San Diego, CA– (March 18, 2014)San Diego Magazine, San Diego’s leading lifestyle publication, kicks off their annual Best Restaurants online voting. Anyone can vote for their favorite restaurants in 55 different categories until March 31, 2014, at http://sdmag.us/bestrestos2014.
Winners will appear on two separate lists: one list will announce the best restaurants as chosen through online votes; the other list will have San Diego Magazine’s dining critic Troy Johnson’s picks. Results will be published in the June 2014 issue.
This year’s categories are more comprehensive to include the span of the local food scene:
San Diego Magazine, the city’s leading lifestyle publication with an award-winning history, gives readers the insider information they need to experience the Best of San Diego’s® food, fashion, culture, business and lifestyle. For more information please visit sandiegomagazine.com, follow us at twitter.com/sandiegomag or like us at facebook.com/sandiegomagazine.
San Diegans love food. We pledge allegiance to the fish taco, go nuts for farm-fresh salads, and are big on burgers. In fact, the bigger, the better. Stir-fry, Korean barbeque, sashimi, pho—the list goes on and on. Thousands of readers voted for their favorites, which we collected, compiled, taste-tested, and tallied. The result: an insanely delicious guide, with expert picks from food critic Troy Johnson. Here, the best of the best—and then some.
A NOTE TO OUR READERS:Accuracy is paramount. But we are a service publication, and the lists we print should inform people and help them decide where to spend their time and money. We don’t want this poll to show readers who has the biggest mailing list or marketing staff. We want it to show which restaurants the people like best. If a restaurant wins an obscene amount of awards, and it’s apparent that “ballot stuffing” has occurred, San Diego Magazine reserves the right to give one or all of their awards to other top vote-getting restaurants that make a little more sense in real life.
Overall
Cucina Enoteca Bucatini
Hearty Helping Cucina Enoteca’s bucatini combines guanciale, burnt cabbage leaf, tomato, chili, and pecorino. The pièce de résistance? The delicate hen egg to top it off.
Best of the Best: Fancy
Readers’ Pick: George’s at the Cove Runner-up: Mister A’s Critic’s Pick: Addison
Best of the Best: Gourmet Casual
Readers’ Pick: Searsucker Runner-up: Cucina Urbana Critic’s Pick: Prepkitchen
Readers’ Pick: Brian’s 24 Runner-up: The Third Corner Critic’s Pick: Starlite
Best Hotel Restaurant
Readers’ Pick: Grant Grill at the US Grant Runner-up: Atoll Restaurant at Catamaran Resort and Hotel Critic’s Pick: A.R. Valentien at The Lodge at Torrey Pines
Breakfast Pizza from Bread & Cie
Breakfast Pizza from Bread & Cie
Best Neighborhood Restaurant
Readers’ Pick: Bistro Sixty Runner-up: Fish Public Critic’s Pick: Urban Solace
Best Desserts
Readers’ Pick: Extraordinary Desserts Runner-up: Bistro Sixty (San Diego Desserts) Critic’s Pick: Jsix
Best Food Truck
Readers’ Pick: MIHO Gastrotruck Runner-up: God Save the Cuisine Critic’s Pick: MIHO Gastrotruck
By Erin Meanley Glenny | Photo Courtesy of San Diego History Center
By the Numbers
$3M – Amount needed in order to reopen the California Tower to the public in 2015 1911 – California State Legislature authorized the use of the park for an exposition, as well as ratified the decision to name it Balboa Park 25 cents – Admission paid by anyone who wanted to watch the construction 1 million – Number of plants John Morley was hired to put into the ground of the canyons (another 50,000 were on the Exposition grounds) $1,937,445 – Amount spent erecting the buildings for the Exposition 42,486 – Spectators at the December 31, 1914 concert, opening ceremonies, and fireworks (about equivalent to the then-population of San Diego)
San Diego’s City Park was founded in 1868. But as late as 1909, only about 100 of the 1,400 acres had been landscaped. That year, the president of the San Diego Chamber of Commerce, G. Aubrey Davidson, had the idea of using the park to host a celebration for the opening of the Panama Canal, which was slated for January 1, 1915. San Diego would be the first U.S. port north of the canal, and city leaders wanted to take advantage of their geographic position to boost the economy and help develop the park.
New York architect Bertram Goodhue chose a Spanish Colonial Revival style for the 1915 Panama–California Exposition. Officials liked that it would distinguish SD’s event from the San Francisco Panama–Pacific Exposition, which would have a “Beaux Arts” look.
Park commissioners gave it the name “Balboa Park” after Vasco Núñez de Balboa, a European explorer who first saw the Pacific in 1513. As the Panama Canal would connect the Atlantic to the Pacific, the moniker was a good association for the park and the planned fair.
The 2015 Centennial, which kicks off this month, refers not to the 100th anniversary of the park, but rather the recognition of an entire century since the Exposition, and of enjoying the park’s architecture as we know it today.
Vintage San Diego: Building Balboa Park
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NOVEMBER 27, 2014
Vintage San Diego: Holiday Cheer
San Diego Stadium, 1977
By Erin Meanley Glenny | Photo Courtesy of San Diego History Center
By the Numbers
1960 – Los Angeles Chargers founded (moved to SD the next year)
1967 – First year the Chargers played at Qualcomm Stadium (then San Diego Stadium)
71,500 – Seating capacity of Qualcomm Stadium
1990 – Year the Charger Girls were formed
28 – Charger Girls in current squad
2,500 – Number of nonprofits the Chargers supported in SD County last year
Back in the Sixties, Charger cheerleaders were just local high school groups, rotating around the field at Balboa Stadium during home games. But by the time this photograph was taken, the Chargettes were a full-fledged squad performing at San Diego Stadium. The photo above shows the 4 p.m. game on November 13, 1977. The team, which included quarterback James Harris, running back Bo Matthews, and kicker—and La Jolla High School alum—Rolf Benirschke, played its best against the Denver Broncos (even though the Broncos won, 17–14).
The Chargettes’ pleated skirts were short, but compared to today’s midriff-baring uniforms, they were relatively modest. (We love the neckerchiefs!)
The year after this photo was taken, the squad would be disbanded, in part because a few of the women had posed for Playboy. But those Chargers’ girls would be back—with visions of the Super Bowl.
Share your vintage photo of San Diego! Send your pic and story to [email protected].
Vintage San Diego: Holiday Cheer
Studio S
JULY 25, 2026
These San Diego Companies Are Driving the Region’s Next Wave of Growth
This month, the 2026 San Diego Business Impact Awards recognized local businesses making an impact in clean energy, biotech, hospitality, and beyond
Renewable energy companies building hundreds of power plants. Biotech startups using artificial intelligence to create personalized medicine for children with rare diseases. Hospitality companies quietly powering thousands of local events. Consumer brands growing from beach-town startups into national businesses. These are the kinds of companies driving San Diego’s economy today, and the businesses recognized at this year’s San Diego Business Impact Awards offer a snapshot of where the region is headed.
Hosted July 23 by San Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation (EDC) and JPMorganChase, the second annual awards event honored four local companies for innovation, growth, and economic impact. More than 100 nominations from San Diego’s middle-market businesses were reviewed by a 10-person judging committee, with winners selected across four categories: startup, early-stage innovator, rising star, and established heavyweight.
Two-time honoree Jimbo Someck, founder of Jimbo’s organic grocery stores, also joined the event for a fireside chat on buying local, supporting emerging brands, and giving back to the community.
“San Diego’s strength comes from its makers and builders—the resilient people who endure great risks and overcome obstacles to build and scale a company,” says Aaron Ryan, San Diego Region Manager and Middle Market Banking at JPMorganChase & Co. “These awards aren’t just recognition; they spotlight the talent, grit, and innovation shaping our region’s future. By celebrating those who create and build, we foster connections and fuel the growth that keeps San Diego thriving.”
Photo Credit: Matt Furman
Building the Infrastructure Behind Clean Energy
Heavyweight honoree SOLV Energy has grown alongside the country’s rapid investment in renewable power. “It’s an exciting time for SOLV Energy as we are experiencing significant growth,” says CEO George Hershman. “The business has doubled over the last year and has almost double-digit growth since its inception.”
The Rancho Bernardo-based company designs, builds, operates, and maintains utility-scale solar and energy storage facilities. Since its founding in 2008, SOLV Energy has built more than 500 power plants.
Growth has translated directly into hiring. About 200 employees work from the company’s local headquarters, including roughly 20 interns. “Our intern program is a big part of the way that we grow our workforce,” Hershman says. “Last year, 43 percent of our interns became full-time employees. We believe San Diego is a great community to build and grow a high-tech infrastructure and technology company because of the incredible workforce—the ability to attract top talent and draw from world-class universities.”
Photo Credit: Matt Furman
Developing Medicine One Patient at a Time
Startup honoree La Jolla Labs is tackling one of medicine’s biggest challenges by developing personalized RNA therapeutics for patients with rare diseases—many of them children with neurological disorders like ALS. Using proprietary artificial intelligence and machine learning tools, the biotech company develops treatments tailored to each patient’s specific genetic mutation.
CEO Tamar Grossman says the recognition reflects how far the company has come despite limited resources. “We’re honored to be recognized for our ability to change and save patients’ lives and turn our lean startup into a clinical company with very minimal resources,” she says.
Grossman credits San Diego’s concentration of research institutions—including UC San Diego, the Salk Institute, and Scripps Research—with creating a pipeline of talent and collaboration. “San Diego is one of the world-leading centers for technology, genomics, and RNA therapeutics,” she says. “We have over 30 RNA therapeutics companies here, and we support each other and help with anything related to drug discovery.”
She says that collaborative spirit extends beyond formal partnerships. “You can walk around Torrey Pines, go into a café, and find colleagues from the industry and have an ad hoc conversation,” Grossman says. “That’s something very unique to San Diego.”
While Snake Oil Venue Company may not be a household name, chances are many San Diegans have attended one of its events. The early-stage innovator honoree has expanded from beverage catering and mixology consulting into venue management, operating Julep Venue in Mission Hills, Bramble Bay Venue in Imperial Beach, Vesper Venue, the Chapel at Liberty Station, and five outdoor venues throughout Liberty Station—more than 500,000 square feet of event space altogether.
“We do a lot of launch parties for corporations and new products,” says CEO Mike Esposito. “I really like working on the entrepreneur side of things, where new businesses are entering the San Diego market and looking to make a splash.”
Snake Oil has executed more than 16,000 events, employed more than 1,000 people, and partnered with more than 900 local vendors, including caterers, florists, photographers, entertainers, and other hospitality businesses. The company also works with many of San Diego’s nonprofits, museums, and cultural institutions. “We get to celebrate people’s most important moments,” Esposito says. “Whether that’s a wedding, celebration of life, or quinceañera, we’re fortunate to be involved in the community in so many different ways.”
Photo Credit: Matt Furman
Growing a Beach-Town Brand into a National Business
Rising star honoree ALOHA Collection is proof that a simple idea can grow into a thriving company. Founded by two roommates who wanted a better way to carry wet swimsuits after a day at the beach, the lifestyle brand has grown into a business while maintaining strong year-over-year growth.
Now headquartered in Carlsbad, ALOHA Collection employs more than 100 people and operates its California flagship store in Encinitas, which is slated for a remodel. With roots in Hawaii, the company is known for its lightweight, splash-proof travel bags that have become a familiar sight on beaches in San Diego and beyond.
“‘Aloha’ is part of our name, but it’s also how we move through the world,” says CEO Lynna Barnard. “It’s how we show up for people, the way we travel, the way we give back.” Since day one, the company has maintained a 5 percent giveback to Hawaii conservation efforts, contributing millions of dollars over the years.
“I think what’s so inspiring about ALOHA Collection, and the founders in particular, is when you dream big, those dreams can come true when you work hard and trust in the universe,” Barnard says. “It’s inspiring to be a role model for other people wanting to start businesses from humble beginnings. Start small and watch it grow.”
Together, businesses like these form a cornerstone of San Diego’s economy—not only through the jobs and revenue they generate—but through the local workers they hire, vendors they support, and investments they make in the region. Their growth doesn’t happen in isolation; it ripples outward, strengthening the broader business community and the people who call San Diego home.
San Diego Magazine names the 2014 Latinos Making a Difference award recipients
WHEN/WHERE: San Diego Magazine’s Latinos Making a Difference Awards took place last Thursday, October 22, 2014 at the University Club atop Symphony Towers in downtown San Diego. The evening was hosted in partnership with Univision KBNT San Diego. It is the second annual Latinos Making a Difference event. WHAT: Three hundred of San Diego’s top […]
WHEN/WHERE:San Diego Magazine’s Latinos Making a Difference Awards took place last Thursday, October 22, 2014 at the University Club atop Symphony Towers in downtown San Diego. The evening was hosted in partnership with Univision KBNT San Diego. It is the second annual Latinos Making a Difference event.
WHAT: Three hundred of San Diego’s top Latino business leaders gathered to honor the recipients of this years Latinos Making a Difference Awards. Guests enjoyed a cooking demonstration and tasting by Chef Miguel Angel Guerrero, owner of La Querencia Baja Med. The emcee for the evening was Dr. Diane Perez, host of Despierta San Diego on Univision.
WHO: Six outstanding leaders were honored during the event’s program.
The Cross-Border Leader Award was presented to Sylvia Casas, President of Casas International Brokerage, Inc. For the past 30 years, Casas has worked tirelessly to become the Hispanic woman at the forefront of international trade on the U.S. – Mexico border.
Entrepreneur of the Year was awarded to Fanny Miller, President, CEO & Editor of El Latino Newspaper, the number-one Hispanic newspaper in San Diego and the largest Hispanic-owned Spanish language newspaper in California with more than 186,000 weekly readers.
Inspirational Leader of the Year was awarded to two individuals.
The first recipient was Jose Galicot Behar, President of Tijuana Innovadora. He is the visionary, creator and driving force behind Tijuana Innovadora, a two-week event and movement with the goal of enriching the San Diego-Tijuana relationship for the prosperity of citizens on both sides of the border.
The second recipient was Pilar Montoya, President, CEO and Founder of the Caminos Foundation. Through the Caminos Foundation, Latinos can receive the tools and knowledge necessary to live healthier, more productive lives and fulfill their potential.
Volunteer of the Year was awarded to Anna Jauregui-Law, an attorney with Appellate Defenders, Inc. Determined to find a way to support the advancement of Latinas in the legal profession, Jauregui-Law cofounded Latinas in the Law in 2005, an organization dedicated to providing educational forums and culturally sensitive mentoring to young Latina lawyers, law students, and legal professionals.
At the end of the evening, the Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to David Valladolid who has been at the helm of the Parent Institute for Quality Education for the past 17 years. He continues to expand the free programming under PIQE. Since the inception of the signature program in 1987, more than 585,000 parents have graduated. Valladolid is also a sixth-generation Californian and a Vietnam combat veteran (1968-69), twice wounded and the recipient of the Purple Heart.
The evening was a true celebration of all of the award finalists and winners and their contributions to our local community. A portion of proceeds from the event was donated to Big Brothers Big Sisters of San Diego County.
PHOTOS & MEDIA CONTACT: Jennifer Rea, Marketing Director, [email protected] or 619.744.0523
ABOUT SAN DIEGO MAGAZINE:
San Diego Magazine, the city’s leading lifestyle publication with an award-winning history, gives readers the insider information they need to experience the city to the fullest – the best in food, fashion, culture, business and people. For more information please visit sandiegomagazine.com, or follow us on social media: Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest.
San Diego Magazine names the 2014 Latinos Making a Difference award recipients
2014 Latinos Making a Difference award recipients | Photo by E3 Photography Eddie Garcia III
archives
OCTOBER 24, 2014
United Way presents the James F. Mulvaney Community Leadership Award
San Diego Charity News for October 27
By Joyce Glazer
Malin Burnham received the James F. Mulvaney Community Leadership Award from United Way of San Diego County at its annual Community Kickoff at UC San Diego on Sept. 25. Burnham was honored for his ongoing commitment to volunteerism and accomplishments as a community leader. Steven Northcote was presented the “Volunteer of the Year” Naish Award. Pastor Archie Robinson and New Birth Praise serenaded the audience with a gospel rendition of Katy Perry’s hit song “Firework.” “United Way works to promote social change, harnessing the collective impact of all San Diegans for long-term sustainable solutions,” said President and CEO Kevin Crawford. “Mr. Burnham and Mr. Northcote are model citizens for their contributions to local communities and dedication to the greater San Diego area.”
The Glenn Napierskie Family and Sharp Grossmont Hospital Medical Staff are the Presenting Sponsors of the 29th Annual Grossmont Hospital Foundation Gala. The event is set for Nov. 8 at the Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina. The Shea Family is the Visionary Sponsor and Champion Sponsors include Barona Band of Mission Indians and San Diego Critical Care Medical Group. Proceeds of the evening are in support of heart and vascular care at Sharp Grossmont Hospital.
United Way presents the James F. Mulvaney Community Leadership Award
HGH – Home of Guiding Hands
HGH – Home of Guiding Hands
The Home of Guiding Hands held its 32nd annual Golf Classic Pro-Am Tournament on Sept. 26 at Sycuan Resort. A total of $50,000 was raised to support the services, training and advocacy for people with developmental disabilities at HGH. Presenting Sponsor was the Bill and Norma Verbeck Foundation. Other sponsors included Kerr Family Foundation, Sycuan Casino, Torrey Pines Bank, Quick Dry Flood Services and San Diego County Credit Union.
The CarMax Foundation has granted $15,000 to Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater San Diego through The CarMax Foundation’s Regional Giving Program. The Foundation has provided over $50,000 in grants over the past four years.
Casa de Amparo is holding its 16th Annual Crystal Ball on Nov. 1 at the Del Mar Country Club. DEI Holdings, Inc. is being honored for its commitment through DEI’s Forte for Children Foundation which seeks to improve the quality of life for disadvantaged children with an emphasis on music education and therapy. Chairman and CEO Jim Minarik of DEI Holdings is Honorary Chair of the Gala. Proceeds benefit the programs and services for Casa Kids. The event is underwritten by The Jim and Diane Martin Family in memory of Jim Martin.
United Way presents the James F. Mulvaney Community Leadership Award
Doyles, Vaughns, Chief – San Diego Police Foundation
Doyles, Vaughns, Chief – San Diego Police Foundation
The San Diego Police Foundation presented the 2014 Gold Shield Gala on Oct. 4 at the Del Mar Country Club. The event chaired by Kathryn & Don Vaughn and Honorary Co-Chairs Lynne & Steve Doyle, raised $133,000 to support the Foundation’s efforts to provide better training and to purchase equipment that is not included in the SDPD budget. Police Chief Shelley Zimmerman addressed the attendees outlining the future goals for the Department. Sponsors included Wells Fargo, Alethea, Bank of America, SDG&E, Anderson Plumbing and Heating and California Bank & Trust.
United Way presents the James F. Mulvaney Community Leadership Award
AT&T Ignacio De La Torre, Nico Marcolongo, Phyllis King
AT&T Pioneers De Anza Chapter held its annual fashion show on Oct. 11 at Barona Resort and Casino. The event raised $6,000 to benefit Challenged Athletes Foundation’s Operation Rebound, a sports and fitness program for American military personnel, veterans and first responders with permanent physical disabilities. Volunteers from the Operation Rebound program participated as models in the fashion show.
Quantum Design, a San Diego-based technology company is providing in-kind and cash gifts totaling $279,000 to update and modernize lab courses and instructional materials in the department of physics at the University of California, San Diego. “Thanks to the generosity of Quantum Design, a long-term partner of the UC San Diego physics department, we have been able to bring 21st century instruments for materials discovery into a teaching lab designed for our undergraduate students,” said Dimitri Basov, chair of the department of physics.
United Way presents the James F. Mulvaney Community Leadership Award
SD Police – Las Patronas
SD Police – Las Patronas
Joyce Glazer
Joyce Glazer
Las Patronas was honored by the San Diego Police Foundation for providing a grant to purchase two high-grade golf carts for use by the Retired Senior Volunteer Patrol. Sempra/SDG&E was also recognized for its support of the RSVP program. In anticipation of increased number of visitors to Balboa Park during the Centennial, this equipment is important to public safety. The patrol carts for Balboa Park will allow the RSVP Volunteer Patrol to keep watch over the park’s 1,200 acres, ensuring the safety of visitors and security of historic buildings and structures of the Park.
From advancements in cellular biology and molecular research to innovations that deepen our understanding of complex biological systems, biotechnology continues to influence how researchers explore some of science’s most important questions.
While major discoveries often capture headlines, the process behind those breakthroughs receives far less attention. Scientific progress depends on a vast network of researchers, laboratories, manufacturers, and specialized organizations working together to support ongoing investigation and discovery.
The Growing Importance of Biotechnology
In recent years, biotechnology has moved beyond the walls of research institutions and into mainstream conversation. Increased access to scientific information, educational content, and expert commentary has sparked growing public interest in the biological sciences.
Topics once discussed primarily within academic circles are now reaching broader audiences through podcasts, documentaries, digital media, and online communities. As a result, more people are developing an appreciation for the research, experimentation, and innovation that drive scientific advancement.
This growing visibility has transformed biotechnology from a largely specialized field into a subject of interest for educators, innovators, investors, and curious observers alike.
The Hidden Infrastructure Behind Discovery
Scientific breakthroughs often capture public attention, but the infrastructure that makes those breakthroughs possible rarely receives the same recognition. Behind every new discovery are years of investigation, testing, analysis, and refinement.
Behind nearly every research project is a network of laboratories, suppliers, technical specialists, and research-focused organizations working together to support scientific exploration. Laboratory infrastructure, specialized materials, quality standards, and reliable methodologies all contribute to the integrity of the research process.
When these foundational elements are in place, researchers can focus on generating insights, exploring new ideas, and building upon existing knowledge. Although much of this work occurs behind the scenes, it plays a critical role in helping science move forward.
Why Discovery Depends on More Than Researchers Alone
As biotechnology continues to evolve, research-focused organizations have become increasingly important contributors to the broader scientific ecosystem.
Among them is NewBioRx, a company operating within the biotechnology and life sciences sector. Like many organizations operating within the broader research ecosystem, NewBioRx contributes to the network of suppliers, laboratories, and scientific stakeholders that help support ongoing research efforts.
As scientific research becomes increasingly sophisticated, organizations that help support the research environment contribute to a culture where innovation can continue to thrive. Their work may not always be visible to the public, but it forms part of the foundation that enables scientific progress.
Why Science Is Reaching Wider Audiences
One of the most notable developments in recent years has been the growing public fascination with science and human biology.
Scientific concepts that were once primarily discussed within research settings are now reaching wider audiences through educational content, podcasts, digital media, and online communities. People are becoming increasingly interested not only in scientific outcomes, but also in the process of discovery itself.
The growing visibility of science has also created new connections between scientific communities and broader audiences. Individuals who operate across multiple worlds—including fitness, media, and life sciences—have helped introduce scientific topics to audiences that may not have engaged with them previously.
One example is Sam Sulek, co-founder of NewBioRx, whose involvement across fitness culture and the life sciences sector reflects the growing intersection between public curiosity and scientific exploration.
As co-founder of NewBioRx, he has helped champion a research-focused approach to scientific inquiry while supporting broader conversations around scientific literacy and discovery.
As scientific discovery becomes increasingly collaborative, public attention is beginning to extend beyond individual breakthroughs and toward the broader ecosystem that makes those breakthroughs possible. From researchers and laboratories to the organizations that support them, scientific progress remains a collective effort built on curiosity, expertise, and long-term commitment.
