Are you a music buff? Do you love all genres, from Classic Rock & Roll to Cajun Blues and from Motown to Contemporary Jazz? If you are sitting at your computer nodding “yes,” then you better get down to the beach this summer for La Jolla’s Concerts by the Sea!

These family-friendly–not to mention free–summer concerts are fun for locals and visitors of all ages. The events are held on Sundays in a gorgeous spot overlooking the La Jolla Coves, and offer a wide range of musical styles for everyone’s enjoyment.

Every year, the city of La Jolla hosts these musical performances that run for two straight months under the summer sun. The concerts are held shore-side in Scripps Park at La Jolla Cove every Sunday afternoon from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. This year, “The Heroes” will kick off the season on July 10. This 7-member band is headed by the talents of two amazing female singers. This classic rock & roll band’s extensive song list includes everything from big band, swing and standards from the 30′s and 40′s, to today’s current hits, with oldies, Motown, rock & roll, and even a little funk mixed in.

Food vendors and beverage stands line the park and support the ongoing LaJolla concerts every summer. How does a hot dog and ice-cold soda sound? Or maybe some ice cream and popcorn for the kids? These events have it all! The concerts also bring together local restaurants and business that offer fantastic raffle prizes including gift certificates for local activities each week! So come enjoy a free afternoon concert on the shore and you could leave with a free gift certificate for additional fun activities during your stay in San Diego. Sounds like a pretty good deal to us!

For details and a complete list of performances during the 2011 season, visit www.ljconcertsbythesea.org.

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If you are among those who have not had the pleasure of attending San Diego’s infamous Comic-Con International event in the past, the following is a short list of what you can expect to find this year:

• Panels, seminars & workshops with comic book professionals
• Portfolio reviews with top comic book and video game companies
• Evening events including award ceremonies, the Masquerade and costume contests
• Previews of upcoming feature films
• The Independent Film Festival, which showcases short & feature length movies that don’t yet have distribution deals.

Comic-Con returns to the San Diego Convention Center on July 21-24, 2011, with a special preview night on July 20. As the premier event in the entertainment arts industry, Comic-Con boasts an exhibit hall that spans over 460,000 square feet, and a high attendance that outranks any other convention in the country! The 4-day convention brings together a celebration of popular arts ranging from movies and TV, to comic books, fantasy art, Broadway shows and even computer games, toy collectibles and more. For artists and producers this event has become a fundamental occasion as Comic-Con features the best short independent films in a variety of categories each year. In addition to pre-screenings, experts present a special programming track focused on independent film making, complete with “how to’s” and tips that you won’t find anywhere else.

With numerous micro-events taking place throughout the week, it is hard to “do it all”, but make sure not to pass on the Masquerade – it is by far the most unique part of the convention (in our opinion)! Typically held on Saturday, the Masquerade is anything but your casual party. The event is presented as a competition complete with a Master of Ceremonies, a panel of guest judges from costume-related fields, impressive trophies, and even cash awards for the best costumes! While many costumes are re-creations from film, anime, games and comics, completely original designs are welcome as well.

As with each year prior, you can expect some old favorites, new surprises and even a premier or two at this year’s Comic-Con! Doesn’t that sound like an event worth attending? You can find a full list of 2011 special guests, exhibitors and complete event details by visiting www.comic-con.org.

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Rip Tide Warning

As spring approaches, the beaches of Southern California will again begin to fill with visitors looking to catch a few rays and play in the surf.  But as you make your way to the carefree, sandy shores of places like Mission Beach and Pacific Beach in San Diego, remember to recognize the danger posed by rip currents.

Rip currents are powerful currents that pull swimmers out from the beach and into the open ocean.  They do not drag people underwater, but they do carry a swimmer very quickly straight out to sea.  Rip currents are created when strong crashing waves reside next to weaker waves.  The result is a flow of water that moves away from the beach at fairly high speeds and with enormous strength.

Rip Tide Strategies

There are easy strategies to recall if you happen to be caught in a rip current.  First, acknowledge and understand that you are in a rip current and that it will not pull you under, but will take you away from shore.  Attempting to fight the current and swim directly back to shore is never your best option, as it will exhaust you waste energy.  Instead, stay afloat and try to move perpendicular to the shore. The rip current will eventually dissipate, so  if you can manage to stay afloat and you will be able to escape when the rip current ends.  The rip current will not extend incredibly far out into the ocean, averaging around a few hundred yards from shore. Once the current has given way, you will be able to swim in a straight line back to shore–as long as you’ve acted wisely and saved your energy! If you are able, attempt to wave for help when caught in the current to gain the attention of a lifeguard or fellow swimmer.

Strategies for a Rip Tide

If anyone in your group is a poor swimmer, be very careful, and heed lifeguard warnings.  A rip current is dangerous, even for the best swimmer. If someone cannot tread water and stay afloat, surviving a rip current episode can be difficult.  If there is any doubt as to the swimming ability of a member of your party, avoid areas with rip currents, and keep your eyes open for warnings.

Recognizing a rip current area can help avoid the danger.  Rip currents move away from shore and are typically made of choppy water that is a different color from surrounding water.  In general, you may be able to recognize a channel moving away from the shore, cutting through the incoming waves.

Visualizing Rip Tide

Now that you know the dangers of rip currents, how they form and what they look like, here are a few tips to take to the beach for safety, courtesy of Ocean Park Inn located on Pacific Beach in San Diego.

• Swim with Others
• Only swim at Lifeguard protected beaches
• Don’t fight the current
• Float and Tread Water
• Swim parallel to the shore to escape, do not attempt to swim directly back into shore
• Wave for Help if caught in a rip current

The beautiful Pacific Ocean can be a fun and exciting place to spend your vacation in San Diego, and keeping these tips in the back of your mind guarantees that you will enjoy a safe and sunny day at the beach!

Visualizing Rip Tides

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Over 3,400 Collegiate, Junior and Master athletes will return to Mission Bay on April 2-3, 2011 for the 38^th annual San Diego Crew Classic. These athletes hail from more than 100 universities, clubs and high schools across the United States, Canada and Mexico, and they will compete in a total of 90 races over the two-day event.

San Diego Crew Classic

While rowing is often seen as a sport exclusive to the East coast, this event has become the marquee regatta of rowing in the West since its establishment in 1973. Even current and future Olympians travel to San Diego to compete in the Crew Classic each year. The Masters is the fastest growing sector of the sport, but the regatta also provides an opportunity for rowers of all levels and ages, from 14-84, to compete in various divisions.

In this year’s competition contestants will race across seven lanes, starting at Sea World and heading North along the 2,000 meter course through Mission Bay. The race will finish at Crown Point, where spectators can gathered to cheer on family, friends and fellow teammates.

Whether you’re attending as a competitor or a spectator, you won’t want to miss out on this iconic rowing event. Spectators will have a wide variety of amenities available to them as they watch the races from start to finish on a massive Jumbotron located at Crown Point. Tent Row will line the sandy shores of Mission Bay and provide a wide range of food, merchandisers, a beer garden on the beach and entertainment for all ages.

The Crew Classic brings in a large, and spirited crowd every year and guarantees a fun-filled weekend. Book your stay at Ocean Park Inn, located on beautiful Pacific Beach and only minutes from the action. If you are interested in getting involved in the classic sport of rowing just ask your Ocean Park Inn concierge who will be happy to recommend some of San Diego’s best rowing organizations! There are a variety of groups that offer non-competitive rowing for those solely interesting in the tranquility and exercise of the sport.

For more information on the event and a detailed schedule of race times and daily activities, please visit www.crewclassic.org.

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It’s been a long wait, but the party that brings together thousands of people for a night of indulgence and fun is upon us once again! Leave your inhibitions at the door when you join us on March 8, 2011 for a wild night celebrating Mardi Gras—San Diego Style!

San Diego’s famous Gaslamp Quarter shuts down the streets for their extravagant Mardi Gras block party. The best Mardi Gras celebration this side of Mississippi kicks off at 6 p.m. with world-renowned DJ’s, three massive stages and themed zones, and of course the Incredible Masquerade Parade, which begins at 9:30 p.m.

As the streets of the Gaslamp come to life with go-go dancers, street performers and cirque carnival games, so do the neighborhood’s most exciting hotspots. With 17 participating restaurants you’re sure to find a local eatery to satisfy any craving. Enjoy cuisines from all over the world including Italian, Contemporary American, Indian and even a little Southern Comfort food.

The parade winds down and reaches its end at midnight, but attendees are sure to simply clear the streets and head for the clubs to keep the party going all night. Don’t miss the opportunity to have the ultimate VIP experience at the Mardi Gras block party and Incredible Masquerade Parade. VIP access offers the chance to pay no cover at over 13 participating clubs, and enjoy 6 welcome shots, delicious food and drink specials, and a coveted parking discount – a $500 value for only $40 with advanced purchase!

Visit www.gaslamp.org for details and to purchase your tickets to the best Mardi Gras party on the West coast in advance!

After taking advantage of all that the festivities have to offer, remove the beads and relax on the shores of Pacific Beach at Ocean Park Inn.  Just minutes away from the Gaslamp Quarter, Ocean Park Inn has ocean view rooms and the most comfortable beds in So Cal.  Gumbo nightcap not included!  Visit www.oceanparkinn.com or call 858-483-5858 to make your reservation today.

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