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January 2024 | VOLUME 9 | ISSUE 1

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Written by Ray Shay Do you ever ask yourself, “Where do I want to live next?” Helping our friends answer that critical question is one of the challenges of being a REALTOR© we fully embrace. Our team members have a wide and varied knowledge of the County of San Diego and our local 92127 neighborhoods.

Helping people change their home addresses takes work, but we enjoy doing it as we see their smiles and hear their laughter at their new destination. Seeing firsthand how the move has improved their lives and helping them make the most of each precious day is so rewarding.

This information is believed to be accurate but is not guaranteed. This image is not to scale and is only for reference purposes.

See DESTINATION SANTALUZ on page 2

Call Ray Shay!

Direct : 858-449-4970

2022

*All information in this publication is believed to be accurate but not guaranteed, if your home is currently listed with another REALTOR this is not a solicitation

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| VOLUME 10 JANUARY A Publication of Local Umbrella Media January , 2024 | VOLUME2024 9 | ISSUE 1

BROKERS CORNER RAY SHAY BROKER ASSOCIATE I OWNER Powered by DRE 01946504

DESTINATION SANTALUZ

Every community has many positive aspects and a few drawbacks that are important to identify. We are very transparent about sharing the good and bad of every community. Telling the truth is far more important than making a home sale.

We have been the 92127 EXPERTS™ since 4S Ranch, Crosby Estates, Del Sur, The Lakes, and Santaluz were first built and have placed countless families in almost every one of our neighborhoods.

At the time, I drove a grey 1967 VW Bug. Despite the passenger side floorboard filling up with rainwater, it was a great car. My passengers learned quickly to raise their feet on rainy days as the water sloshed forward when I braked.

I loved that Bug. After hanging up my gunbelt in my locker, I would strap my surfboard onto the top, throw some towels, flip-flops, camping gear, sweatshirts, and the mandatory ice chest into the back seat, and head south into Mexico.

It was an escape from the sights and sounds of heartbreak and violence that was just part of being a cop.

Mexico’s kind and friendly citizens were incredibly welcoming, and the pristine beauty of their country resonated with me. When I turned onto the toll road south from Tijuana, I would look over my right shoulder at the crystal blue Pacific Ocean, turn up my radio, and smell the salty ocean breeze surrounding me.

Then, I could feel the stress of work leaving my shoulders like an unwanted passenger. I was in Mexico.

As luck would have it, a few months ago, I was contacted by a woman I had helped purchase a home in another gated community in 92127 a few years ago. She asked if I could help her sister sell her home in Santaluz. Despite being on the market for almost a year, she had little luck selling it and had yet to receive a single written offer.

Most people writing about Santaluz focus on the physical attributes of this 3,800-acre community. It has exceptional natural characteristics, and its award-winning Rees Jones-designed private golf course is a joy to play. Add in a variety of amenities, including dog parks, swimming pools, sports courts, restaurants, and a quaint coffee shop to gather with family and friends.

That being said, there is still more to talk about. To do so, we must go back a few years to the early 1980s when my work address was 801 West Market St. in downtown San Diego. Yep, where all the cool restaurants are now.

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When we met her at the estate home at 7817 Santaluz Inlet, (See center pages), the problem was obvious. I told her she had to “divorce her home.” She was too personally connected to the home’s appearance and expensive furniture. The home was too dark. She agreed to use our Shay Realtor’s “Refresh Program” to get to work quickly without her having to pay upfront costs to reveal the home’s true value.

Over the last few weeks, we have navigated many issues to prepare the home for sale. If you want more details on what or why we do certain things, call me on my cell phone or stop by our open house this weekend. Be sure to schedule an appointment ahead, and we can call you into the gate.

As you can see, our team has made some cool changes. @LocalUmbrellaMedia @LocalUmbrellaMedia ADVERTISE ADVERTISE || Brad@LocalUmbrella.com Press@LocalUmbrella.com

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One late afternoon, I was driving my motorcycle and decided to check on the lighting of our home as we prepared it to hit the market. The temperature change in the different Santaluz elevations and the crisp ocean breeze felt amazing as I watched the hot air balloons float past our panoramic ocean view.

When the Santaluz community turned dark at sunset, I turned off my motorcycle and sat there. Since they do not have the typical street lights, the community is dark, allowing me to gaze up at the beautiful stars above. I took a deep breath and felt like I was back in Mexico. I was only missing a few ice-cold Coronas.

Spending several weeks in and out of Santaluz allowed our team to learn more about and experience the community firsthand. It was a Sunday afternoon, and one of our support elements needed to complete their work on the home, so Tina Wu and I went for a long walk.

I was amazed as there were plenty of trails, but we spent most of the walk on the blacktop street. In two hours, we were only passed by about six cars. This peaceful walk and future hikes in the area showed us a side of Santaluz I had never experienced. It is abundant in nature, and all the plants are indigenous, so the scents were amazing.

Santaluz is likely a prized sanctuary for many of the residents who use it to escape from the hustle and bustle of San Diego. Being only about twenty minutes from the Pacific Ocean this unique community is a very special place you need to experience.

Take a look at the video to the right as it shows both the Santaluz community but also a beautiful estate home located at 7817 Santaluz Inlet. The indoor/outdoor living is unique along with the ocean view from the southwesterly facing back yard.

It was also named “Best Master-Planned Community in Southern California” by the Building Industry Association.

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| VOLUME 10 JANUARY 2024 A Publication of Local Umbrella Media

Your Digital Data And Who Really Owns It Is There Such A Thing As Privacy Anymore?

By Bob Morey With John Horst

On a recent episode of the Dan Bongino Show, Senator Mike Lee R (UT), spoke about the deep intrusions of Big Tech and social media into our lives and privacy and how the data they collect about us is used. I listened with rampant attention as I had just finished reading my good friend, John Horst, latest book titled ‘Liberty’s Silver Bullet (LSB), which also touches on those very topics that Senator Lee was speaking about but goes further by calling for a Digital Constitutional Amendment to protect our personal data and digital finances. LSB also delves into the critical areas we face in the ever-increasing digital world, not just data and money but also Artificial Intelligence and the Crypto Economy.

John Horst and his wife own Xanesti Technology Services, LLC. Their company supports DoD cybersecurity, and Mr. Horst serves as an expert witness and consultant on cases involving cybersecurity and related disciplines. I had a chance to sit down with Mr. Horst and talk at length about some of the critical decisions that we will have to address in the near future.

LUM: What led you to write Liberty’s Silver Bullet?

Mr. Horst: I first ran for Congress in 2016 for very local reasons. It really started with something as simple as a stop sign and crosswalk in our neighborhood after a young woman and her niece were struck by a car as they walked to school. In campaigning for that stop sign and crosswalk, I learned about a local group of volunteers who helped the city understand the things our neighbors were most concerned about. With their help, I was able to get the stop sign and crosswalk our community needed.

I joined that group of volunteers and learned about another problem. Our community was short on elementary schools. One was planned and funded, but the federal bureaucracy was getting in the way. I rallied that same group to engage with our congressman about the school.

Our congressman then was Brian Bilbray, who longtime San Diego residents might remember as mayor of Imperial Beach. He was tired of his beaches being closed due to sewage from Tijuana. He was even more tired of the impotence of government. He took to a skip loader to dam up the Tijuana River and triggered an international incident.

Brian knew how to get the attention of the people who needed to be shaken up a little. He sunk his teeth into our problem of getting that school built. He even wrote a three-page Bill which basically fired a shot across the bureaucracy’s bow: “Do your damn job, or we’ll do it for you.”

It worked. Within a month, the feds stopped moving the goalposts and granted the final permit the school district needed. Today, Jonas Salk Elementary is a leading elementary school with a high school-level science lab and curriculum.

Bilbray was our fullback. He understood that “touchdowns” were scored by local leaders. Congressional representatives, more often than not, are needed to block, not score. Bilbray got this.

He lost his seat in 2012 and we no longer had a fullback in Congress. I felt we deserved one. And I saw up close and personal what that meant.

And so, I ran for Congress. But it isn’t enough to have local reasons. As one who cares about individual liberty, and as a cybersecurity business owner, my main national reason for running was to bring the U.S. Constitution into the digital age.

I remember that. During your campaign, you cut a video titled “Bring Back the Dinner Table,” where you explain the difference between today’s Digital Age and the world before the Digital Age. How does this change the way you see civil liberties?

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We have to be able to talk about these things at the dinner table. Our children get their first sense of politics and current events from these conversations. But we must first understand the issues in order to talk about them. And the best explanations are the simplest, even if they might not be technically perfect. I understand the technology inside and out, and if I am teaching a college class on it, I’ll be precise and exact. But here – and in my book – I am not worried about precision as much as I want to equip my neighbors to have everyday conversations. They might be at the “water cooler” at work or the “dinner table” at home. But they are essential conversations if we wish to remain free people.

You write about how the Supreme Court has interpreted the Fourth Amendment in this area. What is your background here and why do you believe there is no protection in the Fourth Amendment?

I grew up in a family of lawyers, and it was always a topic of discussion. Then, later, I taught critical thinking at the undergraduate level and covered the relationship between it and the law.

As I built my cybersecurity career, I developed /LocalUmbrellaMedia

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a side practice as an expert witness in cyber and computer-related cases. So, reading case records and judicial decisions is not new to me. The simplest explanation here is to think about when you buy a new phone. You back the old one up to a Big Tech server, and then restore that to your new phone. Now, your phone is considered a personal possession – what the Fourth Amendment calls your “effects.” SCOTUS has ruled that police need a warrant to look at the data on your phone. But that exact same data – under other SCOTUS decisions – is considered a “third-party business record.” Law enforcement can serve a warrant on your Big Tech platform and get what you think is “your data” without your knowledge or consent.

Tech CEOs like Mark Zuckerberg have been asked about this. What do you think about their answer?

It’s amazing how consistent the answers are across the board from these CEOs. They always say something like “You control your information.” The problem is the question was “Who owns the data?” Note that they were not asked about either “control” or “information.” If you ADVERTISE | Brad@LocalUmbrella.com

A Publication of Local Umbrella Media VOLUME 10 | JANUARY 2024 | are using their products, they can sell or license access to the data you originate. Understand that the essence of ownership is the ability to sell the thing. If you cannot sell or license the data you originate on their platforms, you do not “own” the data. And being able to direct them to delete it (which is what they mean by you “control” your information) does not change that. The other thing is the difference between data and information. Your data can be combined with other users and platforms to create new information sets. If a platform “deletes your data” from their platform, you cannot know where your data has gone before that and whether it is being used as part of other information sets.

We can now look back a bit on the Covid pandemic. Has it changed your view on this?

If anything, it is becoming clearer why the only real answer is an amendment to the constitution… We can look back all the way to the Black Death and see how, on the one hand, the public’s confidence in the “authorities” of the day – which was the church and its priests – collapsed. But this collapse gave rise to the Renaissance. We are at the very beginning of a similar transformation. It might look bad today – a general collapse in public confidence in public health officials and government. The story, though, will end up being about rediscovering the truth. We once thought it came to us through the priests. Now, it seems we are to believe it comes from an algorithm. Once again, we will discover that our own eyes and reason are the only way to discover the truth. The only way to deny the government the ability to propagandize us via AI is to deny AI the data it needs for its very existence.

Is LSB a “philosophical” book?

In a sense, yes. Thomas Jefferson relied on ideas about government from John Locke, who

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believed the authority to govern arises from the consent of the governed. Thomas Hobbes, on the other hand, believed the authority to govern had to be absolute – invested in a monarch or some group of bureaucracies. The book is about how this determines how one will view money.

It is also a big part of how one will look at AI. But I am very sensitive to what I call “specialty language.” Wall Street is especially good at coining ever-new terms to make simple concepts seem complex. Some believe “The Wizard of Oz” was a parody of central banking. Wall Street’s technical vocabulary is the “curtain” in the Wizard of Oz. God forbid Dorothy and her motley crew of ordinary people get behind the curtain to see these people are not who they say they are, nor do they know what they claim to know. Big Tech seems to be playing the same game.

Big Tech and Wall Street. It sounds like you’re saying they are hiding their lust for power behind their efforts to dictate to everyone else what words mean.

Exactly. My approach to writing is to “Occupy the Language.” The faculty lounge simply does not get to tell me, or you, what words mean.

When they complain about my explanations, my response is simple: I am not in their class nor writing for their grade. I couldn’t give two shits what they think about how I explain things to my neighbors. If I want to be more colorful, I’ll simply note that I have two middle fingers and ask which one they want to see first.

You come at Liberty in the Digital Age from two angles: data and money. But with Big Tech and crypto, it seems that data is money, and money is data.

It’s true. Data is now more valuable than oil.

If a company goes bankrupt, their data may well be the most valuable of their assets. And if

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the court can sell the data to pay creditors, you most certainly do not own that data – even if it is about you or your transactions. And as people gravitate toward crypto, money itself is now data.

As hard as it is to amend the Constitution, this should show why it is the only answer. Either we own data about us, and data that comes into existence because we bought something, checked out a book, drove from here to there (there is no end to this), or we don’t. There is only one way to secure this ownership. That is to state in the Constitution that all data pertaining to us as individuals, or arising from our activities, inalienably belongs to us as our “effects” – just as any other personal possession belongs to us.

Then, our transactions on a Blockchain – data – belong to us and we get to opt-in to how we allow it to be used by others. The form of money we choose on a Blockchain is data, and that data becomes money to us as we get to say who can use it and for how much.

As John said earlier, understanding all the implications of the ever-increasing digital world is very much like Toto pulling back the curtain only to discover that The Wizard is really a man, and he isn’t who he says he is, and he doesn’t know what he claims to know. We must look at our digital world, ask questions, and protect ourselves. So, we better understand it and stay on top of this ever-changing realm. Liberty’s Silver Bullet is a good start to help you understand how it is and where it’s going and to help you learn to ask the questions you need to so you can learn how to protect yourself.

LBS was just released on Amazon eBooks and will soon be released in softback and available in better bookstores.

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ERASE HATE SAN DIEGO

By District Attorney Summer Stephan

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A Publication of Local Umbrella Media VOLUME 10 | JANUARY 2024 |

January Stacks Up to Pastrami Month

By Frank Sabatini Jr.

Food historians generally agree that the first pastrami sandwich to appear on America’s culinary scene dates back to the late 1800s. It was served in New York City by Lithuanian immigrant and butcher Sussman Volk, who presented the cured brisket on hearty bread to friends and customers. Word soon spread about its sumptuous, novel flavor, and by the 1920s pastrami was all the rage in New York delis—and particularly favored within the Jewish community.

National Pastrami Day is Jan. 14. But we didn’t wait to track down restaurant-industry maven Howard Solomon, who has been generating an extra dose of enthusiasm over the meat with his recent launch of The Pastrami Strand.

Solomon replied: “I never thought the business would take off like it has. In a super busy week we could sell up to 125 pounds of pastrami depending on the location. But our next step will be to try to land in a brewery tasting room to be their full-time vendor while still doing the popups because they are a great marketing tool.”

There are many other places throughout San Diego County that serve pastrami in a variety of ways. Below are several of our top picks.

Carnivore Sandwich 670 W. B St., Little Italy 619-578-2694, www.carnivoresandwich.com Owner Bas Emini refers to his popular eatery

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and bustling Jewish deli, where “over stuffed” pastrami sandwiches have ruled the day since 1995. The restaurant also serves a notable Philadelphia-style cheese steak made with chopped pastrami that gets tucked into a warm French roll. The construct takes on the additions of grilled onions, peppers and mushrooms, plus Jack and cheddar cheeses. It’s a tasty departure from the classic pastrami sandwich on rye.

DZ Akins 6930 Alvarado Road, La Mesa 619-265-0218, www.dzatkinsdeli.com

A downtown destination for pastrami sandwiches (Carnivore Sandwich)

as “a West Coast take on an East Coast classic.”

He pairs his perfectly spiced pastrami to other proteins such as fried egg and cheese on the “Big Apple sandwich” and top turkey breast and Muenster cheese on the ultra-hearty “Empire State sandwich.” The menu also offers a buildyour-own option, which allows you to garnish your pastrami (and other meats) with a host of condiments and garnishments. Although for traditionalists like us, we’re sticking to deli mustard and pickles.

Elija’s Restaurant & Delicatessen 7061 Clairemont Mesa Blvd., Kearny Mesa 858-455-1461, www.elijahsrestaurant.com Howard Solomon of The Pastrami Stand (Courtesy photo)

The pop-up business appears regularly at the Poway Farmers Market on Saturdays; and the Leucadia Farmers Market and La Jolla Open Aire Market on Sundays.

In addition, his 10 x10 canopy shows up at a different brewery every Sunday in the Miramar area. Solomon says that sometime after March, he hopes to take part in the Thursday farmers markets in North Park and Scripps Ranch. (See his weekly schedule at www.thepastramistand. com.)

Solomon started the business after working as a hospitality consultant for the past 16 years. He turned to pastrami as the focal point because he loved it as a kid.

“I grew up in deli-deprived Peoria, Illinois. On rare occasions my parents took me to Chicago where I got to eat pastrami. It was a luxury. Now when I go to Chicago my favorite place for pastrami is Manny’s Delicatessen.”

Solomon sources his pastrami from a butcher in Los Angeles whose family has been in the meat business since 1958.

“Our butcher procures the meat, trims it, brines it, and smokes it—and we pick it up,” Solomon noted.

From there, the sliced goodness lands in a variety of sandwiches, such as the well-endowed “No. 18” with mustard on rye—or the “pastrami dip” served on a roll with mustard and pickles, and dipped in pastrami au jus.

“Those are our biggest sellers,” he added.

“They are the go-to items for people who have visited any sort of delicatessen in New York or Los Angeles.”

And what makes for a perfect pastrami?

“It’s got to have good marbling and a decent fat cap that isn’t overly fatty but just adds flavor to the meat. And there has to be a balance of brine to rub to smoke,” he noted.

When asked if he foresees opening a brickand-mortar pastrami business down the road, LOCAL NEWS | www.LocalUmbrellaMedia.com

Pastrami and chopped liver at DZ Akins (dzakinsdeli.com)

San Diego’s biggest and most popular Jewish deli is home to an array of traditional favorites, including house-prepared pastrami served in a variety of different sandwiches. Aside from the traditional straight-up on rye version, the restaurant’s juicy pastrami is combined in other sandwiches with meats such as chopped liver, beef tongue, and even atop a burger if you so choose.

For the No. 54 sandwich, pastrami tucked into an onion roll with bacon, lettuce and tomato.

Papa Duke’s Deli & Grill

The Empire State Building sandwich at Elijah’s (Facebook)

If hot pastrami is your thing, this humble restaurant serves it sliced thin and stacked generously within fresh rye bread. Things get even taller when opting for the “Empire State Building” found under the “Sky High” sandwich category. The creation combines stacks of both pastrami and corned beef enhanced with Swiss cheese and Russian dressing – a super Reuben of sorts.

12169 Kirkham Road, Suite A, Poway 858-679-7955, www.papadukesdeli.com When the urge for pastrami strikes between 7 and 11 a.m., we head to the family-run fast-casual Papa Duke’s, which slings a satisfying pastrami-egg-Swiss cheese sandwich on a fresh ciabatta roll. Or if you’re on the hunt for a classic or custom-made pastrami sandwich, you’re also in luck. The eatery sources its pastrami from Boar’s Head, a favorite national brand that is also available in grocery stores such as Ralph’s.

The Butchery Quality Meats 3720 Caminito Court, Suite 200, Carmel Valley 858-345-1524, www.butcherymeats.com

Milton’s 2660 Villa De La Valle, Del Mar 858-792-2225, www.miltonsdeli.com

Get your pastrami fix at this popular meat store. (By Frank Sabatini Jr.)

Del Mar’s haven for pastrami and other Jewish fare (Milton’s)

Just north of San Diego is yet another large /LocalUmbrellaMedia

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This upscale meat market and grocer sells slow-roasted pastrami by deli-purveyor Block and Barrel, either by the pound or for hot and cold sandwiches made onsite. The sandies come with a choice of bread or roll. And by default they’re adorned with baby Swiss cheese, mustard, mayo and pickles. Best to call ahead of time if you’re on the hunt for the prized meat because the store sometimes sells out.

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T

he week bridging Christmas and New Year hit me particularly hard this time around. It’s not a typical week off from work, yet it doesn’t quite feel like a return to normal life either. It’s a peculiar, transitional period when nothing seems to hold much significance or feel entirely real. Hence, it turned out to be the perfect week for me to break free from my daily coffee routine.

The play gym is ideal for kiddos 16 months to 6 years.

Location: Carlsbad

5)Bohemian Alchemist

Did you know you can have an authentic Turkish coffee experience in Del Mar? Del Mar’s Bohemian Alchemist represents the marriage of many cultures. Embracing a bohemian lifestyle, this shop is all about blending Eastern and Western elements— As the clock struck midnight on December 31st, I eagerly whether those be ingredients or design aesthetics. Warming anticipated the return of my morning coffee ritual. Coffee has their beverages in the sand (a technique first used in Turkey), become a staple in my daily routine, and with the city’s growth, you get your drink with a show. Some of the potions offered are San Diego’s coffee culture has flourished. Numerous small busi- restorative teas, coffee drinks and house-made sweets. nesses now offer not only quality coffee but also a warm comLocation: Del Mar munity and comfortable spaces for those working and learning remotely.

6)Il Giardino di LilliIl II Giardino di Lilli, meaning ‘Lilli’s garden’ is a beautiful While San Diego is often associated with laid-back living Italian garden cafe and bakery located in the heart of La Jolla and coastal vibes, a closer look reveals a thriving coffee culture Village. This beautiful space is inspired by the founder Stefafilled with discerning and well-caffeinated locals, including nia’s late grandmother, Lilliana Carani – whose kitchen and myself. Over the past decade, San Diego has elevated its coffee garden in Italy were home to some of Stefania’s fondest memoscene, thanks to emerging small-batch roasters and shops that ries growing up. Based upon family recipes passed down genembrace an experimental, artisanal approach. erations, Lilli’s pastries & desserts bring a little bit of Italy to San Diego. Featuring a sophisticated patio and romantic Italian Below, I’ve compiled a list of unique coffee shops that I’m very touches, Il Giardino di Lilli prioritizes excellence in quality of excited to explore in 2024. both food and aesthetics.

Location: La Jolla

1) Rikka Fika

7)Superbloom

A modern Japanese-meets-Scandinavian design that mirrors the cafe’s name — “rikka” is the Japanese word for the beginning of summer and “fika” is the Swedish tradition of relaxing for a coffee break — the East Village storefront will also host coffee and dessert omakase experiences featuring pour-over coffee sourced from international roasters. Marked by minimalist charm, this cool coffee shop is not only ready to satiate the desires of your taste buds, but it’s design aesthetic will satisfy your eye candy cravings, too Location: East Village

Marked by stylistic marble and subway tile, Superbloom is a modern, outdoor coffee cottage. With tables, picnic umbrellas and a sweet succulent wall, this is a happy shop that you can walk up to on the property of Mission Bay Beach Club. Enjoy waterfront views as you sip on one of their super fun drinks, like The Sandy Beach or the Vanilla Biscuit Latte. What better way to enjoy your morning or afternoon than soaking in the sun and delighting your taste buds.

Location: Mission Bay

2) Saigon coffee

8)Moniker Coffee

When I visited Hanoi,Vietnam last year, I had a chance to try their famous egg coffee. And I was pleasantly surprised when I drove past Saigon Coffee in North Park a few months ago and found out they also serve the same coffee drink here in San Diego. Boring coffee is a bygone when it comes to Saigon.

By brewing their coffee through Vietnamese Phin Filters (a 4-hour-long process), this shop prioritizes old-fashioned methods that stir flavors of San Diego’s coffee scene. The clean and modern coffee bar was founded by a brother-and-sister duo who grew up in a small town in Vietnam where their mother used to make the best cup of joe for them. Offering menu selections like the Famous Saigon Coffee and Hanoi Egg Coffee, the sibling transports visitors to another time through the taste of their hometown.

Location: North Park

Perfect for perching and studying or grabbing on-the-go, Moniker Coffee is a breath of fresh air in the San Diego coffee scene. As an integral part of Moniker General, which is a space that houses the cafe, the cocktail bar and a store for home goods, this spot is a local favorite in the Liberty Station area. Sip on a seasonal treat like the Snickerdoodle Matcha or the Pumpkin Cheesecake Chia—or keep it classic with a single origin coffee.

Location: Liberty Station

9)Hinar Dessert Bar & Café

Late-night coffee and dessert scenes over crowded bars are a thing in Europe and the Middle East. But it is such a rarity in San Diego that you can have a dessert bar and café that’s open until 9 p.m. every night. This mid century modern dessert bar and cafe offers quality treats like tiramisu while you sip on 3) Lovesong Coffee coffee replete with detailed latte art. Checkered mugs and large There’s more than coffee brewing at Lovesong Coffee and globe lights are among the pieces which bring such great vibes Market in North Park, a space intended for pouring hand-craft- to this shop. What better place to focus on work or meet up ed lattes and fostering loving human connections. Set apart by with friends than a space so thoughtfully curated? gorgeous light and gold accents, this plant-filled space is ready Location: East Village to exceed expectations. Everything about Lovesong is marked by excellence, whether that be their fun drinks such as the Which one are you most excited to try this year? Give me a Sweater Weather (infused with flavors like pumpkin and butcall anytime if you’d like to meet up for a cup of coffee ternut squash) or their masterful presentation of every item on their menu or in their market Location: North Park

4)The Lullabar

Mom’s day out just became way more possible. The Lullabar is a beautiful wellness cafe that provides opportunities for mothers to reconnect with themselves and their community. It’s a space to meet up with friends while the little ones can go to the play gym. Moms can get a mani/pedi, go to a workshop, join a meditation class, take time to get work done or grab a bite to eat. Their cafe also offers delicious drinks like lattes, matcha and lemonades. This place is ideal for any moms in San Diego that need a little break, self care or have a nice place to relax.

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TRAVEL WITH TROY

E

very January I like to reflect on the past year, and today I’ve come up with four tips that I shall call the most valuable travel information I learned in 2023.

Tip #1: Plan early, plan early. Something I have to remind myself of constantly. If you’re thinking of traveling to a popular destination this summer, book it now. You don’t want to procrastinate and then witness a lower price skyrocket a month later. A majority of the time you can pay 5 to 10% more upfront to make it refundable, or at least have travel credit for later. (I’m referencing the big difference between basic economy and main economy). Planning early could be applicable to all realms of life, but especially for travel. Make sure to save all of those photos of your passport, global entry card, mileage plan number, and passwords to airline accounts. I personally use the free Keeper app versus using the notes app or writing it down. If you’re the one who does the majority of the booking for your friends or family, I would recommend saving their necessary flight info too to make the booking process significantly easier. I know it’s a lot of legwork in the beginning, but when you’re scrambling to book a last minute flight, or had a long day at work, you’ll be thankful you did.

Tip #2: Flying in or out of LAX? Test out the option of renting a car vs Ubering. You may come to

find that renting is more cost effective - especially with a big group. Don’t forget, you always have the train as an option too.

However, make sure to take into account the cost and time (LA traffic!!). There is also a bus with a fixed price of $9.75 per passenger each way. Check out their website for more info at www. flylax.com.

sibly save you from missing a flight. Don’t forget as well that many credit cards, such as Capital One Venture Card or United Explorer card, reimburse you for Global Entry. Both of these credit cards have an annual fee of $95, which is less than the actual price of Global Entry. Keep in mind you still get all the perks with these credit cards (aka free baggage and point bonuses to use towards future flights).

Tip #4: If you have travel plans already, this is dedicated to you. Sometimes when you work so hard to get on

vacation - whether that’s saving up money, using precious PTO, or just waking up all the kiddos at 4 in the morning for a long day of traveling - it can be quite the feat to reach your destination. Therefore, with so much time and effort sometimes we, including myself, try so hard to make every waking hour count that we forget to do the most important thing: Taking in the moment. Sometimes you’re going to miss out on seeing that beautiful museum, or trying out that new restaurant, or you’ll get stuck with a cloudy day on your beach vacation. However, I have learned that these mishaps usually end up leading to other memories that become not only highlights of the trip, but of the entire year. I wish I had more space to share an example, but that will have to wait until next time. Let’s just say it included a hurricane on a beach vacation, which turned into an adventure I will always chersh. I can guarantee you that you’ll encounter big and small bumps in the road on your next trip, but finding ways to navigate them will lead you down unexpected paths that may turn out to be the best moments of all.

Happy traveling and a happy new year to all of you.

Tip #3: If you don’t have a global entry card yet, go apply for one. Priced at a flat rate of $100, your global entry

card will last for five years. I think it’s a no-brainer when you take into account how much time you will save, as not only it expedites your international travels for when you arrive back into the US, but you also get TSA precheck on domestic travel. For example, if you’re flying anywhere, even if it’s from San Diego to San Francisco, you will bypass the regular security line and go straight to the TSA precheck line, which can posLOCAL NEWS NEWS || www.LocalUmbrellaMedia.com LocalUmbrellaNews.com LOCAL

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Exquisite Santa Barbara-style residence nestled in the prestigious guard-gated community of Santaluz, offering panoramic views of the golf course and the mesmerizing ocean from the main living areas. This luxurious, single level home is situated on a tranquil cul-de-sac street, providing a private and serene environment. With 5,683 sqft of spacious interior, the home was custom designed to incorporate indoor/outdoor living at its finest. You’ll enjoy sweeping views west facing views over the golf course and to the ocean in all the main living areas. Interior features superior attention to detail with beautiful hardwood floors, solid wood doors & cabinets throughout, copper clad doors and windows & custom chandeliers. Featuring 5 generously sized bedrooms/4 full baths with an additional half bath within the residence & a convenient half bath accessible from the back patio. Dream kitchen with Wolf double range/oven & warming drawer; SubZero fridge & beverage fridge; and expansive wood island for gathering & entertaining. Embrace the epitome of Santa Barbara style, where luxury meets functionality in this meticulously designed residence with unparalleled views and exceptional features.

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YOUR COASTAL COMMUNITY EXPERTS DEL MAR, CA 92014

SOLANA BEACH, CA 92075

This week the median list price for Del Mar, CA 92014 is $5,900,000 with the market action index hovering around 36. This is an increase over last month's market action index of 32. Inventory has decreased to 25.

This week the median list price for Solana Beach, CA 92075 is $4,900,000 with the market action index hovering around 40. This is less than last month's market action index of 43. Inventory has held steady at or around 9.

The market continues to get hotter. More sales demand and fewer homes listed have contributed to a relatively long run of increasing prices

Market appears to have begun to cool. As we’re still notably in the Seller’s zone, prices have not yet adjusted. If the market continues to cool, then expect prices to follow lower.

It may take a few more weeks of slack demand for prices to reflect and begin to fall. Expect this condition if the index falls to the Buyer’s zone.

Single Family Homes

Single Family Homes

Real-Time Market Profile Median List Price

$5,900,000

Median Price of New Listings

$3,825,000

Per Square Foot

$1,781

Average Days on Market

78

Median Days on Market

63

Price Decreased

28%

Price Increased

0%

Relisted

20%

Inventory

25

Median Rent

$7,145

Market Action

36

Real-Time Market Profile Median List Price

$4,900,000

Median Price of New Listings

$4,624,000

Per Square Foot

$1,553

Average Days on Market

90

Median Days on Market

56

Price Decreased

33%

Price Increased

0%

Relisted

22%

Inventory

9

Median Rent

$7,500

Market Action

40

Slight Seller's Advantage

Slight Seller's Advantage

CARDIFF BY THE SEA, CA 92007

ENCINITAS, CA 92024

This week the median list price for Cardiff by the Sea, CA 92007 is $3,887,500 with the market action index hovering around 40. This is less than last month's market action index of 47. Inventory has increased to 8.

This week the median list price for Encinitas, CA 92024 is $2,999,000 with the market action index hovering around 41. This is an increase over last month's market action index of 39. Inventory has decreased to 27.

Market conditions have been consistently cooling in the past several weeks. Because we’re still in the Seller’s zone, prices have not yet begun to drop. It may take a few more weeks of slack demand for prices to reflect and begin to fall. Expect prices to fall if the index persistently falls to the Buyer’s zone.

In the last few weeks the market has achieved a relative stasis point in terms of sales to inventory. However, inventory is sufficiently low to keep us in the Seller’s Market zone so watch changes in the MAI. If the market heats up, prices are likely to resume an upward climb.

Single Family Homes

Real-Time Market Profile Median List Price

$3,887,500

Median Price of New Listings

$2,395,000

Per Square Foot

$1,393

Average Days on Market

95

Median Days on Market

49

Price Decreased

25%

Price Increased

0%

Relisted

13%

Inventory

8

Median Rent Market Action

Single Family Homes

Real-Time Market Profile Median List Price

$2,999,000

Median Price of New Listings

$1,849,499

Per Square Foot

$1,158

Average Days on Market

118

Median Days on Market

98

Price Decreased

44%

Price Increased

7%

Relisted

19%

Inventory

27

$7,450

Median Rent

$7,250

40

Market Action

41

Slight Seller's Advantage

Slight Seller's Advantage

Call Today For your FREE Home Market Valuation Ray Shay REALTOR®

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| VOLUME 10 JANUARY A Publication of Local Umbrella Media January , 2024 | VOLUME 2024 9 | ISSUE 1

OUT WITH THE OLD ~ IN WITH THE NEW LOOK !

“RE~DESIGN IT!” WITH NANCY!

I

t’s time to put the holidays away and time to take a look home. It’s as simple as exchanging pillows from your chairs around your home. What should stay and what should to your sofa!

Every piece will look new and different just by moving go! It may be a great time to change it up a little and do a things around. It doesn’t take much to create a whole new “refresh” of your living areas. space.

The best way to start a redo is to have a clean canvas!

Change can be invigorating. It will look refreshed!

Remove everything from your shelves. Look at some ways to decorate on Pinterest or Houzz. See what design is your style that makes you smile! Some people need many tchotchkes and others enjoy a few of their special treasures.

Nancy Crawford Bring out those beautiful books you never take the time to browse through. Place them on your coffee table so you can relax and enjoy them.

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Rearrange the furniture. Trade lamps from other rooms.

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Enjoy captivating ocean views from your exclusive rooftop deck in this gorgeous 2bd/2.5ba 1,423sqft 3 story condo. This gently used condo is perfect for a 1031 exchange or for anyone who enjoys coastal living! Home features a pristine white kitchen w/soft-close cabinets, quartz countertops & SS appliances, that opens to the living area creating a modern and inviting atmosphere. Enjoy convenience of being minutes from beach, vibrant shops & trendy restaurants. Coastal living at its finest in this remarkable property!

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| VOLUME 10 JANUARY 2024 A Publication of Local Umbrella Media

NAVIGATING THE WORLD OF HEALTH TOURISM LESSONS FROM 40 YEARS OF PATIENT EXPERIENCE

By Pamela Tames

If you’ve ever planned a trip abroad for healthcare, you know it can be a maze, sometimes even a minefield, trying to find suitable care. The growth industry known as medical or health tourism has many reputable operators but also, no shortage of bad players.

The latter may include, so-called, “facilitators,” who promise to find you top medical care and then refer you to the healthcare provider that pays them top commission. Christian El-Khouri, an industry consultant based in Germany, has seen it all. Growing up, he helped his family in their medical tourism business which his father had started in the late 19070s. Today, Christian consults exclusively with, governments, hospitals and other healthcare stakeholders.

Previously, though, he spent a decade helping patients and describes medical tourism as a true passion. I talked with him about what’s going on in the world of medical tourism today and got his checklist for finding good care.

El-Khouri, health tourism consultant, is based in Germany.

You have a unique perspective on medical tourism since your family is in the business.

How did the family business get started?

I always say I was born into medical tourism because my parents were the first to provide medical tourism facilitation in Germany in the late 1970’s. My father had immigrated from Syria to Germany and spoke fluent German, Arabic and English. He was able to respond to a need to help Arabic speaking patients from the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council comprises Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates) who were seeking treatment in Germany. From there, the company, which is called The MESC International Patient Service GmbH, evolved and grew.

How did you learn the business?

I’m not sure how familiar you are with the Middle East or the GCC, but typically, the day starts later and goes well into the morning due to the heat and other reasons. So it was quite normal for us to have the phone ring at 2 a.m. at our home because they couldn’t reach anybody in the office. At some point my parents realized it would be a good idea to train myself and my older brother to cover when they weren’t available. They taught us how to handle these calls, ask the right questions, and get the details – especially the entire name, because there are LOCAL NEWS | www.LocalUmbrellaMedia.com

very similar name variations in the Middle East.

It was a rather tough reign since my parents wanted to ensure we really learned the business from the ground up. All that thorough training – being diligent about every small step in the process – later translated into me being very critical of patient service outside our family company. It’s not a job you take lightly because at the end of the day, it’s a patient or a family member trusting you – a person they might not know – with their health while dealing with all the complexities of traveling to another country with a different culture, language and legal system to receive medical treatment without friends and family close by. It’s incredibly stressful and we take it very seriously.

With MESC, your family’s business, where were most of clients coming from and what kinds of services were being offered?

Initially, MESC worked with Arabic speaking patients but today the business is international with people coming from Russia, the EU, Africa, Asia and to a lesser degree, the US. We did not target the American market directly, but because the US operates an Army base in Wiesbaden, MESC does get American patients.

Essentially, mes operates as the international office of a hospital here that provides primarily diagnostic services. This hospital was modeled after the Mayo Clinic approach of providing integrated, multidisciplinary care. MESC has an exclusive agreement with them to handle both their marketing and patient services. It is a unique arrangement in mesc, being privately owned, is not constrained by the dictates of the hospital group. This gives MESC the freedom to operate in the best interests of the patient. Once a patient gets a diagnosis, MESC helps them find the best treatment in Germany and provides guidance on pricing to help ensure they’re fairly charged.

What are important criteria for assessing where to send patients for treatment?

The doctors at the diagnostic hospital will often make a recommendation regarding where to go for treatment. Another good option is a university teaching hospitals, since they are very highly regarded in Germany. MESC uses a screening process that involves meeting with the hospitals, assessing the scope and quality of expertise, and examining any available metrics, such as, complication rates of surgeries. The good thing about Germany is that the standard and quality of care is very high so there are many good hospitals. On the non-medical side, criteria include hospitals having good processes and resources in place for accommodating and supporting international patients. This might include offering great halal food for Middle Eastern patients, providing a welcoming experience that helps to reduce patient stress, and having doctors who know how to reassure patients so they feel confident about the care they are getting.

What drives patients to seek care in Germany specifically?

There is a segment of people who want the best healthcare available and can afford to go anywhere whether it be MD Anderson for cancer care in the US or University Hospital of Heidelberg in Germany. Another segment includes people who are looking for better care, not the best, but better than what is available in their home country. Germany caters to both these segments, offering best-in-class care in some areas and better care than is available in many other countries. I strongly believe that the level of healthcare service offered in the United States, Israel and Germany are more or less on par. The German healthcare /LocalUmbrellaMedia

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system is over 120 years old and has garnered a trusted reputation. We have the added benefit of strict price controls to help protect against corruption. There’s pricing transparency and although the pricing is complicated and hard to understand at least it exists, establishing a legal limit. The other difference is that Germany has a more conservative approach to treatment and some consider this to be an advantage.

Instead of jumping to surgical or pharmaceutical intervention, for example, you’d do rehab or physical therapy.

In researching medical tourism, I’ve noticed there are a lot of facilitators out there but not a lot of transparency about how they’re paid. Why is that?

Typically medical tourism facilitators are paid a commission – a percentage of the revenue generated by the patient for the healthcare provider. In some cases, the commission is up to 25%. This is common practice around the world.

Since 2011, however, charging a percentage commission for the referral of an international patient has not been allowed in Germany and constitutes a violation of the Civic Code.

How does MESC get paid for its services?

The family business’ patient service business unit does not take a commission but charges the patient for the services provided. The fee for each service being provided is itemized and patients pay us directly. This transparent approach has fostered trust over the years. MESC is now seeing the third generation of clients’ families solely on the basis of positive word of mouth.

How can people protect themselves from unfair or illegal pricing practices? What should a patient watch for?

In both Germany and the US, you see a tiered pricing structure in which the best care is often the most expensive. However, unlike in the US, Germany has the benefit of very strict price controls aimed at capping what you are allowed to charge. But as happens everywhere, bad operators – including hospitals and doctors and facilitators – find ways to workaround the system to enrich themselves with all kinds of illicit schemes. For instance, we’ve had patients come to us with requests to investigate hospital invoices that seem too high. We’ll look into it, trying to understand the pricing. Sometimes it’s justified but in some cases, the hospital would tell us they didn’t issue the invoice. Turned out, the facilitator was marking up the invoice and pocketing the difference. This is why I say, an ideal world for me is one where there is no medical tourism facilitator. Instead, the hospitals would be trained, structured and equipped to deal with international patients directly.

However, there are problems with that since hospitals don’t want the bad PR of being seen to prioritize international patients, who are usually more profitable, over domestic patients.

The Joint Commission International (JCI) and Temos are two groups that provide accreditation to hospitals that meet certain criteria. Is accreditation a good indicator of quality care?

I cannot speak to the validity of accreditation offered by either the JCI or Temos because I just don’t know. In general though, I would say that you cannot assume accreditation indicates quality care because it may be a pay-to-play scheme. What I mean by that is the hospital may be paying for accreditation in which case, there’s a conflict of interest built in. If the accreditation is actually earned, and the criteria for accreditation are meaningful then it may be useful. But then again, you have to wonder, who’s checking that the accreditation standards

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One source says the medical tourism industry is booming, with annual growth estimated at 15-25% and contributing over $100 billion annually to the global economy.

Does this more or less reflect what you’re seeing?

I do think it’s a growth industry, but I question

some of the big numbers being thrown around.

For instance, how are they calculating medical tourism revenue? Is it only medical care costs?

Or does it include revenue from other retail and service providers that are peripheral to medical tourism? One thing is clear, it seems everybody wants to get into medical tourism. There are so many people jumping in calling themselves facilitators and the level of professionalism is frightening.

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Some facilitators create WhatsApp groups of 100 or more facilitators and they’ll sell referrals to patients to the highest bidder. Some of these facilitators are calling themselves medical experts and using ChatGPT to write their content. I call these bad players out where I see it. It’s so unprofessional. Patients put their trust in you and you need to protect them—not send them to somebody you’ve connected with on WhatsApp a week ago.

How to be a savvy health tourist— tips from Christian El-Khouri, industry consultant

1. When possible, choose healthcare at home: First, when it comes to seeking treatment, make sure that you actually need it.

Quite frankly, if you can find adequate treatment closer to your home, choose it. The simple fact is, in most cases, it will be less expensive. Of course, sometimes the cost of domestic treatment is so high that you have to go abroad – to Mexico or even Turkey, which is now competing on price. Otherwise, be sure you really need to leave your country because you are leaving your family, social connections, culture, language and a legal system that you are more or less familiar with so you can seek remedies if something goes wrong. There’s also the environmental cost of travel.

2. Do your research: If you really need to travel for medical care because you cannot afford or access the treatment you need at home, then do your research. Try to contact hospitals directly.

Most hospitals have foreign language websites. A hospital that is equipped to handle international patients should have an international patient service office. If they don’t, contact the general hospital administration and explain you’re an international patient exploring the possibility of treatment and have them refer you to the right person.

3. Ask a lot of questions: Ask every question you can think of and keep asking questions. Find out what other services the hospital provides in the event that complications arise. If somebody is not willing to answer your question, they’re probably hiding something. I always maintain that the patient has the right to ask.

4. Avoid facilitators: Try not to go through a facilitator, unless you have a referral from a friend or family member who can vouch for the facilitator as being trustworthy.

6. Don’t trust testimonials on websites: Sure, some testimonials may be real but most companies will not share negative feedback. Oftentimes, too, the negative feedback you see may be fake, having been planted by a competition.The best is a word of mouth endorsement from people you trust who have had first hand experience.

7. Be wary of fixed pricing: I consider it a good sign if they only give you a quote after they have seen your medical file. The reason I say this is that standard pricing or package pricing for health care is nearly impossible because every patient is different. Also, one diagnosis may have multiple treatment options. The process at mesc is to get the medical documents from the patient first. Then we solicit quotes from hospitals that are specific to the patient’s medical situation. The quote might change after the patient has been examined in person but at least you have a starting point.

8. Look for official endorsements: One of the biggest pieces of advice I give is to look for a medical tourism service provider that has an official affiliation – for example, to a healthcare travel council or department of tourism. The point here is that you want to see that there’s some official player involved. Having said that, it’s not always straightforward. For instance, Turkey has something like 8 different associations for medical travel and it’s hard to know which one to trust. What I always tell patients in these situations is feel free to ask me.

9. Get a tele-consult before you leave: Always try to talk to a doctor at the hospital before you leave home. Most hospitals are willing to do a teleconsultation as a free service. Test them by asking a lot of questions. If you feel somebody is hesitant without good reason or they become rude, nervous, stressed, or annoyed because you’re asking too many questions – avoid them. Use your common sense. You are going to be facing all the stress of traveling to a new country and undergoing a medical procedure, so they need to step up and win the privilege to care for you.

5. Keep your doctor in the loop: If you have a healthcare 10. Ask me: There are many patients I still consult for free because I provider at home, stay in contact with them and seek their advice know many good doctors and can connect them with just an email. If as needed. Involve them in the process, if they’re willing. Ask them you’re unsure about a situation, feel free to contact me on LinkedIn or if the treatment plan being recommended makes sense to them. find me on Twitter (X) @cfelkhouri.

16 | VOLUME 7 | October 2022 A Publication of Local Umbrella Media 31 A Publication of Local Umbrella Media VOLUME 8 | DECEMBER 2022 |

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| VOLUME 10 JANUARY 2024 A Publication of Local Umbrella Media

Scoping Out Retirement Prospects in Idaho

Words by Marlise Kast-Myers Photos by Benjamin Myers

My husband, Benjamin and I always travel with one eye open, winking at destinations that tease retirement dreams. Currently in our 40s, we still have time. Yet we’re planners by nature, aligned in our vision that the grass is, in fact, greener on the other side.

In the last two years, we’ve explored Tennessee, Wyoming, and Colorado, turning travels into research trips with benefits. When I told Benjamin I wanted to “investigate” Idaho in winter, he gave me his blessing and said, “Invite me again when the fish are biting.”

And so, this past winter, when Mammoth broke snowfall records, I bypassed the 7-hour drive, and instead, flew from San Diego to Spokane, Washington. Back in the 80s, I myself was a Spokanite. Ironically, not a whole lot had changed as I drove through the city enroute to Schweitzer. Just 1.5-hours from the Spokane Airport, the ski town is based in the rugged Selkirk Mountains of the northern Idaho panhandle.

Rumor had it tree skiing was on point, prices were low, and crowds were thin. Throw in steep hills, open bowls, lake views, and I was sold—at least for a 3-day getaway.

Arriving after dark, I drove 11-miles up hairpin turns. As a SoCal beach girl, it wasn’t the road to Schweitzer that got me as much as the isolation. Pulling into the parking lot, I walked into Humbird Hotel and exhaled a sigh of relief. Other than the lobby light, it seemed the town had put itself to bed.

It was 10 o’clock.

The mountain resort had its own village, with most services available in Sandpoint 20 minutes away. Within the village were a handful of restaurants, shops, a ski center, and two hotels, including Humbird.

As Schweitzer’s newest property, Humbird was built with sustainability, design, and practicality in mind. In addition to ski-in-skiout access, rooms had boot dryers, gear hooks, humidifiers, and equipment storage. Architecture paid tribute to the area’s logging history utilizing heavy timber construction.

Until recently, condo-rentals were nearly the only lodging option in town. The McCaw family changed all that in 2006 with improvements that lifted the resort out of bankruptcy. Giving them grooming freedom was the fact that Schweitzer’s 7,000 acres are not on National Forest Service Land.

Their independence set them apart from the ski-resort pack, that is until August when they sold Schweitzer to Alterra Mountain Company—now the 17th notch in Alterra’s ski-destination belt. Ikon Pass holders can officially add Schweitzer to the list of 50 mountains where they can hit the slopes with one card.

Regardless of backing by the big boys, Schweitzer still has plenty of bragging rights. As the largest ski resort in Idaho and Washington, it has 10 lifts, 300’’ of snowfall, and nearly 3,000 acres of skiable terrain.

But stats are one thing. Experience is another.

And so, it began. Strapping in, I looked around, reliving my solitary 10 PM arrival the night before.

There were no lines and so few people that I had trouble finding someone to follow. The south bowl was socked in thick, triggering vertigo that left me touching the ground for direction. Having snowboarded for decades, never had I experienced such loss of perception. From the lift, a skier hollered, “Head to the North Bowl. It’s clear.”

He was right. For two days, the sun smiled on me, begging me to lose myself in the thick of powder chutes, mellow cruisers, and gladed stashes.

Point-and-drop options were endless.

At the basin, I boarded Stella, Idaho’s only six-passenger lift that kept me on rinse and repeat until my thighs burned and my shins bruised. Void of mountain ego and lift lines, it was easy to lose track of runs and time, stopping only for summit lunch at Sky House.

That evening, I ventured into Sandpoint, the LOCAL NEWS | www.LocalUmbrellaMedia.com

nearest town with breweries, shops, 40+ restaurants, and over 9,000 residents. I sampled local beers at Laughing Dog Brewing and Mick Duff’s on Lake Pend Oreille—Idaho’s largest with 111 miles of shoreline.

Back at Humbird, I headed to Crow’s Bench, the hotel’s restaurant serving Alpine-inspired venison tartare, elk loin, and wiener schnitzel. Two beers deep, I ordered a charcuterie board and phoned my husband, Benjamin.

“So, I think I’m in love with Idaho. You promise we can come back when the fish are biting?!”

Fast forward to summer and we were on our way to Boise. This time, we would expand our “research trip” to five days and three destinations: Boise, Tamarack, and McCall. A flight delay had us landing in Boise with just enough time to grab dinner at our hotel, The Avery.

Perhaps “grab” is an understatement. During our time in Idaho, our meal at The Avery’s Brasserie was the best of our trip. Grilled ceviche, sole meunière, dry-aged cote de boeuf, and pistachio soufflé all had something to do with that, along with Chef Cal Elliott.

A Boise native, Cal worked his way from an Alaskan fisherman to a Michelin-Star chef at his New York restaurant, Rye. At the rollout of the pandemic, Cal and his wife, Ashley, went “all in” by returning to their Boise roots to restore The Avery.

Dating back to 1910, the elegant hotel once served as a cigar lounge, department store, movie theater, boxing ring, and entertainment venue. Vacant since the 1960s, The Avery has new life as Boise’s only historic boutique hotel.

In less than 24-hours, we were hooked on Boise—not just because of The Avery, but because of the city’s commitment to its rich past and cultural future. We tasted it over paella and bocadillos in the Basque Block, where /LocalUmbrellaMedia

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an entire community of descendants cling to tradition. We felt it on our walk along the Boise River Greenbelt and Freak Alley’s street art.

We saw it in the face of locals supporting smalltown businesses like barbershops, bookstores, and The Record Exchange.

In a city of 237,446 people, there was an air about Boise where fast-food, mass-transport, potatoes, and big government were out; while farmers markets, bikes, community, and beards were in. It was like pre-boom Seattle and Austin, only with a lower cost of living and a greater potential for success.

That low-hanging fruit wasn’t limited to Boise. It was spreading throughout the state to Tamarack, the second stop on our itinerary.

Located in Southern Idaho, we pinned this under-the-radar counterpoint for its lake location where we heard the fish were biting. Beyond Horseshoe Bend, we passed gun shops, coin laundry, corner cafés, beauty salons, and steepled churches named after Grace and Hope.

The closer we got to Lake Cascade, the closer we got to nature. Meadows, streams, and rivers framed our route, giving way to tackle shops, wet dogs, and banked kayaks. Scattered in open spaces were red barns, cattle ranches, and humble homes where barefoot children spun on tire swings alongside American flags. Hand painted signs announced yard sales, fresh eggs, and the Huckleberry Festival.

Perhaps mundane for many, these small-town visions were my summer salutation, a tip of the hat from Tamarack welcoming us to the good ADVERTISE | Brad@LocalUmbrella.com

A Publication of Local Umbrella Media VOLUME 10 | JANUARY 2024 | life. Located 90 miles from Boise, this independent, all-season destination sits on 3,500 acres with plenty of room for growth.

In 2021, Gabriel Navarro purchased the flailing resort under his real estate development company, MMG Equity Partners. Along with his brother and brother-in-law, the privately-owned investment firm expanded the resort, opened Osprey Meadows Golf Course, and is adding a marina. Their biggest win, some might say, was recruiting top tiers in hospitality, starting with Executive Chef Eric Aldis.

Over dinner at The Reserve, the self-proclaimed “Good ole Texas boy” rolled out scallops with pork belly, trout almondine, wagyu filet mignon, bison tenderloin, and truffle-topped fingerling potatoes. The huckleberry ice cream made us feel local, as did his firm handshake—something he did at every table.

Overseeing Tamarack’s culinary scene, Chef Eric says, he’s living out his “purpose” to inspire a team to dream big. This mindset went beyond the kitchen, extending to The Spa where Director Julie Stauts forages huckleberry leaves, wild yarrow, oxeye daisy, and herbs for spa treatments.

She too was drawn to Tamarack, for its energy

as much as its potential. Beyond Lake Cascade, there’s a shift she says, credited to nearby mineral springs, Crystal Mountain, and sacred land from Native American tribes.

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Whatever it was, there was certainly a peace about Tamarack—a calmness I felt mountain biking through the forest, paddleboarding on still waters, and hiking the slopes below Tamarack Express. During guided fishing, Benjamin felt it /LocalUmbrellaMedia

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casting his line on Lake Cascade and reeling in over 20 perch, trout, and bass.

In winter, the mountain transforms into a powdery playground with access to corduroy groomers, open bowls, and gate-accessed backcountry on 2,000 acres. For now, we would inhale what was left of summer.

From our balcony, we watched as couples danced and children ran free to live music by Jeff Crosby. He sang about Idaho and the “endless mountains and reservoir, the red tail foxes and liquor stores.”

And there they were, the fortunate who discovered where the grass was greener and the air smelled of wildflowers, raindrops, and waffle cones; a place where Instagram reels weren’t topics of conversation, but rather those quicksilver moments in nature.

“It’s wholesome, isn’t it?” Benjamin said.

Indeed it was, and only more so in nearby McCall. As the final stop on our Idaho adventure, McCall welcomed us with small-town vibes and lake-front shops selling milkshakes, books, hardware, and leather goods. Passing cars were strapped with kayaks, and everyone seemed to stroll as if their destinations were unknown.

Nestled in the Salmon River Mountains, the town was founded in the late 19th century by the McCall family who traded horses for a cabin on 160 acres of land. They established a school, saloon, post office, hotel, and with further growth, came the historic Shore Lodge in 1948.

With an old-money aesthetic, our hotel of choice beckoned with whisky in the lounge overlooking Payette Lake. Beyond valet and cocktails were amenities like shuttle service, a golf course, private marina, movie theater, cruiser bikes, pool, and spa. We took advantage of the latter three—in that order—pedaling our way through Ponderosa State Park to Narrows Overlook. We counted more deer than people, feeling far from home but close to perfection.

Some 3,500 residents obviously shared our mindset, waking up to lake views and capitalizing on three nearby ski resorts. In McCall, it was easy to live in the present, content in the moment whether we were gazing at the lake or dining at sunset.

We did both that evening at The Narrows steakhouse, boasting over 500 wines and waiters who doubled as knife concierges. Before the journey home, we swam in the pool and grabbed sandwiches at The Cutwater with tables so close to the water, you could feed the fish.

We spoke of Idaho—starting with my winter escapade in Schweitzer, and our summer splash across Boise, Tamarack, and McCall. What started out as retirement research, turned into a “very possible” pin on our “someday” map.

One where progress is moving in the right direction; where kids run free with wet-tailed dogs; where bearded strangers sing about their homeland; where the fish are biting; where deer look you in the eye and eat your grass . . .which ironically, happens to be greener.

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| VOLUME 10 JANUARY 2024 A Publication of Local Umbrella Media

Sandi King / Frozen Heart

JANUARY 2024

BY BART MENDOZA © MUSICSCENESD // MUSICSCENESD.COM

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Singer Sandi King is seemingly everywhere these days, one of the area’s busiest musicians, providing backing vocals in numerous musical combos.

Now, after more than a decade as a key part of the area’s music community, King has released her first solo single, “Frozen Heart.”

Currently based in El Cajon, King has been a San Diegan since the age of three. “My mom grew up here,” she recalled. “Originally my parents moved us back to San Diego in ’85 when I was 3 years old, and I grew up in Santee. After high school I moved around to Las Vegas, Orange County, San Francisco, and LA. I decided to move back to San Diego in 2012 and try to make a go at music full time. I haven’t looked back since.”

It’s a rare week that doesn’t see King on at least a couple of stages and doing studio work. “My musical projects are many,” she said in a bit of understatement. For starters, there’s the King Taylor Project with her husband, Joshua Taylor. “I am also in his solo project, Joshua Taylor and the Unscene, as well as a side project we do with our friend and drummer Tony Econom called Side Street, where we have a monthly residency at Humphreys Backstage Live aimed at backing and featuring other great musicians.” In addition to those, King regularly performs with several other original acts, including Jeff Berkley and the Banned, Jonny Tarr, and Astra Kelly. She has also done quite a bit of session work. Most recently, King can be heard on Josh Weinstein’s new album, Mind the Gap, and she is a guest vocalist on Wayne Riker’s latest release, Alphabetical Blues Bash: Vol. 2.

Though she had an idea for a solo project, it was band leader Jonny Tarr that prompted her first solo recording.

“Frozen Heart” was a birthday gift “ticket” for one fully recorded and produced song to release under my own name so I could begin to establish a presence as Sandi King the solo artist,” said King. The track features LOCAL NEWS | www.LocalUmbrellaMedia.com

Miles Clowminzer (drums), Tristan Faulk-Webster (theremin), and Keli Ross-Ma’u (steel pan). “Everything else is fully Jonny Tarr, including the backing vocals to my lead vocal,” King said. “Jonny fully produced his last album, The Rules, and wanted to start producing for other people. He and I had a few quick brainstorming sessions about the concept and lyrics for the song and he ran with it!”

Was it different working with Tarr as a producer rather than band mate?

“Working with Jonny Tarr is a dream,” King said. “He is, first and foremost, one of my best friends. Secondly, I am just a fan of his music. Working in his band is always a good time surrounded by great musicians, and working with him as a producer is an extension of that. He works quickly, so you gotta keep up, and he just has ideas nonstop, so you have to be able to flow with him. His instincts and musical sensibilities jive really well with mine so that made the whole process really smooth.”

With her single, “Frozen Heart,” now out, King plans to follow through with a special tribute album.

“My initial idea for a solo release was to record a tribute album to my dad, Ron King, who passed in early 2021.

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He was a wicked trumpet player and the main reason I have music in my life, professionally and in my heart. I grew up with jazz around the house and when I was ten years old started singing with the big band he was playing in.” King plans to release a tribute album of jazz standards “but reimagined by myself and the incredible musicians I will have on this record,” King said. “I plan to record at Satellite Studio with Jeff Berkley sometime in the next few months and the core band will include Joshua Taylor, Josh Weinstein, Tony Econom, Harley Magsino, and Jonny Tarr.”

With a decade of music making in San Diego behind her, what’s King’s favorite thing about being a musician? “Community and Expression,” she said. “I am constantly blown away by the community of musicians around me, and I delight in the career I have built for myself being a part of so many amazing artists’ projects. I truly do get the biggest thrill from a support roll, be it backing vocals or behind the scenes, which I do a whole lot of for other artists. Which is why it is a big deal for me to step out and take the spotlight for a bit. I enjoy that part as well, but this community really is what keeps me going so strong. And for the expression of oneself, music is unmatched. The ability to share with people something so personal, yet so globally understood as straight up expression is something special that I don’t take for granted for a moment in this life.”

Upcoming plans for King include more live shows and more recordings.

“I am focusing on getting the tribute album to my pops rolling behind the scenes with the band,” she said. “And, there are rumblings of making more tunes with Jonny so don’t be surprised to see more of this as well!”

Side Street’s next residency show is at Humphreys Backstage Live on January 24, with guests Stacy Antonel, Ken Dow & Josh Weinstein. www.kingtaylorproject.com

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Escape Hatch Records / Ska & Reggae Vinyl Treasure San Diego based Escape Hatch Records was only founded in 2022, but has already had a global impact, both for its spotlight on ska and reggae sounds, as well as it’s distinctive packaging. The label is run by John Roy and Michael Buchmiller, perhaps best known for their respective musical projects, Smoke and Mirrors Sound System, and Satanic Puppeteer Orchestra. “The two of us have been friends since the mid-1990s when I met him in his band Unsteady,” recalled Buchmiller. “A few years back, I asked John if he’d be interested in putting out a split 7” with my band, Satanic Puppeteer Orchestra. That marked the first time we released a record together.” During the pandemic, Roy started an all-star band called Smoke and Mirrors Sound System.

“They released a lot of material on a slew of different labels, but even still, he had a backlog of tracks he wanted to release and didn’t want to operate on someone else’s timeline. He approached me with the idea of starting a record label in 2022.

And that’s how it started.” Buchmiller is in charge of the website and artwork.

“Some bands already have it covered and I just shepherd it along, and other times I’m the one designing it. John is responsible for A&R including all of the bands we have thus far, and overseeing the music’s recording, mixing, and mastering.”

What is the label’s philosophy? “Our focus is on short run, color vinyl releases in the genres ska, reggae, rocksteady, and dub,” Buchmiller said. “The bands handle thier digital releases and we only manage the vinyl.”

While the label is based in San Diego, it has a worlwide reach. “The labels roster started with our bands; Unsteady, Satanic Puppeteer Orchestra, Smoke and Mirrors, Gangbusters... and then branched out from there,” Buchmiller said. “It’s not just San Diego artists. Rebelation is from the UK, The Bandulus are from Austin, now

Portland, OR, and a bunch of the artists are from Los Angeles. The Dynamos, Black Market Dub, Wise Owl, Manganista, Los Tropics. We try to find releases that we believe in, would want to own ourselves, and are usually made by people we are friends with.”

Escape Hatch Records focus is on new music, but they are open to issuing vintage works, such as their recent Gangbusters release. “Gangbusters is one of John’s old bands. It was recorded in 1990, but the band broke up before it was released, and the songs were just sitting on a shelf. It’s a great time capsule, and one that people from the scene were super excited to finally get to hear after all these years. I had fun going through the band’s archive of old show flyers and notes to try and imagine what it might have looked like had it been released in 1990.

Unsteady’s album “Tightrope” is another one that never got a proper vinyl release when it came out in the mid 1990s, so it’s

awesome for that to finally exist. We have one more vintage release... the 2010 debut from the Bandulus that is coming out in February, but I think everything else we have on the schedule is brand new.”

One thing that sets Escape Hatch Records apart from other labels is the care that goes into the packaging of the releases. “I’ve spent the last 25 years doing graphic design for the music industry, so packaging is very important to me,” Buchmiller said. “There are a lot of ways to consume music these days, so if someone chooses to buy a record from us, I want that experience to be exceptional. I try to find a way to visually represent how an album sounds so when you pick it up for the first time, you already have some idea of what to expect. I love all the little details... the liner notes, the logos, even the subtle textures.” As for format, he notes that vinyl is a great medium for a visual artist “because the album jacket is a really big canvas to work with, and the listener usually handles it as they are playing the album. You have a chance to enhance that experience.” To that end, the Smoke and Mirrors records have origami inserts.

The SPO split 7” has a secret parallel groove. The Black Market Dub Christmas record comes on candy cane striped red and white vinyl, and so on. It’s all

visually stunning and highly collectable.

Buchmiller is happy to see vinyl return to favor. “For record collectors, vinyl never went away. But it is definitely having a resurgence. So much so that when we first started pressing records it took the better part of a year to get the finished product back. Luckily the last few releases have been pressed more quickly. We’re always working to innovate too. A singles box set, gatefolds, coffee table book with a flexi single insert. We’re even exploring scratch ‘n’ sniff stickers.”

It’s exactly that sense of innovation that particularly appeals to Buchmiller when it comes to Escape Hatch Records. “My favorite thing is helping people realize their creative visions and bring it to life,” he said. “There’s nothing quite like having an abstract idea, and a few months later holding a physical representation of it in your hand and being able to share it with someone. Sharing music with people we may never meet, and connecting with them musically, like the albums we loved growing up did with us. Hopefully they’ll enjoy, replay, and keep these releases for decades.” https://escapehatchrecords.com

SoundCheck Flix / Talking Movies at The Casbah The Casbah has been the home of great music for decades, and now it’s also the base for a new podcast, SoundCheck Flix, “where movies meet music backstage.” Hosted by two long time Casbah employees, Tim Pyles and Graham Stevens, each episode finds the pair discussing a favorite film. It’s a really fun listen.

Where did the idea for SCF come from?

“Boring soundchecks!” said Stevens good naturedly. “One thing I’ve learned in 15 years of working at the Casbah is that load ins can be incredibly dull. LOTS of down time.

Inevitably, the patio discussions would turn to a film someone had recently seen and BANG, we’re off and runnin.’ Then I started touring with bands and witnessed firsthand how much they consume movies on the bus, back at the hotel and in the green room.

They’re experts! That’s when the idea hit me.

The same old, tired music pod would not do for the Casbah. Better to choose a fun, different angle and let their personality shine thru a film.”

The show is staffed by a small crew. In addition to Stevens, “many people already know Tim Pyles from his many years on local San Diego radio. He is our main host.

The rest of us are rookies. I’m the co-host and producer. Eric Lucero is our awesome sound engineer and co-producer. Orion Ferguson is our video guy. We also have

Emilie Schumacher as our talented social media guru.”

How are guests chosen for the film? “For our first 6 months, we’ve just been relying on artists we know from the local scene,” Stevens said. “Being new to this pod game, we wanted to get a proper feel for what we are doing before we start hitting up touring acts as guests. Our attitude is like Pokémon“Gotta catch ‘em all!” We have 50+ episodes a year to pack in our favorite artists.” While most films are selected by the musicians themselves, there have been a few suggested episodes. “Our “House Party” and “Sleepaway Camp” episodes were based on actual conversations that took place before production. We did a special “Barbie” episode because it was a phenomenon that we HAD

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to address.” Shows are generally recorded about 2-3 weeks ahead of airing. “Lining up guests takes a little bit longer. It can be like herding cats at times,” Stevens joked.

He takes his role as producer seriously, putting in significant prep work for each episode. “I spend the week before each recording rewatching each film at least 3 times,” he said. “The director’s commentaries and DVD extras are gold. Interviews from old magazine archives also come in handy.” Has he discovered any films through the show?

“Only one” he said. “Santa Claus vs the Devil, I’d seen every other film brought to us so far, but that one. Of course, it was suggested by the brilliant Robert Lopez (El Vez). I ended up watching that one six times. So far, I guess the biggest surprise was doing Halloween III: Season of the Witch for our 1st horror film.

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knew we would get Alejandro Jodorowsky’s Holy Mountain. I just didn’t expect it so quick at episode #4 and that it would be Justin Pearson (The Locust). Kinda felt like a film for Earthless (lol).”

Stevens cites SoundCheck Flix’s first episode as his favorite to date. “It was “Rock n’ Roll High School” with Lety Beers (Schizophonics). It was the film that we thought most represented the Casbah cinematically,” he said. “Our Billy Jack episode was a lot of fun ‘cause Dave Warshaw (Creepy Creeps) was just bringin’ the heat! His love for the film REALLY shined thru. I also really loved our House Party and Barbie episodes. Terrific guests with great stories on both of those.”

What does Stevens enjoy most about SoundCheck Flix? “Doing a positive project with a team of co-workers that I dearly love and appreciate,” he said. “It’s been a rough couple years for the Casbah family.

We’ve lost some people we truly loved and have had some in house cancer battles. We wanted to do a project that would make our fellow coworkers proud. When they pat us on the back and say “Great job,” that gives us all the passion & energy we need to run out there and get the next guest on record. I get excited when I see them light up at the mention of their favorite film. THAT’S the juice!” https://soundcheckflix.podbean.com

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January , 2024 | VOLUME 2024 9 | ISSUE 1 | VOLUME 10 JANUARY A Publication of Local Umbrella Media

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very year thousands of athletes decide to embark on the 4 year journey of being a walk-on only knowing broad general information of what the job really entails. I hope this book can act as a guide for future walk-ons and parents of walk-ons as they navigate the world of high level athletics.

“Light, at the End of the Bench” was written to inspire readers to redefine their own narrative and embrace the underdog mentality.

Through my story of going from an anonymous 4 year walk-on at San Diego State University to a Professional Basketball Player, readers will learn the mental frameworks, micro-habits, and tactics I used to reframe my situation and build momentum while at the end of the bench.

court, he is the founder of Ampl3, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting sustainability in collegiate and professional basketball. With a diverse background spanning sports, technology, and philanthropy, Niksha continues to inspire positive change and innovative thinking.

When not immersed in philanthropy, he mentors aspiring athletes, empowering the next generation to embrace a multi-faceted long term mindset off the court.

Editorial Endorsements: “Light, at the End of the Bench hit home for me, and I highly recommend this book for any athlete trying to find an edge.” -Lindsey Napela Berg, 3x Olympian, 2x Silver Medalist, Former USA Volleyball Athlete of the Year

Federico’s tale will inspire many, and it was a joy reading Whether you’re starting a new job, learning a new lanabout his ride.” -Robbie Lemons, Sacramento Kings Seguage, picking up a new hobby or simply trying to redefine nior Director, Coaching Analytics & Strategy your own narrative, this book is for you.

With contributions from top sports performance psy“Niksha Federico has shown all of us how much we can chologist Dr. Oliver Eslinger of CalTech and MIT, readers get and give, when we walk-on any court of any kind in will learn actionable strategies to embrace anxiety as a tool life.” -David Hollander, Professor NYU, author How Basrather than a hindrance, enabling them to build momenketball Can Save the World tum and unlock their full potential.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Born and raised in San Diego, CA, Niksha Federico’s debut book, “Light, at the End of the Bench,” encapsulates his story of grit and resilience redefining what it means to be a walk-on. Currently the #1 new release on Amazon in College & University Basketball section, Niksha Federico’s extraordinary journey from an anonymous 4-year Division 1 walk-on at San Diego State University, to a professional basketball player is nothing short of inspiring. Beyond the LOCAL LOCALNEWS NEWS| |LocalUmbrellaNews.com www.LocalUmbrellaMedia.com

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