What has been in the works for a while now seems to be coming to fruition. The ballpark Village, a city within a city. With two 500 ft towers with over 1900 hotel rooms it will be the largest on the West Coast. Also, the extra space for conventions here and at the new Hilton will allow ComicCon to stay here. As it is, they are running out of room for it and it may look to go to LA or Las Vegas. Comic Con is a huge boon to our city and we should be interested in keeping it here.

Some of the complaints were in regards to parking on the streets and future views being lost. I have this to say to that. You are not guaranteed a view or street parking. Most people going to a hotel are being dropped off in a cab. maybe there will be more cabs. This is not a deterrent to values down here. Having improved land only helps.

This city within a city coming in here will be huge for our cities revenues and for San Diego to be competitive with other destination places. For us to thrive we cannot continue to be a sleepy little town. We are growing in all directions here. More businesses are going in and it will take more people being down here to help them thrive. As far as the parking concerns go, get a good pair of walking shoes. Downtown San Diego is not that big and it is easy to walk around. Sure, it is nice to have the convenience of a car. We all love our cars. Try walking a little more. It doesn’t require a parking space.

You can read more of the UT story here

I know you’re not supposed to end a sentence with a word like “is” or “of” but it was just the headline. Now that we got that cleared up… The Median Home price for San Diego is down 20% from the 2005 peak. Notice the ominous bold letters that are italicised for effect. It’s a big number. But what exactly is that number? Here is the math on median pricing. Say that in the Month of May five homes are sold. One home is sold for 1 million dollars. The other four homes are sold for two hundred fifty thousand dollars. That would be a grand total of 2 million dollars in sales for the month. Averaging out to Four hundred thousand per transaction.

There is your median.

That 1 million dollar home isn’t all of the sudden only worth $400K. It’s a million dollar home. The $250K home hasn’t shot up to $400K either. It is the average, the median, for what the homes sold for. Take number of homes (x) divided into total sales amount (y) and that will equal the median (z). That was paying homage to my father who was a math teacher for over 30 years.

More understanding of it. What is the other translation of the median price? It reflects what is being bought and who is buying. The lower the price typically reflects the first time or entry level buyers. This should not come with any sort of status stigma. Being a first time buyer doesn’t make someone less of a person compared to the seasoned investor or move up buyer. This is the time for the big CONGRATULATIONS on getting your first home and doing it in a time when you were in control of the process! Way to go! Let there be no hating! Also, we are seeing fewer move up buyers at this time because in order to do so they would have to sell their existing house and we know how that is going right now. The higher end of the market, the million plus range, is still moving as well. These are buyers with means to do so. Most of those transactions are done in cash.

Current homeowners, ride it out. Sit tight and enjoy your home for now. First time buyers, it’s trigger pulling time! Giddyap!

If you have ever wondered about that really cool, old looking movie-set type building outside of Seaport Village than wonder no more. By mid year, a $40 Million dollar project is supposed to commence on new restaurants and a public marketplace. Terramar, a developer from Carlsbad is planning to redevelop the 100,000 sq ft space. So hopefully another beautiful addition to the waterfront will be taking hold this Summer.

At the corner of 9th and F there is this little place called Little Hawai’i. It has sushi, rice bowls etc. The bowls, my favorite is the rib, vegetable and rice bowl, are like perfect sized bowls of candy! It is so good. I will get an order of Gyoza and the rib bowl and go nuts!

This eatery mostly services the Post office and the Core business district. It will not be open on days that the post office is closed either. It can take some time to get the food but it is worth the wait. If all else fails, order ahead at (619) 595-1780 . Closed on weekends as it is around for the local businesses but worth taking the walk there on a weekday!

Downtown San Diego Events for March 2008

Outdoors
• Farmer’s Market: Third Avenue/San Diego-9:00am to 1:00pm Downtown San Diego @ 3rd Ave and J St

Music
Venues/Shows
• HOB monthly Schedule http://www.hob.com/tickets/searchresults.asp?p=1&venue=House%20of%20Blues%20San%20Diego)
• 4th & B monthly schedule (http://www.hob.com/tickets/searchresults.asp?venid=2)
• The Casbah (rock, experimental, garage, soul) (http://www.casbahmusic.com/schedule.php)
• Folsom @ Hard Rock Hotel
• Croce’s Restaurant and Jazz Bar
• Dizzy’s (Jazz Venue)
• San Diego Reader (a comprehensive list of music events in SD) http://www.sandiegoreader.com/music_events/
Classical
• Orquesta Primo: Sevilla
Sunday, March 9
• Orquesta Primo: Sevilla
Thursday, March 13
• San Diego Symphony: Copley Symphony Hall
Friday, March 14 8:00 p.m.
• San Diego Symphony: La Costa Canyon High School
Saturday, March 15 2:00 p.m.
• San Diego Symphony: Copley Symphony Hall
Saturday, March 15 8:00 p.m.
• Carol Williams: Spreckels Organ Pavilion
Sunday, March 16 2:00 p.m.
• San Diego Symphony: Copley Symphony Hall
Sunday, March 16 2:00 p.m.
• Orquesta Primo: Sevilla
Tuesday, March 18
Arts
Theatre
• Rhubarb, or How to Play with a Rollergirl Thursday, March 6, 2008 @ 8:00 p.m. Last January, the San Diego Theater Critics Circle gave Esther Emery a special award for directing. But just when she’s handed what could become a confining mold, Emery breaks it: …
Lyceum Theatre - Downtown, Theater
• One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest Thursday, March 6, 2008 @ 8:00 p.m. The Theatre, Inc., stages Dale Wasserman’s adaptation of the Ken Kesey novel about life, and power tactics, in an asylum. Douglas Lay directed.
Ark Theater - Downtown, Theater
• The American Plan Thursday, March 6, 2008 @ 8:00 p.m. Richard Greenberg’s written a fascinating character; Lili’s an Ophelia who didn’t commit suicide. Possibly influenced by her German-Jewish family’s experiences during WWII, she projects the Holocaust onto the world, (she’s …
Old Globe Theatre - Balboa Park, Theater
• The Clean House Thursday, March 6, 2008 @ 8:00 p.m. Victoria Petrovich’s set - an elegant, creamy-white living room with faux marble floor - is so immaculate it’s the kind of place people photo-shoot rather than inhabit. To the eyes …
San Diego Repertory Theatre - Downtown, Theater
• Permanent Collection Friday, March 7, 2008 @ 7:30 p.m. Thomas Gibbons’s drama actually improves after the curtain falls. It’s based on Philadelphia art collector A.C. Barnes’s eccentric foundation. When he died in 1990, Barnes willed the works of predominately …
Tenth Avenue Theatre - Downtown, Theater
• Rhubarb, or How to Play with a Rollergirl Friday, March 7, 2008 @ 8:00 p.m. Last January, the San Diego Theater Critics Circle gave Esther Emery a special award for directing. But just when she’s handed what could become a confining mold, Emery breaks it: …
Lyceum Theatre - Downtown, Theater
• One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest Friday, March 7, 2008 @ 8:00 p.m. The Theatre, Inc., stages Dale Wasserman’s adaptation of the Ken Kesey novel about life, and power tactics, in an asylum. Douglas Lay directed.
Ark Theater - Downtown, Theater
• The American Plan Friday, March 7, 2008 @ 8:00 p.m. Richard Greenberg’s written a fascinating character; Lili’s an Ophelia who didn’t commit suicide. Possibly influenced by her German-Jewish family’s experiences during WWII, she projects the Holocaust onto the world, (she’s …
Old Globe Theatre - Balboa Park, Theater
• The Clean House Friday, March 7, 2008 @ 8:00 p.m. Victoria Petrovich’s set - an elegant, creamy-white living room with faux marble floor - is so immaculate it’s the kind of place people photo-shoot rather than inhabit. To the eyes …
San Diego Repertory Theatre - Downtown, Theater
• Dublin’s Traditional Irish Cabaret Friday, March 7, 2008 @ 8:00 p.m. For one evening only, the Balboa Theatre hosts the cabaret comedian Noel V. Ginnity and an Irish extravaganza that includes singers, dancers, and the Pat Marnane Band.
Balboa Theatre - Downtown, Theater
• The American Plan Saturday, March 8, 2008 @ 2:00 p.m. Richard Greenberg’s written a fascinating character; Lili’s an Ophelia who didn’t commit suicide. Possibly influenced by her German-Jewish family’s experiences during WWII, she projects the Holocaust onto the world, (she’s …
Old Globe Theatre - Balboa Park, Theater
• The Clean House Saturday, March 8, 2008 @ 2:00 p.m. Victoria Petrovich’s set - an elegant, creamy-white living room with faux marble floor - is so immaculate it’s the kind of place people photo-shoot rather than inhabit. To the eyes …
San Diego Repertory Theatre - Downtown, Theater
• Permanent Collection Saturday, March 8, 2008 @ 7:30 p.m. Thomas Gibbons’s drama actually improves after the curtain falls. It’s based on Philadelphia art collector A.C. Barnes’s eccentric foundation. When he died in 1990, Barnes willed the works of predominately …
Tenth Avenue Theatre - Downtown, Theater
• Rhubarb, or How to Play with a Rollergirl Saturday, March 8, 2008 @ 8:00 p.m. Last January, the San Diego Theater Critics Circle gave Esther Emery a special award for directing. But just when she’s handed what could become a confining mold, Emery breaks it: …
Lyceum Theatre - Downtown, Theater
• One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest Saturday, March 8, 2008 @ 8:00 p.m. The Theatre, Inc., stages Dale Wasserman’s adaptation of the Ken Kesey novel about life, and power tactics, in an asylum. Douglas Lay directed.
Ark Theater - Downtown, Theater
• The American Plan Saturday, March 8, 2008 @ 8:00 p.m. Richard Greenberg’s written a fascinating character; Lili’s an Ophelia who didn’t commit suicide. Possibly influenced by her German-Jewish family’s experiences during WWII, she projects the Holocaust onto the world, (she’s …
Old Globe Theatre - Balboa Park, Theater
• The Clean House Saturday, March 8, 2008 @ 8:00 p.m. Victoria Petrovich’s set - an elegant, creamy-white living room with faux marble floor - is so immaculate it’s the kind of place people photo-shoot rather than inhabit. To the eyes …
San Diego Repertory Theatre - Downtown, Theater
• A Year with Frog and Toad Sunday, March 9, 2008 @ 11:30 a.m. For two performances only, the Balboa Theatre hosts a touring production of the musical, based on the stories of Arnold Lobel, about four seasons in the life of a cheerful …
Balboa Theatre - Downtown, Theater
• Leading Ladies Sunday, March 9, 2008 @ 2:00 p.m. The Broadway Theater opens its new season with Ken Ludwig’s comedy about classically trained British actors who dress in drag to land a quality gig. Randall Hickman directed.
Broadway Theatre - Theater, Vista
• Rhubarb, or How to Play with a Rollergirl Sunday, March 9, 2008 @ 2:00 p.m. Last January, the San Diego Theater Critics Circle gave Esther Emery a special award for directing. But just when she’s handed what could become a confining mold, Emery breaks it: …
Lyceum Theatre - Downtown, Theater
• One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest Sunday, March 9, 2008 @ 2:00 p.m. The Theatre, Inc., stages Dale Wasserman’s adaptation of the Ken Kesey novel about life, and power tactics, in an asylum. Douglas Lay directed.
Ark Theater - Downtown, Theater
• Permanent Collection Sunday, March 9, 2008 @ 2:00 p.m. Thomas Gibbons’s drama actually improves after the curtain falls. It’s based on Philadelphia art collector A.C. Barnes’s eccentric foundation. When he died in 1990, Barnes willed the works of predominately …
Tenth Avenue Theatre - Downtown, Theater
• The Clean House Sunday, March 9, 2008 @ 2:00 p.m. Victoria Petrovich’s set - an elegant, creamy-white living room with faux marble floor - is so immaculate it’s the kind of place people photo-shoot rather than inhabit. To the eyes …
San Diego Repertory Theatre - Downtown, Theater
• The American Plan Sunday, March 9, 2008 @ 2:30 p.m. Richard Greenberg’s written a fascinating character; Lili’s an Ophelia who didn’t commit suicide. Possibly influenced by her German-Jewish family’s experiences during WWII, she projects the Holocaust onto the world, (she’s …
Old Globe Theatre - Balboa Park, Theater
• A Year with Frog and Toad Sunday, March 9, 2008 @ 3:30 p.m. For two performances only, the Balboa Theatre hosts a touring production of the musical, based on the stories of Arnold Lobel, about four seasons in the life of a cheerful …
Balboa Theatre - Downtown, Theater
• The American Plan Sunday, March 9, 2008 @ 7:00 p.m. Richard Greenberg’s written a fascinating character; Lili’s an Ophelia who didn’t commit suicide. Possibly influenced by her German-Jewish family’s experiences during WWII, she projects the Holocaust onto the world, (she’s …
Old Globe Theatre - Balboa Park, Theater
• The Clean House Sunday, March 9, 2008 @ 7:00 p.m. Victoria Petrovich’s set - an elegant, creamy-white living room with faux marble floor - is so immaculate it’s the kind of place people photo-shoot rather than inhabit. To the eyes …
San Diego Repertory Theatre - Downtown, Theater
• One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest Sunday, March 9, 2008 @ 8:00 p.m. The Theatre, Inc., stages Dale Wasserman’s adaptation of the Ken Kesey novel about life, and power tactics, in an asylum. Douglas Lay directed.
Ark Theater - Downtown, Theater
• The American Plan Tuesday, March 11, 2008 @ 7:00 p.m. Richard Greenberg’s written a fascinating character; Lili’s an Ophelia who didn’t commit suicide. Possibly influenced by her German-Jewish family’s experiences during WWII, she projects the Holocaust onto the world, (she’s …
Old Globe Theatre - Balboa Park, Theater
• The Clean House Tuesday, March 11, 2008 @ 7:00 p.m. Victoria Petrovich’s set - an elegant, creamy-white living room with faux marble floor - is so immaculate it’s the kind of place people photo-shoot rather than inhabit. To the eyes …
San Diego Repertory Theatre - Downtown, Theater
• The American Plan Wednesday, March 12, 2008 @ 7:00 p.m. Richard Greenberg’s written a fascinating character; Lili’s an Ophelia who didn’t commit suicide. Possibly influenced by her German-Jewish family’s experiences during WWII, she projects the Holocaust onto the world, (she’s …
Old Globe Theatre - Balboa Park, Theater
• The Clean House Wednesday, March 12, 2008 @ 7:00 p.m. Victoria Petrovich’s set - an elegant, creamy-white living room with faux marble floor - is so immaculate it’s the kind of place people photo-shoot rather than inhabit. To the eyes …
San Diego Repertory Theatre - Downtown, Theater
• One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest Thursday, March 13, 2008 @ 8:00 p.m. The Theatre, Inc., stages Dale Wasserman’s adaptation of the Ken Kesey novel about life, and power tactics, in an asylum. Douglas Lay directed.
Ark Theater - Downtown, Theater
• The American Plan Thursday, March 13, 2008 @ 8:00 p.m. Richard Greenberg’s written a fascinating character; Lili’s an Ophelia who didn’t commit suicide. Possibly influenced by her German-Jewish family’s experiences during WWII, she projects the Holocaust onto the world, (she’s …
Old Globe Theatre - Balboa Park, Theater
• The Clean House Thursday, March 13, 2008 @ 8:00 p.m. Victoria Petrovich’s set - an elegant, creamy-white living room with faux marble floor - is so immaculate it’s the kind of place people photo-shoot rather than inhabit. To the eyes …
San Diego Repertory Theatre - Downtown, Theater
• Dancing in the Dark Thursday, March 13, 2008 @ 8:00 p.m. The Old Globe Theatre presents the new musical comedy, book by Douglas Carter Beane, based on the MGM musical The Band Wagon. Songs include “A Shine on Your Shoes,” “That’s …
Old Globe Theatre - Balboa Park, Theater
• Hamlet: Blood in the Brain Thursday, March 13, 2008 @ 8:00 p.m. San Diego State University’s School of Theatre, Television, and Film presents Naomi Iizuka’s “stream of communication,” a modern version of Shakespeare’s Hamlet, set in the 1980s and fueled by “drug …
San Diego State University Theatre - SDSU, Theater
• Permanent Collection Friday, March 14, 2008 @ 7:30 p.m. Thomas Gibbons’s drama actually improves after the curtain falls. It’s based on Philadelphia art collector A.C. Barnes’s eccentric foundation. When he died in 1990, Barnes willed the works of predominately …
Tenth Avenue Theatre - Downtown, Theater
• One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest Friday, March 14, 2008 @ 8:00 p.m. The Theatre, Inc., stages Dale Wasserman’s adaptation of the Ken Kesey novel about life, and power tactics, in an asylum. Douglas Lay directed.
Ark Theater - Downtown, Theater
• The American Plan Friday, March 14, 2008 @ 8:00 p.m. Richard Greenberg’s written a fascinating character; Lili’s an Ophelia who didn’t commit suicide. Possibly influenced by her German-Jewish family’s experiences during WWII, she projects the Holocaust onto the world, (she’s …
Old Globe Theatre - Balboa Park, Theater
• The Clean House Friday, March 14, 2008 @ 8:00 p.m. Victoria Petrovich’s set - an elegant, creamy-white living room with faux marble floor - is so immaculate it’s the kind of place people photo-shoot rather than inhabit. To the eyes …
San Diego Repertory Theatre - Downtown, Theater
• Dancing in the Dark Friday, March 14, 2008 @ 8:00 p.m. The Old Globe Theatre presents the new musical comedy, book by Douglas Carter Beane, based on the MGM musical The Band Wagon. Songs include “A Shine on Your Shoes,” “That’s …
Old Globe Theatre - Balboa Park, Theater
• The American Plan Saturday, March 15, 2008 @ 2:00 p.m. Richard Greenberg’s written a fascinating character; Lili’s an Ophelia who didn’t commit suicide. Possibly influenced by her German-Jewish family’s experiences during WWII, she projects the Holocaust onto the world, (she’s …
Old Globe Theatre - Balboa Park, Theater
• The Clean House Saturday, March 15, 2008 @ 2:00 p.m. Victoria Petrovich’s set - an elegant, creamy-white living room with faux marble floor - is so immaculate it’s the kind of place people photo-shoot rather than inhabit. To the eyes …
San Diego Repertory Theatre - Downtown, Theater
• Dancing in the Dark Saturday, March 15, 2008 @ 2:00 p.m. The Old Globe Theatre presents the new musical comedy, book by Douglas Carter Beane, based on the MGM musical The Band Wagon. Songs include “A Shine on Your Shoes,” “That’s …
Old Globe Theatre - Balboa Park, Theater
• Permanent Collection Saturday, March 15, 2008 @ 7:30 p.m. Thomas Gibbons’s drama actually improves after the curtain falls. It’s based on Philadelphia art collector A.C. Barnes’s eccentric foundation. When he died in 1990, Barnes willed the works of predominately …
Tenth Avenue Theatre - Downtown, Theater
• One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest Saturday, March 15, 2008 @ 8:00 p.m. The Theatre, Inc., stages Dale Wasserman’s adaptation of the Ken Kesey novel about life, and power tactics, in an asylum. Douglas Lay directed.
Ark Theater - Downtown, Theater
• The American Plan Saturday, March 15, 2008 @ 8:00 p.m. Richard Greenberg’s written a fascinating character; Lili’s an Ophelia who didn’t commit suicide. Possibly influenced by her German-Jewish family’s experiences during WWII, she projects the Holocaust onto the world, (she’s …
Old Globe Theatre - Balboa Park, Theater
• The Clean House Saturday, March 15, 2008 @ 8:00 p.m. Victoria Petrovich’s set - an elegant, creamy-white living room with faux marble floor - is so immaculate it’s the kind of place people photo-shoot rather than inhabit. To the eyes …
San Diego Repertory Theatre - Downtown, Theater
• One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest Saturday, March 15, 2008 @ 8:00 p.m. The Theatre, Inc., stages Dale Wasserman’s adaptation of the Ken Kesey novel about life, and power tactics, in an asylum. Douglas Lay directed.
Ark Theater - Downtown, Theater
• The American Plan Saturday, March 15, 2008 @ 8:00 p.m. Richard Greenberg’s written a fascinating character; Lili’s an Ophelia who didn’t commit suicide. Possibly influenced by her German-Jewish family’s experiences during WWII, she projects the Holocaust onto the world, (she’s …
Old Globe Theatre - Balboa Park, Theater
• The Clean House Saturday, March 15, 2008 @ 8:00 p.m. Victoria Petrovich’s set - an elegant, creamy-white living room with faux marble floor - is so immaculate it’s the kind of place people photo-shoot rather than inhabit. To the eyes …
San Diego Repertory Theatre - Downtown, Theater
• Dancing in the Dark Saturday, March 15, 2008 @ 8:00 p.m. The Old Globe Theatre presents the new musical comedy, book by Douglas Carter Beane, based on the MGM musical The Band Wagon. Songs include “A Shine on Your Shoes,” “That’s …
Old Globe Theatre - Balboa Park, Theater
• One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest Sunday, March 16, 2008 @ 2:00 p.m. The Theatre, Inc., stages Dale Wasserman’s adaptation of the Ken Kesey novel about life, and power tactics, in an asylum. Douglas Lay directed.
Ark Theater - Downtown, Theater
• Permanent Collection Sunday, March 16, 2008 @ 2:00 p.m. Thomas Gibbons’s drama actually improves after the curtain falls. It’s based on Philadelphia art collector A.C. Barnes’s eccentric foundation. When he died in 1990, Barnes willed the works of predominately …
Tenth Avenue Theatre - Downtown, Theater
• The Clean House Sunday, March 16, 2008 @ 2:00 p.m. Victoria Petrovich’s set - an elegant, creamy-white living room with faux marble floor - is so immaculate it’s the kind of place people photo-shoot rather than inhabit. To the eyes …
San Diego Repertory Theatre - Downtown, Theater
• Dancing in the Dark Sunday, March 16, 2008 @ 2:00 p.m. The Old Globe Theatre presents the new musical comedy, book by Douglas Carter Beane, based on the MGM musical The Band Wagon. Songs include “A Shine on Your Shoes,” “That’s …
Old Globe Theatre - Balboa Park, Theater
• The American Plan Sunday, March 16, 2008 @ 2:30 p.m. Richard Greenberg’s written a fascinating character; Lili’s an Ophelia who didn’t commit suicide. Possibly influenced by her German-Jewish family’s experiences during WWII, she projects the Holocaust onto the world, (she’s …
Old Globe Theatre - Balboa Park, Theater
• The American Plan Sunday, March 16, 2008 @ 7:00 p.m. Richard Greenberg’s written a fascinating character; Lili’s an Ophelia who didn’t commit suicide. Possibly influenced by her German-Jewish family’s experiences during WWII, she projects the Holocaust onto the world, (she’s …
Old Globe Theatre - Balboa Park, Theater
• The Clean House Sunday, March 16, 2008 @ 7:00 p.m. Victoria Petrovich’s set - an elegant, creamy-white living room with faux marble floor - is so immaculate it’s the kind of place people photo-shoot rather than inhabit. To the eyes …
San Diego Repertory Theatre - Downtown, Theater
• Dancing in the Dark Sunday, March 16, 2008 @ 7:00 p.m. The Old Globe Theatre presents the new musical comedy, book by Douglas Carter Beane, based on the MGM musical The Band Wagon. Songs include “A Shine on Your Shoes,” “That’s …
Old Globe Theatre - Balboa Park, Theater
• One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest Sunday, March 16, 2008 @ 8:00 p.m. The Theatre, Inc., stages Dale Wasserman’s adaptation of the Ken Kesey novel about life, and power tactics, in an asylum. Douglas Lay directed.
Ark Theater - Downtown, Theater
• Oklahoma! Tuesday, March 18, 2008 @ 1:45 p.m. The Welk Resort Theatre stages Rodgers and Hammerstein’s ageless musical about the opening of the Oklahoma territory and the blooming of love.
Welk Resort Theatre - Escondido, Theater
• The American Plan Tuesday, March 18, 2008 @ 7:00 p.m. Richard Greenberg’s written a fascinating character; Lili’s an Ophelia who didn’t commit suicide. Possibly influenced by her German-Jewish family’s experiences during WWII, she projects the Holocaust onto the world, (she’s …
Old Globe Theatre - Balboa Park, Theater
• The Clean House Tuesday, March 18, 2008 @ 7:00 p.m. Victoria Petrovich’s set - an elegant, creamy-white living room with faux marble floor - is so immaculate it’s the kind of place people photo-shoot rather than inhabit. To the eyes …
San Diego Repertory Theatre - Downtown, Theater
• Dancing in the Dark Tuesday, March 18, 2008 @ 7:00 p.m. The Old Globe Theatre presents the new musical comedy, book by Douglas Carter Beane, based on the MGM musical The Band Wagon. Songs include “A Shine on Your Shoes,” “That’s …
Old Globe Theatre - Balboa Park, Theater
• Hello, Dolly! Tuesday, March 18, 2008 @ 7:30 p.m. Not by design, but Jerry Herman and Michael Stewart’s musical hit Broadway when it was most needed. It opened January 16, 1964, less than two months after the JFK assassination. …
Lamb’s Players Theatre - Coronado, Theater
• The American Plan Wednesday, March 19, 2008 @ 7:00 p.m. Richard Greenberg’s written a fascinating character; Lili’s an Ophelia who didn’t commit suicide. Possibly influenced by her German-Jewish family’s experiences during WWII, she projects the Holocaust onto the world, (she’s …
Old Globe Theatre - Balboa Park, Theater
• The Clean House Wednesday, March 19, 2008 @ 7:00 p.m. Victoria Petrovich’s set - an elegant, creamy-white living room with faux marble floor - is so immaculate it’s the kind of place people photo-shoot rather than inhabit. To the eyes …
San Diego Repertory Theatre - Downtown, Theater
• Dancing in the Dark Wednesday, March 19, 2008 @ 7:00 p.m. The Old Globe Theatre presents the new musical comedy, book by Douglas Carter Beane, based on the MGM musical The Band Wagon. Songs include “A Shine on Your Shoes,” “That’s …
Old Globe Theatre - Balboa Park, Theater
• One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest Thursday, March 20, 2008 @ 8:00 p.m. The Theatre, Inc., stages Dale Wasserman’s adaptation of the Ken Kesey novel about life, and power tactics, in an asylum. Douglas Lay directed.
Ark Theater - Downtown, Theater
• The American Plan Thursday, March 20, 2008 @ 8:00 p.m. Richard Greenberg’s written a fascinating character; Lili’s an Ophelia who didn’t commit suicide. Possibly influenced by her German-Jewish family’s experiences during WWII, she projects the Holocaust onto the world, (she’s …
Old Globe Theatre - Balboa Park, Theater
• The Clean House Thursday, March 20, 2008 @ 8:00 p.m. Victoria Petrovich’s set - an elegant, creamy-white living room with faux marble floor - is so immaculate it’s the kind of place people photo-shoot rather than inhabit. To the eyes …
San Diego Repertory Theatre - Downtown, Theater

Balboa Park
• 3/8, 3/15, 3/16. 3/22, 3/23, 3/29, 3/30: 10a-11a- Qu Gong in the Park. Increase your energy level and improve your health! Located at the World Beat Center lawn area.
• 3/8, 3/9, 3/22, 3/23: 10am-4pm- Art Mart; Artists display their work. Lawn area near the Federal Building
• Every Sunday!: Sunday Afternoon Dancing: Singles and couples welcome. Dance or come and watch the fun. @ 2080 Pan American Plaza, Balboa Club Park
• 3/9: 2pm-3pm- House of Mexico; A program of traditional music, songs and dance. Popular ethnic dishes will be served. @ International Cottages
• 3/9: 2pm- Sunday Zapateado presents Ballet Folklorico en Aztland performing dances from Yucatan. @ Centro Cultural de la Raza, 2125 Park
• 3/14 thru 4/16: Easter Lily Display. View over 300 fragrant Easter Lillie in the Botanical building
• 3/15: 1pm-4pm- Youth Fitness Expo. Children come and have an entire day of fun with kids music, fitness activities, games, raffles and more. Promotes health in elementary school kids. @ Spreckels Organ Pavilion
• 3/15 & 3/16: 1pm-4pm- Flower Show: Ikebana International San Diego Show. @ Room 101 Casa Del Prado
• 3/16: 2pm- PalabraDas. Open Mic and Open Stage. Dancers, singers, bands, performers share their talent. If you are interested in performing email centro@centroaza.com @ Centro Cultural de la Raza
• 3/16: House of Ireland. A program of traditional Irish music, dance, food, etc. At the International Cottages.
• 3/30: 2pm-3pm. House of Lebanon. A program of traditional music, food, dance, stc. At the International Cottages.

Public Organ Concerts:
Spreckles Organ Pavilion
*Hear San Diego’s Civic Organist Carol Williams in concert on Sundays*
• 3/9, 2pm-3pm
• 3/16, 2pm-3pm
• 3/23, 2pm-3pm
• 3/30, 2pm-3pm

Museum Days: no admission charge for San Diego Residents
***San Diego has been named “The newest cultural Mecca in the United States,” and with so many museums and organizations to visit the Museum Month pass gives San Diegans a chance to try it all. Beginning February 1, 2008, visit any Macy’s store for a special Museum Month brochure which contains a pass for half-priced admission to most arts institutions and museums throughout the county***
• 3/11, 9:30am-3pm: Veteran’s Museum and Memorial Center
• 3/11, 10am-5pm: Museum of San Diego History
• 3/11, 10am-5pm: Museum of Photographic Art
• 3/18, 10a-4p: Art Institute of Living Artists
• 3/18, 10a-4p: Japenese Friendship Garden
• 3/18: 10a-4p: Mingei International Museum
• 3/18, 10a-4p: Museum of Man
• 3/18, 10a-4p: Museum of Art
• 3/25, 10a-4p: Aerospace Museum
• 3/25, 10a-4p: Hall of Champions
• 3/25, 10a-4:30p: Automotive Museum

Balboa Park Tours: tours leave from Balboa Park Visitors Center, 1549 El Prado Suite#1
• Architectural Heritage Tours. First Wednesday of each month at 9:30am. One-hour tour highlighting the Spanish Colonial architecture
• Ranger-led Tours. Every Tuesday and Saturday at 1pm. One hour tour covering the historical and botanical treasures of Balboa Park
• Offshoot Tours: Every Saturday at 10am> Tour themes include Balboa Park history (first Saturday of the month), palm trees (2nd Saturdays), other trees in the Park (3rd Saturdays), desert vegetation (4th Saturdays), the tour del dia, exploring the Park’s Palisades area (5th Saturday)

An article in todays Union Tribune discusses Chairman Bernanke’s signal to Congress that there will be another rate cut. Making money even less expensive. That is good news for homebuying,i.e. getting a loan. With the conforming limits having been raised and the cost of money being cut, it makes it attainable to get a loan for a home. Especially when you think about how it will affect Downtown San Diego Lofts and Condos with their prices. Now, it is due to this sluggish economy, low consumer confidence and rise in energy prices (to be commented upon down below) that is spurring this on. Read the article and form your own opinions on the matter.

As for Oil… a show on the History channel the other day (where my fellow History Channel watchers at?!?!) discussed the topic of oil, the cost of it and the supply of it. It is all but dried up in the US, as was predicted by one of Shell Oil’s head Geologists back in the 50’s. His name was Hubbard and in the 50’s he predicted the US production of Oil woild peak in the 70’s and all but run out by the 21st century. It was met with a lot of grumbling. You didn’t say things about our country back then that were negative. Rosie the Riveter would smack you upside the head. In this much more Liberal age, a lot of things are said freely. Like, the US pruduces 8 million barrels of oil per day but consumes nearly 24 million per day. We are getting two thirds of our oil from somewhere else. A lot of these somewhere elses aren’t aways very friendly to us and they are taking our wealth (I will leave the definition of that word up to the reader).

Why do I write this? Because, simply put, if you don’t want to pay exhorbinant prices at the pump on a semi weekly basis then you ought to live near where you work. It can cut down on those costs. Shorter commute time, less gas used, more public transit i.e. the trolley or bus can lessen your expenditure.

So there you have it. My spin on how to survive/take advantage of our current situation.

With everything going on in the real estate market, nothing tells the truth more than the actual numbers. The following blog is a template for something new we will be doing on a monthly basis for 92101 Urban Living.

In this graph you can see that the quantity of units sold in January ‘07 and January ‘08 are very similar, with a difference of 22 properties

With this graph it is very interesting to note the sales of new construction vs. resale

This will be a common trend in 2008 to see the columbia ditrict showing the most amount of sales. Four buildings being delivered in 08 are in the Columbia District: Bayside, Electra, Saphire Tower, Breeza.

One of the beautiful things about living in downtown San Diego is that this fine city is still growing it’s idenity and the community can help to mold this idenity into one complimenting it’s resident’s. The city has recently planned to cut a plan with a private developer to destruct and rebuild the 1960s-era Civic Center and create a new Civic Center. Two developer finalists are asking the publics opinion and feedback.
Why care? What is a Civic Center anyway?
A Civic Center is generally is a prominent space within a community that is constructed to be its focal point or center. Usually it contains one or more dominant public buildings, often times a government building and major permormance center. One of the most well known and well developed Civic Centers is the San Francisco’s Civic Center. San Francisco’s Civic Center is comprised of an area that contains many of the city’s largest government and cultural institutions. It has two large plazas; the Civic Center Plaza and United Nations Plaza, and a number of buildings in classical architectural style. Their Civic Center includes City Hall,, Supreme Court of California, San Francisco Public Library, War Memorial Opera House, Davies Symphony Hall, Herbst Theater, Asian Art Museum and much more. It is a cultural hub of the highest form where all of the cities important decisions and events take place.

So what would you like to see developed?

Comment on the San Diego Civic Center project.

• March 13: 6:30 p.m. at Qualcomm Stadium, Club Level, 9449 Friars Road.
• March 15: 10 a.m. at Malcolm X Library, 5148 Market St.

Check out this Union Tribune article for more information….See You There!

Part of living in any downtown area is the art! Living in a downtown area is living in the pulse, where ideas gain form. Downtown San Diego does not lack in this aspect and art is celebrated in this fine city. Little Italy hosts a plethora of art events including the famous Art Walk that takes place every Spring (last weekend in April).
ArtWalk features the art of more than 350 artits of all styles. Every year the caliber of art escalaltes as more and more talented artists enter. Little Italy’s ArtWalk also will include some of San Diego’s top dance companies and musical performers as well as interactive art activities and plenty to do with the kids.

And lets not forget the Gesso Italiano Chalk Painting Event in Little Italy…check it out..

ArtWalk on the Bay is coming back this year as well (September 13th and 14th)

As San Diego changes before our eyes, so will it’s idenity. We should all get out there and support local artists in all genres for they will truly help create Downtowns cerebral landscape.

For more info. on San Diego Art events check out these websites
http://www.sandiegoartandsol.com/
http://sandiegoartist.com/galleries.htm
and Sign on San Diego’s entertainment section

There’s nothing quite like living in a downtown area, surrounded by the best restaurants, shops, nightlife, art and culture. But let’s face it; you’re paying for your surroundings when owning Downtown. So you just bought a place downtown in the best neighborhood in a great building…confused on how to make the most out of your 700sq.ft. pad?
So you may not have the largest home, but there are ways to maximize your living space. Due to the extensive amount of Loft and high-rise condo living, San Diego has some great local businesses dedicated to stylish options on making the most out of your downtown home.
Check out these two companies: Sliding Door Company and Space. It may help you make the most of your downtown living space.