Back in the truck he lights up in perfect privacy the precious red Marlboro he’s been concealing in glove compartment for weeks now. Ah, the bold flavor, the relaxation. . .beats that damn ecigarette any day. He begins thinking about …

Back in the truck he lights up in perfect privacy the precious red Marlboro he’s been concealing in glove compartment for weeks now. Ah, the bold flavor, the relaxation. . .beats that damn ecigarette any day. He begins thinking about …

They say timing is everything. That statement was especially true for me recently. I had planned a trip to Yosemite national park months in advance due to my love of forests. Enduring a six hour road trip to get to …

http://www.sandiegoreader.com/users/photos/2013/oct/15/54861/ The gritty streets of Zona Norte provide clear boundaries when you enter and exit, you don't need street names. Prostitutes stand in dimly lit doorways and outside of bars, lining the sidewalks while whispering to potential customers strolling past. …

The die has been cast. The mold has been set. I am unafraid to claim that I am a Disciple of Christ on this day and forevermore, in a world without end. Amen. I'm a part of the fellowship of …

http://www.sandiegoreader.com/users/photos/2012/jun/18/26397/ I have to admit that finding a good place to enjoy great seafood in Ensenada is about as difficult as finding prime grade steak in Omaha, Nebraska. But, no matter where you happen to dine, there always seems to …

http://www.sandiegoreader.com/users/photos/2013/oct/05/54323/ The other side of the street feels more like a motel is supposed to feel, or a hotel, which is actually what this is for us, functionally. The other side of the street sports a swimming pool which is …

Dear President Obama, We're here because we, the American citizens, have had our government taken and held hostage by the exact people originally elected to serve us. In both their words and actions, the Republican party has vowed to disregard …

Check out my free monthly photo contest sponsored by Nelson Photo in Little Italy: http://www.markholmesphoto.com/news/209-october-photo-competition.html

One of my all-time favorite films is Dead Poets Society, the story of an English teacher in an elite college prep school for boys, whose unconventional teaching style gets him fired in his first year. The Welton Academy's school slogan …

I find it interesting that the Democratic Party is supporting David Alvarez after his failure to stand up to one of the Democratic Party's biggest adversaries---Walmart. In fact during District 8 Councilman David Alvarez' less than 3 years in office …

One of my favorite things to do--even as a San Diego native--is to take the ferry across from Downtown to Coronado "Island." Disclosure: It's not an island. Anyway, Nicky Rotten's, which has a location in the Gaslamp, opened another spot …

It was odd to move across the country and see our San Diego mayor splashed across the news. What a mess! Now Bob Filner has been removed from office and everyone here has to know about it! Glad I didn't …

Four months after opening her cafe...after hurdling over the challenges of being laid off...after being reunited with an uncle she hadn't spoken to in years, the owner of Love Cupcake Cafe in Otay Ranch is already giving back to the …

The nostalgic scent of urine-infested sidewalks. Fear of getting mugged as a student trying to complete her research assignments. Wondering if I would be murdered in the basement of a Downtown building filled with old books bound to eventually fall …

If we learned anything from the ousting of Mayor Bob Filner it should be that integrity is of the utmost importance in selecting any candidate. Words are worthless. Actions are all that matter in a leader. Filner was booted by …

She was bawling. Bags in hand, this seemingly youthful 20-something-year-old passed through a crowd of on-lookers, stealing their attention as she stomped through aimlessly angry and visibly upset. The airport security guard and I caught a glimpse of one another, …

Piggin' strings and bucking shoots used to be part of my everyday life. Rodeo clowns were my constant companions and mutton busting came to be one of my favorite things. Of the two sports that originated in the U.S., baseball …

Two chain restaurants are collaborating with non-profit organizations and asking for patrons to help raise money for these causes. Chili's is working with St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital; and Joe's Crab Shack is working with No Kid Hungry. Chili's is …

This is Nick. He is the lifeguard on duty today at Grandview Beach in Leucadia. He is the only one on duty right now and is determining critical information that could help ensure a good time with minimal injury. He …