Camera: Canon 5d mkii using the 70-200 f/2.8L @ 200mm and f/2.8
“Sailing is not in the mainstream—and that’s something that interests me,” says John Trice, a commercial photographer and University Heights resident. “That, and my wife used to be a sailing instructor.” During the National Offshore One-Design Series in 2012, the San Diego Yacht Club invited Trice to shoot the regatta (happening again this month, March 14–16). For this shot, he was on one of the chase boats, right next to one of the marks the boats have to round. “With such a long focal length (200mm) and a wide open aperture (f2.8), the entire frame gets super compressed,” says Trice. “So anything in the immediate foreground gets really blurry. In this shot there was a swell between me and the J80 and so it almost looks like I’m below the surface of the water.” The result: We can feel the intensity of the race.
The Best Places to Dock and Dine in San Diego (and How to Get There)
Leave the car at the marina and sail right up to San Diego's best waterfront eateries
Bluewater Boathouse Seafood Grill
By Chase Scheinbaum
When Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo sailed into San Diego Bay in 1542, he clearly realized this: It’s a lovely place to drop anchor and have a bite to eat. All these years later, it still is!
Arguably it’s even better now given that you can dock a boat steps from dozens of restaurants around San Diego Bay—and 60 if you include Mission Bay.
The point is this: Sunning yourself on the deck of a boat beats sweating in traffic. Throwing a line over a cleat beats scrapping for a parking spot. If you don’t have a boat, make a friend who does. Or take some of our other advice below, where you’ll also find everything you need to know about showing up dockside for a meal and sailing off into the sunset.
How it Works:
This page and this page have comprehensive listings of every eatery that boasts a dock for a parking lot, listed by area where you’ll be sailing, whether it’s the Bay, Coronado Island, Shelter Island, Mission Bay, South Bay, and so on. Many but not all restaurant docks are first-come, first-served, and prices vary; call the restaurant or marina ahead of time to find out.
It would be nice if water taxis crisscrossed the San Diego Bay on demand. Alas, they do not. The boat-less should consider a stand up paddleboard. Or a pair of swim fins. Or one of those inflatable donuts that are all the rage on Instagram.
The Best Places to Dock and Dine in San Diego (and How to Get There)
Festivals, food, and fireworks—the essential combination for celebrating Independence Day in San Diego. Here's what's happening around town this weekend.
By Lauren Craig
Stuff to Do
4th of July Celebration, Coronado* Start the morning with the annual 15K or 5K run/walk, watch the festive parade, and listen to a concert in Spreckles Park at 4:00 p.m. 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. | ecoronado.com/4th
Rancho Bernardo’s The Spirit of the Fourth*+ Take the family to Webb Park for a picnic for a full day of music, contests, and games for the kids to love. 7:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. | spiritofthefourth.org
San Diego County Fair, Del Mar*+ Spend the whole day with a patriotic opening ceremony, an afternoon parade, and a nighttime concert along with rides and ridiculous fried foods. 9:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. | sdfair.com
Scripps Ranch 4th of July Parade and Festival Show up early for the parade and enjoy the carnival games, food, and fun at the festival afterwards. 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. | scrippsranch.org
Old Town State Historic Park Make crafts and enjoy old-fashioned activities to celebrate Independence Day like the first San Diegans did. 11:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. | oldtownsandiegoguide.com
51st Annual Independence Day Celebration & Fireworks Spectacular, Escondido* Presented by the California Center for the Arts, celebrate the Fourth with food vendors, a community art sale, performances, and more. 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. | visitescondido.com
Honor our Heroes, Celebrate our Freedom, Vista*+ Come to the Moonlight Amphitheater for the “Light Up the Night” dinner, a performance by Get Back Loretta, and the honoring of three military heroes. 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. | cityofvista.com
IndepenDANCE family Fireworks Cruise* Cruise on the California Spirit and dance the night away, taking in the 360-degree views of the fireworks. 8:00 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. | eventbrite.com
* includes fireworks
+ tickets are required
Fireworks
Red, White, and BOOM! 8:30 p.m., LEGOLAND legoland.com
Annual Alchemy BBQ, South Park Load up a plate filled with BBQ selections for just $12, selections including beef brisket, chicken, and corn on the cob. 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. | alchemysandiego.com
The Shores Oceanfront Restaurant, La Jolla Dine on the beach and watch the fireworks while eating a three-course meal for just $48 a person and $14 for wine pairings. 5.00 p.m. to 10 p.m. | theshoresrestaurant.com
Red, White, and Brew Pubcrawl, Gaslamp Dress up and head down to over a dozen bars along the Gaslamp district in this festive pubcrawl for $2 Draft Beers, 2-1 Mixed Drinks, and $4 shots. 2 p.m. to 2 a.m. | pubcrawls.com
Festivals, food, and fireworks—the essential combination for celebrating Independence Day in San Diego. Here's what's happening around town this weekend.
By Lauren Craig
Stuff to Do
4th of July Celebration, Coronado* Start the morning with the annual 15K or 5K run/walk, watch the festive parade, and listen to a concert in Spreckles Park at 4:00 p.m. 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. | ecoronado.com/4th
Rancho Bernardo’s The Spirit of the Fourth*+ Take the family to Webb Park for a picnic for a full day of music, contests, and games for the kids to love. 7:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. | spiritofthefourth.org
San Diego County Fair, Del Mar*+ Spend the whole day with a patriotic opening ceremony, an afternoon parade, and a nighttime concert along with rides and ridiculous fried foods. 9:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. | sdfair.com
Scripps Ranch 4th of July Parade and Festival Show up early for the parade and enjoy the carnival games, food, and fun at the festival afterwards. 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. | scrippsranch.org
Old Town State Historic Park Make crafts and enjoy old-fashioned activities to celebrate Independence Day like the first San Diegans did. 11:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. | oldtownsandiegoguide.com
51st Annual Independence Day Celebration & Fireworks Spectacular, Escondido* Presented by the California Center for the Arts, celebrate the Fourth with food vendors, a community art sale, performances, and more. 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. | visitescondido.com
Honor our Heroes, Celebrate our Freedom, Vista*+ Come to the Moonlight Amphitheater for the “Light Up the Night” dinner, a performance by Get Back Loretta, and the honoring of three military heroes. 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. | cityofvista.com
IndepenDANCE family Fireworks Cruise* Cruise on the California Spirit and dance the night away, taking in the 360-degree views of the fireworks. 8:00 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. | eventbrite.com
* includes fireworks
+ tickets are required
Fireworks
Red, White, and BOOM! 8:30 p.m., LEGOLAND legoland.com
Annual Alchemy BBQ, South Park Load up a plate filled with BBQ selections for just $12, selections including beef brisket, chicken, and corn on the cob. 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. | alchemysandiego.com
The Shores Oceanfront Restaurant, La Jolla Dine on the beach and watch the fireworks while eating a three-course meal for just $48 a person and $14 for wine pairings. 5.00 p.m. to 10 p.m. | theshoresrestaurant.com
Red, White, and Brew Pubcrawl, Gaslamp Dress up and head down to over a dozen bars along the Gaslamp district in this festive pubcrawl for $2 Draft Beers, 2-1 Mixed Drinks, and $4 shots. 2 p.m. to 2 a.m. | pubcrawls.com
San Diego summers can be brutal. But since the hottest period is typically late summer into early fall, San Diegans still have time to prepare. The pros at Mauzy Cooling, Heating, Plumbing, and Electrical are standing by to help homeowners fortify their homes against the elements and ensure their air conditioning is as frosty as the penguins that serve as the company’s mascots.
Many homeowners underestimate the load their AC system faces, especially in the inland valleys where temperatures regularly top 100 degrees. San Diego regularly sees multi-day heatwaves each summer, and a system that struggles on the first day will likely fail by the third.Longer run times, unusual sounds or smells, and uneven cooling from room to room are all signs that your system may not survive the next hot spell.
Systems typically last 12 to 17 years, but there are exceptions. If a system is approaching that, or is already there, a professional evaluation is recommended before summer really heats up. A good rule of thumb: If you can’t remember when your system was last serviced, it’s due.
“As technology changes, systems become smarter and smarter,” says Sean O’Connor, an install manager at Mauzy with 42 years of experience. “There are a lot of people out there who will say a system’s only good for 10 years. I don’t buy that—these systems are built to last as long as they’re taken care of.”
There are also a few steps homeowners can take between services to extend the life of their system. Regularly changing a dirty filter—especially if you have kids or pets—and keeping an outdoor unit clean can help head off problems in the future, says O’Connor.
Also, be realistic about whether it’s time to replace a unit. O’Connor likens pouring money into salvaging a faulty unit with patchwork repairs and replacement parts to “tripping over a dollar to pick up a dime.” When one part fails, others are sure to follow, and newer parts may not be compatible with older units. Mauzy recommends homeowners use the 50% rule: If a repair costs more than 50% of the system’s replacement value, and the equipment is over 10 years old, replacement is usually the better long-term value. And don’t forget the ducting. An older house that was built with heat and later had air conditioning added may not have sufficient airflow, regardless of how good the system is.
Last but not least, homeowners should know who to trust when it comes to their homes. Built on three generations of professional integrity, Mauzy has grown into not just a leader for cooling, heating, plumbing, and electrical services, but a leader in the community known for supporting local nonprofits across an array of causes. To ensure complete peace of mind, Mauzy stands behind a comprehensive 12-point guarantee that outlines its commitment to outstanding service, quality equipment, expert technicians who understand how the local microclimates affect HVAC performance, and no upsells or surprises on the bill.
“We go the extra mile. That’s what sets us apart,” O’Connor says. To get a free quote today, visit mauzy.com.
We're on the hunt for the best summer outdoor photographs shot by our readers
By Laurie Nicoud
Calling all local photographers! We’re on the lookout for summer outdoor shots of San Diego to feature in the magazine’s “Picture Perfect” section. Have an epic shot of the Del Mar Fair? A landscape scene from Crystal Pier? A dramatic view from your Iron Mountain hike? We want to see them all! Email your stunners to [email protected].
And take a look at Picture Perfect favorites for inspiration:
We're on the hunt for the best summer outdoor photographs shot by our readers
By Laurie Nicoud
Calling all local photographers! We’re on the lookout for summer outdoor shots of San Diego to feature in the magazine’s “Picture Perfect” section. Have an epic shot of the Del Mar Fair? A landscape scene from Crystal Pier? A dramatic view from your Iron Mountain hike? We want to see them all! Email your stunners to [email protected].
And take a look at Picture Perfect favorites for inspiration:
Daniel A. Kaplan is a founding partner of Panakos LLP with more than three decades of civil litigation experience in both state and federal courts. Mr. Kaplan pursues and defends legal claims on behalf of companies, entrepreneurs, and business owners in high-stakes disputes. He focuses on business disputes including breach of contract, unfair competition, trade secret theft, securities disputes, fraud/misrepresentations, and employment matters.
“The best advocacy combines preparation, perspective, and a client relationship built on trust and candor.” — Daniel A. Kaplan
His clients include real estate investors, private and public corporations, and individuals seeking sophisticated legal counsel. Known for practical judgment and strategic advocacy, he works closely with an experienced and diverse legal team to protect, enforce, and defend his clients’ interests.
555 W. Beech Street, Ste. 500, San Diego, California 92101 619-8000-LAW Panakos.law
