Puff Piece

San Diego — San Diego Metropolitan magazine is out with its annual issue dedicated to the "Tribute to Women and Industry," a dinner run by the YWCA recognizing local female professionals. Part of the celebration includes dozens of paid advertisements in the magazine in which employers of the honored women give them a pat on the back. But one prominent notice is raising eyebrows. The city's taxpayer-funded Centre City Development Corporation paid an undisclosed amount to buy an ad congratulating one of its board members, Jennifer LeSar, a downtown banker and real estate developer. "She has shown great leadership in many areas, especially in her role on the CCDC Board of Directors," says the glowing quarter-page write-up, which features a photo of a beaming LeSar. "She also has been a key member of the Board of Directors for the San Diego Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Community Center."

One role not noted is LeSar's longstanding relationship with San Diego city councilwoman Toni Atkins. CCDC spokesman Derek Danzinger acknowledged that the agency paid for the advertisement and promised to find out how much it cost but did not call back.