WEEKLY BRIEFING – Gianni Buonomo Vintners label contest new mural coming to Pacific Beach City Ballet’s Spring Fundraiser in April – A round-up of news community and business briefs from sdnews.com highlighting what s happening in our community. T… – San Diego Community News

A round-up of news, community, and business briefs from sdnews.com highlighting what’s happening in our community.

Tuesday, Feb. 23

CROSS-BORDER FORUMCity Councilmember Vivian Moreno and Margaret Leinen, director of UC San Diego’s Scripps Institution of Oceanography, will host a free virtual forum on Thursday, Feb. 25 at 6 p.m. called “Cross-Border Pollution: Discussing the Tijuana River Valley Crisis and Future Vision.”  Moreno’s district is home to the Tijuana River Valley and whose residents are directly impacted by the cross-border pollution crisis. This event is an opportunity to share with her district the research underway that aims to better understand and address this critical issue. During the forum, several leading Scripps Oceanography researchers will address environmental concerns and current research in the Tijuana River Valley.A more extensive overview of past and current research Scripps scientists are doing in the Tijuana River Valley can be viewed here, and also in Spanish here. You can register here to attend the virtual forum.

BIA CHIEF STEPS DOWNBorre Winckel, the president/CEO of the Building Industry Assoication of San Diego County, has announced he’s stepping down from his post later this year in order to spend more time with his family. Winckel spent the last dozen years as head of the BIA, the region’s voice on housing. Winckel’s retirement will take effect mid-year. Until then, he will continue to lead the organization while working with the BIA board to find his replacement.

GIANNI BUONOMO WINE FUNDRAISEROcean Beach vintner Gianni Buonomo is donating half a barrel to help generate funds for youth music programs in Point Loma. Specifically, the funds will be earmarked for choral and orchestra programs at Correia Middle and Point Loma High schools. The wine is a field blend of seven different grapes that were all fermented together in 2017.The next step is to design the label before the fundraisers occur. Everyone is welcome to design a label. One entry per person. Design specifics: Must have at least one orchestral instrument and at least one person singing (no images of children are allowed on the label); Must include at least one Peninsula landmark (lighthouse, pier, marina, beach, etc.); Must include a fedora hat and the words “OB BLEND.” Label submissions are accepted until March 31. The design winner receives $100. For more information and submission requirements, visit gbvintners.com/winelabel.

FISH FRIDAYSEvery Friday during lent, Pacific Beach Fish Shop at 1775 Garnet Ave. will be holding Fish Fridays, where each week they feature a different fried fish n chips option. PB Fish Shop is open from 11 a.m.-9 p.m. on Fridays. They are currently open for outdoor dining, take-out, and delivery. 

PUESTO LA JOLLA REOPENSPuesto Mexican Artisan Kitchen and Bar in La Jolla has reopened at 1026 Wall St. for outdoor dining, bringing Taco Tuesday specials back in La Jolla and its other two locations. Swing by every Tuesday to snag $2.50 off each taco as well as $5 Puesto beers on draft. Taco Tuesday pricing begins at 3 p.m. every Tuesday, and is valid until closing. Puesto also offers happy hour Mondays through Fridays from 3-5 p.m.

PB PLAN GROUP MURAL GIFTDallas-based multifamily developer JPI, in collaboration with the Pacific Beach Planning Group, has announced the installation of a public art piece on the exterior of the Jefferson Pacific Beach apartment community as a gift to the San Diego neighborhood. Jefferson Pacific Beach is a luxury, bayfront apartment community at 4275 Mission Bay Drive. The mural, which was finalized through the PBPG, will be installed on the east side of the community facing Interstate 5, adding to the plethora of public art installations throughout the area.Designed by local artist Debbie Avoux, the collection, titled “Fathoms,” will pay homage to the wonders of Pacific sea life in vibrant, original paintings. These paintings will begin as acrylic on canvas before being photographed in high-resolution, imprinted on large Dibond aluminum panels and affixed to the building walls that border I-5. Installation of the piece is scheduled to begin on June 1 and be completed by June 15.“It’s an incredible honor to have been selected to design this piece for Jefferson Pacific Beach,” said Avoux. “Pacific Beach is full of wonder and fun, both on land and beneath the surface of the ocean it borders, which I plan to capture in this series of paintings. When people pass by, they’ll immediately know they’ve arrived in San Diego and begin to appreciate all it has to offer.”“Pacific Beach is bursting with creativity and art, and we’re looking forward to adding to the already impressive lineup with JPI’s mural at Jefferson Pacific Beach,” said Karl Rand, chair of the Pacific Beach Planning Group. “The Planning Group is delighted to unveil this gift to the community while also supporting a local artist in the process.”

CITY BALLET SPRING FUNDRAISERCity Ballet of San Diego, based in Pacific Beach, will hold its annual Spring Fundraiser virtually this year titled Heard It Through the Grapevine A Virtual Wine Tasting Event and Fundraiser at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, April 10. City Ballet is partnering with DAOU Vineyards in Paseo Robles and 3rd Corner Wine Shop and Bistro in Ocean Beach to live stream the event from 3rd Corner on City Ballet’s YouTube channel. Hosts for the event will be City Ballet dance artists Megan Jacobs and Brian Heil. They will be joined by all the City Ballet company dancers and some very special guests.The Wine Tasting begins at 6 p.m. with the tasting of three wines that viewers can purchase ahead of time and enjoy with the representatives of DAOU Vineyards and special guests. The evening will also include an online auction, a wine marketplace, ballet performances, and the unveiling of the 2021- 22 season. At the conclusion of the fundraiser, an After Party will be held featuring the music of Beth Hart.An online auction will begin April 3, a week before the event. This will give guests time to contemplate and bid on the items. This promises to be a very lively online bidding rally. There will be a variety of items to bid on such as jewelry, wine, gift cards, and home furnishings.The Wine Marketplace will also open on April 3 and will offer single bottles as well as cases for purchase. Those who purchase tickets will receive the three wines that are being tasted and additional items will be offered at higher levels. All wines will be delivered before the tasting so guests can taste each wine as it is being described and discussed. For additional information and to register, visit cityballet.org or call the box office at 858-272-8663.

KOREAN HOT CHICKEN IN UTCThe team behind once-popular Furaido Premium Chicken Company in Poway has reopened the fried chicken concept in La Jolla as Calvin’s Korean Hot Chicken in the Villa La Jolla Shopping Plaza in San Diego’s UTC area. Calvin’s serves a menu of gluten-free, hormone and antibiotic-free, twice-fried chicken available in seven flavors and in the form of tenders, wings, and sandwiches. The eatery also serves soft drinks and beer. The eatery is open daily at 3211 Holiday Court in La Jolla. For more information and to place an order, visit calvinskhotchicken.square.site.

MAYOR ON POLICE BUDGETAfter two hours of public comment largely speaking to a need to reevaluate the San Diego Police Department budget during a hearing on the City’s Mid-Year Budget, Mayor Todd Gloria said: “I hear you. It is clear that we must approach public safety in a way that improves the relationships between our communities and the police department. It is a priority of my administration to ensure strict accountability of our police department through the implementation of a new Independent Police Review Commission as well as continually updating the department’s policies to align with our values – fairness, transparency, impartiality, and respect for people. As we work to protect core city services during this challenging budget year, Chief Nisleit and I have committed to foster a policing culture – and a budget – that focuses on building trusting relationships and clear expectations for those who serve our communities.”

Saturday, Feb. 20

PARENTS PROTEST AT MBHSA walk-in, drive-by peaceful protest of continuing public school closures was held Feb. 18 for an hour in the morning at Mission Bay High School. “Let’s work together to safely open schools for you and our children,” said protest promotional materials. Suggested signs for the protest included: “SDUSD open schools safely,” “vaccinate the teachers,” “create a plan now,” “education is essential,” and “I miss my school.” Questions, comments or suggestions can be directed to [email protected]

NORTH PB LIFEGUARD TOWER ON HOLDA proposed new 3,500-square-foot lifeguard tower in North Pacific Beach to be built into the coastal canyon at the foot of Law Street has been postponed. “The project was paused during the design phase and hasn’t proceeded,” said Alec Phillipp, City spokesperson. “There is still a desire to complete the project, but there is no timeline for resuming the design and completing the project at this time.” Previously, Pacific Beach Planning Group voted 12-3-1 in favor of proposed design plans for the new proposed future lifeguard station.

AIRPORT AUTHORITY HIREDomenico D’Ambrosio has been hired for the newly created position of vice president of marketing, innovation and chief revenue officer for the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority.  He starts Oct. 3. D’Ambrosio comes to the Airport Authority from Verizon, where he most recently held the position of market president, overseeing sales and operations in a market comprising 14 states. In his new role, D’Ambrosio will be responsible for leading a new Airport Authority division focused on air service and business development, marketing and public art, innovation and revenue creation. He will play a key role in Airport Authority efforts to identify and implement new revenue enhancement strategies and initiatives aimed at elevating the customer experience.

SD LIBRARY MASTER PLANThe San Diego Public Library Foundation’s page about the new library master plan, which includes a library survey, is at  https://supportmylibrary.org/master-plan/. Public input can help craft the San Diego Public Library’s future. Both SDPL and San Diego Public Library Foundation are developing a new master plan and want to know:

• What do you need from the Library?

• How can the Library serve your community?

• What services, technologies, and programs would help you?

The current plan, adopted in 2002, is outdated and based on assumptions from the 1990 census. It does not consider current technologies or reflect how the library has evolved and is used today. The survey is open through April 17 and is available in Chinese, Arabic, Farsi, Vietnamese, Tagalog, Spanish, and English. The plan is being built in collaboration with the mayor and city council, the Friends of the San Diego Public Library, and the Library Commission and will provide a long-range vision and strategy for San Diego Public Library facility, technology, and program investments.

PLHS CLASS SELECTIONThe portal for students to begin selecting classes for the 2021-2022 school year is now open  until Friday, Feb. 26. Counselors will be holding special office hours for any questions from 1-3 p.m. on the following dates: Tuesday, Feb. 23, Wednesday, Feb. 24, Thursday, Feb. 25. To join the Zoom meeting: https://sandiegounified.zoom.us/j/89101035969. All the info you need can be found at http://bit.ly/PLHSArticulation21-22.

CENTERPLATE MEAL MILESTONECenterplate, the food and beverage partner to the San Diego Convention Center, has reached a milestone of one million meals served to people experiencing homelessness during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Centerplate team has prepared several thousand meals per day for San Diegans temporarily residing in the San Diego Convention Center, which opened as an emergency shelter on April 1, 2020, under the project name Operation Shelter to Home. The operation has safely sheltered thousands of people and connected more than 1,200 to permanent or longer-term housing so far.Led by general manager Bobby Ramirez and executive chef Daryl O’Donnell, the Centerplate management and culinary staff has gone above and beyond to serve the new clientele, utilizing two main kitchens and six independent teams. At peak, job opportunities were provided to 82 Centerplate employees as a result; even with resident numbers decreasing, work was still provided for 65 employees after regular event activity was put on hold due to the ongoing pandemic. Operation Shelter to Home is currently funded through March 2021.

SEASIDE PIZZA IN PBSeaside Pizza Co., specializing in take-and-bake pizza, opened in the space that last housed Surf City Pizza & Gelato at 4263 Mission Blvd. Seaside Pizza Co. is the product of Evan and Sara Walker and Matt Bucklin, high school friends and fishing buddies. Growing up, take-and-bake style pizza was a weekly treat for both of their families. So after griping about the lack of such options for years, they finally decided to start their own.Seaside Pizza Co. offers a menu of hot pizza available by the slice or whole pie made with mostly locally-sourced ingredients, as well as customizable take-and-bake pizzas, salads, cookies, and cookie dough for baking at home. The restaurant space has been fully renovated and has a walk-up order window and inside and outside seating. For more information, visit seasidepizzaco.com 

MR. FRIES MAN COMING SOONLos Angeles-based Mr. Fries Man️ has announced that the company will soon launch a customizable, smothered fries restaurant in early May at 4508 Cass St. Based on the success of the first location, more area outposts may open in other neighborhoods in the near future. Chef Craig Batiste started Mr. Fries Man in 2016 as a parking lot pop-up in Gardena. Mr. Fries Man will take over the space that last housed Island Style Hawaii BBQ in the historic Dunaway Building. The fast-casual eatery will offer a menu of French fries stacked with a large array of proteins, sauces and add-ons. Signature menu choice combinations include BBQ bacon ranch shrimp, chicken bacon parmesan, lemon garlic crab and shrimp. For more information, visit mrfriesman.com.

COVID-19 EARLY DETECTION AT SCHOOLSIn an effort to help schools reduce the risk of COVID-19 outbreaks as they resume in-person instruction, UC San Diego and the County of San Diego are testing the Safer at School Early Alert system, an evidence-informed program to detect SARS-CoV-2 at schools and child care centers. Modeled after UC San Diego’s Return to Learn, a first-of-its-kind approach to safely resume teaching, learning and research at a university, Safer at School Early Alert system is scaled for individual schools and child care centers without the resources available at a research university.Through daily wastewater and surface monitoring, the Safer at School Early Alert tests for the presence of particles of the coronavirus. Combined with a responsive testing strategy, the aim is to quickly identify children or staff members who are infected with COVID-19 before an outbreak occurs. Ten San Diego County-area TK-8 schools and two child care centers are participating in this SARS-CoV-2 early detection program, which is funded by the County of San Diego and designed by UC San Diego.

SEAWORLD REOPENSTickets and reservations are now available for SeaWorld, which reopened as a zoo at 500 Sea World Drive. The popular marine mammal establishment is reopening with enhanced safety measures in place, bringing guests closer to animals like orcas, sharks, sea turtles, Explorer’s Reef with bamboo sharks, cleaner fish, horseshoe crabs and rays, sea lions, otters, penguins, dolphins, flamingos and more. Families can enjoy SeaWorld’s Dolphin Days, Sea Lion Show and the Orca Encounter live educational presentation with physically distant seating. Walk around the outdoor park, visit animals and dig into the park’s food. For more information, visit seaworld.com/san-diego.

LJ PLAN GROUP APPROVES RAIL TRAILLa Jolla Community Planning Association, which makes land-use recommendations to the City, has approved the Coastal Rail Trail project at the Gilman Drive/Interstate 5 on- and off-ramps.The Coastal Rail Trail is a regional project that will establish a multi-use trail to better connect the coastal cities of Oceanside, Del Mar, Carlsbad, Encinitas, Solana Beach and San Diego. Each city entered into a memorandum of understanding to plan, design, and construct segments of the trail within their respective jurisdictions.The City of San Diego’s portion of the CRT consists of 10 miles of multi-use trails spanning from Carmel Valley Road on the north to Gilman Drive on the south. This segment of the trail will provide important connections between regional employment centers in Sorrento Valley; UC San Diego; University City; residential communities to the north and south; Coaster stations; and a future San Diego Trolley line in the project area.The proposed project along Gilman Drive plans to install a one-way protected cycle track (Class IV bicycle facility) along both directions of Gilman Drive, as well as a continuous sidewalk along the west side of Gilman Drive. Additional improvements include street lighting, ADA accessibility improvements, and traffic signal improvements.

WESTERLY PUBLIC HOUSE COMINGWesterly Public House, a coastal cuisine restaurant with a menu inspired by Australia and Portugal, is coming to The Monsaraz Hotel in Point Loma expected to open this summer at 2912 Garrison St. The Monsarez’s 2,800 square-foot onsite restaurant, Westerly Public House, will specialize in Cali-Aussie cuisine, showcasing the flavors and spirit of the coastal towns of Venice Beach, California and Bondi Beach, Australia. The restaurant’s kitchen will be in the hands of executive chef Jesse Paul, who most recently owned and operated the Wooden Spoon in Escondido.There will also be a rooftop “Hideaway” bar, which boasts views of the harbor, bay and city skyline. The Hideaway will be utilized as either an informal gathering spot or rented for private events such as receptions, bachelor-bachelorette parties, intimidate dinner parties, book clubs, etc. The hotel will also have an onsite cafe with coffee from San Diego’s Dark Horse Coffee Roasters. For more information, visit hilton.com/en/hotels/sanplup-the-monsaraz-san-diego.

CINCO DE MAYO RETURNS MAY 1-2Grab your familia and head over to historic Old Town to spice up your weekend for the return of the free annual Cinco de Mayo Fiesta Old Town. Celebrating 38 years of fiery fun, Fiesta Old Town will bring back the fuego as it transforms Old Town into a Cinco de Mayo celebration taking place Saturday, May 1 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday, May 2 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Distanced street performances of mariachis, ballet folkorico, flamenco and more will bring enriched vibrations and the musings of tradition as you peruse the history and modern culture of one of San Diego’s most iconic districts.The businesses of Old Town are ready to welcome San Diegans and visitors alike back with safety as the premier priority. Fiesta Old Town Cinco de Mayo will comply with all State and Local guidelines for market-style activations and will provide a fun and celebratory experience that provides for distancing and mask-wearing as appropriate based on current official guidelines. For more information, visit CincoDeMayoOldTown.com.

SERVICE ACADEMY QUALIFIERSSeveral young men and women in the beach area have been selected to be among 33 high school students in Rep. Scott Peters 52nd Congressional District to attend U.S. military service academies. Each year, Peters recommends a group of young individuals to serve in the U.S. Air Force Academy, the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, the U.S. Military Academy, and the U.S. Naval Academy. The nomination makes recipients eligible to be selected for a fully-funded education with one academy, with the obligation and commitment to serve in the military for at least five years after graduating.Those selected include: United States Merchant Marine Academy, Conner Skewes – Point Loma High School; United States Military Academy, Connie Choy – Torrey Pines High School, Breena French – Point Loma High School, Matthew Fucella – The Rock Academy, Ethan Melby – Point Loma High School; United States Naval Academy, Dhruv Banerjee – The Bishop’s School, Colgan Black – La Jolla High School, Croix Black – La Jolla High School, May McConkey – The Bishop’s School. To learn more about this nomination process, visit Peters’ service academy information page.

IRISH PUB IN POINT LOMAA traditional Irish pub is being installed in the space that last housed Royale at 4204 Voltaire St. Long Story Irish Pub is being designed as a traditional Irish drinking house and aims to open by this spring. Royale closed last November after a three-year run. The new ownership group includes Kyle Schubert, Nathaniel Winnett, Jerod Meents and Joseph DeNigris. Schubert is a Sacramento bar and restaurant veteran who has founded multiple Irish pub concepts in the Sacramento area of California.Long Story will offer a menu of Irish-inspired eats like corned beer stuffed egg rolls, Reuben fries, corned beef tacos, a St. Patty Melt burger, Shepherds Pie, bangers and mash, and a full bar featuring Irish whiskey and beers. The concept will also have a sports bar ambiance with 14 flat-screen televisions playing daily competitions, including soccer. For more information, follow the company’s Instagram page. 

PLHS IN-SCHOOL GRADUATIONThe Class of 2021 is going to have an in-person graduation this year, though the exact details are yet to be worked out. However, whatever form that takes, students will need a cap and gown. If you have not ordered one yet, please see this link to do so. You may purchase the set or you can borrow it.If you would like to borrow, scroll down to the bottom of the page and click on “borrow cap and gown.” Note however, that if you borrow the set, you will have to return all of it (cap, gown and tassel) after graduation. If you would like to order other graduation merchandise and keepsakes, you can visit the website below and order online. To answer questions contact Mrs. Hedges at [email protected] 

PB RUN CLUBAnyone who wants to find a community to run/socialize with look no further than the Pacific Beach Run Club that meets every Saturday at 8:30 a.m. at PB Community Park, 1405 Diamond St.Bring a mask and the distance run is 5K. All running/jogging/walking levels are welcomed. The club now has a weekly newsletter, so if anyone owns a local business they’d like to promote to subscribers, reach out. Also, check out the club’s Facebook page for more information and pictures. Feel free to connect with the club through the following channels: Insta: @pbrunclub, pbrunclub.com.

Tuesday, Feb. 16

 LJ CONCOURS CANCELEDIn April 2020, the annual La Jolla Concours d’Elegance classic car show was canceled five weeks prior to the event, at the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Event organizers were hopeful that 2021 would allow for a safe automotive celebration at the caliber expected from the LJCDE. However, with dramatic increases in COVID infections in California over the holidays and a national vaccine roll out that has been slower than anticipated, the April event has been canceled. The next La Jolla Concours d’Elegance will be celebrated on April 22-24, 2022.The La Jolla Concours d’Elegance is renowned for its elaborate parties and experiential moments and is an impeccable automotive exhibition. Many months of detailed planning by hundreds of stakeholders is required to execute an event of this caliber. The Concours team will be working diligently over the next year to ensure that the April 2022 event will be the most remarkable three-day automotive and lifestyle extravaganza ever to be showcased at La Jolla Cove. You will experience the same spectacular display of the world’s finest automotive art spotlighting the Bugatti marque, dazzling VIP spectacles with luminous décor, energetic entertainment, luscious flavors, and the same breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean as it meets the shores of La Jolla.Fundraising efforts continue and supporters are urged to donate at LaJollaHistory.org/support/donating/. Each year, the net proceeds from the La Jolla Concours d’Elegance supports the La Jolla Historical Society’s mission to present the rich history of La Jolla through exhibitions, educational programs, architecture tours, youth education, and annual community events. For more information, to obtain a registration form or to purchase tickets to the featured weekend events, visit LaJollaConcours.com. 

NEW MUSEUM DIRECTORSTimken Museum of Art in Balboa Park has named La Jollans bioethicist Kathleen Lundgren and interior designer Alexandra Davis Perez to its ranks bringing the total number of its board of directors to 14. The Timken’s board is led by chair Jessie J. Knight, Jr., Sempra Energy’s former executive vice president of external affairs and chief sustainability officer and former president and chief executive officer of the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce.Lundgren earned her master of divinity from Yale University concentrating in both medical ethics and the history of psychological and social development. She taught bioethics at Yale and consulted and wrote policy as a clinical pediatric ethicist at Yale Children’s Hospital. Lundgren has dedicated most of her professional life to bioethics and health policy serving on the Yale School of Medicine Human Investigation Committee for Research and the Advisory Board of Yale School of Medicine Humanities in Medicine.

HOSPICE SEEKING VOLUNTEERSThe Elizabeth Hospice invites individuals interested in helping adults and children impacted by serious illness and those grieving the death of a loved one to a free volunteer orientation session via the Zoom videoconferencing platform. Attendees will learn about a wide variety of opportunities that are available throughout San Diego County including: serving as a patient companion, providing caregiver respite, performing aromatherapy, sewing Cuddle Bears, officiating at veteran pinning ceremonies and more. An email address and a device with a camera interface are needed to participate in the training session or attendees can join by phone. Prospective volunteers can choose from the following dates:

·         Feb. 24 from noon to 1 p.m.

·         March 8 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.

·         March 19 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.

·         March 30 from noon to 1 p.m.

·         April 15 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.

To ensure a place at the volunteer orientation session, contact the Volunteer Department at 800-797-2050 or email  [email protected].

SEAWORLD PROMOTIONSSeaWorld San Diego is offering a complimentary Teacher Fun Card to all active and certified K-12 Southern California and Arizona credentialed schoolteachers. And for only $20, the 2021 Preschool Fun Card is available to children ages 3-5 in San Diego County. Both are valid for unlimited admission through Dec. 31 (blackout dates apply). To learn more, email  [email protected].

MEAT PIES IN PBThe owners of an eatery in Encinitas are bringing New Zealand-style meat pies to Pacific Beach with the impending opening of Grumpy’s Meat Pies. Friends John Merklinger and Craig Woolard will open Grumpy’s Meat Pies within the space that last housed a supplements store next to Calozzi’s Cheesesteaks in PB. The restaurant will offer fast-casual counter service in a beach-style designed space with a large chalkboard wall where patrons can write their favorite “old man sayings.”Grumpy’s will sell a variety of meat pies, including those packed with steak, chicken, lamb, sausage, curry, breakfast ingredients and vegetables. Pies will be made with mostly organic and hormone-free ingredients. The eatery will also offer coffee, teas, soda, soft drinks, chips, cookies and pastries. Grumpy’s is expected to open in March at 1148 Garnet Ave.

HOTPOT CHAIN COMING TO LA JOLLAChina’s largest hotpot chain Haidilao will soon open within the space between Aldo and Zara inside Westfield UTC Mall in La Jolla. The restaurant is anticipated to open this summer. Haidilao Hot Pot was founded in Jianyang, China in 1994 and now has nearly 1,000 restaurants in China, Singapore, United States, South Korea, Japan, Canada, the United Kingdom, Malaysia , Vietnam, Indonesia and Australia. Haidilao offers a menu centered around Sichuan-style hot pots made with a selection of rich broths and a lengthy list of dipping options including raw meats, fish, tofu, vegetables and noodles. The Haidilao Hot Pot restaurants also specialize in entertaining table-side service, which includes employees dancing with hand-made noodles stretched in up to 10-foot-long ribbons with sweeping motions around their bodies. The chain also has a unique ventilation system to keep lingering hot pot smells out of its restaurants. For more information, visit haidilao.com/en/index/index.html. 

JEFFERSON PB REFINANCEDCBRE has announced a $69.75 million loan for the refinancing of Jefferson Pacific Beach, a recently constructed, 172-unit multifamily community. Troy Tegeler, Scott Peterson, Bill Chiles and Trevor Breaux and of CBRE’s debt and structured finance team in San Diego arranged the loan on behalf of the owner of the property, JPI, a Texas-based multifamily investment and development firm.Located at 4275 Mission Bay Drive, Jefferson Pacific Beach is comprised of 169,571 square feet of residential space and approximately 14,000 square-feet of commercial space. Amenities include a business center, resort-style saltwater pool and spa, fitness center and surfboard repair station.The bayfront community is adjacent to the I-5 freeway and is less than three miles from the Pacific Beach Pier.

WATER MAIN BREAKS LESSENFor the fourth year in a row, the number of water main breaks has decreased in the City of San Diego. There were 33 water main breaks reported in 2020, the lowest total in more than 15 years and far fewer than the peak of 131 breaks in 2010. The City credits the continued downward trend to increased maintenance efforts and a multi-year program to replace old pipelines. The City’s continuing program to replace old cast iron water mains has played a major part in the decrease in breaks. Some cast iron pipes had been in service for more than 100 years. Since 2013, the City has replaced approximately 180 miles of water pipelines across the city. The remaining 55 miles of cast iron water mains are scheduled to be replaced by 2025. The City now uses water mains made of durable polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

FOOD DISTRIBUTIONThis month, Feeding San Diego, the county’s leading hunger relief and food rescue organization, has established a large-scale emergency drive-through food distribution site specifically for members of the hospitality industry who are out of work or working reduced hours and in need of nutritious food.Each distribution will provide over 1,000 households with 50 pounds of food including a frozen meat protein, produce, and dry goods. Those who attend will also receive valuable resources about how to access other Feeding San Diego distributions close to their home and information about CalFresh, and how the organization can help them apply.Many people are facing hunger for the first time and don’t know where to turn. One of the objectives of the distribution is to empower people with the information they need to navigate this crisis over the long-term. This month’s first distribution, held on Monday, Feb. 1, saw nearly 800 families drive through and over 40,000 pounds of food distributed. For additional assistance, those affected by the pandemic or people in need can easily find the closest food distribution by visiting https://feedingsandiego.org/get-help/ and entering their zip code in the

NEW ARTISTIC DIRECTORThe board of directors of San Diego Dance Theater has announced Terry Wilson as their new artistic director. She takes over for long time artistic director Jean Isaacs, who retired on Jan. 31. Wilson began work as the associate artistic director in October 2019 and became artistic director on Feb. 1. Wilson has been performing, choreographing and teaching for more than 32 years. Her dance career began the minute she met Jean Isaacs and she has performed over 50 dances created by Jean. Wilson studied with Isaacs at San Diego State University and consequently began dancing for Three’s Company and Dancers in 1986, while completing a BS in psychology from SDSU.Wilson enjoyed a long career as a modern dancer, performing mostly for Isaacs, as well as with many other local, national, and international artists. She performed for Isaacs/McCaleb & Dancers for eight years before leaving to obtain her MFA in dance from the University of Michigan, on full scholarship.Wilson is a dedicated educator, artist and administrator. Her love of teaching was also cultivated by Isaacs. As she moves into the artistic director position, Wilson is excited to infuse the upcoming seasons with exciting new approaches to dance making, training and performance. She is working hard to make sure that San Diego Dance Theater survives and thrives after COVID-19 disappears

DRAFT EIR FOR UC SAN DIEGO PROJECTThe UC San Diego is the lead agency for the proposed La Jolla Innovation Center Project. The proposed project would redevelop 1.2 acres of an existing 7-acre commercial center at 8980 Villa La Jolla Drive. The 1.2-acre Project site includes a 0.9-acre parcel currently developed with a restaurant building that would be sold to UC Regents and leased to an affiliate of GPI Companies, the current landowner, to develop the project. The remaining 0.3 acre consists of surface parking, landscaping, and hardscape improvements surrounding the parcel as part of the project.The proposed project would demolish the existing restaurant building and develop a new building comprising five levels of office and educational uses, two levels of above grade parking, and two levels of subterranean parking. The project would provide leasable space for UC San Diego Health Sciences and UC San Diego Extension programs, which would serve the UC San Diego campus and the community at large. A copy of the NOA is available at the project website, along with the draft EIR, at https://blink.ucsd.edu/facilities/real-estate/ljic.html. The 45-day public and agency review period for the project’s draft EIR will extend from Feb. 5 through March 22. Email comments to [email protected].

MCASD LJ TO REOPENExpected to reopen late this year, the newly expanded MCASD La Jolla’s opening exhibition in 2022 will feature sculptress Niki de Saint Phalle’s innovative ‘Radical’ 1960s Art. Debuting at the Menil Collection in Houston in September, the exhibition will be the first to focus on the artist’s experimental and prolific work during this decade, from the famous “shooting paintings,” created by shots from a .22-caliber rifle, to the exuberant sculptures of women known as Nanas.Born in France, Saint Phalle later settled in San Diego where her giant outdoor sculptures like “Sun God” on the UC San Diego campus are well known and loved. The new Saint Phalle exhibition will arrive in La Jolla in the spring of 2022, though specific dates have not been publicly set. MCASD broke ground in late 2018 for a $95 million renovation and expansion in La Jolla that will greatly enlarge gallery space.

Friday, Feb. 5

SURFBOARD DONATIONS FOR BAJA YOUTHOcean Experience and Ocean Beach Surf and Skate are teaming up with the Mi Sueño Foundation. This is a nonprofit organization that has the goal to donate a fleet of surfboards to less fortunate children in Southern Baja. Ocean Experience and Ocean Beach Surf and Skate are looking for surfboards, sizes 5 feet long to 5 feet 4 inches long that are in good condition, with fins. If you have a surfboard that fits these criteria, consider donating it, as it can remarkably change the life of a young child.Board drop-off is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 6, from 1-4 p.m., and the first 15 people to donate boards will receive a $25 Ocean Beach Surf and Skate gift card, and T-shirt. The ocean is a special place, and being able to open up that world to the children of Baja can be life-changing. If you are interested in donating, send a photo and description of your surfboard. If you have any questions, call 619-225-2317.

SHORT-TERM RENTALS AT CITY COUNCILThe office of San Diego City Council President Jennifer Campbell of District 2 has announced that the council member’s compromise proposal on short-term rentals will be on the council’s docket on Tuesday, Feb. 23. The City Planning Commission on Dec. 3 voted 7-0 for Campbell’s proposed short-term rental ordinance calling for licensing them, capping their numbers, and penalizing violators, while creating a City office to administer the new program while making it subject to annual review. Commissioners also agreed to a “carve out” for Mission Beach, the community with the highest percentage of short-term rentals citywide, from the overall compromise plan offered by Campbell.

SDIA JOINS AIRPORT WORKER VIGILAt airports across California including San Diego International Airport, workers on Feb. 4 held memorials for the many airport workers that have passed since the beginning of the pandemic, and to urge the governor to put them back on the vaccine list. These memorials come as Gov. Newsom recently made the decision to remove tens of thousands of vulnerable essential workers (like airport workers, bus drivers, and janitors) from the vaccine priority list despite the fact that these workers risk their lives every day to provide essential services. At the vigil observance at airports, essential workers demonstrated peacefully with signs, banners, flowers and short speaking programs. SDIA airport workers held their vigil in front of the Southwest Terminal. 

SEAWORLD REOPENSTickets and reservations are now available for SeaWorld, which is reopening as a zoo on Saturday, Feb. 6 at 500 Sea World Drive. The popular marine mammal establishment is reopening with enhanced safety measures in place, bringing guests closer to animals like orcas, sharks, sea turtles, Explorer’s Reef with bamboo sharks, cleaner fish, horseshoe crabs and rays, sea lions, otters, penguins, dolphins, flamingos and more.Families can enjoy SeaWorld’s Dolphin Days, Sea Lion Show and the Orca Encounter live educational presentation with physically distant seating. Walk around the outdoor park, visit animals and dig into the park’s food. For more information, visit https://seaworld.com/san-diego/.

SD HUMANE SOCIETY VIRTUAL WALKSan Diego Humane Society has announced that its 27th annual Walk for Animals, traditionally held at Kit Carson Park in Escondido and Liberty Station, will be combined into a single virtual event this year. Registration is free and will unlock custom Walk for Animals resources to help participants fundraise to support SDHS’s life-changing work for animals and the people who love them.Registrants are then invited to participate in a fun-filled virtual Walk Week (April 11-17) to celebrate their fundraising success and access engaging online content —including behind-the-scenes tours, social media surprises, pancake making and more.The Virtual Walk for Animals is one of SDHS’s biggest annual fundraisers and the organization relies on the money raised during this event to care for nearly 50,000 animals each year. In addition to fundraising and engaging with online content, participants are invited to walk in their own way (with safety and social distancing in mind) — around the block, around the living room, in the backyard, on a patio or even on the treadmill.“Even though we won’t be together in person this year, we still join together as a community to make a difference for animals who rely on us for shelter, medical care, new homes and more,” said Gary Weitzman, SDHS president/CEO. “When our community faces challenges, keeping animals safe and sound becomes even more important and we’ll be standing together to save those lives.” Registration and additional information can be found at sdwalkforanimals.org.

RETURN OF HERRINGBONEHerringbone La Jolla at 7837 Herschel Ave. resumed operations Feb. 4 and is now available for reservations with reduced capacity for outdoor dining only. Herringbone’s renowned “fish meats field” menu is anchored by its ocean-to-table concept of line-caught fish, fresh seafood, and fresh produce every day. Herringbone is now accepting reservations for Valentine’s Day weekend, featuring a three-course menu priced at $85 per person available Friday, Feb. 12 through Sunday, Feb. 14 for dinner service only. For more information, visit www.hakkasangroup.com.

LOVE YOUR HEART WEEKSan Diego County Credit Union supports Love Your Heart Week in partnership with the County of San Diego and Live Well San Diego. Love Your Heart Week, scheduled for Feb. 8-14, encourages the community to get to know their blood pressure numbers and take charge of their own heart health.“We are proud to support the County and Live Well San Diego and raise awareness about this important initiative,” said Teresa Campbell, SDCCU president/CEO. “Love Your Heart makes it easy for members of our community to safely and conveniently take the first step in improving their heart health by getting to know their blood pressure numbers.” Love Your Heart is an annual event in which organizations from across the U.S. and Mexico join together to provide free blood pressure screenings to the public on or near Valentine’s Day. Due to COVID-19, this year’s event looks different with fewer public-facing screening sites, with a shift toward at-home screenings and increased education and promotion of heart-healthy activities and information.High blood pressure is the most common underlying condition identified in San Diego County’s COVID-associated deaths. Love Your Heart is held in support of the Live Well San Diego vision to create healthy, safe and thriving communities in San Diego County. For more information about Love Your Heart, visit LoveYourHeartSD.org.

PLHS MUSIC BOOSTERSThe monthly Point Loma High School music booster Zoom meeting has been rescheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 9 at 6 p.m. All music and dance guard parents are welcome to attend the Music Booster meetings. Please RSVP if you are interested in attending. As part of a non-profit organization, the Point Loma Instrumental Music program relies on the support and generosity of donors to help cover operating costs. These donations of time and money are crucial to keeping the music program running. Throughout the year, there are a number of opportunities to help the program financially, and/or through the gift of time. For more information, visit plhsmusic.com.

FAULCONER RUNNINGImmediate past two-term San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer has made it official: He’s running for governor of California. Faulconer this week officially kicked off his campaign for California governor in Los Angeles.

“I’m running for governor to lead the California comeback and fulfill California’s promise of freedom, fairness and opportunity,” Faulconer said. “I’m running to be a voice for Californians suffering during this pandemic because Sacramento can’t do the basics, to restore balance and common-sense to California, and to get people back to work, back to school, and back to being proud of our state.”

PB LIBRARY SERVICESPacific Beach Taylor Branch Library at 4275 Cass St. is one of 25 libraries citywide offering contactless holds pickup service. Call or visit the PB Library (at the Reed Avenue/south entrance) for contactless holds pickup service Mondays-Saturdays 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. and 2-5:30 p.m. All libraries are closed from 1-2 p.m. Ask for a free Craft Kit when you come to pick up your contactless holds. The library usually has kid-friendly crafts available.Grab and go bundles of themed paperbacks, movies, and holiday DVDs are also available (for kids, teens, and adult readers). Ask for a grab and go bundles when you come to the Reed Street entrance to pick up your contactless holds. SDPL is still offering limited in-person services at 12 libraries but not presently at PB. The nearest in-person sites to PB are the La Jolla and Point Loma branch libraries. For more information, https://www.sandiego.gov/public-library/pickup-service.

GUN LEGISLATION PROPOSEDAssembly member Christopher Ward (D-San Diego) has introduced new legislation, Assembly Bill 311, to prohibit the sale and purchase of firearm precursor parts – ghost gun kits – at California gun shows.“Ghost gun kits can be easily sold and assembled into illegal, deadly, untraceable assault weapons,” said Ward.  “While Californians have the ability to lawfully own firearms, ghost guns can bypass common-sense policies created to protect our communities from senseless gun violence. AB 311 will address growing concerns over the availability of these firearms by prohibiting their sale at guns shows.”Ghost guns have no serial numbers and are untraceable by law enforcement. As it stands, gun traffickers can purchase parts and kits to build unserialized firearms, which can then be easily diverted into the criminal market and leave law enforcement with no way to trace their origin. Due to their anonymity, law enforcement finds ghost guns are frequently used to commit egregious crimes. In 2019, an AR-15 type ghost gun was used to murder a Riverside California Highway Patrol Officer while in the line of duty. 

MARITIME MUSEUM REOPENSMaritime Museum of San Diego, serving as the community memory of our seafaring experience by collecting, preserving, and presenting our rich maritime heritage and historic connections with the Pacific world, is reopening for a fourth time Feb. 13.COVID restrictions require museum indoor operations to temporarily close. Therefore, the museum is extending the outdoor adventure option which includes top deck tours and free boat ride with the purchase of general admission. Initially, Maritime Museum of San Diego will reopen weekends only, beginning Saturday, Feb. 13 and Sunday, Feb. 14, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Ticket sales end one hour prior to closing. Tickets are for same-day visits, and are based on the new reduced capacity. The Maritime Museum of San Diego’s outdoor experience includes a walking tour of the upper decks of the historic fleet, including the world’s oldest sailing ship, Star of India, and a complimentary, optional boat ride, which is normally an additional charge when guests purchase general admission to the museum. For more information, to make a donation or learn more about the restoration projects underway, visit sdmaritime.org. 

COUNTY CANNABIS RESTRICTIONS EASEDSafe, regulated and legal cannabis retail, cultivation and manufacturing will soon be allowed in unincorporated area communities under a new policy passed by the San Diego County Board of Supervisors.“The old policies ignored the realities surrounding cannabis and caused more harm than good for the areas and residents they were meant to protect,” said County Chair Nathan Fletcher, co-author of the new policies. “Our County’s new position on cannabis brings us in line with the will of the voters, but also takes the extra step toward the future to establish equitable opportunities for economic prosperity and good-paying jobs, right the wrongs of the ‘war on drugs’ and establishes safeguards to ensure cannabis is safe, regulated and legal.” The new policies will create a County cannabis program that expands economic access in a socially equitable way, creates good-paying jobs, and rectifies the devastating impact the war on drugs has had on Black and Brown communities, according to Fletcher.

SDIA TRAFFIC STILL DOWNAccording to figures released by the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority, airline traffic in and out of San Diego remains significantly down over pre-COVID levels. 

• November 2020: On average, the number of people through the TSA checkpoint is down about 66 percent.

• Nov. 29, 2020: 31,720* passengers through the TSA checkpoint.

  • *This is the third-highest passenger number since March 2020.

• Dec. 2020: On average, the number of people through the TSA checkpoint is down about 69 percent.

• Dec. 19, 2020: 32,542* passengers through the TSA checkpoint.

  • *This is the second-highest passenger number since March 2020.

• Dec. 23, 2020: 33,882* passengers through the TSA checkpoint.

  • *This is the most passengers since March 2020.

• MTD January 2021: On average, the number of people through the TSA checkpoint is down about 73 percent.

PB OAKMONT SENIORS GET VACCINEOakmont Senior Living, which operates 34 luxury communities in California and Las Vegas – including Pacific Beach – with an additional 10 communities in development, will hold its second round of COVID-19 vaccination clinics in February. All residents, including new move-ins, and team members are eligible to receive the vaccine, even if they missed the first vaccination clinics earlier this month. The vaccinations will be offered in the comfort of each senior living community, under the care of its medical director and with corresponding celebrations to commemorate the important occasion.In preparation for the second round of vaccines, Oakmont’s medical director Dr. John Geiss will lead a webinar on Feb. 11 to educate and answer questions about the vaccine. This webinar is open to the public and readers are encouraged to visit the website or call the Oakmont community near them for more information. For more information, visit www.oakmontseniorliving.com. 

SENIOR VIRTUAL CLASSESLocal nonprofit San Diego Oasis encourages older adults 50 and up to attend its diverse online classes happening nearly every day of the week year-round. Online classes and events are either free or low-cost. A list of San Diego Oasis’ February and March classes and events can be viewed now at sandiegooasis.org.“It’s more important than ever to keep our older adult community-engaged physically and mentally,” said Simona Valanciute, president/CEO, San Diego Oasis. “The COVID-19 pandemic has not only changed our way of living, but also our bodies and minds. Older adults are experiencing these changes, but when coupled with prolonged social isolation it can cause the aging process to happen much faster than expected.”In collaboration with Cox Communications, San Diego Oasis also hosts multiple free technology-focused classes, including tips on how to use smartphones, social media, and Zoom, as well as buying and selling online, computer basics and more. “Cox Presents” classes in February, March and April.

NATIONAL PET DAY PHOTO CONTESTSaturday, Feb. 20, is officially Love Your Pet Day but Gelson’s at 730 Turquoise St. in North Pacific Beach is celebrating all month long with a chance to win prizes to spoil you and your furry friend. One lucky winner will receive a $250 Gelson’s gift card and a $200 doggy gift basket compliments of Smokehouse Pet Products.Since they’ve been keeping you company in your “home office” show them how thankful you are for them by entering their cutest, most original photo for a chance to win some decadent treats. This contest is not limited to just cats and dogs, don’t forget to nominate your hermit crab, goldfish, hamster, guinea pig, bird, fish, snake, turtle, or other cute little critters for their chance to shine in the spotlight. Sorry, no humans are allowed in the picture.To enter, fill out the form here and submit a clear photo of your pet with your entry. A quick snap that captures your pet’s personality with your phone or digital camera will do. The contest closes on Feb. 28 and the winner will be announced on March 8.

SPREAD LOVE SAN DIEGOTo support the local hospitality industry that has generously partnered with Feeding San Diego over the years, the county’s leading hunger relief and food rescue nonprofit has launched a campaign called Spread Love San Diego that includes two initiatives to give back. Feeding San Diego’s work has always been closely intertwined with the local food community, whether it’s working with celebrity chefs to spread the word of its mission or partnering with restaurants and caterers to rescue food that would otherwise go to waste.Dedicated food distributions for hospitality employees began Feb. 1, with Feeding San Diego hosting its first in a series of food distributions exclusively for members of the hospitality industry who are out of work or working reduced hours and in need of nutritious food. This distribution will take place at 1 p.m. every Monday during February at Pechanga Arena, 3500 Sports Arena Blvd. People who would like to attend this distribution must pre-register. Go to https://feedingsandiego.org/spreadlovesandiego to learn more.

Monday, Feb. 1

MAYOR REACTSFollowing the State Senate’s confirmation of Assemblymember Dr. Shirley N. Weber as California’s new Secretary of State, Mayor Todd Gloria said: “I want to congratulate San Diego’s very own Dr. Shirley Weber on her historic confirmation as California’s new Secretary of State. Dr. Weber has been a fearless fighter for the people of California and the moral conscience of the Legislature for years. As our new Secretary of State, I have every confidence she will move our state to be more equitable and just for all of us.”

VALENTINE’S CUPID CLEANUPJoin I Love A Clean San Diego and Think Blue San Diego for a virtually-hosted litter cleanup across the City of San Diego Saturday, Feb. 13 from 9-11 a.m. For close to home volunteer cleanup in residents’ home communities, volunteers may register at cleansd.samaritan.com/custom/501/opp_details/1639.To stay safe and promote social-distancing, this citywide cleanup is being focused inward toward neighborhoods. Please celebrate Valentine’s Day with us this year and “walk-your-block” on the morning of Saturday, Feb. 13. Make it a socially-distanced date. Bring a bucket or bag from home, grab some kitchen or gardening gloves, and don’t forget your face-covering. You can make this cleanup truly zero-waste by using your own reusable supplies. For more information, to volunteer or donate, visit CleanSD.org or call 619-291-0103.

FLEET CENTER LEARNINGThe Fleet Science Center at 1875 El Prado in Balboa Park is resuming operations for the Distance Learning Hubs on Monday, Feb. 1, to serve the ongoing needs of parents, students and teachers in the San Diego community to find a place for children to do their distance-learning programs. The full-day program combines a facilitated space for kids to complete their school work with an afternoon of hands-on science activities. For more information, contact [email protected]. 

STATE BOARD APPOINTEEThe County Health and Human Services Agency’s child health officer has been appointed to a state board that provides advice on issues impacting children whose parents have limited income and resources. Dr. Kelly Motadel is one of 15 members on the Medi-Cal Children’s Health Advisory Panel, which advises the California Department of Health Care Services on policy and operational issues that affect children on Medi-Cal.“I’m really looking forward to this experience as a way to contribute on a broader level but also in order to be a more knowledgeable resource for San Diego County,” said Motadel, M.D., M.P.H., who was recently selected to be the Child Health Officer at the County Medical Care Services Division.The 15 members on the advisory body are recognized experts and stakeholders in their fields, “practicing and/or certified medical professionals, advocates who represent the interest of children’s health, as well as parent members who provide feedback on topics that impact children in Medi-Cal.”While the term is usually three years, Motadel’s appointment will last through Dec. 31, 2022 because she is completing the term of a recently departed member.

FEEDING SAN DIEGOFeeding San Diego, the county’s leading hunger relief and food rescue organization, is working with TV personality, entrepreneur, advocate and philanthropist Marcus Lemonis and local San Diego celebrity Bill Walton to support those facing hunger and a local business in need. As part of the #PlatingChange program, Lemonis’ The Lemon-AID Foundation has purchased $30,000 worth of meals from local restaurant Encontro North Park, to be distributed by Feeding San Diego using its MealConnect app, a free food rescue platform that makes it easy to connect excess food from donors such as restaurants, caterers, hotels, meeting and event planners, and convenience stores to local Feeding San Diego community partners that serve people facing hunger. For the next 10 weeks, 100 meals will be picked up every Tuesday and Thursday from Encontro by Feeding San Diego partner, The Salvation Army, using a refrigerated van donated to The Salvation Army by Feeding San Diego. One hundred meals a week will go to those in need in San Diego, all while driving desperately needed revenue to a local restaurant. “The small business community has always really been my family,” says Lemonis. “At the end of the day, we believe that feeding people in San Diego is important and Encontro is serving the plate and allowing us to do that. We are blessed by the fact that this local restaurant can help us and we want them to be profitable while doing so.”Since the pandemic hit in March 2020, Feeding San Diego has seen an estimated 50% increase in need. By working with local restaurants to meet this demand, it ensures that restaurants can keep staff while simultaneously helping the community. San Diegans can text BILL to 707070 to donate a meal to Feeding San Diego.

JEWISH FILM FESTIVALThe 31st Annual San Diego International Jewish Film Festival is coming up Feb. 11-21. Showcasing a selection of the best contemporary Jewish-related films, 31 films are being screened Feb. 11-21, where film enthusiasts can watch from the comfort of their home. This festival is known to be one of the most prestigious Jewish film festivals in the country. Tickets are $15 per program and $12 for JCC members. Films can be pre-ordered now. Some films are Limited-Time Screenings, with specific dates of availability and a shorter time period to view. All other films, except for private screenings, are on-demand throughout the duration of the festival. “The Film Selection Committee did an outstanding job of identifying films that were both compelling and entertaining – a mix of interesting documentaries and beautiful narratives,” said Ryan Isaac, director of cultural Arts for the San Diego CJC at the Lawrence Family JCC, Jacobs Family Campus.Films to be screened include:

• “Determined: The Story of Holocaust Survivor Avraham Perlmutter”

  Exclusive Underwriter Preview film: Perlmutter’s determination, courage and chutzpah are on display in this story of his survival and escape as a teenager during the Holocaust.

• “Shared Legacies”

  Opening Day film: The story of the Jews’ role in the civil rights movement is presented by a who’s who of Jewish leaders and Black civil rights activists.

• “On Broadway” (documentary) 

  Lin-Manuel Miranda, Helen Mirran and Huge Jackman are among those who guide viewers on a behind-the-scenes look at groundbreaking shows, including “Hamilton” and “A Chorus Line” and performances from Mandy Patinkin and James Earl Jones.

• “Tango Shalom” (narrative) 

To learn more or purchase tickets, visit www.lfjcc.org/cjc/sdijff.  

BRIDGE WORK CLOSES BIKE PATHThe bicycle path on the north side of the San Diego River, between West Mission Bay Drive and Sunset Cliffs Boulevard bridge, will be temporarily closed to the public beginning Monday Feb. 1. Flagging will occur from Feb. 1-5 with complete closures from Feb. 8-12. A detour route with signage posted will be established for bicyclists and pedestrians. The West Mission Bay Drive Bridge Replacement Project replaces the existing four-lane West Mission Bay Drive Bridge, built back in the early 1950s, with two separate three-lane structures, providing an improved transportation link across the San Diego River.Key improvements of the new bridge include: two new parallel bridge structures with three lanes in each direction; a bike path on both bridges; and roadway widening and improvements along Sports Arena Boulevard, West Mission Bay Drive and the westbound I-8 off-ramp.

MAVERICKS IS BACKMavericks Beach Club at 860 Garnet Ave. reopened its doors Jan. 28 and has a lineup of daily specials and socially distanced events to get excited about. Mondays through Fridays, from 2-6 p.m., happy hour will consist of $4 beers, wines, and well cocktails, $6 margaritas and Mai Tais, and $2 off all snacks, which includes the loaded California Fries.Every Monday, Mavericks will stream “The Bachelor,” beginning at 8 p.m. Specials – $5 Babe Rose cans, $10 carafes of wine, and $20 bottles of champagne and rose – will last until close. Touchless Trivia is back. Every Wednesday from 7-9 p.m., play free trivia and enjoy $4 10 Barrel beers during the game.

LJSA SEEKS CANDIDATESThe La Jolla Shores Association is actively seeking new board members for its March 10 elections. Board members meet once a month (via Zoom during the COVID-19 crisis) to discuss, debate and take part in helping the La Jolla Shores community to keep the Shores the precious “Jewel” we have all come to appreciate and love. To be placed on the ballot for the March 10 election, email the association at [email protected] with a short, five-line bio and attach the filled in registered member application lajollashoresassociation.org. The members of the recruiting committee are  Joseph Dicks, who can be reached at [email protected]; Brian Earley, who can be reached at [email protected]; and Dede Donovan, who can be reached at [email protected]sfca.edu. Each of these board members stands ready to respond to any questions any applicant may have regarding running for the board or seeking membership in the association. 

Tuesday, Jan. 26

CITY TACOS MENU REVAMPWith the return of outdoor dining, City Tacos is introducing a menu revamp alongside the return of the beloved Taco Tuesday specials, available in Pacific Beach at 4516 Mission Blvd. Beginning Jan. 26, taco lovers can revel in two new taco styles: Caseros Homestyle Tacos and Tacos Dorados. Guests can select from a variety of new flavors, including the Cochinita Pibil Taco, which features slow-cooked pulled pork in a traditional Mayan achiote sauce, served with pickled onions, semi-spicy serrano habanero creamy green salsa. Tacos Dorados selections include Chorizo con Papas, Papa con Rajas, or the Machaca de Pollo; each order features two golden-fried rolled tacos served with original Mike Hess Solis IPA beer fondue and a semi-spicy serrano-habanero creamy green salsa.

LJ ESTANCIA GOES HOLISTICEstancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa has partnered with the San Diego holistic health club, SAFFRON & SAGE, for an interactive, four-week series dedicated to re-energizing and re-engaging the mind, body and spirit to create a year you’ve always dreamt of. As part of the series, Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa will be hosting a full moon ceremony on Jan. 29 at 5 p.m. in a 90-minute ceremony. The hotel will also be hosting a yoga and breathwork class on Jan. 30 at 10:30 a.m. that will be 90 minutes of moving mediation paired with breathwork for a powerful and rejuvenation session to connect body to mind, breath to movement. Spaces are limited as the sessions are held with a limited capacity and with socially distanced protocols.

VIRTUAL PRAYER JAN. 30On  Saturday, Jan. 30 from 9-10 a.m. more than 23 San Diego churches from every corner of the county will unite online for the third We Pray San Diego gathering. The focus will be San Diego hospitals, health care staff, first responders, those struggling with COVID and their families. Last year, on June 20, 135 churches and 15,000 (including online participants) people gathered all over San Diego, in other states and online to pray during the first We Pray San Diego event.“We want to encourage health care workers and frontline healthcare staff to share their prayer requests at wepraysandiego.com,” said Rock Church senior pastor Miles McPherson. “We will be praying for relief and protection from COVID, health and safety for hospital staff and frontline healthcare staff both emotionally and physically.”

NAVAL BASE MEETINGThe next Restoration Advisory Board meeting for the Naval Base Point Loma Complex Environmental Restoration Program will be Wednesday, Feb. 17 at 5:45 p.m. This will be a virtual meeting and is open to the public.  To request a link contact Kellie Koenig at [email protected]. For more information, call 619-556-8926.

ST. PAT’S PARADE CANCELEDThe Irish Congress of Southern California has announced the 2021 Saint Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival has officially been canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which canceled the 2020 parade as well. This would have been the 40th annual event, which takes place in Bankers Hill and Balboa Park every Saint Patrick’s Day weekend.“We are of course, very disappointed to have a second Saint Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival canceled,” said Tony Mande, chair of the ICSC board. “However, we are acutely aware that many cultural and community events are also sharing these same difficulties. The priority of the Irish Congress of Southern California will continue to be the health and well-being of our families, friends and the greater San Diego community. We are looking forward to seeing everybody in 2022.”The ICSC is currently exploring alternatives to the parade and festival including an online event, fundraisers, or a scaled-down celebration later in the year if state mandates allow. The nonprofit and relies solely on sponsorship, donations and event revenue to continue its mission of promoting Irish history and culture in San Diego. For more info, go to stpatsparade.org.

OB WEB DESIGN FIRM AWARDEDDigital.com and services has named OB-based Intrepid Network Inc. to its list of the best web design firms in San Diego. The top companies were selected based on multiple services, size of the firm, and industry focus. Intrepid Network Inc. and other firms were expected to demonstrate industry expertise in specific areas like manufacturing, retail, hospitality and healthcare. Experts at Digital.com examined companies with additional branding or marketing services that would enable businesses to scale up. The guide also features large and small firms to meet a variety of budgets and service needs.Researchers at Digital.com conducted a 40-hour assessment of over 49 companies across the city. To access the complete list of best web design companies in San Diego, visit digital.com/web-design-companies/san-diego/.Intrepid Network has worked with local clients such as the Ocean Beach MainStreet Association, Imperial Beach Chamber of Commerce, and more. They work primarily with free, open-source software, so your site doesn’t rely on expensive licenses and third-party tools. In addition to web design, Intrepid offers hosting for Drupal, WordPress, and HIPAA compliant email. Other services include video production and editing, brand identity development and graphic design. The company also works with business improvement districts to create content management systems and social media marketing campaigns. Visit digital.comfor more information.

CHINESE MUSEUM ANNIVERSARYThe San Diego Chinese Historical Museum at 401 Third Ave. downtown is hosting an online anniversary celebration on Saturday, Jan. 30 at 10 a.m. This online event will serve as an alternative to the museum’s traditional Chinese New Year Banquet, in light of public health advisories due to COVID-19. The Jan. 30 virtual celebration will feature a docent-led virtual tour of the museum’s recently refreshed permanent exhibition. Mayor Todd Gloria will offer remarks following music by pianist 郞朗 Lang Lang and pipa player 吳蠻 Wu Man.The celebration will include an online silent auction, which will close at 11 a.m. on event day. In addition, everyone who joins the anniversary celebration is eligible for an opportunity drawing for door prizes. To attend the anniversary celebration, register at https://sdsu.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0rfuqurjwrGNI_D1WZl1Io9grw2hCCFq-S.To bid in the auction, sign up at https://www.charityauctionstoday.com/auctions/2021-annual-gala—19974.

PB PLAN GROUP ELECTIONPacific Beach Planning Group, which makes recommendations to the City Council, Planning Commission, City staff and other governmental agencies on land-use matters, is holding elections in March. There are currently 10 residential seats and four business seats open for election. Interested applicants must have attended two meetings in the past 12 months: one meeting can be a subcommittee meeting and one meeting must be a full board meeting.Upcoming qualifying Subcommittee meetings are Streets & Sidewalks subcommittee Jan. 27 and the Development subcommittee Feb. 4. Refer to pbplanning.org for meeting agendas. If you have not met the qualifications, please attend our meeting(s) and consider applying as we will potentially have unfilled seats available for applicants in April. Interested applicants must be age 18 or older and must live in Pacific Beach to hold a residential seat. For business seats, the applicant’s business must be located in the Pacific Beach business district. Interested applicants should request a residential or business application via email from Adrienne Gallo [email protected]. Completed applications should be submitted using the same email address. Applications are due by 5 p.m. Feb. 24.

MAYOR VOTED SANDAG VICE CHAIRSan Diego Mayor Todd Gloria has been unanimously elected as vice chair of the San Diego Association of Governments, the region’s transportation planning agency, putting him in position to guide the development of a regional plan for San Diego’s transportation future. Gloria will serve alongside Encinitas Mayor Catherine Blakespear, who was unanimously elected chair in December.“It is an honor to serve alongside Mayor Blakespear, and I am committed to working with SANDAG’sboard to develop a transportation blueprint for our region that is equitable, sustainable and will improve the everyday lives of millions of people,” Gloria said. “Together, we will implement a plan that will create jobs, fund and build projects to support our climate and housing goals, and provide more viable mobility options for all of us.”

Saturday, Jan. 24

MISSION BAY WETLANDS At PB Planning Group meeting, Andrew Meyer of San Diego Audubon Society said progress is being made in efforts to expand environmental protections and enlarge wetland habitats in Mission Bay. “The Regional Water Quality Control Board recently approved a project for new planning for wetland restoration in Mission Bay,” Meyer said. “The City now has funded and approved a scope of work over the next 1 ½ years for Mission Bay that includes Campland, De Anza Cove and the mouth of Rose Creek.”During the pandemic, Meyer added SDAS has been writing a lot of grants. “We’ve also applied for two grants to do some research on the economic value of marshes,” he said. “As times change, and sea levels rise, we will be doing a cost-benefit analysis along with UC San Diego.”

PB PROTEST FALLOUTDuring the latest PB Planning Group meeting, District 2 community representative Monique Tello told members of Community Collaborators, a loose-knit group of PB civic organizations, that police and government were restricted in dealing with the recent violent public protest on Mission Boulevard.“You do not need to pull a (City) permit to hold a protest,” Tello told collaborators at their January Zoom meeting. “Most times protesters are not required even to notify the police department before they gather.” Tello noted five police officers were assaulted during the protest and that some suffered minor injuries. She said one juvenile was arrested on suspicion of assaulting a police officer, while some businesses had their windows smashed.

PB LIBRARY OPEN“We’re still offering contactless book holds and pickups,” PB head librarian Christina Wainwright told the PB Planning Group, adding that the library is not yet open inside for patrons. “If you want to use library services inside you have go to the La Jolla or Point Loma libraries,” she said. Wainwright added the PB library continues to host its “Books Like Us Winter Reading Challenge,” which rewards prizes for people of all ages keeping logs of hours they’ve spent reading books. For more information about the reading program and other available services, visit sandiego.gov.

CITY STORMWATER PROJECTThe City of San Diego will be able to move forward on a major storm drain repair project thanks to a $5.98 million federal grant. The project will consist of repair and replacement of the Maple Canyon storm drain that serves the Uptown community. When completed, the improvements will reduce the potential for flooding and erosion due to heavy rainfall.The project will consist of repair and modification of existing storm drains extending from the street into Maple Canyon where runoff flows are conveyed to well defined low points and continue southwest before reentering the City’s storm drain system and exiting into San Diego Bay. Additionally, the project will restore and rehabilitate the entire streambed, stabilize the banks and plant sustainable vegetation within the project footprint.Old corrugated metal storm drain pipes will be replaced by reinforced concrete pipes and extended, in most cases, to the low points within the canyon. Approximately 4,000 linear feet of pipeline are planned for installation. The grant was awarded by the U.S. Commerce Department’s Economic Development Administration and will fund half the project with the City financing the remainder. The City expects work to start by late 2022 after the project design, environmental permitting and construction bidding processes have been completed. 

SPIETH JOINS FARMERS OPENAnother top golfer, Jordan Spieth, an 11-time winner on the PGA Tour, has committed to compete in the 2021 Farmers Insurance Open set for Jan. 28-31 at Torrey Pines Golf Course. Spieth joins a field that currently includes 23 of the top 50 players in the Official World Golf Rankings and 16 players among the top 30 in the 2020-21 FedExCup points standings. There are also seven past Farmers Insurance Open winners committed, as well as 12 players who have accounted for 25 major championship victories.Spieth owns two international victories and has played in three Ryder Cups and three Presidents Cups. He will make his sixth appearance in the Farmers Insurance Open, where his best performance was a top-20 finish in 2014. San Diego products committed to the Farmers Insurance Open include Rickie Fowler, Charley Hoffman, Jamie Lovemark, Kyle Mendoza, Phil Mickelson, Pat Perez, Xander Schauffele and J.J. Spaun.

VIRTUAL WILDLIFE BABY SHOWEREvery spring San Diego Humane Society’s Project Wildlife program is flooded with injured and orphaned baby wildlife and needs the community’s help to give them a second chance. But this year, instead of an in-person event, the public is invited to participate in a week-long virtual Wildlife Baby Shower, sdhumane.org/registry, Jan. 25-Feb. 6.By donating a special gift from the society’s baby registry, sdhumane.org/registry, the community will help prepare for the thousands of young animals including raccoons, rabbits, hummingbirds, ducklings and even baby bobcats, that need help in the coming months. The public’s generosity will help give these babies the care they need to grow healthy and strong before they’re released back into the wild. Every bottle, bag of birdseed and can of baby food donated will make a lifesaving difference.“Pandemic or no pandemic, the babies are coming and we will work tirelessly to give them the second chance they deserve,” said Gary Weitzman, SDHS president/CEO. “While our baby shower is a virtual event for everyone’s safety this year, we need the community’s support just as much so we can care for the thousands of orphaned and injured baby wildlife who will undoubtedly come through our doors this spring.”

BILL WOULD CAP DELIVERY APP FEESCalifornia State Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez (D-San Diego) has introduced new legislation, Assembly Bill 286, to create a more equitable food delivery marketplace for restaurants.“Restaurants are being taken for a ride by multi-billion dollar food delivery companies,” Gonzalez said. “The piecemeal approach to this problem by local governments is not enough. We need to create statewide rules that protect struggling businesses against these price-gouging tactics.”    AB 286 would require food delivery apps to give their customers and partnered restaurants an accurate, clearly identified and itemized cost breakdown of each transaction. Delivery app companies would be prohibited from taking any portion of money intended to be a tip or gratuity for the delivery driver.AB 286 continues the effort to establish basic standards around fair food delivery services that Assemblywoman Gonzalez started last year with the Fair Food Delivery Act, her legislation AB 2149 (2020), which ensures restaurants have explicitly agreed to delivery services before a delivery app company can offer their food. 

LJ COMMUNITY CENTER WEDNESDAY CONNECTLa Jolla Community Center is offering classes as part of its Wednesday Connect interactive sessions featuring speakers presenting interesting topics for education and discussion with Q&A’s every Wednesday at 10 a.m. The next Wednesday Connect session is: Staying Positive, Facing Frustration and Creating Opprtunities: Cindy Burke, Ph.D., Feb. 3 from 10-11 a.m.A new year is often a time for resolutions and intentions. Burke will share her insights and practical advice regarding things we can do daily to be happier and more at peace, including ten tips and questions to ask ourselves to make each day the best it can be. Register at ljcommunitycenter.org/wednesday-connect.

PBTC VIRTUAL EVENTSPacific Beach Town Council is hosting a series of free virtual events for the community. The nonprofit is kicking it off this month with their Kids Series. Tuesday, Jan. 26, 5-5:30 p.m. Kids Series: Chicka Chicka Boom Boom Story & Craft. This is a live interactive story and coordinating craft event. Tuesday, Feb. 9, 5-5:30 p.m. Kids Series Be My Valentine Story and Craf celebrating Valentine’s day with kids. Both events are sponsored by PBTC 2020 Honorary Mayor Cathie Jolley, a Pacific Beach resident and school teacher. For more information visit Pacific Beach Town Council’s Facebook page.

NEW VP AT LJ SOFTWARE FIRMLa Jolla-based MadCap Software, Inc. at 9191 Towne Centre Drive has added Aubrey Williams as vice president of sales. He joins MadCap from Siemens where he led the company’s global inside sales team. Aubrey will leverage his 20-plus years of sales management experience, including 10 years at MadCap competitor Adobe, in supporting MadCap Software’s next stage of growth. 

Sunday, Jan. 17

KAYAK CLEANUPAny kayakers out there want to do some good? The San Diego River Park Foundation is looking for people with kayaks to help remove trash from sensitive habitat at the San Diego River Estuary at a “B.Y.O.-Kayak Cleanup” on Saturday, Jan. 30. Kayaks will be sent out in three shifts: 8:15 a.m.-9:15 a.m., 9 a.m.-10 a.m., or 9:45 a.m.-10:45 a.m. Please indicate which shift you would prefer when you RSVP. For more information and to RSVP, email [email protected]Space is limited and volunteers must bring their own kayak. SDRPF staff will be enforcing COVID-19 health and safety measures to provide a safe volunteer experience for participants. If you have questions or concerns, email [email protected].

MICKELSON JOINS FARMERS OPENSan Diego native and three-time Farmers Insurance Open winner Phil Mickelson has committed to compete in the 2021 tournament, set for Jan. 28-31 at Torrey Pines Golf Course. Mickelson joins a field that currently includes 16 of the top 50 players in the Official World Golf Rankings and 16 players among the top 30 in the 2020-21 FedExCup points standings. There are also five past Farmers Insurance Open winners committed, as well as six players who have accounted for 14 major championship victories.Other San Diego products committed to the Farmers Insurance Open include Rickie Fowler, Charley Hoffman, Jamie Lovemark, Kyle Mendoza, Pat Perez, Xander Schauffele and J.J. Spaun. The field is not final until the commitment deadline on Friday, Jan. 22 shortly after conclusion of play in that week’s tournament. Click here to view the current player field.

UC SAN DIEGO E-CIGARETTE STUDYAn analysis of a large nationally representative longitudinal study by University of California San Diego Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science reportS that starting tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, before the age of 18 is a major risk factor for people becoming daily cigarette smokers. Reporting in the Jan. 11 online edition of Pediatrics, researchers found that in 2014 people age 12 to 24 who used e-cigarettes were three times as likely to become daily cigarette smokers in the future. Among those who reported using a tobacco product, daily use increased with age through age 28. Daily cigarette smoking nearly doubled between 18 to 21 year olds (12 percent) and 25 to 28 year olds (21 percent).“This is the first paper that actually looks at progression to dependent cigarette smoking among young adults. In these data, e-cigarettes are a gateway for those who become daily cigarette smokers,” said the study’s first author, John P. Pierce, PhD, professor emeritus at Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science and UC San Diego Moores Cancer Center. “The start product has changed from cigarettes to e-cigarettes, but the end product has stayed the same. When users become dependent on nicotine, they are converting to cigarette smoking.”

LA JOLLA SYMPHONYWith the COVID-19 pandemic impacting everyday life, the La Jolla Symphony and Chorus has once again re-imagined its 2020-2021 season. Titled “Stay Home With Us,” the reimagined program will combine some of the lively conversation, fascinating ideas and extraordinary music.The six-part monthly series will prepare a lively menu of musical encounters featuring interviews, solo performances and selected pre-recorded works from the La Jolla Symphony and Chorus archives. Join from your living room, or maybe from the kitchen, as you prepare a meal and enjoy a glass of wine or listen as you walk on the beach or on the trails.It will begin on Jan. 15 with a program titled “Music in Nature.” It will feature selected movements from Beethoven’s picturesque Symphony No. 8 a solo performance of John Cage’s Child of Tree by percussionist Matt LeVeque and an archived performance of L.J. White’s Community Acoustics. Productions will also be aired Feb. 19, March 19, April 16, May 14, and June 18. Series subscriptions or individual event tickets can be purchased by visiting lajollasymphony.com, by phoning the Box Office at 858-534-4637.  

NONSTOP ALASKA AIRLINES NY FLIGHTAlaska Airlines will add daily nonstop service to New York via John F. Kennedy International Airport from San Diego International Airport beginning April 4. Alaska Airlines joins three other airlines that also provide nonstop service to JFK. “We thank Alaska Airlines for adding new, nonstop service to JFK from SAN,” said Kimberly Becker, San Diego County Regional Airport Authority President and CEO. “This service will complement Alaska Airlines’ daily nonstop service to Newark Liberty International Airport, providing passengers with additional options to get to the New York metropolitan area. We appreciate Alaska Airlines’ investment in San Diego as a West Coast hub.”This is the first new route Alaska Airlines has added this year. The airline will begin nonstop service to Missoula, Mont. March 11. Tickets are already on sale at alaskaair.com.  

GONZALEZ ASSEMBLY BILLDuring the COVID-19 crisis, California students are missing out on crucial learning time that could have long-term effects on their educational progress. Assembly Bill 104 by California State Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez (D-San Diego) will help disadvantaged K-12 students recover from nearly a year of lost instruction time with opportunities for grade recovery, supplemental instruction, and intervention programs designed to tackle students’ socio-emotional needs.Gonzalez’s AB 104, also known as the COVID-19 Student Learning Recovery Act of 2021, will provide local education agencies in the state a roadmap to hold California students harmless for lost learning time during the COVID-19 crisis. Under this legislation, students would receive academic instruction based on their individual needs, with specific supports for English learners and students with exceptional needs, in small cohorts or in the form of distance learning if public health conditions prevent schools from reopening safely.

NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTORGirls on the Run San Diego enters the new year with new leadership, hiring Anna Maria Gentiluomo Maybury as its new executive director. Maybury brings to Girls on the Run San Diego extensive experience in the nonprofit space, having worked previously with San Diego Children’s Discovery Museum, Project Left Behind, and Voices for Children.

In her role as executive director, she will lead organizational development and strategic planning, optimize financial performance and cultivate existing and future charitable partnerships, manage the Girls on the Run San Diego staff, and oversee all programming in San Diego County. For more information about Girls on the Run and how to register as an individual or start a new team for the spring season, visit gotrsd.org.

Tuesday, Jan. 12

MAYOR REACTS TO VIOLENT PB PROTESTS“This past weekend, we saw violent confrontations and destruction following the outrageous events last Wednesday in Washington, D.C., when the President used lies and disinformation to incite his followers to storm and ransack the Capitol, causing the deaths of five people,” said Mayor Todd Gloria in a release. “Violence will not be tolerated in San Diego. There will be consequences for those who bring that kind of behavior to our city. I am asking for the public’s help in identifying anyone who was seen committing acts of violence in Pacific Beach. Please report those incidents and individuals to the San Diego Police Department as soon as possible.“The City of San Diego will always support the people’s right to demonstrate and voice their opinions while taking measures to keep the peace and prevent violence,” added Gloria. “However, I want to remind San Diegans that COVID-19 continues to kill thousands of Americans every day, and the smartest thing all of us can do right now is stay home.”Anyone with information leading police investigators to those who acted violently last weekend in PB should call the San Diego Police Department’s Northern Division Substation at 858-552-1700.

ROSE CREEK BIKEWAY PROGRESSINGOver the past several months, SANDAG construction crews have made significant progress constructing the Rose Creek Bikeway that runs two miles along Santa Fe Street between the cul-de-sac at the north end (south of SR 52) and the new Mission Bay Drive undercrossing (north of Garnet Avenue).Recent construction activities included:

• Roadway striping

• Planting trees and groundcover

• Irrigation improvements

• Stormwater maintenance

• Electrical work

• Grading and paving

• Installing curb, fences, and railing

Upcoming construction activities will include building the raised median for the bikeway on Santa Fe Street, paving the path along the creek, continued planting of trees and ground cover, habitat restoration, and the installation of lighting, signage, and other finishing touches. The bikeway is expected to be completed in spring 2021.

SEA WORLD DRIVE-THRUSeaWorld San Diego is giving fans a whole new way to enjoy the park with the first Sesame Street Parade of Lights Drive-Thru. Guests can experience the all-new drive-thru event on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from Jan. 15 through Feb. 14. With enhanced health and safety measures in place, the new drive-thru allows guests to drive under SeaWorld’s Skytower lights and through light tunnels while enjoying the only Sesame Street Parade of Lights on the West Coast. The experience features everyone’s favorite furry friends dancing along to a lively Sesame Street soundtrack.“This is an exciting new way for families to experience SeaWorld’s Sesame Street Party Parade and an incredible winter wonderland of lights from the safety of their own cars,” said park president Marilyn Hannes. “As we continue to promote our enhanced health and safety protocols, we are thrilled to offer this unique opportunity so our guests can enjoy SeaWorld like never before.”After passing through the entrance, guests will begin their journey by meandering through a winter wonderland of lights lined with their Sesame Street friends physically distanced on parade floats while listening to Sesame Street music along the way. The excitement continues as guests venture under the illuminated Skytower and watch in awe as they drive through two different tunnels of lights before cruising through the Sesame Street Village. Seasonal favorite snacks will be available to enjoy in the car with limited contact purchasing. Advance purchase of date and time-specific tickets are required and start at $49.99 per vehicle. Tickets are on sale and advance reservations are required for all visitors to manage capacity. 

HIGH MARKS FOR CITY BUILDING CODE EFFECTIVENESSIn recognition of the City of San Diego’s exemplary efforts to enforce and administer the building code, the Insurance Services Office has given the City its second-highest national rating for effectiveness and performance.The ISO rating recognizes the City’s Development Services Department and its dedication to comprehensive building plan reviews and field inspection services. DSD staff work with developers, residents, and businesses to ensure new buildings are code-compliant, have structural integrity and minimize catastrophe-related damage, ultimately helping lower insurance costs for property owners.“Through the proactive upkeep of the building code and regulating the design and construction of buildings, we are reducing vulnerabilities from the devastating effects of natural disasters,” said Mayor Todd Gloria. “DSD’s efforts help protect public welfare and provide future cost-savings on insurance premiums for homeowners and small businesses.”As a statistical, rating, and advisory organization, the ISO evaluated more than 14,000 building departments nationwide in 2020, providing advisory insurance underwriting and rating information to insurers. Its Building Code Effectiveness Grading Schedule is a rating system that ranks how well municipalities mitigate property damage caused by natural disasters. The system is used by individual property insurance carriers to help set rates.“The ISO evaluated our current staffing capabilities, the codes enforced and the quantity of permits reviewed and inspected, determining that we have achieved the second-highest rating in the industry,” said DSD deputy director and chief building official Kelly Charles. “Though we are rated among the nation’s best, we will continue to improve our training and staff development to serve the City of San Diego even better.” Visit DSD’s website to view the most requested services, make an appointment, and to find other project and permitting resources. 

CESARINA EXPANDS IN POINT LOMAOne of San Diego’s more popular Italian restaurants, Cesarina has taken over the 1,100-square-foot space across the street in Point Loma and will open Angelo, a bakery and pizza shop with a full bar set to debut later this year. After relocating to San Diego from Rome, Cesarina Mezzoni and her husband Niccolò Angius started their Cesarina brand as a pasta vendor at area farmers markets before launching their first brick-and-mortar restaurant in March 2019 in Point Loma. In order to expand operations, the couple has taken over space across the street that previously housed Richard Hosker Whyte Antiques to open a compact bakery with a pizza component. Angelo is expected to open later this year at 4060 Voltaire St. and Point Loma. In addition to having a small dining area with a chefs’ table for intimate meals, the eatery will be used for much of the preparation at both restaurants, including making fresh pasta, pizza, sauces, and bakery items like Italian desserts and cakes. Angelo will also have a full bar thanks to the eatery obtaining the liquor license from the now-defunct Jolt N Joes La Mesa branch. For more information about Cesarina, visit cesarinarestaurant.com.

LINK BETWEEN METABOLISM AND DEPRESSIONResearchers at University of California San Diego School of Medicine, in collaboration with Dutch scientists, have found that certain metabolites — small molecules produced by the process of metabolism — may be predictive indicators for persons at risk for recurrent major depressive disorder. The findings were published in the Jan. 11 online issue of Translational Psychiatry.“This is evidence for a mitochondrial nexus at the heart of depression,” said senior author Robert K. Naviaux, MD, PhD, professor of medicine, pediatrics, and pathology at UC San Diego School of Medicine. “It’s a small study, but it is the first to show the potential of using metabolic markers as predictive clinical indicators of patients at greatest risk — and lower risk — for recurring bouts of major depressive symptoms.”Clinical depression is a mood disorder characterized by multiple symptoms in combination: feelings of sadness or hopelessness, anger or frustration, loss of interest, sleep disturbances, anxiety, slowed or difficulty thinking suicidal thoughts, and unexplained physical problems, such as back pain or headaches.Major depressive disorder (MDD) is among the most common mental illnesses in the United States, with an estimated lifetime prevalence of 20.6 percent, meaning one in five Americans will suffer at least one episode during their lives. For patients who have recurrent MDD (rMDD), the five-year recurrence risk is up to 80 percent. View the full study at nature.com/articles/s41398-020-01182-w#Sec31.

NONSTOP JAPAN FLIGHTS RESUME AT SAN DIEGO AIRPORTJapan Airlines has resumed nonstop flights between Tokyo, Japan via Narita International Airport and San Diego International Airport . The service will operate three times a week with the first arrival into San Diego on March 2 and the first departure from San Diego on March 3. The resumption comes after Japan Airlines suspended service in April 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.“Japan Airlines provides the greater San Diego area with an important nonstop link to Asia,” said Kimberly Becker, San Diego County Regional Airport Authority president and CEO. “By providing Japan with direct access to our region, San Diego is more competitive and attractive to those individuals looking to vacation or conduct business in Southern California, which is critical to rebuilding our economy post-COVID-19. We look forward to welcoming travelers from Asia once again and thank Japan Airlines for resuming this important service.”Japan Airlines became the first airline to launch nonstop flights between Asia and San Diego when they inaugurated service to Tokyo in December 2012. Pre-COVID-19, the airline offered daily nonstop flights which were immensely popular. For schedule and tickets, visit jal.com/en/. 

CODE UPDATES STREAMLINE PERMITTINGTo keep up with the ever-changing needs of the City of San Diego’s land uses, the City Council has approved an update to the code that regulates the development and use of properties. Among the 44 items in this Land Development Code Update, applicants can now turn ground floor commercial spaces into residential uses more quickly.Additionally, recreational amenities in the public right of way will no longer need a development permit, and adult day care facility regulations will now be defined in the City’s Municipal Code. “Each component of this update is a step toward fulfilling the City’s goals of creating more dynamic neighborhoods that are more inclusive and sustainable,” said Mayor Todd Gloria. “These updates are also about adapting to the challenges we face during this time. We are enduring a housing crisis and it’s important we make it easier to build more homes for San Diegans. In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s also critical that we support local businesses and help them get through this.” “Land Development Code Updates are crucial to keeping the City progressing in a positive direction, adapting to new trends such as an aging population, and anticipating for what is expected to come,” said Planning Department Director Mike Hansen. “These updates remove unnecessary barriers to ensure our City’s needs, like making it easier to create housing, are met.” 

Thursday, Jan. 7

BALLET BARRE ZOOM CLASSESStarting on Monday, Jan. 11, City Ballet School in Pacific Beach will offer one-hour Ballet Barre Zoom classes. It’s fun and perfect for all fitness levels. Sculpt your way to a dancer’s body in the comfort of your home. Ballet Barre classes are a way to achieve a dancer’s physique without having to learn choreography.  Classes feature exercises using the ballet barre that tone your legs, lift your glutes and strengthen your upper body core. The class ends with a stretch to help you relax and to lengthen your muscles.Contact the City Ballet School office at 858-274-6058 weekdays between 9 a.m.-1 p.m. or 3-7 p.m. You will receive a Zoom meeting invitation to join the Ballet Barre Classes. If you are not a student currently enrolled at City Ballet School, complete the 2020-2021 Adult Registration Form and submit via email to [email protected].

NEW PORT CEOThe Port of San Diego Board has selected Joe Stuyvesant as its next president/CEO. Stuyvesant, who currently serves as executive director at Navy Region Southwest, was considered the top candidate among hundreds of applicants after a vigorous nationwide search that began in September. Stuyvesant’s contract is expected to be ratified at the Jan. 19 board meeting and it’s expected he will assume his duties Feb. 1.Stuyvesant served in the United States Navy for 30 years. His primary assignment in the Navy was as a naval aviator. Stuyvesant will lead more than 500 employees managing the Port, a specially created state district responsible for more than 14,000 acres of tideland, bay, and beaches along 34 miles of waterfront in five cities.

• Einstein Bros. Bagels: Receive any egg sandwich of your choice, such as crowd-favorites like the Farmhouse and Chorizo Sunrise, for free with any purchase when you order ahead through the brand’s mobile app.

• Noah’s New York Bagels: Receive any egg sandwich of your choice on a high quality, fresh-baked New York-style bagel for free with any purchase when you Order Ahead through the brand’s mobile app. 

• Bruegger’s Bagels: A free, fresh-baked and authentic New York-style bagel and cream cheese with any purchase when you Order Ahead through the brand’s mobile app.

AIRPORT BOARD APPOINTEENewly elected County Supervisor Nora Vargas of Chula Vista has been appointed to the board of the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority replacing former Supervisor Greg Cox. Vargas was nominated by Board of Supervisors Chair Nathan Fletcher and confirmed by the full board on Jan. 5. The Airport Authority, which operates San Diego International Airport, is governed by a nine-member Board whose members are appointed by elected officials representing all areas of San Diego County.

NEEDS ASSESSMENT SURVEYThrough Jan.15, Circulate San Diego is working alongside the County of San Diego’s Community Action Partnership to collect input about community needs across the region. To ensure the community has a voice in the process, the County and CSD invite residents to participate in a Community Needs Assessment Survey and Community Conversations being held virtually.The purpose of the 2020 Needs Assessment is to identify current strengths, needs, and ideas for future services in the community. Previous Needs Assessments have identified top needs to be youth programs, housing, gang activity, community engagement, access to healthy food, infrastructure improvement, employment, education, and transportation. Take the survey by Jan. 15 and be entered to win a $100 Amazon Gift Card. surveymonkey.com/r/SanDiegoNeedsAssessment2020.

SCRIPPS PARK UPDATEConstruction activity is continuing for the EB Scripps Park Comfort Station Replacement Project to replace outdated and deteriorating restroom-shower facilities with an attractive, sustainable pavilion honoring the beauty of the Cove and Scripps Park. Work has begun on the foundation of the north building. The crews expect to pour the walls in the early weeks of January. Work will continue on the structural elements of the buildings for the next few months. The project remains on schedule and is anticipated for completion this summer.

UC SAN DIEGO TOPS FOR LUNG TRANSPLANTSThe university’s lung transplant program ranks among the nation’s best. Recently, the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients announced its biannual report, released every January and July, ranking transplant programs across the United States. The SRTR evaluates the status of the nation’s solid organ transplant system and provides data analyses to transplant programs, organ procurement organizations, policymakers, transplant professionals, transplant recipients, organ donors, and donor families, as well as the general public to help improve overall recipient outcomes.In the latest rankings, UC San Diego Health’s lung transplant program was first in the nation for one-year patient survival outcomes among programs with a volume of 30 to 100 lung transplants performed, and second in the nation among all lung transplant programs. According to the SRTR, the probability of UC San Diego Health lung transplant recipients surviving one-year post-transplant is 98.59 percent, which is higher than the expected rate of 90.94 percent and national average rate of 89.86 percent.

FRIDGE RUN BENEFITS FOOD BANKCutwater Spirits’ First Fridge Run benefiting The San Diego Food Bank will take place virtually on Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 23-24. Those interested in participating in the lighthearted competition can purchase a race kit and register at cutwaterspirits.com/fridge-run-2021. All race kit proceeds go to the San Diego Food Bank, and Cutwater will provide at least 125,000 meals to the community. Direct donations can also be made on the registration site. Actor Kevin McHale and comedian Sarah Colonna are joining Cutwater for the race-from-home challenge by posting footage of their “race day training routines” (to and from the fridge) on Instagram.Participants are encouraged to do the same and share training, race-prep and “most epic” weekend strides to the fridge content for a chance to win prizes like a fridge-full of Cutwater Spirits’ award-winning canned cocktails. The winners’ podium will include Best in Show, Most Creative, Most Athletic, Best Music and/or Choreography and Best Fridge/Finish Line.

POINT LOMA PLAYHOUSE CLASSESNonprofit Point Loma Playhouse at 3035 Talbot St. is offering classes for all levels Jan. 11 through Feb. 8. Hamilton resident director Hannah Ryan will show how Trust The Text will strengthen your acting skills through text-based analysis of new works. With the goal of finding strength in truth, you will learn to approach new and developing pieces of theatre with an action-based objective. The five-week live class begins Monday, Jan. 11 at 4 p.m. For more information, visit pointlomaplayhouse.com.

Wednesday, Jan. 6

WINTER READING CHALLENGEConnect with characters and explore new stories this January with the City of San Diego Public Library’s annual Winter Reading Challenge. The program, which began Jan. 1, and the theme, Books Like Us, is a celebration of diversity and stories that reflect the unique experiences of people around the world. The Winter Reading Challenge is open to children and adults. Participants who complete the program by reading five books or logging five hours of reading are eligible for a variety of prizes including passes to San Diego’s Museum of Us, meal vouchers, puzzles and journals.The program runs through Jan. 31. Participants can register online and view of list of recommended books at sandiego.gov/WinterReading and join the San Diego Public Library’s Virtual Hub for storytimes and book discussions. For a list of available in-person and online library services, visit the San Diego Public Library’s web page. 

FARMERS INSURANCE OPEN RETURNSThree notable players have committed this week to compete in the 2021 Farmers Insurance Open, set for Jan. 28-31 at Torrey Pines Golf Course:

• Jon Rahm – World No. 2 and 2017 Farmers Insurance Open champion;

• Brooks Koepka – World No. 12 and four-time major championship winner;

• Marc Leishman – World No. 28 and 2020 Famers Insurance Open champion.

 Rahm, Koepka and Leishman join a field that currently includes 15 of the top 50 players in the Official World Golf Rankings and 15 players among the top 30 in the 2020-21 FedExCup points standings. There are also three past Farmers Insurance Open winners committed, as well as five players who have accounted for nine major championship victories. San Diego products committed to the Farmers Insurance Open include Rickie Fowler, Charley Hoffman, Jamie Lovemark, Kyle Mendoza, Pat Perez, Xander Schauffele and J.J. Spaun.

STATE RELIEF AID EXTENDEDSmall Businesses and nonprofits now have some extra time to apply for $500 million in State of California COVID-19 relief funds. The San Diego and Imperial Small Business Development Center, Supervisor Nathan Fletcher and The San Diego Foundation have partnered to make sure those funds get into the hands of those who have been most impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Interested entities can apply at CaReliefgrant.com. They have until 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 13.Gov. Gavin Newsom announced in December $500 million in grant funds for small businesses and nonprofits. This is not a first-come, first-serve grant. All applications will start to be reviewed following the closure of the application period. These grants are to cover business expenses and specifically for small businesses hit by the pandemic.

BLOOD DONOR MONTHSan Diego Blood Bank is celebrating National Blood Donor Month throughout January by inviting eligible individuals to donate blood and convalescent plasma in 2021 with the goal of creating a robust supply that can meet local hospital patient needs. To be eligible to donate blood you must be at least 17 years old, weigh at least 114 pounds and be in general good health. Appointments are required and available by visiting sandiegobloodbank.org or by calling 619-400-8251.

ROSE CREEK GUIDED WALKA guided walk around Rose Creek to learn about native plants and animals that co-exist in the estuary will be held from noon to 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 9. There will be a 10-person maximum, masks are required and there will be no sharing of binoculars with people outside their own household. Rose Creek is a hidden treasure in Pacific Beach, a quiet, peaceful stroll under the hanging Eucalyptus trees that line the walking path on the west side and the bike path on the east side. You might see or hear the osprey family, kingfisher, great blue heron, hawk, egrets, and the mud feeders; plovers, willits, sandpipers and ducks.Wear sturdy shoes, bring binoculars and your camera or smart phone and a coat. Suitable for all ages. Guests will be walking on mostly flat paved and dirt trails. Meet at the Mission Bay High School Faculty parking lot off Grand Ave and next to the Creek. Here is a google map pin with the location of where to park.

NEW LA MESA BARBECUELa Mesa’s newest addition, Smokey & The Brisket, is ready to ring in the new year with toothsome barbecue sure to become a staple favorite in the neighborhood’s growing culinary scene. Locals and visitors can curb cravings as they savor the smokey goodness of barbecue prepared the old-fashioned way, with custom techniques that are revved up with flavor and quality. Smokey & the Brisket is now open for lunch and dinner Tuesdays through Sundays from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., in a 5,000-square-foot space at 5465 Lake Murray Blvd.Smokey & The Brisket’s seasoned owner and chef is San Diego restaurateur, Alberto Morreale, who is behind such concepts as Farmer’s Table and Farmer’s Bottega. The barbecue concept is Morreale’s second La Mesa eatery, and he has a real heart for the community. Call for more information at 619-439-6544.

AMBROSIA 15 TRANSFORMINGSemola Pasta is leaving the Little Italy Food Hall and re-opening sometime in early 2021 in La Jolla as Semola – The Ambrogio15 Pasta Bar on 7556 Fay Ave. The new establishment will feature a menu with several modern pasta dishes that will share the same philosophy of high quality, gourmet ingredients and recipes that made Ambrogio successful. There will also be some special dishes inspired by the owner’s hometown of Milano, Italy. The new location has a beautiful patio. The eatery will also always be available for take-out and delivery. Say tuned and follow at semolapastasd.

ODDITIES & CURIOSITIES EXPOFor Lovers of the strange, unusual, and biizarre, the Oddities & Curiosities Expo is coming to San Diego Jan. 16 at the Del Mar Fairgrounds. The event focuses on the weird, with local and national vendors selling all things strange and unusual. You’ll see items such as taxidermy, preserved specimens, odd antiques, horror and Halloween merchandise, original artwork, animal and human skulls/bones, jewelry made from insects/bones, clothing, antique medical equipment, vintage circus collectibles and much more. For more information, visit odditiesandcuriositiesexpo.com.