With a bar or nightclub in San Diego’s GaslampQuarter for almost every possible taste, it’soften tough to choose where to go. Proving

how a single night in the Gaslamp promises endless pos-sibilities for a nightlife experience, find out how threevenues within three blocks of one another distinguishthemselves from the pack.

Contrary to popular belief, a night downtown doesn’thave to begin at midnight. For early birds arriving withhopes of finding street parking and enough time to eatdinner before a night of drinking, Analog, located at 8015th Ave., is a great place to start.

“Analog is like ‘That ‘70s Show’ basement-chic,” saidkaraoke host, Teddy Fantastico. “Plus, you can’t beat theprices.”

Fantastico and local band, The Sidekicks, perform dur-ing live karaoke every Saturday from 7 to 10 p.m. Foramateurs wanting to feel like a rock star but discouragedby a lack of star-quality vocal talent, the live band offersbackup vocals to karaoke participants. A genuine per-formance quality is brought to life with a three-pieceband of professionals behind the microphone — not thecase with the standard karaoke practice of following thecursor on a computer screen.

“Analog is very authentic to the atmosphere,” said Fan-tastico, “including the ‘white trash’ take on bottle ser-vice.” When guests order a bottle of liquor or beers for agroup, waiters bring out a large cooler full of ice to keeptheir alcohol cold. Food menus are presented inside mani-la folders and checks are distributed in Velcro wallets.For the gamers, tables are stocked with Magic 8 Balls andvideo game controllers connected to TVs overhead.

For those wanting a true nightclub experience, RedCircle houses a seductive lounge filled with go-go dancersin lingerie atop platforms. With high ceilings, dim light-ing and a large VIP section, Red Circle, at 420 E St., deliv-ers a sense of exclusivity. House music pulses through theair as cocktail waitresses light up the room with sparklers,promoting bottle service.

“We’re like the nightclub version of ‘Cheers,’ whereeverybody knows your name,” said Moses Carrillo, direc-tor of VIP services. “Our staff is very welcoming, which

www.SDNEWS.com � Volume 12, Number 3San Diego Community Newspaper GroupSan Diego Community Newspaper GroupSan Diego Community Newspaper Group MARCH 2011

San Diego police continue to investi-gate what caused a taxicab to plow intoa crowd outside the Stingaree night-club in the Gaslamp district last month,and some San Diegans are calling forincreased regulations for drivers whoshuttle the public around the city.

The driver of the cab, Sam Has-san Daly, admitted he regularly drovebetween 16 and 18 hours per day,which has prompted fresh questionsas to whether more oversight is neededby the Metropolitan Transit System(MTS) Taxicab Administration, whichregulates the industry.

The MTS has no established rulesregarding the maximum numbers ofhours drivers can operate the more

than 1,200 taxis the agency oversees. “Let’s allow the police to do their

investigation first,” said John Scott,taxicab administrator for the MTS inresponse to questions about increasedscrutiny by the agency over the taxi-cab industry. “If the investigationreveals that there are issues that needto be addressed, we will work with theSheriff ’s Department to clear them up.”

Authorities have been questioningwitnesses for details of the incident thatoccurred shortly after 1:50 a.m. onFeb. 12, when an Emerald cab driven atabout 15 mph by Daly jumped the curband struck pedestrians as they left theestablishment located at 454 6th Ave.Dozens of bystanders were injured,

BY MANNY LOPEZ | DOWNTOWN NEWS

One of the most popular dog parks inSan Diego, Nate’s Point Off-Leash DogPark in Balboa Park, is regularly filledwith canines running free and theirdevoted owners casually supervising.Most visitors, however, are not awarethe dog park is named for a man,

Nathan Wells, who pioneered andcarried out the land improvement pro-ject, transforming the area that wasonce an eyesore into usable space.

“The area was being used as sort of anillegal dumping ground,” said Wells’daughter, Susan Watson. “It was beingneglected, and dad knew he could putthe area to good use with a little TLC.”

Wells, who died Feb. 1 at the age of99, was a city Park and RecreationDepartment employee for 35 years. Hetook on the initial prep work and grad-ing of the area in 1996, envisioning a

place where families could go to enjoythe outdoors. Once a pile of dirt andunruly weeds, the area was trans-formed by Wells during his spare timeand on weekends.

Three months later, as the park wasnearing completion, Wells suffered aheart attack. Wells’ work crew steppedin to finish the landscaping while hewas hospitalized.

After Wells’ recovery, he was trans-ferred to a less rigorous assignment in

BY KAI OLIVER-KURTIN | DOWNTOWN NEWS

Top: Phil Higgins of The Sidekicks backs up some karaoke

performers at Analog in the Gaslamp district. Karaoke

night at the club, hosted by Teddy Fantastico, offers a

unique experience by providing a live backup band as

opposed to the more typical canned sound of a karaoke

machine.PAUL HANSEN | Downtown News

Array of downtownentertainment spillsinto the wee hours

BY KAI OLIVER-KURTIN | DOWNTOWN NEWS

SEE NIGHTS, Page 8

Nate’s Point Off-Leash Dog Park in Balboa Park is a favorite location for many canines andtheir owners. PAUL HANSEN I Downtown News

SEE TAXI, Page 8

SEE NATE, Page 6

DJ Ryan Kelver spins during a recent night at Red Circle, aGaslamp lounge and nightclub that boasts an exclusive,VIP-like experience. PAUL HANSEN | Downtown News

Balboa Park’s doggie haven atribute to man’s labor of love

Taxicab crash drives newcalls to step up oversight

“It was being neglected, anddad knew he could put thearea to good use with a littleTLC.”

Susan WatsonDaughter of park pioneer Nathan Wells

Variety is the spice of night

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THE LEGEND

Known for its fresh produce, artisanfoods, live music, arts and crafts, the LittleItaly Mercato farmers market has beendowntown’s open-air grocery store foralmost three years. With recent expan-sions, new initiatives and appetizingevents planned for 2011, the Mercatocontinues to hold the title of San Diego’slargest farmers market, boasting morethan 100 booths.

“In January, we added a fifth block ofbooths at the top of the market betweenUnion and Front Streets,” said Catt FieldsWhite, Mercato manager. “This year ourbig initiative is to aim for a zero-wastemarket, promoting the use of reusablebags and recyclable materials, and pro-vide composting opportunities to down-town residents.”

White developed the Mercato for theLittle Italy Association, earning themoniker “Mercato Maestra.” She claimsthe only thing she and her husband weremissing from their neighborhood was agreat grocery store.

“Little Italy’s very proactive attitudetoward urban development meant thatwe could build a world-class market veryquickly,” said White.

Upcoming events at the Mercatoinclude Mac Madness, a professional andamateur macaroni-and-cheese cookoff inMarch. April will bring a Sustainable Feastevent in which San Diego’s top chefs willprepare tasting menus using local prod-ucts to benefit the San Diego County Out-door Education program. In observance ofEarth Day, the Mercato will institute a newzero-waste initiative on April 22. To honorits third anniversary in June, the Mercato

will hold a Citrus Carnival celebration.An emphasis on farm-fresh, high-qual-

ity food products attracts local chefs andfoodies to the Mercato.

“We are serious about the quality ofour farmers and vendors,” said White.“We rigorously screen applicants to main-tain a balance of great offerings. Visitorsenjoy the chance to sample the best ofSan Diego, and downtown residentsappreciate the opportunity to get out oftheir high-rise homes and meet theirneighbors on a weekly basis. The livemusic doesn’t hurt, either.”

With an extensive background in therestaurant industry and experience withlocal food issues and marketing, White isa self-proclaimed farmers market groupie— seeking them out wherever she travels,be it San Francisco, North Carolina orParis.

Among the Mercato’s offerings are

locally grown fruit, vegetables, eggs, meat,fish and flowers. Artisan food vendorsshuck oysters, roast coffee beans, bakebread and pastries, preserve pickles andjams, and offer a variety of other foods. Asmaller section of local arts and crafts pro-vides an opportunity for gift purchases,and Pet Place offers natural pet foods andaccessories.

Visit the Mercato in Little Italy on Sat-urdays from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Dateand India streets. Free parking is availableat Washington Elementary School onState Street.

The Little Italy Association made up ofproperty owners, businesses and commu-nity members who work to preserve theunique cultural resources in Little Italy,as well as promote safety, beautificationand economic development.

Visit www.littleitalysd.org for moreinformation.

3MARCH 2011SAN DIEGO DOWNTOWN NEWSNEWS

Mercato serves up new offerings for 2011BY KAI OLIVER-KURTIN | DOWNTOWN NEWS

Residents search through artisan breads and pastries at the Little Italy Mercato. Patrons cantake advantage of unique items as well as fulfilling basic grocery needs. Photo courtesy Catt Fields White

Petco Park debt transfer stirs redevelopment debate

The San Diego City Council votedunanimously on Feb. 8 to transfer debtservice payments on bonds issued tofinance Petco Park from the city’s gener-al fund to its redevelopment arm, free-ing up about $11.3 million annuallyover a 21-year period. The move, howev-er, was not favored by all.

Scott Maloni, chairman of the Down-town San Diego Partnership, a redevelop-ment advocacy group, said that the moveis a good use of tax increment, butexpressed concern about the precedentthat the decision sets.

“If you start with Petco Park bonds,where does it stop?” he said. “If [Gov.Jerry] Brown is successful with his bud-get, then we can lose all of the future taxincrement, unless that money is encum-bered,” said Maloni. “Better to encum-ber it by paying off our ballpark debtthan to lose our future ability to use it.”

The Centre City Development Corpo-ration (CCDC), which has been making

the payments since 2009, will use down-town redevelopment tax incrementfunds to cover the remaining $237.6million owed on the “Ballpark Bonds”due in 2032.

The $454 million baseball stadium,which opened in 2004, was financedwith $95 million of redevelopment taxincrement funds, $206 million from thecity and $153 million from the Padres.

“It’s a step forward and we’re happy tohave this win, but we’re not done,” saidDistrict 5 Councilman Carl DeMaio, whoproposed the idea. “We have a whole lotof reforms that we want to implement inredevelopment funds.”

DeMaio called Petco Park a quintessen-tial example of a redevelopment projectthat has stimulated all sorts of privateinvestments, created jobs and shown ahandsome return for taxpayers. Its onefatal flaw, he said, is that it’s stuck in thegeneral fund and is not paid for with rede-velopment funds.

Citing declining revenues as a result ofthe recession, increasing expenditures for

city operations, unfunded pension andretiree health liabilities and a deferredcapital project backlog of $800 to $900million, officials said the move is neces-sary to address future deficits, whichcould lead to further reductions in crucialcity services.

“Ultimately, we feel that this issuecomes down to weighing the priorities ofthe general fund against the priorities ofthe redevelopment agency,” said TomHaynes, fiscal and policy analyst with theOffice of the Independent Budget Ana-lyst (IBA). “In this context it may be diffi-cult to place redevelopment projects at ahigher priority than critical general fundservices such as police, fire, parks andlibraries, which have all been significant-ly cut over the past several years.”

Haynes urged council members toexercise caution in using tax incrementdollars to bankroll general fund obliga-tions, as redevelopment money was notintended to be used as an ongoing source

SEE CCDC, Page 4

BY MANNY LOPEZ | DOWNTOWN NEWS

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When Harbor House restaurant inSeaport Village holds its 15th annualgourmet dinner charity event March 25for St. Jude Hospital, the theme will be“Caribbean Nights.”

Last year, the gala affair receivedenough money to surpass the $1 mil-lion mark after 14 years putting on theannual dinners. Restaurant co-ownersLouis and Kathleen Rezzonico, origina-tors of the galas, said it’s time to go for$1 million more.

“[Participants can] join us for a four-course dinner with select wines and liveand silent auctions,” said Kathleen Rez-zonico. “Each $200 dinner ticket will beplaced in a drawing to win two business-class plane trips to St. Thomas in theCaribbean, courtesy of our partner,American Airlines.”

Reservations are required for a seatingcapacity of 225 diners. The silent auctionbegins at 6 p.m. and dinner is at 7:30 p.m.

All proceeds go to St. Jude Children’sResearch Hospital to help children inSan Diego and around the world.

“For years we had been devoted tosupporting St. Jude,” Kathleen Rezzoni-co said. “So, we thought what can wedo to spread the word? [We thought]maybe we could do something in the Vil-lage as a fund-raiser. It began as a mod-est undertaking with some of the shops.Then, we decided to do something biggerand started the dinners in 1996.”

Each dinner has had a theme, direct-ed toward American Airlines-sponsoredtours, while the cuisine emulates thedestination.

“The first [dinner] was a Night in Italy

with a singing chef,” Kathleen said.“People enjoyed it so much we said, ‘Let’sdo it again with our airlines partner.’We’ve been to Paris, Madrid, Londonand Japan — and Italy twice.”

The volunteer St. Jude chapter is com-prised of 25 members who meet once amonth. Harbor House restaurant man-ager Jim Murphy is the event chairman,with San Diego Charger defensive endJacques Cesaire acting as honorarychairman. Ken Cooke, a longtime mem-ber of the restaurant family, will be theexecutive chef.

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of capital for general government pur-poses.

Richard Rider, chairman of San DiegoTax Fighters, a taxpayer advocacygroup, said that it was a mistake for thedeal not to have been structured thisway from the start.

“I didn’t favor the debt for taxpayers in

the first place,” Rider said. “It seems to bea downtown redevelopment project. Theclaim is that it helps the redevelopment ofdowntown San Diego. Well then, why nothave them pay for it?”

Rider said redevelopment money is farless important to tax payers in terms ofdelivery of services than the city’s gener-al fund, which is crucial for police, fire-fighters, libraries and potholes.

“That’s what people pay taxes for andthat’s what they want the money spent

on,” Rider said.Frank Alessi, executive vice president

and chief financial officer of CCDC, saidon Jan. 19 that the redevelopment agen-cy’s advisory board discussed the pro-posed amendment without the benefit ofa staff report and voted 17-1, with oneabstention, to oppose the continuation ofdebt service payments on the ballpark.Alessi further stated that on Jan. 26,CCDC recommended to extend the pay-ments to 2016, giving city leaders an

opportunity to assess the need for addi-tional payments.

The vote was taken following budgetprojections, which according to AndrewPhillips, assistant vice president and con-troller for CCDC, showed deficits of $33 million over the next five years and$63 million over the next decade.

Phillips said the agency will look at pri-oritizing and deferring projects duringthose periods, and that tax allocationbonds can be issued to offset any cashflow needs in the future. So far, CCDC has

decided to cease work on the C Street cor-ridor project indefinitely.

“We made our decision, the Councilmade theirs and at the end of the day,they’re the boss and I’m not going to becritical of the boss’s decision,” said newlyelected CCDC Chairman Kim Kilkenny.He added that the bigger challenge willcome if the governor’s plan to raid rede-velopment funds is approved.

“If Brown’s proposal goes through,we’re going to be in a world of hurt,” hesaid.

NEWS4 MARCH 2011SAN DIEGO DOWNTOWN NEWS

CCDCCONTINUED FROM Page 3

Harbor House in Seaport Village hosts acharity dinner every year with a differenttheme — usually the destination of the covet-ed prize: an American Airlines-sponsored tripfor two. This year, the winners will be whiskedoff to the island of St. Thomas in theCaribbean. Photo courtesy of Harbor House

BY JOHNNY MCDONALD | DOWNTOWN NEWS

Harbor House to host charitydrive with Caribbean theme

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NEWS6 MARCH 2011SAN DIEGO DOWNTOWN NEWS

Mission Bay Park, where he was responsi-ble for the placement of the fire pits alongFiesta Island.

“We had no idea the dog park had beennamed for dad,” said Watson. “One day Iwas walking by and saw the sign about 10years ago. I called my mom and said, ‘Doesthis have anything to do with dad?’ So wegot the whole family together to go for avisit.”

The 2.3-acre park at the corner ofSixth Avenue and El Prado has been openfor 24 hours a day since 1996. The tran-sition from Wells’ original vision of a fam-ily picnic site to dog park happenedorganically.

“Since it was such a large space, peoplestarted bringing their animals on familyoutings,” said Wells’ niece, Darlene Dise-Brucker. “It changed into an off-leash dogpark, and wouldn’t exist at all if it weren’tfor Nate.”

Many visitors may be unaware of theNate’s Point nomenclature. The park’sname is posted, along with many otherrules and regulations, in very small print atthe entrance.

Wells was a lifelong resident of PacificBeach, where he lived with his late wife,Mary Eleanore, and their three children.His family is working with the City Councilto plan an official Nate Wells ProclamationDay on June 14, his birthday.

Dise-Brucker has inquired about the pos-sibility of installing a park bench at Nate’sPoint, but the $6,000 price tag for thebench and added $1,000 plaque to carryWells’ name are cause for discouragement.

Nate’s Point is a nonprofit that relies onfundraising to complete upgrades andinstallments including its new drinkingfountain, picnic table, perimeter fencingand double entry access gates.

For more information on Nate’s PointOff-Leash Dog Park, visit www.npdog.org.

NATECONTINUED FROM Page 1

Nathan Wells, the visionary behind the off-leash dog park in Balboa Park, stands on thefront porch of his Pacific Beach home with his late wife, Mary Eleanore. Wells died onFeb. 1 at the age of 99. Courtesy photo by Susan Watson

Canines and owners enjoy the sunshine at Nate’s Point Off-Leash Dog Park in BalboaPark. PAUL HANSEN I Downtown News

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Auctioneer - Terry BagleyFROM GILES QUANIN INTERNATIONAL

ALEXANDER SALAZAR FINE ART & AUCTIONS

Oracle Cup regatta to wow spectatorsSpectacular sailing craft representing

nine nations will continue to competeon San Diego Bay through Sunday,March 6. The five-day regatta beganMarch 2.

It marks the debut of the Oracle RC44Cup class fleet, which as the best skip-pers in the sport and 11 teams.

Russell Coutts, a four-time America’sCup victor, conceived the design of thelight-displacement, high-performancedesign RC44 in 2005, along with navalarchitect Andrej Justin. Coutts will be amember of this fleet.

With an evenly split crew of amateursand pros, the action attracts some of the

leading business minds as owner-drivers.For the first four days, the boats will be

handled by the owners. Then, the prosailors with America’s Cup experiencewill take the helm.

Spectator viewing is free from por-tions of Broadway Pier, Harbor Islandand various spots on the down-town waterfront.

Among the leading sailors are Amer-ican yachting legend Paul Cavard, SanDiego’s Rod Davis, Audi MedCup win-ners Morgan Larson and Jose MariaPonce, Olympic gold medalist KevinBurnham, New Zealand’s CameronAppleton and Coutts.

Coutts’ team, led by Larry Ellison,won the RC44 title in December. It’s a fit-

ting return since Coutts’ America’s Cupvictories.

The 2011 championship tourincludes Austria, France, Sweden andSpain before closing in Lanzarote in theCanary Islands next November. The Ora-cle RC44 Cup San Diego is organized bySailing Events Association San Diego, aleading sailboat racing organization.

“Last year’s championship camedown to the wire in Miami and withmore owners coming into the class, thelevel and intensity of the competitionfigures to be greater than ever,” Couttssaid in a recent statement. “It’s alwaysgreat to race in San Diego; it is a naturalamphitheater for those watching fromonshore.”

BY JOHNNY MCDONALD | DOWNTOWN NEWS

I’ve probably already lost the hard-core oenophile in this month’s column.They’re sitting on Brunello from the1980s that has to be reintroduced to2011. So, they’ve already checked outlooking for their decanter or fancy-sounding air funnel thingy.

I am talking to you: average U.S.wine consumer. We drink the vastmajority of our wine too young andwithin just a few days (on average) ofpurchase. The result of decanting oneof these wines is akin to drinking cof-fee at your convenience store after 3p.m. (think the illustration at right).That is to say, the experience is awful.The liquid is oxidized — tasting flat,acidic and just plain lifeless. Can I inter-est you in a few brown apple slices?Oxygen is the enemy of wine.

How can wine’s greatest enemyalso be one of its greatest assets?Let’s first talk about what happensduring oxygen’s contact with yourbottled grape juice. Wine that isexposed to oxygen will begin to oxi-dize immediately when the clo-sure is opened and oxygencontacts the wine. Techni-cally, oxidation meansthere is a loss of protonsfrom molecules in thewine. The result is anacetaldehyde off-odor,or more commonlyreferred to as a sherryor vinegar smell (I hadto look that up). All winewill eventually oxidize pastthe point of enjoyment. Fortu-nately, there are components of the

SEE DECANTER, Page 8

An expert’s advice: Don’t decant your wineBY MIKE KALLAY | THE CASK ROOM

NEWS8 MARCH 2011SAN DIEGO DOWNTOWN NEWS

including a woman whose leg was par-tially severed.

“In my opinion, it was a freakishthing,” said Turk Spinuzzi, general man-ager of Stingaree. “In the 15 years thatI’ve been doing this, I’ve never seen any-thing like that before.”

Daly, 52, was then pulled from the caband beaten by an angry crowd whothought the Egyptian immigrant wastrying to flee the scene. Daly suffered abroken nose along with cuts and bruis-es on his face. Investigators are focusingon whether driver fatigue or healthissues played a role in the crash. Policehave not filed charges against the cabbiein this case. It will be several weeksbefore an official report is released, saidRick O’Hanlon of the San Diego PoliceDepartment.

According to published accounts,Daly, who worked as a dermatologist inhis native country, told police that hewas very tired and passed out just beforethe collision occurred. Daly also toldpolice that he was taking antidepres-sants and a new medication, which mayhave caused him to lose consciousness.

The San Diego Fire-Rescue Depart-ment was among the first emergencycrews to reach the scene. MauriceLuque, spokesman for the Fire-RescueDepartment, said regulatory authoritiesin charge of taxicabs throughout SanDiego might want to be more stringentin monitoring not only the hours thattaxicab drivers are allowed to drive, butalso their driving records.

This greater oversight might need tocover insurance coverage to assure thatthe community is better protected whentraveling in a taxicab, he said.

According to Scott, as of Feb. 22, theminimum combined insurance amountfor property and bodily injury damagefor some San Diego taxis is $1 million

per incident. By March 22, all taxicabs regulated

by the agency will be required to carrythe new level of insurance. In 2010, theMTS raised the insurance requirementfrom $300,000.

Ashkan King Aminpour, a San Diegoattorney representing seven victims ofthe crash, said that based on conversa-tions with first responders who were atthe scene and who observed Daly’sdemeanor immediately after the impact,it appears as if the taxicab driver fellasleep at the wheel.

Aminpour said he expects the policereport will reach the same conclusion.No proof that Daly was driving an exces-sive number of hours on the night of thecrash has been reported.

The San Diego County Sheriff ’sDepartment, which licenses taxi drivers,suspended Daly’s taxi identificationwithout a hearing following the colli-sion.

Jan Aldwell, public affairs director forthe San Diego County Sheriff ’s Depart-ment, said the suspension was based onthe ongoing investigation by the policedepartment.

Berhanu Zenawi, a former cabbiefrom City Heights, who now drives atruck, said that the pressure to cover hisweekly cab expenses forced him to work15 to 20 hours per day, sometimes up toseven days per week.

Zenawi said it’s surprising there aren’tmore accidents involving cab drivers andthat the local taxi industry must consid-er limiting the number of hours driverscan operate a cab.

“Train and trolley operators, truckersand pilots are all limited in how manyhours they can work per day. Why notcab drivers?” Zenawi asked.

Recalling a driver strike in 2009, hesaid “with high leases, expensive gasprices, insurance and a bad economy,it’s absolutely insane to want to be a cab-bie in this city, but for some immigrants,it’s the only way to make any money.”

TAXICONTINUED FROM Page 1

is why we have so many regulars.”When 2 a.m. eventually rolls

around, it doesn’t have to mean theparty is over. Hosting the true after-party of the Gaslamp, Onyx Roomand its adjoining club, THIN, stayopen until 4 a.m. on Saturdays.

Combining three different vibesunder one roof at 852 5th Ave.,Onyx Room is located undergroundand is divided into a lounge area thatplays everything from deep house todubstep and a dance club that offers

progressive house and trance music.“We always try to stay ahead of

the game with new music,” saidCharlissa Dodge, director of salesand marketing. “Here, we celebratelocal DJs and musicians — often themecca of where big name talent likeKaskade get their start.”

At street level, THIN delivers anopen format of Top 40 mash-upsand hip-hop. On March 5, the clubwill feature 12 disc jockeys, andJohn OO Fleming will be spinningon March 12.

For more information on theseand other Gaslamp destinations,visit www.gaslamp.org.

NIGHTSCONTINUED FROM Page 1

wine working together against oxygento help keep the wine in tact: acid (Ph),tannins and alcohol. Knowing the levelsof these components is essential toknowing both how long you can ageyour wine (in years), as well as whetheryour wine would benefit from decant-ing.

Am I suggesting that you visit thetechnical sheets for all of the wines youintend on purchasing? Yes. I am. (Notreally). Fortunately, at least one of theseitems is listed right on the label: the alco-hol content. In general, the higher thealcohol content, the more protection thewine has against oxygen, and thereforemore of a chance of aging. I can hearthe hardcore oenophiles muttering“yeah, but what about those low alcoholBordeaux blends?” Well, they also haveacid. And, they have tannins. How dowe know about the acid and tannins ina wine? In a word: experience. We knowwhich varietals have a high level of tan-nins. We know which wines are madewith longer maceration times — that is,

the time the juice has contact with tan-nin-rich skins and possibly stems. Wealso know which wines are aged in woodbarrels. And, we know generally the acidlevels of a given grape grown in a givenregion. Wine publications as well as thegood old Internet are great resources forlearning about these different qualities ofa given type of wine.

The more tannin, alcohol and acidyou have in a wine, the longer the winewill resist the inevitable oxidation. It thenfollows that a wine with a high level ofany or all of these anti-oxidant com-pounds would possibly benefit from a lit-tle bit of oxygen, thus “softening” theharshness of the bittering tannins, themouth-puckering acid or the throat-burning alcohol. I think of young vin-tages of New World cabernet, or possiblythat gnarly old vine zinfandel when Ithink of these situations. Of course, I’dbe remiss to not mention mouth-water-ing sangiovese from Tuscany, or brood-ing Nebbiolo from Piedmont. Thesewines, with one or more of these anti-oxidants at play in a big way will benefitfrom a little decanting.

Now that we know which kinds ofwines benefit from decanting, it’s easy

to turn our attention to what doesn’tneed or tolerate a decanting: everythingelse. Or, as the wine industry in the U.S.knows well, 98 percent of wine is con-sumed within two days of purchase.These are the everyday wines: the youth-ful cabs, the playful malbecs, the fruitysauvignon blancs and the spicy syrahs.None of these everyday wines will likelybenefit from a run through your airthingy, and none of them will benefitfrom 30 minutes in a fancy decantershaped like a duck. In fact, the very oppo-site is likely to happen: the wine’s even-tual oxidation is accelerated whendecanted, thus robbing you, the winedrinker, of the very aromas and flavorsmeant to be enjoyed.

This brings me back to the title of thismonth’s article: Don’t decant your wine.That really should read, “Don’t decantyour wine unless you know that decant-ing will benefit it, and always err on thesafe side and pour directly into your glassand enjoy.”

— Mike Kallay, (619) 822-1606 or (858) 205-0107 (cell).

Fore more information, visitwww.caskroom.com, or e-mail

mike@caskroom.com.

DECANTERCONTINUED FROM Page 7

Charlissa Dodge shows off her skill slinging bot-tles at Onyx Room, a club offering an eclecticmash-up of music genres. For the night owls roam-ing downtown, the club stays open until 4 a.m. onSaturdays. PAUL HANSEN | Downtown News

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REAL ESTATE 9MARCH 2011SAN DIEGO DOWNTOWN NEWS

hich would you rather save: your pride,space, money, or planet? You can save all that and more just by recycling your e-waste.

Consumer electronics constitute one of the fastest-growing wastestreams around the world. In 2007, more than 40 million computers be-came obsolete, and discarded TVs, computers, peripherals (includingprinters, scanners, faxes), mice, keyboards and cell phones totaled about2.25 million short tons of hazardous waste. Only 18% (414,000 tons) wascollected for recycling, whereas 82% (1.84 million tons) was disposed of,primarily in landfills.

Electronics are complex devices made of a wide variety of materialconstituents, some of which—such as lead, nickel, cadmium and mer-cury—are hazardous materials that could pose risks to human health orthe environment if mismanaged at their end-of-life.

Do you know the four characteristics of hazardous waste? • Toxicity• Reactivity• Ignitability• Corrosivity.

(It’s poisonous, explosive, flammable, and/or can eat through flesh and bone.That’s what all the fuss is about.)

Even worse, much of the “e-waste” that people throw away every dayisn’t actually waste, but it is being wasted. “Obsolete” devices, equipmentand parts are easily marketable for reuse or can be recycled for materialsrecovery. All electronics are made from valuable resources and highly en-gineered materials—including common and precious metals, plastics,and glass—all of which require energy to mine and manufacture. Con-serving natural resources avoids air and water pollution, as well as green-house gas emissions caused by manufacturing virgin materials.

For example: • Recycling one million laptops saves the energy equivalent to the elec-tricity used by 3,657 U.S. homes in a year. One metric ton of circuit boardscan contain 40 to 800 times the concentrations of gold ore, and 30 to 40times the concentration of copper ore, mined in the U.S.

For every million cell phones we recycle, we can recover 35,274pounds of copper, 772 pounds of silver, 75 pounds of gold, and 33 poundsof palladium. In 2009 alone an estimated 15.3 million cell phones weresold in California, but only 4.1 million were reported as turned in for re-cycling.

And what about the social benefits of recycling cell phones and ac-cessories? If they’re in good working condition, some collection programsdonate them to worthy charities or provide them for sale. Some programsuse the proceeds to benefit charitable organizations, such as domestic vi-olence, environmental causes, and children’s safety. Others work to col-lect cell phones with schools and youth organizations as fundraisingventures. The principal markets for refurbished cell phones extend topeople in developing economies who couldn’t otherwise afford suchtechnology.

Recycling isn’t just a good idea; it’s the law. According to California’sDepartment of Toxic Substances Control, “Abandonment of e-waste con-stitutes illegal disposal of hazardous waste and will be prosecuted.”

So do the right thing—for all the right reasons!

W

RecycleSanDiego.org 858.569.1807

Need a local solution?Think Recycle San Diego!

We host household e-waste collectionevents every weekend and offer on-sitebusiness pick-ups during the week.

Jeffrey Harding is the President and Founder of Recycle San Diego.

Founded in 2006, Recycle San Diego is the largeste-waste collection company in San Diego.

E-WASTE: To be, or not to be

Home,Sweet Home!

Wonderful family home in quiet neighbor-hood, yet close to all! Exceptional corner lot

has ample space for entire family and pets!Tastefully updated throughout. Attached stu-

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Many buyers are still probably sitting the on the fencewondering when the dark clouds over the housing mar-ket will lift and sunny skies will reappear. Consider thathousing market has dropped 25-30% from its high in2006. Unemployment is lower than it’s been for over ayear. An thanks to population growth, the number ofhome owning households in our country rises by about1 million each year. Most of the growth is in the SunBelt. Cities like San Diego, Miami, Las Vegas, Los Ange-les, Orlando, Austin, Phoenix, and Tampa.

Many of my clients have asked me when I expect thehousing market to bottom out. My answer is alwaysthe same. I don’t really know when we’ll hit rock bot-tom, but I think we are very close. My best estimate isthat we will at the bottom of the housing market inSan Diego by mid to later part of this year. San Diego’shousing market like so many other major cities had avery large bubble that popped. We know the bubbleyears were fueled by artificial demand and very relaxedlending policies. The artificial demand for speculatorsthinking they can make a quick buck are all but gone.And the lending policies have begun to calm as well.Lenders are starting to loosen their policies on who isable to get a loan. Major lenders like Wells Fargo start-ed offering loans to FHA borrowers with credit scores of500. The only requirement is that they put 10% downpayment instead of the usual 3.5%.

There are other indications that the hosing marketwill recover soon. Manufacturing output has been ris-ing. The stock market has recovered nicely. Companiesare now flushed with cash and are looking to start hir-ing more workers. Consumer confidence has rebound-ed from very low levels, and unemployment is less.

Against the improving picture, we can expect to see

some release of the demands that’s been building up forthe last three years. Rising rental costs will also likely tipmore renters into home ownership.

Putting all these factors together, existing home salesare projected to rise 8% to nearly 5.3 Million nation-wide this year. At this level, home ownership will besolid, but more importantly it will be sustainable givenour level of population growth.

Sunny skies are likelyon the way to San Diego

BY SCOTT CHENG | SPECIAL TO DOWNTOWN NEWS

Downtown’s housing market is showing signs of recovery.CASEY DEAN | Downtown News

FOOD & DRINK10 MARCH 2011SAN DIEGO DOWNTOWN NEWS

DOWNTOWN San Diego’sONLY 24/7 RESTAURANT

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FREEWe are so confident that you will agree that our hotcakes are thebest you’ll ever taste, that we are willing to put your taste buds tothe test. Our pancakes are made from the finest flour and sweet-est buttermilk on the planet. And the same goes for our Old Fash-ioned Malted Waffles.Try them once. You’ll be hooked for life. Wealso offer these delicious waffles with our special Fried Chicken.

BREAKFAST AVAILABLE 24 HOURS

828 6TH AVE, GASLAMP QUARTER619-702-8410

Canine Cocktails • Thursday, March 24th 6:30-9:30

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Bread on MarketDowntown's Artisan Bakery, Breads On Market isopen from 7:30 to 4:00 Sunday-Thursday and7:30 to 5:00 Friday & Saturday. We are open latenight for all Padre games. Voted Best Bakery2008 from the San Diego Downtown News2008 and received the Silver Fork Award fromSan Diego Home and Garden. Schedule yournext business or organization board meeting inour quaint patio or let us cater your next event. Wedeliver Hot Lunch and Sandwich Special or comein and enjoy a wonder Cheese Plate with a glassof wine or beer to go with our famous Rueben.For Sweet and Treats we serve Cookies, Brown-ies, and Package Housemade Granola. Take aloaf of fresh Artisan bread home for dinner.

730 Market Street SD, 92101 (Between 7th &8th) 619-795-2730 www.breadonmarket.com

Panda InnWe cater and deliver to downtown! Let our PandaInn Chefs cater your next gathering with deliciousand authentic Chinese cuisine. Our Panda Innteam can help you make the best selection for anyoccasion. We guarantee the same quality of ser-vice that you would recieve when visiting us at ourrestaurants. You can leave the wokking to us! Min-imum purchase $25 with a $5 delivery fee. PandaInn - Experience the art of Chinese Cuisine.

Call now to place your order (619) 233-7800

The Cask RoomThe Cask Room is a premiere cozy wine bar &bistro in San Diego, from the moment you arrive,you’ll feel instantly comfortable. Slink into one ofour leather sofas or club chairs, soak in the can-dle light, engage with live musicians craftingamazing melodies, and prepare to be delightedwith one of our small production wines. Join usfor our weekly Happy Hour line up! Monday–Saturday: 5pm-7pm: 1/2 off draughtbeer, $5 white & red wine & $3 off all appetizers& entrees. Tuesdays: 5pm-7pm: 1/2 Priced PaniniNight Thursdays: 5pm-Close: No Corkage FeeNot combinable with any other discount. Sundays,Closed.

550 Park Blvd. #2104, 619-822-1606

Brain’s 24Brian’s 24 serves breakfast 24 hours a day andis famous for its Chicken & Waffles, Krab CakeBenedict and Gaslamp Power Breakfast. Brian’s24 is also known for its oversized portions ofhome style comfort food, including certified anguschoice steaks and house-made meatloaf andmashed potatoes. They have anything you want,whenever you want it! Grab a cocktail at themahogany bar, or sit under crystal chandeliersfor breakfast. Meet friends or business associatesfor lunch, a quiet dinner, late snack or nightcap.Brian’s makes it happen 24 hours a day! Locat-ed at 828 6th Avenue in the Gaslamp Quarter.

For more information and the complete menu,visit: www.brians24.com

Richard Walker’s Pancake HouseRichard Walker’s Pancake House, an upscalefusion of traditional and gourmet breakfastfavorites, is now open in the Marina District indowntown San Diego. Serving classic-style grid-dlecakes, crepes, omelets and other specialties,this pancake house is certain to become the “pre-mier” breakfast destination for San Diego's resi-dents, employees and the tourist community!

Open 6:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. 7 days a week, andif you are unable to stay and enjoy the atmo-sphere, take Richard Walker’s with you as weprepare orders to go.

The Fish MarketTwo outstanding locations. Award-winningseafood on San Diego Bay or across from the DelMar Race Track. 100+ item seafood menu isprinted 2 times a day to ensure quality and fresh-ness. Plus, oyster bar, cocktail bar with happyhour and retail market. Lunch and dinner serveddaily.

www.thefishmarket.com

FOOD & DRINK 11MARCH 2011SAN DIEGO DOWNTOWN NEWS

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Join Us March 31st 7:00 pmFallbrook Winery Wine Tasting

Tickets: $35.00 in advance $40.00 at the door

Hours of Operation:Sun 5pm-10pm Mon-Thurs 5pm-11pm Fri-Sat 5pm-12am

550 Park Blvd. #2104San Diego, CA 92101www.thecaskroom.com

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Kitchens Corner – Bread on MarketBiscotti is a delicious biscuit that is twice baked at a low tem-

perature to produce a crunchy texture, perfect for dipping inhot beverages such as coffee or hot chocolate. While the tra-ditional biscotti’s are baked with pine nuts or almonds it’seasy to play with the mix-ins to create a biscotti perfect forentertaining or just to keep around the kitchen.

This recipe is one of our favorites at Bread on Market, try itoutand let us know on face book how you fared. if you havequestions or if you found a mix in that is hard to resist, share itwith us and we'll share YOUR recipe with downtown San Diego!

with purchase of any food item of equal

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730 Market Street (between 7th & 8th)

Almond Biscotti (Approx 40)

Ingredients:2 cups Butter, unsalted – Room Temp4 cups Sugar, White8 Eggs – Room Temp2 tbls Vanilla extract8 cups Flour, AP2 tsps Baking powder2 tsps Baking soda2 cups Almonds, whole, toasted Sparkling or Sanding Sugar

Method:Cream butter & sugarAdd eggs slowlyAdd vanillaAdd un-sifted dries until incorporatedAdd almonds

Divide dough into 4 parts.Roll each part into a log 2” - 2 ½” wide.Place each log onto sheet pan and flatten slightly.Egg wash top of each log and sprinkle with ‘Sparkling Sugar’.

Preheat oven to 250f.Bake for 30 mins. or firm to touch. Logs will flatten some on their own.Remove and cool, cut logs on bias ¾” wide (use a serrated blade)Place cut slices side down on sheet pan.Bake again until pale golden color.

Carla Bassi is an artist. Her medium: flowers.Bassi, her husband, Jim, and her daughter,

Thea, own and run Che Bella floral design inEast Village, a premier San Diego floral designteam.

Pronounced “kay bella,” the name means“how beautiful” in Italian. Though the nameserved them well for the eight years or so theyspent in the colorful cottage shops on West FirStreet in Little Italy, Carla said the story behindthe name goes much deeper. It was a term ofendearment from an Italian family in theneighborhood where she grew up and it alsoreflects her own initials: CB.

Though Che Bella provides full-service flo-ral design for weddings, offices, holiday deco-rating and hotel and product launches, Bassibelieves that regardless of budget, even thesmallest introduction of plant life can changethe feel of a room.

“It doesn’t need to be an arrangement. Itcan be a single stem,” said Bassi, who hasworked in interior and floral design for 41years. “Even a single stem can change the

energy. Especially in this time when everyoneis doing without on some level, it gives you asense of luxury.”

For contemporary architecture, includingthe modern loft units peppered throughoutdowntown, Bassi recommends adding some-thing structural, like a well-shaped branch.

“The really geometric shape, it always readscold and uninviting,” she said. “Adding a sim-ple, organic thing can make it more peacefuland warmer. It’s like the difference betweenflorescent lights and windows.”

In addition to providing floral arrangementfor private clients and urban condo dwellers,Che Bella has an impressive résumé, includingarrangements for The W Hotel, Tower 23 inPacific Beach, the U.S. Grant Hotel, Blooming-dales and The Keating Hotel, where theyworked both on floral and interior design.

Bassi said adding some floral life is evenmore critical for city dwellers.

“It definitely changes the energy, not beingthe only living thing in your space,” she said.“It’s there for no reason other than to be beau-tiful.”

She recommends putting a floral accent

near the front door so the fragrant smell is thefirst thing that greets visitors when enteringand the last thing they remember when exit-ing.

Carla said none of the arrangements at CheBella are pre-made. All bouquets and arrange-ments are made to order and designed to theneeds of the client. Being a storyteller whouses rose instead of prose, she said she alwayslikes to find out about the person or placewhere the design will be going to be able tocreate something that captures the meaning ofthe occasion.

Che Bella relocated about a year ago to anEast Village loft space in a converted ice creamfactory called the “Reincarnation” building,adjacent to Sushi Performing Arts. In additionto floral, other interior design accents are avail-able at their tranquil storefront, and visitorsare greeted by the family labrador, George, andMilo, the cat.

Che Bella also offers floral design classes,both as private parties and as public events.

Che Bella is located at 1037 J St. For moreinformation on designs or classes, call (619)232-3193 or visit www.chebellafiori.com.

BUSINESS12 MARCH 2011SAN DIEGO DOWNTOWN NEWS

Che Bella takes floral design to impressive levelsBY LORALEE OLEJNIK | DOWNTOWN NEWS

In addition to providing floral arrangement for private clients and urbancondo dwellers, Che Bella has an impressive résumé, includingarrangements for The W Hotel, Tower 23 in Pacific Beach, the U.S.Grant Hotel, Bloomingdales and The Keating Hotel, where they workedboth on floral and interior design. Courtesy photo

Casa Artelexia There is shopping in San Diego and then there is a visitto Casa Artelexia, the charming boutique located in Little Italy at 2419 KettnerBoulevard. Whether you’re visiting the store for a movie night in their backyard,to make Sugar Skulls in a craft class, or to pick out a unique gift for a loved one,the experience you’ll have is bound to be special. From brightly colored kitchen-ware to stylish handbags, intricate tapestries to beautiful wall art, the treasuresat Casa Artelexia are selected by it's father-daughter team to evoke the warmthand culture of Mexico for their customers. – Brianne Kennedy

Ivan Stewart's Electric Bike Center Come by Ivan Stew-art's Electric Bike Center where we specialize in Electric Bicycle Sales, Rentalsand Repairs. Ivan Stewart's Electric Bike Center only offers the best of the bestwhen it comes to Electric Powered Bicycles. We carry eZee, Hebb, Sanyo andPedego brand electric bikes. Come see us every Saturday from 9am to 1:30 p.m.at Little Italy's Farmers Market, The Mercato, located in downtown San Diego inthe heart of Little Italy. We also rent electric bicycles. So you can rent an electricbike before you buy one. Once you ride one you will be hooked on the electric bikeconcept. Free Test Rides! Come rent an electric bike and see San Diego like neverbefore. Take the ferry to Coronado, cruise to Balboa Park without the struggle ofpedaling uphill. All without the trouble of parking! Ivan Stewart's Electric Bike Cen-ter is located at 2021 India St., San Diego, CA 92101. Phone: 619-564-7028.

Go Postal It is an honor to be voted #1 shipping/packaging center in theSan Diego Downtown News 2011 Readers Choice. Thank you to all of our loyalfriends and customers for supporting our family business. We wouldn’t be herewithout you and appreciate the opportunity to serve you. We opened Go Postal toanswer the needs of the community. Today Go Postal is a full mail center, with ser-vices that include: USPS, FedEx, DHL, notary, passport photos, private mail boxes,packaging materials, shipping, moving boxes, laminating, binding, internet access,key duplicating, printing, copying, faxing, scanning, greeting cards, Hello Kitty, andBella Vita jewelry designs. We offer all these services and more with the best qual-ity and price in the community of San Diego downtown. With us you will find afriendly family professional service atmosphere. 1501 India St., Suite 103, SanDiego CA 92101. Ph: 619-237-0374, Fax: 619-237-0459.

Puerto La Boca A little bit of Argentina in the heart of Little Italy. Openfor lunch and dinner daily. Happy Hour Monday-Saturday 4:30-7:30 p.m. and allday on Sunday. Sunday is also Family Day – Parrillada for 2 people only $29.95.Parrillada is an assortment of meats served with Argentinean fries and alsoincludes free spaghetti for the kids. Every Tuesday is Empanada Day and everyWednesday and Saturday you can get a steak dinner for $14.95 per personincluding our signature skirt steak, with fries or mashed potatoes and a mixedgreen salad. Stop by for a taste. You will be happy that you did. 2060 India Street,San Diego – 619-234-4900.

Formaggi Deli At Formaggi Deli in Little Italy the focus is fresh. Spe-cializing in fresh fruit or vegetable juices and oven baked sandwiches. They offera variety of Wraps, Tortas, Breakfast Bagels, Breakfast burritos, Sandwiches, Sal-ads & Smoothies. One of the top picks is the Turkey Avocado Bacon sandwichmade with the house chipolte mayo. There are even Vegan options such as theQuinoa Salad with walnuts and cranberries. Try something new at Formaggi Delitoday! We are located at 1501 India St, Ste 105, (between Beech St & Cedar St)(619) 230 - 1222

For advertising information, contact Heather Snyder

(858) 270-3103 x115Cell: (858) 232-5638

heather@sdnews.com

Don’t be left out of our next issue of the

DOWNTOWN NEWS

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A small electric charge gets you 20-40 miles up to 20MPH

Stop by for a test drive!

The next Little Italy Section runs April 7th, 2011. Thedeadline for submission is March 25th, so call today!Heather Snyder: 858-232-5638, heather@sdnews.com

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As local real estate markets show signs of recov-ery, realtors from San Diego’s downtown area aretaking the initiative to maximize interest in the SanDiego Association of Realtors Downtown Caravan.After years of running the caravan, a weekly infor-mation-sharing session for real estate professionals,members have initiated a series of changes, includ-ing the election of board members and a change ofvenue.

“We needed new ideas and new blood pumpedinto the caravan. We had seen other caravans suc-cessfully adopt this type of management, so wedecided to choose board members with a formalvote,” said Eric E. Jones of Urban Real Estate.

Existing members who had an interest in over-seeing the growth of the caravan nominated andelected four realtors and one non-realtor using aformal ballot. One of the first changes made by thenew board was the relocation from an overcrowd-ed room at the Horton Plaza Information Center tothe Panda Inn, which offers brunch with eachmeeting.

When asked about the main benefits of the car-avan, Jones said, “There is the obvious advantageof having agents actually seeing the properties

themselves. There is no replacement for that pro-cess, but we are also allowing agents to better net-work and making educational opportunities avail-able.”

The educational component is key in keepingreal estate professionals aware of political issues,Jones said. The caravan regularly invites guestspeakers to address issues impacting real estate,and members gain valuable insight into their mar-kets and the industry as a whole. Members can alsopitch their properties to the group at the meeting.

Newly-elected committee member Debbie Neu-man of Neuman Realty stressed the importance ofmaking the caravan more welcoming.

“We wanted to get to a place that was network-ing-friendly,” she said. “People want to do businesswith people they know and like.”

The impact of the changes to the caravan isclearly visible. The former meeting area at the Hor-ton Plaza Information Center was a standing-room-only affair with little room for socializing.

Since its relocation to the Panda Inn in January,attendance has steadily increased from less than 50attendees at the old venue to more than 150 atten-dees at the Feb. 10 meeting.

Neuman said agents aren’t the only ones whobenefit from the caravan. Affiliate title and lendingprofessionals also find valuable information and

contacts at the weekly event. Additionally, Neuman said the increased atten-

dance at the caravan has resulted in an increase inthe number of showings her listings are receiving,and she said the market is getting stronger as newproperties disappear.

“All experts predict we are going to have a short-age with no new properties being developed,” shesaid.

Jones said he has seen a similar strengthening inthe price of existing inventory.

“Based on what I see in new housing, the changeis significant,” he said. “Quality high rises hadupwards of 12 percent of their inventory on themarket. Now that figure is down to a range of 1percent to 3 percent.”

He added that it will be another 16 to 18 monthsbefore ground is broken on any new high rise in thedowntown area, so the shortage of new propertywill have a distinct impact on prices across theboard.

The buzz created by the Downtown Caravanpromises to help invigorate the downtown realestate market, as it becomes an increasingly usefulstop for professionals trying to participate in thedevelopment boom of downtown San Diego.

13MARCH 2011SAN DIEGO DOWNTOWN NEWSREAL ESTATE

‘Downtown Caravan’ launches evolution as market gains tractionBY MITCH BRUCKER | DOWNTOWN NEWS

The downtown San Diego skyline displays an array of colors at night. CASEY DEAN | Downtown News

Sicilian Festival Sunday May 22, bring the family to the 18th AnnualSicilian Festival – a free event in Little Italy from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. with music, food,grape stomp, pasta eating contest, and more! This year Emmy award winningChef Giada De Laurentiis of the Food Network will offer culinary demonstrations andsign her latest book, Giada at Home, courtesy of Bella Sera Wines. Park at San DiegoCounty Administration Building’s north lot and take the free shuttle to event. Eat,drink, and be Sicilian with two beer gardens, four entertainment stages, and fun forthe whole family! www.SicilianFestival.org

Griffin's Auto Repair Griffin's Auto Repair has been providing SanDiego auto repair for over 50 years. Griffin's stands behind our work by offering aguarantee on auto work for 18 months or 18,000 miles. All of our technicians areASE certified and factory trained. As a family owned and operated business, Grif-fin's is committed to keeping the highest standards of quality, affordability and cus-tomer service. Family owned and operated since 1959.

Phone: (619) 234-7991 Fax: (619) 234-7995 1542 State St. San Diego, CA 92101

Filippi's Pizza Grottos Vincent DePhilippis and Madeleine Stefanicame to America in 1922, Vincent from Italy and Madeleine from France. They metin New York and married in 1925 and settled in Philadelphia. In 1950 they movedto San Diego where they opened a deli grocery on India Street, which was calledFilippi's Cash and Carry. This was the beginning of what was to become a success-ful line of family restaurants. Today Filippi's Pizza Grottos are owned and operatedby family members of the original founders.

Our family would like to welcome your family to visit our restaurants and enjoythe traditional family recipes that our family has been serving for over 50 years!

Located at:1747 India Street San Diego, California 92101 Phone: (619) 232-5094

The Italian Bed and Breakfast is a small Victorian home builtin the early 1900's in Little Italy. It was used as a residence until the mid 1900'sand then left vacant until 2005.

The house was renovated and opened September 2010 as a bed and breakfast.The bed and breakfast features four guests rooms which include a suite with a

king bed, private sitting area and private bath, two rooms with queen beds and private baths and one room with a queen bed and a private detached bathroom.All baths are tub shower combinations.

A delicious hot breakfast is served every day at 9 am which can include a freshor cooked fruit entrée, pancakes or french toast, baked egg dishes, juices andmuffins or toaster items. Coffee is available at 8 am on the kitchen sideboard. Hotwater for teas and instant drinks are available all day and in the afternoon look forour sweet treats

Located at: 2054 Columbia Street, San Diego, Ca. 92101, Tel: (619) 238-1755,Fax: (619) 756-7957, www.theitalianbb.com

Meyer Fine Art, Inc. Clay Walker: Mid-Century and Beyond ·March 11, 2011 – April 30, 2011Rediscover Clay Walker (1924-2008), a mid-century abstract expressionist.Meyer Fine Art, Inc. is honored to exhibit this prolific artist’s diverse works onpaper, canvas, wood, etc.; a retrospective of color, texture and creativity. Experi-ence the different styles and directions that influenced his images. Compare hisskillfully executed sketches to the finished masterpieces. Understand how hechallenged himself utilizing colors and materials to create compositions ahead oftheir time.

In the latter 1950’s Walker exhibited with Picasso, Warhol, Rauschenberg, etc.His artwork has been shown in over 200 exhibitions throughout the US

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SANCHOGRIFFIN’S MASCOT

PAGE 14 | MARCH 2011 | SAN DIEGO DOWNTOWN NEWS

MARCH 2011 | VOL. 12, NO. 3

SDNEWSis now on TwitterFollow @sdnews on www.twitter.com for news, updates, events and more. Chime in and let us know what you’re thinking!

URBANLIVINGS A N D I E G O D O W N T O W N N E W S

4th & B offers glimpse at rock ’n’ roll historyWhile the 1,500-capacity entertain-

ment venue 4th & B may be known asone of San Diego’s premier concert halls,music fans attending shows can also finda treasure in the displays of music mem-orabilia from the collection of ownerVincent Puma.

“I’ve always been into filling my housewith memorabilia and my wife didn’tquite like that,” Puma joked. “But this iskind of my dream to put these items outfor the people to see.”

Since acquiring the club at 345 B St.in March 2009, Puma has attempted to

get a piece of memorabilia signed byeach artist that performs at the club. Vis-iting musicians, he said, love the display.

“They’re pretty much blown away,”he said. “That helps me ask them to signa guitar, because they’ve already seenthe collection. They know I’m not justgoing to go sell it.”

Puma has been a memorabilia collec-tor for decades and once owned one ofthe world’s top Van Halen collectionsuntil it was destroyed in the 2007 wild-fires. From that tragedy, Puma would goon to stage a benefit for the wildfire vic-tims, which ultimately led to the pur-chase of the club by him and his wife,

Judy. When word got around that Pumahad lost his items in the fires, SammyHagar sent a guitar and Eddie Van Halensent a personal note on an autographedpicture. The items remain Puma’sfavorites in the display.

Not quite every artist has been willingto sign, Puma said.

“The only one that’s turned me downis Jeff Beck because I didn’t have a goodenough guitar,” he said.

Even with such a big guitar collection,Puma rarely plays.

“I used to, a little bit, but I work too

BY BART MENDOZA | DOWNTOWN NEWS

The venue 4th & B offers guests a fine selection of rock memorabilia like these guitars usedby Eddie Money, Ratt and Great White. PAUL HANSEN I Downtown News SEE ROCK, Page 16

Fat Tuesday will mark the17th annual Mardi Gras event inSan Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter,and this year, the popular partywill be given a new twist. TheMarch 8 event will be the samenight of revelry that attracts30,000 brightly costumed peo-ple to flood the Gaslamp’s streets,but with a unique San Diego flair.

“This is a signature San Diegoevent and we’re proud of the lega-cy,” said Brandy Shimabukuro ofthe Gaslamp Quarter Association.“But with something like this, it’salways a struggle to stay relevant.We want people to come and fallin love with it all over again.”

To keep with the change ofgeneration, event planners arestraying from the more tradition-al New Orleans-style Mardi Grasand striving for a more hip,urban vibe. Fat Tuesday signifiesthe last day of indulgence beforeLent begins, and Shimabukurosaid the goal is to embrace boththat theme and a Southern Cali-fornian feel.

Music will have a key part inaccomplishing this goal. “Therearen’t many street music festivalsin the center of an urban corelike this,” Shimabukuro said.“We feel there’s a void there, somusic will be a key focus of thenight.”

Whereas in previous years theevent has been spread through-out several streets in the GaslampQuarter, this year’s Mardi Graswill be laid out right down 5thAvenue and feature threethemed zones. Each zone willhost huge stages with well-known DJs including DJ Rap, DJScotty Boy, G-Roy and DJ ColleenShannon.

The north end will be trans-formed into a fairyland, with go-go fairy dancers, fairy wings andplenty of pixie dust.

Leaving Fairy Land, partiers

will move on to the Urban Housezone, which will feature the SanDiego dance crew Kruccial Ele-ment.

The third zone, Technovale,will keep revelers dancing allnight with entertainment by TheCrystal Method, Sharam and DJLee Burridge.

The headlining point of thenight will be at 9:30 p.m., whena massive parade makes its waydown the street.

Other entertainment willinclude two roving bands, pup-pets, stilt-walkers and food trucksfor partiers who are having toomuch fun to sit down, as well asvendors selling the essentialMardi Gras accessories such asmasks and beads.

The event will run from 6p.m. to midnight and is onlyopen to those 21 and older.Advance tickets are $20,while tickets at the door are$25. VIP tickets are also avail-able and will get ticketholdersfree cover to numerous barsand clubs, as well as food anddrink specials throughout theGaslamp Quarter.

For tickets and more infor-mation, visit www.gaslamp.-org

ShamROCK, San Diego’s biggest St. Patrick’s Dayblock party, hits the streets of downtown on March 17.

“We had about 15,000 people come last year andwe expect as many this year,” McFarlane PromotionsDirector of Public Relations Natalie Gomez said.

Headlining the event are the Young Dubliners, anIrish punk rock band playing from 7 p.m. to 8:15 p.m.

With three stages and several city blocks fenced off,there will be no shortage of entertainment. Lexing-ton Field is scheduled to play as well as The Fooks,Down’s Family and The Shamrockers. There will alsobe a slew of DJ’s performing, including DJ BDP, MacLove, Sid Vicious and many others.

This year, in addition to the regular $25 tickets,organizers are offering Club VIP upgrades for the first

time. While regular admission gets patrons variousfood and drink specials as well as free covers at par-ticipating clubs and bars, VIP upgrades are an addi-tional $25 and include special perks such as addition-al food and drink discounts as well as privatebathrooms within ShamROCK.

In all, 30 bars and restaurants are participating inthe event that has become a popular destination forpeople who want to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in SanDiego.

“We’re definitely expecting another sellout thisyear,” Gomez said about shamROCK, which sold outlast year. “So many people come from all around thecountry, It’s great.”

Early in the evening traditional Irish step-dancersand musicians will keep audiences jigging. Go-godancers dressed in schoolgirl outfits will spice thingsup and 60,000 square feet of green carpet is expect-ed to provide comfort and flair.

The main entrance for ShamROCK is located at5th Avenue and G Street. Several blocks in theGaslamp Quarter will be blocked off for the event,including F Street between 5th and 7th avenues, 6thAvenue between E and G streets and G Street between5th and 6th avenues.

One of the most unique aspects of the event is afree shuttle ride home.

“Anyone can get a free ride home between 9 p.m.and 1 a.m. with a ShamROCK ticket,” Gomez said. “Ittakes you right to your front door, anywhere in SanDiego County. We recommend taking the trolleydown or getting a ride and taking the shuttle home.”

ShamROCK festivities and entertainment getsunderway at 4 p.m. and finishes up at midnight.

For more detailed information or to purchase tick-ets go to www.sandiegoshamrock.com. Tickets canalso be purchased at 544 5th Ave. or by calling (619) 233-5008.

L ive like you’re in Rio de Janeiroevery day of the week — orjust celebrate like Brazilians

do during the annual Carnival hap-pening this month in San Diego. It’sa party every year at the annual SanDiego Brazil Carnival — a celebra-tion that is all about laughter, music,dancing and great food.

The March 5 event at the 4th & BShowcase Theater will be no excep-tion. This year’s edition will pay trib-ute to the Brazilian state of Amazo-nia, and will include a celebrationthat honors the green trend.

Rio de Janeiro native ChristinePortella has been creating the SanDiego Brazil Carnival for 19 years,and this year’s March celebrationat the venue at 345 B St. willinclude all the fanfare that has beenattracting international audiencesfor nearly two decades.

“This is my baby,” Portella said.“Being from Rio, Carnival is such abig part of our life.”

San Diego has been attractinginternational residents for years,and now everyone can bask in therainforests of Rio in our own back-

yard. Watch spectacular dancingfrom local belly dancers, capoeiraperformances from acrobatic mar-tial art teams, Brazilian musiciansand dance music from local DJs.

Portella brought the festival toSouthern California to bring Rio deJaneiro’s joy of life to San Diego’sbeaches.

“Brazilian culture is music, danceand food. Beyond that is the joy forlife — period,” said Portella. “Theredoesn’t need to be a special occa-sion to celebrate.”

The main attraction is always thegiveaway — a round trip to Brazil—but that comes later in theevening. Dancing, music and all-around Brazilian-inspired goodtimes will lead up to the drawing.

San Diego Brazil Carnival is pro-duced by Brazilian Productions,which has been bringing the Brazil-ian lifestyle to San Diego since1988. As one of the largest authen-tic Carnival events in the state, thetrue nature of San Diego Brazil Car-nival comes to life due in part toPortella’s native roots.

There’s an endless supply ofenergy at the San Diego Brazil Car-nival.

The Mardi Gras parade snakesits way through downtown dur-ing 2010’s event. The celebra-tion annually attracts more than30,000 people to the Gaslampdistrict. Photo courtesy of Ennebi Communications

Two samba dancers, or sambistas, pose at last year’s Carnival. Lavish cos-tumes are only part of the Brazilian celebration. The last party before Lent,the event includes a circus, masquerade and parade. Photo courtesy by Brazilian Productions

Gaslamp Quarter’s Mardi Graswill feature a San Diego flair

Carnival brings Rio’s joie de vivre to San Diego BY MEAGHAN CLARK | DOWNTOWN NEWS

BY HANA REXROTH | DOWNTOWN NEWS

BY LEE CORNELL | DOWNTOWN NEWS

ShamROCK to paint the town green in huge St. Patrick’s Day block party

LIVE MUSIC16 MARCH 2011SAN DIEGO DOWNTOWN NEWS

hard now,” he said. “I don’t have the ener-gy, running the club takes all my time.”

Currently in the midst of upgrades,the club has received a new burgundyand gold paint job, upscale booths and asound system makeover. Changes tocome include the addition of more club-style lighting, complete with LED dis-plays. The most popular addition to 4th& B over the last couple of years, howev-er, has still been the collectibles display.

The massed instruments are definite-ly attention-getters, attracting fans of allgenres of music. Items on display includephotos, posters and 32 guitars, mostsigned by artists who have performed atthe 15-year-old club since Puma becameits owner, including Snoop Dogg, Rattand Dokken.

The memorabilia lines the club’s wallsbehind the bars, with guitars on standsalongside the bottles.

Puma said he would like to expandthe display, noting 4th & B’s multi-pur-pose capability — which can be used to

host a Carnival party one night and aboxing match the next. But this wouldalso require the décor to be changedquickly.

“I have to take it down for certainevents, because people like to do differenttypes of events with themes,” he said.“I considered building cases, but pro-moters like to use projections on thewall, so I’d have to move them around.This is the best way for now.”

After two years of ownership, Puma isbreaking even. On his second anniver-sary as owner, he is particularly upbeatabout 4th & B’s future, with upcomingshows including singer-songwriter JasonDerulo (March 25) and British hit-mak-ers OMD (March 27). The club averages10 events per month, though he hopesto have that number up to 15-plus soon.He noted that Latin and electronica con-certs do well, but rock isn’t as big a draw.

“I really feel this is going to be mybreakout year,” Puma said. “In thiseconomy, breaking even is a win. Ibought 4th & B to be part of the commu-nity. I really didn’t buy this for themoney. I was already retired basically. Iwanted to be part of the music scene.”

ROCKCONTINUED FROM Page 15

It’s never been easy to be a musician,and these days it’s tougher than ever.Lucky for music fans, there is a seem-ingly never-ending wave of up-and-com-ing talent willing to take their chancesfor the brass ring.

One of the most effective ways to geta group noticed is via a package outinglike the five-band Alternative Press (AP)Tour, stopping in at the House of Blueson March 25.

Based around five groups with theseal of approval of music magazineAlternative Press, the evening’s musicwill be provided by up-and-comingindie rockers Black Veil Brides, I SeeStars, Destroy Rebuild Until GodShows, VersaEmerge and Virginia-based quintet Conditions.

Formed in 2006, Conditions, featur-ing singer Brandon Roundtree, guitaristsJason Marshall and Alex Howard, drum-mer Ryan Tinsley and bassist CoreyThomas, is a veteran of numerous road

trips, both in the U.S. and Europe. Pere-nially on the road, they’ve earned open-ing spots on the Vans Warped Tour, Tasteof Chaos, Bamboozle Festival, andSXSW Music Conference. They’ve alsoshared stages with New Found Gloryand Good Charlotte. After releasing apair of EPs, the band is promoting itsdebut album “Fluorescent Youth,” andwill spend seven weeks with the AP Tour.

The members of Conditions wouldprefer to eventually stage their ownshows, however they’re more thanhappy to take the bottom of the bill, asopeners on a tour like this.

“Typically the last few tours we’vedone, we’ve tried to do support stuff,”Howard said. “Just to try to get out tosome broader audiences.”

Some might see being the opener as adifficult spot, but Howard sees it as a pos-itive challenge.

“We’re kind of used to being the firstband on the bill and only playing forabout 30 minutes, making it short andsweet, while doing everything we can to

capture those people in such a shortamount of time,” he said.

Although the emphasis on this tourwill be on their latest album, the bandplans to mix up the set list with materi-al from earlier EPs.

“We are going to rotate in one or twosongs that we haven’t played on the lastfew tours,” Howard said.

Though many would consider theday-in, day-out grind of touring in a vanto be less than glamorous, Howardremains enthusiastic.

“I love traveling,” he said. “We’re onlygoing to be in San Diego overnight as wehave to play in Las Vegas the next day,but it’s really cool to get out there and goto a bunch of places that I’ve never beento. Even though, because you’re work-ing a lot of the time you don’t get to seea whole lot, it’s an awesome experience.”

Conditions opens the AP tour at 6 p.m.on Friday, March 25 at the House ofBlues, 555 Fifth Avenue. All ages. Ticketsrange from $15 to $25. For more, visitwww.myspace.com/conditionsband.

Conditions happy to open at House of BluesBY BART MENDOZA | DOWNTOWN NEWS

Coronado

1201 1st Street, #213 • Coronado Ferry LandingOpen Daily at 10am • 619-435-1880

Visit our shop or order online at www.scottishtreasures.net

New items arriving monthly from Scotland, Ireland, England & Wales

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The Coronado Chamber of Commerceis proud to host the 26th annual Salute to the Military Ball.This gala is a tribute honoring and thanking our local activeduty military at Naval Base Coronado. Your participationallows the local military to attend this celebration as ourguests free of charge. Please show your grateful appreciation,as we proudly salute our military and celebrate the Centennialof Naval Aviation. Visit www.coronadomilitaryball.com or call(619) 435-9260, ext. 201.

Scottish Treasures Celtic Corneris a family owned business with over 21 years of retail expe-rience. The Logans opened the shop 12 years ago at the ferrylanding in Coronado. If you're looking for something Scottish,Irish, English or Welsh, it's very possible that you will find whatyou are looking for in the shop. They stock kilts and all theaccessories, ladies, kids and clothing for babies, jewelry includ-ing Celtic wedding bands. There is an extensive grocery sec-tion all imported from the UK, plus unique gift ideas that aren'tavailable anywhere else in the county. Rent a kilt for St.Patrick’s Day! Special pricing available! (619) 435-1880www.scottishtreasures.net

DINE * SHOP* PLAY* ENJOY these fine shops:Art for Wildlife * Mascot Boutique * Coronado Cupcakery *Regali Gourmet * Coronado Cigar Factory * French Room *La Camisa * Stephen Clayton Galleries * Candelas * Bikes &Beyond * NFCU ATM * Burger King * Scottish Treasures *Men’s Island Sportswear * Postal Unlimited * Cold StoneCreamery * Captain Coronado* Peohe’s * Spiro’s Gyros * Lil Piggy’s BBQ * Village Pizzeria Bayside * II Fornaio

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ENJOY THE COLORS & BEAUTY OF OLD TOWNThis page is made possible by these fine businesses.To find our how you can participate, call Mike at (858) 270-3103 x 112

MarchSpring Nights in Old TownEvery Night through Sunday in March

All through March, the cool spring nightswill warm up with live entertainment andvibrant performances bringing a festive eveningatmosphere to Old Town San Diego State His-toric Park.

Presented by Fiesta de Reyes, exciting showstake place every evening in February and Marchin the Fiesta de Reyes courtyard from 5:30 p.m.to 8 p.m. With authentic outdoor furnitureimported from Mexico, patio umbrellas and firepits, the courtyard blends California history andmodern flavor to create a festive ambiance thatwill make everyone want to celebrate.

On Mondays, visitors can expect a historicdrama presentation by actors who will reenactstories from 1850s. Tuesdays will be PotpourriPerformance night with a variety of groupsranging from folkloric dancing to performingarts schools. On Wednesdays, the plaza will cel-ebrate the Jalisco traditional dance of Folklori-co and will feature folklorico troupes from allaround San Diego County. On Thursday andFriday, live music will be performed by variousAndean and Latin music groups, respectively.On Saturdays and Sundays, Los Rios will enter-tain the crowd with Mariachi Fusion music.

Poker Party Fundraiser at Barra Barra Saloon March 27 Come dressed in your best 1870s wear for thispoker party at Barra Barra Saloon. Featuring old-fashioned games, dinner, drinks, the Old Town PokerParty is a fundraiser for the Old Town MerchantsAssociation to put on events in the state park. Thecost is $30 per person and $50 per couple. Call619-297-3100 x22 for tickets.

April & MayCancer Relay for Life Car Show DATE: April 3Sponsored by Chula Vista Chapter of Relay forLife, this car show draws low riders and alltypes of classic cars from San Diego County.The show features low-rider cars, bikes, enter-tainment, and a day of family fun in Old TownSan Diego State Historic Park.

Ladies Day in Old Town DATE: April 9Experience weaving, sewing, pottery makingand cooking at the time California became astate. Garden tours, living history activities,people in period attire, and historic games. Tryyour hand at crafts of the 19th century.

Fiesta Cinco de Mayo & Cinco de MayoDATE: April 30th and May 1st and May 5th

FASHION 17MARCH 2011SAN DIEGO DOWNTOWN NEWS

Nordstrom Designer Preview

The annual Nord-strom Designer Pre-view event took placeFeb. 23 at LandmarkAviation. This high-energy fashion showfeatured the Ameri-can and Europeancollections for spring2011. The dramaticopening began with acube unveiling a stageof stationary models.They came down therunway wearingfashions from design-ers like Dolce & Gab-bana, Emilio Pucci,Versace and Oscar de la Renta. Shoes arealways a big part of the show. My favoritewas the pair of silver and black heels

from Marni.A “must have” and

the hottest trend forspring are all-whitedresses, pants, tops andjackets. Luscious lacewas very popular on therunway, along withbody hugging dresses.Most of the designersshowed bright colors,especially turquoise andtangerine. The lipstickwas bright pink andorange.

A designer boutiquewas set up so the guests

were able to shop after the show whilelistening to DJ Myson King and drum-mer Josh Garza. Waters Fine Cateringprovided the delicious hors d’oeuvre.This event benefited The New Children’sMuseum, which empowers children tothink, play and create. For more infor-mation visit www.thinkplaycreate.org

A Fashionable Garden at Eden

Eden is a new con-temporary boutique forwomen that justopened at 520 FifthAve. The owner, AllanHall, designed and constructed all thefixtures and metal work in keeping withthe Eden theme. Hall displayed hiscraftsmanship with three benches heconstructed for the boutique. The firsttwo are shaped like large velvet leavessitting on a metal framework. The thirdis a gorgeous piece of wood sitting onmetal work. The floor is hand-stenciledwith trees, leaves, birds and butterflies.The garden ambiance is filled with bird-baths, birdcages, nests and bird eggs,

and is completed with a beautiful sky-blue ceiling.

A trend at Eden is bright colors for thespring and summer seasons. Featherearrings are also popular right now.Jeans are a big seller here, especiallyPlastics by Gly Jeans. These stylishclothes are moderately priced and theshop has a great selection of accessories.Hall said you don’t have to spend a lot ofmoney to be noticed. You only need to becreative and unique, which this bou-tique certainly reflects. If you are readyfor the wow factor in shopping, visitEden Sundays through Thursdays from11 a.m. to 8 p.m. or Fridays and Satur-days from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Cool Bohemian Nights“Bohemian Nights” is a shopping

event that happens every third Satur-day of the month at the Industry Show-room. February was a Valentine’s Dayevent with fashion, art, design andmusic. DJ Alex Hardy spun the tunes.There was an abundance of vendors,including the shops in residence suchas BritBoy, DCompress, Atomic Laser-Lab and Melt Boutique. My favorite wasConsuul Clothing, which screen-printeda T-Shirt for patrons right on the spot.The Sudden Art Gallery located in theIndustry Showroom features a differentartist every month, with February fea-turing the creative art of Aaron Ishaeik.

Industry Showroom is the brainchildof Rex Edhlund, who has created thiscollaboration of retail stores. Edhlundis also the creator of the clothing linePopular Naughty and the monthlyBohemian Nights event, which lastmonth featured designs from BritBoyand Shanna Gall. The models came outof the store and circled the block in aspectacular fashion parade.

FashionFiles

Diana Cavagnaro

SEE FASHION, Page 18

Shops, shows gear up with summer styles

The hottest trendfor spring is white.

Eden Boutiqueon Fifth Avenue.

Bright colors willbe very popular.

Tatiana Zaykovskaya stands in the stylish newEden Boutique. Diana Cavagnaro | Downtown News

All-natural products are a currenttrend in retail. Lillie Soap Co. was onhand with its handcrafted all-naturalsoap. Another trend in fashion is feath-ers, and The Friendly Feather Shop waspresent with cruelty-free feather jewel-ry. Come in to see the next BohemianMarket on March 26 or just visit theshops at the Industrial Showroom,located at 345 6th Ave. in the GaslampQuarter.

Upcoming EventsMarch 12: Fashion Plates Luncheon & Fash-ion Show at the Sheraton Harbor Island at 10a.m. to benefit the San Diego Blood Bank. Forinformation call Trisha Gooch at (858) 527-1419 ext. 29

March 15: Viva Latinas at Hattox Hall at theOld Globe Theatre from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

will feature cocktails and a fashion presentationof select pieces by Naeem Khan. RSVP atLenaevans@aol.com.

March 20: The boutique Pretty Is? will hostits first open house from noon to 6 p.m. locat-ed at 418 Third Avenue.

April 3: Thread (Curated Indie Design & Fash-ion) will take place at the Horton Plaza EventSpace at 4th & Broadway from 11 a.m. to 6p.m. RSVP at wwwthreadshow.com

— Diana Cavagnaro is a national-ly recognized hat designer andmilliner. Diana has been operating afashion business for 28 years, withthe last 18 years in San Diego’sGaslamp Quarter. She has been teach-ing in the fashion department at SanDiego Mesa College for 18 years.Diana is an active member of theGaslamp Quarter Association, TheAmerican Sewing Guild, the SanDiego Costume Council and the Fash-ion Group International.

FASHION18 MARCH 2011SAN DIEGO DOWNTOWN NEWS

Elite Health is the premier preventative health and wellness center founded on theprinciple that “Health is Wealth” and effective injury and illness prevention is farmore beneficial to a patient than treatment after the fact.We provide: Chriopractic Adjustments, Massage, Physical Therapy, Nutritional Assessements, Sports Specific Stretching and Injury Prevention therapies for every- body from professional athletes to young professionals and everyone in between.

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Dear Downtown Doc, I have been having trouble sleeping wellfor months now. It’s been suggested thatI take medication so that I may rest prop-erly. A friend of mine recommended try-ing Chiropractic for my sleeplessness afterI was considering taking medication tohelp me rest. How can Chiropractic help?

-Sleepless in SDDear Sleepless,

Many of my patients who present withtrouble sleeping often have cervical spinalmisalignments and also associated mus-cle tension and tightness. Chiropractichelps you sleep better by removing thesemisalignments and properly restoringyour nerve function to your body whichreduces muscle tension and allows you torest. Most scientists agree that one of themajor purposes of sleep is to restoreand heal the body. In fact, some studieshave shown that sleep deprivation canlead to deficiencies in the immune system.

The following are the many “sideeffects” of a popular sleep aid…

“…Walking, eating, driving, or engagingin other activities while asleep withoutremembering it the next day have beenreported. Other abnormal behaviorsinclude aggressiveness, agitation, hallu-cinations, and confusion. In depressedpatients, worsening of depression includ-ing risk of suicide may occur. These risksmay increase if you drink alcohol. Severeallergic reactions such as swelling of thetongue and throat occur rarely and maybe fatal……like most sleep medicines, car-ries some risk of dependency. Side effectsmay include unpleasant taste, headache,morning drowsiness, and dizziness.”

Compare with the benefits of Chiro-practic care that include the following:Improved sleep, relaxed muscles,improved posture, increased flexibility,decreased stress and tension, strength-ened immune system, and a reduction inpain and headaches to name just a few!

Chiropractic is NOT just for pain . . . Mypatients enjoy the benefits of a spine thatis aligned regularly which not only

tremendously helps to slow spinal degen-eration, but also can help your body func-tion at its optimal level. As far as sleep-lessness goes, for many, medication has itsplace. I tell my patients to try the mostconservative natural treatment thenprogress to the other options if progressisn’t made or if symptoms persist.

If Chiropractic doesn’t help, there aremany options available for patients suchas vitamin and herbal supplementation,meditation, yoga, and massage; all ofwhich can help reduce stress inducedinsomnia. Consult your physician aboutall of your options and keep an openmind when considering a treatment. Typ-ically a more natural approach is health-ier for you and has less serious side effects! Yours in Health, Dr. DhokalEliteHealthPractice.com(619) 261-7356Questions from readers can be submittedto DrDhokal@EliteHealthSD.com

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FASHIONCONTINUED FROM Page 17

Bradley Lubinsky screen-prints at ConsuulPrinting as part of Bohemian Nights.

Bohemian Nights featured designs from Brit-Boy and Shanna Gall in February.

A model struts her stuff on the runway. D i a n aCavagnaro | Downtown News

PERFORMING ARTS 19MARCH 2011SAN DIEGO DOWNTOWN NEWS

At Copley Symphony Hall,picking just two of numerous San DiegoSymphony opportunities this month:

March 11-13 St. Louis Symphonymusic director David Robertson conductspianist Orli Shaham, his wife, and the SanDiego Symphony in Edward Grieg’s ultra-melodic Piano Concerto in A minor. Alsoprogrammed are Robert Schumann’sSymphony No. 3 (“Rhenish”) and Gyor-gy Ligeti’s “Concert Românesc.”

March 25-26 Silent Film Night: filmrestoration expert/conductor GillianAnderson leads the San Diego Sym-phony in accompanying HerbertBrenon’s Peter Pan (1924), basedupon J.M. Barrie’s original play, withBetty Bronson as Peter and Anna MayWong as Tiger Lily. Popcorn will besold for only $1 a bag.www.sandiegosymphony.org or (619)235-0804

At the Lyceum, Horton Plaza

March 19-April 17 on the LyceumStage, Sam Woodhouse stages SarahRuhl’s comic period piece, “In theNext Room (or the vibrator play),”which takes place in an era when“hysteria” resulted from the latestelectronic gadget. Wednesdays-Sun-days at San Diego Repertory Theatre,79 Horton Plaza, Downtown San Diego,www.sdrep.org or (619) 544-1000.

At The Old Globe, Balboa Park

March 12-April 17 The Old Globe pre-

sents IanB r u c e ’ s“Groundswell,”a suspensefuldrama thattakes place onthe rocky coastof South Africa,where the sub-

ject is diamonds. Tuesdays-Sundays inthe Sheryl and Harvey White Theatre atthe Conrad Prebys Theatre Center, TheOld Globe, 1363 Old Globe Way, BalboaPark, www.theoldglobe.org or (619) 23-GLOBE

At Civic Theatre8 p.m. Friday, March 11 La Jolla Music

Society presents the acclaimed Joffrey Bal-let in Gerald Arpino’s “Reflections,” Jessi-ca Lang’s “Crossed” and Edwaard [sic]Liang’s “Age of Innocence” (lecture at 7p.m.), San Diego Civic Theatre, 1100 3rdAve., $30-$75, http://www.ljms.org/ or(619) 570-1100.

THE LIVELY

ARTSCharlene Baldridge

March comes in like a lion and stays the entire month!

David Robertson (left) will conduct his wife, pianist Orli Shaham (right) and the San DiegoSymphony at Copley Symphony Hall March 11-13. Photos courtesy of San Diego Symphony

Photo courtesy of Old Globe Theater

La Jolla Music Society will present theacclaimed Joffrey Ballet on Friday, March 11at Civic Theatre. Photo courtesy of Joffrey Ballet

Alexander Salazar is a man with avision and the passion and energy tomake it happen. Salazar, who ownsAlexander Salazar Fine Art, wants totransform the teeming street life alongthe north side of Broadway from 7th to10th streets into an arts district.

Despite the odds, he may succeedwith the city’s support. Salazar hasreceived four letters from Mayor JerrySanders encouraging his activities, acity grant to improve his gallery spaceon the corner of 7th Street and Broad-way, and the help of a city programcalled “Clean & Safe,” which patrolsdowntown. Salazar was also the sub-ject of a recent NBC television showthat profiled his vision.

“I love working with San Diegoartists,” Salazar said. “They are acces-sible and highly talented.”

Come April 2, Salazar will have beenin business downtown for one year. Ina very fast -aced growth spurt, Salazarhas spun out three gallery spaces anddisplayed the work of numerousartists. His flagship gallery is at 640Broadway, but he also owns a smallspace just next door for a visiting artistto paint in public view, and a large artauction house around the corner on7th street.

Unlike many gallery owners, Salazarsaid he welcomes competition.

“I welcome the existence of my com-petition. You really need teamwork tomake the art community survive,” hesaid. “It saddens me whenever I see agallery close. My goal is collaboration.I want to help artists and other gallery

owners survive. We all have to sticktogether to make this happen.”

Born in Houston, Texas, Salazarearned a bachelor’s from Colorado Col-lege, a master’s from Boston Collegeand another master’s in art history andtheory from Harvard. His specialty wasthe representation of the Virgin Maryin Russian iconic art. He originallycame to San Diego to work in an artgallery in La Jolla, but soon decided hewanted to open his own space. Hedecided on downtown, where he lived,because he loved the fast pace of streetlife, the rents were low and there wasmuch potential for growth and devel-opment. He said he wanted to invest inhis own neighborhood.

Greg Regan was Salazar’s Februaryartist-in-residence. Every day fromabout 2 to 7 p.m., he publicly paintedabstract representations of women inthe small gallery space next door.Regan, who went to San Dieguito HighSchool and is largely self-taught, said,“I am very happy to be a part of theAlexander’s mission to transform thisarea. I like the people I have met hereand all the activity going has been verystimulating. People should come downhere and see what is happening andget involved.”

In March, Salazar will feature twoartists. From March 1 throughMarch 14, with a reception on March5, Alison Rash will be showing herartwork, which is based on the geo-metric shape of the diamond. Thesecond half of March will feature thework of Jorge Albertella, who is co-sponsored by the Argentinean con-sulate. There will be a reception forhim on March 25 and 26.

For more information visitwww.alexandersalazarfineart.com, call(619) 531-8996, or e-mailasalazar@post.Harvard.edu.

BY WILL BOWEN | DOWNTOWN NEWS

EVENTS20 MARCH 2011SAN DIEGO DOWNTOWN NEWS

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Spring is just around the cornerand with it comes warmer tem-peratures, baseball and plenty of

cool things to do downtown. Here’s aglimpse at some of the fun happeningsthis month:

Held on the second Friday of everyother month from 6 to 9 p.m., KettnerNights in Little Italy is a great eventthat’s known for featuring unique andone-of-a-kind artwork. From paintingsto sculptures and handmade jewelry,this is the place to be for the arts anddesign crowd. Another plus: many ofthe artists can be found working awayin their studios so you can talk withthem one-on-one. Parking, however,can be challenging and on our tours,the one question people often ask is“Where can I park for Kettner Nights?”

If you don’t mind walking, try park-ing on the outskirts of Little Italy. It’sless than a mile away and everywhereyou look, there are sweeping views ofblue water, sailboats and colorful peo-ple, so it’s a relaxing walk. Possiblelocations that often clear out once 5 p.m. hits include the area near theW Hotel on B Street betweenColumbia and State streets or near thedog park at Columbia and G streets.

Once you find parking, your first stopshould be the W Hotel, which hasboth the lobby bar and an out-door rooftop scene featuring heatedsand, cabanas and fire pits.

Next, take a peek inside Anthology— a live music venue and restaurant at1337 India St. Make sure you visit allthree levels. Continue your walk downIndia Street and when you get to the ElCamino restaurant, turn left on Kalmiaand head down the hill to the 2400block of Kettner Street. The art studios inthe 2400 Building are especially worth

checking out! The next Kettner Nights isMarch 11 (www.littleitalysd.com).

Mo’olelo Performing Arts Com-pany’s latest production “Stick Fly”comes to the Tenth Avenue Theatrein East Village. Written by Lydia R. Dia-mond and directed by Robert BarryFleming, the play, which is receivingrave reviews, centers on the LaVays, anaffluent African-American familyvacationing on Martha’s Vineyard forthe weekend. The sons — one, a physi-cian, the other, an aspiring novelist —each bring their girlfriends — oneblack, one white — to meet the family.Mo’olelo’s Artistic Director, SeemaSueko, says she’s excited to bring “StickFly” to the local theater scene. As forbeing downtown, Sueko calls it an ideallocation.

“We love being downtown and in theEast Village! This is a fun, quirky neigh-borhood full of entrepreneurs andcharacter,” she said. “The central loca-tion makes it easy for our audiences tocome from all parts of the county.”

“Stick Fly” runs through March20. For ticket information, visitwww.moolelo.net.

Local gallery owner strives for arts-inspired downtown

Greg Regan was Alexander Salazar’s artist-in-residence for the month of February. Artists-in-residence make themselves available forthe public to see them at work every day fromabout 2 to 7 p.m. WILL BOWEN | Downtown News

It’s allHappening!

Marc & Darlynne Menkin

We want to hear from you! On SundayMarch 27th, from noon to 4 p.m., MarineArtist Wyland will make a special appear-ance at the Wyland Gallery in SeaportVillage . Get a photo with Wyland andboth of you should be showing aShaka/Hang Loose Sign and big smiles.Post your photos to our Facebook page.The most creative pictures will win a col-orful item from the gallery and ticketsto a Downtown Amazing Race/treasurehunt with Where You Want To Be Tours.

Marc & Darlynne Menkin are theco-owners of Where You Want To BeTours. Many of their tours and teambuild-ing scavenger hunts feature secretDowntown areas. www.wheretours.com

Mindful EatingIt’s Saturday night. You put on your favorite

DVD. You snuggle on the couch with a tall, coldglass of milk and a package of your favorite cook-ies. One-by-one you eat the creamy filling firstand then the crunchy cookie. Now fast forwardtwo hours—you’ve not only finished the movie,but you’ve also finished the entire bag of cook-ies. A prime example of mindless eating! In orderfor us to change this behavior, we must be awareof what causes us to overeat to begin with.

Tip #1– Be Portion PreciseIf you are eyeballing portion sizes, you may be

underestimating how much you are actually eat-ing. Underestimating portion sizes could be whatis hindering your weight loss efforts.

Check today’s paper for a Curves MembershipSpecial we’re offering at the Sports Arena Curves.Book an appointment and receive a FREE GIFT!

CURVES, Sports Arena3960 W. Pt. Loma Blvd. 619-222-8555.

SAN DIEGO DOWNTOWN NEWS | MARCH, 2011 | PAGE 21

Summer Season sign-ups for iD Tech Camps

Registration for the 2011 sum-mer season is live! Save $50 whenyou register by March 15 with ourEarly Bird Special at www.inter-naldrive.com/register/summer-camp-savings-and-computer-camp-promotions. iD Tech Camps (theworld's #1 technology camp), iDGaming Academy, iD Visual ArtsAcademy and iD ProgrammingAcademy offer technology pro-grams for ages 7-18 at 60 presti-gious universities in the U.S.

Visit www.internalDrive.com or call 1-888-709-TECH(8324) to register orlearn more. Follow on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/idtechcamps?ref=name#/pages/Campbell-CA/iD-Tech-Camps/42912006498 and Twitter at www.twitter.com/idtechcamps.

Animal AdventureCamp Fun at the San Diego Humane Society and SPCA

Animal loving kids can enjoythe dog days of summer with lov-able animal buddies, fun gamesand activities at the San Diego Hu-mane Society’s Animal AdventureCamp. Kids ages five to 13 will in-teract with dogs, exercise bunniesand Guinea pigs, socialize kittens,enjoy animal related games andcrafts, get behind-the-scenes toursof the Humane Society’s state-of-the-art campus and much more!Week-long Spring and Summersessions are available. All proceedsbenefit the animals and programsof the San Diego Humane Societyand SPCA. Space is limited, andpre-registration is required. Ex-tended care is also available. Toregister or receive more informa-tion including rates and availabil-ity, contact the Humane Society’sEducation Department at (619)243-3432 or at edu@sd hu-mane.org.

Affordable, SummerFun with Mission Valley YMCA!

With over 100 camps at twoconvenient locations, we have any-thing and everything you're look-ing for this summer! Choose fromMountaineering, Video Game De-sign, Surf, Sports, and much more.Our camps feature outstandingstaff, Before and After Care (in-cluded with most camps), and ACAaccreditation. Sign-up for SummerDay Camp at one of Mission ValleyYMCA's convenient locations: FriarsRd facility (5505 Friars Rd) in MissionValley or Toby Wells YMCA (5105Overland Ave) in Kearny Mesa. Formore information, visit our website:www.missionvalley.ymca.org or call 619-298-3576 for more infor-mation. Save Big on Early SummerCamp Sign-Up Day, March 12th!

SUMMER CAMPS22 MARCH 2011DOWNTOWN NEWS

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Downtown · “Icon”You'll be amazed at the views to Petco Park

from this 15th-floor, west-facing,

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hardwood floors! Mere steps to Petco, as

well as to a multitude of restaurants and

shops!

For full details in a recorded message,

call 1-800-709-1995, Ext. 5219

Downtown · “City Walk”This expansive, 1684 square-foot town

home feels more like a house than a condo!

It enjoys an oversize terrace, access from the

street as well as the interior of the

community, and a private corner locale!

For full details in a recorded message,

call 1-800-709-1995, Ext. 5119

Independently owned and operated of Prudential Real Estate Affiliates, Inc.Equal Housing Opportunity.

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PAGE 24 | MARCH 2011 | SAN DIEGO DOWNTOWN NEWS

Neuman & Neuman does not guarantee the accuracy of square footage, lot size or other information concerning the condition or features of property provided by the seller or obtained from public records or other sources, and the buyer is advised to independently verify the accuracy of the information through personal inspection and with appropriate professionals.

Independently owned and operated of Prudential Real Estate Affiliates, Inc. Equal Housing Opportunity.

1-800-221-2210www.sellsandiego.com

Before you put your home on the marketcall for a FREE Marketing Package

It’s only a buyer’s market if you BUY!When it’s over, where will YOU be living?

Are you struggling to make your payments and/or

upside-down on your mortgage? We've helped many Downtownhomeowners avoid foreclosure

on their homes and we can help you, too!

Call us at 800.221.2210 to discussyour options, no obligation!

Downtown · “Harbor Club”Sold for $575,000. You’ll want to make this

lovely residence your home or home-away-

from-home. Featuring stunning views to the

South & East, an oversize view terrace & 2

terrific parking spaces near the entrance.

For full details in a recorded message,

call 1-800-709-1995, Ext. 5109

Downtown · “Harbor Club”This spectacular 'bubble unit' on the 33rd

floor of the Marina District's premier,

resort-style residential high-rise boasts a

completely remodeled interior with the

finest of finishes and phenomenal, 180-

degree water views!

For full details in a recorded message,

call 1-800-709-1995, Ext. 5289

Downtown · “Watermark”This well-priced residence in recently

renovated community enjoys a west-facing

orientation, a private terrace looking toward

the Old Police Quarters, and dual parking

spaces!

For full details in a recorded message,

call 1-800-709-1995, Ext. 5299

“Electra” Builder Close-OutBosa Development has selected us to

market their remaining luxury residences at

one of Downtown’s most unique and

desirable residential communities! Boasting

elegant finishes and common amenities par

excellence! Just two left!

For full details in a recorded message,

call 1-800-709-1995, Ext. 5139

Downtown · “The Mark”This drop-dead, ‘WOW’ residence at one of

Downtown’s most exciting residential

communities enjoys elegant finishes,

custom lighting & wall treatments,

gleaming hardwood floors, a private ter-

race, & even a water-feature. Truly special!

For full details in a recorded message,

call 1-800-709-1995, Ext. 5539

Downtown · “Porta d’Italia”The ideal 2nd-home opportunity, this top-

floor pied-a-terre boasts lovely bay & Pt.

Loma views, a granite & stainless kitchen.

This small, intimate community is just steps

to the Village of Little Italy with its

multitude of shops & restaurants!

For full details in a recorded message,

call 1-800-709-1995, Ext. 5369

Downtown · “Bayside”Boasting sweeping Northwest views to the

bay and ocean, this 21st-floor beauty in

Bosa Development’s newest and most

exciting residential community has it all!

Dual bedrooms and baths, quality cabinetry

and finishes, and so much more!

For full details in a recorded message,

call 1-800-709-1995, Ext. 5559

Downtown · “The Metropolitan”This elegant, BANK-OWNED foreclosurein one of Downtown's most desirable luxury high-rises is well priced. One of few residences atop the Omni Hotel at theentrance to Petco Park, the views are spectacular! For full details in a recorded message,

call 1-800-709-1995, Ext. 5329

Downtown · “La Vita”Take in the stunning city views from this

16th-floor 2-bedroom beauty in the

Northeast corner of the building! Lots of

light and an oversize terrace make this one

you’ll want to call ‘home’!

For full details in a recorded message,

call 1-800-709-1995, Ext. 5579

Downtown · “Element”Newly listed, take advantage of this super

SHORT-SALE opportunity in hip East

Village community! This sunny Northwest

corner residence enjoys dual bedrooms and

baths and custom quartz kitchen counters

and backsplash! Priced to sell!

For full details in a recorded message,

call 1-800-709-1995, Ext. 5169

Downtown · “Gaslamp City Square”The ideal starter property, this studio residence

overlooking the pool deck and courtyard offers

the first-time buyer an awesome opportunity to

own a property at a bargain, short-sale price!

For full details in a recorded message,

call 1-800-709-1995, Ext. 5599

Downtown · “Hawthorn Place”Walk to everything the Little Italy village has

to offer from this beautifully located and

well-priced two-bedroom unit! You’ll enjoy

sweeping bay views, a wrap-around terrace,

dual parking, and dual master suites! A low

HOA fee, too so don’t delay!

For full details in a recorded message,

call 1-800-709-1995, Ext. 5589

Downtown · “Alta”Come see why so many are making Altatheir choice! Intelligently located on theedge of the bustling Gaslamp Quarter, thisfabulous SHORT-SALE boasts a primesouthwest corner locale with walls of windows, a spacious terrace, & gleaminghardwood floors! For full details in a recorded message,

call 1-800-709-1995, Ext. 5569

Downtown · “Pinnacle”Enjoy panoramic, 26th-floor city andCoronado Bay Bridge views from this picture-perfect, two-bedroom residence inone of the Marina District's most popular,luxury, residential high-rise communities!Wall to a multitude of restaurants and entertainment venues from this beautifullylocated development!For full details in a recorded message,

call 1-800-709-1995, Ext. 5239

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Downtown · “Meridian”Enjoy a lifestyle found nowhere else at this

high-amenity, luxury community! The

residence boasts upgrades galore and 1800

square feet, short-sale priced to sell!

For full details in a recorded message,

call 1-800-709-1995, Ext. 5609

Downtown · “Icon”Wait until you see the views to Petco Parkand the urban sights from this prime,Northwest corner, 2-Bedroom residencelocated at East Village’s hippest residentialcommunity! You’ll love the gleaming hardwood floors, sunny windows, a privateview terrace, & dual parking, for starters!For full details in a recorded message,

call 1-800-709-1995, Ext. 5529

SOLD

Downtown · “The Metropolitan”Take advantage of this SHORT-SALE

beauty with stunning, 24th-floor water views,

approximately 2000 square feet, 3 bedrooms

and 3 baths! Located atop the Omni Hotel at

Petco Park!

For full details in a recorded message,

call 1-800-709-1995, Ext. 5039

Bankers Hill · “Century Plaza Towers”Enjoy almost 1500 sq ft of upgrades in thearea's landmark luxury high-rise nearBalboa Park! Featuring dual parking spacesand brand new Plantation shuttersthroughout, this pristine residence alsoincludes a full-size laundry room, lovelyviews from its northeast corner location,and a private terrace!For full details in a recorded message,

call 1-800-709-1995, Ext. 5149

Downtown · “Horizons”In pristine condition, this Northwest corner

two-bedroom residence enjoys a private

view terrace, a granite and stainless kitchen,

and rich stone surfaces in the bathrooms!

For full details in a recorded message,

call 1-800-709-1995, Ext. 5159

Downtown · “Discovery”Ideally located in the quiet, private

Northwest corner of the building, this

charming 1-BR with spacious terrace and

freshly painted interior is priced to sell!

Atop Cortez Hill, you’re close to the action

but away from it, too!

For full details in a recorded message,

call 1-800-709-1995, Ext. 5079

Bankers Hill · “BayVu”Located near Downtown, this rare, top-

floor beauty boasts stunning bay views,

brand new carpet, and a freshly painted

interior! Located in a secured building with

dual parking spaces, this one’s super sweet!

For full details in a recorded message,

call 1-800-709-1995, Ext. 5209

Downtown · “Electra”Situated near the top of San Diego’s tallest

residential high-rise, this expansive 1850

square-foot beauty on the 41st floor will

knock your socks off! The touch of a button

operates the window shades and lights &

the interior is upgraded beyond belief!

For full details in a recorded message,

call 1-800-709-1995, Ext. 5099

Downtown · “Horizons”Live the good life in this desirable Marina

District location on the Southwest corner

on the 14th floor, with sweeping water

views! You’ll love the gleaming hardwood

floors, multiple balconies, and dual

side-by-side parking and storage!

For full details in a recorded message,

call 1-800-709-1995, Ext. 5019

Downtown · “J. Segal Rowhome”This award-winning masterpiece offers the ultimate in urban living! Located on theedge of the Marina District, the remodeledresidence includes approximately 2300 sq.ft. of 'hip' architecture, PLUS a separate, 700sq. ft. work loft/granny-flat, or entertainer'smecca w/ home theatre & wet-bar.For full details in a recorded message,

call 1-800-709-1995, Ext. 5479

Downtown · “The Grande”Featuring an upgraded and pristine interior,this lovely residence enjoys gleaming cherryhardwood floors, a bay view terrace, ablack-granite kitchen with glass-tile back-splash and stainless appliances, dual securedparking spaces, and may convey 'furnished'with a strong offer! Stunning!For full details in a recorded message,

call 1-800-709-1995, Ext. 5339

Downtown · “Alta”This super SHORT-SALE is a rare

opportunity to enjoy a prime, 14th-floor,

Northwest corner beauty in one of

Downtown's most exciting, newer

communities, complete with stunning

views, and an oversized terrace!,

For full details in a recorded message,

call 1-800-709-1995, Ext. 5059

Downtown · “La Vita”Boasting lovely south-facing views of the

urban environment, this two-bedroom

with granite kitchen, dual parkig and

spacious terrace is priced an equity sale

-and priced right!

For full details in a recorded message,

call 1-800-709-1995, Ext. 5089

Downtown · “The Mills”Take advantage of this super clean

1-bedroom starter with granite kitchen,

short-sale priced to sell at just $195,000!

For full details in a recorded message,

call 1-800-709-1995, Ext. 5249

Downtown · “Pacific Terrace”Absolutely pristine, this sunny, southwest

corner in popular, smaller complex enjoys

city views, a gleaming granite kitchen, a

spacious west-facing terrace, and

dual parking!

For full details in a recorded message,

call 1-800-709-1995, Ext. 5429

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PENDING SALE

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Downtown · “Atria”Ideally located in the vibrant Marina District,

this cool, hip one-bedroom is within walking

distance to everything and is VA/FHA

approved, ideal for first time buyers!

For full details in a recorded message,

call 1-800-709-1995, Ext. 5379