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S A N D I EG O S C E N ESAN DIEGOSCENEThe Nikon N-SIM approximately doubles the resolution of conventional optical microscopes.Scripps Research Institute Partners With NikonTo Establish Advanced Microscopy FacilityThe Scripps Research Institute and Nikon Instruments Inc. have openedthe Nikon Center of Excelence, allowing the opportunity for TSRI researchersto probe more deeply and clearly into the microscopic elements ofcells. According to Nikon officials, the partnership aims to lower the barriersfor establishing a state-of-the-art microscopy facility and to enable a freeexchange of ideas, methodologies and technologies between TSRI investigatorsand Nikon’s development teams. Ulrich Mueller, director of the DorrisNeuroscience Center, said the partnership will provide researchers withrapid access to the most modern imaging technology currently available. “Asan added advantage,” he said, “we will be able to develop technological solutionsto imaging problems that can be transformative for the research communityas a whole.”The imaging facility includes a newly installed Nikon N-SIM microscopysystem, which produces nearly two times the resolution as conventional opticalmicroscopes and enables detailed visualization of minute intracellularstructures and their interactive functions.Graduate student George Campbellchecks out the super-resolution microscope,which enables scientists to viewintracellular structures and molecularactivities, in TSRI’s new Nikon Center ofExcellence. (Photo by Cindy Brauer.)2 9 T H A N N I V E R S A R Y 1 9 8 5 - 2 0 1 4 | J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 4 | S A N D I E G O M E T R O . C O M5

S A N D I EG O S C E N EWestgate Hotel Opens New Rooftop AmenitiesThe Westgate Hotel has opened its new rooftop pool, lounge and fitnessamenities with 360-degree views of San Diego’s Downtown skyline.Designed by Hollander Design Group, the 10,000-square-foot rooftopdeck creates a new venue for events, leisure and fitness. The opening of therooftop pool now allows The Westgate Hotel to accommodate large eventsfor up to 340 guests. Views of the urban skyline are set apart by therooftop’s modern design, highlighted by an expansive landscape wall displaycreated by GreenScaped Buildings. The reimagined space also offerscocktail and dining services, available by the touch of a poolside phone toroom service. Additional features include modern lounge furniture and ajacuzzi available exclusively to guests. Features include a Junior Olympicsized lap pool (heated year-round), a 1/10 Olympic running track andoutdoor fitness equipment.SDSU Basketball Performance CenterTo Break Ground in Spring 2014San Diego State University President Elliot Hirshmanand Athletic Director Jim Sterk announced plansfor a 23,500-square-foot Basketball Performance Center,with a groundbreaking set for late spring 2014. The$14.5-million facility, which will be located just southof the Fowler Athletics Center and east of the footballpractice fields, will include two full-length courts, eightbaskets, locker rooms, film rooms, team lounges, athletictraining room and coaches locker rooms to help supportthe Aztec men’s and women’s championship basketballprograms. Although a majority of the funds have beenpledged, fundraising continues for the project, which istentatively scheduled to be completed in 2015.The seven-time Mountain West champion men’sbasketball program has been to the NCAA tournamenta school-record four consecutive seasons. The women’sbasketball team has won five Mountain West championshipsand advanced to postseason play in four of thepast five seasons.“This has been a priority for the basketball programsfor some time and will help both basketball programsimmensely,” said men’s coach Steve Fisher. “This will beanother showcase facility for the athletic department aswell as the university as a whole.”Rendering of Basketball Performance Center at SDSU.2 9 T H A N N I V E R S A R Y 1 9 8 5 - 2 0 1 4 | J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 4 | S A N D I E G O M E T R O . C O M9

4 0 U N D E R 4 0Thank You to 40 Under 40 Winners and FriendsScenes from September’s Awards Luncheon2 9 T H A N N I V E R S A R Y 1 9 8 5 - 2 0 1 4 | J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 4 | S A N D I E G O M E T R O . C O M1 1

F R A N C H I S I N GGetting a Business in a BoxTips on getting and running a successful franchiseFranchising is big business in corporate America; conceptsrange from McDonald’s, Hooters and Subway to service-basedconcepts such as Massage Envy, Super Cuts and Jiffy Lube.Owning a franchise means you can be your own boss. It is a solidbusiness endeavor for budding entrepreneurs, but it is not for thefaint of heart. Engagement in the day-to-day operations is criticaland a lot more than most realize. Owners will spend most of theirtime on two things — the management of employees and attractingcustomers.The International Franchise Association reports that theamount of franchise establishments in the U.S. is predicted to increaseby 1.4 percent in 2013, slightly short of the 1.5 percentgrowth seen in 2012.Carlsbad-based Dennis Conklin is the regional developer formany franchise concepts. In addition to Massage Envy Spa, he alsooversees the development of The Joint…the Chiropractic Place anduntil recently, the regional developer for European Wax Center. Inaddition, he is currently developing a new franchise concept in thewellness and anti-aging arena that will roll out next year nationwide.Conklin advises to those interested in getting into franchisingthat when selecting a concept, one should look for the need andhow it can be filled by a franchise — and then make sure that it isscalable.In the case of Massage Envy Spa, Conklin selected to become theregional developer in multiple states, because of how the productwas brought to market to bring massage to the masses. MassageEnvy Spa focused on the wellness aspect of massage rather thanthe luxury mentality often associated with it.Franchise costs vary considerably. To open a Massage Envy Spa,the cost ranges from $300,000 to $500,000 with a $45,000 licensefee. Another example is The Joint ... the Chiropractic Place,where the franchise cost is $29,000 for the license with openingcosts of about $100,000.Interested franchisees need to weigh the cost of the buy-in tothe concept, as well as the costs for build-out, real estate of thelease — and then take a hard look at how soon the franchise canbe profitable by doing due diligence and a lot of homework.The money is the easy part to evaluate, but one needs to lookdeeper. In choosing a concept, one must look at market saturation,as well as available territory, in addition to their true interestin the brand. Location and territory also play a huge role in thesuccess of the franchise. The prospective owner must weigh notonly the competition, but figure out what resources are availableto the business, such as where to get qualified employees and howto get repeat customers.Corporate support is extremely important. How involved is thecorporation in helping the franchisee to succeed?Being an only location could be good or bad, depending on thebrand. Case in point, Dunkin Donuts has an aggressive franchisegrowth plan in Southern California, but there is only one SanDiego location open and it is based at Camp Pendleton with, accordingto a recent story in UT San Diego, no additional onesplanned on the near horizon to open. Know the growth patterns1 2S A N D I E G O M E T R O . C O M | J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 4 | 2 9 T H A N N I V E R S A R Y 1 9 8 5 - 2 0 1 4

F R A N C H I S I N Gand places from the franchise corporate office to be armed to makethe best decision for the best success.In addition, check to see if the concept is keeping current withbringing fresh new products to the market to keep customers comingin the door, so that the business and concept are constantlyrelevant and growing, not shrinking and downsizing.Massage Envy started in Scottsdale, Ariz., in 2000. Today, thereare more than 900 locations in the United States and Canada –with 23 open currently in San Diego and another four slated toopen countywide. To stay current and on the forefront of theircustomers from the traditional massage membership model whenthey launched, they have since added additional services andtransformed into Massage Envy Spa offering healthy skin facialsand enhanced aroma therapies and hot stone massage to complimenttheir original business model. Not only does it extend therunway of services for customers to enjoy, but it also expands thebrand’s longevity, marketability and in the end, profitability.The Genovese family of San Diego own five Massage Envy Spasand two European Wax Centers with three licenses that they stillneed to develop for wax centers in San Diego. After having successfuljobs in the high-tech sector of corporate America, they investedin the two franchise concepts.“We came across the opportunity on massage and looked intothe therapeutic benefits when we were experiencing the stress wehad with the startup world in corporate America,” said D’OnnGenovese. “We believed in the concept and we thought the membershipfor massage was the way to go as a business model. Sometimeswhen you look at a concept it comes down to sheer numbersand what can make you go the distance. Franchising is getting abusiness in a box. It is hard work, but if you believe in what yousell, as we do, it is worth it.”Franchising is indeed a solid way for business entrepreneurs tolive the American Dream and become a small business owner. Andpeople need to realize that by supporting a local franchise they arehelping build their community, as well as supporting a businessand a neighbor to help fuel that dream.California has only one Dunkin Donuts franchise, and it’s atCamp Pendleton.Family owned since 1979. Owner Tony D'Amatoand chef Domenico Alioto.D’Onn Genovese and her family own five Massage Envy Spas inSan Diego and two European Wax Centers. ‘Franchising is gettinga business in a box. It is hard work, but if you believe in whatyou sell, as we do, it is worth it,’ she says.Great Italian cuisine, osso buco,swordfish oreganato and much more.Now serving lunch, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m1955 West Morena Boulevard,San Diego 92110(619) 275-20942 9 T H A N N I V E R S A R Y 1 9 8 5 - 2 0 1 4 | J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 4 | S A N D I E G O M E T R O . C O M1 3

C OV E R S TO RYe ink LocalFirst PhilosophyBy buying local products and services, governmentsand businesses can strengthen the region’s economyTHINK LOCAL FIRST! The initiative,the brainchild of Debra Rosen, presidentof the San Diego North Chamber of Commerce,is designed to grow jobs,strengthen the local tax base and championcommerce in the San Diego region.“We want to encourage local purchasing,hiring and contracting of services,”Rosen said.“When the general public, governmentagencies, and school districts purchaseproducts, services and hire within the regionthey have a tremendous impact onthe strength and success of the businessesand communities involved,” she said.The San Diego North Chamber of Commerce’s600-plus members represent abroad spectrum of businesses and professionalpeople who live and work in an areabetween Route 52 and Camp PendletonMarine base.The Chamber is the central connectingpoint for Think Local First.By unifying this diverse and uniquegroup of businesses under the Think LocalFirst philosophy, the Chamber has gainedsupport from many elected officials. Keepingcommerce and tax revenue withinlocal communities has a direct impact onDebra Rosen, president of the San Diego NorthChamber of Commerce, developed the ThinkLocal First initiative to strengthen the region’seconomy.the vibrancy of every neighborhood.Every city and public organization is inneed of services and often issues what isknown as a “Request for Proposals” (RFPs)from the community for those needs.Many local businesses are not aware ofhow, where or when these PFPs are issued.The Chamber’s website (www.thinklocalfirstsd.com)provides a long number oflinks to local jurisdictions and public entitieswhich regularly issue RFPs, and howto do business with their organizations.The Chamber has case studies, based onpublic records, which show the dollaramounts that cities are spending with vendorsoutside the San Diego area.The city of Poway, according to theChamber, made purchases to outside vendorsin 2012 that amounted to$9,994.291.75. Based on an eight percentsales tax rate, this meant Poway lost$799,543.34 in potential sales tax revenuethat could have been allocated backinto the city’s general fund.The Chamber says that almost half ofall purchases made by the city of Escondidowere from vendors outside the SanDiego region. The sales tax revenue lostfrom transactions over $15,000 aloneamounted to $5,336.656.72.The city of San Diego says it is alwaysseeking vendors, suppliers and contractorswithin the region to provide quality prod-1 4S A N D I E G O M E T R O . C O M | J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 4 | 2 9 T H A N N I V E R S A R Y 1 9 8 5 - 2 0 1 4

C OV E R S TO RYucts and services at competitive prices. Interestedbusinesses are invited to registerwith the city for contracting opportunities.The Chamber has compiled the top fivegeneral fund expenditures for each of the10 cities in North County.The top two expenditures for all citiesare public safety programs, including policeand fire. Other expenditures that areshared between most of the cities includepublic works such as street maintenance,parks and recreation, and landscaping; aswell as community services such as culturalarts, and preserving public libraries.Rosen is determined to get everyone toThink Local First. “It’s not possible topurchase everything local, we know that,but if everyone could reallocate 10 percentof their spending back into theircommunities it would make a big difference.“When we purchase outside the region,our tax dollars are going to support othercommunities instead of our own.“Local commerce is critical to the vibrancyof our communities. Local businessowners invest in our localnon-profits, communities and schools andit is important that we support them andtheir sustainability in the region.”Top 5 General Fund ExpendituresBy compiling the top five general fund expendituresfor each of the 10 cities in NorthCounty, the San Diego North Chamber ofCommerce discovered that the top two expendituresfor all cities are public safetyprograms including police and fire. Other expendituresthat are shared between most ofthe cities include public works such asstreet maintenance, parks and recreation,and landscaping; as well as community servicessuch as cultural arts, and preservingpublic libraries.The Chamber recently sent out publicrecords requests to multiple cities andschool districts to find out how much of thegeneral fund they spent within and outsideof the region of San Diego County for the2012 year. Surprisingly, our municipalitieshave been spending millions of dollars outsideof the region.About 20 percent of the general fund iscomprised of local tax dollars. This meansthat a portion of tax dollars coming out ofthe pockets of local residents are beingspent on cities across the United States.Thus, local money is leaving the region andaiding other cities’ expenditures rather thanour own.Purchasing, hiring, and contracting locallywould mean that each city could increasethe amount of the general fund. As a result,cities would have more money to supportpublic safety programs, maintaining streetsand landscaping, parks and recreation, andother community services which will enhancethe quality of life in such region.2 9 T H A N N I V E R S A R Y 1 9 8 5 - 2 0 1 4 | J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 4 | S A N D I E G O M E T R O . C O M1 5

A U T ONEW CAR REVIEW: 2014 Lincoln MKZ By Eric PetersElvis did it in ’68 — maybe Lincoln willpull it off now. You know, make a comeback.No other automotive brand in recent memorywas doing so well — in the ’90s — andthen tripped over itself so badly (in the early2000s) as Ford’s luxury brand. Lincoln actuallyoutsold Cadillac for a while back in the’90s, mostly on the strength of the thenhugelypopular Navigator, which launched thehigh-end SUV craze. But then, a series ofhalted efforts (LS) and outright sales debacles(Blackwood, Mark LT) and it all went away.Today, Lincoln is barely a blip on the screenvis-a-vis other premium-brand cars. Ford sellsmore Mustangs than Lincoln sells Lincolns.Time to re-set and start over.Cars like the 2014 MKZ represent the futureof Lincoln — and a new type of Lincoln.For openers, notice that it — and all the newLincolns — are FWD-based and (in general)small-engined and very fuel efficient (theMKZ hybrid — which costs no more thanthe regular MKZ — is capable of averaging45 MPG).They are also deliberately more demurethan flash-bang Cadillacs. More Audi, andLexus-like. In fact, Lincoln seems to be tryingto re-invent itself as an American-brand Audior Lexus.It could work because there are probablyenough people out there who want a nicerthan run-of-the-mill car, who aren’t lookingfor too much car, and who would also like forit to be an American car.What It IsThe MKZ is a mid-sized, FWD-basedentry-luxury sedan based on the Ford Fusion.Like the Fusion, it’s offered with a 240 hp turbocharged2.0 liter four-cylinder engine. Unlikethe Fusion, it can also be equipped with a300 hp V-6. Either version is available withan optional AWD system, a feature unavailablein one of the MKZ’s main targets, theLexus ES. Base price is $35,925.There is also a hybrid version of the MKZthat pairs a version of the 2.0 liter engine withelectric motors and a storage battery. Thismodel is capable of averaging 45 MPG, butwhat stands out even more than its mileage isits price: Lincoln charges the same $35,925for this model as it does does for the standard(non-hybrid) MKZ with FWD.Lincoln is the first brand to offer the hybridversion of a given model without a price bump.Lexus, to cite a contrary example, wants$39,250 for the hybrid version of its ES seriessedan vs. $36,370 for the non-hybrid ES.What’s NewThe MKZ has been updated from thewheels up. New exterior, new interior, andnew drivetrains, too. The base engine is now aturbo four instead of a 3.5 liter V-6. And theoptional engine is now a 3.7 liter V-6, making300 hp vs. 263 for the previous 3.5 liter engine.The hybrid version is also much morefuel-efficient: 45 MPG in both city and highwaydriving vs. 41 city, 36 highway previously.What’s GoodAn appealing American-brand alternativeto an Audi or a Lexus. One of the best-lookingtails on four wheels. Pushbutton transmissionrange selector actually works betterthan standard lever-type shifter. It’s faster andtakes up no space on the center console becauseit’s located on the dashboard. An appropriatelysoft (and quiet) ride. Best-in-classfront seat legroom (2.4 inches more than theLexus ES).What’s Not So GoodHasn't quite got Lexus, or Audi, cachet.Resale/depreciation might be an issue. OptionalCollision Warning system can beperemptory, startling (sudden array of flashingred lights on dashtop) and can’t be turnedall the way off. Questionable baleen whalefront end treatment. “Haptic” finger-touchcontrols are slick looking, but can be fussy tolearn how to use. Three inches less legroomin the second row than Lexus ES.Under The HoodThe MKZ is available with your pick ofthree drivetrains. Standard equipment isFord’s “EcoBoost” 2.0 liter turbo four, pairedwith a six-speed automatic. This enginemakes 240 hp and is capable of getting the carto 60 in about seven seconds flat with FWD,a bit over seven seconds with the optionalAWD system. The 2.0 liter engine is also veryfuel-efficient: 22 city, 33 highway with FWDand 22 city, 31 highway with AWD. This isamong the very best in this class. The newBMW 320i, as a contrary example, comesstandard with a 180 hp 2.0 liter four that onlyjust barely out-MPGs the 240 hp MKZ, witha 23 city, 36 highway rating, while the hpequivalent(and higher-priced) BMW 328iwith the 240 hp version of the 2.0 engine registers23 city, 33 highway.However, one of the MKZ’s main competitors,the Lexus ES350, comes standardwith a 3.5 liter, 268 hp V-6 that delivers a 6.5second to 60 time and also manages 21 city, 31highway.Lincoln fires back with an optionally available3.7 liter, 300 hp V-6 that’s 32 hp strongerand matches the ES350’s s 0-60 run. You canalso order this engine with AWD, a featureLexus doesn’t offer at all in the ES350.1 6S A N D I E G O M E T R O . C O M | J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 4 | 2 9 T H A N N I V E R S A R Y 1 9 8 5 - 2 0 1 4

A U TOBut the Lincoln’s big gun, so to speak, is itsoptional hybrid powertrain. As mentioned already,there’s no additional cost. Lincolncharges the same $35,925 for this version ofthe MKZ as they do for the non-hybrid versionof the MKZ. Lexus adds $2,880 to the tabfor the hybrid ES —$39,250 vs. $36,370.BMW wants $49,650 for the hybrid version ofthe 3 Series.On The RoadFord and Lincoln, like a growing number ofcar companies, are making the case that four isplenty. And that six may well be superfluous.Go back just three or four years and you’d havea tough time finding any premium-brand carpowered by less than a six. Excepting entrylevelAudis (and Saab, RIP) fours were mostlyfor economy cars. But Lincoln, like BMW, likeLand Rover, like Audi, like Cadillac, sees a bigfuture for little engines. Goosed, of course, byturbochargers to make big (or at least sufficient)power on demand while not demandingoverly frequent refills at $4 a gallon. These lessconsumptiveengines are also a political necessityas the federal government continues toratchet upward its mandatory-minimumMPG requirements, which rise to 35.5 MPGbeginning in 2016.These new-breed turbo fours also achievewhat many automakers have been working towardfor decades but never managed to sort outbefore now: Turbocharged engines that don’tbehave like turbocharged engines. That aren’tlifeless at low RPM but snap (briefly) like anangry rattlesnake once aroused. That’s fine (andfun) in a high-performance sports car, where asudden jolt of turbo thrust is exactly what’swanted. In a car with a manual transmission,which the owner uses to work the engine andkeep it in the sweet spot of its narrow powerband.But in a luxury car with an automatic,such characteristics are as unwanted as CarlosDanger’s text messages (and pictures). What iswanted is smoothness, quietness and (mostimportant of all) confident acceleration at anyengine RPM and road speed.The 2.0 Ecoboosted engine delivers on allcounts. The low-inertia turbocharger differsfrom older designs in that it “spools up” - i.e.,delivers boost, almost instantaneously. Thedreaded dead spot, followed by a sudden, furiousinfusion of power, that formerly characterizedsmall-displacement turbocharged enginesare non-issues.At The CurbChris Bangle got truckloads of grief over the“look” he designed for BMW a few years back,and the same truck is now backing up in thedriveway of whomever it is over at Lincoln thatcame up with the krill-sifter front end treatmentthat’s the new Lincoln look. It’s not that it’s ugly.It’s just not beautiful. On the other hand, it isextremely distinctive. You can tell a new Lincolnat a glance.The RestI am not a fan of the MKZ’s optional CollisionWarning system. In theory, it alerts youto an object in your path you may not have noticed— because you are on your cell phone —with a series of flashing LED lights and audiblewarning beeps. In actual practice, the systemoften triggers for no apparent reasonunless you count trees close to the side of theroad (or tall grass or earth berms). This happenedto me several times. No car in my path,nothing at all in my path, in fact. Yet the lightsand chimes would sometimes just go off. Theeffect is startling, like a defibrillation youweren’t expecting. And more to the point, didn’tneed. Worst part? You can’t turn it completelyoff. The most you can do, via steeringwheel-mounted input pads, is adjust the sensitivity.I can’t say enough in praise of Lincoln’snot charging extra for the hybrid MKZ. Thereis no other deal like this on the market rightnow and it’s a brilliant strategy. Hybrids are,after all, supposed to save you money. If thething costs thousands more to buy than an otherwiseequivalent non-hybrid, like the ES hybrid,it doesn’t do that. Because the savings atthe pump are negated by the cost to buy. Nosuch issues here. The only negative to buyingthe MKZ hybrid over the non-hybrid MKZ isit’s a bit slower. Bit it’s not slow. Eight secondsto 60 is well within the Zone of Acceptabilityfor normal, everyday driving.The Bottom LineThe new MKZ is the first Lincoln in yearsthat’s got a real shot at reclaiming some of thecachet the brand has lost over the years — ifenough people can be enticed back into Lincolnshowrooms to give it a look.Eric Peters is the author of Automotive Atrocities”and “Road Hogs” and a former editorial writer/columnist for The Washington Times, a contributorto Cars.Com, The CarConnection. com and SDMETRO.2014 Lincoln MKZSpecifications:Base price: $35,925 (FWD); as tested $46,515 ( w/V-6engine and AWD, THX II premium Audio with surroundsound and 14 speakers, sunroof and perforated charcoalleather seat covers).Engine: 3.7. liter V-6, 300 hpTransmission: Six speed automaticLength: 194.1 inchesWidth: 73.4 inchesWheelbase: 112.2 inchesCurb weight: 4,148 lbs.Luggage capacity: 15.4 cubic feetEPA fuel economy: 18city/26 highway (V-6/AWD)Where assembled: Hermosillo, Mexico,2 9 T H A N N I V E R S A R Y 1 9 8 5 - 2 0 1 4 | J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 4 | S A N D I E G O M E T R O . 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R E S TA U R A N T R E V I E WMission Beach AllureCANNONBALL MAKES A BIG SPLASH AT BELMONT PARKBy David RottenbergIt may be winter but don’t stop enjoying thelovely beaches of San Diego. America’s finestcity enjoys America’s finest weather, with many“beach days” even when other parts of ourcountry are covered with deep snow. It is greatfun to lie on the sand wearing a bathing suit inbalmy sunlight even in December. Or, betteryet, why not simply gaze on beachgoers whileenjoying great food and enticing drinks fromthe comfortable rooftop Cannonball.Cannonball is a new restaurant plus loungethat opened with a bang on July 4 in BelmontPark, atop where Canes used to be. Completelyredone, it looks like a swimming pool area sansthe water. Lounges, gleaming white tile, firepitsand hammocks add to the ambiance. Clearglass windows allow exceptional views of thesky, sand and water. If the sun gets too hot,unique umbrellas shaped like lily pods provideample shade. At night, when the sun goesdown and the air turns cool, stationary heaterscast wide circles of warmth. Several firepits,surrounded with comfortable seating, createcozy private areas for meeting with friends.What a great venue at which to relish inthe glowing sunsets, which can be made allthe more brilliant by tasty cocktails such asthe Skinny Dip Margarita, blending smoothAvion Silver Tequila with the sweet heavinessof Grand Marnier. Pepper, not salt, coats therim. Or, try the aptly named Sunset Colada,a more traditional mix of Bacardi Rum andpina colada.Cannonball is a dive. That is, a cannonballis a way to jump into a pool, rounding one’sbody by tucking legs to the chest, to make thebiggest splash possible when hitting thewater. It is a fitting name for its pool-like ambianceand for the impact of the venue onBelmont Park. It adds appreciably to the attractionsof one of San Diego’s oldest entertainmentvenues.Belmont Park predates the opening of Cannonballby exactly 88 years. The park was builtby John Spreckels, one of San Diego’s pioneerland developers, to attract residents in order tosell real estate lots in Mission Beach. The parkoffered amusement rides, including the GiantDipper, one of the few remaining wooden rollercoasters. Also built was The Plunge, a large indoorpool, whose utility could be questioned,1 8 S A N D I E G O M E T R O . C O M | J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 4 | 2 9 T H A N N I V E R S A R Y 1 9 8 5 - 2 0 1 4

R E S TA U R A N T R E V I E WThe Lobster Roll.since the ocean was so close.Now, the park features rides, restaurants andwaves. WaveHouse has machines that createtwo types of waves. One, FlowBarrel called“Bruticus Maximus” (or “bmax”) and featuresan eight-foot barreling wave. The other wave isa smaller sheet wave known as a FlowRider.Skilled (and semi-skilled) surfers can nowenjoy the thrills of surfing indoors, regardlessof weather and great whites.And, the park offers something very rare inCalifornia for entertainment venues — free admissionand lots of free parking.During the passage of years, the fortunes ofthe park have gone up and down. Recently, theoperators of the park were involved in highstakeslitigation with the city of San Diego. Butthings are now moving in very positive directions.Management of the property has beentaken over by EDS (Eat, Drink, Sleep), a locallybased company. In the past 15 years, EDS hasestablished a luxury, lifestyle brand that includesfour boutique hotel properties, nine conceptdrivenrestaurants, an iconic beachfront amusementpark and two golf courses. The companyis bringing its skill and cash to restore the parkto glory.Cannonball is one of its first efforts. It occupies6,000 square feet of rooftop, offering lotsof room to relax and enjoy. Still a “work inprogress” as the rear section of the rooftop isstill under development, the bar area featuresfour televisions where the current games areGarlic Schrimp.being shown. High tables and chairs make iteasy to look over to watch beachgoers and sunsets.Every seat has an ocean view.The real magic is in the kitchen, where BradWise runs the show. In fact, he runs the showfor all the eateries at the park. At Cannonball,he’s doing a great job.Chef Wise hails from Cape May, N.J., alovely Victorian town. He began his careerwith food as early as age 12. He worked atthe acclaimed Washington Inn and graduatedfrom the Academy of Culinary Arts.Coming to San Diego, he found a careerhome with EDS, helping to make the company’sJRDN at Tower 23 in Pacific Beachand Belvedere Room in Bakersfield into recognizedculinary hotspots.His menu at Cannonball features sushi andsmall plates (actually, not so small — portionswere nice size) for sharing. Items are listed as“shares, rolls and sushi.” The ubiquitous CaliforniaRoll and Spicy Tuna Roll are there. Butbe adventurous! Many of the combination rollsare unique and tasty.Enfuego combines crab and avocadowrapped by torch-seared salmon. The LobsterRoll combines lobster and avocado with an eelsauce. The edges of the Lobster Roll are crispy,creating a new sensation on the palate for anexceptional dish.There’s a nice list of wonderful culinarycreations. “Shares” include Roasted PacificSalmon, a large portion perfectly prepared,served with an amazing quinoa and cornchowder. Chicken Osso Bucco serves meatychicken legs, deftly prepared. Butter LeafSalad, for light eaters, combines tasty greensand veggies in a great peanut sauce. My favorite— Garlic Shrimp — features a largeplate of shrimp in an amazing garlic sauce.Grilled bread is provided to sop up the wonderfulliquids.The quality of the food preparation andpresentation is superb. You can’t go wrong.Service by the friendly staff is attentive, quick,and helpful. Prices are moderate, really a bargaingiven the quality of the food and drink.Here’s some good news: Cannonball’sHappy Hour (Sunday-Thursday, 4-6 p.m.) offers50 percent discount on food.Cannonball is located at 3105 Ocean FrontWalk in Mission Beach. Call (858) 228-9283for information and reservations. Enjoy thebeach, the sun during the day, the sunsets, thecool evenings. That’s what living in San Diegois all about.David Rottenberg is the editor of Dining SanDiego Magazine, a guide to many of thecity’s favorite restaurants. He is a member ofthe Southern California Restaurants WritersAssociation, a member of ASJA and vicepresident of the North American Travel JournalistsAssociation.Ocean views.Chef Brad Wise.2 9 T H A N N I V E R S A R Y 1 9 8 5 - 2 0 1 4 | J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 4 | S A N D I E G O M E T R O . C O M1 9

T R AV E LWEEKEND IN THE DESERTFINDING GOLD AT THE PALMSPRINGS RENDEZVOUSBy Bob PageHoneymoon Hideaway bed.The sophisticated traveler mightturn his /her nose up at what I’m aboutto recommend but read on.One’s first thoughts in thinkingabout a place to stay for a weekend inthe desert would lead most of us to oneof those sparkling fancy pants placesin Rancho Mirage, Palm Desert or IndianWells.I understand. We’ve done that manytimes.However, on a recent foray, we decidedit was time to stop skipping pastPalm Springs and experience for ourselveswhat a weekend would be like inthe village which made the desert famous.So, where to stay? The guide booksseem to be of minimal help so wejumped on the Internet and up poppedthe Palm Springs Rendezvous.It was like finding gold!The Rendezvous is a gem. A B&Bwith character and charm spilling outof every room. The first thing you dois to pick your theme. Sounds crazy,right?Other than the Honeymoon Suite,room themes range from Pretty inPink, Crooners, Stagecoach, Route 66,Shake Rattle & Roll (is Elvis in theroom?) to TV Shows, Silver Screen,Hawaiian Surf and Rebel without acause.As you enter through the Rendezvous’frosted glass doors , nostalgic’50s music will be wafting through theair. The music is the perfect complimentto the ’50s themed rooms. Yourweekend has begun.Each room fronts the courtyard withits pristine pool, hot tub and blue carpeteddeck.The pièce de résistance is the breakfast.The award-winning, three-coursebreakfast — fresh fruit smoothies, adaily fruit creation and a main course— alone will be enough to entice us toreturn.At happy hour, try the RendezBlumartini and their appetizers.“We pride ourselves on our food,”says John Michael Cooper, the delightfullycharming and young generalmanager. He also doubles as the chefwhen the Rendezvous’ owners, Barband Marty Cohen, are in Lake Tahoemanaging their other property, theShore House in Tahoe Vista.Cooper and his staff are very involvedin Palm Springs life. The Rendezvousis a major sponsor of theannual Palm Springs Film Festival andthe city’s Restaurant Week.Silver Screen room.Smoothie & Summer Oranges.Pretty in Pink room.2 0S A N D I E G O M E T R O . C O M | J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 4 | 2 9 T H A N N I V E R S A R Y 1 9 8 5 - 2 0 1 4

T R AV E LMarilyn Monroe actually stayed here in the ’50s.The Rendezvous is the only true bread and breakfast inn in PalmSprings.You’ll see a touch of gentrification taking place in Palm Springsbut not enough to destroy the village atmosphere of this historiccommunity.For years the city let the down valley communities steal thedesert’s tourist business as it fell into a lackluster, second-tier destination.However, its long overdue makeover and redevelopment is underway. It has a bourgeoning nightlife, fabulous arts scene and fun culture.And Palm Canyon Drive is again alive with energy.There are some terrific restaurants nearby and Cooper knowsthem well. We followed his recommendations to Lulu CaliforniaBistro and Al dente, both superb choices.And if dinner and a lazy day around the pool or shopping on PalmCanyon Drive isn’t enough to pop you back into your themed bedroom,you can always test your luck at the Spa Resort Casino, a shortfew blocks away.Check out the Rendezvous and Palm Springs. Neither will disappoint.PALM SPRINGS RENDEZVOUS1420 North Indian Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, CA, 92262(800) 485-2808Rates: $139-$269 depending on room and season.palmspringsrendezvous.com info@palmspringsrendezvous.comShake Rattle & Roll bathtub.Stagecoach room.Route 66 room.2 9 T H A N N I V E R S A R Y 1 9 8 5 - 2 0 1 4 | J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 4 | S A N D I E G O M E T R O . C O M2 1

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