Let's Get Serious

THIS ISSUE IS A LITTLE HEAVIER THAN USUAL, due to gravity, and because of gravity. We’re bigger by page count (354) than any issue in recent history. And we took the opportunity to explore some gravely important local issues.

To begin, you’ll find the second installment of our Preserving Paradise series. It’s replete with insight into the predicaments of high housing costs, runaway traffic problems and good and bad land-planning decisions in our region.

We also look into the serious matter of taking care of our war veterans. Newsweek contributor Jamie Reno finds complaints about underfunding the Veterans Affairs services and hospitals are nothing new. But the troop injuries in Afghanistan and Iraq are new—and many are worried there’s not enough money on the table to take care of our injured heroes.

A new contributor to San Diego Magazine takes us inside a human smuggling ring based in Baja California’s Rosarito Beach. Author Shane Liddick spent nearly a year living in Mexico to research his piece. We’ve all heard about the “coyotes” who transport illegal aliens across the border. Liddick lets us look through the eyes of American expatriates whose fortunes rose and fell with the human-trafficking trade.

ON THE LIGHTER SIDE: It’s HDQ time, and our quarterly magazine-in-a-magazine on home design brightens up the room again. Editors Tom Shess and Margie Farnsworth present a great Bankers Hill home and a smashing condo redo, as well as a multitude of indoor/outdoor trends and treasures.

Baseball is back—and we celebrate with a profile of the Padres’ laid-back super shortstop Khalil Greene. And Tom Blair dialogues with soon-to-be Hall of Fame announcer Jerry Coleman.

In addition to restaurant reviews, this year’s Best Restaurants ballot and an agenda of local events, we introduce a start-up news Web site, visit the burgeoning arts scene on Oahu and—holy cow, did I really save this as a “best for last” mention?— let you know who lawyers think are the best lawyers in town. Enjoy the hefty issue.

RON DONOHO
Executive Editor

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