The ‘Mango Caper’ – Wider Curry Victimized by Next Door Work Crew

November 20, 2023 by Judi Curry

By Judi Curry

Let me start by saying that there are many different kinds of “victims.” Some are extremely serious; some are annoying; some are worthy of complaint to the right people.  Some “victims” find relief in many different ways.  This “victim” – me – hopes to find relief by writing about a situation that festers as each minute goes by.  I realize that some of you will think I have blown this completely out of proportion; others of you will scoff at my feelings, but I, personally, will feel better and, at this time, that is all I can ask for.

I am known as a “jammer” amongst my friends and relatives.  I have 18 fruit trees and make jam year round.  Some I sell; some I give away, and an awful lot we eat.  I pride myself in the varieties I make, and have yet to find someone tell me that the jam was not tasty.  I love trying new fruits and wines; and even mark potential calendar days to begin a new batch.

One of my most memorable jams is my mango. 

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Restaurant Review: La Perla Cocina Mexicana #3 in Point Loma

October 30, 2023 by Judi Curry

Restaurant Review

La Perla Cocina Mexicana #3
1224 Rosecrans Street
San Diego, CA 92106
619-795-0063

By Judi Curry

It is seldom that I do not have to make dinner for my foreign language students on a school night, but tonight all three of the students had things to do and none of them were going to be home until late, so Steve and I decided to try another new restaurant in the neighborhood.

This time we decided to try a Mexican restaurant we had gone to a long time ago when it was Hector’s.  The few people that I had talked to about the new owners gave it favorable reviews, and since we were doing shopping in the Rosecrans area anyway felt it was a good time to try the place.  And I have to say that we were really happy that we did, because the food was very, very good!

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Forming a Neighborhood Watch Group in Sunset Cliffs

October 27, 2023 by Judi Curry

By Judi Curry

Dozens of people attended the Neighborhood Watch meeting at St. Peter’s by the Sea meeting room earlier this month. Over half a dozen signs had been put over the local area notifying people that there was a watch group forming in the neighborhood. Two people – Rosamaria Acuna and Gary Werchak – were responsible for bringing the effort together.

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Restaurant Review: Cucina Caprese in the Midway

October 23, 2023 by Judi Curry

Cucina Caprese
3545 Midway Drive
San Diego, CA 92110
619-228-9325 

By Judi Curry

During the past few weeks, I received three calls asking me if I had had a meal at “Cucina Caprese”.  I asked for more information from each caller and last night, when I did not have to cook dinner for my three ESL students, Steve and I decided to try it out.  And we are glad that we did.

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Restaurant Review: Social Thai in Ocean Beach

August 31, 2023 by Judi Curry

Restaurant Review

Social Thai
1830 Sunset Cliffs Blvd., Ste A
Ocean Beach 92107
619-228-9928
www.socialthaikitchen.com

By Judi Curry

One of the greatest things about being a restaurant reviewer are the calls I receive telling me about great (or not so great) experiences had at our local restaurants.

Last week I received a call from Margaret telling me of the wonderful soup she had at the “Social Thai” on Sunset Cliffs Blvd.  I used to eat at the Thai restaurant that was there before, so was very curious about the new one and told Margaret I would let her know when I was going to review it.

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Restaurant Review: Johnny Manana’s (the Former Ortega’s) in Ocean Beach

August 25, 2023 by Judi Curry

Johnny Manana’s
4888 Newport Ave
Ocean Beach, CA 92107
619-222-4205

By Judi Currry

I have wanted to try this restaurant ever since it opened. Ortega’s was one of my favorites of Ocean Beach, and I was very curious to try the restaurant that was taking over for them.  Tonight Steve and I gave it a try.

Let me start by saying that the food was, for the most part, very good. However, there were certain “happenings” that make me unsure if I will go there again.  But first for the review.

When we walked in there were two groups sitting at two separate tables and one lady waiting for her order.  She stopped me and told me I would be absolutely “delighted” with the food and to tell all my friends about it.

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Sunset Cliffs Watch Group Brings Neighbors Together – Many for the First Time

August 4, 2023 by Judi Curry

By Judi Curry

Many years ago the Neighborhood Watch group was quite active in the Sunset Cliffs South area.  It was started not because of crime in the neighborhood, but to allow neighbors to meet each other and share the wonderful neighborhood we live in.

Over the years the residents of the area have changed, and it has been years since there was an active “Neighborhood Watch” in this area.

Enter Rosamaria Acuna and Gary Werchak, concerned home owners in the neighborhood

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‘Glad I Hear From My Grand Kids Regularly!’

May 18, 2023 by Judi Curry

By Judi Curry

For the second time in two weeks I have received a telephone call from “my favorite” grandson.  Since I have 9 grandsons (and 11 granddaughters) it is difficult for anyone to assume that he/she is my “favorite” but apparently the person on the other end thought that he must be THAT ONE.  Funny though – he wasn’t sure of his name when I asked him which one.

When I answered the phone he said, “Hello grandma.  This is your favorite grandson.”

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Restaurant Review: Fiddler’s Green on Shelter Island in Point Loma

April 4, 2023 by Judi Curry

Restaurant Review

Fiddler’s Green

By Judi Curry

It has been a few years since I ate a meal at Fiddler’s Green. When my husband was alive we ate there regularly because the previous owner was a fisherman and so was my husband and he enjoyed talking fishing with him. 

But it has been four years since I’ve been there and thanks to a former student of mine – Hitomi – giving me a gift certificate for my birthday — Steve and I decided to go there to celebrate our 2nd anniversary.  We were not disappointed!

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Restaurant Review: Officine Buona Forchetta at Liberty Station in Point Loma

February 22, 2023 by Judi Curry

Restaurant Review

Officine Buona Forchetta
2865 Sims Rd.
(Liberty Station)
San Diego, CA 92106
619-548-5770

By Judi Curry

Perhaps some of you remember my student Hitomi from Japan. She was with me for 5 years, and her English is now almost perfect. She has a job in Los Angeles and called to ask me if she and her friend Sean could take me to dinner the night before my birthday.  Of course I said yes, because she is almost another daughter to me.

They wanted Italian food, and the two restaurants that she called for reservations were full because it was a holiday.  But she remembered that one time the two of us went to Officine Buona Forchetta and had a delightful meal.

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SeaWorld – Which Has Not Paid Its Rent to San Diego – Is Shooting Fireworks Off Again; Sign the Petition to Stop Them

February 21, 2023 by Judi Curry

By Judi Curry

So Sea World is at it again.

My two new dogs are shaking so hard I’m afraid they will have a heart attack.

Don’t tell me it’s my fault; don’t tell me it’s my problem; don’t tell me it’s beautiful and you like it.

It is harmful to the environment; it is harmful to ALL animals; it brings back horrific memories of our military suffering from PTSD.

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A True Happy Valentines Day

February 15, 2023 by Judi Curry

By Judi Curry

Sometimes, when things look darkest, a prism of sunshine shines through and wipes out that darkness.

Yesterday I posted a friendly warning to my neighbors on Next Door  regarding some extra large raccoons roaming the neighborhood. In a few cases they have attacked small dogs and/or cats that have gotten in their way .

Changing the topic, many of you know that I lost my beloved Golden Retriever in November. Even though I have adopted another dog, my love for Golden’s has been strong.

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‘Scam Me Once – Shame on You – Scam Me Twice, Shame on Me’

January 27, 2023 by Judi Curry

By Judi Curry

There is no question that I am an insomniac. I have been for over 13 years and it started when my husband Bob was diagnosed with lung cancer.  As the cancer advanced, it was difficult for him to speak, and so we developed a method of communication by turning on a light whenever he needed anything.  It didn’t matter what time of day it was – the light went on.

But insomniacs seem to “run” in my family. 

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Scammed by the Best

January 11, 2023 by Judi Curry

By Judi Curry

For those of you that read my columns on the OB Rag, you are aware that I had to put my wonderful Golden Retriever down a few months ago because he developed cancer and there was no cure for him. “Shadow” lived up to his name to the nth degree.

I got him just a few months after my husband died, and he became my companion; he seemed to be able to know when I was sad, when I was happy; when I needed a hug, etc. There was no way I could find a “replacement” for him but I did not want to be without the doggie companion that Shadow was for me.  So I began looking for another Golden,

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A Holiday of All Holidays

December 12, 2022 by Judi Curry

By Judi Curry

Eleven years ago one of the darkest moments in my family took place. It wasn’t a death – although it felt like one – it wasn’t a terminal illness – although it felt like one – it was worse.  My two great-grandchildren, Riley – age 2 ½ and Noah, age 1 years old were kidnapped by their father and taken to Australia.

Their mother, my granddaughter had no idea what had happened for some time, but when she found out she went to Australia to attempt to have them return to America.

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The Search for the Best Tamales in Town Ends at Marissa’s Deli

December 6, 2022 by Judi Curry

Marissa’s Deli
3770 Voltaire St.
Stumps Family Marketplace

Point Loma, CA 92107
619-226-9575

By Judi Curry

Ever since I was a principal in San Ysidro and one of my teachers had a “tamale-making” party, I have been looking for tamales that were as good as the ones we made back then.  I think I have found them and you will never guess where.  But first, a little background.

I met Marissa several years ago when I placed my first order for tamales with her. 

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Restaurant Review : Himalayan Palace Restaurant in the Midway

November 23, 2022 by Judi Curry

Restaurant Review

Himalayan Palace Restaurant
3760 Sports Arena Blvd. #5
The Midway District off San Diego, CA 92110
619-510-4966

By Judi Curry

A funny thing happened on our way to eat at an Indian restaurant. My daughter Stephanie and I decided to go to our favorite Indian restaurant on Midway and easily found a parking space right in front. We walked into the restaurant and saw a group of people standing in line but no movement.  Like sheep, we also got in line. But they weren’t seating anyone.

Since we were both craving Indian food, I remembered that there was an Indian restaurant just behind the Red Lobster on Sports Arena and we decided to go there instead — the Himalayan Palace. 

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Heartbreak at the Widder Curry’s Home

November 16, 2022 by Judi Curry

By Judi Curry

Ten years ago a dog washed up on the beach at Rosarito and was taken to the Baja Dog Sanctuary .  He had the stinger of a sting ray stuck in his head, and he was bedraggled from his swim to shore from the boat that he must have fallen off.

There was no doubt that he was a thoroughbred Golden Retriever, and I heard about him through Trish Penneck, the physical therapist I was using for my Golden Retriever “Buddy,” that was suffering from hip displasia.

Almost immediately after Trish told me about this water-logged dog, I contacted the rescue organization and we planned a meeting so we could meet each other. I took a few of my friends with me to meet this dog in Poway, and it was love at first sight.

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Restaurant Review: King Crab in the Midway District

October 27, 2022 by Judi Curry

King Crab
3960 W. Point Loma Blvd.
San Diego, CA 92110
619-269-0800

By Judi Curry

Ever since COVID hit, many favorite restaurants have closed, and many new ones have opened.  And even some of the new ones have closed. I have been watching the space where Soup Plantation used to be, wondering what might go in there since it seems that buffets are a thing of the past.  So when my daughter Michele and I stepped into King Crab it was almost like déjà vu – but not quite.

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Wanted: A Canine Who Can Smell the Rats Visiting Us From Sunset Cliffs

October 10, 2022 by Judi Curry

By Judi Curry

In today’s world there is much going on that does not cause laughter. Well, of course, there are many different kinds of laughter, some of which is fun, some of which is nasty, some of which is sarcastic, etc.

I might have a little bit of laughter for YOU – (certainly not for me.) Here is my story.

Several years ago I wrote an article for the OB Rag about the new residents of Ocean Beach/ Pt. Loma.  Namely the rats were moving in. And I don’t mean the two legged kind – I mean the true, four-legged rats.  At times one could stand on Sunset Cliffs Blvd and watch the rats run across the street.  That was then.  Let me get you current. Those damn rats found that Sunset Cliffs and its environs were a perfect place to raise their families,

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‘Keep Your Hands Off My Body!’

September 26, 2022 by Judi Curry

By Judi Curry

Yes, I am old.  Very old.  The chances that I will ever need an abortion in this lifetime are almost nil.  But I have daughters, and granddaughters, and great-granddaughters that may, some day, find they are in a predicament where an abortion is the answer to their problem.

And that is not between that female and her Congressman; her Supreme Court Justice; her representative.  No! That decision should be between her and her physician.

I remember, as a young child, maybe 4-5 years old, overhearing my parents talk about “Patsy” – the young teenager next door that “died because of a hanger abortion.”

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‘The Third Time’s the Charm? Baloney!’

September 15, 2022 by Judi Curry

By Judi Curry

The freezer was cold,
The food was icy,
Opened the refrigerator to find
The food was dicey.

The temperature read 60,
When it should have said 40
Oh my goodness,
Oh My, Lordy, Lordy.

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Two Home-Town Heroes, Plus Two More in OB’s Own ‘Surfing Duo’

September 14, 2022 by Judi Curry

By Judi Curry

A year ago I wrote a story about our very own surfing duo – Derby the Golden Doodle and his blue Mohawk partner, Kentucky.

Several things have happened since.  Number one, the pair has been competing in surfing competitions and early this month they went to Waikiki to compete in the Duke Kahanamoku Ocean Fest.  Plus, a new book has hit the bookshelves, entitled, The Adventures of Derby California – Derby learns to Surf.

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A Powerhouse Lunch With Linda Lukacs, Candidate for District 2

August 24, 2022 by Judi Curry

Judi Curry’s views continue to be her own and do not necessarily reflect those of the OB Rag.

By Judi Curry

It is difficult for me to sit back and watch the deterioration of the area known as “District 2.”  We purchased our house in 1966 and loved the neighborhood.  We moved here from Berkeley where my husband and I were attending school and where we were active in the Free Speech Movement and Mario Savio was in one of the first classes I attended.

The hippies were just moving into Ocean Beach, and San Diego was so conservative there was talk of “outlawing left-hand turns because they were subversive.” 

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Restaurant Review : Jennings House Eatery in Point Loma

August 23, 2022 by Judi Curry

Restaurant Review

Jennings House Eatery
1018 Rosecrans
Point Loma, CA 92106
619-222-6857
Jenningshouseeatery.com

By Judi Curry

It’s been many years since I had a meal at Jennings House Eatery. The pandemic changed the hours, and I just never could find a convenient time to return. 
One thing that seemed to present a problem was that there was very limited off-street parking, but Cathy, the owner of the restaurant told us that the bank on the corner will allow her guests to park in their lot as long as they park along side the restaurant building.

We met at 11:45am, and Cathy offered us either an inside or outside table. 

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The Widder Curry Asks: ‘Who Is Going to Pay my Electric Bills?’

August 16, 2022 by Judi Curry

By Judi Curry

I heard this was coming.  This, plus the proposed increase to my water bills, has me pondering if I should go back to teaching.  After all, there is a teacher shortage, and at my age I might just have to go back to work just to pay my utility bills.

Yeah, I can hear you now!  What the hell is the old negative widder talking about now?  You mean you don’t know?  What fun to be able to show you a copy of a “flash” from the Union/Tribune just a few days ago.  Ready?

News Alert – Aug. 11, 2022
San Diego looks to eliminate nearly all natural gas by 2035. What does that mean for your home? A dramatic update of city’s Climate Action Plan aims to retrofit 90% of buildings, including homes. But a cost estimate is still to come.

I don’t know about those of you that cook, but as a gourmet cook that has written three cookbooks

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‘Oh, Yes! Let’s Raise the Water Rates – Again!’

August 10, 2022 by Judi Curry

By Judi Curry

Two days ago, I received in the mail, as I am sure that almost all of you did, a notice from the San Diego Public Utilities Commission notifying us of a “Notice of Public Hearing.”

And what is this hearing about?  A “Proposed Increase to Water Rates,” to be considered by the San Diego City Council.  (In case you did not receive the notice the public hearing will be held September 20, 2022, at 2:00pm.)

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Restaurant Review – Sabor Brazilian Grill in the Midway

August 4, 2022 by Judi Curry

Restaurant Review

Sabor Brazilian Grill
3944 West Point Loma Avenue
Midway District
San Diego CA 92110
619-736-1383

By Judi Curry

The last primary election that was held in San Diego introduced me to a new group of people interested in the same solutions for our community as I have.  It has been a refreshing, and exciting time. As we get to know each other better, we are branching out and doing more than discussing political aspects of San Diego.

This day was a perfect example, because I went out to lunch with Mandy Havlik, a current elected member of the Peninsula Community Planning Board and former city council candidate. There are several new restaurants that have opened in the Ocean Beach/ Point Loma area.  We decided to try Sabor Brazilian Grill. It is located just behind Grocery Outlet to the north.

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This Is District 2 Candidate Linda Lukacs, Part 2

August 3, 2022 by Judi Curry

Judi Curry’s views are her own and do not necessarily reflect those of the OB Rag.

By Judi Curry

Part 2

For those of you that did not read “Who Is Linda Lukacs, Part I,” let me briefly state that she is running for City Council Seat, District 2, against Jen Campbell, the incumbent.  I voted for Dr. Campbell when she was elected because I felt she was the best for the job – and the fact that she was a Democrat did not sway me in my decision.

After all, I am a registered Democrat.  On the other hand, Linda is a registered Republican

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Who Is Linda Lukacs? She’s Running in District 2 Against Jen Campbell – Part 1

July 27, 2022 by Judi Curry

By Judi Curry

There is one thing about the San Diego City Council that some people do not realize. The seats on the Council are bi-partisan. Whether the “owner” of that seat is a Democrat or Republican should not make any difference. They are elected to do the best for the community.

Suffice it to say that it is well known that the incumbent is a registered Democrat – and, in my opinion – a “do nothing” Democrat. Yes, I supported her and yes, I even voted for her. When she came out ahead in the most recent primary election I knew I would have to do some investigation into her opponent, because I knew that I would not cast my vote for her again.

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