This story was reported for Uptown News on Oct. 24, 2014. One could say a couple’s wedding officiant will always be a part of the couple. But, in the case of North Park’s Kevin Zempko and Erica Wacker, it’s the groom that will always be a part of the officiant. That’s because Zempko donated his bone marrow to his officiant,… Read more →
Category: her work
Passion earns Carlsbad teacher regional honor
This story was reported for Seaside Courier on Nov. 4, 2014. Although Carlsbad teacher Maria Teran-Cruz, 47, always knew she wanted to work with children, her path of discovery was likely far different than many others. Teran-Cruz escaped civil war in Nicaragua but left with vivid memories. “My younger years were my happier years,” Teran-Cruz said. “I went to a… Read more →
Lively home goods store taking over North Park
This story was reported for San Diego Uptown News on Sept. 12, 2014. It isn’t a typical business one would see in North Park, but on any given day, it draws just as large of a crowd as its neighbors. University Avenue’s kaleidoscope, which opened in May, is owned by neighborhood residents Becki and Lee Kaplan, who say their shop… Read more →
Move over, beer
This story was reported for San Diego Uptown News on Sept. 12, 2014. Kombucha now offered on tap It’s been described as a natural antibiotic with plenty of health benefits. And now it’s offered on tap at several local eateries. Kombucha, a fermented drink that’s more likely to be found in bottles, can now be found fresh from the keg,… Read more →
Japanese tapas bar joining North Park food scene
This story was reported for San Diego Uptown News on Aug. 29, 2014. A University Avenue space that has stood empty for three months will soon reopen as another arm in North Park’s growing restaurant monster. The SafeHouse, a Japanese tapas restaurant serving craft beers and wines, will open in September by local businessmen Nick Thanasith and Ernest Hsu. “We… Read more →
The Rabbit Hole to open in time for Adams Street Fair
This story was reported for San Diego Uptown News on Sept. 17, 2014. At the end of this month, three men with more than 45 years of industry experience plan to unveil The Rabbit Hole at the Adams Avenue Street Fair after just six weeks of preparation. The trio — Mark Huber, David Schiffman and Brendan Huffman — purchased the… Read more →
Oceanside couple takes the leap… literally
An Oceanside couple admits they are not the type of people who typically enjoy attention. But when Brandon Strohbehn asked Nicole Nepomuceno to marry him, the moment was shared on YouTube and has thrust them into the limelight. That’s because Strohbehn proposed to Nepomuceno, his girlfriend of 18 months, right before they jumped off a plane. Strohbehn, 32, said he… Read more →
Surfdog founder makes waves in 30-year career
It was almost 30 years ago when an Encinitas businessman joined the big dogs of the music industry. Dave Kaplan signed UB40 shortly after the British band blew up the Billboard charts in the U.S. with its album “Labour of Love” featuring songs like “Red Red Wine.” Kaplan, now 55 years old, often finds himself wondering how he has made… Read more →
Teen walks in graduation after paralyzing snowboarding injury
This story was reported for Seaside Courier on June 16, 2014. Miracles are possible. Just ask Cardiff resident Celia Brewer. It was Feb. 1, 2010 when her son, Spencer Fox, crashed while snowboarding at Brighton, Utah. “Spencer was faster than I was and went down a cat track,” said Brewer, who works as Carlsbad’s city attorney. “He hit a bump… Read more →
Encinitas girl, 12, now a yoga instructor
This story was reported for Seaside Courier on May 9, 2014. Jaysea DeVoe loves to ride her bike, surf and sing. But at 12 years old, Jaysea is more than just your average California girl –– she may be the youngest person in the nation to earn a yoga instructor certification. The Encinitas resident begins her days at 7 a.m.… Read more →