92127 Community Hub January 2023

As we approach the conclusion of both the college and NFL football seasons, I cannot help but relate football analogies to our local housing market. Many of you are choosing to stay on the sidelines, while others are making a few of the safer plays, like an off-tackle dive or a down-and-out throw very close to the sidelines.

Low-risk plays, yet they still gain yards in a housing market that is declining in value. Many national experts and local professionals agree that your home will likely be worth less in six months than it is today. With the dramatic increase in home value over the last few years, many sellers are walking to the locker room with a hefty profit, including about $500,000 free of capital gains taxes.

OPINION BY RAY SHAY

RAY SHAY BROKER I OWNER DRE

What Are Your Goals in the Housing Market This Year?

Some are reinvesting their gain in the housing market or moving it to a low-yield but a safe investment. If you are on a long-term hold on your home, just sit back and relax. My opinion is that our San Diego climate, exceptional public schools, and diverse and growing economic base are hard to beat. Thus I believe these conditions result in a more secure investment than many other locations across our great country.

If buying or selling a home is part of your dreams for 2023, it’s essential for you to understand today’s housing market, define your goals, and work with our experienced and multi-lingual team of REALTORS © or other industry experts to bring your homeownership vision into focus.

In the last year, high inflation had a big impact on the economy, the housing market, and likely on your wallet too. That’s why it’s critical to have a clear understanding of the current market and what your goals are. Danielle Hale, Chief Economist at realtor. com, explains:

“The key to making a good decision in this challenging housing market is to be laser-focused on what you need now and in the years ahead so that you can stay in your home long enough that buying is a sound financial decision.”

real estate professional to balance your wants and needs. The better you understand what’s essential and where you can be flexible, the easier it can be to find the home that’s right for you.

3. How Ready Are You To Buy?

Getting clear on your budget and savings is essential before you get too far into the process. Working with a local agent and a lender early is the best way to make sure you’re in a good position to buy. This could include planning how much to save for a down payment, getting pre-approved for a home loan, and assessing your current home equity if your move involves selling your existing house.

Our Professionals Will Guide You Through Every Step of the Process

Buying or selling a home is a big process that takes expertise to navigate. If that feels a bit overwhelming, you aren’t alone. According to a recent Harris Poll survey, one in five respondents says a lack of information or knowledge about the home-buying process as a barrier to owning a home.

Don’t let uncertainty hold you back from your goals this year. We can bridge that gap and give you the best advice and information about today’s market.

A Tale of Two Homes

Each year as the holiday season approaches, I tell our buyers that our goal will be to imagine we are the Grinch and his little dog Max who lives at the very top of Black Mountain and that our goal is to “steal a home” for the holidays!’

Let me describe two recent transactions where it felt like the sellers were chasing down the current market instead of getting in front of it.

The first was a townhome purchase in the Mission Hills area of San Diego, a great neighborhood close to almost everything. I would refer to this as a screen play because even when it looked like we would lose the deal, we ended up getting it. It was everything that our amazing clients wanted.

Here are a few questions you can start thinking through as you fine-tune your goals for 2023.

1. What’s Motivating

You?

You’re dreaming about making a move for a reason – what is it? No matter what’s happening in the market, there are still many compelling reasons to buy a home today. Your needs may have changed in a way your current house can’t address, or you could be ready to step into homeownership for the first time and have a space that’s truly your own. Use what’s motivating you as a guidepost in partnership with an expert advisor to help make sure your move will give you a lasting sense of accomplishment.

2.

What Does Your Next Home Look Like?

You know you want to move, but how would you describe your dream home? The available supply of homes for sale has grown, and that could mean more options to choose from when you buy. Just be sure to keep your budget in mind and work with a trusted

Mr. Blake Barnett and family in his new Mission Hills Townhome

The beautiful one-bedroom and one-and-a-half bath, top-floor, two-story townhome is located in Mission Hills. It was first listed in September of 2022 at $689,000. Our first offer was about $550,000 and we were willing to increase our offer if the seller would provide a $21,000 credit from the seller to buy down our client’s interest rate.

After multiple calls and texts, the sellers accepted a competing offer. Knowing the success rates of closing homes placed in pending status can be pretty dismal, I called the agent and thanked her for her efforts and asked her to call me if they ran into rough waters.

When my cell phone lit up with her information a few days later, I think I turned a bit dark green and my big toothy smile began to grow as I thought there might be a home available in Whoville. After a few weeks, I loaded up my sleigh, and we flew down to Mission Hills and closed on this terrific home at $600,000 with about a $21,000 dollar lender credit courtesy of the seller.

The second steal for the holiday season was secured by one of our team members, REALTOR © Tina Wu. Here she is below with our clients purchasing a great home near Oak Valley Middle School.

This large home on a cul de sac with over one-quarter of an acre lot was originally listed in July of 2022 at $2,790,000. A comparable home sold for 3 million. The problem this home faced was the backyard had never been completed. With construction costs rising and home prices dipping it presented a great opportunity to negotiate a deal as it seemed the seller was chasing down the market.

There were a lot of details and discussions but ultimately, Tina and her little dog “Max” were able to ride their sleigh down and scoop up this home for around $2,200,000.

The Gandhi family, and our team is so excited they are moving into this fabulous home. Whether we represent a buyer or a seller, we take our responsibilities very seriously, as we are committed to our client’s success.

As luck would have it, I was chatting with my three sons Troy, Raymond, and Ryan at Christmas dinner, and the question came up about how they would act if they crossed that 4” white painted line on the 100-yard football field to score a touchdown in the NFL.

This is a good holiday story because Tina and many of our team members started working with The Gandhi family over a year ago, hoping to pull a “Grinch” for them. Unfortunately, none of us turned green last year, but perseverance and patience won out the day.

They quickly turned toward me and asked what I would do if I made a touchdown. I said I have always liked when a player scores a touchdown and they act like they have been there before. So for me, I would flip the ball to the referee and likely hug my teammates. No dance, just acknowledgment that it was a team effort.

The response from all three of my sons was immediate and quite the opposite. It made me laugh. They would all spike the ball and dance around!

Sports imitate life and if you need help buying or selling a home, we are there for you. We won’t be spiking your keys on the ground, but instead, we’ll simply shake your hand and acknowledge it is a team effort.

On behalf of the whole team of agents at Shay Realtors, we wish you and your family an amazing 2023. Happy New Year!

Go Chargers!!!

Tina Wu and the Gandhi family standing out front of their new home

SAN DIEGO NONPROFIT CALLS OUT POLITICAL INACTION ON HOMELESSNESS

The

By Ron Donoho San Diego Sun

Lucky Duck Foundation’s new “Shamrocks & Shipwrecks” list cuts hardest on the City of San Diego

The Lucky Duck Foundation has released its first-ever list of political entities it says demonstrate both “progress” and “ineffectiveness/inaction” when addressing homelessness in the San Diego area.

This bold new initiative by the nonprofit organization is called “Shamrocks & Shipwrecks.”

“The current trajectory of homelessness and deaths on the streets in San Diego County is nothing short of a humanitarian, public health and public safety crisis,” says Lucky Duck Foundation executive director Drew Moser. “While some positive initiatives are happening, our elected officials must be more swift and decisive in their approach in addressing unsheltered homelessness.”

The inaugural list of Shamrocks (positive progress) includes: the City of Chula Vista; the City of La Mesa; and one shared by San Diego County and the cities of San Diego, Oceanside and Vista.

Three Shipwreck (ineffectiveness/inaction) designations were given to: The City of Chula Vista; the City of San Diego; and one shared by the City and the County of San Diego.

Weighing positive and negative designations, the City of San Diego fares worst on the list.

“It’s fair to say the City of San Diego is the 800-pound gorilla–with the most homelessness and the most growth of homelessness,” Moser says.

In the past, the foundation and San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria’s interactions in the press and on social media have been heated.

A war of words erupted this past September after a Lucky Duck press conference was held to announce the creation of Shamrocks & Shipwrecks.

NBA legend and San Diego native Bill Walton participated in the press conference and called the mayor “less than useless.”

The mayor subsequently accused Walton and Lucky Duck of disseminating false statements. Gloria has continuously pointed to a list of efforts and programs his administration has initiated to address homelessness.

The Shamrocks & Shipwrecks list went public on December 8, 2022, after feedback from the general public and a consensus

vote by members of The Tuesday Group, an ad hoc group of high-powered local business executives closely connected to The Lucky Duck Foundation, Moser says.

The Tuesday Group was founded by San Diego Padres owner Peter Seidler and Feeding San Diego CEO Dan Shea.

The Shamrocks & Shipwrecks moniker is loosely modeled on the “Orchids & Onions” program run by the San Diego Architectural Foundation. That nonprofit annually selects good and bad examples of recently designed buildings and public spaces.

Moser is not aware of any other foundation in the country that calls out positive

Lucky Duck’s September press conference included, from left: Bill Walton, Dan Shea and Drew Moser. (Photo by Sal Giametta)

Homeless tents line C Street between Ninth and Tenth avenues in downtown San Diego.

ERASE HATE SAN DIEGO

By District Attorney Summer Stephan

This month San Diego County is participating in the statewide United Against Hate Week campaign, an anti-hate awareness effort to call for local civic action to stop the hate and biases that pose a dangerous threat to the safety and civility of neighborhoods, towns, and cities. Unfortunately, hate crimes have increased across our nation, state, and region. By learning about hate crimes and how to stand against them and report them, we can make everyone safer.

For those who don’t already know, prosecuting and preventing hate crimes is a priority for me as District Attorney. In recent years, we’ve tripled the number of hate crimes prosecutions, sending an unwavering message that hate crimes will not be tolerated. Last year alone, we prosecuted 30 hate crimes cases, up from 21 in 2020.

our

•Sexual orientation

San Diego

We recognize the distinctive fear and stress suffered by victims of hate crimes, including the potential for reprisal, escalation of violence, and the far-reaching negative consequences that hate crimes have on our community.

A hate incident is an act, which is bias-motivated, but does not rise to the level of a hate crime. For example, if someone uses a racial slur against another it probably isn’t a hate crime, rather a hate incident. It’s important to understand the difference between an act that is understandably upsetting, and an act motivated by hate or bias that is a crime.

A hate crime is against an individual or property that is substantially motivated by bias against the victim’s:

•Race/ethnicity/nationality

•Religion

what to do:

•If you are seriously injured, call 911 or get to the hospital immediately.

•Whether or not you are injured, report the crime.

•To help yourself, it is important to do at least some of the following:

•See a doctor to treat and document even minor physical injuries.

•Take pictures of any physical injuries or damages to property, even if police already did so.

•If the crime is vandalism, let the police see and photograph the damage before you clean and/or repair.

•If possible, get witnesses’

As your District Attorney, I’m committed to increasing communication and accessibility between the DA’s Office and the public. I hope these consumer and public safety tips have been helpful.

names, addresses and telephone

working on the case and keep in

JANUARY 2023 EVENTS

January Holidays

1/1 New Year’s Day

1/16 Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Calendar sponsored by Aging Well Partners

Kids Marathon Mile

LEGOland California joins In Motion to host this special, 1-mile fun run for kids of all ages and abilities.

Location: LEGOland.

Info: www.inmotionevents.com/event/kids-marathon-mile 1/14 6:30 am

San Diego Resolution Run

Take strides to reduce your carbon & physical footprint at the San Diego Resolution Run 5K, 10K and ½ marathon! A healthier you can mean a lighter you – and a lighter footprint.

Location: Tecolote Shores.

Info: www.sandiegorunningco.com/sdrc_events/san-diegoresolution-run-5k-10k-half-marathon 1/14 7:30 am – 10 am

The Oddities & Curiosities Expo

For lovers of the strange, unusual, and bizarre… showcasing vendors, dealers, artists, and small businesses from all over the country with all things weird.

Fix Medical Group

Location: Del Mar Fairgrounds. Info: odditiesandcuriositiesexpo.com 1/14 10 am – 6 pm

Winter Bridal Bazaar

This is San Diego’s largest bridal show of the year, so you’ll find more variety, more choices, more inspiration to plan your day, your way.

Location: San Diego Convention Center. Info: www.bridalbazaar.com 1/15 9:30 am – 4 pm

Martin Luther King Jr. Parade

One of the largest celebrations of its kind in the US in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The parade is filled with dazzling floats, phenomenal High School Bands, Drill Teams, College Fraternities & Sororities, Churches, Peace & Youth organizations.

Location: Harbor Drive-Embarcadero.

Cannabis 21+

Info: www.sandiegoalphas.com/mlk-parade 1/15 2 – 5 pm

Carlsbad Marathon, Half Marathon, & 5K

The BEST and most scenic winter marathon and half marathon with the BEST swag. Miles and miles of breathtaking ocean views and outstanding course support stations and entertainment at every mile.

Borrego Springs Film Festival

An intimate vibrant festival in one of the most beautiful locations in the United States. An old-school film festival!

Location: Borrego Springs Performing Arts Center.

Info: www.borregospringsfilmfestival.org 1/12 – 1/16 various

Big Salsa Festival

A four-day Latin event featuring some of the greatest names in performing arts and music! Each day is packed with dance classes, amazing performances, live band concerts, and Latin dance parties into the early morning hours.

Location: Marriott Mission Valley.

Info: www.bigsalsafestival.com/san-diego 1/13 – 1/16 Fri 11 am – 4 am, Sat & Sun 9 am – 4 am

Location: the Shoppes at Carlsbad. Info: www.carlsbadmarathon.com 1/15 6:15 am

33th Annual Martin Luther King Day Celebration

Celebrate the life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. with a family event with live music, guest speakers, vendors, and more.

Location: WorldBeat Center, Balboa Park. Info: www.worldbeatcenter.org/event/34th-annual-martin-lutherking-day-celebration 1/17 1 – 4:30 pm

San Diego Lunar New Year Festival

Celebrate the New Year with us in a festive environment with dragon and lion dances, firecrackers, games, food, and more!

Location: Officer J. Henwood Memorial Park. Info: www.lunarnewyearfestival.org 1/20 – 1/22 times tba

Jurassic Quest

The world’s largest, most popular dino event with unique and exciting experiences for the whole family.

Location: Del Mar Fairgrounds. Info: www.jurassicquest.com 1/20 – 1/22 Fri & Sat 9 am – 8 pm, Sun 9 am – 6 pm

Monster Energy Supercross

The world’s best two-wheel racers converge for a night of nonstop action!

Location: Snapdragon Stadium. Info: www.supercrosslive.com/tickets/san-diego-ca/jan-21-2023 1/21 6:30 pm

Farmers Insurance PGA Open

San Diego’s premier PGA Tour event returns! Whether you join us for our Full Field Days to watch the pros take on the North and South Courses, or enjoy our Championship Days to witness the battle for

first, we can’t wait to see you at Torrey!

Location: Torrey Pines Golf Course.

Info: www.farmersinsuranceopen.com 1/25 – 1/28 Wed & Thu 9 am, Fri & Sat 9:30 am

San Diego Tết Festival

The annual festival is celebrating the Lunar New Year and the Year of the Rabbit! There will be attractions, activities, games, food, and live entertainment.

Location: Mira Mesa Community Park.

Info: www.sdtet.com

1/27 – 1/29 times tba

San Diego Cat Show

The Super Bowl of cat competition, plus vendors, and cats & kittens looking for new homes!

Location: Del Mar Fairgrounds.

Info: www.sandiegocat.org

1/28 – 1/29 Sat 10 am – 5 pm, Sun 9 am – 5 pm

SAN DIEGO COUNTY FARMERS MARKETS

(updated 10/3/2022)

MONDAY

Escondido 3-7pm

8860 Lawrence Welk Dr.

TUESDAY

Coronado 2:30–6pm

1st St. & B Ave.

Escondido 2:30pm-Sunset 200 N. Juniper St.

La Jolla 10am-2pm (Sep-Jun)

UCSD Town Square

Mira Mesa 3–7pm (Feb-Oct), 3-6pm (Nov-Dec)

Mira Mesa High School

Otay Ranch 4-8pm (7pm during COVID)

Birch Rd. & Eastlake Blvd.

Pacific Beach 2-7pm

Bayard & Garnet

San Marcos 3-7pm

250 North City Dr.

WEDNESDAY

Carlsbad Village 3–7pm (Mar-Oct), 3-6pm (Nov-Feb)

State St. & Carlsbad Village Dr.

Little Italy Mercato 9:30am–1:30pm West Date St.

Ocean Beach 4-7pm (Oct-Mar), 4-8pm (Apr-Sept)

4900 Newport Ave.

Santee 3–7pm (Mar-Oct), 2:30-6:30pm (Nov-Feb)

Carlton Hills Blvd. & Mast

South Bay 3-7pm

4475 Bonita Rd.

THURSDAY

Linda Vista 12-6pm

6931 Linda Vista Rd.

North Park 3–7:30pm

North Park Way & 30th St.

Oceanside 9am–1pm

Pier View Wy & Hwy. 101

Scripps Ranch 3-7pm

10045 Carroll Canyon Rd.

FRIDAY

Borrego Springs 7-10am (May-Oct), 7am12pm (Nov-Apr)

Christmas Circle

Imperial Beach 2-7pm (Apr-Oct), 2-6pm (Nov-Mar)

Portwood Pier Plaza

La Mesa 3-7pm

La Mesa Blvd.

Rancho Bernardo 9am–1pm Bernardo Winery

SATURDAY

City Heights 9am-1pm 4300 Wightman St. Del Mar 12–4pm

1050 Camino Del Mar Fallbrook 9am-1:30pm 100 S. Main Ave.

Little Italy Mercato 8am–2pm West Date St.

Mission Valley 8:30am-12pm 7960 Civita Blvd.

Poway 8am–1pm

Old Poway Park

Rancho Penasquitos 9am-1pm 9400 Fairgrove Ln.

Santa Ysabel 10am–6pm

21887 Washington St. Vista 8am–12pm

Melrose Dr., S. of Hwy 78

SUNDAY

Chula Vista 10am-2pm

300 Park Way Hillcrest 9am–2pm

3960 Normal St.

La Jolla 9am–1pm

Girard Ave. & Genter St.

Leucadia 10am–2pm

185 Union St.

Rnch Santa Fe 9:30am–2pm

16079 San Dieguito Rd.

Santa Ysabel 10am–6pm

21887 Washington St.

Solana Beach 12-4pm 444 S. Cedros Ave.

Things are changing daily! For more info and location specifics for San Diego County Farmers Markets visit: sdfarmbureau.org or cdfa.ca.gov

SANTEE MOM HONORED FOR EXCELLENCE IN FOSTERING

Rachel McKee Selected as Foster Family of the Month

Rachel McKee knew that she and her 12-year-old son Nixon were up for the challenge of serving as a resource family. She has been a kindergarten teacher for six years. Nixon was very open to the idea of helping infants and toddlers who needed a safe, loving home while their parents took the time that they needed to get their lives on track. But Rachel wasn’t sure that Angels Foster Family Network would approve her application, because she is a single mother who works full time.

Thankfully, Rachel attended an information session and discovered that Angels welcomes all people who meet the health and safety criteria, and go through the rigorous screening, training, and certification process. Angels resource parents are singles, same-sex couples, newlyweds, large traditional families, empty nesters, and retirees. Angels is not affiliated with any religious organization.

Rachel’s sister Richelle fostered through Angels and it got Rachel to thinking about it. She had love to give to children, so why not apply? Two years later, Rachel and Nixon have welcomed six children into their lives, including two siblings who are currently with them.

First came an infant who stayed with them for 10 days before going to live with his aunt. Then, a set of boy siblings – a toddler, who was soon followed by a newborn.

Next came a 3-year-old boy who was initially shy, but after just a few days with Nixon and his cousin Austin he was building with blocks, playing with toys, dancing and rapping. “He was such a sweet boy with good man-

ners,” Rachel says. He was placed with an aunt after a weeklong stay with Rachel and Nixon. “The boys were disappointed that he left so soon, but I reiterated to them that these children are not ours,” Rachel says.

For the last year, Rachel has fostered 2-year-old “Kruz.” Her sister, “Baby,” followed six months later.

Rachel says one of the things she enjoys most about fostering is watching the children grow more comfortable and secure. When Kruz arrived, she had a tough time. “She screamed and cried a lot, woke up and went to sleep angry, and was physically delayed,” Rachel explains. Kruz only began walking when she was 18 months old. Prior to that she crawled or walked on her knees. Now she sits in her soft chair with her feet kicked up or snuggles on the couch. “She’s excited to see her mom, so she’s comfortable in both environments,” Rachel says.

Rachel’s son Nixon, says of the foster placements, “I’m happy they have somewhere to go and I like hanging out with them.” His favorite thing to do with the children is read the ‘Brown Bear’ books to them. “Nixon has always been good with kids,” his mother adds.

Rachel is also extremely proud of the parents of the children she has cared for. “A lot of people think that kids come into foster care because their parents are horrible and terrible people, but everyone makes mistakes,” she says. The mother of one of Rachel’s first placements was extremely grateful and said she considered her part of her family. “One of the best parts of fostering is being excited when the parents meet their goals, do better, and get their kids back,” Rachel says.

Courtesy photo: Rachel McKee and her son Nixon love fostering infants and toddlers through Angels Foster Family Network

CANNABIS PRODUCTS ASSOCIATED WITH QUALITY OF LIFE IMPROVEMENTS IN PATIENTS WITH POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS

December 15, 2022

London, United Kingdom: Patients with post-traumatic stress experience symptom improvements following the use of cannabis products, according to data published in the journal Expert Review of Neurotherapeutics.

British investigators assessed the safety and efficacy of cannabis products in 162 PTSD patients with a physician’s authorization. Study subjects were participants in the UK Medical Cannabis Registry. Study participants consumed either cannabis extracts or THC-dominant flowers for a period of six months

Authors reported that patients showed “statistically significant improvements” in a variety of domains, including sleep, anxiety, and stress. Self-reported adverse events were typically mild in severity.

“This observational study suggests an association between CBMP [cannabis-based medicinal products] treatment and improvement in PTSD-specific, HRQoL [health-related quality of life], sleep, and anxiety outcomes at up to 6-month follow-up,” they concluded. “CBMPs were well-tolerated and adverse events manageable.

… [T]his study can serve to inform future randomized placebo-controlled trials with the aim of confirming these promising effects, whilst informing current clinical practice.”

Observational studies assessing the role of cannabinoids in mitigating symptoms of PTSD have generally yielded mixed results. A 2021 clinical trial reported that the inhalation of marijuana flowers provided limited benefits compared to a placebo in treating symptoms of PTSD.

CONSUMPTION OF COMMERCIALLY AVAILABLE CBD PRODUCTS ASSOCIATED WITH PERCEIVED IMPROVEMENTS IN PAIN, ANXIETY, SLEEP, AND WELL-BEING

December 15, 2022

Los Angeles, CA: Subjects who consume commercially available CBD products report improvements in their overall well-being as compared to those taking a placebo, according to data published in the journal Integrative Medicine Reports.

A team of investigators affiliated with the University of California, Los Angeles and

with the Scripps Institute assessed the health and safety of 13 commercially available CBD products in a cohort of over 2,800 participants. Subjects were randomly assigned to consume either CBD or a placebo for a period of 4 weeks.

Researchers reported: “Well-being, anxiety, sleep disturbance, and pain significantly improved among those assigned to take a CBD product relative to waitlist controls. Among those assigned to a CBD product, the percentage of individuals with a given condition who experienced an improvement which could be considered clinically meaningful or important was 46.6 percent for anxiety; 47.9 percent for sleep disturbance, and 35.2 percent for pain. … [A]ll products in the study exhibited a favorable safety profile; no severe side effects were reported.”

They concluded: “Our results suggest that the commercially available CBD products included in this study are safe and may serve as potentially effective complementary therapies for management of anxiety, sleep disturbance, and pain. These effects appear independent of the prior CBD use and product spectrum.”

Prior analyses of commercially available CBD products have raised concerns about their purity and potency. Survey data compiled by the National Consumers League in 2020 determined that more than eight in ten US voters desire greater federal regulatory oversight over the labeling and marketing of commercially available CBD products.

New Eateries around San Diego in 2023

TINA AFTER DARK

2023 is going to be a big year for America’s Finest City! There are so many new restaurants in the works in San Diego county, from celebrity chef-driven projects to pro boxer-backed taquerias. On top of the tasty food, the TopGolf is opening two San Diego locations this year! TopGolf is a popular driving range and entertainment venue with locations across the country. The company has a $40 million, 68,000 square-foot facility planned for San Diego’s bayfront. The indoor/outdoor facility will have 102 hitting bays, multiple bars, and a public deck with views of San Diego’s skyline. It’s slated to open in 2023. TopGolf also has plans for a second area outpost to open in Sorrento Valley that will replace the Carroll Canyon Golf Center.

This is the list of some of the restaurants I can’t wait to try in 2023!

NORTH COUNTY- OCEANSIDE AND CARLSBAD

Heritage Craft Barbecue & Brewing - San Juan Capistrano’s Michelin-recognized Heritage Craft Barbecue & Brewing is opening a massive location in San Diego County. Heritage Craft Barbecue & Brewing will soon open a new location in the more than 7,000 square-foot building in Oceanside, CA, that last housed the short-lived Municipal Taco. Expect a menu featuring an array of smoked meats like sausage, pulled pork, chicken, tri tip, char siu pork belly, spare ribs, brisket, and pastrami, as well as sandwiches, sides and cornbread. The company will also brew their own craft beers from the onsite 10 barrel brewing system. There will also be a full bar with cocktails and possibly an onsite speakeasy.

Swagyu Oceanside - The next branch of Wagyu beef butcher shop and chef-driven burger restaurant Swagyu is opening in San Diego’s North County as part of the currently under construction Freeman Collective in South Oceanside. Like the Pacific Beach branch, the new Swagyu will include an onsite burger restaurant and steakhouse, as well as a butchery selling prime cuts of A5 Wagyu. The restaurant will offer a menu of smashed burgers, katsu sandwiches, and cooked steaks customers can choose directly from the meat counter. Chef Brown will also serve his special Cosecha multi-course, steak-centric meals. Swagyu Chop Shop will also have a full bar with cocktails, beer, wine and specialty sake to compliment it’s food offerings.

HomeState - A Texas-inspired breakfast taco chain based out

of Los Angeles, HomeState will open a 2,900 square-foot location in San Diego’s North County within Freeman Collective in South Oceanside. Expect a menu of Lone Star State breakfast tacos made with pasture-raised, Vital Farms eggs, buttery flour tortillas, compassionately and humanely-raised meats from Creekstone Farms, organic chicken, and the brand’s signature queso cheese sauce - all named after Texas rivers. HomeState also offers tacos made in collaboration with bands, including The Ft. Worth by Leon Bridges, which has spicy achiote chicken, Beeler’s bacon, lettuce, pico de gallo, tomatillo ranch, pickled jalapeños, on a flour tortilla. The menu also features non-breakfast tacos on flour or corn tortillas, egg scrambled “Migas”, Frito pie, Texas toast sandwiches, quesadillas, a salad, sides, and chips and dips, as well as a full bar with cocktails, wine, beer, coffee and soft drinks. Based upon the success of the first San Diego branch, more area locations are expected to open around the county in the future.

Chick & Hawk - Skateboard legend Tony Hawk and San Diego Chef Andrew Bachelier, who was integral in the launch of dining destinations Campfire and Jeune et Jolie in Carlsbad, have joined forces for the launch of this “fast-fine” restaurant and bar concept. Chick & Hawk is currently under construction in the 1,421 square-foot space that long housed Fulano’s Restaurant in the Leucadia area of Encinitas. Local design firm Starch Creative Studios is spearheading the renovation with the final product set to offer indoor and outdoor dining with a design inspired by 90s surf and skateboard culture combined with a chicken motif. The incoming restaurant will integrate facets of fast-casual and fine-dining, offering an unpretentious menu centered around elevated fried chicken sandwiches made with locally sourced poultry, as well as oysters, seafood, and approachable versions of Bachelier’s globally-driven Southern California cuisine, complimented by a full bar with craft beer, wine and cocktails.

Hart House - Comedian Kevin Hart is planning to open a location of his Hart House vegan fast-food eatery in San Diego. The first San Diego location of Hart House will open in the space that last housed a Pure Burger in Carlsbad’s Bressi Ranch community. The Hart House menu will feature only plant-based items, including vegan burgers, mock chicken sandwiches, salads, nuggets, fries, tots and oat-milkshakes that are completely free of hormones, artificial colors, preservatives,

and high fructose corn syrup. The brand also embraces green initiatives by using recyclable and compostable packaging.

NORTH COUNTY- LA COSTA, CARMEL VALLEY, MIRA MESA

LOLA 55 Carlsbad - East Village’s Michelin-recognized LOLA 55 Tacos + Cocktails is gearing up for a local expansion that includes a new outpost in San Diego’s North County within The Beacon La Costa shopping center in Carlsbad. Like the original branch, expect a menu of Oaxacan-style cuisine with most of its meats and vegetables grilled on a custom, Santa Maria grill. The menu offers “inspired food at affordable prices”, with the majority of the items priced between $3-7. Tacos are made with housemade tortillas and ingredients sourced from area farms and purveyors. The menu also includes a large list of vegan options, including numerous plant-based tacos. The restaurant also serves a full list of craft cocktails, local & Mexican craft beer, an array of side dishes like elote and aguachile, market-driven entrees and soft beverages like agua frescas and horchatas.

South of Nick’s - An offshoot of neighboring Nick’s Del Mar, South of Nick’s Mexican Kitchen + Bar will soon replace celebrity-driven International Smoke within One Paseo in Del Mar. Expect a menu of Mexican favorites, prime steaks and seafood with a So Cal twist, as well as a full bar with sipping tequilas, margaritas, cocktails, beer and wine.

Cheese Garden-Just in time for the holidays, fancy Japanese cheesecakes can now be found in San Diego. First to arrive is Cheese Garden, a transplanted Canadian chain founded in Toronto whose debut store in the U.S. just opened at the Village at Pacific Highlands Ranch in Carmel Valley. Operating Monday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., the bakery and cafe has an extensive menu of cheesecake variations, from classic, cloud-like cotton cheesecakes and coffee-flavored yaki pudding, which combines caramel sauce, egg pudding, and cheesecake to matcha double fromage cheesecake, featuring a cheese sponge cake base stacked with a layer of baked cream cheese that’s topped with frozen mascarpone cream cheese.

Bafang Dumpling - A Taiwanese restaurant chain with over 1,000 locations, Bafang Dumpling will soon open its first San Diego branch in a 3,000 square-foot space within the Village at Mira Mesa Shopping Center. Like other branches, expect fast-casual service with a menu of Taiwanese comfort foods like potstickers, dumplings, “QQ” noodles, small plates, combo meals, tea lattes, matcha & boba drinks, and other soy milkbased beverages.

Thien Huong -Founded by its matriarch, a family-owned group of restaurants that opened 40 years in the capital city of the Dong Nai province of Vietnam, located in the country’s Southeast region, has chosen San Diego for its first outpost in the United States. With six branches in Vietnam, Thien Huong is now open in Mira Mesa,operating from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., the daytime restaurant’s main specialty is banh cuon, a popular dish commonly eaten for breakfast that’s based on a fermented rice batter, which is steamed into thin and delicate sheets and wrapped around various savory ingredients. Thien Huong offers the rice rolls with ground pork, fried onion, egg, or shrimp fillings accompanied by bean sprouts and Vietnamese ham.

Jomaru Korean Hot Pot-San Diegans are the first to try this global chain with hundreds of outposts in Asia that just debuted stateside. Specializing in gamjatang, a traditional pork bone-based stew, Jomaru Korean Hot Pot serves the hearty and warming dish in individual and shareable portions with optional additions like noodles and rice cakes. Finish your meal with fried rice cooked with the remaining bits of meat and vegetables. Other dishes to try include crispy-edged chive and seafood pancakes and bo ssam, cabbage wraps with pork belly and oysters.

DOWNTOWN AREA

Mamá Por Dios - The Los Angeles-based restaurant group behind the Culichitown chain of Mexican-Japanese restaurants has taken over the enormous space in San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter that last housed BiCE for the opening of Mamá Por Dios, an upscale Mexican restaurant and bar. Earlier this year, the company opened La Conde, an elegant, Latin-American fusion eatery in the former Donovan’s space in downtown San Diego. At Mamá Por Dios, expect an extensive menu of modernized Mexican dishes, including seafood appetizers, salads, prime steaks and wagyu beef, side dishes, and house specialties like camarones Costa Azul shrimp stuffed with cheese and wrapped in bacon. There will also be a full bar with cocktails, beer and wine, as well as liquor lockers stocked with high-end bottles which come at a cost of over $1,500 to rent.

The Lafayette Hotel - After purchasing the decades-old boutique hotel in 2021 for $25,815,000, San Diego’s Consortium Holdings hospitality company closed The Lafayette this past fall for a $26 million makeover that will add eight new bars & restaurants to the historic property. New concepts coming to the historic hotel include a lobby bar & cafe, a classic diner, a luxurious Parisian-style restaurant, a live music venue, an old-school bowling alley, a swanky new pool bar, an intimate chef’s table dining experience, and an Oaxacan-inspired eatery & mezcal bar. Consortium Holdings founder Arsalun Tafazoli has moved into The Lafayette to oversee construction, which is being spearheaded by NYC-based Post Company and is anticipated to be completed by mid-2023.

El Sueño - The owners of Trattoria Don Pietro are expanding their presence in San Diego’s Old Town with the opening of El Sueño, an upscale Mexican restaurant offering an enormous dining space inspired by cartel lavishness and a rooftop lounge that will transport diners to the Mexican jungle. The 3,744 square-foot standalone building will receive a complete remodel to transform it into what owners hope patrons will perceive as a villa hidden deep in the Mexican rainforest. Expect total seating for around 600 patrons with lots of white stone work, an expansive courtyard-type dining area with two large bars, an outdoor patio with a stone floor covered with aztec designs with grass and greenery peaking through, and a rooftop bar and lounge with frequent DJ-spun music performances

White Rice Bodega-Chef Phillip Esteban’s first stand-alone restaurant for his Filipino rice bowl chain pairs the fast-casual menu with beer and natural wine. Its silog bowls come topped with everything from crispy pork belly to grilled chicken and a vegan mushroom and tofu sisig. Filipino flavors extend to desserts and drinks, including taho (sweetened tofu and fruit) and ube milk tea.

Gather your family and friends to explore the diverse international culinary experiences that San Diego has to offer! I can’t wait to try these myself, and would love to hear about your experiences as well!

Bon Appetit!

Tina Wu

Realtor® CalDRE #02070656

Direct: (760) 473-8649

Travel with Troy

Happy New Year my travel friends! I know many of you have goals to travel more so I’m stoked to write an article that will inspire you to follow through on that.

I just got back from a 12 day trip to Vietnam. It was filled with breathless beauty, deep rooted culture and my personal favorite, delicious food! However, what really moved me to write this article was to show how you can do it too.

From an affordability perspective, everything in Vietnam was a fraction of the price. For example, you can count on food costing from $3 to $10 for a full meal. There are an abundance of options to choose from whether it’s a bustling night market or a higher end sit-down restaurant, there’s something for everyone. Activities, such as tours to nearby towns will run you $10-20. The point is whether you are solo traveling, or going with a family of five, Vietnam and really Southeast Asia makes hopping across the globe a lot more accessible than you think. Speaking of hopping across the globe, let’s discuss flights. One of the greatest misconceptions about flying so far is the expectation that flights are going to cost you an arm and a leg. If you plan ahead and really utilize one of my favorite free resources, Scott’s Cheap Flights, you can say goodbye to $1500 round trip tickets and start to welcome $600 round trip tickets from SAN DIEGO, not LAX.

For my luxe travelers, Scott’s Cheap Flights offers a yearly subscription that provides alerts for business class tickets and I couldn’t recommend it more. Let’s be clear, I’m not affiliated with this company, just a satisfied customer.

Accommodation was spectacular and especially for the price. We stayed at the Sofitel in Hanoi for $210 a night during the busy holiday season. The hotel was the perfect city oasis with

delightful rooms, a superb breakfast and outstanding service. Equally as amazing was Hôtel des Arts Saigon - MGallery in Ho Chi Minh city and was a five star boutique hotel. Each night cost $200 but keep in mind this was higher as it was right before Christmas. One of my favorite accommodations of the whole trip was Legacy Yen Tu - MGallery and was only two hours away from the city of Hanoi. When you arrive, it seems too good to be true, with towering mountains, endless open space with beautiful horses roaming around, and incredible architecture that makes you stop every few seconds to take it all in. To top it off, it was only $120 for this true 5 star experience that I would easily pay $1000 in the US.

Being only an hour and half away from one the seven wonders of the world, Ha Long Bay, it only made sense to do a one night cruise. There are no words to describe the feeling but all I could say is if Avatar, the movie, was a real place this is where it would be.

Moral of the story is that traveling to Vietnam was a dream of a trip and with some planning, I believe you too can check off one of your new year’s resolutions to see more of this world we get to call home.

Growing up playing sports, I would hear coaches call some kids “injury prone.” Now that I have my doctorate in physical therapy and specialize in orthopedics for kids and teens, I have a different perspective on what it means to be “injury prone.” The common factor I see in these kids is the lack of adequate strength and stability.

Traditionally, strength training for kids has been synonymous with “play,” and the idea that as long as kids are moving and exercising (in any capacity), they will naturally build adequate strength. This, combined with their sport specific training and physical education in school, has been the standards for youth exercise and fitness. School PE primarily has students running, stretching, and playing sports.

These are all great things, but we are doing a big disservice to our kids if we aren’t focusing on, or at least introducing, strength training early on.

Core strengthening, in particular, is something we need to prioritize so that our kids can achieve the strength and stability required to prevent many daily and sports-related injuries. Your core is more than just your abs (abdominal muscles). The core also is made up of muscles in your back, hips, and others around the center of your body. These stabilizing muscle groups are very important for moving properly and protecting hypermobile joints.

Seeing firsthand the under-utilization of core strengthening in kids and teens was one of the reasons I recently published a children’s book titled: Corey and Abby Go to the Gym: A Fun

and Motivating Fitness Adventure Book for Kids. The book contains a core workout that I regularly do with my patients between the ages of 6 and 17. And it’s not just a good workout for kids; it’s a fun and challenging workout for the entire family. Most books in the Amazon categories of “Exercise & Fitness for Children” and “Children’s Fitness Books” are about yoga and meditation. It’s time we stop seeing “strength training” as only appropriate for adults.

Today, youth athletes are playing sports at higher skill levels. Let’s give them the best shot to not only succeed but stay injury free. It is never too early to establish good fitness habits. Let’s establish these habits as early as possible, showing kids that exercise and fitness is fun, working hard is fun, getting a strong core is fun, and not being “injury prone” is definitely fun. Corey and Abby will take it from here.

Bio

Jay Blumberg is a doctor of physical therapy who specializes in sports rehab and general orthopedics for kids and teens. He has been a physical therapist at Rady Children’s Hospital in San Diego, CA, for the past 9 years. Jay has created injury prevention programs for both professional and youth sports clubs, and regularly hosts sports medicine talks at local high schools.

Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his wife and two boys, enjoying 4S Ranch parks and open spaces, watching soccer, working out, and challenging himself to keep learning. He is the creator and author of Corey and Abby Go to the Gym, which can be found on Amazon and at his website, www.coreyandabby.com.

Presents

MUSICSCENESD.COM

MUSICSCENESD

BY BART MENDOZA

The Trebels / Casbah Reunion!

Though they ultimately only released a single 45 and a few compilation album tracks, there can be no doubt that for a time, circa the mid to late 1980’s, The Trebels were one of the hottest bands in town. They got their start in the San Diego’s teen clubs of the day, drawing mods, punks, roots rockers and anyone who enjoyed their barroom R&B authentic and gritty. I had the pleasure of both booking them as well as playing on the same bills, and can attest to the fact that onstage they never gave less than 200%. The band was a four headed juggernaut, with each member vital to the band’s energy. Vocalist Jay Wiseman, guitarist Xavier Anaya, bassist Oscar Barajas and drummer John Chilson have all gone on to enough bands and releases to start their own wing of Discogs, but it all started in Imperial Beach with The Trebels, 1981 to 1991.

On January 21, The Trebels will play their first show in decades at The Casbah, topping a great bill that also includes The Loons, Alvino & The Dwells and DJ Tony The Tyger.

Wiseman moved to Melbourne, Australia in 2000 with his wife Mirella Belsito. “It’s actually a really great music town,” he said. “I guess we moved here, mainly because of me, because I wanted a major change scenery, and we both wanted a change. We now have two kids, so I guess you can say we have settled down.”

As for what inspired this reunion?

“Essentially it was my return to visit the United States,” Wiseman said. “Everybody involved thought it would be fun as we always enjoyed playing together , but more so with other people. Frankly we kinda wanted to keep it low key, but eventually we had to expand the idea. We had planned on doing one in 2019, but Covid happened.”

Fans will be happy to hear all four original memb ers are due to take part, with later guitarist Jim Davies also likely to join in on a few tunes. According to Wiseman, despite the distance the concert wasn’t hard to organize. “The show didn’t take that much effort,” he noted. “Rehearsalthat is

another thing. We’ll get together and run through the material. It should be rather like riding a bike...in theory.”

The Trebels were together roughly a decade, coming together by happenstance when Wiseman was looking for musicians for his own project. “I met the rest of the Trebels one day when my other band was rehearsing,” he rcalled. “We were looking for a bass player and heard this band from a couple of blocks away in our hometown, Imperial Beach. We went to investigate and possibly poach the bass player. We knocked on the garage door and I recognized guys from my school, Mar Vista High.” Little did he know that Xavier, Oscar and John had been playing together for at least a year or so. “We listened to what they were doing and I knew one of the songs they were playing, a Yardbirds / Bo Diddly tune, I think it was “Here ‘Tis.” I joined in on harmonica and they ended up asking me if I could sing. I never had, but I tried and it worked. They asked me if I wanted to join - that’s it.”

There were numerous highlights in the bands decade together. “Playing in San Francisco was always a rave,” Wiseman said. “They seemed to get us. Chris Issak was a hoot. Your “New Sounds of the 60s” shows were always alot of fun.” One notable show for The Trebels was opening for Chuck Berry at the Bacchanal on August 16, 1990. “He was a bit grumpy, but we got to shake his hand, get autographs and say “hi”- as well as side stage access. It was something I can tell my kids about,” he said.

Looking back how does he feel about that time in San Diego’s music scene and his own musical development? “The local music scene was fundamental for us,” he said. “Manual Scan gave us our very first show that wasn’t a party and I really do appreciate the fact. The 60s/Mod scene gave us our first home and welcomed us,” he continued. “It was really strange to meet others who were like “us” – as we felt like aliens from outer space in Imperial Beach. The first time I heard the Crawdaddys, it was like clap from the

heavens for me. Sheer talent. God – how could somebody want to do exactly what I wanted to do? But better? LOL. We had a lot to be proud of as San Diegans. Your “New Sounds of the 60s” - huge. One of the first large-scale 60s inspired shows.” He considers that success for musicians isn’t always just financial. “As you know not many made a lot of money, but it truly inspired many people around the world, as I can vouch for.”

Beyond The Trebels reunion, Wiseman is still playing and touring with his band, Thee Wylde Oscars. “We’re planning on a new release in 2023 and tour in 2024,” he said. “It actually is exciting as we’re taking a lot of musical risks this time. We just have to see which labels are willing to go along.” For his part, Wiseman is looking forward to the show. “It’ll be good to get back with the guys and feel that backbeat take hold. Nothing is better than when you get that groove going,” he said. “I just want people we know to hear that from us once again. It’ll be like coming home.”

www.theewyldeoscars.bandcamp.com

Steve Rosenbaum / Cool Summer, Big Stir

The current drive to find unreleased gems from unsung musical heroes of yesteryear, truly struck gold with the release of Steve Rosenbaum’s Have A Cool Summer!

Summer-Pop

& 4-Track

1979-1989, in 2001. Collecting demos recorded during the years mentioned, it’s full of gems, with plenty of powerpop and rock and roll evocative of the era. Asked to describe his sound, Rosenbaum laughs. “Hah. That’s always tough. Elvis Costello meets Tommy Roe meets Brian Wilson meets Fleegle, Bingo, Drooper, and Snorky,” he said. Released by Dead Media Tapes, Have A Cool Summer brought Rosenbaum acclaim, but was only issued on 8-track and reel-to-reel tape. Now, Big Stir Records is reissuing the album for its first ever digital / wide release.

Sum-mer-Pop Demos & 4-Track lost classics1979-1989, in 2001. Collecting demos recorded during the years mentioned, it’s full of gems, with plenty of powerpop and rock and roll evoc-ative of the era. Asked to describe his sound, Rosenbaum laughs. “Hah. That’s always tough. Elvis Costello meets Tommy Roe meets Brian Wilson meets Fleegle, Bingo, Drooper, and Snorky,” he said. Released by Dead Media Tapes, Have A Cool Summer brought Rosenbaum acclaim, but was only issued on 8-track and reel-to-reel tape. Now, Big Stir Records is reissuing the album for its first ever digital / wide release.

Rosenbaum arrived in San Diego at the very end of 2000. “My wife, Mamatha, and I were living in Maryland and growing tired of the gray skies,” he said. “She and I found jobs here in San Diego and we never looked back. I cannot imagine living anywhere else.”

Rosenbaum’s interest in music was piqued as a child by Saturday morning TV cartoons. “Quite frankly, I was not particularly interested in music as a young kid until two things happened,” he recalled. “The first was the endlessly fascinating (to me) Banana Splits TV show. For those who are too young to know, they were a “pre-fab four” group, kind of like the Monkees, but made for an even younger audience. They were presented as four characters in full body suits; a gorilla, a dog, a lion, and an elephant.” The afore mentioned Fleegle, Bingo, Drooper, and Snorky had a Saturday morning show where they ran around an amusement park and told silly jokes. “There was always a music segment where they played a song and some of those were quite good. I still have their vinyl album. The second thing that happened was me getting a plastic guitar as a gift. I would not let go of that thing. After a year or so, I begged my parents for lessons on a real guitar.”

Chicago and Blood, Sweat, and Tears. Then, prog and fusion - Genesis, Yes, The Mahavishnu Orchestra. Then the big one: Elvis Costello. THAT’S when I knew I wanted to write songs. At that point, I circled back to classic pop and power pop: The Beach Boys, The Turtles, Raspberries. My inspiration to do home recording against all odds was the wonderful, inventive, and fearless band, Shoes.”

What was the impetus for Have A Cool Summer’s original release? “Nathan Brown at Dead Media Tapes, God bless him, heard many of these songs when I was randomly posting them on a Facebook Portastudio group,” Rosenbaum said. “He has a company that specializes in releasing boutique 8-track and reel-to-reel tapes. He suggested we release all these solely on those formats. It was kind of crazy, but it got some notice if only for the odd idea to release on just those two formats. From there, it was a dream come true to do the wide digital and streaming release with my friends at Big Stir Records.”

What was the original intent for these demos? “These recordings were made purely for my own enjoyment,” Rosenbaum said. “To some degree, they were useful to teach new songs to whatever band I was in at the time. But, really, I just loved putting the tracks together and singing and harmonizing and stacking up all kinds of parts. Then I loved to listen to what I had done.”

Have A Cool summer has been released on 8-track and reel to reel – any chance of further physical releases? Perhaps a flexi-disc on a cereal box? “Dead Media

Tapes still plans a couple more physicals: cassette tape, naturally, maybe vinyl, and minidisc -remember that one?,” he said good naturedly. “I would love to see a 12-song curated version that I have in mind released on CD. But let me tell you something: if I could get a song or two on a flexi-disc on the back of box of Frosted Flakes, my musical journey would be complete.”

https://bigstirrecords.bandcamp.com/album/have-a-coolsummer-summer-pop-demos-and-4-track-gems-1979-1989

The current drive to find unreleased gems from unsung musical heroes of yesteryear, truly struck gold with the release of Steve Rosenbaum’s Have A Cool Summer!

Demos

Gems

Rosenbaum’s musical inspirations include The Banana Splits “then, probably the Monkees. Then Three Dog Night, The Grass Roots, The Guess Who. Then

WE ARE THE CANYON VILLAS

By Brando Fontane

Nestled in a quiet alcove on the northern edge of Tecolote Canyon sits the Canyon Villas Retirement Community, one of San Diego’s best-kept secrets for those that have reached their Golden Years. The Canyon Villas offers levels of care ranging from independent living to end-of-life hospice care. With on-site kitchen services, the Canyon Villa provides three meals a day that meets the dietary needs of its residents. And it doesn’t end there. Throughout the day there are activities and weekly outings, something is always going on at The Villas.

The ‘Villas’, as it has come to be known in the community, has 133 rooms with lodgings ranging from well-appointed studios, one-bedroom apartments, and very limited two-bedrooms units are available. The various levels of care The Villas offers can adapt to the needs of their residents as those demands change and there is always someone there to help.

The idea for the Canyon Villas was sparked by a desire to offer a community for seniors where care would be provided without a high price tag. The ‘Founders Group’ members created a 501(4) nonprofit called The San Diego Christian Foundation to pursue this endeavor. The Foundation acquired a piece of land from the Canyon View Church of Christ. Funds were donated by members of the Foundation and The Church of Christ and its Elders for the construction of the Canyon Villas. In October of 1980, the Canyon Villas opened its doors to their first residents.

Vonda Boller, The Canyon Villas CEO, is supported by a dedicated staff who are continuously creating new offerings and inclusive programs for the residents to keep things engaging and fresh for them.

“I’m very proud of our staff who strive to uphold the commitments made to our residents by our Founders when the Villas first opened 42 years ago”, Boller says. “Our activities staff spends countless hours developing new and entertaining activities for our Seniors. Our dining room is open and inviting, and our Executive Chef Matt leads a team of excellent cooks and support staff. Chef Matt is very

particular about the food we serve and caters to menus that center around their tastes and for those who require special diets or other needs. We ensure our resident’s health care needs are met by our skilled staff of LVNs, Medication Technicians, and Caregivers who are timely and friendly and our nursing staff is on call around the clock if needed”.

The Canyon Villas provides a welcoming home for seniors that are ready to take the next step forward to living in a retirement community, and these residents arrive at the Villas in different ways.

For some, the children have grown and, in many cases, have children of their own. The once full and busy house is now empty and quiet, it’s time to downsize to enjoy those golden years. This was the case for Donald and Mimi, who discovered the Villas around seven years ago, and knew this was the right place to call home for them. Donald and Mimi’s story is a fantastic tale that could have come from or b ecome a fictional romantic novel or film. Married over 70 years ago and raising 6 children, whose kids are starting to have kids of their own, there is just not enough space here to tell it all.

Just about 8 years ago, Donald and Mimi decided they wanted to come and go as they pleased, travel some, and not be tied to a house with all the upkeep and maintenance that went along with it. They downsized their belongings to just what they wanted and then moved into the Villas. “The Villas gives us the freedom we always wanted, to come and go as we please.” Mimi can be quite the storyteller, she adds “Being here, if we want to plan a trip, we just book it and off we go. Raising 6 children, as they got older, between their schedules for school, sports, and such, vacations took more time to plan than being on them. So, we didn’t have the chance to travel as much as we would have liked. Don’t get me wrong, we love our kids and grandkids, and now great-grandkids. Now if we want to go somewhere, then we just up and go. No house to worry about, no mail or newspapers to stop, and all that. And while we’re away, we don’t have to worry about anybody breaking in. If we want

to go out to eat, we can. Or we can stay in and go to the dining room, if we’re tired or not feeling the best, the kitchen will send our food up to our apartment. This is just the way Donald and I wanted to spend our remaining years. We have been truly blessed.”

For others, it’s the children who are concerned about their aging parent’s care and well-being who were fortunate enough to have stumbled across the Villas in their quest for a place for them. This is what occurred for Brandon and Karen while seeking a home for Brandon’s Mother. “We’re both looking to retire this June,” Karen says “And we have all these ideas about what we want to do. The downside is Brandon and I both have health problems that our kids are starting to ask about and if we need help. Now, Brandon’s Mother has developed recent healthcare needs, more than we can handle by ourselves. So, we looked around at what was available and didn’t find anything that felt right. One day while we were out, we drove passed the Canyon Villas, I mean we’ve driven passed it like a million times in the past and never thought about it. We got up to the light and made a U-turn, went back, and checked it out. Vonda showed us around, some of the rooms that were open, and the dining room. As we walked around, we saw all the staff there. We left and talked about it and went back and signed up. Now Brandon’s Mom is in a place that’s safe and she’s well cared for, so we don’t have to worry about her like we were. The best thing about this place is that we all loved it at first sight.”

There are many Senior Retirement homes scattered around San Diego County, some are well known, others not so much. For 42 years, The Canyon Villas has served their community with a level of loyalty and dedication to their residents that is seldom found in such businesses today. If you or someone you know are seeking a place like this to call home, call the Canyon Villas, I highly recommend it. Hell, after researching this article and talking with all these people, I want to live there – when I get older, of course.

SHAY REALTORS