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April 2009

No Champion, No Convention Center Expansion Secrets Of The Centre City Indian Economics, V 9.0 Suite And Tender Dining

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FROM

The Editor

Timothy J. McClain

No Champion, No Expansion Will economic fear doom a bigger Convention Center?

he San Diego Convention Center is a miracle maker, producing a $17 billion economic impact since its 1989 opening. An aerial photo taken before its construction shows a whole lot of nothing between it and the city’s core. Flash forward to immediately before the expansion opened in September 2001, and the businesses that had now spread to its Gaslamp Quarter doorstep were suffering on a financial ledge. Then, it was like a flip was switched. It opened and they came. The national tragedy of Sept. 11 was a barely noticeable blip on the expanded center's operations. Now, in the midst of a recession harsher than any experienced by San Diego in modern times, a second expansion is being discussed by the Mayor’s Citizen

Task Force on the San Diego Convention Center Project. It is not going well. The skepticism on display at the last two sparsely attended meetings foreshadows a rockier path than the last expansion. Questioning the wisdom of a convention center is SOP for San Diego. It wasn’t until Doug Manchester agreed See EDITOR page 17

Downtown, pre-Convention Center construction.

S T A F F Publisher GARY SHAW Editor TIMOTHY J. McCLAIN

Magazine and Daily Business Report By Far San Diego’s Largest-Circulation Business Publication, Online at sandiegometro.com and On The Air on XLNC1 • 104.9 FM Radio

A P R I L

2 0 0 9 / V O L U M E

2 4 / N U M B E R

Managing Editor MANNY CRUZ Senior Contributing Editor JANET LOWE Food Editor TERRYL GAVRE Contributors AUSTIN LYNAS NORM MILLER PATRICK OSIO IRENE STILLINGS

COVER STORY

Worked Up About Working Downtown....................Page 18

Copy Editor JEAN LOWERISON Art Director REX EDHLUND Webmaster CHRIS LATKO

Shandon Harbour, Nancy Kuntz And Stacey Nakahura

Illustrator DAVID LINTON Photography DAVE GOOD ALAN NEVIN Director of Advertising/ Associate Publisher DEBBIE TORTORA, Ext. 307

Urban Secrets.................Page 20 Sampling Cupcakes, New Parks, Pet Stores And $15,000 Martinis

Director of Public Affairs CYNDI MEEVES, Ext. 314 Director San Diego Metropolitan Uptown Examiner

KEVIN SPECHT, Ext. 312

From The Editor…….............Page 4

Controller LYNN McGOUGH, Ext. 305

On Expanding The Convention Center By Timothy J. McClain

Circulation Department circulation@sandiegometro.com SAN DIEGO

COLUMNS

OTHER SMART STUFF

San Diego Scene ........................... Page 6 • Flower Hill Power • Cold Vaccine Shipping Star • Median 92101 Condo Falls To $542,000 • Zeebo Shakes The Gaming World • Yvonne Silva’s Toy Business

The Annual Native American Business Overview...........Page 22

Real Property............. ....................Page10 A Market-Based Water Solution By Norm Miller The Connection.............................Page 11 Terrible Trucking Law By Patrick Osio Dining...........................................Page 26 Suite And Tender By Terryl Gavre

New Transportation Programs And Casino Expansions By Manny Cruz Sustainable San Diego............Page 25 Green Tips For Small Business By Irene Stillings A wealth of information,including past articles, online-only content, and the

Daily Business Report can be found at

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1502 Sixth Ave. San Diego, CA 92101-4499 Phone (619) 233-4060 Fax (619) 233-4272 info@sandiegometro.com San Diego Metropolitan averages more than 20,050 copies monthly and is published by Metro San Diego Communications Inc. Contents copyright 2009 by Metro San Diego Communications Inc. All editorial and advertising inquiries can be made by calling or writing to the above. All rights reserved.

April 2009 San Diego Metropolitan

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SAN DIEGO SCENE W

hile the Wii storms the United States, San Diego-based Zeebo Inc. is looking to do the same in Brazil with its new gaming console. Based on a chip from financial backer Qualcomm, the $199 Zeebo going on sale this month downloads games wirelessly, which makes the games cheaper and more difficult to copy and resell. The gaming system was unveiled during the Game Developers Conference Mobile in San Francisco. “The Zeebo console will deliver a truly engaging and entertaining gaming experience to a potential billion new consumers around the world, many of whom have never experienced gaming in the home,” says John Rizzo, company CEO. *** The median price of a resale condo Downtown dropped to $542,000 for the 30-day period ended March 20, down $7,950 from February, and down 3.7 percent from the same period in March 2008, reports Realtor Lew Breeze of sdcondo.com. The number of condos pending sale during the recent 30 days slipped to 50, compared to 60 a year ago. The average price per square foot of units pending sale hit $396, down from $513 last year. The number of condos closing sale during the 30 days up to March 20 was 31, compared to 29 a year before. The average price per square foot of units sold was $391, down from $501 last year. 6

Units sold for an average of 4 percent less than asking price. The 453 resale condos on the market grew from 433 a year earlier. “During this period, 33 percent of the closed sales were all cash,” Breeze notes. *** On the eve of its 10th birthday, Greystone, a non-chain steakhouse rarity in the Gaslamp Quarter, is rolling out a new menu that includes “Kobe Short Ribs,” the “A to Z Steak Salad,” “Wild Boar Pappardelle” and “Maple Glazed Pork Belly Tacos.” *** Chris Van Gorder, president and CEO of Scripps Health, is chair-elect of the American College of Healthcare Executives, an international professional society of more than 30,000 health care executives. Van Gorder will serve the first part of a three-year term in ACHE’s consecutive chairmanship offices: chair-elect, chair and immediate past chair. *** World traveling chef Massimo Denaro has taken over the kitchen at La Strada in the Gaslamp Quarter and is introducing a new menu. Among the executive chef’s offerings is “Penne Portofino,” fresh jumbo chopped shelled prawns flambeéd with vodka and garlic, served with penne pasta in a spicy rossini sauce. **** Bruce Ives, president and CEO of Coronado First Bank, says his new sandiegometro.com

Downtown branch at the corner of Ash and India streets will open July 1. “This will give us an expanded market in which to grow our assets in a prudent fashion that will result in enhanced shareholder value,” says Ives. “We have been diligent in building the bank in a stable and consistent fashion with a focus on credit quality. We are now in a position to implement a strategic plan that allows us to take advantage of significant market opportunities with continued emphasis on measured growth and bottom line results.” The move comes as the bank announces the resignation of board member and founding chairman Tom Stickel. Among those on the board is Mayor Sanders *** An accomplished entrepreneur who once interned for Dan Rather and now is a marketing executive with Enlace, the Union-Tribune’s Spanish-language weekly publication, Yvonne Silva is venturing where few Latina women have gone before: adult toys. Her company is called Onjenoo.com. Her goal is to change “the face of the adult sex toy industry from a male-dominated business to a female-friendly industry, one pink box at a time.”

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*** With 20 years under her belt, most recently with Prudential California Realty, Cheri Jessup has opened her own Downtown firm, Jessup & Associates. “I thought it was time to break from the large corporate real estate scene,” she says. “I can better serve my clients.” She’s at cherijessup.com. *** The Catfish Club will host a dinner and tribute to Bob McNeely, executive v.p. of Union Bank, director of its social responsibility group, and longtime director of CCDC. He’s retiring from Union Bank at year’s end. Tickets are $100 each; table sponsorships are available. Contact the club at (619) 266-7278. *** The 10th annual 40 Under 40 Awards nomination window officially opens on April 1. It closes May 30 with the submissions bundled up and delivered to our judges who then gather on June 15 to make their selections. Winners See SCENE page 9 April 2009 San Diego Metropolitan

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Road Test

by Austin Lynas

Bentley Delivers Ultimate Power And Luxury

he new 2010 Bentley Continental GTC Speed is essentially a souped-up version of the Continental GTC. Selling for about $225,000, the stunning convertible has a 6-liter, 600 hp, DOHC, variable valve timing, twin turbo W-12 engine. This motor is smooth as silk and obediently quiet. The colossal power is transmitted to all four wheels via an exceptionally smooth six-speed automatic transmission and a standard all-wheel-drive system. For those who must, manual shifting is available via the console shifter or by using “paddles” located behind the steering wheel.

Women’s Alliance Network Is Formed

he Women’s Alliance Network, a new membership organization designed to help women foster sustained professional and personal connection and growth, has begun operation in San Diego County. The organization was founded by Saundra Pelletier, an executive coach, author and speaker; Kim Horner, co-owner of C&H

The interior exudes a luxury found only in cars designed for the wealthy. It is rich with fine leather and wood by Mulliner, an English coach builder that has supplied Bentley since the beginning. At almost 6,000 pounds, this is a heavy car. The various suspension stiffness options, stability control system and a lower ride height, all controllable from within the cockpit, transform this into a really good handling car. A speed of 60 mph is available in 4.5 seconds flat. With the roof up, 200 mph is claimed. Why anyone needs to drive that fast is a mystery. In a consumer review online, one owner

complained of some instability at 170 mph – where was he going? With this big twin turbo engine you can pass anything, anywhere, anytime. It is awesome. A more lengthy review of the Bentley is available by clicking on Road Test at sandiegometro.com.

Gardens Artistic Landscape and Tree Service; and Michelle Wilson of Cabi Clothing. The network will offer both social and business annual memberships, depending on the needs and geographic location of the individual. “As both mothers and business professionals, we saw a real need to establish a comprehensive resource that supported and embraced all successes,” says Horner. The WAN Founders have plans to

eventually grow the organization and its unique membership model regionally and beyond. It starts with six operating chapters here: Solana Beach, La Jolla, Encinitas, Del Mar, Carlsbad and Rancho Santa Fe. An expo is being held on April 19 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at When in Rome in Encinitas. A network launch cocktail party is planned for May 16 at the same location. More information is at womensalliancenetwork.com. ❖

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San Diego Metropolitan April 2009

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Flower Hill Owner And Tenants Meet On Survival Strategies

adly pinched by the recession, retailers and their landlords are getting creative to survive. At Del Mar’s Flower Hill Promenade, nationally recognized retail consultants The Retail Smart Guys were brought in for an all-hands dinner where the landlord and tenants devised possible new strategies. The meeting was organized by Jeffrey Essakow, CEO of the mall’s owners, Protea Properties.

“I felt energy, passion, and enthusiasm resulting in tons of great ideas,” Essakow says. Some of the ideas discussed include hosting more charity events on the property, coordinating multiple trunk shows where manufacturers bring out products not normally sold, developing an art walk and even a summer concert series. Essakow expects to begin acting this month on four or five of the ideas.

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“I think this process dispels the ‘us and them’ mentality between management and merchants,” says Rose Jabin, who manages and leases the mall. “It helps us realize that we are all working toward the same goals.” The group will meet monthly to prioritize the center’s projects and discuss topics ranging from how to better serve the community to deciding what stores should be brought in as tenants. ❖

When it absolutely has to get there cold, San Diego’s Coldpack is the packaging business of choice. The company was just selected by the World Health Organization as its vaccine transportation provider. The firm’s AirLiner packaging, an inflatable liner (pictured), and its AntiFreeze Vaccine Backpack can safely get critical medicine to remote locations all over the globe.

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SCENE from page 6

- over achievers of today and tomorrow will be revealed and profiled in the September issue of San Diego Metropolitan Magazine. Those honored also will be feted at a deluxe luncheon on Sept.18. Nominees must be 39 years or younger as of that day. Tip of the month: Nominations submitted by a friends, family, co-workers or a boss attract the highest praise by judges. Thse submitted by a paid public relations official on behalf of a client, not so much. More information on 40 Under 40 is at sandiegometro.com. You also can contact Cyndi Meeves, special events coordinator at (619) 398-8926 or cyndi@sandiegometro.com for event info and brand marketing opportunities. ❖

Jack’s Got A New Site

ack in the Box has rolled out an updated Website —jackinthebox.com — that features a cube users rotate to get information, links and videos about the company. A click on the “Our Story” link brings up a timeline that begins with a photo of the first Jack in the Box restaurant. It opened in 1951 at 6270 El Cajon Boulevard. The restaurant was operated by Robert O. Peterson, who later married a woman who became San Diego’s first woman mayor, Maureen O’Connor. Visitors to the site are greeted by Jack, who points out a few features on the site and then invites guests to visit his virtual

office, which offers a variety of interactive functions that allow Jack to travel beyond the limits of the site. For example, visitors can have Jack send personalized phone calls or e-mail messages on their behalf, such as having Jack call in sick for them or call to ask a special someone out on a date. “Online marketing has become much more sophisticated since we last revamped our Website,” says Terri Graham, senior v.p. and chief marketing officer for Jack in the Box Inc. “The advancements in technology, as well as the rise of social media like Facebook and Twitter, have really raised the bar on the level of entertainment and engagement consumers expect from Websites.” ❖

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San Diego Metropolitan April 2009

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REAL PROPERTY Norm Miller

Rational Water Rationing

Water police and tattletale neighbors are leaky ideas

fter a three-year drought, California has declared a statewide water emergency. The situation will likely mean that waterrationing measures will be put in place by July 1 in San Diego. Right now, my water bills are fairly low. I would be willing to pay much more. If I did face higher water prices, I would likely invest in water-saving devices, more efficient toilets and take shorter showers. But telling me or others that we can’t wash our cars or have

exotic gardens is an idea that will only create a lot of devious and sneaky water users. Pricing should be the solution, not regulation. In fact, regulation will only make matters worse in the long run as it will not encourage the kind of technology we need to desalinate water or recapture both gray water and stormwater runoff. While water is essential for life and, like clean air, is priceless, the great news is that we will never use it all up. It is inexhaustible, especially salt water, which is what differentiates water from other business and life support systems that are drawn into our homes and buildings. It makes no sense to treat water the same way we do other resources like coal and oil and gas that are slowly becoming exhausted. It also makes no sense, except in extreme emergencies, to ration or regulate water. How can we embrace the notion of water police for violators of our local water policies? Even though I may not like my neighbor constantly washing his gas guzzling Hummer, he should have the right to do so and we should have the right to charge him the marginal cost of providing this nonessential water. sandiegometro.com

We certainly do need regulation for the prevention of contamination and for those who do not control water runoffs. Regulation that requires us to do no harm is essential, but regulation that prevents harm to water resources is different from regulation on the consumption side. Each household and farmer should receive an average allocation per month — with some limited carryover — based on insuring minimal and essential water needs. This allocation should be priced somewhat in line with current average pricing. As we consume more water, the price should geometrically climb to the level that exceeds the cost to desalinate water from the sea or capture storm water runoff. Depending on the technology used, this can be from 3.25 to 5 times current water pricing. The most promising method to desalinate seawater is reverse osmosis. The expensive nature of the technology has kept it from being used more often, since it can cost more than $1,000 per acre-foot to desalinate seawater, compared with about $200 per acre-foot for water from normal supply sources. Yet many water consumers would gladly pay $700, $800 or more per acre foot for water and we should let them. Desalinization technology is improving, and costs are falling. Tampa Bay, Fla., is doing it for $650 per acre foot, which is roughly 3.25 times the cost of traditional water. As both the demand for fresh water and technology improves, more desalinization will be occurring, especially in California. Would you pay 3.25 times your current water bill? If necessary you probably would. But you also would find builders designing homes with rainwater capture systems and gray water re-use systems and farmers boosting their use of drip technologies. By keeping water pricing low and regulating quantities consumed, we not only delay the problem but we delay real solutions that the market could and would provide.

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Norm Miller is a professor and director of academic programs at USD’s BurnhamMoores Center for Real Estate. April 2009 San Diego Metropolitan

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THE CONNECTION Patrick Osio Jr.

A Special Interest Casualty Phony arguments wreck a working cross-border trucking program

exico has retaliated against the United States by imposing tariffs on 90 products — including toilet paper — due to President Obama’s cancellation of the extension of a one-year experiment allowing Mexican trucks to deliver cargo beyond the pre-NAFTA 20-mile commercial border zone. A NAFTA clause calls for allowing the three partner nations unfettered three-way commercial truck access. Canadian trucks were given immediate access to U.S. highways, but Mexico was denied equal access because of allegations of inferior truck safety and driver standards. Both Canadian and Mexican trucks would have access to deliver goods to specific destinations only, and either return empty or pick up from those specific destinations. This is not an open invitation to compete with local haulers. Yet fear is a powerful tool. It is used very effectively against Mexico by special interest groups fearing loss of competitive advantages enjoyed at the expense of consumers, or simply by nativists who cringe at the words “Mexican” or “Mexico.” Accusations are treated as fact without necessity of proof. This is what

happened here. None of the dire predictions proved correct. Those who claimed American men, women and children would be killed by Mexican trucks and that inferior equipment would place Americans in harm’s way were proved wrong. This left both extreme right-wing nativists and those dependent on union wages or political contributions fuming. But the facts weren’t enough to keep the program going. So once again, the U.S. broke its word, adding legitimacy to the Latin American perception of the U.S. as a bully nation. Mexico is hailed for standing up to the “bully” by imposing tariffs on many products as allowed under the NAFTA agreement. The trucking issue was never truly a safety issue. The California Highway Patrol opened state-of-the-art facilities at commercial ports of entry to inspect trucks. The CHP is harsh on trucks and drivers not in compliance, Mexican or not. The safety record of Mexican trucks in the program surpassed those of domestic carriers. To suggest, as some do, that Mexican trucks got off easier is both a lie and an insult to

the CHP. The California program is a model for other states. The sad part is that there are bona fide reasons for the United States to sit with Mexico and discuss legitimate concerns regarding allowing Mexican trucks on U.S. highways. The potential for both human and drug smuggling from Mexico, and drugs from Canada (oh yes, they also come in from there) is very real. The issue begged for a cooperative approach. Already there are agreements in place allowing for inspection of trucks at points of departure. So how could these agreements be further expanded? The United States could have worked with Mexico to enhance the flow of goods between our two countries with added safety measures. When policy is dictated by special interests and accusations flow without supporting facts, both nations lose. Patrick Osio can be reached at posiojr@sandiegometro.com. The veteran consultant has participated on writing scripts for documentaries on Baja California real estate, medical services and retirement information at TransBorderCommunications.com.

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San Diego Metropolitan April 2009

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Executives Association Notes

Everything from Doctors to Elves

he Executives Association of San Diego is a somewhat exclusive organization of business owners and professionals. Not anyone can join. Members are recommended and vetted and there has to be a need. They can’t handle the two best house painters in San Diego, for instance, only the best. The result is a group of San Diego’s most essential services and products, like specialty doctors, a computer guru, the best caterer, the video producer and one great liquor store owner, and then a second tier of less-essential but nice-to-have providers, like the news publisher. You can scope out these members by pursuing the accompanying directory, checking out execs-sd.org, clicking into individual members’ Websites, or picking up the electric telephone, of course. And you’re invited to use these members when you need them. The way the economy is going, many members can even rock ‘n’ roll on price. *** That’s Jan Hagenbrock’s creativity behind the Executives Association’s new Website at execs-sd.org. Hagenbrock is with Schwartz Design Group. *** Honeywell is recognizing Shandon Harbour, president of San Diego-based

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SDA Security, as one of the industry’s rising stars. Check out the securitychannel.com or sdasecurity.com. *** Bernie Kaye, San Diego’s favorite impresario, owner of Entertainment Solutions West, says the recession has people thinking that entertainment is a discretionary expense. No joke. Upside? His entertainers are more available and prices are more reasonable than ever. Downside? Tough to choose from among 300 bands, orchestras and musical acts, plus comics, impersonators, jugglers, caricaturists and elves. Check out entsolw.com. *** Dr. Peter Shaw, the dental philosopher, looking out over an audience of Executives Association members, says, “Eighty percent of what we do is identical. At the end of the assembly line, I spit out teeth.” He was talking about integrity and customer service. More pointed to the profession: “Use fluoridated mouthwash. No toothpaste. Brush, floss and rinse.” He likens the results of toothpaste on tooth enamel to toothpaste on a car’s finish, to which Steve Hawley, Hawley Auto Body & Paint, smiles big whites.

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Jean Young’s Young + Co. Inc. of Mission Hills came up with the complete interior design, under the direction of the NAVFAC interiors group, for the 16,500-square-foot MCAS Miramar Golf Course Clubhouse, Rockers Staff NonCommissioned Officers’ Club and the adjacent Palms Restaurant. Above is a reception area. Interiors include raised wood paneling, marble, granite, stain grade wood and crown moulding. Stronghold Engineering Inc. of Riverside served as prime contractor, working with AKS Architecture of Seattle, for the $7.38 million design-build project. Col. Christopher E. O’Connor, commanding officer of Miramar, was on hand for the ribboncutting.

April 2009 San Diego Metropolitan

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The Executives Association of San Diego For The Best Products and Services in San Diego County

ACCOUNTANTS — Gatto, Pope and Walwick, LLP. 550 West C St. (92101). 619-282-7366 Kirk Walwick, kirkw@gpwcpas.com. Associate- Stacey Nakahara, staceyn@gpwcpas.com ADVERTISING AND GRAPHIC DESIGN — Schwartz Design Group, 2941 4th Ave. (92103). Bonnie Schwartz. 619-291-8878. bonnie@schwartzdesigngroup.com. Associate, Jan Hagenbrock, jan@schwartzdesigngroup.com ADVERTISING SPECIALTIES — A 2 Z Logos, 3947 Catamarca Drive (92124). Joanie Moore-Coudding, Phone & Fax (858) 715-4775, joanie@a2zlogos.com ART AND FRAMING — Artrageous!, 5350-A Eastgate Mall (92121), 858-452-7280 Fax 858-452-7210 (Corporate Business) 3545-H Del Mar Heights Road (92130). 858-259-1922 (retail), Fax 858-259-1923. Barbara Markoff. bmarkoff@mac.com. ATTORNEYS— Allen Matkins Leck Gamble Mallory & Natsis, 501 West Broadway, 15th Floor (92101). John Davies. 619-233-1155. jdavies@allenmatkins.com. Associate, Joe Davidson. 12348 High Bluff Dr., Suite 210 (92130) 619-235-1539 jdavidson@allenmatkins.com AUDIOLOGIST — San Diego Hearing Center, 4282 Genessee Ave. #301 (92117), Blanche Blackington 858-279-3277. bblackington@sdhearing.com. 4060 Fourth Ave, #410 A, (92103). 619298-8546. AUDIO/VIDEO — Mission Hills Audio-Video 9474 Chesapeake Dr., Suite 906 (92125). Jerry Van Wey 619-295-4191 or 858-277-1100. jvanwey@missionhillsav.com

San Diego Metropolitan April 2009

AUTO BODY & PAINT — Hawley Auto Body & Paint, 2844 Lytton St. (92110) Steve Hawley, 619-222-3062. stevesd@aol.com AUTO SECURITY & SOUND — United Stereo Inc., 8380 Vickers, Ste. A&B (92111). Susan Manemann 858-467-1717. callus@unitedstereo.com AUTOMOBILE SALES — Frank Motors, Inc., 2400 National City Blvd., National City (91950). James Fornaca, 619-474-5573 jfornaca@frankmotors.com, Associates, Gary Fenelli, gfenelli@frankmotors.com, Mike Kempsey, mkempsey@frankmotors.com BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU—Better Business Bureau of San Diego & Imperial Counties, 5050 Murphy Canyon Rd., #110 (92123). Sheryl Bilbrey, 858-637-6198. sbilbrey@sandiego.bbb.org

CAR WASH, DETAILING & FUEL— San Diego Car Care (T. Fetter & Co., Inc.), 2550 Fifth Ave., Ste. 629 (92103). Karen Forbes 619-234-7989. Karen@tfetterco.com Carmel Mountain Ranch Car Wash, 11030 Rancho Carmel Dr. Costa Verde Car Wash, 8505 Costa Verde Blvd. Del Mar Highlands Car Wash and Lube Center, 12889 El Camino Real Eastgate, 5716 Miramar Road Rancho Bernardo Car Wash, 16757 Bernardo Center Drive Scripps Miramar Car Wash, 9650 Miramar Rd. 52 & Convoy, 7740 Copley Park Place CARPET CLEANING—Carpet Clean-Mills Technique, P. O. Box 635, San Marcos. (92079). Joe Gonzales. 619-276-1199/760-726-9291. millstech@yahoo.com CATERING —

BOOKKEEPING AND ACCOUNTING SOFTWARE — TAG, 2150 W. Washington Street #401 (92110). Steve Bond. 619-225-9322. steve.bond@teamtag.net BUILDING CONSULTANT—Parra Building Consultants, 3127 Kalmia St. (92104). Dennis Parra. 619-232-1100. Parbc@aol.com BUSINESS & COMPUTER FURNITURE MFG.— Omni Pacific, 505 Raleigh Ave., El Cajon (92020). Thomas P. Burke. 619-579-6664. tburke@omnipacific.com BUSINESS EDUCATION—Vistage International, Inc., 11452 El Camino Real, Ste. 400 (92130). Pat Hyndman. Phone & FAX 858-273-6411. pat@hyndmanusa.com. Associate, Lauryn Rice, 1870 Goldfield St., (92110), 619-993-6405, lauryn.rice@vistage.com BUSINESS EDUCATION/SALES TRAINING — Sandler Sales Institute. 3825 Baker St. (92117) 858-272-8654. Darren Cecil. sdsales@sandler.com.

DENTAL-ORTHODONTICS — Diane J. Milberg, DDS, 306 Walnut Ave., Ste. 32 (92103). 619-2993560. 1001 B Ave., #101, Coronado (92118), 619299-3560 Diane Milberg. diane@drmilberg.com. DENTIST — Peter D. Shaw, DDS, 315 Walnut St. (92103). 619-297-2954. drpshaw@peterdshawdds.com. Associate, Rick Evans, DDS. evans733@sbcglobal.net DENTIST-ORAL & MAXILLOFACIAL SURGEON — Frank L. Pavel, Jr., D.M.D. 306 Walnut St., Ste. 26 (92103). 619-299-3320. ELECTRIC MOTORS— Sloan Electro-mechanical Service & Sales, 3520 Main St. (92113) Jerry Gray. 619-2395174. jgray@sloanelectric.com EMPLOYMENT - TEMPORARY/FULL TIME SERVICES—Sedona Staffing, 7380 Clairemont Mesa Blvd. (92111). Carley Stanley. 858-268-9844. carla@sedonastaffing.com ENGINEER-CIVIL—Nasland Engineering, 4740 Ruffner St. (92111). D.K. Nasland 858-292-7770. dk@nasland.com

French Gourmet, 960 Turquoise St. (92109). Michel Malecot. 858-488-1725 Ext 325. Mmalecot@thefrenchgourmet.com. COMPUTER NETWORK INSTALLATION & SUPPORT — FYI Systems & Networks, P.O. Box 1370, Solana Beach (92075). Jim Enlow 858-7209400. enlow@fyisystems.com COMMERCIAL INTERIOR DESIGN — Young + Company, Inc., 4010 Goldfinch St. (92103). Jean Young. 619-294-9600. Jyoung@youngcoinc.net CREDIT MANAGEMENT SERVICES—San Diego Credit Assn., 2044 First Ave., Ste. 300 (921012079). Greg Garner. 619-239-8191. Ggarner@pscredit.com

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ENGINEER-ELECTRICAL-CONSULTING—Syska Hennessy Group, 9665 Granite Ridge Dr., #110, (92123) Don Kimper. 858- 244-0360. dkimper@syska.com FLOOR COVERING—Coles Fine Flooring, 1170 West Morena Blvd. (92110). George Coles. gcoles@colescarpets.com. Associate, Steve Coles. scoles@colescarpets.com 619-276-5140. FLORIST—Gallery Florist, Inc., P.O. Box 237, Poway (92074-0237). Daniel Loh. 619-236-1544. daniel_loh@dot.ca.gov, galleryflorist1@yahoo.com GIFT BASKETS - The Best to You, 7888 Silverton Ave., Suite D (92126) Barry Gorin. Associate, Linda Gorin 858-578-2740 linda@thebesttoyou.com

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HOTEL—Bartell Hotels, 4875 No. Harbor Dr. (92106-2394). Dana Irby. 619-523-8916. FAX 619-224-1787. The Dana on Mission Bay, 1710 W. Mission Bay Dr., 619-222-6440; Sheraton Hotel La Jolla, 3299 Holiday Court, 858-453-5500; Holiday Inn San Diego Bayside, 4875 Harbor Dr., 619-224-3621; Humphrey’s Half Moon Inn & Suites, 2303 Shelter Island Dr., 619-224-3411; Island Palms Hotel & Marina, 2051 Shelter Island Dr., 619-222-0561; Days Inn Hotel Circle, 543 Hotel Circle So., 619-297-8800; Pacific Terrace Hotel, 610 Diamond 858-581-3500. dirby@bartellhotels.com INSURANCE—Barney & Barney, LLC, 9171 Towne Centre Dr., Ste. 500 (92122), P.O. Box 85638 (92186-5638). Diana Twadell 858-587-7434. dianat@barneyandbarney.com. Associate, Ruben Villegas. 858-587-7582. 9171 Towne Centre Dr., Ste. 500 (92122) rubenv@barneyandbarney.com INVESTMENT COUNSEL— Messner & Smith, 530 B St., #300 (92101). Ellis C. Smith. 619-239-9049. ellis@messnersmith.com INVESTMENT SECURITIES BROKER— Morgan Stanley, 101 W. Broadway, Ste. 1800 (92101). Bill McColl. 619-238-6212. william.mccoll@morganstanley.com JANITORIAL SUPPLIES— Mission Janitorial Supplies, 9292 Activity Rd. (92126). Gregory S. Carlson. 858-271-4860. gcarlson@missionjanitorial.com JEWELER — Jessop Jeweler, Inc., 401 West C St. (92101). James C. Jessop. 619-234-4137. Hotel Del Coronado, 619-473-1707. jim@jessopjeweler.com LIQUOR STORE — Old Town Wine & Spirits, 2304 San Diego Ave. (92110). Zack Romaya. 619-291-4888. zromaya@cox.net

MUSIC & ENTERTAINMENT—Entertainment Solutions West, 6251 Rockhurst Dr. (92120). Bernard Kaye. 619-583-7265. berniek@entsolw.com NEWS PUBLISHER — San Diego Metropolitan, 1502 Sixth Ave., San Diego, CA (92101) Gary Shaw. 619-398-8920, gary@sandiegometro.com NURSERY — Walter Andersen Nursery, 12755 Danielson Ct. Poway (92064), Ken Andersen 858513-4900. FAX 858-513-4791. kenneth179@aol.com, 3642 Enterprise St. (92110). Point Loma 619-224-8271. OFFICE EQUIPMENT AND IMAGING SOLUTIONS — Sharp Business Systems, 8670 Argent St., Santee (92071), Joe Jones. joe.jones@sharpusa.com. 619-258-1400. OFFICE FURNITURE DEALER —Parron Hall Office Interiors, 7700 Ronson Rd., Ste. 100 (92111). Jim Herr 858-268-1212. jherr@parronhall.com. PEST CONTROL — Lloyd Pest Control Company, 1202 Morena Blvd., #400,(92110). Service 1-800-570-BUGS (2847) Jamie Ogle 619-668-1953, jogle@lloydpest.com

REAL ESTATE – COMMERCIAL, BROKERAGE AND PROPERTY MANAGEMENT — NAI San Diego. 123 Camino de la Reina, South #200 (92108). 619497-2255. Marten Barry, mbarry@naisandiego.com. Associate, Jim Hughes, jhughes@naisandiego.com REAL ESTATECOMMERCIAL CONSULTING — Spearca, Inc. 2445 Fifth Ave., Suite 402 (92101). 858-395-0300. FAX 858-756-1376. Brad Thornburgh, bthornburgh@sbcglobal.net. REAL ESTATE-RESIDENTIAL —Prudential California Realty, 870 W. Washington St. (92103). Charles Murch 619-517-5307. cmurch@prusd.com REHABILITATION SERVICES— Therapy Specialists, 3760 Convoy St., Ste. 204

(92111). Susan J. Harris. (858) 514-0375. Chula Vista Clinic, 251 Landis, Ste. 201 Chula Vista (91910), 619-498-8450. Lemon Grove Clinic 2211 Massachusetts Ave., Lemon Grove (91945) 619-698-0903. sharris@therapyspecialists.net RESTAURANT—The Brigantine Restaurants, 7889 Ostrow St. (92111). Michael A. Morton. 858268-1030. Azul Steakhouse La Jolla, 858-4549616, 1250 Prospect St., La Jolla. The Brigantine: Coronado (619) 435-4166, 1333 Orange Ave. Del Mar, (858) 481-1166, 3263 Camino del Mar. Eastlake, (619)-482-2226, 866 Eastlake Parkway Escondido, (760) 743-4718, 421 West Felicita Ave. La Mesa, (619) 465-1935, 9350 Fuerte Drive. Point Loma, (619) 224-2871,

PETS, SUPPLIES AND FISH TANK MAINTENANCE -Pet Kingdom, 3191 Sports Arena Blvd. (92110). 619-224-2841, FAX 619-224-7973 pet3191@gmail.com PHOTO SUPPLIES, WHOLESALE-RETAIL — Nelson Photo Supplies, 1909 India St. (92101). 7720 Fay Ave., La Jolla. (92037). (858) 729-6565. Nancy Kuntz. 619-234-6621. nkuntz@nelsonphotosupplies.com PHOTOGRAPHER - PORTRAIT/WEDDING — Stan Lawrence Portrait Art Photography. 7435 University Ave., Ste., 103. La Mesa (91941). Stan Lawrence. 619-465-2477. stan@stanlawrence.com PHYSICIAN-FAMILY PRACTICE — John A. Berger, M.D., 205 Walnut Ave. (92103). 619-295-2147. jberger675@aol.com PHYSICIAN-OPHTHALMOLOGIST—

LOCKING EQUIPMENT & REPAIRS —Grah Safe & Lock, Inc., 939 University Ave. (92103). Glenn Younger. 619-234-4829. glenn@grahsecurity.com LUMBER-HARDWOOD — Frost Hardwood Lumber Co., 6565 Miramar Rd., Mailing address: P.O. Box 919065 (92191-9065). Bruce H. Frost. 858-455-9060. \Bhf@frosthardwood.com MAILING LIST - DIRECT MAIL PROCESSING — Mail Management Group, Inc., 409 Vernon Way, El Cajon (92020). Rachel L. Murany. 619-5939121. Info@mailmgmtgroup.com MATERIAL-STORAGE, CONVEYING & POSITIONING EQUIPMENT —Kaman Industrial Technologies, 1675 Newton Ave. (92113). Sidney “Skip” E. Peterson, Jr. 619-233-5311. Skip.Peterson@Kaman.com MEN’S CLOTHING-RETAIL — Brady’s Clothing for Men, Hotel del Coronado, 1500 Orange Ave. Coronado (92118). Store 619-437-1144. Rich Brady. 619-435-5969. Bradysmenswear@aol.com MIRROR AND GLASS — Mirror, Shower and Glass, 6340 Riverdale St. (92120) 619-858-0801. Bob Eugley. Bob@MirrorShowerAndGlass.com MORTGAGE BROKER-RESIDENTIAL — Old Mission Mortgage, Inc., 3914 Murphy Canyon Rd., A-200 (92123). John M. Smith. 858-495-1888. john@sdloan.com Associate, Byron Gutwein. byron@sdloan.com MORTUARY— Featheringill Mortuary, 6322 El Cajon Blvd. (92115). Teri Featheringill. 619-583-9511 featherm@pacbell.net MOVING AND STORAGE — San Diego Van & Storage Company, Inc., 9320 Miramar Rd. (92126-4418). Rich DeBolt. 1944 Commercial Street. (92113-1108) 1426 Fayette Street, El Cajon. (92020-1515). 1145 Grand Ave., San Marcos. (92078-2608). Send mail to Res: 11753 Creek Bluff Drive, Poway, CA 92064-6130. 858-566-6575. rnddebolt@yahoo.com

San Diego Metropolitan April 2009

Suzanne Handler, M.D., 3900 Fifth Ave., #270 (92103). 619-298-1000, suzy.handler@cox.net PHYSICIAN-ORTHOPEDIC SURGEON—Peter B. Wile, M.D., 4060 Fourth Ave., #700 (92103) 619299-8500. PHYSICIAN - PLASTIC SURGEON

Barry S. Handler, M.D., 6699 Alvarado Rd., Suite 2305 (92120). 619-583-4222. doctorhandler@cox.net POOL SERVICE & REPAIR — Payan Pool Service Inc., P.O. Box 12224, El Cajon (92022). Javier Payan. 619-449-1392. payanpoolservice@aol.com POSTAL SERVICES — The UPS Store, 302 Washington St. (92103) John Burnham. 619-291-5678. owner0007@theupsstore.com PRINTING-LETTERPRESS & OFFSET LITHOGRAPHY — Neyenesch Printers, Inc., 2750 Kettner Blvd., P.O. Box 81184 (92138) Carol Bentley. 619-2972281. carol@neyenesch.com PUMPS & PUMPING SYSTEMS — Barrett Engineered Pumps, 1695 National Ave., P.O. Box 13130 (92170). Craig Barrett. 619-232-PUMP. barrett@barrettpump.com REAL ESTATE ASSET MANAGEMENT — Gildred Development Co., 550 West C St., Ste. 1820 (92101-3509). Gregg Haggart, gregg@gildredco.com 619-232-6361.

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SAN DIEGO’S BEST CONTRACTORS

CONTRACTOR - AWNINGS— Moran Canvas Products, 8135 Center St., La Mesa (91942). Paulette Moran 619-462-7778. paulettemoran@sbcglobal.net. Associate Vanessa McGrath, vanessamcgrath@sbcglobal.net. CONTRACTOR-ELECTRICAL — Copper Electric, Inc., 10054 Prospect Ave., Ste. T (92071). P.O. Box 710666, Santee (92072). Larry Tatman. 619-562-5600. ltatman@copperelectricinc.com. CONTRACTOR - GENERAL - COMMERCIAL — Melhorn Construction Company, 410 West 30th St., Suite B,, National City (91950), John Hardisty 619-245-6000. john@hardistyconstruction.com. Associate, Steve Reden. sreden@melhornconstruction.com CONTRACTOR - KITCHEN & BATH — San Diego Kitchen and Bath, 8290 Miramar Rd. (92126). Sam Cribbs. 858-566-7352. samcribbs@cox.net CONTRACTOR – LANDSCAPE CONSTRUCTION/DESIGN – Landscape Resource Group, 3780 Hancock St., Suite G (92110). Jim Frommer, 619-497-0556. lrg-jim@msn.com. Associate, Chip Wilson, lrg-chip@msn.com

CONTRACTOR - PAINTING–Peek Brothers Painting Contractors, 7924 Ronson Rd., Suite F (92111) John Peek 858-505-1361. peekbros@sbcglobal.net CONTRACTOR - PLUMBING, HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING-LIGHT COMMERCIAL/RESIDENTIAL

Ideal Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electrical 5161 Waring Rd. (92120). Don Teemsma, Jr. don@idealsvc.com. Associate Dan Teemsma. dan@idealsvc.com 619-583-7963. Associate, Joe Virgilio, joe@idealsvc.com

CONTRACTOR - RESTORATION —Apex Contracting & Restoration. 4421 Glacier Ave. (92120). 619-255-3022. Eric Schweinfurter, eric@apex411.com CONTRACTOR–ROOFING COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL—R.C. Young Roofing Co., Inc., 875 34th St.. (92102) P.O. Box 620085 (92162) Willie Moore. willie@rcyoungroofing.com CONTRACTORS SUPPLIES—Squires-Belt Material Company, Admin & Sales - 4567 Federal Blvd. (92102) John E. Benson jbenson@squiresbelt.com 619-266-6100

2725 Shelter Island Dr. Poway, (858) 4863066, 13445 Poway Road; Miguel’s: Coronado, (619) 437-4237, 1351 Orange Ave. Point Loma, (619) 224-2401, 2912 Shelter Island Drive. Chula Vista, (619) 656-2822 970 Eastlake Parkway, #108; Zocalo Grill: Old Town, (619) 298-9840, 2444 San Diego Drive. 4S Ranch (858) 924-9200. 10514 Craftsman Way. mmorton@brigantine.com. RETAIL PACKAGING — Armor-Germain, division of S. Walter Packaging, 3460 Pickett St. San Diego 92110, Richard L. Weiner, 619-299-2900. Cell 619-977-0682 rweiner@swalter.com SECURITY SYSTEMS — SDA Security Systems, Inc., 2054 State St. (92101), P.O. Box 82567 (92138-2567). 619-239-3473. Shandon Harbour, sharbour@sdasecurity.com. Associate, Rodney Eales, rdeales@sdasecurity.com

TRANSPORTATION-COMMERCIAL SALES/LEASING/FLEET MANAGEMENT — Dion International Trucks, LLC. 5225 Federal Blvd. (92105) 619-243-5326. Suzanne Moore, smoore@diontrucks.com. Associate- Debby Bradley, dbradley@diontrucks.com. TRAVEL SERVICE — Kahala Travel, 3838 Camino del Rio N. #300 (92108). Joyce Dentt. 619-282-8300 joyce@kahalatravel.com. Associate, Janine Joseph, janine@kahalatravel.com VETERINARIAN — Kearny Mesa Veterinary Center, 7677 Ronson Rd. Ste. 100 (92111). Craig Marvil, D.V.M. 858-279-3000 marvdvm@earthlink.net

SIGNS — Sign Diego, 2744 Midway Dr. (92110). Ron Marcotte 619-225-8230. SignDiego@sbcglobal.net TELEPHONE (BUSINESS) & VOICE MAIL SYSTEMS — Communications Plus, 1675 Morena Blvd., Ste. 100 (92110). Bruce Madden 619-276-3000. bmadden@communicationsplus.com.

VIDEO PRODUCTIONS — Groovy Like a Movie, 5205 Kearny Villa Way. Suite 200 (92123). Brent Altomare 858-715-0300. brent@groovylikeamovie.com Associate, Kris Nicolls. knicolls@groovylikeamovie.com WELDING/MEDICAL GASSES & SUPPLIES—WestAir Gases & Equipment, 2506 Market St. (92102). Ron Savage. 619-239-7571. ronsavage@westairgases.com

TIRES-COMMERCIAL — Parkhouse Tire, Inc., 4660 Ruffner St. (92111). Roy Naas. 858-565-8473. rnaas@parkhousetire.com TITLE COMPANY — Stewart Title - Asset Preservation, 5740 Fleet St., Ste. 100, Carlsbad (92008). 877264-3633. Kathy Biewenga, 760-635-1031. Cell 619-977-0682. kathy@apiexchange.com. Associate, Tonya Courtney, 7676 Hazard Center Drive, 14th floor (92108). 858-254-9309, 619-692-1600. tcourtney@stewart.com

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April 2009 San Diego Metropolitan

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EDITOR from page 3

to a land swap for bayfront property he’d lined up for a hotel, and the San Diego Port Commission promised to write the check, that the first center moved ahead. In 1998, a planned expansion sat stymied for two years by lawsuits, starting construction only when voters gave the goahead. This time fewer leaders are saying “if you build it they will come.” Rather, Mayor Sanders’ hand-picked panel seems worried a lousy economy and evolving Internet are fundamentally changing the meeting industry’s economics. The skepticism surfaced during a late February meeting at Scripps Ranch Library. There, consultant Michael Hughes, with Trade Show Week, delivered a confident assessment of San Diego’s place in the meeting industry, noting that despite being 24th in size nationally, it was firmly entrenched as a top 10 host city in terms of major events. The “authentic city experience” that came with the Downtown location gave San Diego a leg up on the competition. Expanding the center to provide between 600,000 and 800,000 square feet of exhibit space would allow the pursuit of about 100 major shows now too big for the center. Booking five a year would be worth $89.7 million annually. At times, almost debating task force members, Hughes said San Diego could probably do better than five. And he emphasized it would succeed by taking business from competitors, not from industry growth. Task force members left the meeting seeking more information about the 23 existing clients said to be too large or outgrowing the space. And they were hopeful the next month’s session led by Price Waterhouse, the leading meeting industry economic consultant, would provide figures that would show them the way. Instead, the consultant who led the March presentation at the Jacobs Center for Neighborhood Innovation, Jennifer Sutherland, was repeatedly pressed for information she didn’t have. Hotelier Bill Evans led the quizzing, which was picked up by panelists Charles Black, Vincent Mudd and Fred Maas. Sutherland prefaced many of her responses with “I think.” While professing love for each other, Evans and Carol Wallace, president of the Convention Center Corp., jousted San Diego Metropolitan April 2009

‘Mayor Sanders’ handpicked panel seems worried a lousy economy and evolving Internet are fundamentally changing the meeting industry’s economics.’ about the difference between running suburban resort hotels (our description) and urban convention centers geared toward high-end association business. An effort by task force co-chair Cheryl Kendrick to maneuver the group toward voting on

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whether to declare the concept of expansion a good idea, and then move onto the next phase of determining siting and financing, went nowhere. Rather, the group voted to ask for a demand study that addresses the recession and Internet, and more information on the wages and benefits of jobs an expansion would create. The requests push the next meeting to May. What the task force also could have asked for is a project champion. Unlike its successors, San Diego’s financially shell-shocked political and business leaders so far are sitting on the sidelines for this convention center debate.❖

Why The CBD Is The Place To Be

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ou could rent a boat up in Point Loma; her at Sunroad on father was Jim Still, presiHarbor Island or climb dent of the mighty Nielsen aboard the Star of India Construction Co. on the Embarcadero, lose She’s still at it. In 2001, yourself in a canyon Gary Nelson, whose grove of Balboa Park, or father Al founded the marvel at Gestu’s “Girl photo shop in 1950, Receiving A Letter,” circa offered to sell it to her. 1658, at the Timken “So we sold our house in Museum. You could Escondido and moved in watch the Padres’ home with my mother in Point opener against the Loma. Our kids were in Dodgers, or drop the kids college, so it was just the off at the Children’s two of us. Larry (Kuntz, Museum and walk to her husband) left Jackson In love with Downtown, from left, are Shandon Harbour, Nancy Kuntz and Nordstrom. You could & Blanc and came to Stacey Nakahara. (photo/AlanDecker.com) dance till midnight, stroll work here.” Fifth Avenue shoulder-toKuntz has 11 employshoulder and dine at Blue Point. ees on India Street and another four at a La Seattle. It hosts something like 105,000 You might meet the mayor for lunch at Jolla store opened in 2005. “I know what’s people during weekdays, about 30,000 at the Westgate or meet with 10,000 dearest kept us in business has been customer night when most of the 75,000 worker colleagues at the San Diego Convention service and I rank our employees the best bees leave and the residents bed down. Center, fly to New York from Lindbergh there are,” says Mrs. Kuntz. And Nelson Nakahara can walk across the street to Field, or watch “Twilight” at the UA Photo has maintained its reputation as the pick up the San Diego Trolley, Coaster or Horton Plaza 14 or the Opera’s “Peter best in town. Amtrak, or just beyond Lane Field and pick Grimes” at the Civic. You could live in a As for the changes she’s seen, “We up a ferry for lunch on Coronado. Not that high-rise condo, with prices ranging from have a long-term lease and I’ve been here she’d even think of such a thing during tax $2,000 a month to $3 million per mortfor 32 years and don’t want to go anyseason. gage. where else. I really like Little Italy. My husShe used to work in the Centerside I Or you could roll off the 163 around 9 band has been on the Little Italy tower on Camino Del Rio North in Mission a.m., Monday through Friday, like CPA Association board for a long time. Valley, had to get into her car and drive a Stacey Nakahara, turn “down Ash Street, “When I started here, there were mile to do anything, whether it was buying generally making every light, and make a Fillippi’s and Mona Lisa and that was it. a sandwich or a piece of paper. Same left turn on Columbia,” she says. “It takes Now if you look around, the Bussalachi thing, mostly, if you work in the Golden two or three minutes from the 163 to our family alone has five restaurants within a Triangle, Carlsbad or Otay Mesa: tied to building,” 550 Corporate Centre, and then one-block radius. There were a lot more your car with conveniences, necessities you could take the elevator to the 17th little houses, but many are gone. They’ve and amenities too far to walk. The floor and settle into your office. Nakahara’s tried to keep some of the stuff the way it Sorrento Mesa traffic bottlenecks are office, with floor-to-ceiling bay windows, was, and they’ve been fairly successful at numbing. lets her gaze south to the Coronado it. If you look at Fir Street, the cottages are The Central Business District is differBridge, southwest to Coronado and west across the street. Even for Jonathan Segal’s ent. to Point Loma. Sometimes the reflection building, (The Q), he moved that little The CBD is the best. off the bay is so bright she has to squint. house just to keep it near.” Nancy Kuntz has worked downtown All this activity, all this panorama, hapIt takes Kuntz about 10 minutes to since 1974, a 24-year-old fresh out of pens in 92101, Downtown San Diego, the commute between Downtown and her Oregon State and Aaron Brothers Art Mart most densely populated bayfront south of Point Loma home. who found a job peddling cameras at San Francisco, and the warmest south of Shandon Harbour, the third-generation Nelson Photo on India and Fir. She grew 18

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April 2009 San Diego Metropolitan

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president of SDA Security, works nearby on State and Hawthorn streets with 70 employees. Founded in 1930 by her grandparents as San Diego Burglar Alarm Co., the firm operated for many years on India Street where Po Pazzo is now, but moved to its current location in the 1960s. “What was once considered the ‘shopping cart 500’ has become the place to be and be seen,” Harbour says. “A Downtown San Diego location means ‘established, professional business.’ Plus, who can beat the central location? We’re able to hit multiple freeways within minutes and the airport is around the corner. There isn’t anything we couldn’t get to that is outside of a 15-minute drive and there is so much more within a 15-minute walk, including Padre games and the convention center. “The employees appreciate the Downtown location because of the proximity to public transportation. We have employees who commute from Carlsbad on the Coaster because we’re only a few short blocks away from the station. We also have employees who travel via the trolley and bus. It’s a delightful walk up India Street where they can stop in for a latte and pastry on their way to work. “We are so spoiled by the variety of foods for lunches, working dinners, and good ol’ fashioned Friday night happy hour. Most of our vendors love coming to visit SDA because they know that the lunch will be a good one. “There was a time when cashing out and moving was the in thing to do. Many did it; many more wondered why we didn’t. However, last summer, when I was able to walk out of my office, grab my favorite Caprese sandwich at Mona’s and sit at the Little Italy Fountain and watch the boats in the bay, I knew this is where we were supposed to be for the next 80 years.” Up in the towers, the choices are available but limited for offices needing a large footprint, but the choices are many for those who need only a few thousand square feet. Broadway 655, now called Advanced Equities Plaza, still has some full floors left. Prices range from about $1.50 for Class C space with spectacular views, to more than $3 for Class A space with even more spectacular views. You can’t find anything similar in terms of views and nearby amenities in University City or Mission Valley, but you can find better deals in Downtown. And you can’t find converted Victorian office space for $1 a square foot outside of Downtown or neighboring Hillcrest or Golden Hill. And you won’t find trendy Barrio Logan warehouse space in Kearny Mesa. San Diego Metropolitan April 2009

Not counting dedicated government Pope and Walwick LLP, says her firm in August signed a five-year lease renewal in buildings like City Hall, Hall of Justice, the 550 Corporate Centre for 13,000 square Federal Building and County Administration feet, growing about 3,000 square feet. Center, there’s ‘A Downtown San about 8.2 million “We all here like Downtown, the professionalism, the many square feet of priDiego location things you can do Downtown. You vate office space means in Downtown San do a feel a sense of energy; the ‘established, dynamic is pretty exciting. There Diego, the largest, densest market in are attorneys, support, staff, profesprofessional the region, sionals all around, where in Mission business.’ Valley you were just kind of sepaalthough only two rated in a building. There was nothoffices buildings ing else around you, so you got in your have been added since 1991 while the suburbs have exploded with sprawling car. Downtown, you walk to a restaurant office parks. There’s another 2 million-orand everyone’s a professional doing business.” so square feet of retail space Downtown. —Gary Shaw Stacey Nakahara, the CPA with Gatto,

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Secrets Of The Centre City Of cupcakes, luxury items, new parks and pet stores

h, sure, Downtown is a fine place for office towers, condo living, spectacular views, long walks along the waterfront, a shopping-rich historic district, about 100 places to eat, more than a half dozen theaters, a ballpark and a few other assorted niceties. But those amenities are so yesterday, so “ho-hum, what’s new?” Lucky for you, everyone doesn’t know everything about the zippy urb. From cupcakes to luxury, new parks to pet stores, here are some of our newest favorites.

Fido Says ‘Hallelujah’ Freed from grocery store dependency, pet owners of all stripes and fins now have San Diego Pet Supply, a decades-old San Diego institution recently relocated from an oversized gully off Home Avenue

In a historic East Village house, Cafe Noir serves up hot coffee and $2 beer. It’s OK to say Heavenly Cupcake is cute. The product is delicious, too.

George Galino’s new 6,900-square-foot San Diego Pet Supply has animal lovers barking. (across from the Coca-Cola operation) to 6,900 square feet of authentic warehouse space on 15th Street at Island Avenue. Pet Supply’s new owner is the always peppy, nearly always there George Galino. (Our pets are fond of his large crickets and sweet potato and venison dog food.) Galino has expanded the offerings to include pets ideally suited for urban living like beta fish and reptiles. Best of all, he’s secured four green 30-minute free diagonal parking spaces in front of the building. And a 5 percent off coupon is available at sandiegopetsupply.com. Sweet Treats Everyone likes cupcakes. We really like the ones Rosemary Pereira serves at her Heavenly Cupcake, 518 Sixth Ave. The motorized cupcake is not something you see every day. The cake selection is wide and varies by the day. So if you want a 20

special flavor, like “Lemon Coconut” baked on Wednesday and Saturday, do check heavenlycupcake.com before going. Heavenly’s full-sized fresh baked treats are $3 each. Eat one right there with a cup of coffee or put four in a box to take home. What Recession? If your wallet isn’t feeling the recession’s pinch, we suggest The Platinum Collection. Located at 345 Sixth Ave., this place has the luxury furnishings, jewelry and gadgets you didn’t know you needed but simply must have. Glittery and shiny stuff aside, we like the custom DNA artwork offered. Check it out at kingofplatinum.com.

Luxury lives at The Platinum Collection, including personalized DNA artwork. sandiegometro.com

Sipping Amid History While ascending the stairs into the black house that is Cafe Noir, say a quiet thank you to Gloria Poore and her husband, Ben, for saving the building and creating the coolest of the cool coffee shops. Poore was a preservation queen long before it became fashionable, when the East Village was still Centre City East and the number of bums on some blocks outnumbered rent-paying residents in the entire area. Now this historic house at 447 Ninth Ave. (between Island Avenue and J Street) is a modern-day marvel, serving up stunningly good coffee and tea – and $2 beer to boot. Farm Fresh Markets Crispy fresh produce is dispensed from two farmers’ markets. The one out in front, the Certified Farmers Market at Horton Square, runs Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., March to October. The fruits are generally ripe and we enjoy seeing Downtown workers with bunches of flowers heading back to their offices. The Little Italy Mercato has evolved into Downtown’s largest open-air market with more than 70 booths lining Date Street from Kettner Boulevard to Union Street. Held each Saturday from 9 a.m. to at least 1:30 p.m., it offers a festive experience. If they don’t have it, you probably don’t need to eat it. April 2009 San Diego Metropolitan

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Little Italy’s Mercato has grown to a 70-booth Saturday event.

More than 300 people visited Perry Meyer Fine Art at 2400 Kettner Blvd. during the last Kettner Nights.

Big City Gallery Touring Held every other month on the second Friday from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., Kettner Nights is no longer a wine sipping, art touring secret. (Running 300 people through a gallery in one evening will do that.) Now, with the art and design district modeled after New York City’s trendy SoHo and Chelsea districts spreading over to India and Kalmia streets, change is in the air. Expansion to a monthly schedule is possible. In addition, the merchants are seeking to hook into the popularity of Little Italy’s Mercato each Saturday. When the farmers’ market shuts down, a new NOLI (North Little Italy) Walkabout soon will start up, offering on selected weekends the opportunity to stay longer and stroll a dozen or so shops, lured by the promise of entertainment and other offerings. San Diego Metropolitan April 2009

Fresh food and flowers for the office crowd each Thursday at the farmers’ market in front of Horton Plaza.

Wind-activated sculptures are just one of the attractions of the new public park adjacent to the Hilton San Diego Bayfront Hotel. New Park And Public Art Overlooking waters where Dennis Conner once prepped a winning America’s Cup yacht is Downtown’s newest park. The 4.3-acre green space is adjacent to the new $348-million Hilton San Diego Bayfront Hotel and its public-friendly amenities include a tricked out Fox Sports Grill and the ubiquitous Starbucks. The park also marks the terminus of Park Boulevard, which will be a lot more interesting when the arty pedestrian bridge across Harbor Drive opens and traffic can again flow to the waterfront. Our favorite parts of the new park are the seven windactivated monumental sculptures by Ned Kahn and 26 art benches by Nance O’Banion. Take a seat, sip a latte, relax after (with?) a beer or simply enjoy the view. Oh, and if you feel a little adventurous, a new water taxi dock has opened. Peohe’s for a nightcap, anyone? sandiegometro.com

A one-carat diamond seals the engagement deal in this flashy cocktail at the Keating Hotel.

The Ultimate Engagement Cocktail Billed as “The Last Martini You’ll Ever Need,” a flashy cocktail garnished with a one-carat diamond is on the bar menu at the boutique-luxury Keating Hotel. The deal is sealed when the happy couple is whisked over to another of Keating owner Eddie Kaen's holdings, the San Diego Jeweler's Exchange, where the gem is mounted. The price: $15,000. Kaen also has a sense of humor. His recession package offers 33 percent off the second night of a two-night stay at the 432 F St. hotel, provided the guest shows up in the lobby wearing a barrel, top hat and suspenders, the trademark outfit of depression-era stock brokers. ❖ 21

Tribes Link Transportation Plan To Increased Profits, Cleaner Air And Less Gridlock Project takes shape as a few of the larger casinos prepare for gaming expansion BY MANNY CRUZ

hile the recession has taken a toll on the profits of the county’s Indian gaming casinos, the tribes are moving forward with a proposed transportation management plan that would produce longterm economic and environmental benefits to the casinos, their nearly 14,000 employees and customers and the communities where they are located. “This is an innovative effort on the part of the tribal gaming enterprises to provide an employee benefit, cut greenhouse gases and reduce traffic in the backcountry,” says Diane Eidam, chief deputy executive director of the San Diego Association of Governments, which is involved in the initiative. Founded in 1998, the Reservation Transportation Authority, or RTA, a nonprofit intertribal agency based in Temecula, has developed a plan to launch a tribal transportation management association for the gaming facilities. The association would operate similarly to RideLink, the regional transportation assistance program managed by Sandag. RideLink assists commuters with transit options, the regional vanpool program, ride matching services and provides free consulting services to help businesses implement employee commute programs. Under the RTA proposal, gaming tribes in the county could elect to join the transportation management association and pay annual fees to finance the association’s

services. The idea came out of discussions held by an interagency working group involving 17 tribes in the county and the public agencies that impact tribal transportation in the region — Sandag, Caltrans, the Metropolitan Transit System, North County Transit District, San Diego County and the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Pala Casino Spa and Resort will feature a new high-limit room “As one of San (shown in the rendering) as part of a $100 million expansion Diego County’s largest program. employer groups, tribal gaming enterprises such as vanpools for tribal casino employmake a huge impact on regional commutees — offering such benefits as the reducing,” says Albert Phoenix, RTA chairman. tion in commuting costs, reducing traffic “Even though over 14,000 individuals are congestion, improving air quality and collectively employed by Southern improving casino employee morale and California tribal enterprises, the roads and job satisfaction. The framers also contend highways that serve these communities that the plan will enhance the public’s peroften do not correspond in their ability to ception of the gaming facilities in the carry high-capacity traffic.” Phoenix is county. from Barona, which has one of the most “By cutting costs for both employers successful commuter programs in the and employees, improving employee region and is a multi-year recipient of morale and encouraging tribal governSandag’s Diamond Award for Excellence. ments to go green, we look to the future The RTA transportation program offers as an opportunity to fulfill the transportaalternatives to single-passenger drivers — tion and environmental aspirations of San Diego tribal governments and those to See TRIBAL page 24

San Diego Indian Gaming

Total Employees

Casino Name

Year Opened

Total Sq. Footage

No. Of Restaurants

Gaming Sq. Footage

Valley View Casino (San Pasqual) Casino Pauma Viejas Casino & Turf Club Golden Acorn Casino Sycuan Casino & Resort Harrah’s Rincon Casino & Resort Barona Valley Ranch Resort & Casino Pala Casino Resort & Spa La Posta Casino Santa Ysabel Casino Resort

2001 2001 1991 2001 1983 2002 1994 2001 2007 2007

124,000 65,000 333,000 60,000 238,000 263,000 712,000 650,000 20,000 30,000

3 3 6 1 4 8 9 10 1 1

75,000 37,000 210,000 40,000 100,000 55,000 310,000 210,000 20,000 15,000

2,016; 30 1,090; 18 2,000; 85 750; 12 2,271; 85 1,600; 59 2,000; 70 2,000; 80 349; 0 349; 8

2009 TOTALS:

2,495,000

1,072,000

14,425; 447

12,959

2008 TOTALS:

2,476,000

916,000

14,980; 446

13,269

sandiegometro.com

No. Of Gaming Machines;Tables

1,100 500 2,000 325 2,000 1,500 3,500 1,775 90 169

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Tribe Name San Pasqual Band of Mission Indians Pauma Band of Mission Indians Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians Campo Band of Kumeyaay Indians Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation Rincon San Luiseño Band of Mission Indians Barona Band of Mission Indians Pala Band of Mission Indians La Posta Band of Mission Indians Santa Ysabel Band of Digueño Indians

Address

Phone Number

Name Of Tribal Chair

16300 Nyemii Pass Rd., Valley Center CA 92082 777 Pauma Reservation Rd., Pauma Valley CA 92061 5000 Willows Rd., Alpine CA 91901 1800 Golden Acorn Way, Campo CA 91906 5469 Dehesa Rd., El Cajon CA 92019 777 Harrah’s Rincon Way, Valley Center, CA 92082 1932 Wildcat Canyon Rd., Lakeside, CA 92040 11154 Highway 76, Pala, CA 92059 777 Crestwood Road, Boulevard, CA 91905 21975 Highway 79, Santa Ysabel, CA 92070

(866) 726-7277 (760) 742-2177 (619) 445-5400 (866) 794-6244 (619) 445-6002 (877) 777-2457 (619) 443-2300 (760) 510-5100 (619) 824-4100 (760) 787-0909

Allen E. Lawson Jr. Chris Devers Bobby Barrett Monica La Chappa Daniel Tucker Bo Mazzetti Edwin Romero Robert Smith Gwendolyn Parada Johnny Hernandez

U TRIBAL from page 22

California casinos undergowhom they are accountable,” ing a significant development says Jessica Cessieux, transportathis year. The Pala Band of tion demand management coorMission Indians helped credinator for the RTA. ate 150 new jobs at the casiEidam notes that there are no and resort with the economic benefits to offering expansion and made a large commuter programs and reduccontribution toward funding ing traffic congestion. “By collabthe widening and realignorating through an intertribal ment of State Route 76 to mechanism for the design and ease access and improve servicing of commuter programs, safety. tribal employers in Southern In Valley Center, Valley California benefit from View Casino is scheduled to economies of scale collectively open its third major expanand individually on payroll tax The name of San Diego State’s sports and entertainment venue will sion project — a Four savings and increased job satis- change from Cox Arena to Viejas Arena under a new naming Diamond, 161-suite hotel — faction, while their employees rights deal between the Viejas tribe and the university. in 2011. The San Pasqual reduce their personal costs for Casino Development Group transportation,” she says. some effect on some casino expansion broke ground on the hotel last October. Eidam believes a transportation proplans in the county. The Sycuan Band, The hotel will include 16 1,000-square-foot gram would provide important commuter operator of the Sycuan Casino & Resort in luxury suites, a 5,000-square-foot spa, a fitalternatives for tribal enterprise employees rural El Cajon, has decided not to pursue a ness center, infinity-edge pool, lobby bar as well as reduce congestion in the backnew gaming agreement with the state that and lounge, gift shop, event center and country, and contribute significantly to the would have allowed it to operate up to restaurant. Last December, the casino reduction of greenhouse gases. 5,000 slot machines. Tribal Chairman opened a 25,000-square-foot smoke-free Golden Acorn Casino, La Posta Casino, Danny Tucker says economic conditions casino addition. Casino Pauma, Pala Casino Spa and Resort, have made the expansion plan “financially One of the more ambitious expansion Harrah’s Rincon, Sycuan Casino and Viejas imprudent.” projects is still in the planning stages. The Casino have completed commuter assessMoving forward is Sycuan’s partnerViejas tribe, operators of Viejas Casino in ment surveys which give each gaming ship with MRW Group for a bayfront Alpine, is planning the development of an enterprise an overview of their employee development in National City — Marina $800 million complex that will include a commuter patterns, providing them with Gateway Plaza. Scheduled to open in June second casino, a hotel and spa, retail outthe information necessary to create and is a Best Western hotel with 173 rooms, a lets, restaurants, a parking structure, movie expand their own ridesharing programs, 4,000-square-foot Buster’s Long Board theater and a co-generation power plant. and will assist in the eventual developGrill restaurant, 2,000 square feet of banThe tribe has said the project is to be comment of a Tribal Transportation quet meeting space and a commercial pleted in 2012. Spokesman Robert Scheid Management Association. building with 16,000 square feet of mixed says Viejas tribal government and Viejas Cessieux says the transportation prouse office and retail space. Enterprises continues work on the design, gram eventually will be expanded to Also close to completion is the $100 siting, infrastructure and other elements of include tribal governments in Imperial, million expansion of the Pala Casino Spa the resort. Riverside, Santa Barbara and San and Resort that will include a new poker Viejas also paid for the right to rename Bernardino counties. Several of the tribes room, a new high-limit room, two restauthe on-campus sports and entertainment in those regions have approved resolurants — Amigo’s and Sushi Sake — a new venue at San Diego State. On July 1, the tions to join the Reservation Transportation parking garage and an expanded buffet, Cox Arena name will be changed to Viejas Authority. renamed Choices. The new facilities are Arena. Viejas will pay the university $6 scheduled to open in May. million over 10 years for the naming rights. Gaming Expansion Bill Bembenek, Pala’s CEO, says the Cox Communications paid SDSU $5 milMeanwhile, the bad economy has had casino is one of the few Southern lion over 12 years. ❖ 24

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Going Green For The Small Business Practical tips, many free, will reduce a carbon footprint and save money

nder President Obama’s leadership, America has a tremendous opportunity to transition to a more sustainable future and a greener economy. This shift will require a broad commitment to making lifestyle changes at all levels from grassroots to large corporations. Small businesses have one of the greatest roles in San Diego, because they employ a significant proportion of the work force. If these entrepreneurs implement environmental best practices in the workplace, the effects will move out into the community and into the homes of their employees as people see the advantages of being green. Fortunately, San Diego offers many sources of help for small businesses looking to boost their energy efficiency and reduce their carbon footprint. One of those places is the California Center for Sustainable Energy. The center’s staff of engineers, scientists and technical specialists offers advisory services, including energy auditing, renewable energy alternatives, carbon impact quantification, green building planning and how to obtain rebates for renewable energy technologies. Most of CCSE’s services are free, funded by utility ratepayer tariffs. To get the green ball rolling, take a few minutes to analyze your operations in the office, factory or field for their impact on the environment. Here are some simple ways of rethinking, reducing, reusing and recycling that can make your daily work practices greener: • Power Down – Don’t just log off computers at night, turn monitors off. During the day, use the computer’s power management features to power monitors down after a few minutes of not being used. • Light Right – Install energy-efficient lighting throughout your company, including occupancy sensor switches. • Recycle Instantly – Place small recycling bins at all work stations and common-use areas, particularly the break and copy rooms. Put larger bins at entryways and near main trash areas. • Print Smart – Encourage employees to print double-sided. Post signs at each San Diego Metropolitan April 2009

printer as a reminder. Eliminate the need to print every company communication by distributing electronically. • Reduce Disposables – Provide each employee a plate and coffee cup to discourage the use of paper products. Ask them to bring reusable silverware, and if you must use disposable items, make sure they are biodegradable products. • Recycled Paper – Use recycled copy paper, letterhead and envelopes. You can even get recycled paper hand towels and bathroom tissues. • Right Choices – Select vendors that supply environmentally friendly products or use green practices. This includes using print companies that buy FSC certified paper, use soy-based ink and print on recycled paper. • Time Off – Plug coffee pots and other small electronics into a wall plug or power bar that is controlled by a switch so that they are easy to turn off when not needed. • Keep Cool – Use fans to reduce the need for air conditioning and install programmable thermostats to control heating and cooling of spaces when not in use. • Routine Maintenance – Just like your car, energy-consuming devices will run better and cost less to operate if you perform routine maintenance. • Check Labels – Look for the EPA Energy Star label, which means products use less energy. Small businesses seeking to go beyond these basic steps can consider more proactive measures that might require additional up-front costs, but do so knowing they can recoup those expenses in the long term. • Go Solar – For energy and cost savings, the sun makes for an attractive power-source alternative. Solar, or photovoltaic, systems are more efficient than ever, and CCSE can assist in evaluating what systems to consider and how to obtain rebates for qualifying installations. Commercial solar water heating systems also are eligible for payback incentives, up to a maximum of $75,000. • Energy Efficiency – From the buildsandiegometro.com

Irene Stillings ing perspective, things to consider are insulation, energy-efficient mechanical systems and motors and site considerations, such as landscaping and hardscaping. • Transportation – An increasing number of alternative energy cars, vans and trucks are becoming more available and less expensive. Each year, CCSE recognizes energysaving efforts of individuals and businesses in the region with the San Diego Excellence in Energy (SANDEE) Awards. At the fifth annual awards ceremony held on March 26, the small business award went to Innovative Cold Storage Enterprises Inc. In 2007, this innovative firm decided to expand with a commitment to constructing an environmentally friendly second facility. The interior of “ICE-2” contains extremely narrow aisle racking to maximize storage. The electric forklifts are energized by the weight of the products being lowered from racks. The firm installed a one-megawatt solar system that supplies more than 40 percent of the operation’s energy needs. The efforts resulted in a cold storage business that is 60 percent more energy efficient, uses 75 percent less water for landscaping and 65 percent less water for non-process uses. These types of efforts, along with the smaller ones earlier discussed, will go a long way toward fulfilling President Obama’s call for the nation to control its own energy destiny. CCSE has the expertise to assist any small business that wants to get on the path to energy efficiency and environmental responsibility. Going green is a journey, not an end. Irene Stillings is executive director of the California Center for Sustainable Energy. More about her and the center are at energycenter.org. 25

DINING

Around Town

Terryl Gavre Custom Dining At Suite And Tender Bottomless wine and popular dishes ate their own cold seafood ou’ve gotta admit, the name is browand shellfish selections by raising. “Suite and Tender” is a bit the platter or piece. provocative even if you take the high The menu is trendy road way of thinking and assume that it and offers modern refers to the pricey hotel suites upstairs. American versions of If you want to get silly (and I always today’s most popular dishchoose to get silly), you can spend a es. For instance the good deal of time throwing around plot “Greens” section of the lines for an “interesting” pay-per-view menu lists four salads: movie with the same title. calamari, a tomato and The two-story restaurant, which is mozzarella, a frisee and part of the swanky new Se San Diego endive and hearts of (formerly the Setai San Diego hotel, next romaine. These salads, door to the House of Blues), opened last each from a different cuimonth without a bunch of hoopla. The sine genre, only make bar, located on the ground floor and also sense on a menu called serving as the hotel lobby bar, is a nice “new American.” place to have an aprés dinner drink. The rule holds also on The restaurant is designed by Dodd the “Hot and Cold” appeMitchell Design Group out of Los tizer section. Crab cakes Angeles and it’s sleek. These are the peoand lobster bisque are ple that designed Boa Lounge in joined by tuna tartare, and Hollywood and Sushi Roku in Santa of all things, honey Monica and they love to do everything sesame chicken wings. Beef Carpaccio at Suite and Tender custom. (No, they are not served in (Photo/davegoodphotography.com) The concept was designed by coa basket.) owner Kelly Jones, a former Las Vegas “Land” offers an excellent “Pan On both of my evenings at Suite and hotel food and beverage executive. Roasted Chicken Breast” ($23) served Tender, I started with the “Kobe Beef Combining a liberal use of brown leather with creamy polenta and white truffle Carpaccio” ($15). It was delicious both and dark wood with glass, concrete and pan sauce. times. Raw slices of seasoned beef are modern lighting, the dining room is the The “Suite and Tender” category sliced as thin as tissue paper and decoralook of a modern day steakhouse. offers Chef Lee’s twisty renditions of “surf tively draped to cover One of my favorite things and turf” combinations. One night I had an oversized white about Suite and Tender is the “Braised Pork Belly & Diver Scallop” plate. It is garnished how cleverly it puts together Suite and Tender with pickled red ($31). The belly of any beast is good in the wine list and wine-by1047 Fifth Ave. my book, but pork belly is plain sick. onions, and parmesan the-glass program. Wines are Nonetheless the duo was delicious and cheese and served with At the Se San Diego Hotel grouped by varietal and served with a creamy and salty (in a good ciabatta croutons. price, and offer a 3-ounce Downtown way) cauliflower puree. Nicely done. “sip,” a six-ounce “taste” or a 619-515-3000 I am not a cheesecake fan by any Entrées are listed bottomless (yep, bottomless) means, but our server was so adamant under categories “drink.” It’s a fun way to get that we get it that I relented. Hands-down according to their proteins. “Ocean” for to taste a few different wines with your the best version of cheesecake I have instance, consists of a grilled King dinner, or create your own pairing. ever tasted. It was so light and fluffy I salmon, seared tuna and the “Sautéed Consulting Chef Christopher Lee of swear that marshmallow cream is folded Wild Sea Bass”($30). A 5 to 6-ounce porAureole Restaurant in New York created into the mixture before baking. Of course tion comes perfectly cooked over baby the menu and put it in place. Upon being the signature dessert recipe is under lock leeks and Yukon Gold potatoes. A broth seated you are presented a “raw bar” and key. Maybe Chef Lee will be sweet made of Little Neck Clams and smoked menu and those with the hankering for and give me the recipe. ❖ bacon surrounds the dish. an oyster or crab claw can select and cre-

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April 2009 San Diego Metropolitan

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