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 →
Farm to prison project advancing
This story was reported for Seaside Courier on May 19, 2014. An Encinitas resident is overseeing a new effort to have inmates at the Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility in Otay Mesa grow their own food behind prison walls. The Farm And Rehabilitation Meals (FARM) program being developed at the prison will enable up to 20 inmates to grow fruits… Read more →
City Hall power struggle in Encinitas
This story was reported for Seaside Courier on May 23, 2014. So much for that power-sharing agreement. Encinitas Councilmember Lisa Shaffer is asking her colleagues to reconsider a December agreement that had political opposites Teresa Barth and Kristin Gaspar splitting the mayor’s post this year, with Barth serving through June and Gaspar serving in the largely ceremonial position for the… Read more →
Cardiff man finds joy in restoring rare model train sets
This story was reported for Seaside Courier on June 17, 2014. Cardiff resident Bob Shultz was 8 years old when his father gave him a train set. Sixty years later, his father’s gift has spiraled into a hobby that has cost him about $100,000. Shultz, a retired real estate broker, said he became interested in train sets again when his… Read more →
Next for Wood: Change the Oceanside City Council
This story was reported for Seaside Courier on June 18, 2014. With a failed shot at unseating county Supervisor Bill Horn behind him, Oceanside Mayor Jim Wood says he is now focused on changing the City Council. Wood, who often finds himself at odds with the council majority, said he’s “embarrassed” by his colleagues. “Hopefully, I’ll change the makeup on… Read more →
Cheerleaders call penalty on poor National Football League pay
This story was reported for 10News in March 2014. Former Raiderette Lacy worked roughly nine hours per NFL game and earned a flat payment of $125. The wage didn’t factor in time for practice, makeup and hair, and staying in shape. The highest paid Oakland Raiders player, running back Darren McFadden, earns more in one game than the entire squad’s… Read more →
50 years in the making: Asian-American could join San Diego City Council
This story was reported for 10News on Mar. 12, 2014. It’s an election that can be considered consequential by many standards but for one ethnic population, the stakes are pretty high. An Asian-American will likely be elected in November to the San Diego City Council for the first time in 52 years. It’s a huge feat for local Asian-Americans, who… Read more →
Water quality change on tap for California brewers
This story was reported for 10News on April 13, 2012. When it comes to brewing beer, San Diegans take it seriously. San Diego County is home to 87 of the 423 craft breweries in California, including Stone Brewery, the 10th largest craft brewery in the nation. The local craft brewing industry also saw sales of $781.6 million in 2013 and… Read more →