On second thought…
The City of La Mesa made news in September when it appointed Emmet Stewart, a 20-year-old college student with no relevant experience, as City Treasurer....
Columns
Welcome fall with hot soup
It feels like fall. The air is clear and fresh, and we can stop complaining about the heat! And finally, finally, we can heat up...
Demi Ortega: Business of accommodation, luxury and excellence
“To the extent that each one has received a gift, use it in ministering to one another …” — 1 Peter 4:10, New World Translation...
The marketing brilliance of Nipsey Hussle
Too many businesses compete by discounting. He’s charging $100, I’ll charge $90! He drops to $80, so make mine $69.95! This race to the bottom...
Mia’s brings Baja Mediterranean flavor to Solana Beach
Freshness and presentation stood out during our visit to Mia’s, which was celebrating its first anniversary. The Baja Mediterranean restaurant in Solana Beach serves vibrant,...
A cheap fake
We’re coming down to the wire in the 2026 elections. For residents of Encinitas District 4, the City Council race deserves particular attention. The contest...
Black Sea Cafe & Market brings taste of home to San Marcos
For Irina Ustyan, opening Black Sea Cafe & Market in San Marcos was about more than bringing European foods to a new neighborhood. It was...
When sex impacts your bottom line
Sex sells. It brings attention, creates emotional reactions, and connects products with human desires for attractiveness, intimacy, confidence and social acceptance. Results are consistently positive...
A fond farewell to Leucadia Liquor and Kamil Mansoor
It seems this is becoming an annual thing: a Lick the Plate obituary column offering a heartfelt farewell to the establishments that drew many of...
The line on Buellton: 101 pit stop now a weekend getaway
We’ve been here before — perched on the edge of a zip line platform high above a valley floor, ready to jump. But for the...
Meet Jen Michaelson: Bringing people together, one event at a time
For Jen Michaelson, community is more than a word; it is something she lives every day. A San Diego County native, Jen is proud to...
The legend of the Rubberman
In 1975, I returned to Encinitas after two years overseas. Broke as always, I was blessed to find shelter with local ripper and Sunset Surfboards...
Pumpkins for Pigs in Encinitas and beyond
Pumpkins for Pigs is a nine-year-old national organization whose mission is to “prevent food waste by getting viable foodstuffs, like pumpkins, to farms and animal...
An afternoon drinking in marketing ideas
At the risk of stepping on the toes of columnist Rico Cassoni, let’s talk about wine. Living in California means regular exposure to wineries and...
Del Mar festival showcases wine and food
The fourth Del Mar Wine & Food Festival brought plentiful sunshine, distinguished wines and serious culinary talent to Surf Sports Park. Hosted by Troy Johnson...