Jan 1, 2014 ... to re-invent itself as an American-brand Audi or Lexus. Read more from ... ald's,
Hooters and Subway to service-based concepts such as ...
JANUARY 2014
e ink Local First Philosophy By buying local products and services, governments and businesses can strengthen the region’s economy SEE PG. 14
GIVE DAD THE GIFT OF DONOVAN’S WORLD CLASS SERVICE OPEN 3PM - 9 PM, SUNDAY, JUNE 16, 2013.
January|2014|Issue 1 |Volume 29 Our mission is to always provide quality journalism for our readers by being fair, accurate and ethical and a credible resource for our advertisers.
COV E R STO RY ON THE COVER:
Think Local First
By buying local products and services, governments and businesses can strengthen the region’s economy. That’s the message behind the Think Local First initiative developed by Debra Rosen, president of the San Diego North Chamber of Commerce. The initiative is designed to grow jobs, strengthen the local tax base and champion commerce in the San Diego region. Says Rosen: We want to encourage local purchasing, hiring and contracting of services.” Story on Page 14.
12 Getting a Business in a Box
Franchising is big business. Concepts range from McDonald’s, Hooters and Subway to service-based concepts such as Massage Envy, Super Cuts and Jiffy Lube. Owning a franchise means you can be your own boss. It is a solid business endeavor for budding entrepreneurs, but it is not for the faint of heart. Engagement in the day-to-day operations is critical and a lot more than most realize.
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Chairman | CEO Robert Page
[email protected] Publisher Rebeca Page
[email protected] Managing Editor Manny Cruz
[email protected] Photography/Illustration Delle Willett
Contributing Writers Cecilia Buckner Bailey Hughes Lisa Halverstadt Andrew Keatts Colette Mauzeralle Eric Peters David Rottenberg Margo Schwab Delle Willett Advertising SALES & MARKETING DIRECTOR Rebeca Page
Get in the loop with SD Metro’s Daily Business Report. Sign up for daily emails on the latest business at sandiegometro.com P.O. BOX 3679 RANCHO SANTA FE, CA 92067 858.461.4484 FAX: 858.759.5755
New Car Review
Cars like the 2014 MKZ represent the future of Lincoln — and a new type of Lincoln. Notice that it — and all the new Lincolns — are FWD-based and (in general) smallengined and very fuel efficient. They are also deliberately more demure than flash-bang Cadillacs. More Audi, and Lexus-like. In fact, Lincoln seems to be trying to re-invent itself as an American-brand Audi or Lexus. Read more from reviewer Eric Peters.
18 Cannonball Makes a Big Splash
Cannonball is a new restaurant plus lounge that opened with a bang on July 4 in Belmont Park, atop where Canes used to be. Completely redone, it looks like a swimming pool area sans the water.
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SD METRO magazine is published by REP Publishing, Inc. The entire contents of SD METRO is copyrighted, 2013, by REP Publishing, Inc. Reporduction in whole or in part is prohibited without prior written consent. All rights reserved. All editorial and advertising inquires can be made by calling or writing to the above. Editorial and ad deadline is the 24th of the month preceding the month of publicaion. Mail subscriptions of SD METRO are available for $50 a year for addresses within the United States. A PDF version of this issue is available at sandiegometro.com Additional information, including past articles, online-only content and the Daily Business Report can be found at sandiegometro.com. For reprints or plaques of articles published in SD METRO , please call Rebeca Page at 858-461-4484 All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act which makes it illegal to advertise “any Prefernce limitation or discriminatin based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national orgigin, or an intention, to make any preference, limitation or discrimination. “Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living wit hparents or legal custodians; pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18. This magazine will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which in in violation of this law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this magazine are available on an equal opportunity basis. To complain of discrimination call HUD Toll-Free at 1-800-669-9777. Th Toll-free telephone number for the hearing impaired is 1-800-927-9275.
Read us online: sandiegometro.com
SAN DIEGO SCENE
SAN DIEGO SCENE
The Nikon N-SIM approximately doubles the resolution of conventional optical microscopes.
Scripps Research Institute Partners With Nikon To Establish Advanced Microscopy Facility The Scripps Research Institute and Nikon Instruments Inc. have opened the Nikon Center of Excelence, allowing the opportunity for TSRI researchers to probe more deeply and clearly into the microscopic elements of cells. According to Nikon officials, the partnership aims to lower the barriers for establishing a state-of-the-art microscopy facility and to enable a free exchange of ideas, methodologies and technologies between TSRI investigators and Nikon’s development teams. Ulrich Mueller, director of the Dorris Neuroscience Center, said the partnership will provide researchers with rapid access to the most modern imaging technology currently available. “As an added advantage,” he said, “we will be able to develop technological solutions to imaging problems that can be transformative for the research community as a whole.” The imaging facility includes a newly installed Nikon N-SIM microscopy system, which produces nearly two times the resolution as conventional optical microscopes and enables detailed visualization of minute intracellular structures and their interactive functions.
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Graduate student George Campbell checks out the super-resolution microscope, which enables scientists to view intracellular structures and molecular activities, in TSRI’s new Nikon Center of Excellence. (Photo by Cindy Brauer.)
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San Diego State Launches Math Collaborative Researchers team up with Balboa Park art and science museums to get creative with science, technology, engineering and mathematics San Diego State’s Center for Research in Mathematics and Science Education has launched a new initiative with the Balboa Park Learning Institute to bring university researchers together with staff from art and science museums to design programs to connect park visitors with math in creative ways. The initiative, called the InforMath Collaborative, is funded by a four-year $726,733 grant from the National Science Foundation. SDSU researchers will collaborate with staff from the Mingei International Museum, Museum of Photographic Arts, Reuben H. Fleet Science Center and Natural History Museum to design and implement the new programs. that connect visitors with mathematics in creative ways. “Between now and mid-January, we’ll be working collaboratively to design experimental public programs and activities that connect mathematics to the collections at MOPA and Mingei,” said Molly Kelton, co-director of the InforMath Collaborative and university researcher. “This is a unique and exciting opportunity for us to work closely with art and science museum professionals to try and change the way our community perceives mathematics, to conduct periodic analysis on our progress, and to ultimately establish a research center for informal mathematics learning in the park.” The InforMatch Collaborative is to implement a pilot project by mid-March of 2014 for the public to participate in. Researchers will then review and analyze data from the pilot through September and
prepare to launch a more extensive research and development lab the following two years of the initiative. “This is the first large-scale, multi-institution initiative of its kind giving mathematics, science and art professionals an opportunity to learn from each other and together come up with new and more expansive ways to draw the community into the park,” said Lisa Silagyi, director of the Balboa Park Learning Institute. Ricardo Nemirovsky is the principal investigator of the initiative.
Molly Kelton
La Terraza Corporate Plaza Sells for $22.3 Million Peregrine Realty Partners has purchased La Terraza Corporate Plaza from Cypress Office Properties for $22.3 million. Built in 2008, the 78,477 square-foot, three-story office building is located at 500 La Terraza Blvd. The building sits on a 3.65acre lot overlooking the I-15 freeway. Cypress Office Properties acquired La Terraza for $13,075,000 in November 2011and achieved 96 percent occupancy within 18 months, according to CBRE, which represented both parties in the sale
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La Terraza Corporate Plaza
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SAN DIEGO SCENE
Coronado Bay Club Sold for More than $160 Million CORONADO -- The 13.9-acre Coronado Bay Club, possibly the largest oceanfront rental community in Southern California, has been sold for more than $160 million to a joint venture between Alliance Residential and a large institutional investment fund. “There was a tremendous amount of interest in this marquee property,” said Darcy Miramontes, executive vice president of Jones Lang LaSalle, who represented the seller, LaSalle Investment Management. “We led more than 50 tours to prospective buyers, ranging from institutional investors to high-net-worth individuals and including both domestic and international entities.” Coronado Bay Club is an 18-building, three-story, garden-style apartment community on a 13.9-acre site at 1515 Second St. It is located on the bay, across from Downtown San Diego. The development has unobstructed views of Downtown, the Coronado Bay Bridge and San Diego Bay. Amenities include tennis courts, fitness center, resort-style pool, spa, saunas and locker rooms, dog park, picnic area with barbecues, 18,000-square-foot clubhouse, meeting rooms, business center, catering kitchen, media room, on-site beauty
salon and garage parking. Alliance’s Southern California region has acquired, started construction, completed or contracted for 13 projects with a total capitalization of roughly $1 billion during the current real estate cycle, according to Drew Colquitt, Alliance’s Managing Director for acquisition, development and construction in Southern California.
Coronado Bay Club
Mesa College’s New $109 Million Math+Science Complex To be ready for Student Occupancy in Spring Quarter San Diego Mesa College students will be able to start attending class in the new $109 million Math+Science Complex in the spring quarter, a project just completed by McCarthy Building Companies Inc. Built with Propositions S and N construction bond funds, the 206,000-square-foot, four-story building will provide new educational space for students pursuing degree and certificate programs in biology, chemistry, physical sciences and mathematics. The building houses four floors of classrooms, computer classrooms, and teaching lab classrooms, as well as faculty, staff and administrative support space. Specialty spaces include a greenhouse and an astronomy observation center located on the rooftop. The complex was designed by Architects | Delawie Wilkes Rodrigues Barker. It features a contemporary design with light-colored terrazzo flooring, stainless steel railings and finishes, aluminum wall panels and precast concrete stairways. A central lobby, comprising a pair of two-story atria, links the laboratory and classroom/office wings. A courtyard between the two wings provides outdoor circulation space, as well as an exterior space for educational opportunities. Lance Lareau, architect for the San Diego Community College
District, said the project was delivered on budget and ahead of the planned opening date. The Math+Science Complex occupies a 200,000-square-foot site immediately east of the existing Learning Resource Center near the center of the campus. McCarthy’s construction crews disassembled three older buildings on the site before breaking ground for the new facility in August 2011. Project consultants included Hope Engineering, RBF Consulting, and exp. Wimmer Yamada and Caughey was the landscape architect. Gafcon is the program manager for the bond construction program.
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‘Green’ Vessels Undergoing Maintenance and Repairs at South Bay Boatbuilding Company
Dean Spanos Pledges $500,000 toward Athletic Center at UC San Diego
Marine Group Boat Works LLC, a boatbuilding and repair facility in the South Bay, is using both of its San Diego Bay locations to provide maintenance and repairs for two of the ocean’s best-known “green” vessels: Rainbow Warrior III and MV Brigitte Bardot. Both ships are scheduled for several weeks of work, which include structural and mechanical repairs. Rainbow Warrior III, the newest most environmentally friendly Greenpeace flagship, is actually the first of the Rainbow vessels built specifically for the organization. She was launched at Hamburg, Germany, in October of 2011 complete with an onboard helicopter landing pad, satellite communications uplink and scientific research lab. Marine Group Boat Works is hosting the international crew and specialists -- some from as far away as the Netherlands -- while the ship is undergoing various mechanical repairs and rigging refurbishment at its newest location in National City. The work on Sea Shepherd’s trimaran Brigitte Bardot is being done at the Chula Vista facility and will include include paint, electrical, plumbing, fire system, hydraulics and other miscellaneous mechanical repairs. She is expected to remain with Marine Group for several weeks to complete the overhaul.
Dean Spanos, chairman of the board and president of the San Diego Chargers, has pledged $500,000 to UC San Diego to support a new Athletic Performance Center. The gift will support the expansion of the existing Alex G. Spanos Training Facility, located at the north end of campus. The revamped facility will be renamed the Alex G. Spanos Athletic Performance Center. The new center will include a strength and conditioning area, outdoor performance plaza, hydrotherapy room and more for studentathletes. Currently, strength-training equipment at UC San Diego’s Recreation, Intramural and Athletics Complex is shared by the entire student body, with space at times reserved for student-athletes.
The Rainbow Warrior III
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Rendering of the Athletic Performance Center.
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SAN DIEGO SCENE
Westgate Hotel Opens New Rooftop Amenities The Westgate Hotel has opened its new rooftop pool, lounge and fitness amenities with 360-degree views of San Diego’s Downtown skyline. Designed by Hollander Design Group, the 10,000-square-foot rooftop deck creates a new venue for events, leisure and fitness. The opening of the rooftop pool now allows The Westgate Hotel to accommodate large events for up to 340 guests. Views of the urban skyline are set apart by the rooftop’s modern design, highlighted by an expansive landscape wall display created by GreenScaped Buildings. The reimagined space also offers cocktail and dining services, available by the touch of a poolside phone to room service. Additional features include modern lounge furniture and a jacuzzi available exclusively to guests. Features include a Junior Olympic sized lap pool (heated year-round), a 1/10 Olympic running track and outdoor fitness equipment.
SDSU Basketball Performance Center To Break Ground in Spring 2014 San Diego State University President Elliot Hirshman and Athletic Director Jim Sterk announced plans for a 23,500-square-foot Basketball Performance Center, with a groundbreaking set for late spring 2014. The $14.5-million facility, which will be located just south of the Fowler Athletics Center and east of the football practice fields, will include two full-length courts, eight baskets, locker rooms, film rooms, team lounges, athletic training room and coaches locker rooms to help support the Aztec men’s and women’s championship basketball programs. Although a majority of the funds have been pledged, fundraising continues for the project, which is tentatively scheduled to be completed in 2015. The seven-time Mountain West champion men’s basketball program has been to the NCAA tournament a school-record four consecutive seasons. The women’s basketball team has won five Mountain West championships and advanced to postseason play in four of the past five seasons. “This has been a priority for the basketball programs for some time and will help both basketball programs immensely,” said men’s coach Steve Fisher. “This will be another showcase facility for the athletic department as well as the university as a whole.”
Rendering of Basketball Performance Center at SDSU.
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Elizabeth Smart Named Keynote Speaker at March 17-21 Women's Week Elizabeth Smart, who was kidnapped in Utah as a teenager in 2002 and spent much of her captivity in Lakeside, will be the keynote speaker of next year’s San Diego Women’s Week. The 26-year-old Smart will talk about how her faith helped her survive, how she found the strength to confront her captors at trial, and the secret to rebuilding her life, according to the San Diego North Chamber of Commerce, which conducts San Diego Women’s Week. San Diego Women’s Week will be held March 17-21 at Harrah's Rincon Events Center in Valley Center. It includes numerous events designed to empower and inspire women. Other scheduled speakers include Tanya Brown, sister of murder victim Nicole Brown Simpson,former U.S. diplomat Patricia McArdle; Mimi Kirk, health expert and author; Kim Coles, actress and comedienne; Patricia McArdle, retired foreign service officer; Candy Cumming, wellness education specialist; Tina Mickelson, PGA golf professional; Kristen Kavanaugh, co-founder and executive director of the Military Acceptance Project. Smart was kidnapped at the age of 14, was held by a drifter and his wife for nine months before being freed by police near Sandy, Utah, in a case that received national attention.
Elizabeth Smart
NOMINATIONS NOW OPEN FOR
San Diego’s 2014
MOVERS & SHAKERS
“We’re seeking nominees for our 7th annual Metro Movers awards. Please submit your nominations by January 10th to Rebeca Page at
[email protected] or fax to her at (858) 759-5755 or mail to: SD METRO at P.O. Box 3679, Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067.
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40 UNDER 40
Thank You to 40 Under 40 Winners and Friends Scenes from September’s Awards Luncheon
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FRANCHISING
Getting a Business in a Box Tips on getting and running a successful franchise Franchising is big business in corporate America; concepts range from McDonald’s, Hooters and Subway to service-based concepts such as Massage Envy, Super Cuts and Jiffy Lube. Owning a franchise means you can be your own boss. It is a solid business endeavor for budding entrepreneurs, but it is not for the faint of heart. Engagement in the day-to-day operations is critical and a lot more than most realize. Owners will spend most of their time on two things — the management of employees and attracting customers. The International Franchise Association reports that the amount of franchise establishments in the U.S. is predicted to increase by 1.4 percent in 2013, slightly short of the 1.5 percent growth seen in 2012. Carlsbad-based Dennis Conklin is the regional developer for many franchise concepts. In addition to Massage Envy Spa, he also oversees the development of The Joint…the Chiropractic Place and until recently, the regional developer for European Wax Center. In addition, he is currently developing a new franchise concept in the wellness and anti-aging arena that will roll out next year nationwide. Conklin advises to those interested in getting into franchising that when selecting a concept, one should look for the need and how it can be filled by a franchise — and then make sure that it is scalable. In the case of Massage Envy Spa, Conklin selected to become the regional developer in multiple states, because of how the product was brought to market to bring massage to the masses. Massage
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Envy Spa focused on the wellness aspect of massage rather than the luxury mentality often associated with it. Franchise costs vary considerably. To open a Massage Envy Spa, the cost ranges from $300,000 to $500,000 with a $45,000 license fee. Another example is The Joint ... the Chiropractic Place, where the franchise cost is $29,000 for the license with opening costs of about $100,000. Interested franchisees need to weigh the cost of the buy-in to the concept, as well as the costs for build-out, real estate of the lease — and then take a hard look at how soon the franchise can be profitable by doing due diligence and a lot of homework. The money is the easy part to evaluate, but one needs to look deeper. In choosing a concept, one must look at market saturation, as well as available territory, in addition to their true interest in the brand. Location and territory also play a huge role in the success of the franchise. The prospective owner must weigh not only the competition, but figure out what resources are available to the business, such as where to get qualified employees and how to get repeat customers. Corporate support is extremely important. How involved is the corporation in helping the franchisee to succeed? Being an only location could be good or bad, depending on the brand. Case in point, Dunkin Donuts has an aggressive franchise growth plan in Southern California, but there is only one San Diego location open and it is based at Camp Pendleton with, according to a recent story in UT San Diego, no additional ones planned on the near horizon to open. Know the growth patterns
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FRANCHISING and places from the franchise corporate office to be armed to make the best decision for the best success. In addition, check to see if the concept is keeping current with bringing fresh new products to the market to keep customers coming in the door, so that the business and concept are constantly relevant and growing, not shrinking and downsizing. Massage Envy started in Scottsdale, Ariz., in 2000. Today, there are more than 900 locations in the United States and Canada – with 23 open currently in San Diego and another four slated to open countywide. To stay current and on the forefront of their customers from the traditional massage membership model when they launched, they have since added additional services and transformed into Massage Envy Spa offering healthy skin facials and enhanced aroma therapies and hot stone massage to compliment their original business model. Not only does it extend the runway of services for customers to enjoy, but it also expands the brand’s longevity, marketability and in the end, profitability. The Genovese family of San Diego own five Massage Envy Spas and two European Wax Centers with three licenses that they still need to develop for wax centers in San Diego. After having successful jobs in the high-tech sector of corporate America, they invested in the two franchise concepts. “We came across the opportunity on massage and looked into the therapeutic benefits when we were experiencing the stress we had with the startup world in corporate America,” said D’Onn Genovese. “We believed in the concept and we thought the membership for massage was the way to go as a business model. Sometimes when you look at a concept it comes down to sheer numbers and what can make you go the distance. Franchising is getting a business in a box. It is hard work, but if you believe in what you sell, as we do, it is worth it.” Franchising is indeed a solid way for business entrepreneurs to live the American Dream and become a small business owner. And people need to realize that by supporting a local franchise they are helping build their community, as well as supporting a business and a neighbor to help fuel that dream.
California has only one Dunkin Donuts franchise, and it’s at Camp Pendleton.
Family owned since 1979. Owner Tony D'Amato and chef Domenico Alioto. Great Italian cuisine, osso buco, swordfish oreganato and much more.
Now serving lunch, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m D’Onn Genovese and her family own five Massage Envy Spas in San Diego and two European Wax Centers. ‘Franchising is getting a business in a box. It is hard work, but if you believe in what you sell, as we do, it is worth it,’ she says.
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1955 West Morena Boulevard, San Diego 92110
(619) 275-2094
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COV E R STO RY
e ink Local First Philosophy By buying local products and services, governments and businesses can strengthen the region’s economy
THINK LOCAL FIRST! The initiative, the brainchild of Debra Rosen, president of the San Diego North Chamber of Commerce, is designed to grow jobs, strengthen the local tax base and champion commerce in the San Diego region. “We want to encourage local purchasing, hiring and contracting of services,” Rosen said. “When the general public, government agencies, and school districts purchase products, services and hire within the region they have a tremendous impact on the strength and success of the businesses and communities involved,” she said. The San Diego North Chamber of Commerce’s 600-plus members represent a broad spectrum of businesses and professional people who live and work in an area between Route 52 and Camp Pendleton Marine base. The Chamber is the central connecting point for Think Local First. By unifying this diverse and unique group of businesses under the Think Local First philosophy, the Chamber has gained support from many elected officials. Keeping commerce and tax revenue within local communities has a direct impact on
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Debra Rosen, president of the San Diego North Chamber of Commerce, developed the Think Local First initiative to strengthen the region’s economy.
the vibrancy of every neighborhood. Every city and public organization is in need of services and often issues what is known as a “Request for Proposals” (RFPs)
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from the community for those needs. Many local businesses are not aware of how, where or when these PFPs are issued. The Chamber’s website (www.thinklocalfirstsd.com) provides a long number of links to local jurisdictions and public entities which regularly issue RFPs, and how to do business with their organizations. The Chamber has case studies, based on public records, which show the dollar amounts that cities are spending with vendors outside the San Diego area. The city of Poway, according to the Chamber, made purchases to outside vendors in 2012 that amounted to $9,994.291.75. Based on an eight percent sales tax rate, this meant Poway lost $799,543.34 in potential sales tax revenue that could have been allocated back into the city’s general fund. The Chamber says that almost half of all purchases made by the city of Escondido were from vendors outside the San Diego region. The sales tax revenue lost from transactions over $15,000 alone amounted to $5,336.656.72. The city of San Diego says it is always seeking vendors, suppliers and contractors within the region to provide quality prod-
COV E R STO RY
ucts and services at competitive prices. Interested businesses are invited to register with the city for contracting opportunities. The Chamber has compiled the top five general fund expenditures for each of the 10 cities in North County. The top two expenditures for all cities are public safety programs, including police and fire. Other expenditures that are shared between most of the cities include public works such as street maintenance, parks and recreation, and landscaping; as well as community services such as cultural arts, and preserving public libraries. Rosen is determined to get everyone to
Think Local First. “It’s not possible to purchase everything local, we know that, but if everyone could reallocate 10 percent of their spending back into their communities it would make a big difference. “When we purchase outside the region, our tax dollars are going to support other communities instead of our own. “Local commerce is critical to the vibrancy of our communities. Local business owners invest in our local non-profits, communities and schools and it is important that we support them and their sustainability in the region.”
Top 5 General Fund Expenditures By compiling the top five general fund expenditures for each of the 10 cities in North County, the San Diego North Chamber of Commerce discovered that the top two expenditures for all cities are public safety programs including police and fire. Other expenditures that are shared between most of the cities include public works such as street maintenance, parks and recreation, and landscaping; as well as community services such as cultural arts, and preserving public libraries. The Chamber recently sent out public records requests to multiple cities and school districts to find out how much of the general fund they spent within and outside of the region of San Diego County for the 2012 year. Surprisingly, our municipalities have been spending millions of dollars outside of the region. About 20 percent of the general fund is comprised of local tax dollars. This means that a portion of tax dollars coming out of the pockets of local residents are being spent on cities across the United States. Thus, local money is leaving the region and aiding other cities’ expenditures rather than our own. Purchasing, hiring, and contracting locally would mean that each city could increase the amount of the general fund. As a result, cities would have more money to support public safety programs, maintaining streets and landscaping, parks and recreation, and other community services which will enhance the quality of life in such region.
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AUTO
NEW CAR REVIEW: 2014 Lincoln MKZ Elvis did it in ’68 — maybe Lincoln will pull it off now. You know, make a comeback. No other automotive brand in recent memory was doing so well — in the ’90s — and then tripped over itself so badly (in the early 2000s) as Ford’s luxury brand. Lincoln actually outsold Cadillac for a while back in the ’90s, mostly on the strength of the thenhugely popular Navigator, which launched the high-end SUV craze. But then, a series of halted efforts (LS) and outright sales debacles (Blackwood, Mark LT) and it all went away. Today, Lincoln is barely a blip on the screen vis-a-vis other premium-brand cars. Ford sells more Mustangs than Lincoln sells Lincolns. Time to re-set and start over. Cars like the 2014 MKZ represent the future of Lincoln — and a new type of Lincoln. For openers, notice that it — and all the new Lincolns — are FWD-based and (in general) small-engined and very fuel efficient (the MKZ hybrid — which costs no more than the regular MKZ — is capable of averaging 45 MPG). They are also deliberately more demure than flash-bang Cadillacs. More Audi, and Lexus-like. In fact, Lincoln seems to be trying to re-invent itself as an American-brand Audi or Lexus. It could work because there are probably enough people out there who want a nicer than run-of-the-mill car, who aren’t looking for too much car, and who would also like for it to be an American car.
What It Is The MKZ is a mid-sized, FWD-based entry-luxury sedan based on the Ford Fusion. Like the Fusion, it’s offered with a 240 hp turbocharged 2.0 liter four-cylinder engine. Unlike the Fusion, it can also be equipped with a
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By Eric Peters
300 hp V-6. Either version is available with an optional AWD system, a feature unavailable in one of the MKZ’s main targets, the Lexus ES. Base price is $35,925. There is also a hybrid version of the MKZ that pairs a version of the 2.0 liter engine with electric motors and a storage battery. This model is capable of averaging 45 MPG, but what stands out even more than its mileage is its price: Lincoln charges the same $35,925 for this model as it does does for the standard (non-hybrid) MKZ with FWD. Lincoln is the first brand to offer the hybrid version of a given model without a price bump. Lexus, to cite a contrary example, wants $39,250 for the hybrid version of its ES series sedan vs. $36,370 for the non-hybrid ES.
What’s New The MKZ has been updated from the wheels up. New exterior, new interior, and new drivetrains, too. The base engine is now a turbo four instead of a 3.5 liter V-6. And the optional engine is now a 3.7 liter V-6, making 300 hp vs. 263 for the previous 3.5 liter engine. The hybrid version is also much more fuel-efficient: 45 MPG in both city and highway driving vs. 41 city, 36 highway previously.
What’s Good An appealing American-brand alternative to an Audi or a Lexus. One of the best-looking tails on four wheels. Pushbutton transmission range selector actually works better than standard lever-type shifter. It’s faster and takes up no space on the center console because it’s located on the dashboard. An appropriately soft (and quiet) ride. Best-in-class front seat legroom (2.4 inches more than the Lexus ES).
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What’s Not So Good Hasn't quite got Lexus, or Audi, cachet. Resale/depreciation might be an issue. Optional Collision Warning system can be peremptory, startling (sudden array of flashing red lights on dashtop) and can’t be turned all the way off. Questionable baleen whale front end treatment. “Haptic” finger-touch controls are slick looking, but can be fussy to learn how to use. Three inches less legroom in the second row than Lexus ES.
Under The Hood The MKZ is available with your pick of three drivetrains. Standard equipment is Ford’s “EcoBoost” 2.0 liter turbo four, paired with a six-speed automatic. This engine makes 240 hp and is capable of getting the car to 60 in about seven seconds flat with FWD, a bit over seven seconds with the optional AWD system. The 2.0 liter engine is also very fuel-efficient: 22 city, 33 highway with FWD and 22 city, 31 highway with AWD. This is among the very best in this class. The new BMW 320i, as a contrary example, comes standard with a 180 hp 2.0 liter four that only just barely out-MPGs the 240 hp MKZ, with a 23 city, 36 highway rating, while the hpequivalent (and higher-priced) BMW 328i with the 240 hp version of the 2.0 engine registers 23 city, 33 highway. However, one of the MKZ’s main competitors, the Lexus ES350, comes standard with a 3.5 liter, 268 hp V-6 that delivers a 6.5 second to 60 time and also manages 21 city, 31 highway. Lincoln fires back with an optionally available 3.7 liter, 300 hp V-6 that’s 32 hp stronger and matches the ES350’s s 0-60 run. You can also order this engine with AWD, a feature Lexus doesn’t offer at all in the ES350.
AUTO But the Lincoln’s big gun, so to speak, is its optional hybrid powertrain. As mentioned already, there’s no additional cost. Lincoln charges the same $35,925 for this version of the MKZ as they do for the non-hybrid version of the MKZ. Lexus adds $2,880 to the tab for the hybrid ES —$39,250 vs. $36,370. BMW wants $49,650 for the hybrid version of the 3 Series.
On The Road Ford and Lincoln, like a growing number of car companies, are making the case that four is plenty. And that six may well be superfluous. Go back just three or four years and you’d have a tough time finding any premium-brand car powered by less than a six. Excepting entrylevel Audis (and Saab, RIP) fours were mostly for economy cars. But Lincoln, like BMW, like Land Rover, like Audi, like Cadillac, sees a big future for little engines. Goosed, of course, by turbochargers to make big (or at least sufficient) power on demand while not demanding overly frequent refills at $4 a gallon. These lessconsumptive engines are also a political necessity as the federal government continues to ratchet upward its mandatory-minimum MPG requirements, which rise to 35.5 MPG beginning in 2016. These new-breed turbo fours also achieve what many automakers have been working toward for decades but never managed to sort out before now: Turbocharged engines that don’t behave like turbocharged engines. That aren’t lifeless at low RPM but snap (briefly) like an angry rattlesnake once aroused. That’s fine (and fun) in a high-performance sports car, where a sudden jolt of turbo thrust is exactly what’s
wanted. In a car with a manual transmission, which the owner uses to work the engine and keep it in the sweet spot of its narrow powerband. But in a luxury car with an automatic, such characteristics are as unwanted as Carlos Danger’s text messages (and pictures). What is wanted is smoothness, quietness and (most important of all) confident acceleration at any engine RPM and road speed. The 2.0 Ecoboosted engine delivers on all counts. The low-inertia turbocharger differs from older designs in that it “spools up” - i.e., delivers boost, almost instantaneously. The dreaded dead spot, followed by a sudden, furious infusion of power, that formerly characterized small-displacement turbocharged engines are non-issues.
At The Curb Chris Bangle got truckloads of grief over the “look” he designed for BMW a few years back, and the same truck is now backing up in the driveway of whomever it is over at Lincoln that came up with the krill-sifter front end treatment that’s the new Lincoln look. It’s not that it’s ugly. It’s just not beautiful. On the other hand, it is extremely distinctive. You can tell a new Lincoln at a glance.
The Rest I am not a fan of the MKZ’s optional Collision Warning system. In theory, it alerts you to an object in your path you may not have noticed — because you are on your cell phone — with a series of flashing LED lights and audible warning beeps. In actual practice, the system often triggers for no apparent reason unless you count trees close to the side of the
road (or tall grass or earth berms). This happened to me several times. No car in my path, nothing at all in my path, in fact. Yet the lights and chimes would sometimes just go off. The effect is startling, like a defibrillation you weren’t expecting. And more to the point, didn’t need. Worst part? You can’t turn it completely off. The most you can do, via steering wheel-mounted input pads, is adjust the sensitivity. I can’t say enough in praise of Lincoln’s not charging extra for the hybrid MKZ. There is no other deal like this on the market right now and it’s a brilliant strategy. Hybrids are, after all, supposed to save you money. If the thing costs thousands more to buy than an otherwise equivalent non-hybrid, like the ES hybrid, it doesn’t do that. Because the savings at the pump are negated by the cost to buy. No such issues here. The only negative to buying the MKZ hybrid over the non-hybrid MKZ is it’s a bit slower. Bit it’s not slow. Eight seconds to 60 is well within the Zone of Acceptability for normal, everyday driving.
The Bottom Line The new MKZ is the first Lincoln in years that’s got a real shot at reclaiming some of the cachet the brand has lost over the years — if enough people can be enticed back into Lincoln showrooms to give it a look. Eric Peters is the author of Automotive Atrocities” and “Road Hogs” and a former editorial writer /columnist for The Washington Times, a contributor to Cars.Com, The CarConnection. com and SD METRO.
2014 Lincoln MKZ Specifications: Base price: $35,925 (FWD); as tested $46,515 ( w/V-6
engine and AWD, THX II premium Audio with surround sound and 14 speakers, sunroof and perforated char coalleather seat covers).
Engine: 3.7. liter V-6, 300 hp
Transmission: Six speed automatic Length: 194.1 inches Width: 73.4 inches
Wheelbase: 112.2 inches Curb weight: 4,148 lbs.
Luggage capacity: 15.4 cubic feet
EPA fuel economy: 18city/26 highway (V-6/AWD) Where assembled: Hermosillo, Mexico,
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Mission Beach Allure
R E S TA U R A N T R E V I E W
CANNONBALL MAKES A BIG SPLASH AT BELMONT PARK By David Rottenberg
It may be winter but don’t stop enjoying the lovely beaches of San Diego. America’s finest city enjoys America’s finest weather, with many “beach days” even when other parts of our country are covered with deep snow. It is great fun to lie on the sand wearing a bathing suit in balmy sunlight even in December. Or, better yet, why not simply gaze on beachgoers while enjoying great food and enticing drinks from the comfortable rooftop Cannonball. Cannonball is a new restaurant plus lounge that opened with a bang on July 4 in Belmont Park, atop where Canes used to be. Completely redone, it looks like a swimming pool area sans the water. Lounges, gleaming white tile, firepits and hammocks add to the ambiance. Clear glass windows allow exceptional views of the
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sky, sand and water. If the sun gets too hot, unique umbrellas shaped like lily pods provide ample shade. At night, when the sun goes down and the air turns cool, stationary heaters cast wide circles of warmth. Several firepits, surrounded with comfortable seating, create cozy private areas for meeting with friends. What a great venue at which to relish in the glowing sunsets, which can be made all the more brilliant by tasty cocktails such as the Skinny Dip Margarita, blending smooth Avion Silver Tequila with the sweet heaviness of Grand Marnier. Pepper, not salt, coats the rim. Or, try the aptly named Sunset Colada, a more traditional mix of Bacardi Rum and pina colada. Cannonball is a dive. That is, a cannonball
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is a way to jump into a pool, rounding one’s body by tucking legs to the chest, to make the biggest splash possible when hitting the water. It is a fitting name for its pool-like ambiance and for the impact of the venue on Belmont Park. It adds appreciably to the attractions of one of San Diego’s oldest entertainment venues. Belmont Park predates the opening of Cannonball by exactly 88 years. The park was built by John Spreckels, one of San Diego’s pioneer land developers, to attract residents in order to sell real estate lots in Mission Beach. The park offered amusement rides, including the Giant Dipper, one of the few remaining wooden roller coasters. Also built was The Plunge, a large indoor pool, whose utility could be questioned,
R E S TA U R A N T R E V I E W
The Lobster Roll.
since the ocean was so close. Now, the park features rides, restaurants and waves. WaveHouse has machines that create two types of waves. One, FlowBarrel called “Bruticus Maximus” (or “bmax”) and features an eight-foot barreling wave. The other wave is a smaller sheet wave known as a FlowRider. Skilled (and semi-skilled) surfers can now enjoy the thrills of surfing indoors, regardless of weather and great whites. And, the park offers something very rare in California for entertainment venues — free admission and lots of free parking. During the passage of years, the fortunes of the park have gone up and down. Recently, the operators of the park were involved in highstakes litigation with the city of San Diego. But things are now moving in very positive directions. Management of the property has been taken over by EDS (Eat, Drink, Sleep), a locally based company. In the past 15 years, EDS has established a luxury, lifestyle brand that includes four boutique hotel properties, nine conceptdriven restaurants, an iconic beachfront amusement park and two golf courses. The company is bringing its skill and cash to restore the park to glory. Cannonball is one of its first efforts. It occupies 6,000 square feet of rooftop, offering lots of room to relax and enjoy. Still a “work in progress” as the rear section of the rooftop is still under development, the bar area features four televisions where the current games are
Ocean views.
Garlic Schrimp.
being shown. High tables and chairs make it easy to look over to watch beachgoers and sunsets. Every seat has an ocean view. The real magic is in the kitchen, where Brad Wise runs the show. In fact, he runs the show for all the eateries at the park. At Cannonball, he’s doing a great job. Chef Wise hails from Cape May, N.J., a lovely Victorian town. He began his career with food as early as age 12. He worked at the acclaimed Washington Inn and graduated from the Academy of Culinary Arts. Coming to San Diego, he found a career home with EDS, helping to make the company’s JRDN at Tower 23 in Pacific Beach and Belvedere Room in Bakersfield into recognized culinary hotspots. His menu at Cannonball features sushi and small plates (actually, not so small — portions were nice size) for sharing. Items are listed as “shares, rolls and sushi.” The ubiquitous California Roll and Spicy Tuna Roll are there. But be adventurous! Many of the combination rolls are unique and tasty. Enfuego combines crab and avocado wrapped by torch-seared salmon. The Lobster Roll combines lobster and avocado with an eel sauce. The edges of the Lobster Roll are crispy, creating a new sensation on the palate for an exceptional dish. There’s a nice list of wonderful culinary creations. “Shares” include Roasted Pacific Salmon, a large portion perfectly prepared,
served with an amazing quinoa and corn chowder. Chicken Osso Bucco serves meaty chicken legs, deftly prepared. Butter Leaf Salad, for light eaters, combines tasty greens and veggies in a great peanut sauce. My favorite — Garlic Shrimp — features a large plate of shrimp in an amazing garlic sauce. Grilled bread is provided to sop up the wonderful liquids. The quality of the food preparation and presentation is superb. You can’t go wrong. Service by the friendly staff is attentive, quick, and helpful. Prices are moderate, really a bargain given the quality of the food and drink. Here’s some good news: Cannonball’s Happy Hour (Sunday-Thursday, 4-6 p.m.) offers 50 percent discount on food. Cannonball is located at 3105 Ocean Front Walk in Mission Beach. Call (858) 228-9283 for information and reservations. Enjoy the beach, the sun during the day, the sunsets, the cool evenings. That’s what living in San Diego is all about. David Rottenberg is the editor of Dining San Diego Magazine, a guide to many of the city’s favorite restaurants. He is a member of the Southern California Restaurants Writers Association, a member of ASJA and vice president of the North American Travel Journalists Association.
Chef Brad Wise.
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T R AV E L
WEEKEND IN THE DESERT FINDING GOLD AT THE PALM SPRINGS RENDEZVOUS
By Bob Page
The sophisticated traveler might turn his /her nose up at what I’m about to recommend but read on. One’s first thoughts in thinking about a place to stay for a weekend in the desert would lead most of us to one of those sparkling fancy pants places in Rancho Mirage, Palm Desert or Indian Wells. I understand. We’ve done that many times. However, on a recent foray, we decided it was time to stop skipping past Palm Springs and experience for ourselves what a weekend would be like in the village which made the desert famous. So, where to stay? The guide books seem to be of minimal help so we jumped on the Internet and up popped the Palm Springs Rendezvous. It was like finding gold! The Rendezvous is a gem. A B&B with character and charm spilling out of every room. The first thing you do is to pick your theme. Sounds crazy, right? Other than the Honeymoon Suite, room themes range from Pretty in Pink, Crooners, Stagecoach, Route 66, Shake Rattle & Roll (is Elvis in the room?) to TV Shows, Silver Screen,
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Hawaiian Surf and Rebel without a cause. As you enter through the Rendezvous’ frosted glass doors , nostalgic ’50s music will be wafting through the air. The music is the perfect compliment to the ’50s themed rooms. Your weekend has begun. Each room fronts the courtyard with its pristine pool, hot tub and blue carpeted deck. The pièce de résistance is the breakfast. The award-winning, three-course breakfast — fresh fruit smoothies, a daily fruit creation and a main course — alone will be enough to entice us to return. At happy hour, try the RendezBlu martini and their appetizers. “We pride ourselves on our food,” says John Michael Cooper, the delightfully charming and young general manager. He also doubles as the chef when the Rendezvous’ owners, Barb and Marty Cohen, are in Lake Tahoe managing their other property, the Shore House in Tahoe Vista. Cooper and his staff are very involved in Palm Springs life. The Rendezvous is a major sponsor of the annual Palm Springs Film Festival and the city’s Restaurant Week.
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Honeymoon Hideaway bed.
Silver Screen room.
Smoothie & Summer Oranges.
Pretty in Pink room.
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T R AV E L
Marilyn Monroe actually stayed here in the ’50s.
The Rendezvous is the only true bread and breakfast inn in Palm Springs. You’ll see a touch of gentrification taking place in Palm Springs but not enough to destroy the village atmosphere of this historic community. For years the city let the down valley communities steal the desert’s tourist business as it fell into a lackluster, second-tier destination. However, its long overdue makeover and redevelopment is under way. It has a bourgeoning nightlife, fabulous arts scene and fun culture. And Palm Canyon Drive is again alive with energy. There are some terrific restaurants nearby and Cooper knows them well. We followed his recommendations to Lulu California Bistro and Al dente, both superb choices. And if dinner and a lazy day around the pool or shopping on Palm Canyon Drive isn’t enough to pop you back into your themed bedroom, you can always test your luck at the Spa Resort Casino, a short few blocks away. Check out the Rendezvous and Palm Springs. Neither will disappoint. PALM SPRINGS RENDEZVOUS 1420 North Indian Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, CA, 92262 (800) 485-2808 Rates: $139-$269 depending on room and season.
palmspringsrendezvous.com
[email protected]
Shake Rattle & Roll bathtub.
Stagecoach room.
Route 66 room.
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M O S T A D M I R E D C O M PA N I E S
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THANK YOU TO OUR 2013 ADVERTISERS
Kirby Noonan Lance & Hoge LLP
Fisher & Phillips attorneys at law
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S E C T I O NU.S. POSTAGE TITLE Presort Standard PAID PERMIT NO. 751 SAN DIEGO, CA
100% Prime
