People who enjoy beer and happen to live in San Diego have been getting a treat this week. It’s been “Storm Week” here – meaning the influence of Stone Brewing Co can be felt far and wide.

Churchills, an english pub in San Marcos recently opened up their new renovated bar area – which has 50 tap handles. FIFTY! They have a LOT of really good beer on tap. I’d been threatening Ivan, the owner, that I would be coming in with my camera to take a bunch of beer-porn shots of his new setup – and I finally delivered.

Follow @churchills on twitter for awesome updates, and if you’re bored – check out the rest of my pictures from churchills!

What’s a healthy community these days? Well, one that’s financially sound and San Marcos has a balanced budget this year despite forecasting a $3 to $4 million decline in annual revenues over the next three years.

It would also have to be one that’s creating a sustainable community. And in San Marcos, the newest fire station to open (the one up on San Elijo Road) is one of only five in the nation to be LEED certified.

The CSUSM library is one of campus's newer buildings and overlooks San Marcos.

I heard these things from Mayor Jim Desmond at his state of the city address which I attended with colleagues from Cal State San Marcos March 10.

A new park was opened this past year and two more are in various stages of creation. New business tenants are opening in a development across from City Hall. (Including Pizza Nova–I have a weakness for their bread.) 

Mayor Desmond shared the credit with his council but gave a big shout-out to his city manager Paul Malone plus the former city manager Rick Gittings. (more…)