What's New in CA Spring 2013 - the California Tourism Industry ...

SPRING 2013 

There is always something new and 

exciting in California. As your resource for 

statewide news, Visit California is pleased 

to present this release describing new 

developments taking place in the various 

regions of the Golden State. Please note 

that dates listed are subject to change. 

Confirm with appropriate media contacts. 

Consumers can receive free California 

travel planning information by visiting 

www.visitcalifornia.com or by writing to: 

Visit California 

555 Capitol Mall, Ste 1100 

Sacramento, CA 95814 

Tel: (916) 444-4429 

Fax: (916) 444-0410 

E-mail: info@visitcalifornia.com 

Residents of the United States and Canada 

can also receive travel planning information 

by calling 1-800-862-2543. International 

travelers need to dial (916) 444-4429. 

STATE OF CALIFORNIA 

Edmund G. Brown Jr., Governor 

VISIT CALIFORNIA 

Caroline Beteta, Chief Executive Officer 

Brian Wright 

Senior Director of Communications 

(916) 319-5421 | bwright@visitcalifornia.com 

Jennifer Sweeney 

Public Relations Manager 

(916) 233-0255 | jsweeney@visitcalifornia.com 

Shannon Brooks 

International Public Relations Manager 

(916) 319-5425 | sbrooks@visitcalifornia.com 

Rachel Veu 

Media Relations Coordinator 

What’s New in California Editor 

(916) 319-5427 | rveu@visitcalifornia.com 

Visit California 

555 Capitol Mall, Suite 1100 

Sacramento, CA 95814 

Tel: (916) 444-4429 

Fax: (916) 444-0410 

E-mail: info@visitcalifornia.com 

media.visitcalifornia.com 

© 2013 Visit California 

WHAT’S NEW 

CA 

STATEWIDE 

California Welcomes Amgen 

Tour of California in May 

Cyclists race through California each spring 

during the annual Amgen Tour of California, 

covering more than 730 miles of diverse terrain 

though 12 different cities in just eight days. Top 

teams will complete May 12-19, 2013, with 

more than two million spectators expected 

to attend and cheer as the cyclists complete 

America’s greatest race. Host cities and regions 

offer special lodging packages, restaurant 

recommendations, roadside stands and ideal 

viewing points on the race route for anyone 

interested in attending, along with suggested 

places where spectators can experience the race 

themselves and go for a spin. The 12 official 

stage start and finish communities include 

Escondido, Greater Palm Springs, Murrieta, 

Palmdale, Santa Clarita, Santa Barbara, Avila 

Beach, San Jose, Livermore, Mt. Diablo, San 

Francisco and Santa Rosa. 

Media ContaCt: Jennifer Sweeney, 

ViSit California, (916) 233-0255, 

JSweeney@ViSitCalifornia.Com, 

media.ViSitCalifornia.Com. 

PubliC ContaCt: ViSit California, 

(916) 444-4429, info@ViSitCalifornia.Com, 

www.ViSitCalifornia.Com. 

Visit California Enhances 

Online Media Center 

Visit California introduced two dynamic new 

content features to the Online Media Center: 

a quarterly “What’s New in California” video 

newsletter and a blog. The video newsletter 

series is presented by travel journalist John 

Vlahides and the content is also available for 

IN CALIFORNIA 

third party use. The blog features posts by 

Visit California’s global public relations team, 

who share their latest Golden State discoveries, 

recent press trip adventures and other 

noteworthy destination news. The Media Center 

is also a source of images, high-definition b-roll, 

story ideas and press releases. Learning about 

California and its new offerings has never been 

easier! Go to media.visitcalifornia.com to get 

your story started, and visit often to keep up 

with what’s new in California. 

Media and PubliC ContaCt: Shannon BrookS, 


SBrookS@ViSitCalifornia.Com, 

media.ViSitCalifornia.Com. 

California’s New Visitor’s 

Guide Features Family 

Fun Adventures 

Visit California just released its new 2013 

California Official State Visitor’s Guide, 

featuring three-time Olympic Beach Volleyball 

Gold Medalist Kerri Walsh-Jennings, an 

icon of the California spirit who shares her 

passion for living in the Golden State. This 

year’s issue offers 200+ pages of exclusive 

INSIDE 

1 Statewide 

2 Shasta Cascade 

2 North Coast 

3 San Francisco Bay Area 

6 Central Valley 

6 Gold Country 

7 High Sierra 

8 Central Coast 

9 Los Angeles County 

11 Orange County 

12 Deserts 

13 Inland Empire 

14 San Diego County 

15 Looking to the Future

2 


articles, 32 regional trip ideas covering the 

entire state, maps, easy-to-use travel planners 

and exceptional photography capturing the 

state’s abundant beauty, making trip planning 

easy. And with its expanded family activities 

featuring everything from iconic theme parks 

and city adventures to secret beaches and lush 

forest trails, plus a special list of “must see” 

events, the whole family can enjoy favorite 

California experiences on the same trip. For a 

free copy of Visit California’s 2013 California 

Official State Visitor’s Guide, visit us at 

www.visitcalifornia.com. 

Media ContaCt: Jennifer Sweeney, 


JSweeney@ViSitCalifornia.Com, media. 

ViSitCalifornia.Com. 

PubliC ContaCt: ViSit California, (916) 444-4429, 

info@ViSitCalifornia.Com, 

www.ViSitCalifornia.Com. 

San Francisco Giants World 

Championship Trophy Tour 

The San Francisco Giants are touring their 

2010 and 2012 World Championship Trophies 

across northern and central California this 

spring. The tour began just after the New Year 

and will conclude on April 5, the Giants’ first 

home game of the 2013 season, after visits to 

Sacramento, Fresno, San Luis Obispo, San Jose 

and numerous smaller communities in which 

there are Junior Giants Baseball Leagues, the 

flagship program of the Giants Community 

Fund. The focus of the San Francisco World 

Championship Trophy Tour, presented by Bank 

of America, is to share the Major League 

Baseball Commissioner’s trophy, handcrafted 

by Tiffany & Co., with Giants fans in locations 

across the Golden State. 

Media and PubliC ContaCt: Shana daum, 

San franCiSCo GiantS, (415) 972-2496, 

Sdaum@SfGiantS.Com, www.SfGiantS.Com/ 

trophy. 

WHAT’S NEW IN CALIFORNIA SPRING 2013 

SC 

SHASTA CASCADE 

New Snow Tubing Attraction 

at Mt. Shasta Ski Park 

In Spring 2013, Mt. Shasta Ski Park is opening 

Tubing Hill, a 250-foot-long, two-lane, 

groomed snow tubing run. Tubing Hill will 

be close to the lodge so tubers can pop in for 

food, beverages and warmth. Admission is $15 

for children 12 and younger and $20 for adults; 

admission includes the cost of tube rentals. 

Media ContaCt: karen whitaker, 

ShaSta CaSCade wonderland aSSoCiation, 

(530) 365-7504, 

karen@ShaStaCaSCade.orG, 

www.ShaStaCaSCade.Com. 

PubliC ContaCt: mt. ShaSta Ski park, 

(530) 926-8610, www.Skipark.Com. 

Mt. Shasta Welcomes 

New Art Gallery 

Snow Creek Studios, a new local art gallery 

run by area artist Chris Messner, is now open 

in Mt. Shasta. The gallery showcases a broad 

spectrum of mediums, including oil, water 

colors, collage, mixed media, and more, all 

produced by Messner. In addition, Snow Creek 

Studios features an inspiring studio space 

with a wide selection of classes and workshops 

taught by a variety of artists. 

Media ContaCt: karen whitaker, ShaSta 

CaSCade wonderland aSSoCiation, 

(530) 365-7504, karen@ShaStaCaSCade.orG, 


PubliC ContaCt: Snow Creek StudioS, 

(530) 926-3000, www.SnowCreekStudioS.Com. 

Jeter’s Playground 

Now Open in Redding 

Now open in Redding, Jeter’s Playground 

is the ultimate family and party experience. 

Activities include bounce houses, black light 

mini-golf, an arcade and RC racing. Jeter’s also 

offers several party packages for any occasion. 

Adjacent to Jeter’s is the newly opened 

Wrapped restaurant, featuring Naked Coffee, 

which offers a wide variety of fresh wraps, 

gourmet soups and salads, including vegetarian, 

gluten-free and paleo options, kid friendly 

choices and artisan coffee. 

Media and PubliC ContaCt: karen whitaker, 

ShaSta CaSCade wonderland aSSoCiation, 



Extensive Upgrades at the 

Greenhorn Park Trail 

Yreka’s Greenhorn Park Trail has completed 

major upgrades for 2013 and now has 77 trail 

markers and two park kiosks stocked with 

trail maps. The newly laid out trail winds 

around the scenic Greenhorn Creek and 

Reservoir and is open to all hikers, bikers and 

pets. Greenhorn is the largest community park 

in Yreka and features picnic areas, restrooms, 

horseshoe pits, a soccer field, ghost town 

and lake access. 





PubliC ContaCt: Greenhorn park trail, 

(530) 841-2386, 

www.Ci.yreka.Ca.uS/Community/parkS. 

New Sustainable Tasting 

Room in Downtown Chico 

La Rocca Vineyards, a long-running member 

of the Sierra Oro Farm Trail, has opened a 

sustainable tasting room built from recyclable 

materials in the heart of downtown Chico. The 

tasting room features Rocca Vineyards wines, 

which are 100 percent organic, contain no 

pesticides or sulfates and are bottled in glass 

using recyclable caps and compostable corks. 





PubliC ContaCt: la roCCa VineyardS, 

(800) 808-9463, www.laroCCaVineyardS.Com.

NC 

NORTH COAST 

Eureka Debuts New 

Hiksari Waterfront Trail 

Eureka will put the final touches on an 

extension to the bayfront trail that connects 

the Victorian seaport to the Elk River just in 

time for Spring 2013. Trusedale Vista Point, 

located at the south end of town, will serve 

as a trailhead and access point for the new 

Hiksari Trail, which runs roughly six miles 

south to the mouth of the Elk River along the 

edge of Humboldt Bay, California’s secondlargest 

natural bay. The trail offers exceptional 

views of marine wildlife, coastal dunes, a 

prolific estuary and the Pacific Ocean. The 

trailhead area includes native landscaping, 

night-sky-friendly lighting, and interpretive 

signs describing the bayfront ecosystem and 

indigenous uses of the area. The trail to the 

north will eventually connect to the Eureka 

Waterfront promenade. 

Media and PubliC ContaCt: riChard StenGer, 

humBolt County ConVention and ViSitorS 

Bureau, (707) 497-8134, riChard@redwoodS.info, 

www.redwoodS.info. 

Lost Coast Mountain Bike 

Trail Extended 

This spring, the Bureau of Land Management 

is slated to open a 10-mile extension to the 

14-mile Paradise Royale Bike Trail along the 

famous Lost Coast. Listed as one of the top 

ten rides in North America by Bike Magazine, 

the challenging, single-track mountain bike 

trail is located in the Paradise Ridge area of 

the King Range National Conservation Area 

and features varying levels of difficulty with 

diverse scenic vistas, terrain features and 

riding experiences. The extension trail will 

offer limited parking at the Shelter Cove Road 

entrance and a cupcake loop for kids at 

the entry point. 

Media and PubliC ContaCt: riChard StenGer, 

humBolt County ConVention and ViSitorS 

Bureau, (707) 497-8134, riChard@redwoodS.info, 

www.redwoodS.info. 

Baxter Wines Tasting Room 

Opening in Mendocino 

Baxter Winery are opening a new tasting 

room opposite the Philo Post Office Building 

this March. Known primarily for Pinot 

Noir, winemaker Phillip Baxter produces 

handcrafted, single-vineyard wines using 

grapes from the Anderson Valley and 

surrounding Mendocino appellations. Using 

artisan techniques, he crafts wines that possess 

a notable pureness of fruit, reflecting the 

unique identity of each vineyard site. The new 

tasting room will be manned by Claire Baxter, 

Phillip’s wife, and will be open Thursday- 

Monday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

Media ContaCt: heather noll, hypehouSe, 

(415) 359-9722, heather@hypehouSe.Com. 

PubliC ContaCt: SCott SChneider, 

ViSit mendoCino County, inC., 

(707) 964-9010, SCott@ViSitmendoCino.Com, 

www.ViSitmendoCino.Com. 

Pizzeria and Tasting Rooms 

to Open at The Madrones 

A new pizzeria and two new tasting rooms 

are scheduled to open in Spring 2013 at 

the Madrones, an award-winning cluster 

of Mediterranean buildings housing winerelated 

businesses in Mendocino County. The 

European-style pizzeria and salumeria will 

offer culinary options ideally suited to the 

Madrones’ wine country setting, and Signal 

Ridge Vineyard and Knez Winery will both 

open on-site tasting rooms. This spring, the 

Madrones will also host a series of workshops 

in food preservation, olive oil production, 

cheese making, mushroom foraging, farm to 

table cooking and more. 

Media ContaCt: heather noll, hypehouSe, 

(415) 359-9722, heather@hypehouSe.Com. 

PubliC ContaCt: SCott SChneider, ViSit 

mendoCino County, inC., (707) 964-9010, 

SCott@ViSitmendoCino.Com, 

www.ViSitmendoCino.Com. 

BA 

SAN FRANCISCO/BAY AREA 

World Baseball Classic 

Headed for San Francisco’s 

AT&T Park 

Sports fans will want to be in the stands at San 

Francisco’s AT&T Park March 17-19 for the 

World Baseball Classic Semi-Finals and Finals 

as top teams from over two dozen participating 

countries compete for the highest honor in 

international baseball. Winners and runners-up 

from the second-round venues, Tokyo’s Dome 

and Miami’s Marlins Park, advance to a singleelimination 

championship round at AT&T 

Park with semi-final contests on March 17 

and 18, and a final on March 19. AT&T Park 

will be the perfect venue to showcase the best 

baseball players in the world as they represent 

their countries and compete in this one-of-akind 

international tournament. 

Media and PubliC ContaCt: miChael teeVan, 

San franCiSCo GiantS, (212) 931-7878, 

media@SfGiantS.Com, www.SfGiantS.Com. 

Safari West is Building a 

New Observation Deck 

Safari West in Santa Rosa, Northern 

California’s only luxury African wildlife 

preserve and safari tent camp, is building a 

new Observation Deck that is expected to by 

completed by May 2013. The elevated deck will 

provide an intimate vantage point for viewing 

the reserve’s wildlife and offer guests a closer, 

more personal interaction with Safari West’s 

giraffes and flamingos. Wine, beer and tasty 

treats from the park’s Savannah Café will be 

served on the deck. 

Media and PubliC ContaCt: aphrodite CaSerta, 

Safari weSt, (707) 566-3620, 

aCaSerta@SafariweSt.Com, 

www.SafariweSt.Com. 


3

4 


Barlow Artisan Marketplace 

Now Open in Sebastopol 

The former Barlow Apple Cannery has been 

re-born as the Barlow, a 220,000-square-foot 

artisan food marketplace and production 

facility. Connecting customers with products, 

the people who make them and their 

production techniques, the Barlow features 

local winemakers, food producers and other 

artisans as well as bocce ball courts, restaurants, 

fire pits, and the Sebastopol Farmers Market. 

Current tenants include Kosta Browne Winery, 

Taylor Maid Farms, Wolfard Glassblowing, 

and the Aubergine Vintage Emporium. 

Media ContaCt: tyffani peterS, mediamonGer 

CommuniCationS, (707) 318-2726, 

tyffani@mediamonGerpr.Com. 

PubliC ContaCt: the Barlow, (707) 824-5600, 

info@theBarlow.net, www.theBarlow.net. 

Hotel Zetta to Open in 

the Cultural Heart of 

San Francisco 

Hotel Zetta, a boutique hotel located at 

the convergence of the SoMa, Mid-Market, 

and Union Square neighborhoods in San 

Francisco, will open on the former site of the 

Hotel Milano after an extensive renovation to 

guest rooms, common areas and restaurant. 

Scheduled to open in Spring 2013, Hotel 

Zetta will offer a unique enclave for savvy 

travelers, culture seekers and local creatives 

seeking stylish accommodations and dynamic 

gathering spaces to work and play. 

Media ContaCt: laura BarneS, 

andrew freeman and Company, (415) 781-5700, 

lauraB@afandCo.Com. 

PubliC ContaCt: GreG Bell, hotel Zetta, 

(415) 321-5117, 

GreG.Bell@ViCeroyhotelSandreSortS.Com. 


Human Odyssey at 

the California Academy 

of Sciences 

Now open in the Tusher African Hall of the 

California Academy of Sciences, Human 

Odyssey traces the evolution of the human race 

through inventive new displays. Visitors can 

compare fossils of early human relatives, walk 

alongside a computer animation of the famous 

Lucy skeleton, map our species’ extensive 

journey out of Africa, and follow the clues that 

scientists, including noted paleoanthropologist 

and Academy curator Zeray Alemseged, use 

to investigate our past. The new exhibit 

demonstrates why the 7 billion people on 

the planet today are much more alike than 

one might think. 

Media ContaCt: helen taylor, California 

aCademy of SCienCeS, (415) 379-5128, 

htaylor@CalaCademy.orG. 

PubliC ContaCt: California aCademy of 

SCienCeS, (415) 379-8000, info@CalaCademy.orG, 

www.CalaCademy.orG. 

Exploratorium to 

Reopen at Pier 15 

On April 17, 2013, the Exploratorium, San 

Francisco’s museum of science, art and 

human perception, will open at Pier 15 at 

the heart of the revitalized San Francisco 

waterfront. The new location will radically 

improve access to visitors from all over the 

world and dramatically enhance the size and 

scope of the museum. With three times more 

space overall than its current home, the new 

Exploratorium will engage the curiosity and 

creativity of visitors of any age as they explore 

150 brand-new exhibits amongst the nearly 

600 that will be on view. For the first time, 

the Exploratorium expands its investigations 

into the bay, city, and outdoor landscape. The 

world-renowned science museum creates 

original, interactive exhibits, on display at 

more than 1,000 science centers, museums 

and public spaces around the world, reaching 

nearly 180 million people annually from 

around the globe. 

Media ContaCt: Jenny SlafkoSky, the 

exploratorium, (415) 528-4367, 

JSlafkoSky@exploratorium.edu. 

PubliC ContaCt: the exploratorium, (415) 528- 

4444, puBinfo@exploratorium.edu, 

www.exploratorium.edu. 

World’s Largest LED 

Sculpture Debuting on 

San Francisco Bay 

The Bay Lights is a fine art piece being 

installed on the western span of the Bay Bridge. 

With an estimated completion date in March 

2013, it will be viewable from San Francisco 

and points north. Measuring 1.8-miles long 

and 50 feet tall, the high-tech light sculpture 

designed by Leo Villareal features 25,000 

individually programmable, energy-efficient 

LED lights mounted on the bridge’s vertical 

cables. The sculpture will remain on the bridge 

for two years and be on display daily from 

dusk to 2 a.m. 

Media ContaCt: tami kelly, BraZer 

CommuniCationS, (925) 640-9997, 

tami@BraZerCommuniCationS.Com. 

PubliC ContaCt: the Bay liGhtS, (415) 814-2214, 

Ben@illuminatetheartS.orG, 

www.theBayliGhtS.orG. 

Uptown Art Park 

Opening in Oakland 

Oakland’s thriving arts scene will soon be 

on display at the newly developed Uptown 

Art Park next to the historic Fox Theater. 

This sculpture garden will include rotating 

exhibitions from local artists, ranging from 

formal to industrial works, with many pieces in 

the park rotated out every nine to 12 months in 

order to make room for new art. The space will 

also be open for performances and live music, 

experimental projects, film and video screening 

and more. One of the featured pieces at the 

initial launch on March 1 will be a bicycle 

bridge made from recycled bike parts. Visitors 

will be able to access and view the park’s 

sculptures 24 hours a day, seven days a week. 

Media ContaCt: lindSay wriGht, ViSit oakland, 

(510) 208-0561, lindSay@ViSitoakland.orG. 

PubliC ContaCt: ViSitor information, 

ViSit oakland, (510) 839-9000, 

info@ViSitoakland.orG, www.ViSitoakland.orG. 

Remember Them Monument 

Unveils Fourth and 

Final Installment 

This spring, the final installment for the 

Remember Them Monument will be unveiled 

in Oakland. The sculpture, a larger-than-life

depiction of 25 humanitarians who fought for 

peace and human rights, is being completed in 

stages and features luminaries like Rosa Parks, 

Winston Churchill, Malcolm X, Harvey Milk 

and Mother Teresa. When finished, sculptor 

Mario Chiodo will have used a total of 60,000 

pounds of bronze on the 52-foot-wide, 21-foottall 

monument. The individuals depicted in the 

sculpture were chosen based on their common 

threads of courage and determination. 

Media ContaCt: lindSay wriGht, ViSit oakland, 

(510) 208-0561, lindSay@ViSitoakland.orG. 

PubliC ContaCt: ViSitor information, 

ViSit oakland, (510) 839-9000, 

info@ViSitoakland.orG, www.ViSitoakland.orG. 

New Gallery to Open 

at the Oakland Museum 

of California 

The Oakland Museum of California will 

be opening a newly transformed Gallery of 

California Natural Sciences on May 31 to 

showcase a fresh focus on California’s natural 

history, the threats it faces, and humanity’s 

relationships with nature. The Gallery will 

draw on the museum’s extensive holdings and 

feature relevant art and historical connections 

alongside repurposed natural science dioramas 

and interactive elements. At 25,000 square 

feet, the gallery is the only museum 

presentation of its kind to feature a collective 

portrait of California’s rich biodiversity 

alongside humanity’s interaction with the 

natural world. The project is led by a team of 

designers, scientists, artists, builders, and 

community members. 

Media ContaCt: kelly koSki, 

oakland muSeum of California, 

(510) 318-8453, kkoSki@muSeumCa.orG. 

PubliC ContaCt: oakland muSeum of 

California, (510) 318-8400, 

CommuniCationS@muSeumCa.orG, 

www.muSeumCa.orG. 

New Exhibit Blooming at the 

UC Santa Cruz Arboretum 

The UC Santa Cruz Arboretum, a longtime 

mecca for plant lovers, will debut a new exhibit 

in the spring of 2013. Backed by a line of 

redwood trees, The Australian Rock Garden is 

a perfect showplace for beautiful small plants 

from Australia. The Arboretum is also home 

to large assemblages of plants from Oceania, 

South Africa, many of which are not otherwise 

available for study in American botanical 

gardens and arboreta. Home to more than 300 

plant families, the UC Santa Cruz Arboretum 

maintains collections of rare and threatened 

plants of unusual scientific interest. 

Media and PubliC ContaCt: ChriStina Glynn, 

Santa CruZ County ConferenCe and ViSitorS 

CounCil, (831) 429-7281, CGlynn@SantaCruZ.orG, 

www.SantaCruZ.orG. 

Mount Hermon E.C.O. Tours 

Focus on Forest Edibles 

E.C.O. (Experience, Conserve, Outdoors) 

Tours allow visitors to experience the forest 

in a whole new way. Fresh for spring, Mount 

Hermon’s E.C.O. Tours are broken into two 

2-hour sessions and designed for groups of 

eight. After gearing up and training in rope 

climbing, participants ascend 50 feet into 

a California native Coast Live Oak tree to 

get a unique view of the forest from above. 

The group then heads into the Santa Cruz 

Mountains to forage for edibles with an 

experienced naturalist guide to help facilitate 

the collection and sampling of wild treats 

from the forest, including seasonal fungi, 

elderberries, redwood sorrel and much more. 





Santa Cruz and Monterey Bay 

Railway Debuts this Spring 

Train excursions along the coastline from Santa 

Cruz to Davenport will debut this spring with 

the Santa Cruz and Monterey Bay Railway, a 

new railway line from Iowa Pacific Holdings 

of Chicago, Illinois. Travelers on the new line 

will enjoy scenic excursions with gourmet food 

prepared aboard vintage trains, which feature 

two-level dome cars, authentically restored 

parlor cars and comfortable coaches. The new 

railroad will also host a plethora of special 

holiday events, such as a Mother’s Day brunch 

and a Valentine’s Day Romance Ride. Future 

plans for the railway include the possible 

installation of bicycle and pedestrian trails 

adjacent to the tracks. The train will run every 

weekend and stop at various points along the 

Santa Cruz County coastline. 





Silicon Valley Welcomes 

Steins Beer Garden 

and Restaurant 

Restaurateur Ted Kim is set to open Steins Beer 

Garden & Restaurant in early 2013 in Silicon 

Valley. A salute to the traditional European 

beer hall, Steins will focus on high-quality 

beer and a Modern American comfort food 

menu crafted by Executive Chef Colby Reade. 

After a nearly $2 million remodel, the property 

features a 300-seat, 12,000-square-foot indoor 

and outdoor space that will include a Beer Hall, 

Beer Garden, two private rooms, and a private 

Beer Garden for parties. Steins will feature 

30 taps of carefully selected import and craft 

beers from around the world, with 10 rotating 

taps reserved for seasonal brews and new beers. 

Chef Reade’s seasonal menu will compliment 

the beers and use local and organic ingredients. 

Media and PubliC ContaCt: yaSemin SuSSman, 

andrew freeman and Co., (415) 781-5700, 

yaSemin@afandCo.Com, www.afandCo.Com. 

San Jose Civic to Reopen 

After Major Renovations 

Following four years of construction, the 

San Jose Civic, a city landmark and historic 

theater venue, officially reopens this spring 

with $15 million in period-correct renovations, 

restoring it to its original grandeur. Since 

1936, the iconic venue has hosted a diverse 

roster of legendary performers, including 

Duke Ellington, Buddy Holly, The Grateful 

Dead, The Who, Bob Dylan, Barbra Streisand, 

Cream, Frank Sinatra and the Rolling Stones. 

Media and PubliC ContaCt: meGhan horriGan, 

team San JoSe, (408) 792-1175, 

mhorriGan@SanJoSe.orG, www.SanJoSe.orG. 


5

6 


New Food and Farm Tours 

of Point Reyes 

West Marin Food and Farm Tours is unveiling 

new Point Reyes tours this spring. The tours 

will feature exclusive tastings and behind-thescenes 

activities that showcase the area’s rich 

food industry. They include the Cheese Lover’s 

Tour, which visits dairy farms and cheese 

factories with tastings of over 25 local artisan 

cheeses, the Oyster Farmer for a Day Tour, in 

which guests explore Tomales Bay by boat 

and harvest their own oysters, and the Oyster 

Lover’s Tour, featuring visits to all of the famous 

area oyster farms, with oysters tastings cooked 

six different ways. West Marin Food and Farm 

Tours also offers private and custom tours. 

Media and PubliC ContaCt: eliZaBeth hill, 

weSt marin food and farm tourS, 

(415) 599-9222, 

eliZaBeth@foodandfarmtourS.Com, www. 

foodandfarmtourS.Com. 

Cirque Dreams Splashtastic 

at Six Flags 

Discovery Kingdom 

Six Flags Discovery Kingdom and theatrical 

visionary Neil Goldberg of Cirque Dreams 

Entertainment are unveiling an extraordinary 

new cutting-edge dolphin show, Cirque Dreams 

Splashtastic - the Most Amazing Show Above 

H20, in late Spring 2013. The new show will 

combine aerialists, acrobats and music with 

the power and grace of dolphins in a Dolphin 

Harbor Theater showcase designed to delight 

audiences of all ages. 

Media ContaCt: nanCy Chan, Six flaGS 

diSCoVery kinGdom, (707) 556-5227, 

nChan@Sftp.Com. 

PubliC ContaCt: Six flaGS diSCoVery kinGdom, 

(707) 643-6722, GueStrelationS@SixflaGS.Com, 

www.SixflaGS.Com. 

Great America to Open 

Mega Wooden Roller Coaster 

California’s Great America in Santa Clara, 

home to the most rides and most water rides in 

Northern California, is slated to open the Gold 

Striker during its upcoming season this spring. 

Once open, the Gold Striker will be the tallest 

and fastest wooden roller coaster in Northern 


California. California’s Great America is the 

only theme park in the state with a water park 

inside that is free with park admission. 

Media ContaCt: kriSten haGer, California’S 

Great ameriCa, (408) 988-1776, 

kriSten.haGer@CaGreatameriCa.Com. 

PubliC ContaCt: California’S Great ameriCa, 

(408) 988-1776, 

GueStSerViCeS@CaGreatameriCa.Com, 

www.CaGreatameriCa.Com. 

CV 

CENTRAL VALLEY 

Napa Valley Chef Opens New 

Restaurant in Fresno County 

Chef Ryan Jackson, a graduate of the 

California Culinary Academy of San Francisco 

and formerly of Napa Valley’s Brix Restaurant, 

is the Executive Chef at the newly opened 

School House Restaurant and Tavern. Located 

at the base of Kings Canyon and Sequoia 

National Park, the restaurant’s menu features 

California cuisine that offers a new slant on 

classic favorites with a focus on Fresno’s farmfresh 

and seasonal ingredients. 

Media ContaCt: melanie CoVentry, freSno/ 

CloViS ConVention and ViSitorS Bureau, 

(559) 981-5500, 

melanie.CoVentry@freSnoCVB.orG, 

www.playfreSno.orG. 

PubliC ContaCt: miChelle JaCkSon, 

SChool houSe reStaurant and taVern, 

(559) 787-3271, info@SChoolhouSeSanGer.Com, 

www.SChoolhouSeSanGer.Com. 

Pro Football and the 

American Spirit Opening at 

the Haggin Museum 

Opening on May 25 and running through 

September 22 at the Haggin Museum in 

Stockton, Pro Football and the American Spirit: 

the NFL and the U.S. Armed Forces chronicles 

the many ways in which professional football 

leagues and their players have responded to 

America’s call during military conflicts. The 

exhibit recalls the triumphs, tragedies and 

personal sacrifice made by more than 1,200 

players, coaches and administrators who 

interrupted or delayed their pro football careers 

to serve their country during times of military 

conflict. Some of the items on display include 

the career medals of pro football’s highestranking 

player, General Earnest Cheatham, 

and the Cleveland Browns sideline jacket 

of Don Steinbrunner, one of only two NFL 

players to perish during the Vietnam War. 

Media and PubliC ContaCt: kriSten anema, 

the haGGin muSeum, (209) 940-6316, kanema@ 

haGGinmuSeum.orG, www.haGGinmuSeum.orG. 

On The Rocks Debuts 

in Bakersfield 

With the opening of On The Rocks, 

Bakersfield is now the home of a world-class 

nightclub and restaurant. Featuring a state-ofthe-art 

sound and lighting system, sleek and 

stylistic interior, VIP rooms and an amazing 

range of cocktails and culinary delights, 

On The Rocks is committed to bringing 

in headlining bands and big-name DJs, as 

well as showcasing up-and-coming local 

entertainment and a range of culturally 

diverse genres. 

Media and PubliC ContaCt: miSty GlaSCo, 

BakerSfield ConVention and ViSitorS Bureau, 

(661) 852-7237, mGlaSCo@ViSitBakerSfield.Com, 

www.ViSitBakerSfield.Com 

GC 

GOLD COUNTRY 

Ray Eames: A Century 

of Modern Design at the 

California Museum 

Running February 23, 2013 through 

February 23, 2014 at the California Museum 

in Sacramento, Ray Eames: A Century of 

Modern Design celebrates the centennial of 

the legendary designer in her hometown 

Sacramento. Developed in partnership with 

Eames Office and the Eames Foundation, the 

all-new exhibit is the first to explore Ray’s 

early life and art before meeting husband 

and business partner Charles Eames in 1941.

Through a display of rarely-seen artifacts and 

works including paintings, paper dolls, fashion 

designs, furniture and more from the Eames 

family’s personal archives, the exhibit provides 

new perspectives on her 60-year career across 

a multitude of creative disciplines as a groundbreaking 

artist who broke barriers during an 

era of limited opportunities for women and 

reveals her significance as one of the 20th 

century’s most influential artists whose legacy 

continues to shape design today. 

Media ContaCt: Brenna hamilton, the 

California muSeum, (916) 651-0934, 

Bhamilton@CaliforniamuSeum.orG, 

www.CaliforniamuSeum.orG. 

PubliC ContaCt: the California muSeum, (916) 

653-7524, muSeuminfo@CaliforniamuSeum.orG, 

www.CaliforniamuSeum.orG. 

New Hotel Opening at 

Black Oak Casino 

The Hotel at Black Oak Casino is set to open 

this spring, complementing the existing casino 

and its complex of restaurants and the Seven 

Sisters family center located in the Sierra 

foothills, east of Sonora. The 148-room hotel 

is smoke-free and features a fitness center, 

outdoor pool and 6,000 square feet of multiuse 

event space with onsite catering. Guest 

rooms and suites boast luxurious bedding 

with down and hypoallergenic pillows, large 

flat-screen televisions, plush robes and 

complimentary high-speed wireless Internet. 

Media ContaCt: liSa mayo, tuolumne County 

ViSitorS Bureau, (209) 533-4420, 

liSa@Gotuolumne.Com, www. 

yoSemiteGoldCountry.Com. 

PubliC ContaCt: mariZa ponCe, 

the hotel at BlaCk oak CaSino, 

(559) 676-0387, mponCe@BlaCkoakCaSino.Com, 

www.BlaCkoakCaSino.Com/hotel. 

HS 

HIGH SIERRA 

Best Western Yosemite 

Gateway Inn Expands 

The Best Western Plus Yosemite Gateway Inn 

in Oakhurst has added a dozen new guest 

rooms that will open this spring, expanding 

the property’s room count to 134. In addition, 

the new units will significantly increase the 

hotel’s number of ADA-accessible rooms. 

The hotel also includes a full-service restaurant 

and bar, as well as meeting space that can 

accommodate up to 100 people in a 

classroom setup. 

Media ContaCt: Jarrod lyman, 

yoSemite Sierra ViSitorS Bureau, (559) 683-4636, 

Jarrod@yoSemitethiSyear.Com. 

PubliC ContaCt: Bill putnam, 

BeSt weStern pluS yoSemite Gateway inn, 

(559) 683-2378, info@yoSemiteGatewayinn.Com, 

www.yoSemiteGatewayinn.Com. 

South Gate Brewing 

Company to Open 

in Oakhurst 

South Gate Brewing Company will open this 

spring in the beautiful mountain town of 

Oakhurst, near the South Gate to Yosemite 

National Park. The area’s first brew pub, South 

Gate Brewing Company will feature craft beer 

that is made on site, and an excellent wine list 

focusing on local and Napa Valley vintages, 

alongside a menu of unique American pub fare. 

Guests will enjoy a stylish dining space and for 

the craft brewing enthusiast, the company’s 

brewing equipment will be on display in an 

additional tasting room. South Gate Brewing 

Company is family friendly. 

Media ContaCt: lindSay hawkinS, South Gate 

BrewinG Company, (858) 232-1737, 

lindSay@SouthGateBrewCo.Com. 

PubliC ContaCt: South Gate BrewinG Company, 

(559) 692-2739, info@SouthGateBrewCo.Com, 

www.SouthGateBrewCo.Com. 

New Zipline Tours 

Launched in Yosemite 

The first canopy tour of its kind in the 

Greater Yosemite area, Zip Yosemite features 

seven ziplines in a fully guided tour lasting 

approximately three hours, including a walk 

to and from the course through Calvin Crest 

Conference Center nestled at 5,000 feet of 

elevation in the heart of Sierra National Forest. 

In addition to experiencing the thrill of flying 

90 feet above the ground, guests will also 

learn their way through the course with highly 

trained guides sharing a wealth of knowledge 

on ecology, geology, and history with a sense of 

humor that will leave visitors hungry for more. 

Media ContaCt: Jarrod lyman, yoSemite Sierra 

ViSitorS Bureau, (559) 683-4636, Jarrod@ 

yoSemitethiSyear.Com. 

PubliC ContaCt: wade Beane, Zip yoSemite, 

(559) 642-6688, info@ZipyoSemite.Com, 

www.ZipyoSemite.Com. 

Historic Truckee Hotel 

Completes Renovations 

After more than six months of extensive 

renovations, the historic Truckee Hotel on 

the corner of Bridge Street and Donner Pass 

Road will reopen this spring. All rooms have 

been completely revamped with upgrades that 

range from new light fixtures to new furniture 

and luxurious claw-foot tubs. The modern 

amenities set the stage for a unique and 

comfortable stay in this 130 year-old Truckee 

landmark that celebrates historic charm and 

nostalgia for the Wild West. 

Media ContaCt: JaCqueline StoeSSer, 

SwitChBaCk pr + marketinG, inC., (530) 550-2252, 

JaCkie@SwitChBaCkpr.Com. 

PubliC ContaCt: truCkee hotel, 

(530) 587-4444, ConCierGe@truCkeehotel.Com, 

www.truCkeehotel.Com. 

Land Trusts Reopens 

Royal Gorge Under 

Sugar Bowl’s Management 

The Trust for Public Land, the Truckee 

Donner Land Trust and the Northern Sierra 

Partnership have collaborated to purchase and 

preserve a parcel of land on top of Donner 

Summit, which includes the largest cross 

country ski area in North America, the Royal 

Gorge Ski Area. The project will reopen in 

the spring under Sugar Bowl ski resort’s 

management. The company has invested over 

$500,000 in upgrades and has pledged to 

open 6000 acres of trails seven days a week at 

Royal Gorge, including 200 kilometers of 

groomed trails. 




PubliC ContaCt: lynn SaunderS, truCkee 

donner ChamBer of CommerCe, (530) 587-8808, 

lynn@truCkee.Com, www.truCkee.Com. 


7

8 


Truckee Celebrates Two 

Major Anniversaries 

Truckee will celebrate 150 years since its 

establishment in 1863 as Gray’s Toll Station 

and 20 years since its residents voted for their 

town to be a fully incorporated municipality 

in 1993. Truckee has long been known as a 

logging town, for its significance along the 

transcontinental railroad, and as a mecca for 

outdoors enthusiasts. The two milestones will 

be incorporated into popular Truckee events 

such as the Fourth of July Parade, Truckee 

Thursdays and Big Truck Day, and a special 

Mayor’s Celebration is slated for this spring. 




PubliC ContaCt: lynn SaunderS, truCkee 

donner ChamBer of CommerCe, (530) 587-8808, 

lynn@truCkee.Com, www.truCkee.Com. 

June Lake Welcomes 

New Snowmobile Rally 

The June Lake Snowmobile Rally will hold its 

inaugural event in the California mountain 

village of June Lake the weekend of March 

8-10, 2013. Festivities will include a fun, 

competitive Snowmobile Poker Run at June 

Lake Junction, as well as guided snowmobile 

excursions, night rides and more. Cash and 

prizes will be up for grabs, and snowmobile 

rentals will be available. 

Media ContaCt: katie Shaffer, eaSt riVer 

puBliC relationS, (530) 214-8790, 

katie@eaStriVerpr.Com. 

PubliC ContaCt: aliCia VennoS, mono County, 

(760) 924-1743, aVennoS@mono.Ca.GoV, 

www.monoCounty.orG. 

New High Altitude Track 

Unveiled in Mono County 

For Spring 2013, the Mammoth Track Project 

has unveiled the brand new Whitmore Track 

and Sports Complex, an eight-lane, all-weather, 

high-altitude track in the scenic Green Church 

Road area. The new complex provides the 

region with an exciting multi-sport strength 

and conditioning facility featuring a number 

of programs, including a Mammoth Running 

Camp, Running Vacation Packages, sanctioned 

track and field meets and more. The facility’s 

green design incorporates recycled tires into 


the track’s polyurethane as well as a synthetic 

infield for soccer, football and javelin throwing. 

The facility includes a stadium, concession 

stand, locker rooms, running path with fitness 

stations and a picnic pavilion. 

Media ContaCt: katie Shaffer, eaSt riVer 

puBliC relationS, (530) 214-8790, katie@ 

eaStriVerpr.Com. 

PubliC ContaCt: aliCia VennoS, mono County, 

(760) 924-1743, aVennoS@mono.Ca.GoV, 

www.monoCounty.orG. 

CC 

CENTRAL COAST 

Santa Barbara Welcomes 

Renovated El Encanto Hotel 

Slated to reopen in March 2013, the El 

Encanto Hotel is in the process of being 

meticulously restored to capture the vintage 

glamour that made it a Santa Barbara favorite. 

The latest addition to the Orient Express 

collection, the new hotel will feature 92 

California-style bungalows surrounded by 

lush, terraced grounds featuring 7 acres of 

meticulously crafted gardens with sweeping 

views of Santa Barbara and the Pacific Ocean. 

To keep the property’s vintage character 

intact, original architectural features are 

being carefully restored, including the historic, 

trellised-lined arbor and lily pond. 

Media ContaCt: Jennifer GueSS, Jennifer GueSS 


Jennifer@JenniferGueSSpr.Com. 

PubliC ContaCt: ellen thorton, 

el enCanto, (805) 687-5000, 

ellen.thorton@orient-expreSS.Com, 

www.elenCanto.Com. 

Allegiant Air Offers New 

Direct Flights From 

Santa Maria to Hawaii 

California will be easier for Aloha State 

travelers to reach with direct flights from 

Honolulu to Santa Barbara County’s Santa 

Maria Valley via Allegiant Air. To secure this 

new service, the Santa Maria Public Airport 

upgraded its security and passenger-screening 

procedures and extend its runway. The weekly 

nonstop flights from Santa Maria Public 

Airport to Honolulu International Airport will 

depart Santa Maria on Saturday afternoons, 

with return flights leaving Hawaii early 

Saturday mornings. 

Media ContaCt: malei weir, moonCatCher, 

(805) 239-0020, mw@moonCatCher.Com. 

PubliC ContaCt: ChriS haStert, 

Santa maria puBliC airport diStriCt, 

(805) 922-1726, airport@Santamariaairport.Com, 

www.Santamariaairport.Com. 

Estrella Warbirds Museum 

Expanding 

Paso Robles’ Estrella Warbirds Museum is on 

the cusp of completing an imposing new entry 

pavilion and an impressive addition to the 

auto display building complex, with a Grand 

Opening of both buildings planned for early 

April 2013. The new construction is funded in 

part by the Hind Foundation and will allow 

the museum to display a significantly larger 

selection of military vehicles and memorabilia. 

Media ContaCt: John CouCh, eStrella warBirdS 

muSeum, (805) 440-1663, JCouCh101@hotmail.Com. 

PubliC ContaCt: SuSan dollemore, eStrella 

warBirdS muSeum, (831) 214-0963, 

dollymore@aol.Com, www.ewarBirdS.orG. 

The Oaks Hotel Now Open 

in Paso Robles 

After extensive renovations, the Oaks Hotel 

in Paso Robles is now open for business. The 

new hotel features three stories of spacious 

and comfortable rooms and suites, a bar and 

a gourmet restaurant. The property boasts 

beautiful oak trees and a classic design 

aesthetic paired with modern finishes to create 

a charming respite for visitors to relax and 

enjoy the wine country. 

Media ContaCt: kelly ChamBerlin, ChamBerlin 


kelly@ChamBerlinpr.Com. 

PubliC ContaCt: the oakS hotel, (805) 237-8700, 

www.paSoakS.Com. 

New Restaurant at the 

Monterey Bay Aquarium 

This spring, Monterey Bay Aquarium opens 

Cindy’s Waterfront, a redesigned restaurant 

and cafe, with a new look and a fantastic new

menu crafted by culinary partner Chef Cindy 

Pawlcyn. Cindy and resident Executive Chef 

Jeff Rogers have built a menu with new options 

and seasonal specials that follow Seafood 

Watch guidelines and draw on local producers 

for sustainable and organic produce, dairy and 

proteins. 

Media and PubliC ContaCt: mika yoShida, 

monterey Bay aquarium, (831) 644-1069, 

media@mBayaq.orG, www. 

montereyBayaquarium.orG. 

Monterey Bay Aquarium’s 

Sea Otter Exhibit to 

Complete Major Renovations 

The Sea Otter Exhibit will reopen at the 

Monterey Bay Aquarium in Spring 2013 after 

completion of necessary infrastructure work 

on behind-the-scenes holding and service areas. 

Guests can watch and learn more about the 

aquarium’s resident sea otters via new monitors, 

video signage and other hands-on features. On 

the Great Tide Pool Deck visitors will find a 

new Otter Spotting Station where they can use 

a high-powered telescope to watch wild otters 

in nearby kelp beds and speak with a sea otter 

biologist. To complement the two experiences, 

a new sea otter program that follows a single 

sea otter’s journey from rescue to release, 

known as Luna: A Sea Otter’s Story, will debut 

in the aquarium’s auditorium. 

Media and PubliC ContaCt: mika yoShida, 

monterey Bay aquarium, (831) 644-1069, 

media@mBayaq.orG, www. 

montereyBayaquarium.orG. 

Carmel Valley’s 

Quail Lodge to Reopen 

Quail Lodge and Golf Club in Carmel Valley 

will reopen the resort’s 90-room hotel in 

April 2013. The opening will come after a 

$28 million renovation of all guest rooms and 

public areas. Closed since November 2009, the 

revitalized hotel will be renamed The Quail 

Lodge and Golf Club as it is repositioned as a 

family-friendly destination. 

Media and PubliC ContaCt: Colleen Chen, 

monterey County ConVention and ViSitorS 

Bureau, (831) 657-6415, 

Colleen@Seemonterey.Com, 

www.quaillodGe.Com. 

Santa Barbara Welcomes 

Renovated El Encanto Hotel 

Slated to reopen in March 2013, the El 

Encanto Hotel is in the process of being 

meticulously restored to capture the vintage 

glamour that made it a Santa Barbara favorite. 

The latest addition to the Orient Express 

collection, the new hotel will feature 92 

California-style bungalows surrounded by 

lush, terraced grounds featuring 7 acres of 

meticulously crafted gardens with sweeping 

views of Santa Barbara and the Pacific Ocean. 

To keep the property’s vintage character 

intact, original architectural features are 

being carefully restored, including the historic, 

trellised-lined arbor and lily pond. 

Media ContaCt: Jennifer GueSS, Jennifer GueSS 


Jennifer@JenniferGueSSpr.Com. 

PubliC ContaCt: ellen thorton, 

el enCanto, (805) 687-5000, 

ellen.thorton@orient-expreSS.Com, 

www.elenCanto.Com. 

Hotel Indigo Now Open in 

Downtown Santa Barbara 

Newly opened in downtown Santa Barbara’s 

thriving arts district, Hotel Indigo Santa 

Barbara blends historic splendor with the 

architectural sophistication of modern 

design to offer hip, affordable accommodations 

for style-minded clientele. The pet-friendly, 

41-room boutique hotel features free WiFI, 

contemporary art, colorful murals, and a plantfilled 

living wall, with select rooms offering 

private outdoor gardens and mountain views. 

Hotel facilities include an art library, business 

center, fitness room, boardroom, outdoor 

lounges, an artspace featuring artworks by 

local artists, and the Anchor Woodfire Kitchen 

and Bar. Due to its location near the Amtrak 

Station, Hotel Indigo also offers car-free 

traveler discounts. 

Media ContaCt: kimBerly hahn, 

hotel indiGo Santa BarBara, (805) 403-8108, 

preSS@indiGoSantaBarBara.Com. 

PubliC ContaCt: hotel indiGo Santa BarBara, 

(805) 966-6586, SaleS@indiGoSantaBarBara.Com, 

www.indiGoSantaBarBara.Com. 

Anchor Woodfire Kitchen 

and Bar Debuts at 

Hotel Indigo Santa Barbara 

Santa Barbara’s award-winning Hotel Indigo 

welcomes a new restaurant, Anchor Woodfire 

Kitchen and Bar. Chef and restaurateur 

Jason Tuley has designed the menu based 

upon the area’s rich agricultural produce 

and will feature locally sourced ingredients 

and exclusively coastal-caught seafood. An 

extensive international and local wine list and 

well-crafted cocktail roster will complement 

the culinary offerings. 

Media ContaCt: Joey Grady, 

anChor woodfire kitChen and Bar, 

(805) 698-9260, 

Joey@anChorwoodfirekitChen.Com. 

PubliC ContaCt: ellen reid, 

anChor woodfire kitChen and Bar, 

(805) 845-0989, 

ellen@anChorwoodfirekitChen.Com, 

www.anChorwoodfirekitChen.Com. . 

LA 

LOS ANGELES COUNTY 

The LA Hotel Downtown to 

Become a Hyatt Regency 

The LA Hotel Downtown has joined the Hyatt 

family and is now undergoing a $20 million 

transition to become a Hyatt Regency this 

spring. Renovations will bring a new, modern 

look to the hotel and service upgrades to each 

of its 400 guest rooms and 69 suites, as well as 

updates to all public spaces, meeting and event 

areas, business and fitness centers, restaurants 

and the grand lobby. Each guest room and 

suite will be redone in a welcoming palette of 

yellows, whites, beiges, blues, and oranges and 

will feature upgraded bathrooms and work 

areas. The more than 25,000 square feet of 

meeting and event space, including 23 


9

10 


versatile meeting rooms, two ballrooms, and 

nearly 4,000 square feet of pre-function space, 

will receive design upgrades as well as new 

floor plans. 

Media and PubliC ContaCt: liBBy Zarrahy, 

the la hotel, (213) 617-6036, 

liBBy.Zarrahy@hyatt.Com, 

www.thelahotel.Com. 

New Passenger Concourse 

at Long Beach Airport 

The new $45 million, 35,000-square-foot 

passenger concourse at Long Beach Airport 

is now open, and includes a state-of-the-art 

consolidated security screening area, spacious 

boarding lounges with improved seating and 

quality concessions featuring local businesses. 

Passengers will enjoy a relaxed, resort-like 

atmosphere as they walk through an open 

courtyard with fire pits, red lounge seats, 

wine bar and a garden walkway with native 

vegetation. A solar-generating rooftop will 

offset 13 percent of the facility’s demand for 

power. The local vendors are offering all food 

items at street prices, so customers will pay the 

same price at the Long Beach location as they 

would at the concourse. Additional features 

of the new concourse include: bright and airy 

passenger seating with floor-to-ceiling windows 

offering expansive views of the airfield, free 

wifi and integrated green technology integrated 

throughout the facility. 

Media ContaCt: meGan rodriGueZ, lonG BeaCh 

ConVention and ViSitorS Bureau, (562) 495-8326, 

meGanr@lonGBeaChCVB.orG. 

PubliC ContaCt: puBliC affairS offiCe, 

lonG BeaCh airport, (562) 570-2678, 

www.lGB.orG. 

World’s Tallest and Fastest 

Looping Coaster 

Coming to Six Flags 

For its 2013 season, Six Flags Magic Mountain 

will open Full Throttle, the tallest and fastest 

looping roller coaster in the world. Unlike 

traditional coasters, this unique, one-of-akind 

triple launch coaster will take the coaster 

experience to the next generation with a worldrecord 

160-foot loop and a zero to 70 mph 

acceleration on two forward launches and one 

backward launch through an underground 


tunnel. The new coaster runs through the 

park’s distinctive mountainous terrain aboard 

sleek trains that will take riders’ breath away. 

Media ContaCt: Connie luJan, Six flaGS maGiC 

mountain, (661) 255-4818, CluJan@Sftp.Com. 

PubliC ContaCt: Six flaGS maGiC mountain, 

(661) 255-4111, CluJan@Sftp.Com, 

www.SixflaGS.Com/maGiCmountain. 

AKA Opening in Beverly Hills 

Luxury extended stay property brand AKA 

is opening its latest location in Beverly Hills 

this spring. The apartment-style property 

effortlessly combines the comfort and feel 

of a private residence with the convenience 

and amenities of a luxury brand hotel. Each 

of the 88 penthouse suites and private-access 

two-story townhomes is designed with a fully 

equipped gourmet kitchen, custom furnishings 

and a private balcony. The property focuses on 

long term stays and guests enjoy the services of 

a dedicated concierge and doorman, a state-ofthe-art 

fitness facility, a residents-only garden 

courtyard, business and technology services 

with complementary high-speed Internet 

access and same-day valet laundry and dry 

cleaning options. 

Media ContaCt: kariSSa fowler, 

BeVerly hillS ConferenCe and ViSitorS Bureau, 

(310) 248-1015, fowler@loVeBeVerlyhillS.Com, 

www.loVeBeVerlyhillS.Com. 

PubliC ContaCt: Stephenie hawkinS, BeVerly 

hillS ConferenCe and ViSitorS Bureau, 

(310) 248-1015, ConCierGe@loVeBeVerlyhillS.Com, 


Sirtaj Hotel to Debut 

in March 

Opening in early March in a quiet residential 

neighborhood just south of Wilshire Boulevard, 

the Sirtaj Hotel will offer an intimate boutique 

experience with 32 fully appointed rooms and 

modern amenities in a contemporary setting. 

Guests will also enjoy access to a sleek bar 

and cocktail lounge within the main lobby of 

the hotel. 

Media ContaCt: kariSSa fowler, BeVerly hillS 

ConferenCe and ViSitorS Bureau, 

(310) 248-1015, fowler@loVeBeVerlyhillS.Com, 


PubliC ContaCt: Stephenie hawkinS, BeVerly 

hillS ConferenCe and ViSitorS Bureau, 

(310) 248-1015, ConCierGe@loVeBeVerlyhillS.Com, 


Sharks: The Beauty of the 

Ocean Predator at the 

Aquarium of the Pacific 

Acclaimed artist Victor Douieb’s sculpture 

exhibit Sharks: The Beauty of the Ocean 

Predator will be on display at the Aquarium 

of the Pacific March 5-May 5 and includes a 

sculpture of the Aquarium’s own Sandtiger 

shark that the artist created during a live 

demonstration. Coinciding with the exhibit, 

Douieb and underwater cinematographer 

Richard Theiss will present three lectures 

on March 5, 7, and 13 to bring art and 

science together. Theiss has worked closely 

with marine scientists and spent many years 

filming the iconic great white shark, with 

his films being shown on the Discovery and 

National Geographic channels. During the 

lectures guests can learn more about these two 

dedicated conservationists, the challenging 

issues facing many ocean species like sharks, 

and what we can do to shape the future of 

the oceans. 

Media ContaCt: Claire atkinSon, aquarium of 

the paCifiC, (562) 951-1678, CatkinSon@lBaop.orG. 

PubliC ContaCt: aquarium of the paCifiC, 

(562) 590-3100, aquariumofpaCifiC@lBaop.orG, 

www.aquariumofpaCifiC.orG. 

Aquarium of the Pacific 

Opens New Ocean 

Exploration Exhibit 

Opening on May 24 at the Aquarium of the 

Pacific and running through February 1, 2014, 

Ocean Exploration will feature marine animals, 

educational displays and films highlighting 

the fact that about 95 percent of the ocean 

remains unexplored. Through this exhibit, the 

Aquarium hopes to inspire a push to explore 

our planet’s last remaining frontier. The 

Aquarium also features hands-on discovery 

labs staffed by knowledgeable volunteers, the 

Molina Animal Care Center, the Lorikeet 

Forest aviary, an interactive Shark Lagoon, the 

Ocean Science Center and the new June Keyes 

Penguin Habitat. 

Media ContaCt: Claire atkinSon, aquarium of 

the paCifiC, (562) 951-1678, CatkinSon@lBaop.orG. 

PubliC ContaCt: aquarium of the paCifiC, 

(562) 590-3100, aquariumofpaCifiC@lBaop.orG, 

www.aquariumofpaCifiC.orG.

Terranea Resort 

To Launch New Spa and 

Wellness Bungalows 

Los Angeles’ Terranea Resort is combining 

spa offerings, extraordinary ocean views and 

tranquil accommodations with the launch of 

its new spa and wellness bungalows in early 

spring 2013. The bungalows will include a host 

of upgraded amenities focused on promoting 

relaxation and wellbeing. Each bungalow stay 

also comes with concierge services to assist 

guests both during and in advance of their stay 

to help customize every aspect of the retreat, 

from arranging spa appointments and personal 

yoga sessions to private hikes and guided kayak 

excursions, as well as dining and anything else 

needed to make the visit stress-free. 

Media ContaCt: Jeanette Chin, mmGy GloBal, 

(646) 442-6774, JChin@mmGyGloBal.Com. 

PubliC ContaCt: JeSSie pound, terranea reSort, 

(310) 265-2800, Jpound@deStinationhotelS.Com, 

www.terranea.Com. 

Redondo Beach’s 

Palos Verdes Inn Completing 

Major Renovations 

Legado Companies has begun a room-byroom 

renovation of the Palos Verdes Inn, with 

completion expected in late spring. Previously 

called the Plush Horse Inn, the hotel has 

been an iconic landmark in south Redondo 

Beach since the early 1960s. Known for its 

mid-century classic design marked by spacious 

rooms, it will reopen as a full-service boutique 

hotel with on-site restaurant. The renovation 

will include a landscaped and furnished 

rooftop for public and private events with views 

to the ocean, overlooking a third-floor outdoor 

pool, also with ocean views, and a complete 

re-imagining of the mixed-use development on 

the rest of the property where it is situated. 

Media ContaCt: mariS SomerVille, SomerVille 

aSSoCiateS, (310) 207-5663, 

mariS@SomerVillepr.Com. 

PubliC ContaCt: darren emBry, leGado 

CompanieS , (310) 432-0874 , 

demBry@leGadoCompanieS.Com, 

www.leGadoCompanieS.Com. 

OC 

ORANGE COUNTY 

Honda Center to Complete 

Major Upgrades 

The Honda Center, home of the NHL 

Anaheim Ducks, is undergoing the most 

extensive upgrade in its history with the 

construction of a new public restaurant, an 

expanded Team Store and the centerpiece of 

the project, The Grand Terrace. Encompassing 

over 15,000 square feet, The Grand Terrace 

will be located on the south side of the building 

with access from both inside and outside the 

venue. This new entertainment space will be 

equipped with over 100 feet of bar space, a 

myriad of menu options and high-end décor. 

The $20 million project is expected to be 

completed by April 2013. 

Media and PubliC ContaCt: terri awde, 

honda Center, (714) 704-2490, 

tawde@hondaCenter.Com, 

www.hondaCenter.Com. 

Historic Anaheim 

Packing District Renovations 

Wrapping Up 

The Anaheim Packing District revitalization 

will conclude this April with the opening of 

new shops, bars and restaurants in refurbished 

historic structures. The Packing District 

includes the renovated Packard Car Showroom, 

an outdoor marketplace and park, and the 

Citrus Packing House. Currently housed in 

the circa 1925 Packard Car Showroom is the 

award-winning Anaheim Brewery, originally 

founded in 1888, and the sensational Umami 

Burger with its specialty Welsh Rabbit burger 

and Absinthe Float. Built in 1919, the restored 

Citrus Packing House will bring together 

artisanal food producers and purveyors in a 

public market setting. 

Media and PubliC ContaCt: Jamie wood, 

anaheim paCkinG diStriCt, (714) 654-0792, 

Jamie@anaheimpaCkinGdiStriCt.Com, 

www.anaheimpaCkinGdiStriCt.Com. 

Disneyland Resort 

Announces 

Limited Time Magic 

This spring, Disneyland Resort is launching 

Limited Time Magic, an entire year of 

weeklong magical experiences that appear, 

then disappear as the next surprise debuts. 

Disney dream-makers are crafting a host of 

surprises and magical offers that will be rolled 

out weekly during the magical year, with the 

experience of the week being announced a 

few days prior in a variety of ways, including 

in-park, at www.disneyland.com, and on 

Facebook, Twitter and the Disney Parks Blog, 

adding to the element of surprise. 

Media ContaCt: paul GarCia, diSneyland reSort, 

(714) 284-6386, paul.m.GarCia@diSney.Com. 

PubliC ContaCt: diSneyland reSort, 

(714) 781-4565, diSneyland@diSney.Com, 

www.diSneyland.Com. 

Hyatt Regency Newport 

Beach Undergoing 

$15 Million Renovation 

The Hyatt Regency Newport Beach has 

launched a $15 million renovation project 

to be completed in spring. Highlights of the 

expansive project include the creation of an 

impressive arrival experience with a complete 

remodel of the front drive and porte-cochère; 

new beach chic décor in all guest rooms; 

the creation of two new guest room suites; 

three distinctive, amenities-rich pool areas, 

including Oasis, a family-friendly pool with 

water features and slides, Indulge, a lounge 

pool with bar and sand beach, and Serenity, 

a quiet pool for relaxation; the expansion of 

the Hyatt StayFit health club; and the new 

SHOR American Seafood Grill, which offers 

diners entrées made with fresh and healthy 

ingredients.. 

Media ContaCt: Sarah hattman, JameS 

korenChen puBliC relationS, (919) 720-4480, 

Shattman@JameSkorenChen.Com. 

PubliC ContaCt: hyatt reGenCy newport BeaCh, 

(949) 644-1552, www.newportBeaCh.hyatt.Com. 


11

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New Fireside Guest Rooms 

at the Ritz-Carlton 

Laguna Niguel 

Visitors can now enjoy the warmth of a fireside 

guest room at the Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel. 

The new guest rooms and suites offer the 

incredible views the hotel is known for and 

are further enhanced with beautiful outside 

fireplaces. Guests will now have a warm and 

cozy atmosphere in which to enjoy the scenic 

vistas from the privacy of their room. 

Media ContaCt: deanne frenCh, 

the ritZ-Carlton laGuna niGuel, (949) 240-5088, 

deanne.frenCh@ritZCarlton.Com. 

PubliC ContaCt: the ritZ-Carlton laGuna 

niGuel, (800) 241-3333, 

laGuna.niGuel@ritZCarlton.Com, 

www.ritZCarlton.Com/laGunaniGuel 

Major Upgrades Underway 

at The Westin 

South Coast Plaza 

The Westin South Coast Plaza, located 

in the heart of Orange County’s cultural 

and commercial center, Costa Mesa, is 

transforming its popular outdoor spaces. The 

hotel’s iconic Waterfall Terrace, which features 

the engaging Neptune Water Spouts by artist 

Betty Davenport Ford, has been redesigned 

to accommodate up to 160 people and is 

ideal for wedding ceremonies and large group 

outdoor dining. The inviting Terrace Level area 

has been transformed into a relaxing urban 

resort setting with lush tropical landscaping 

surrounding a unique wedding gazebo and 

poolside cabanas. 

Media ContaCt: dan pittman, pittman and 

aSSoCiateS, (714) 282-9994, dan@pittmanpr.Com, 

www.pittmanpr.Com. 

PubliC ContaCt: Jennie hoffman, Starwood 

hotelS and reSortS worldwide, (714) 662-6619, 

Jennie.hoffman@StarwoodhotelS.Com, 

www.weStinSouthCoaStplaZa.Com. 


Da Vinci: The Genius at the 

Discovery Science Center 

Starting May 25, Santa Ana’s Discovery 

Science Center will host Da Vinci: The 

Genius, a traveling exhibition featuring a 

collection of Leonardo Da Vinci’s works 

in a fun and interactive environment. The 

exhibit demonstrates the full scope of da 

Vinci’s remarkable genius as an inventor, artist, 

anatomist, sculptor, engineer, musician and 

architect, with more than 200 unique pieces, 

including 75 life-size machine inventions, 

three-dimensional renderings of his most 

notable works. Visitors will be able to push, 

pull, crank and interact with many of these 

exhibits for a hands-on understanding of the 

scientific principles behind them. Created with 

the assistance of Leonardo da Vinci experts in 

Italy and France, the exhibit celebrates one of 

the most revered and dynamic minds of 

all time. 

Media ContaCt: dan naSitka, 

diSCoVery SCienCe Center, (714) 913-5018, 

dnaSitka@diSCoVeryCuBe.orG. 

PubliC ContaCt: diSCoVery SCienCe Center, (714) 

542-2823, newS@diSCoVeryCuBe.orG, 

www.diSCoVeryCuBe.orG. 

New Spring Celebration at 

Knott’s Berry Farm 

Knott’s Berry Farm will be celebrating the 

coming of spring in a big way with live 

entertainment, interactive games and food and 

wine events starting March 23 with its new 

Knott’s Spring Fling. The park will come alive 

with new activities and décor including the 

Easter Beagle’s Enormous Egg Hunt, a new 

live show, the Peanut’s Party in the Park, and 

The Grand 3-D Art Show, where guests can 

step into life-size drawings for unique photo 

opportunities. Knott’s Spring Fling is included 

with admission to Knott’s Berry Farm and will 

run through April 7. 

Media and PubliC ContaCt: Jennifer BlaZey, 

knott’S Berry farm theme park, (714) 220-5131, 

Jennifer.BlaZey@knottS.Com, www.knottS.Com. 

Knott’s Berry Farm 

Renovating Timber Mountain 

One of the oldest log flume rides in the country, 

Knott’s Berry Farm’s Timber Mountain Log 

Ride, is undergoing a multi-million dollar 

refurbishment and restoration project with an 

expected completion in time for spring. The 

classic attraction, which opened at Knott’s 

Berry Farm in 1969 as the Calico Log Ride, 

remains one of the most elaborate log flume 

rides in the United States and was originally 

funded entirely by its designer, Bud Hurlbut, 

who had previously designed Knott’s Berry 

Farm’s classic Calico Mine Ride. The revamped 

attraction takes guests through an 85-foot-high 

by 330-foot-long mountain range themed to 

a 19th-century lumber camp. Housed in an 

eight-story building, the ride circulates freefloating 

logs on 24,000 gallons of water past 

a variety of mechanical figures and taxidermy 

animals culminating in a 42-foot free fall. The 

Knott’s Timber Mountain Log Ride remains 

the most popular ride in the park, surpassing 

all of Knott’s other attractions in ridership. 

Media and PubliC ContaCt: Jennifer BlaZey, 

knott’S Berry farm theme park, (714) 220-5131, 

Jennifer.BlaZey@knottS.Com, www.knottS.Com. 

New Spring Arts Classes 

in Laguna Beach 

Two Laguna Beach organizations are rolling 

out new art classes this spring. Laguna 

Outreach for Community Arts (LOCA) 

is offering Laguna Beach Botanicals, plantthemed 

art classes presented by well-known 

horticulturist Ruben Flores, Thursdays and 

Saturdays from 9:30-11 a.m. on March 14 and 

16, April 11 and 13 and May 9 and 11. The 

Sawdust Art Festival presents Spring Into Art 

Weekend Workshops throughout April 2013. 

The two-day weekend workshops include glass 

blowing, painting, mixed media, ceramics, 

jewelry and more. 

Media and PubliC ContaCt: lana JohnSon, 

JohnSon media, (949) 212-1499, 

lanaJohnSon@me.Com, 

www.laGunaBeaChinfo.Com.

D 

DESERTS 

Palm Springs Welcomes 

the Curve 

The new Curve Palm Springs has opened on 

the site of the former Palm Springs Travelodge 

as an independent hotel. Purchased in May 

2008 by two entrepreneurs from Beverly Hills, 

over the past four years the property has been 

completely renovated to offer a hip, affordable 

mid-century modern vibe. The hotel will 

be aligned with Genre Hotels, a boutique 

company with a collection of landmark 

independent hotels worldwide. 

Media ContaCt: Hillary anGel, palm SprinGS 

Bureau of touriSm, (760) 322-8415, 

hanGel@ViSitpalmSprinGS.Com. 

PubliC ContaCt: Jennifer maSten, 

the CurVe hotel, (800) 525-4055, 

Jennifer@CurVepalmSprinGS.Com, 

www.CurVepalmSprinGS.Com. 

Riviera Palm Springs to 

Complete Renovations 

Riviera Palm Springs, part of the Noble 

House Hotels and Resorts collection, 

recently announced a multi-million dollar 

recapitalization to the iconic Palm Springs 

landmark. Enhancements to guest areas 

include the addition of 3,000 sq. ft. of meeting 

space and a third pool, positioning the Riviera 

Palm Springs as the ideal destination for 

travelers looking to work and play. Of special 

note is the new, retro Polynesian Chiki Bar 

and Pool, which pays homage to Palm Springs’ 

mid-century heritage with a fresh, playful twist. 

Media ContaCt: miChelle kelly, the Zimmerman 

aGenCy, (850) 668-2222, mkelly@Zimmerman.Com. 

PubliC ContaCt: riViera palm SprinGS, 

(866) 588-8311, eConStantine@Zimmerman.Com, 

www.pSriViera.Com. 

Palm Springs to Celebrate its 

75th Anniversary 

Palm Springs is poised to celebrate its 75th 

Anniversary with a free party and fireworks 

spectacular dubbed Palm Springs Through 

the Decades from 3 to 9 p.m. on Saturday, 

April 20, at the historic O’Donnell Golf Club. 

The party will include musical entertainment 

that highlights Palm Springs through the 

decades, as well as tented pavilions that will 

showcase the colorful and unique aspects of 

the city’s history. 

Media and PubliC ContaCt: hillary anGel, 

palm SprinGS Bureau of touriSm, (760) 322-8415, 

hanGel@ViSitpalmSprinGS.Com. 

Palm Desert Features 

New Restaurants 

Palm Desert’s upscale shopping, art and dining 

boulevard, El Paseo, recently welcomed the 

classic steakhouse, Mastro’s, and a Wolfgang 

Puck Pizza Bar to the downtown dining scene. 

Mastro’s serves choice cuts in style, while the 

pizza bar offers handcrafted pizzas, soups, 

salads, appetizers, pastas, sandwiches and 

grilled items. Both significantly enhance the 

dining options in downtown Palm Desert. 

Media ContaCt: daVid hermann, 

City of palm deSert, (760) 346-0611, 

dhermann@CityofpalmdeSert.orG. 

PubliC ContaCt: donna GomeZ, 

City of palm deSert, (760) 346-0611, 

dGomeZ@CityofpalmdeSert.orG, 

www.palm-deSert.orG. 

IE 

INLAND EMPIRE 

New Trail Open in Big Bear 

Big Bear’s New Skyline Trail, designed for 

mountain biking, hiking and horseback riding, 

has opened its first phase, a 3.5-mile section on 

the backside of Snow Summit beginning where 

U.S. Forest service roads 2N10 and 2N06 meet 

and finishing at Snow Point Road. The trail 

is designed to become the backbone of a new 

South Shore trails system with connections 

to existing trails and future trails. When 

completed, it will meander through the forest 

for 7.5 miles, with a long-term goal to extend 

the trail to 15 miles. 

Media ContaCt: dan mCkernan, BiG Bear lake 

reSort aSSoCiation, (909) 866-6190 ext. 235, 

dmCkernan@BiGBear.Com. 

PubliC ContaCt: BiG Bear Valley trailS 

foundation, (909) 866-6190, 

www.BiGBearValleytrailSfoundation.orG. 

Nature Discovery Zone 

Coming to the 

Big Bear Discovery Center 

The first Nature Explore Classroom in the 

National Forest system is coming to the 

Big Bear Discovery Center in May. The 

new Nature Discovery Zone will be an 

outdoor adventure space designed to 

enhance nature play and exploration while 

reconnecting children to nature. It was 

designed in conjunction with Nature Explore, 

a collaborative project of the Arbor Day 

Foundation and Dimensions Educational 

Research Foundation, and is intended to 

inspire creativity, connectivity and stewardship 

of the natural environment for children 

ages 2 to 7. The new addition will feature 

nine interactive areas to encourage outdoor 

exploration and unstructured play. 

Media ContaCt: dan mCkernan, BiG Bear lake 

reSort aSSoCiation, (909) 866-6190 ext. 235, 

dmCkernan@BiGBear.Com. 

PubliC ContaCt: BiG Bear diSCoVery Center, 

(909) 866-3437, www.nationalforeStaSSoCiation. 

orG/BiGBeardi. 

South Coast Winery Resort 

and Spa Opening 

New Addition 

Temecula’s South Coast Winery Resort and 

Spa is opening a three-story, all-suite structure, 

with additional meeting and event space in 

March. The boutique property is located within 

the vineyards and will offer 50 spacious guest 

suites, measuring 538-850 square feet each, 

and featuring a fireplace, soothing tub and 

lanai deck. The new building will be topped 

with an elegant private rooftop perch from 

which guests can admire the resort’s expansive 

views, and will include a custom-tailored 

10,000-square-foot rooftop garden for hosting 


13

14 


receptions, banquets and meetings. The new 

construction marks the beginning of a series 

of renovations at for the 39-acre resort, which 

will soon break ground on the new 107-acre 

Carter Estate Winery Resort with 23 building 

totaling at an additional 42,000 square feet of 

guestroom, spa, event and winery space. 

Media and PubliC ContaCt: CryStal maGon, 

South CoaSt winery reSort and Spa, (951) 587- 

9463, CmaGon@winereSort.Com, 

www.winereSort.Com.. 

SD 

SAN DIEGO COUNTY 

Japan Airlines Launching 

Daily Flights to Tokyo 

Japan Airlines’ direct flights between Tokyo’s 

Narita Airport and San Diego International 

Airport will begin daily service in March 2013. 

The new service is Japan Airlines’ first-ever 

nonstop flight between San Diego and Asia, 

and the San Diego to Tokyo route will also be 

the first Dreamliner Boeing 787-8 service into 

Southern California. 

Media and PubliC ContaCt: Carol anderSon, 

Japan airlineS, (310) 606-6609, Carol. 

anderSon@Jal.Com, www.Jal.Com. 

Stone Hotel to 

Open in the Spring 

San Diego’s award-winning craft beer brewery, 

Stone Brewing Co., is building a boutique hotel 

across from its main location in Escondido in 

San Diego’s North County region, with an 

expected completion date slated for spring. The 

Stone Hotel will feature more than 40 rooms, 

an indoor barrel room event space and two 

acres of outdoor event space sure to entice beer 

lovers and travelers of all types. 

Media and PubliC ContaCt: SaBrina lopiCColo, 

Stone BrewinG Co., (760) 294-7899, SaBrina. 

lopiCColo@StoneBrew.Com, 

www.StoneBrew.Com. 


LEGOLAND California Resort 

Debuting a New Hotel 

On April 5, LEGOLAND California Resort 

will open the LEGOLAND Hotel in Carlsbad 

in North County San Diego. The new hotel, 

located adjacent to the world-famous theme 

park, will feature 250 LEGO-themed guest 

rooms, themed elevators and play areas, a 

buffet restaurant and heated swimming pool. 

Media and PubliC ContaCt: Julie eStrada, 

leGoland California, (760) 918-5377, 

Julie.eStrada@leGoland.Com, 

www.California.leGoland.Com. 

Sycamore Den Cocktail 

Lounge Now Open 

The Sycamore Den, a new cocktail venue, is 

now open in San Diego’s up-and-coming 

Normal Heights neighborhood. Sycamore 

Den’s nostalgic design is a modern take on 

the late 1970s middle-class family living room, 

complete with a fireplace, fire pits, wood 

paneling and macramé items, where guests 

can grab a classic cocktail and gather with 

friends while enjoying live folk music. 

Mixologist Eric Johnson, formerly at Noble 

Experiment, will design and oversee the 

cocktail program, focusing on a contemporary 

preparation of the classics. 

Media and PubliC ContaCt: Sarah weinBerG- 

SCalo, San dieGo touriSm authority, 

(619) 557-2838, SweinBerG@SandieGo.orG, 

www.SandieGo.orG. 

SeaWorld San Diego to 

Launch Water Park in Spring 

SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment has acquired 

Knott’s Soak City San Diego, a standalone 

Southern California water park, from Cedar 

Fair Entertainment Company. The park, 

located just south of San Diego in Chula 

Vista, underwent extensive renovations over 

the fall and winter and will reopen in spring 

as SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment’s third 

Aquatica-branded park. Like its sister parks 

at SeaWorld Orlando and SeaWorld San 

Antonio, Aquatica San Diego will feature 

guest experiences with a variety of exotic 

animals adding an educational component to 

a water park visit that is both unexpected and 

enriching. 

Media ContaCt: daVid koontZ, Seaworld puBliC 

relationS, (619) 226-3619, 

daVid.koontZ@Seaworld.Com. 

PubliC ContaCt: Seaworld San dieGo, 

(800) 257-4268, 

SwC-SwVaCationS.reSerVationS@Seaworld.Com 

www.SeaworldSandieGo.Com. 

Avant Restaurant Opening at 

the Rancho Bernardo Inn 

Slated to open in May 2013 in San Diego’s 

acclaimed luxury resort, the Rancho Bernardo 

Inn, Avant will replace El Bizcocho, a 

legendary restaurant that set the stage for San 

Diego’s fine dining scene when it opened 44 

years ago. The space is currently undergoing 

a $2.5 million transformation, creating an 

open floor plan with rustic details and a 

centrally located, oversized bar and charcuterie 

station serving unique pairings of gourmet 

cheeses and meats with two custom-built 

mustard taps serving house made seasonal 

mustards. Chef Nicolas Bour’s menu will 

offer artisanal foods with strong farm and 

garden influences, including Sonoma duck 

breast confit shepherd’s pie with turnips and 

huckleberry, seasonal retro deviled eggs, fried 

Padron peppers with sea salt and dry-aged 

steak with toasted faro, kale and 

bacon vinaigrette. 

Media ContaCt: lindSay SChropp, 

J puBliC relationS, (619) 255-7069, 

lindSay@JpuBliCrelationS.Com 

PubliC ContaCt: Sara Bauman, JC reSortS, 

(858) 385-8796, SBauman@JCreSortS.Com. 

Surf Diva Debuting New 

Stand Up Paddleboards 

Surf Diva, San Diego’s acclaimed surf school 

and rental outlet geared toward women, is 

now carrying standup paddleboards made 

for touring and catching waves. Paddleboards 

are designed for flat water as well as the open 

ocean and are available for sale and rental at 

Surf Diva. Paddleboarding promotes a healthy 

lifestyle while allowing visitors to tour San 

Diego County’s stunning shores. 

Media and PubliC ContaCt: mara derakapet, 

Surf diVa, inC., (858) 454-8273, 

mara@SurfdiVa.Com, www.SurfdiVa.Com.

Casa Del Sol Restaurant 

to Open in Del Mar 

Expected to open this spring at the Del Mar 

Highlands Town Center, Casa Sol Y Mar is the 

latest offering from Diane Powers’ Bazaar Del 

Mundo Restaurant Group. In keeping with 

its sister restaurants, Casa de Pico in La Mesa, 

Casa Guadalajara in Old Town and Casa de 

Bandini in Carlsbad, the new family-friendly 

entity will serve authentic, regional Mexican 

cuisine. The menu, now in design, will 

showcase innovative new entrees made with 

a variety of fresh sauces, celebrated seafood 

dishes, healthy choice options, and vegetarian 

and gluten-free items. Also featured will be 

the frosty, giant margaritas that have led to 

the popularity of Powers’ restaurants and an 

atmosphere and decor that echoes old Mexico. 

Media ContaCt: aShley Shafer, 

J. walCher CommuniCationS, (619) 295-7140, 

aShley@JwalCher.Com. 

PubliC ContaCt: BaZaar del mundo, 

(619) 296-3161, www.CaSaSolymar.Com. 

Amgen Tour Kicking Off in 

Escondido this May 

Considered America’s largest and most 

prestigious professional road cycling stage 

race, the eighth edition of the Amgen Tour of 

California will travel approximately 750 miles 

May 12-19, 2013. Starting in Escondido for the 

first time, and running south to north for the 

first time, Stage 1 of the race will kick off on 

May 12 with local events and festivities filling 

the week prior to the race, from Cinco de 

Mayo to Mother’s Day. Stage 1 will begin and 

finish in Escondido, with cyclists completing a 

115-mile route while spectators enjoy a lifestyle 

festival of race-watching on jumbo screens, 

culinary experiences, cycling demonstrations 

and activities for all ages. 

Media ContaCt: tereSa CollinS, 

City of eSCondido, (760) 839-4507, 

tCollinS@Ci.eSCondido.Ca.uS 

PubliC ContaCt: katherine Zimmer, 

ViSit eSCondido, (760) 745-2125, 

katherine@ViSiteSCondido.Com.. 

LOOKING TO THE FUTURE 

2013 Solar Decathlon 

Coming to Orange County 

The U.S. Department of Energy Solar 

Decathlon is an award-winning program that 

challenges collegiate teams to design, build 

and operate cost-effective, energy-efficient 

and attractive solar powered houses. The 

Decathlon consists of 10 contests, including 

architecture, market appeal, engineering, 

communications, affordability, comfort zone, 

hot water, appliances, home entertainment 

and energy balance. For the first time in its 

history, the competition will be held outside of 

Washington, D.C., and will take place October 

3-13, 2013 at the Orange County Great Park 

in Irvine. Competition houses will be open to 

visitors on eight days over two weekends, and 

the public is invited to tour the houses and 

talk to the student decathletes, leaving with 

new ideas on how to save money and protect 

the environment by incorporating the latest 

technologies and products into their own 

homes, businesses and lives. 

Media ContaCt: marCuS Ginnaty, 

oranGe County Great park, (949) 724-6574, 

mGinnaty@oCGp.orG. 

PubliC ContaCt: ViSitorS Center, 

oranGe County Great park, (866) 829-3829, 

info@oCGp.orG, www.oCGp.orG. 

New Beachfront Hotel 

Opening in Oceanside 

Next Winter 

Oceanside will have a new hotel just steps 

from the beach and pier with construction 

now underway of the 149-room SpringHill 

Suites by Marriott. The $40-million project 

is slated to open at the intersection of Myers 

and Mission in January of 2014 and will 

be Oceanside’s newest destination for both 

business and leisure travel. The five-story hotel 

will boast a contemporary and modern design 

aesthetic and will include a street-level seafood 

restaurant and a rooftop swimming pool. 

Media ContaCt: Shae Geary, 

Jlk CommuniCationS, (760) 815-8617, 

Shae.Geary@SBCGloBal.net. 

PubliC ContaCt: leSlee Gaul, ViSit oCeanSide, 

(760) 721-1101, leSlee@ViSitoCeanSide.orG, 

www.ViSitoCeanSide.orG. 

Discovery Science Center to 

Complete Major Renovations 

in 2014 

The Discovery Science Center has announced 

the largest expansion of the Santa Ana campus 

in the organization’s history. It is scheduled to 

be completed in fall 2014. The $18.5 million 

first phase includes a new 40,000-square-foot 

Discovery Pavilion, a California Natural 

Resources Pavilion and Education Wing and 

a 4,000-square-foot expansion of the Grand 

Hall of Science. The project will be designed 

to LEED Silver standards to maximize energy 

efficiency. The Grand Hall of Science will 

feature a new welcome center, a 2,000-squarefoot 

retail store and a space dedicated to young 

scientists and explorers younger than five. The 

Discovery Pavilion will include a world-class 

theater to host blockbuster and world premiere 

traveling exhibitions, and it will be the new 

permanent home for the annual Bubblefest. 

The California Natural Resources Pavilion 

will teach guests about stewardship of land, 

water and air resources with a simulated 

helicopter ride and a virtual elevator 

descending hundreds of feet underground to 

view aquifers in action. The Education Wing 

will be an immersive, one-of-a-kind resource 

for educators and students, with a Teacher 

Resource Center and exhibits focused on 

California Science Standards. 

Media ContaCt: dan naSitka, 

diSCoVery SCienCe Center, (714) 913-5018, 

dnaSitka@diSCoVeryCuBe.orG. 

PubliC ContaCt: diSCoVery SCienCe Center, 

(714) 542-2823, newS@diSCoVeryCuBe.orG, 

www.diSCoVeryCuBe.orG. 


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