Junipero Serra Trail (Category 1) 1.8 miles each way
Oak Grove Loop Trail (Category 1) 1.0 miles round trip
Oak Canyon Trail (Category 3) 1.7 miles each way
Climbers Loop Trail (Category 5) 1.0 miles roundtrip
BMX Loop (Category 2) 1.1 miles roundtrip
Kwaay Paay -from Old Mission Dam – (Category 5) 1.0 miles each way

Cowles Mountain Region
Climbers Loop Trail (Category 5) 1.2 miles each way. Bring your camera.
Cowles Mountain from Golfcrest & Navajo (Category 5) 1.5 miles each way
Cowles Mountain from Barker Way (via the service road) (Category 4) 1.6 miles
Cowles Mountain from Big Rock Park in Santee (Category 5) 2.5 miles each way
Cowles Mountain from Mesa Road in Santee (Category 5) 2.1 miles each way
Cowles Mountain Summit to Pyles Peak (Category 5) 1.5+ miles each way

West Fortuna Region
Fortuna Saddle from Visitor Center (Category 5) 2.7 Miles each way
Fortuna Saddle from Clairemont Mesa Blvd. (Category 4) 1.8 miles each way
Suycott Wash/S. Fortuna Mountain (Category 5) 1.2+ miles each way
North/S. Fortuna Mtn. Loop from the Saddle (Category 5) 4.1+ miles each way
Rim Trail Loop from Clairemont Mesa Blvd. (Category 3-4) 3.1 miles roundtrip
Quarry Loop Trail from Clairemont Mesa Blvd. (Category 2) 2.1 miles roundtrip
Shepherd Pond from Clairemont Blvd. (Category 3) 2.3 miles each way

East Fortuna Region
Grasslands Loop (Category 1) 1.2 miles roundtrip
N. Fortuna via Grasslands Crossing (Category 5) 3.0 miles
Fortuna Saddle from Mast Blvd. (Category 5) 2.4 miles each way
Kumeyaay Lake Trail (Category 1) 1.0 miles each way
Fortuna Mtn. Loop from Grasslands Crossing (Category 5) 7.1 miles roundtrip

Lake Murray Region
Lake Murray Hiking/Biking Path (Category 1) 3.2 miles each way


Old Mission Dam	Equestrian Staging Area	Mule Deer

Kumeyaay Lake

Kumeyaay Lake is adjacent to the Kumeyaay Lake Campground. From the parking area, walk north toward the lakeshore, past restrooms and picnic areas, where short paths lead either left or right. Interpretive signs here depict many of the bird varieties that can be found around the lake area, including the California blue-gray gnatcatcher, the common raven, the wrentit, California quail, the great blue heron, the great egret, mallard, American coot, great horned owl, Anna’s hummingbird, western scrub jay, red-winged black bird, black phoebe, California towhee, acorn woodpeckers, and the least Bell’s vireo. Also watch for birds of prey, including the osprey, white-tailed kite, American kestrel, red-shouldered hawk, Cooper’s hawk, sharp-shinned hawk, and the red-tailed hawk. The sounds of birds and running water are joined in the late afternoon with the sounds of crickets and bullfrogs. Waterfowl glide across the lake surface, making hypnotic kinetic ripples.

The trail to the left (or west) crosses over a cement bridge that allows water from the San Diego River to flow into the lake. Just beyond are a small amphitheater and a replica of a Kumeyaay ‘ewaa, a hut made from the branches of willows. Slightly further is the locked gate, beyond which there is no entry. However, just to the south of the gate is a 0.1 mile shaded trail that leads to a view from the center of the lake. Shade trees around the lake include cottonwoods, sycamores, willows, and mule fat. From this point, retrace your steps back to the interpretive signs, which completes one mile. For a second mile, explore the route to the right (or east) until you reach the second locked gate on the north side of the lake.

Plants that may be in bloom include the yellow Hooker’s evening primrose, the pink California wild rose, whitish-pink California buckwheat, a golden prickly pear, the white blooming yerba mansa (or lizard tail), yellow dandelions and mustard, and pink thistles. Also look for curly dock, white-blooming ceanothus and jimsonweed, horehound, and tree tobacco.
Signs around the lake indicate sensitive habitat. Bicycles are allowed only on paved roads and not on the paths around the lake. Fishing is allowed as well as dogs on leashes.


Kumeyaay Lake	Mountain Biking	California Poppy

Kogi BBQ: Best Korean Barbecue in San Diego

Posted February 18, 2013 by Barry Berndes

Kogi Korean Barbecue Restaurant, 5447 Kearny Villa Rd., Kearny Mesa (858-505-0611). Open Mon. thru Thurs. 5 p.m. –12 am or 1 a.m. depending on the number of diners. Fri., Sat. & Sun. the restaurant opens at 5 p.m. and closes at midnight or 1 a.m. depending of the numbers of diners. ($30– $50) witgh late night dinner specials.

Kogi Korean Barbecue Restaurant is a long standing leader for outstanding Korean Barbecue in the Kearny Mesa Asian Food District in all of San Diego County. Once you’re seated, you will be swept away by the same authentic atmosphere of dining in a cool, upbeat barbecue style bistro overlooking the Han River in the capitol city of Seoul, Korea.

But instead of being thousands of miles away in Seoul, Korea, it’s freeway close from anywhere in San Diego! Yes, this authentic Korean-style barbecue restaurant is ideally located just off of the 163 Freeway near the Clairemont Mesa Boulevard exit. You can actually see the restaurant from the freeway when looking east towards Kearny Villa Road. Yes, you are in for a wonderful meal at Kogi Korean Barbecue Restaurant, offering the most authentic Korean barbecue entrees in town.

You’ll love the eye-catching streaming videos being aired from three strategic locations. A quick look around, and you’ll realize that the restaurant is filled with happy, chatting couples as well as large groups of people dining and laughing. There is no doubt about it; this is a cool place to enjoy the best tasting Korean Barbecue food in town.

The owners are passionate about their food, service and atmosphere, which is as authentic as you can get. It’s fun eating here with friends and sitting around eating family style. Every booth includes their own circular barbecue stove for authentic preparation of your food at your table. So order a Kirin beer and sit back and enjoy your hot sizzling entrees.

A great beginning is to order a tasty appetizer such as a tantalizing appetizer called corn cheese. It consists of kernels of yellow corn smothered in cheese. It’s hummm good! Be sure to try it. Also excellent is the black muscle soup, which can be a meal in itself.

Over 15 delicious entrees are offered along with lots of appetizers and soups. Entrees include beef, chicken, pork, fish and shrimp.

Two top rated entrees that rival one another for the best tasting meals in town are the short ribs, which are best when cooked at your table on your own table grill, and their delicious Bulgogi barbecue entrée. This second entrée is served with sautéed onions, scallions and mushrooms in a savory beef broth. The Bulgogi was so excellent that this reviewer took a second order home.

These two savory styles of cooking Korean barbecue are reason enough for you to dine here. And most first timers quickly become regulars for both sit down and to-go orders. Also extremely popular are their barbecue chicken and the jumbo shrimp.

Beer lovers will be pleased with the good selection of oriental beers including Kirin, Sapporo and Hite beers served on tap. They also offer a good selection of sake and oriental cocktails.

The beginning of every meal begins with their savory complimentary house appetizer platter consisting of dabs of tantalizing zucchini, bean sprouts, broccoli topped with a spicy sauce, potatoes and savory fish strips as well as a to-die-for sensational egg soup, best described as an egg soufflé, that is good to the last bite. The egg soup is so good that it would be great to find out how to prepare this treat at home! This reviewer has never tasted anything quite so good as the egg soup with its soufflé texture.

This restaurant is an excellent recommendation for a table for two or dining with a group of friends. Unfortunately they do not offer any dessert at this time, but you definitely won’t go home hungry. Beer and wine.

Food to go. Banquets and Catering. Credit cards: AE, DISC, MC, VISA.

Piatti is La Jolla’s Best Italian Restaurant

Posted February 12, 2013 by Barry Berndes

Piatti is nestled in the unique La Jolla Shores neighborhood with an inviting and comfortable atmosphere. Their light and airy interior décor features an exhibition kitchen and full service bar. Outside, they offer two tree-covered patios – perfect for a private event or al fresco dining. Piatti’s Executive Chef, Pepe Ccapatinta, has developed their menu with recipes from all over Italy.

Piatti restaurants are gathering places where friends, family and neighbors eat, drink and socialize while enjoying the sense of community found in Italy’s everpopular trattorias. Since their founding in 1987, Piatti ensures that each location is a unique experience, suited to its surrounding. Piatti managers and chefs are encouraged to personalize their spaces and menus to meet the needs and desires of their customers and staff. Like their European inspirations, the Piatti restaurants are intended to be part of the community.

Executive Chef, Pepe Ccapatinta, has created their menu for over 20 years with recipes from all over Italy, their consistent kitchen is a result of his knowledge and experience. The restaurant also offers a full service bar as well as an extensive wine list. The restaurant also features open, exhibition kitchens and stone hearth pizza ovens reflect the warm charm and welcoming atmosphere of a traditional Italian trattoria.

Popular are their seasonally-inspired lunch and dinner menus, which also feature many vegetarian, gluten-free and kid-friendly menus, as well as special happy hours and enticing bar menus.

Piatti is a perfect venue for your private events and celebrations and each location boasts a dedicated event coordinator who will work with you to put together an unforgettable event.

Piatti Offers Excellent Banquet & Catering in La Jolla
Piatti offers both on-site banquet opportunities and off-site catering. Regardless of where you hold your event, you can rest assured that they’ll take care of every last detail so that you have the most unforgettable event imaginable.

Piatti Offers Several on-site Banquet Locations
Indoor Banquet Space: The indoor garden room is available for parties up to 40 guests and is ideal for birthday parties, bridal and baby showers, as well as corporate events. It overlooks the patio and the garden courtyard in front of the restaurant. They are also able to section off the indoor garden room to accommodate smaller parties up to 16.

The Patio: A heated, open-air patio can accommodate seating for 75 guests. The outdoor patio, covered by a landmark Ficus tree, is perfect for rehearsal dinners, small wedding ceremonies, and receptions. During the day, the patio is bright and beautiful, and at night, the tree lights up and creates an amazing atmosphere.

Catering: Piatti also offers catering in your home, office, or at a rented venue. In order to make your offsite event as stress-free as possible, they take care of all rentals and staffing needed to create a memorable event.

For more information call the restaurant and ask for a manager at (858) 454-1589, or send an email to kavedesian@piatti.com

Bright Valley Farms Horseback Riding

Posted January 29, 2013 by Barry Berndes

Bright Valley Farms has been in business for over 50 years and is located just minutes from Downtown San Diego. At Bright Valley Farms you’ll find over 52,000 acres of prime horseback riding trails with access to thousands of miles more for your horseback riding enjoyment. If you enjoy trail horseback riding then this is the place for you.

Horseback Riding & Guided Trail Rides

Bright Valley Farms maintain the best rental stables in San Diego County, if not the Nation. They have an excellent safety record mainly due to the breeding, raising and training their own stock for the rental stables. At Bright Valley Farms they offer guided horseback trail rides for all levels. All trail rides go out with an experienced guide for your comfort and safety and their horses are trained to accommodate all riding levels from beginner to the most experienced rider. Western Trail Rides start at $40 per hour – $50 for 1 1/2 hours – $60 for 2 hours and Pony rides are $20 per 1/2 hour.

Due to insurance the minimum age for riders is 7 years old and they do not allow riding double. 190 lbs. is the maximum weight limit. Over 190 lb-rider must use a draft horse for an additional $10 Bright Valley Farms brings you the fullest most rewarding experience in all your equine activities from horseback riding, lessons by experienced instructors to boarding and care for your horse at their excellent facility. Bright Valley Farms founded the Armour School of Riding and has helped thousands of students learn how to ride. Some of their past students have gone on to the Olympics and have become distinguished trainers.

Riding Lessons

Bright Valley Farms offer riding lessons for the beginner, intermediate and advanced riders. Their experienced instructors teach both English and Western styles of riding. Lesson Rates begin a $60 per hour for private lessons or $50 per hour for groups.
Please call (619)-670-1861 to schedule an appointment with an instructor.

Horse Boarding

At Bright Valley Farms you’ll find excellent boarding facilities. The amenities include your choice of pastures or corrals, 5 rings to work your horses’ including a 650 foot lighted ring with sand footing. They also offer low cost tack and horse trailer storage for borders along with access to thousands of miles of prime riding trails. Come on out and visit the ranch. Enjoy guided horseback riding with our horses or you can bring your own horse to ride for the day and enjoy access to thousands of acres of prime riding trails.

China Max is the Critics’ Choice for Sensational Dim Sum and Cantonese Cuisine in San Diego

Posted January 23, 2013 by Barry Berndes

China Max is the Critic’s Choice for the Best Chinese Cuisine in San Diego. Bar None! Delicious tasting Cantonese cuisine is the house specialty at China Max Restaurant (1), and it’s the best in town. In fact, China Max Restaurant has received rave reviews from the San Diego Union Tribune to go along with their other awards of high acclaim. Its white walls, neon lighting and white linen tablecloths accent its classy appearance.

Also enhancing your dining experience at China Max Restaurant is the attentive service, which often includes the owner/chef himself bringing hot, sizzling platters right to your table. Featured at China Max Restaurant are not one but two menus with a wide variety of tantalizing entrées including sensational house specialties. An appetizer that is second to none is the large crabcakes.

An excellent entrée is the savory pan-fried lamb chops topped with a spicy black pepper sauce. Now these lamb chops have international recognition as they recently were awarded a gold medal at the World Championship of Chinese Cuisine. Everything is so good you almost can’t stop eating. A nice conclusion to a memorable meal is their mango pudding. China Max Restaurant stands head and shoulders above any other restaurant in the category of Cantonese cuisine. It has truly attained greatness! You owe it to yourself to dine here often. Great for banquets up to 150.

China Max also serves Dim Sum daily till 3 p.m. Daily lunch specials ($8.50), excluding holidays. China Max was also Voted “Best Chinese” by Channel 10 News A-List for 2007-2011 and “Best Takeout” and “Best Chinese”by San Diego Magazine and Zagat “Best Chinese Restaurant” 2008-2012.

Iron Fist Brewing Company is in Vista

Posted February 22, 2012 by Barry Berndes

Iron Fist Brewery — Iron Fist Brewing Company serves the best beer in Vista.

Iron Fist Brewing Company is a family owned brewery located in Vista, California, smack-dab in the middle of the exciting San Diego craft beer scene. Our passion for the best hand crafted beer prompted us to make a lot of it. However, we quickly realized we were making a bit more than we could drink ourselves, so we decided to sell whatever we don’t drink to you. So do yourself a favor; start a little revolution. It’s ok. We won’t tell on you. Put the 500 pack of light lager back with all its buddies and rule your taste with an Iron Fist!

Home Brew Mart is the Local Source To Make Your Own Beer at Home

Posted February 22, 2012 by Barry Berndes

Home Brew Mart has been serving brewers world-wide for 20 years now. From simple starter kits, to advanced all grain brewing systems, they have everything you need to brew the beer you want. Their extensive inventory includes a wide variety of ingredients and equipment and kegging supplies. They also have a friendly and knowledgeable staff to back up our products.

Hess Brewing is San Diego's First Nano-Brewery With Small Hand-Crafted Batches of Beer

Posted February 22, 2012 by Barry Berndes

Hess Brewing has the distinction of being San Diego’s first licensed nano-brewery. Nano, as in small, not Nanu, Mork’s signoff. We truly brew in small hand-crafted batches, 1.6 barrels at a time (that’s just 50 gallons each batch). Stop by their tasting room and taste it for yourselves. Great Beer. No Exceptions. No Excuses.

Tasting room hours:
Wednesdays 2pm-7pm Thursdays 2pm-7pm Fridays 2pm-8pm. Saturdays 1pm-5pm. Groups of 5 or more—you call it and we’ll be there. Call 619.786.HESS (4377) to schedule.

Coronado Brewing Company is Coronado's Premier Microbrewery & Restaurant

Posted February 22, 2012 by Barry Berndes

Sandiegan.com beer — Coronado Brewery a local favorite amongst dog owners, who bring their et.

Coronado Brewing Company produces handcrafted beers and delicious food in a casual family environment. Join them for a refreshing pint wanyhile they make you one of their signature pizzas or calzones in the wood fired oven, or choose from a wide selection of fresh seafood, steaks, pastas and dining specials.

Coronado Brewing Company is perfect for a quick lunch, a relaxing beverage or a wonderful dinner. If you’re a sports fan come relax with a cold beer and an appetizer while watching your favorite team on one of the many HD TV’s. Open 7 days a week from 10:30 am (until closing) & offering a weekly happy hour (M-F) from (2-6pm).

Since it’s founding, Coronado Brewing Company has expanded into becoming a very successful micro-brewing manufacturer selling their bottled beer nationally. Thus, you can find this superior brand in liquor stores, super markets and restaurants nationwide.

Coronado Brewing Company has also added a brewery and beer tasting venue in Bay Park serving their latest creations and freshly baked pizza inside the brewery and outdoors on their inviting patio. If you own a dog, as must customers do, then bring them with you to enjoy a snack while you sit your beer.

You can also purchase their freshly brewer beer by the case at their local brewery at a wholesale price. Being such an outstanding beer, Coronado Brewed been has become a local, region al and national favorite. And as you might suspect they have won their fair share of national and international blue ribbons.

SanDiegan.com also offers a DIY brewery tour with three maps and, of, course, current brews of Coronado Brewery are featured. Be sure. to take this informative city tour of the top 3 breweries in America. They are Stone Brewery, Coronado Brewery and Ballast point brewery. These world reknowned breweries have multiple locations in San Diego.

San Marcos Brewery & Grill Produces Handcrafted Ales On-site Fresh From the Tap

Posted February 22, 2012 by Barry Berndes

San Marcos Brewery & Grill is a full service restaurant specializing in ‘American Grill’ classics, from Steaks, Pasta, Seafood, Burgers, Sandwiches and Salads. They offer a traditional appetizer menu that includes; potato skins, Fried Calamari, Chicken Fingers and our world famous Hot Wings.

They produce only the finest ‘handcrafted ales’ from their on-premise micro-brewery & serve each glass fresh from the tap. Their selection of ales include: California Pale, Red Amber, Golden Premium, Honey Ale and Unfiltered Wheat. Our Old English Ale and Oatmeal Stout are dispensed through a traditional hand pump creating a distinct similarity to an authentic English Ale.

San Diego Brewing Company Has Been Brewing Since 1896 as San Diego's Oldest Local Brewery

Posted February 22, 2012 by Barry Berndes

The original manufacturing facility known as San Diego Brewing Company opened in 1896 with much fanfare. A. E. Horton, the father of San Diego, referred to the Brewery as the most important industrial enterprise since he founded the town. It was the largest manufacturing enterprise in the county.

The brew house held a 25 horse power engine which operated the elevator, barley mill, mash tun and other apparatus. The mash tun could easily give shelter to twenty five men! The brewery’s fermenting cellar was filled with great tanks full of amber fluid, foaming and sparkling. The capacity of the plant was 75,000 barrels.

San Diego Brewing Company delivered their product to all parts of the city and county in bottles or in barrels. Their beers were said to “sparkle like nectar”. Sadly the company was removed from 32nd Street by the Navy in 1942 and replaced by a base for the Pacific Fleet.

Today the new San Diego Brewing Company hopes to carry on the tradition that was started so long ago. Along with an assortment of fresh beers brewed on the premises, San Diego Brewing Company offers fifty taps of beer every day, providing a brew to satisfy each and everyone. San Diego Brewing Company is currently located in a strip mall behind Coco’s, just east of Qualcomm Stadium where Friars Road and Mission Gorge meet.

Sunday
Sunday is a Football Superfest! With Direct TV’s Sunday Ticket you will be able to watch all your favorite teams no matter where you come from. We show every game, every week (unless the NFL gets cranky and blacks out a game). We have the NFL Network for when you can’t get a game at home. We open at 9 am (get here early for the best seats) and serve breakfast and $3 Bloody Marys, Mimosas and Screwdrivers from 9 am until 1 pm with our regular menu available all day. If you missed a game or just want to see a replay of a favorite we show the replays all commercial free available until 4 pm on Tuesdays.

Monday
Monday Night Football is brought to you by the number 3! During game-time enjoy $3 Select House and Select Domestic Drafts, $3 House Wine and Well Drinks and $3 Food Specials until the end of the game. With 21 TV screens there isn’t a bad seat in the house!

Wednesday Night
If you like wings, you’ll love Wing Night! Special pricing on all our wings (Hot, BBQ, Teriyaki and Suicide) from 7pm until 10pm. Bring your appetite because this is THE place for great wings.

Saturday
Love College Football? Saturday is the day for college games all day long. We show most of the games and our viewing package includes the Big Ten Network, ESPN Gameplan, Fox Sports, The MTN, CBS College Sports, ESPNU, Versus and of course ESPN and ESPN 2. If you want to find out if a game is being shown, don’t hesitate to give us a call. Open at 9 am with breakfast and $3 Bloody Marys, Mimosas and Screwdrivers until 1pm with the regular menu available all day.

The Lost Abbey Offers Inspired Beer for Sinners & Saints Alike

Posted February 22, 2012 by Barry Berndes

The Lost Abbey and Port Brewing are both brands of Port Brewing Company. Like Chevrolet and Cadillac, or Taco Bell and KFC, both are produced by the same company, but targeted for different markets. Their American / West Coast-style beers (Wipeout, Old Viscosity, Shark Attack, etc.) are package in 22 ounce bottles and released under the Port Brewing label. Our Belgian-inspired and premium beers (Avant Garde, Judgment Day, most of the barrel releases, etc.) are packaged in 375ml or 750ml corked bottles and released under the Lost Abbey label. Either way, they’re all produced in the same brewery by the same staff.

Their tasting room and it’s 20-plus taps not only offer the freshest of Port Brewing and The Lost Abbey Beers, but they also have a full selection of their regular bottled releases and a number of barrel-aged prizes available for purchase. And if you’re into cellared rarities, you’ll find that our vintage bottle list reads like a Christmas wish list for just about every beer aficionado in the world.

Click a link to find out what’s currently available in the Tasting Room: Currently On Tap.

Port Brewing Company Offers Extraordinary Beers From Remarkable People

Posted February 22, 2012 by Barry Berndes

The Lost Abbey and Port Brewing are both brands of Port Brewing Company. Like Chevrolet and Cadillac, or Taco Bell and KFC, both are produced by the same company, but targeted for different markets. Their American / West Coast-style beers (Wipeout, Old Viscosity, Shark Attack, etc.) are package in 22 ounce bottles and released under the Port Brewing label. Our Belgian-inspired and premium beers (Avant Garde, Judgment Day, most of the barrel releases, etc.) are packaged in 375ml or 750ml corked bottles and released under the Lost Abbey label. Either way, they’re all produced in the same brewery by the same staff.

Their tasting room and it’s 20-plus taps not only offer the freshest of Port Brewing and The Lost Abbey Beers, but they also have a full selection of their regular bottled releases and a number of barrel-aged prizes available for purchase. And if you’re into cellared rarities, you’ll find that our vintage bottle list reads like a Christmas wish list for just about every beer aficionado in the world.

Click a link to find out what’s currently available in the Tasting Room: Currently On Tap.

San Diego Beer Company is a Locally Owned Restaurant & Brewery serving Good Craft Beers

Posted February 22, 2012 by Barry Berndes

San Diego Beer Company is at 10450 Friars Rd. (619-284-2739) near the historic Mission San Diego de Alcala Mission. They offer dine-in, curbside takeaway and delivery. Open Tuesday 3-8, Wed and Thursday 3 -9 m; Fri. & Sat noon 9 and closed Monday.

iThis family friendly restaurant and brewery is locally owned and a San Diego original. Their hand crafted brews have fresh ingredients and a great, rich taste. Being in a brewery, both your meal and hand crafted beer are created from scratch in the brewery, just feet away from where you’ll enjoy your delicious meal. Being family owned, they are also family friendly. If you appreciate quality, you’ll love The San Diego Beer Company.

Ballast Point Brewing Company Was Born Straight From the San Diego Home Brewer’s Back Yard

Posted February 22, 2012 by Barry Berndes

It all began with a home brewer’s humble dream. During his college years, young Jack White developed a taste for beer. After graduation, he decided it was time to explore more interesting beer than he could find in the store, or at a keg party, for that matter. So, he began home brewing in his back yard. He got good at it, and quickly realized it wasn’t that easy to get his hands on the various supplies and ingredients he wanted—nor did he have people to trade brewing ideas with.

He needed a place to get great ingredients. So, one rare sunny day in San Diego in 1992, Jack opened Home Brew Mart: A home brewer’s nirvana filled with the supplies, ingredients, and conversation every home brewer needed to make better beer at home.

Home Brew Mart thrived and soon Jack was joined by Yuseff—a fellow home brewer with a similar dream—and home brewing awards, to boot. Together, they moved the brewery from Jack’s yard to the back room of Home Brew Mart, and opened Ballast Point Brewing.

In 1996, Ballast Point Brewing was born. Naming the beers was easy—Yuseff loves fishing, and he and Jack both love beer. So they brought the two together and started naming their beers after fish. After all, regular guys doing what they love—that’s what this was all about. Today, the beer labels still have fish on them as an homage to the brewery’s origins and as a reminder to always do what you love.

As customers began tasting Jack and Yuseff’s back room brews, they wanted more. So they bought the beer. A lot of it. By 2004, Ballast Point had outgrown its back room location and was going to have to move to keep up with demand.

Demand increased, so Ballast Point continued to grow! Home Brew Mart remained in its original location, serving home brewers and their beer dreams, alike. It turned out that Home Brew Mart was not only the perfect grounds for cultivating new beers, but also relationships with beer lovers who would eventually become employees, each one crucial to the brewing process and end product.

Almost 15 years after its inception, Ballast Point Brewing’s dedicated team of craftsmen (and women) is still innovating, trying new methods and ingredients, and working constantly to increase capacity to try to meet demand. More than anything, they are staying true to Jack’s dream, and their own: Real beer lovers making real good beer.

Tasting Room
Monday-Saturday, 11:00-9:00
Sunday, 11:00-6:00

Tour Times
12:00pm / 2:00pm / 5:00pm

Back Street Brewery and Their Lampost Restaurant Serve Great Pizza and Local Craft Beer

Posted February 22, 2012 by Barry Berndes

This neighborhood brewpub bring together Lamppost Pizza’s award winning pizza with the freshest handcrafted ales and lagers. The brewmasters use traditional brewing methods along with the finest imported ingredients available. They brew our beers in small batches to ensure freshness and quality. Although their methods are more expensive, they believe this process creates the best tasting beer.

As a brewpub, Back Street Brewery allows their brewmasters more freedom to brew a variety of styles, and we have a constantly rotating variety of beers on tap. Each brewmaster creates four to seven variety beers, while keeping four favorite, constant brews always on tap

The menu focuses on pizza made with the finest ingredients and an expanded menu of pastas, sandwiches, and appetizers to please the palates of all ages.
Established in May 1976 by Tom and Dan Barro, along with their father, Angelo, Lamppost Pizza has grown from three individual establishments to a successful chain of thirty restaurants operating in several California counties and Nevada. Direct management of the company continues under Tom and Dan. Innovative, creative, disciplined grass roots marketing with superior products, friendly, neighborhood service, and a fun, family oriented atmosphere fuel Lamppost’s success.
Our pizza product ranges from the basic pizza with your choice of toppings to a more sophisticated specialty product pioneered by Lamppost in the early 1980’s.

Aztec Brewing Company is a Local Favorite

Posted February 22, 2012 by Barry Berndes

Aztec Brewery is a local craft beer favorite.

The original Aztec Brewery, 2330 La Mirada Dr. Vista (760-598-7720). Hours: Thurs. 3-10, Friday 3-10, Sat 1-10, Sun 6-9, Monday 5-9, CLOSED Tuesday & Wednesday. This brewery was established in Mexico during Prohibition. When Prohibition ended, the brewery was moved to San Diego. It became known as ABC – Aztec Brewing Company. In 1953 the brewery was purchased by a competitor from the midwest. The brand was later retired and disappeared from San Diego until 2008..

In 2008, John Webster discovered the brand and began bringing it back to life with his partner, Claudia Faulk. In 2010 they joined forces with brewer Rob Esposito. A year later they opened a small production brewery with tap room in Vista, California.

The current Aztec Brewing Company specializes in California-style beers and ales. They use the finest barley and wheat malts and fresh hops to produce their tasty beers. Come in and learn more about the Aztec Story and try the Cervezas Especiales.

Aztec Brewing uses choice malts and high quality hops. It costs more but you’ll agree it’s worth it. They want you to be able to savor the flavor before you taste it. Their selection of beers range in flavors mild to strong. The alcohol levels vary too. From a good kick back beer, to a beer that will kick you back. Give this well established and historic brewery a visit. Aztec Beer is a local favorite.

I

The Firehouse Brewing Company is a San Diego Favorite

Posted February 22, 2012 by Barry Berndes

The Firehouse Brewing Company offers many hand made craft beers and is under new ownership in 2012, so look for many new exciting advancements.

Firehouse American Pale Ale, “Best Beer” by San Diego City Beat 08′
A delightful example of the classic American Pale Ale style. It has a deep amber color and full bodied complex character with no after taste. The fragrant bouquet and spicy flavor are the results of the generous use of the best cascade hops.

Firehouse Hefeweizen
A light and refreshing unfiltered wheat beer with superb cloudiness, offering a hint of tropical fruit and delectable banana notes. Refreshingly Light!

Firehouse India Pale Ale
Standing at 4.5 lbs of hops per barrel, the Firehouse IPA has a moderately high hop aroma with floral, earthy and citrus nature. It has a light copper appearance with a moderate hop bitterness. This crisp IPA is hoppy with no lingering aftertaste giving it perfect drinkability.

Leatherhead Brown Ale
Our brown ale is a perfect compliment to any meal. It’s smooth flavor and moderate mouth feel has a smoky nut flavor and finishes with just the right amount of caramel.

Alpine Beer Company is a Popular Brewery in East San Diego County

Posted February 22, 2012 by Barry Berndes

Alpine Beer Company opened its doors in the fall of 2002. There are approximately eight to ten beers on tap at the brewery. These are available for purchase on site in growlers, but must be enjoyed elsewhere. Because of the small size of the operation, demand can exceed supply at times. They have a seven flavors we make regularly, and seasonal specials that come and go.

The brewery went through an expansion starting in late 2008 and became operational in mid 2009. Four double sized fermentors were installed in an old garage behind the current brewery. A cold box was erected adjacent to the garage and a bottling machine with a nice labeler are housed there too. There is a small barrel shed on the shady, north side of the garage.

A pub opened in early 2010 on the far side of the same building the brewery is in. Eventually, the goal is to have a small beer garden outside the pub.

Alesmith Brewing Company is One of San Diego's Most Popular Award-Winning Craft Brewers

Posted February 22, 2012 by Barry Berndes

AleSmith Brewing Company is one of San Diego’s premier craft breweries. They are known for creating award-winning, hand-forged ales that are anything but ordinary.

Forged in 1995, AleSmith is an artisan microbrewery that specializes in handcrafted ales in a variety of styles. Deeply rooted in the amateur and craft brewing communities, AleSmith ales have continued to garner national and international awards and acclaim, as well as a loyal and rabid following among beer enthusiast

Founder Peter Zien is an accomplished and highly decorated homebrewer who “always wanted to own a brewery.” Since he began brewing in 1995, his beers have earned over 400 medals and honors. In addition, he is San Diego County’s only BJCP (Beer Judge Certification Program) “Grand Master” Level One Beer Judge, one of their highest ratings.

Airdale Brewing Company Embodies a Passion for Aviation and a Love of Great Craft Beer

Posted February 22, 2012 by Barry Berndes

Airdale Brewing Company is a quality-driven company, producing premium beer for world-class clientele. Operated by Tony Clarke and David Lusk, Airdale Brewing strives to bring quality beer to those who choose to work hard and play hard!

Founded in 2008, Airdale Brewing Company embodies a passion for aviation, and a love of great beer. Behind its founders backgrounds in aviation and craft brewing, Airdale Brewing Company strives to produce quality-handcrafted ales worthy of those aviation pioneers who take to the skies &

All Airdale ales are brewed with the same handcrafted quality that only a true artisan brewer could achieve. They use only the finest malts and hops available, paired with truly premium yeast strains and water tailor-conditioned for each specific beer style.

San Diego provides the perfect backdrop for Airdale Brewing Company. With the best aviation weather in the country and over 30 local microbreweries and brewpubs located here, we are privileged to have some of the best flying and craft beer in the country.

Pizza Port is famous for its Craft Beer & Delicious Pizza served Family-Style on Indoor Picnic Tables

Posted February 22, 2012 by Barry Berndes

Pizza Port is home to Pizza and local crafted beers. This is where it all began nearly 25 years ago. Even though it’s the smallest of the Pizza Ports, Solana Beach is the one with the most history (and some would say “character”). The brew system is tiny compared to those of its Pizza Port siblings, but it’s been used to brew more magic than all the others combined (Solana Beach was GABF Small BrewPub of the year in 2003 and 2004, and many of the Pizza Port staple beers began here).

Naturally, Solana Beach is a favorite with the locals and most days you’ll find it crowded eclectic mix of families, surf rats and craft beer geeks enjoying the grub and grog in its original setting. On weekends and during the summer it’s not unusual to see people spilling out the door and onto the sidewalk patio enjoying a pint and a pizza while watching the world go by on the Coast Highway.

Local’s Tip: Solana Beach’s brewhouse is actually sunk into the floor. If you take a seat to the right of the taps on brew days you’ll get a bird’s eye view of the brewers in action.

Hours and prices may vary slightly, but the same theme flows through all of their locations that this is the fun place for beer and pizza.

Hours vary but most open at 11 am and close at 9 p.m. during the week and are open till 10 p.m. on the weekends

Credit cards: DISC, MC, VISA.

Carlsbad
571 Carlsbad Village
Carlsbad, CA 92008
(760) 720-7007

Bressi Ranch 2730 Gateway Rd

Imperial Beach 683 Imperial Beach Blvd

San Clemente 301 N. Clemente St.

Solana Beach
1956 Bacon St.
Ocean Beach, CA 92107
(619) 224-4700

Ocean Beach
135 N. Highway 101
Solana Beach, CA 92075
(858) 481-7332

Pacific Beach AleHouse is a Popular Destination in PB For Great Craft Beer and Delicious Cuisine

Posted February 22, 2012 by Barry Berndes

With their handcrafted beer, eclectic menu, friendly service, and a lodge-like ambiance, Pacific Beach AleHouse is anything but ordinary. Whether you’re looking for a great place to spend an afternoon, kick off your evening, or linger long into the night, Pacific Beach AleHouse is the perfect destination.

They offer a wide variety of savory handcrafted burgers, pizzas and fresh cut fries. Their diverse menu also includes BBQ Grilled Salmon with Mango Salsa, Lobster Mac & Cheese, and Blackened Chicken Pasta. The PB ale House brews eight signature beers on location, and they also use their own brews in many of the dressings, sauces, batters… and desserts.

The restaurant features three separate dining areas, each with its own unique atmosphere. You can sip a cool refreshing beer on the outdoor deck while enjoying unparalleled views of Crystal Pier and the Pacific Ocean, or you can cozy up to the fire pit on the patio. Inside you can relax with your friends on a comfortable couch or a large booth adjacent to the microbrewery. No matter where you choose to dine, you can catch the game on one of the 18 high-def flat-screen, or catch up on e-mail using our free WiFi.

Consider making it an evening to remember by reserving their Brewer’s Table, which can seat up to 25 guests.

Oggi’s Pizza & Brewing Company is Popular for Their Delicious Pizza & Beer

Posted February 22, 2012 by Barry Berndes

Oggi’s was created by two brothers, George and John Hadjis, who began serving up their own pizzeria experience in August of 1991. After more than 20 combined years working in the technology industry George and John opened their first restaurant in Del Mar, California. Throughout the years, the restaurant concept evolved from a pizzeria style to a sports themed restaurant with many televisions, the addition of delivery followed by the evolution into the brewing industry.

In 1995 micro brewed beer was exploding onto the scene and everyone agreed that a micro-brewery would be a perfect complement to the existing restaurant concept. The concept expansion was a natural fit; it blended perfectly with our main product (pizza), as well as the established sports theme in the restaurant. Adding a micro-brewery to the restaurant defined the concept indefinitely and broadened the business’ customer base even further.

With the concept well off of the ground the Oggi’s team spent the next three years perfecting the beer recipes and the overall operation while building a strong brand following in Southern California. Oggi’s Pizza & Brewing Co. enters into many beer competitions locally, regionally, nationally and internationally. In 2004, Oggi’s Pizza & Brewing Co was named the Champion Small Brewing Co. at the World Beer Cup. This is just one of many awards that Oggi’s has received for our Micro-brewed beers.

“Oggi” stands for “today” in Italian. It symbolizes freshness as well as “the here and the now”. It is congruent with high quality pizza, pastas, salads, beer and even sports. Oggi’s dough is made fresh daily at each location, as well as the stadiums that it is sold in. In addition, our sauces, dressings, burgers, and much more are made fresh daily from scratch as well.

Oggi’s is the official pizza of the San Diego Chargers, Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, The Anaheim Ducks and The Phoenix Coyotes in Glendale, Arizona. Specific Oggi’s menu items are also available at these professional teams’ stadiums throughout their respective seasons.

CARMEL MOUNTAIN RANCH 10155 RANCHO CARMEL DR SAN DIEGO, CA 92128 (858) 592-7883	DEL MAR 12840 CARMEL COUNTRY RD SAN DIEGO, CA 92130 (858) 481-7883	EAST LAKE 2130 BIRCH ROAD #104 CHULA VISTA, CA 91915 (619) 746-6900

ENCINITAS 305 ENCINITAS BLVD. ENCINITAS, CA 92024 (760) 944-8170	MISSION VALLEY 2245 FENTON PARKWAY #101 SAN DIEGO, CA 92108 (619) 640-1072	SANTEE 9828 MISSION GORGE RD STE A SANTEE, CA 92071 (619) 449-6441

POINT LOMA / LIBERTY STATION 2562 LANING ROAD SAN DIEGO, CA 92106 (619) 876-5000

Mother Earth Brew Company is a Popular Destination for Craft Beer & Home Brew Shop

Posted February 22, 2012 by Barry Berndes

Mother Earth Craft Beer and Home Brew Shop Here on the West Coast, San Diego is considered by many to be THE hot spot for microbrews. It is here, that Mother Earth Brew Co. was born. Founded in 2008 by three passionate brewers, Mother Earth Brew Co. had one goal; to create distinguished, hand crafted beers that stimulate sensory conversation and a desire for the next sip. From a modest garage, to a 2000 plus sq. foot facility, Mother Earth Brew Co. maintains our original goal – to challenge even the most discriminating beer drinker by creating complex, pallet-pleasing beers, and to promote the art and science of craft beer making.

In early 2010, Mother Earth Brew Co. launched a unique brewing supply store and tasting room in beautiful Vista, CA. Just a half mile from the 78 freeway, off Sycamore exit, and just minutes from the I-5, Mother Earth Brew Co. is right in the middle of the “North County Beer Triangle” in North San Diego County.

Their retail store carries a wide variety of homebrew supplies to meet all your brewing needs: Over 60 bulk grains, a huge selection of Hop varieties, and dozens of yeast strains from industry leaders White Labs, Wyeast and Fermentis. They also carry a full selection of flavoring adjuncts and additives, extracts, brewing equipment, and cleaning supplies…everything you need in one convenient location! Located in Vista, off Sycamore exit, we are your only one-stop-shop for homebrew supplies on the 78 corridor. Whether you are a brewing novice, or seasoned vet, their staff is ready to help you get fermenting today!

New English Brewing Company Offers Fine New English Craft Beers

Posted February 22, 2012 by Barry Berndes

The Beer Tastig room is open from 4-7pm Thursday and Friday, and Saturday from 2-6pm.

Lightning Brewery Offers Delicious & Naturally Carbonated Craft Beers

Posted February 22, 2012 by Barry Berndes

In addition to their unique styles, all of Lightning Breweries beers are naturally carbonated for a smooth, creamy drinkability. All of the unique flavors are naturally produced by grain, hops, yeast, water, and fermentation methods; we do not use any additives in our beer.

TASTERS AND GROWLER FILLS ARE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC AT THE FOLLOWING HOURS:
Friday 1:30-5:30
Saturday 1:00-5:00

Tasters cost $1 each or $5 for 6. Please do not bring more than 6 people in your party, as their tasting area is rather small and cannot accomodate large groups!