Del Mar - Solana Beach - Encinitas - September 2023

OPINION BY RAY SHAY

If you are an experienced REALTOR ©, you already know about “Unicorn Homes.”

experience. But

even

great price. See

RAY SHAY BROKER I OWNER

is is just a snapshot of some of the criteria and techniques our team at Shay Realtors Inc. have utilized for over 20 years to identify and secure amazing homes for our friends. I hope you nd it useful. It is not a complete list by any means, but hopefully it gives you some insight into what we do every day.

Unicorn:

A mythical animal typically represented as a horse with a single straight horn projecting from its forehead.

Unicorn Home:

A highly desirable home that is di cult to nd or obtain.

Our team at Shay Realtors has caught countless unicorn homes over the last twenty-one years. I will give two recent examples. e rst home was about 900 square feet in North Park which was initially priced at $629,000, and we recently closed on it at $605,000. e condo is pictured on the cover.

e second home is located on one of the highest ocean viewpoints in Encinitas and is about 5,900 square feet on about three-quarters of an acre. We are representing the buyers and we are in escrow for around $5 million.

Do not focus on the price point of these two homes, as unicorns come in all price ranges. I am proud to say the level of service, care, and commitment to our clients is always the same regardless of a home’s purchase price.

Both of these homes are unicorns with strong values, and I believe will bring long-term joy and economic reward to our loyal friends.

North Park 2-bedroom,

2-bath Condominium - Case Study

I knew immediately we had a problem when we walked into this topfloor condominium with a terrific view from the balcony overlooking North Park.

It’s often challenging when the first home you show a potential buyer is a unicorn. These are magical creatures, and I knew they were prepared to take months to find a great home. I am sure they were wondering what were the odds that the very first home we showed them was the one?

An early indication that this may be a unicorn was how difficult it was for my Client Care Manager, Theresa Whitty, to get us an appointment. She was told the home already had an offer on it, and they were close to coming to an agreement. There was also a tenant currently living in the home.

Theresa is not a quitter and was not dissuaded. Hunting for great homes takes commitment and hard work. Thanks to “Whitty,” we got the showing appointment!

As luck would have it, when we pulled up in front of the complex and were greeted by the selling agent, I realized I had shown one of the other units in this building a few months ago. I recalled thinking I was not impressed.

When the REALTOR opened the front door, I recognized that it was a dual primary suite unit on the top floor with only one adjoining wall.

I walked on to the balcony and realized it was the best unit in the building. I whispered to myself, “Wow a unicorn.”

Uniqueness

If you are buying a home in a complex or in a neighborhood, I encourage you to look at the uniqueness of your investment. Visualize every home or condo going on the market at the very same time. As you walk through approximately fifty-two or 200 open homes in the development imagine how you would do against the competition in the open market. Would yours be the first or second one sold? Would you be in the middle or are you buying a “dog” that would be difficult to sell?

After looking at all the elements of this condominium complex and the home we were interested in, I knew I had a unicorn. If all the units went on sale on the same day, this one would be “El Numero Uno!”

Brightness

Don’t ever buy a home without turning off all the lights and making sure there is a level of brightness in the home that makes you want to hang out. If it is dark, it is not a unicorn.

Views

I love good views. There is something special about looking at the sun or feeling rain on your face. Some sellers and buyers often forget the term “View Premium.” If you are selling your home, you need to promote your view, and if you are buying, be glad the seller forgot to recognize the added value.

When we used to have lots of homes for sale in San Diego, there would often be the list price for the home, plus an additional charge for the view. I still recall the shocked looks of my fellow SDPD Training Officers when I walked into the San Diego Police Academy in the late 1980s, saying I had just spent $208,000 for a home and it had a $12,000 view premium included. They were shocked about the overall price and that I paid $12,000 for “just a view!” It was one of the best moves I ever made.

Privacy

You want to make sure no one can easily see into your home. Prior to a couple of cups of black coffee, I don’t really want to see anyone and I don’t think they want to see me. If there is limited privacy I would move on.

Safety

This is a big one for me. After spending over 24 years responding to crime scenes, I can sum up the safety level of a home very quickly. I knew my clients intended this home for their daughter and her boyfriend. As I peered up at the top floor unit, I knew they both could sleep soundly with their windows open without the fear of an intruder. If I would not let one of my own children live in the home, I would advise my friends to pass on the purchase.

Walkability

Do you see yourself walking around the neighborhood later in the mornings or evenings? North Park is in transition, and I let my clients know there is a San Diego County Probation Office not too far away. There are also many websites you can search for crime stats in the neighborhood you are considering. Walkability is important. I would rate the walkability as satisfactory to good.

Support Services

It’s 10:30 p.m., and you have crackers and no peanut butter. How far do you travel to get your favorite Skippy’s “Chunky” peanut butter? I looked out the window of the condo and saw Ralphs was about 250 feet away.

I later walked the neighborhood and found some nice watering holes and one of my favorite late-night stops for amazing pizza at Gelati & Peccati at 3066 University Ave. 619.310.6305. Tina, I am really not cutting into your “Tina after Dark” reviews!

Sound

So many people do not consider sound when they are purchasing a home. Is a freeway, fire station, airport, bar or significant road nearby? If it was a condo conversion, it likely was not as well insulated as a normal condominium. I also shy our buyers away from homes not on the top floor. Remember, we are looking for unicorns and will not rush into a purchase that does not fit our criteria. When I was fresh out of high school, I remember someone living above me. I still remember that experience and I recommend avoiding it if possible.

Liveability

This is an investment, but I still wanted to visualize what the tenants would be like and what is essential. As I stood in the 900 square foot living quarters, I could see that the dual primary bedrooms each had its own bathroom and window to the outside. The kitchen and the living room were in between and there was a lovely balcony for the tenants to sip their co ee in the morning. As a senior citizen, the condominium looked small, but if you have kids in college, they honestly would be thrilled, and would likely say this place is, “o the hook!”

Parking

Have you been to North Park lately? Parking is scarce. When I looked at the MLS, I saw it had two separate parking spots in an enclosed secured garage area. I confirmed with the listing agent that they were NOT tandem parking spots. (It’s a drag having tandem spots and your roommate partied too hard the night before, and you have to wake him or her up to move their car so you can leave). Since some of the units only had one space, the second assigned parking spot was a big bonus.

Rentability

As an investment, you always want to check your numbers. The price, taxes, regulations and homeowners association are all very important. What is the return on your investment? Who will the tenants be? As my friends looked around the condo I called two of my favorite property managers and asked them to conduct a rental analysis. The numbers checked out!

Capturing the Unicorn Condo

After viewing the property and doing our research, we were able to purchase the condo because of the strength of the buyers and our negotiation skills that avoided multiple counters with the other buyers, shortening contingencies, NO appraisal contingency, purchasing “as is” and encouraging the relationship with the selling REALTOR. Oh yeah, we also let the owner stay a few weeks to get their affairs in order at no cost.

Sometimes the non-economic terms in an offer help you get it. There are other things we do that get separation from the competition. It varies depending on the motivation of the seller.

RAY SHAY BROKER I OWNER

CATCHING UNICORNS

Encinitas View Estate Home in Escrow

Pursuing this unicorn took several weeks and a great deal of negotiations and patience by all parties due to the unique aspects of the property and the circumstances of the sale.

Like all my agents, including Tina Wu, Troy Shay, Tu Nguyen, Randy Koch, and Nancy Crawford, we all thrive on getting the best deal possible for our loyal friends and family.

This home is listed and professionally marketed on the MLS by REALTORS Ben Hamady and David Miller of SWELL Properties. Shay Realtors is representing the buyers.

Tina Wu’s unparalleled level of professionalism and multilingual skills have us on schedule to close on this incredible home before the end of the month.

Over the years, we have found countless unicorn homes for our buyers. I hope this information helps you more quickly identify the small percentage of properties that fall into the magical realm of unicorns.

At the end of the day, it is really all about doing everything we can to care for our clients and enjoying the friendships we are building. If you’re looking for a unicorn home, don’t hesitate to give any of us a call. We would be happy to help!

Cheers,

Originality Rules the Day at North Park’s Hottest New Restaurant

By Frank Sabatini Jr.

The name alone is attention-grabbing. Add to the equation a hyper-seasonal menu showing off the freshest ingredients possible, and you end up with Long Story Short.

Launched less than a month ago by husband-wife chefs Elliott and Kelly Townsend, the restaurant occupies the former Little Thief Wine Bar & Kitchen on a vibrant block of University Avenue, smack in the heart of North Park. With a credo set in place for adhering to local, seasonal ingredients, the couple impresses with rapidly changing dishes that are loaded with original flavor combinations.

“What grows together, goes together,” Townsend answered when asked how he and his wife concluded that juicy French melons from Chino Farms would pair so exquisitely to stewed bell peppers (peperonata), lemon verbena, and a deep-orange puree of sweet Jimmy Nardello peppers.

Despite appearing on the surface like a very busy dish, the summery components were cohesive and dreamlike on the palate given their sweet and semi-bitter flavors—not to mention wisps of brininess from sea salt and creaminess from burrata cheese that emerged along with way. Though when talking about true farm-totable cuisine such as this, we must keep in mind that what is here today is easily gone tomorrow.

The couple previously cooked at several kitchens, which included Juniper & Ivy for him, and Cowboy Star for her. As San Diego natives, they met at the Art Institute of California-San Diego where they each earned bachelor’s degrees in culinary management.

The concept at Long Story Short is to relay to consumers the couple’s personal culinary adventures acquired from traveling as well as growing up in San Diego. It is the impetus behind the restaurant’s name.

Townsend describes their combined style of cooking as “neo-bistro,” referring to the modern movement in France that relies on the expression of available market-fresh ingredients. The various food sources you see listed at the bottom of the menu attests to the couple’s established relationships with local farms and fish mongers.

Late-summer figs and diced radishes came into play for a chilled crudo using fresh yellow tail. The dish offered a subtle crunch from the radishes, a little sweetness from the figs, and just the right amount of heat from habanero salsa. It was a lovely interplay of textures and flavors.

We followed up with a generous order of charred carrots sourced from JR Organics, a community supported agriculture (CSA) farm in North County. The pairing of the partially cooked whole carrots to curry butter and peanut salsa was nothing short of sensational— and like nothing I’ve encountered elsewhere. Strewn throughout were dragon’s tongue beans, which contrasted to the firm carrots with their yellowy-fleshy pith. Flavor wise, the dish offered sweetness and saltiness amid the bathing of fragrant curry sauce.

We mopped up that precious sauce with a mini loaf of sourdough bread sourced from Wildwood Flour bakery in Pacific Beach. It was served with “street corn butter” that yielded a faint essence of corn. Good stuff, although I would’ve preferred the bread heated instead of fully toasted.

On this particular evening, only two entrees were available. They were listed as “shareables.” Both were fish—a local bluefin tuna steak with summer cabbage, tomato dashi and chili crisp; and a local halibut filet draped in coffee-infused brown butter. We chose the latter with zero regrets.

The flaky halibut sang to the caramelized butter as we soaked it up with the fish as well as the accompanying fingerling potatoes. Bits of preserved lemon and a small amount of herb-dressed greens hanging out in the dish clenched the deal. It was yet another orches -

tra of flavors that registered on the tongue as coolly balanced.

Ditto for our dessert, a whim-of-the-day creation featuring mousse-like semifreddo with tahini, pistachio crumble, and a discernible measure of sea salt. It was garnished with figs. We fell silent while spooning airy puffs of it into our mouths, and realized it was one of the least sugary desserts we ever encountered, and yet the appeal was tremendous.

Long Story Short is off to a robust start at this young age. The interior boasts a sleek blackand-white design replete with tealights, a pillowed banquette, and floral arrangements. The atmosphere complements a focused glass-andbottle wine list and several taps for local craft beers.

The restaurant is located at 3017 University Ave . It is open for dinner beginning at 5 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday, and starting at 4 p.m. on Sundays. For more information visit www.longstoryshort-sd.com.

(By Frank Sabatini Jr.

A fresh dining option in the heart of North Park

By Frank Sabatini Jr.l

Charred carrots with peanuts in curry butter

By Deanna Sandoval

Chef Kelly Townsend

By Deanna Sandoval

Creative, seasonal o erings rule the menu

By Frank Sabatini Jr.

Chino Farms melon with sweet pepper puree

By Frank Sabatini Jr. Semifreddo dessert with figs

By Deanna Sandoval

Chef Elliott Townsend

A Comprehensive Guide to CBD for Pets

As the conversation around medical marijuana and its many potential therapeutic applications continues to evolve, it’s not just humans who stand to benefit from this powerful plant medicine. Veterinarians and pet owners alike are becoming increasingly interested in the potential applications of cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive compound found in cannabis, for the treatment and support of various pet health concerns.

In this comprehensive guide, United Patients Group, the leading source for patient information on medical marijuana, will explore the current state of research and knowledge on CBD for pets, touching on the potential benefits, safety considerations, and best practices for incorporating CBD products into a pet’s wellness regimen. Whether you have a dog, cat, or another animal companion, this guide aims to provide valuable insights to help pet owners make more informed decisions about the role of CBD in their pets’ overall health and wellbeing. From addressing chronic pain and inflammation to supporting mental health, CBD’s potential applications in veterinary medicine are vast and varied. As research into the efficacy and safety of CBD for pets continues to progress, it is crucial for pet owners and veterinarians to remain informed about the latest findings and practices to provide their pets with the best possible care. With a growing number of pet-friendly CBD products hitting the market, understanding the potential benefits, dosages, and proper administration of these products will be essential to navigate the shifting landscape of integrative pet care.

The Science Behind CBD for Pets

To understand the potential benefits of CBD for pets, it’s essential first to comprehend the science behind this powerful compound. As a cannabinoid derived from the cannabis plant, CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in mammals, including humans and animals. The ECS plays a vital role in a wide array of physiological processes, such as immune response, mood regulation, pain management, and more.

Unlike THC, which is another well-known cannabinoid, CBD does not produce a “high” or psychoactive effects, making it an appealing option for those seeking therapeutic without intoxicating symptoms. Research into CBD’s potential applications as a veterinary treatment is still emerging, but early studies suggest that CBD may offer a range of health benefits for pets, from alleviating chronic pain and inflammation to supporting mental well-being in animals with anxiety or other stress-related issues.

Potential Benefits of CBD for Pets

As interest in CBD as a pet therapy continues to grow, both veterinarians and pet owners are beginning to explore the myriad potential benefits of this plant-based medicine. Some of the most common health issues that may potentially be addressed by CBD for pets include:

1. Pain and inflammation: Similar to humans, animals can also suffer from chronic pain and inflammation caused by conditions such as arthritis or injury. CBD may help reduce pain and inflammation by interacting with the ECS, which regulates pain perception and inflammatory responses in the body.

2. Anxiety and stress: Many animals suffer from mental health issues, such as separation anxiety or fear in response to loud noises like thunderstorms or fireworks. CBD may help alleviate these symptoms by impacting serotonin levels, which play a crucial role in mood regulation and anxiety response.

3. Seizure management: Preliminary research and anecdotal evidence suggest that CBD may help reduce the frequency and severity of seizures in animals with epilepsy, offering a natural alternative to traditional anti-seizure medications.

4. Boosting appetite and supporting digestion: Certain medical conditions or treatments, such as cancer therapy or gastrointestinal issues, can cause a pet’s appetite to wane. CBD may help stimulate appetite and assist with digestion, ensuring that pets receive proper nutrition during times of illness or stress.

Selecting the Right CBD Product for Your Pet

As the demand for pet-specific CBD prod -

ucts grows, so does the variety of options available on the market. To ensure that you’re selecting a safe and effective product for your pet, consider the following factors:

1. Quality and source: Seek out reputable companies that prioritize transparency and safety in their CBD products, including the use of organically grown hemp, third-party testing, and transparent ingredient lists.

2. Pet-specific formulations: Choose CBD products specifically designed for pets, as these are often formulated with pet-safe ingredients and appropriate concentrations tailored to animals’ unique metabolic systems.

3. Consult with a veterinarian: Always talk to your pet’s veterinarian before incorporating CBD into their care plan. They can offer guidance and recommendations on dosages and products, as well as manage potential drug interactions or contraindications.

A Guide to Proper CBD Dosing for Pets

As with humans, finding the ideal CBD dosage for pets can be a complex and individualized process. To ensure that you are administering the right amount of CBD to your pet, keep the following guidelines in mind:

1. Start low and go slow: Begin by administering the lowest recommended dose based on your pet’s weight and gradually increase as needed, while close -

ly monitoring your pet’s symptoms and reactions.

2. Monitor and adjust: Take note of how your pet responds to the initial dose and adjust gradually to find the optimal balance of symptom relief and minimal side effects.

3. Consult with your veterinarian: Work with your pet’s veterinarian to determine the best CBD dosage for their specific health concerns and keep them in the loop about any adjustments and results as you experiment with CBD therapy.

Conclusion as the medical marijuana landscape continues to evolve, it’s clear that pets are becoming an essential part of the conversation surrounding CBD and its potential therapeutic applications. By staying informed about the latest research, best practices, and product availability, pet owners can make informed decisions about how to incorporate this plantbased medicine into their pets’ healthcare plans.

United Patients Group remains committed to providing accurate and up-to-date information on medical marijuana and its potential benefits for both humans and animals. By exploring the exciting possibilities of CBD for pets, we can work together to cultivate new avenues of holistic, patient-centered care, and open up a world of natural, safe treatment options for our beloved animal companions. To learn more about cannabis health care for pets, get in touch with United Patients Group.

NorthSanDiegoBusinessChamber invitesyou,yourfamily,friends,and colleaguestojoinusforexciting internationaltraveladventures.These internationaltripsareopentoanyone 18andoverandallyouhavetodois pack.Wetakecareofalldetails.The groupsaresmallandeachtripis limitedto30guests.

"Weareofferingtheopportunityfor thecommunitytotravelwiththe Chamberatcompetitiveandinclusive rates,"saidChrisThorne,CEOof NorthSanDiegoBusinessChamber. "TheChamberhastraveledtoChina, Spain,Italy,Ireland,Paris,South Africa,Croatia,Portugal,Vietnam, Spain,andtheRhineRiver."Onedoes notneedtobeamemberofthe Chambertojointhetrips.

Chamber traveler,Melissa DeLaCalzadaand herfriendshave beenonseveral oftheChamber tripsandshe shares,"Chambertripsareidealfor thosetravelingaloneorwith friends,andagreatdealfeaturing inclusivetraveldestinations.I've visitedcountriesI'vealways dreamedofvisitingandfelt completelycomfortableandsafe doingsowiththeChamber."

Bon Voyage! BonVoyage!

RoundtripInternationalAirfare& Tax

4-5-StarHotelAccommodations

DailyBreakfast

DeluxeBusTours

FluentEnglish-SpeakingTour Guides

EntranceFeestoAttractions

AllTripsInclude: Ifyouhaveanyquestions,e-mailusat travel@sdbusinesschamber.comorcall 858-217-8972.

PackYourBagsandTravelwitha5-Star USChamberOrganization

JOIN US FOR THE LIFENOTE MUSIC CHARITY EVENT AT THE MERC

Dates: Oct 15 ((9am to 7pm) and Oct 29 (9am to 7pm), 2023

Ticket Price: $5

Think America’s got talent? Wait until you see what’s happening at the Merc, in The Old Town Temecula Community Theater, Temecula, CA. On Sunday, October 15 and 29, 2023, top musical talent will be performing in the 10th annual LifeNote Music Charity Concert. All proceeds will be donated to the David Foster Foundation, dedicated to helping families undergoing organ donation and organ transplantation. To contribute, please ensure checks are made out to: The David Foster Foundation.

Dr. Daniel Friedlich, a neurosurgeon with Temecula Valley Neurosurgery and pianist, is founder and Musical Director of LifeNote. Originally conceived as a way to combine his love of music and commitment to charitable giving, Dr. Friedlich says LifeNote has evolved into so much more. It’s a truly grassroots community event that promotes not just giving but, also, musical literacy from the youngest age.

“I’ve always believed in teaching children about charity and giving,” says Dr. Friedlich. “Recently, I was inspired by R.U.S.H. for Literacy, founded by ex-NFL player, Justin Tuck, about how important it is to promote literacy and enhance academic achievement. LifeNote is unique because it combines both giving and musical literacy. The children aren’t just watching the show, they’re in it. Their talents are the reason people are donating money to make someone else’s life better. The kids absolutely love it.”

Sherry Williams, Director of Jazz at the Merc, says the event slowed during COVID but is now growing in the

community. “ Music is a safe place,” says Ms. Williams. “Sharing it with others brings great joy. If young people can learn that at an early age, it will benefit them in the long run. It creates community and also it creates a sense of purpose. It’s never too early to learn how to give back to your community.”

This year, Markus Burger, a world renowned jazz musician, will be giving a special performance on Oct 15 at 6pm. Dr. Friedlich’s surgical colleague, Dr. Marvin Atchison, is scheduled to play the traditional Scottish bagpipes Oct 15 10am. And, Dr. Friedlich himself will be performing a David Foster-style instrumental medley between

scheduled performances, as well as accompanying vocalists at the piano.

Tickets for LifeNote 2023 are only $5 and can be purchased at the door or online at https://tickets.temeculatheater.org/. All are welcome. Performances are scheduled from 9am to 7pm on each day, and include contemporary pop and classical music favorites. Special thanks go to all the Temecula teachers who are helping make this event happen.

To learn more about sponsorship opportunities for this event, please contact Dr. Friedlich at: dfriedlich@yahoo.com

San Diego turned rainy and cold the last few days. For me the best way to warm up a rainy day is to eat hot, avorful Indian food!

Did you know that eating turmeric once a day can improve memory and happiness? Turmeric is an ingredient o en used in Indian cuisine, that gives curry its bright yellow color. Turmeric is hailed for its anti-in ammatory antioxidant properties. It’s been suggested as a possible reason seniors in India have lower rates of Alzheimer’s disease and better cognitive performance. It’s just a cherry on top of the wholesome feast at Royal India.

Royal India has set the benchmark in the Indian food scene of San Diego. It serves a diverse array of traditional dishes. Grilling and cooking are always done using the Tandoor. Chutneys, sauces, and breads are made from scratch every day. eir distinct carved wood interiors and authentic Indian dishes have earned them numerous awards. To complement its food menu, Royal India features a full beer and wine list to enhance their guests’ dining experience.

For our feast, we ordered the Chicken Tikka Masala with coconut milk, Butter Chicken, Prawn Pepper Masala and freshly baked garlic naan. To top it all o , we were fortunate to run into our good friend, Jag, the owner of Royal India who gra-

TINA AFTER DARK Royal India

ciously hosted us with special drinks and the traditional dessert, gulabjaman, to compliment our feast.

To say we walked away feeling satis ed is an understatement. I am already looking forward to sampling their tandoori wings, lamb samosas and pistachio ice cream in the near future.

You can try Royal India at their 4 locations throughout San Diego: Del Mar, Casual Dining- West eld UTC, Gaslamp, and Miramar.

If you see Jag when you visit one of these restaurants, be sure to let him know I sent you, he might have his special drinks ready to share with you, too.

Tina Wu

Broker

Associate®

CalDRE #02070656

Direct: (760) 473-8649

I’ma huge fan of traveling by train anywhere but especially in Europe as I nd it to be incredibly e cient, cost e ective and quite frankly very fun even though it’s considered a form of transportation. Whether you’re well versed with the train system in Europe or never thought about it, there is something in this article for everyone. I rst want to address the main reason someone wouldn’t think traveling by train is right for them and that it takes up valuable time. I would totally agree in some cases where traveling long distances by plane makes more sense but I believe with just a little bit of planning Europe by train is the way to go. Here are some of the reasons why I make such a bold statement:

1). is is more pertinent to the current time period but I feel it is very valid and something to take into consideration. Lately, ying throughout Europe and especially the UK can be quite troublesome with all the strikes that have been going on causing signi cant delays or even cancellations. Even though those strikes could potentially spill over to the rail system it has been less a ected allowing for smoother travel.

2). You only have to show up to your train 15 min beforehand and 45 min for the Eurostar which connects London to Paris as well as Brussels, Antwerp (I have heard amazing things about this city), Amsterdam and a few more.

While ying you must show up at least an hour and half ahead of time especially during high season. More likely than not the airport is not close to the city center and you must take into account the time it takes to get there and the additional cost for transportation.

3). Going by train is the most sustainable travel choice. To put it in perspective, compared to cars and airplanes, trains emit between 66 and 75 percent fewer carbon emissions no matter if electric or diesel powered

4). Another major perk of train travel is you don’t have to pay for baggage which can be costly on any airline and especially budget airlines such as Ryan Air, Easy Jet, etc. From my experience, there aren’t any technical baggage allowance restrictions on many major train lines that are enforced besides Eurostar. However make sure to always check. For example, even the basic fare on the EuroStar, inherently one the the most expensive trains, still includes a big luggage, carry-on and small bag.

5). As someone who enjoys adventuring o the beaten path, trains allow you to get to more remote areas of a country which can save you not only time but also money. A perfect example is there are some truly extraordinary locations in the Swiss alps that you can only visit via train and the journey there happens to be arguably one of the most beautiful and scenic train rides in the world (ex. e Glacier Express).

On a side note, if you happen to fancy traveling across Switzerland for at least 3 days then I would highly recommend looking into the Swiss Pass. As you can imagine trains in Switzerland get very pricey and the Swiss pass makes it much more cost e ective while also providing free entry to over 500 museums and up to 50% o on excursions. inking of traveling with your kids, well the Swiss pass allows children under the age of 16 years to travel FREE with a parent who purchases a ticket. All you have to do is select for a Swiss Family Card while booking your Swiss Travel Pass. To top it all o , your pass includes unlimited travel by rail, boat, tram, and bus. You just have to show your Swiss Travel Pass and nothing else.

Maybe you want to explore other countries besides just Swit-

zerland, then your other option could be Eurail Pass. With the Eurail Pass you can travel on the national rail networks of 33 European countries (Austria, Belgium, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, England, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia,, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Scotland, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey and Wales). Eurail pass allows children between the ages of 4-11 to travel for free when accompanied by an adult, except wherever reservation fee is mandatory. ere are some trains such as Eurostar that require a seat reservation due to high demand of these trains and prices vary from $3 to around $35. ese seat reservations can be booked far in advance for highly desirable trains so if you can try to plan ahead, it will be in your best interest. As you can see from above Switzerland is on the Eurail pass. Just don’t forget seat reservations as the rail system there is particularly busy among tourists and locals.

e prices of both the Swiss Travel Pass and the Eurail Pass vary depending on age, discounts for students and seniors, as well as duration of your stay. Just pop in your google browser and you will nd extensive blogs comparing the two as well as their general website that lists pricing. See below:

Swiss Travel Pass: www.sbb.ch/en/

Eurail Pass: www.Eurail.com

With the proper planning or no planning at all the Eurail pass has many more pros than it does cons. It can be a little confusing to start but with a few articles and some YouTube videos you will have it gured out in no time.

If you don’t see yourself utilizing either pass you can still book each ride separately just beware the spontaneous travel may end up costing more. For example, if you were to book a Eurostar ticket for tomorrow morning at 7:00 AM (a busy time) you could end up spending $300 per person one way, however if you book 60 days out it will most likely cost around $75 one way. en if you had the Eurail pass you would just have to pay a at rate for the reservation fee, around $35, no matter what the cost re ects on the website and taking into account there is availability. For many other countries such as Austria, Hungary, Italy historically have much more a ordable rates even at the last minute. I’ve personally seen many 1 hour trains costing $5 and are readily available.

At the end of the day, I nd the train to be a wonderful way to see di erent parts of a country and take in all the beauty you wouldn’t see otherwise if you were 30,000 feet in the air.

Not to mention all the other wonderful train systems throughout the world you must check out such as Shinkansen Bullet train in Japan which reaches speeds of up to 199 MPH! ere is whole world out there see and much of it made possible by the modernization of intricate rail systems that will take you to places you didn’t even know existed. Happy traveling my friends!

DEL MAR, CA 92014

Single Family Homes

This week the median list price for Del Mar, CA 92014 is $4,747,500 with the market action index hovering around 39. This is an increase over last month's market action index of 38. Inventory has decreased to 26.

The market has been at a stasis point in terms of sales to inventory. However, prices seem to continue to fall a bit. Technically supply levels indicate this is a Seller’s market so it is likely that the downward pricing pressure will be light or variable.

CARDIFF BY THE SEA, CA 92007

Single Family Homes

This week the median list price for Cardiff by the Sea, CA 92007 is $2,600,000 with the market action index hovering around 42. This is less than last month's market action index of 47. Inventory has increased to 13.

The market has been cooling off a bit in recent weeks, as more homes are available and demand is less. We’re already seeing prices move lower as a result, though the market is still in the Seller’s zone. Expect this trend to continue especially if the index falls to the Buyer’s zone. Watch for a persistent up-turn in Market Action to signal prices rising again.

SOLANA BEACH, CA 92075 Single Family Homes

This week the median list price for Solana Beach, CA 92075 is $2,895,000 with the market action index hovering around 35. This is an increase over last month's market action index of 31. Inventory has decreased to 13.

The market has been cooling off a bit in recent weeks, as more homes are available and demand is less. We’re already seeing prices move lower as a result, though the market is still in the Seller’s zone. Expect this trend to continue especially if the index falls to the Buyer’s zone. Watch for a persistent up-turn in Market Action to signal prices rising again.

ENCINITAS, CA 92024

Single Family Homes

This week the median list price for Encinitas, CA 92024 is $3,442,000with the market action index hovering around 46. This is less than lastmonth's market action index of 49. Inventory has decreased to 38.

The market has been cooling over time and prices have recently flattened. Despite the consistent decrease in Market Action Index (MAI),we’re in a Seller’s Market (where significant demand leaves little inventory available). If the MAI begins to climb, prices will likely follow suit. If the MAI drops consistently or falls into the Buyer’s zone, watch for downward pressure on prices.

The Revolution of Ketamine: Luma Health & Wellness Breaking Barriers in Mental Health

By Hannah Olson

Luma Health & Wellness, which recently opened its doors in June in Solana Beach, is dedicated to providing state-of-the-art ketamine treatment for a variety of mood disorders, including depression, anxiety, PTSD, and much more. The clinic prides itself on its team of highly skilled professionals who offer compassionate care in a serene environment, prioritizing patient comfort throughout the treatment process.

Meghan Adele McCann, MSN, RN, co-founder, and CEO of the clinic said of their mission, “We hope to heal and relieve suffering in our small corner of the world.” With her heart for service and healing and her extensive experience in healthcare, McCann personally administers ketamine while providing patients with a sense of safety and guidance throughout their treatments.

Dr. Troy Kurz, MD, MS, the other co-founder and Medical Director of Luma Health & Wellness, joins McCann as a board-certified psychiatrist specializing in psychopharmacology for patients of all ages. Dr. Kurz holds certification in ketamine treatment from the Integrative Psychiatry Institute, allowing him to administer in-office ketamine treatment. Together, they lead the way in advancing mental health care in the San Diego area, offering this groundbreaking treatment option.

The Effectiveness and Safety of Ketamine Therapy

While initially used primarily as an anesthetic agent, recent research has unveiled ketamine’s potential in mental health treatment for a vast array of conditions. Studies have indicated that ketamine infusions can effectively treat depression in 60-80% of individuals, with some experiencing relief for months. Unlike traditional antidepressants, ketamine works through a unique mechanism by targeting glutamate, a neurotransmitter in the brain. This mechanism stimulates the production of a growth factor that aids in the restoration of damaged neurons, leading to improved mood and potential nerve cell regeneration that offers more lasting relief from symptoms and that can ultimately improve the patient’s quality of life.

“There’s great evidence for ketamine’s ability to stop suicidal thoughts instantly,” Dr. Kurz said of the treatments, “whereas other treatments can take four to six weeks to decrease those thoughts.” In addition, “more people go into full remission from depression with ketamine treatments than other medications.” This means many individuals suffering from various mental health conditions and mood disorders are able to manage their symptoms without the use of daily medication.

Regarding concerns about addiction, ketamine has a proven safety record in humans, having been utilized as an anesthetic and in trauma management for many years. While recreational misuse of ketamine at higher doses has occurred, there is less propensity for addiction. Moreover, ketamine therapy is administered under medical supervision at subanesthetic doses, ensuring the safety of patients during treatment.

Life-Changing Healing

If you or someone you know is grappling with a mood disorder, do not hesitate to contact Luma Health & Wellness. Their empathetic care and innovative treatment options can make a significant difference in enhancing your mental health and overall well-being. Treatments can be provided with a referral, in conjunction with counseling, or on their own, upon a psychiatric screening and with support from the team at the clinic.

“Not only does it save peoples’ lives, but it changes their lives,” McCann says of the difference she has seen through her work with ketamine. “The healing of the patients we see causes a beautiful cascade of healing for others in their lives too . . . If you are need of that help, we are here for you.”

Preparing for Ketamine Journey

Dr. Troy Kurz & Meghan Adele McCann, MSN, RN

Dr. Troy Kurz & Meghan Adele McCann, MSN, RN

Pretreatment Consultation

Meghan Adele McCann, MSN, RN

Darian Kambiz – San Diego Limo Transfer

I have been in San Diego since 1977. I grew up in Tierrasanta when it was a dirt road. I have managed hotels for thirteen years and was a department manager in casinos for ten years. I drove a yellow taxi for fifteen months to meet more people and eventually started my limousine business San Diego Limo Transfer in 2012. The freedom and peace my business has brought me so many positive opportunities. I currently hold a five star rating on Google, Facebook, and Yelp. I am known in San Diego as “the connector” due to all the relationships I built over the years. I am a strong believer in spreading love and helping the community..

About Darian Kambiz

Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.

I am close to my mom and dad. My brother Kayvon owns flood restoration company.

Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?

What I love the most about what I do is being my own boss. The relationships I have built over the years are priceless.

Q: What advice would you give to people?

Have a game plan and stick to it. When I drove a taxi for fifteen months it was not the easiest but I was determined to start my business.

Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?

I am hoping to be retired in the next five to ten years..

Darian Kambiz & Our Community

Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?

Meze Greek Fusion in the Gaslamp Quarter. Fish Market, Oggi’s in Mission Valley. Bullpen; McGregors.

Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?

46 years

Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?

David Hasselhoff and Rico and his family from Modern Family

Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?

Tierrasanta Pulse monthly newspaper – reminds me of the community where I grew up, and lets me know what’s new and notable!

Tower 23. The view is peaceful and it reminds me of classic California culture.

Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community? We can wake up every day and live in paradise.

Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?

My hero Earvin “Magic” Johnson For Fun

Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?

I like sports related movies such as Field of Dreams and Major League.

Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?

I play basketball and have a solid threepoint jumper. Nothing but net..

Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10? Giving back to friends and the community.

Q: Who inspires you to be better? Myself and my Family.

Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?

Peace, happiness, love.

CREATING CLOSER community is a big part of what we do here at Local Umbrella Media. That’s why we’re proud to bring you The Faces of San Diego. San Diego is a great community with great people. We’ll be featuring conversations we have with members of our community as a way of telling the story of San Diego, one smiling face at a time. The Faces of San Diego shines a light on the people who live and work here. You can read all of the interviews at TheFacesofSanDiego.com, and even nominate someone you think should be featured on the website. Be sure to follow Local Umbrella Media’s Facebook page where we’ll be sharing new Faces of San Diego interviews regularly.

To see more Faces of San Diego interviews scan this code

By Vince Meehan

Island in the Hills Painter rives in Balboa Park

ISLAND IN THE HILLS PAINTER THRIVES IN BALBOA

Danielle Deaton is a Tierrasanta resident with a love for watercolor painting. She currently paints at San Diego’s Spanish Village in Balboa Park. The Village serves as a live museum of sorts where guests can watch the artists create their works while interacting with them. Admission is free and it is a great way for budding artists to observe the techniques of the artists or even buy some of the art. D has been painting at the village for 25 years where the artists must be approved for membership by three jurors. The artist must display five finished pieces for the jurors to judge, and if the jurors agree, the membership is granted. This puts D in a very elite group since there are currently only 140 artists in the village.

Danielle’s history with art began with a class she took shortly before she retired. She knew that she would become restless after retiring and was looking for a new way to channel her creative energy. Her teacher told the students that they would be tasked with doing something they never believed they could complete. Then, on the last day of class he would review the projects. Danielle was not convinced that she held any artistic ability, but decided to try it anyway as an answer to her teacher’s challenge. In specific, she chose watercolor as her medium in this fun experiment. It was baptism by fire, but she rose to the occasion and began to try different techniques to achieve different results. By the end of the course, she had created a watercolor painting that she felt very proud of. Her teacher’s praise of her work encouraged her to continue her artistic pursuit and inspired her to raise her skill level. She says that every time she paints a new piece, she comes across new techniques that she utilizes in future paintings.

“Every time I paint, I learn something new!” said Danielle. “Like how to splay my brush to paint palm fronds. Or saturate an area with water, drop different colors into it and watch them blend into something beautiful, something unique. I call them happy accidents. Painting makes you learn to look, to be more aware and to appreciate the world around you. It makes you study light and shadows and how they move.”

D moved to Tierrasanta in 1972 when she and her late husband bought a lot before the house was even built. They had lived across the canyon in Serra Mesa before that, and her husband used to ride his dirt bike in Tierrasanta before it was developed. He liked the area and they jumped at the chance to purchase a lot. Living in the area exposed her to the Spanish

Colonialism motif of architecture, which is popular with a lot of the catholic churches in San Diego, namely the Mission Basilica San Diego de Alcalá where she attended mass. That motif is now one of her favorite subjects to paint. She and her husband even took a road trip to visit 17 of the 21 Missions in California so she could capture the essence of them.

“My favorite subjects are landscapes, historic buildings and boats. When I find something I want to paint, I shoot several pictures that give me a panoramic view of everything around it. I shoot them consecutively so the lighting is con-

sistent. When I paint, I take areas from several of the shots as well as personal memories and combine them. It becomes my unique interpretation – my impression – of that subject.”

One of Danielle’s defining moments as an artist in the Spanish Village was when a young man in a navy uniform wandered into her studio and began to admire her watercolor pieces. The sailor told her that he was assigned to the U.S.S. John Paul Jones, a destroyer based in San Diego. He mentioned that his commander was retiring soon and asked her if she would paint a watercolor of the ship as a going away gift for

Photos courtesy of Danielle Deaton “Flowering Dune”

Photos courtesy of Danielle Deaton

This giant fig tree has been a landmark in Balboa Park for years.

Photos courtesy of Danielle Deaton Artist Danielle Deaton.

him. Danielle accepted the commission and told him he could pick it up in a month. The sailor told her, “Oh no, we’re leaving for the Persian Gulf in one week!” Danielle explained that she would not be able to make that deadline, so he made arrangements to have the completed work picked up in a month and flown out on a helicopter to the ship. Later, she watched on the news as the U.S.S. John Paul Jones was the first ship to launch an attack as part of “Operation Enduring Freedom”. She felt as if that was her ship and her boys out there and thought about that young sailor who came into her studio.

After the destroyer returned to San Diego, D was invited on board by request of the commanding officer which was an experience she will never forget. Later, one of the sailors came by her studio to buy a print of the original painting. He pointed to one of the men on the deck and proclaimed “Hey, that’s me!” Deaton could not understand how that could be because she just painted generic figures on the deck of

the ship. But he explained that the sailors are assigned to special positions on board as the ship leaves port so she could not argue with that!

D was born in France and lived in Paris during WWII, later after the war her family moved to the United States. She then attended the University of Utah where she studied education and met her husband Phil, who she refers to as “the love of her life”. After they married, they moved to San Diego and Phil was offered a job as psychologist for the San Diego school system. Danielle put her education on hold to raise her children, but was able to earn her degree after they left for college for themselves. “When the kids went off to school, so did I!” noted Deaton with ironic laughter. She went on to teach elementary and middle school and taught F

Though retired, D still teaches F once a week at San Diego Oasis, a continuing education program for seniors 50 and older.

B main passion of course is watercolor and she continues to be a part of the Spanish Village experience where she shares a studio with three other artists. Being in Balboa Park works out spectacularly for D , as there are many, many Spanish-style buildings and fountains to use as subjects as well as a plethora of plants and trees. D is definitely enjoying her retirement and well representing the arts of San Diego.

Danielle’s work can be seen daily from 11am to 4pm in her Studio 34B at the Spanish Village Art Center in Balboa Park, San Diego. You can meet the artist at the studio on Fridays from 11am to 4pm.

At a Glance:

Danielle Deaton Spanish Village Art Center in Balboa Park www. spanishvillageartcenter.com Oasis San Diego https://san-diego.oasisnet.org

Photos courtesy of Danielle Deaton “Balboa Fountain and Tower”

Photos courtesy of Danielle Deaton “The U.S.S John Paul Jones”

BY BART MENDOZA

Adams Avenue Street Fair / 41 Years of Fun!

San Diego’s biggest annual music event, the Adams Avenue Street Fair returns for it’s 41st edition on September 23 & 24. The free, all ages festival takes place along Adams Avenue in Normal Heights, this year once again packing in a whole lot of music into the weekend. 65 artists will take part, across six stages, featuring everything from DJ’s to surf rock. Headliners this time out include Lucy’s Fur Coat, Big Sandy & His Fly Rite Boys, and The Avengers, with something for just about every musical taste.

Of course, The Adams Avenue Street Fair offers up much more than music. There are a plethora of food options, as well as beer gardens and tastings, carnival rides and much more.

(What I love) about the fair is the whole neighborhood coming together to celebrate great local music, food and art,” said guitarist / singer Verdell Smith of Soul Ablaze (Sunday Noon, The Groove Stage). “I am looking forward to celebrating my music with a great band in a place where when I was a kid I would one day call home.”

“It was always one of my favorite festivals growing up,” remarked Jon Hasz of The

Beard and The Bird (Sunday 12:15 p.m. Roots Rock Stage). “We didn’t have enough money to go to the other big touring festivals so it meant a lot for me to be able to connect with new music and be inspired. I think that was the first time I realized that some local bands could actually deliver a better show than national acts.” Does he approach outdoor gigs like this differently than his regular performances? “I’d say the majority of our gigs are actually outside,” he noted. “We play a lot of wineries and outdoor music festivals, sometimes rain or shine! We work to bring the same energy and passion, regardless of venue or audience. We have a blast doing this, and hopefully it shows.”

Guitarist Sidney Merrit of Swive (Sunday Noon, The Casbah Stage) considers that the differences between a live gig and an outdoor one are minor, though important. “We don’t really do anything different when we play outside at a fair compared to inside a club, although we do wear our sunglasses and drink more water,” she said. For Merrit, the AASF is “a way to see a cool assortment

of bands, for free, in a beautiful SD neighborhood. We are looking forward to playing our music for some new folks who haven’t heard of us, and to seeing some great bands!”

Singer Laura Jane Willcock of The Tighten Ups (Saturday 5:45 p.m. Blues Stage) agrees that events like the AASF are a great way for audiences to check out new music, alongside old favorites. “Outdoor festival sets like this can introduce The Tighten Ups to so many new fans,” she said. “So, we like to keep it chock full of our snazzy original songs, high energy cover tunes that everyone loves and pace the energy into a crescendo of sing-a-long dancing mayhem.”

For his part, Hasz is looking forward to hitting the stage. “Festival audiences are always so much fun because they are truly in the mindset to get lost in the music,” he said. “I can’t wait to meet some new bands and entertain a whole new group of people. I’m excited for our first year at the Street Fair!” Meanwhile, Willcock concurs with Hasz’s sentiment. “I most look forward to having a total blast making music - with the bandmates I adore - for so many happy people filling the streets of this beautiful city that has supported our rock and soul mission for 15 years. Thank you, San Diego!”

https://www.adamsavenuebusiness.com/adams-avenue-street-fair