San Diego, CA

Artisan baker grows wheat crop in San Diego County

Published

6 months ago

May 29, 2024

Artisan baker grows wheat crop in San Diego County

SAN DIEGO — When you picture the many farms in San Diego County, you might picture avocados, oranges and other fruit, but wheat typically isn’t on the menu. One San Diego man is working to bring wheat back to Southern California.

What You Need To Know

A San Diego man is trying to bring wheat back to Southern California

In the late 19th century, California was once the nation’s second largest suppliers of wheat

Noris Velazquez is an artisan baker and owner of Sourdough Delight

He is trying to grow wheat in San Diego to use in his breads and inspire other farmers to grow the crop

A tedious task like weeding becomes a practice opportunity for Noris Velazquez.

“I can just weed the garden, and it becomes a martial arts training,” he said.

Velazquez is a martial arts instructor and artisan bread maker. The collision of his two passions has earned him the nickname “Kung Fu Baker.” He planted a quarter acre of wheat in December 2023, hoping to spark a resurgence of wheat farming in San Diego.

In the late 19th century, California was once the nation’s second largest suppliers of wheat, but by the 1880s, many San Diego farmers opted to grow citrus and avocados instead.

“Can one person do it?” Noris said. “Because ultimately I wanted to inspire farmers to go “You know, I’ve always wondered if I could grow a cover crop of wheat and not only get the cover crop aspect but also maybe something to harvest that I can use either in my family household or team up with a passionate baker in the area.”

His business, Sourdough Delight, focuses on putting only the best ingredients into his loaves. For Velazquez, that means baking bread with local ingredients, grown sustainably, without any pesticides. He is striving to create a flour that is more nutritious and heartier than the refined stuff from many wheat and commercial mills.

“I want that health and nutrition because flavor also follows that,” Velazquez said.

Bean farmer Mike Reeske donated a chunk of land on his farm, Rio Del Rey, as an experimental playground. He said they tried growing 25 different wheat varieties last year, before settling on planting a full field of a wheat variety called India Jammu this year.

“We produced quite a bit of wheat,” Reeske said. “And so I think this is going to be a signal that other people can do this.”

They are also using a technique called dry farming — cultivating crops without irrigation — which Reeske believes will appeal to struggling farmers.

“We have probably one of the highest prices of water in the United States here, so being able to dry farm a crop and not pay for the water cost is really important,” he said.

Months of dedication and hard work finally paid off at the end of May when Velazquez harvested the wheat. He will now let the wheat dry before threshing the grain to use in his bread.

“Clean food, grown with love and care, and respect for our land, to nourish the community,” Velazquez said. “Nature just does miracles.”

Source link

Click to comment

San Diego, CA

Paul Henning

Published

33 mins ago

November 27, 2024

Press Room

Paul Henning

OBITUARY

Paul Robert Henning, of Pine Valley, CA was born in Santa Ana, CA to Urban J. and Loverna M. (Felling) Henning. He attended George Washington elementary, McFadden Jr. High, and Sana Ana Valley High where he earned enough credits to graduate early as he was such an exceptional student. He matriculated at the University of California at San Diego, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science. During a summer break he went to Berlin, Germany as an exchange student. Always eager to learn, he became fluent in German, Spanish and also becoming conversant in French. His insatiable appetite for learning continued throughout his life.

After graduation Paul worked a couple different jobs. In 1987 he began a 29-year career with U.S. Customs – starting as an Inspector at the San Ysidro Port of Entry and ultimately promoting to Assistant Director of Field Operations for Border Security in the San Diego District.

Paul had many hobbies, including genealogy (he extensively researched his family tree which has over 4,700 ancestors), writing (he authored a book titled “Rosalia” that was based on his ancestor’s immigration from Germany to the U.S. in the 1800’s) and he was an avid reader. He enjoyed snorkeling, swimming, skiing, and especially hiking. He also loved his house in the mountains at Pine Valley, CA.

In 1982 Paul met his partner, Craig, and they began a life journey together that lasted almost 42 years until his death. They were married in 2014. Paul is survived by his husband, Craig Everett, sister Deborah Verplancke of Prescott, AZ, brother Robin Henning of Orange County, CA, two nieces: Kristin Stahr of Havasu City, AZ and Melanie Jackson of Lake Forest, CA; grand-nephew, Jacob Jackson and grand-niece, Hailey Jackson. He also leaves behind a large extended family.

Paul was a unique and special person who touched the lives of everyone who knew him. There will be a graveside service for Paul at the Santa Barbara Cemetery on Wednesday, November 27, 2024 at 10:00 am.

Source link

San Diego, CA

Non-profit brings hope and warmth to San Diego's homeless ahead of holidays

Published

8 hours ago

November 26, 2024

Press Room

Non-profit brings hope and warmth to San Diego's homeless ahead of holidays

The holiday season can be particularly tough for those experiencing homelessness, as colder temperatures and feelings of isolation set in. But for many in San Diego, Uptown Community Service Center offers warmth, hope, and essential support.

This week, the center hosted a Thanksgiving distribution.

“I’ve seen amazing things go down over here,” said Bonnie, a volunteer who has personally experienced homelessness on and off for the past five years.

“I love helping people. That’s my life,” she shared. “We give life, we give food, we give happiness and love.”

At their new location in City Heights, Uptown Community Service Center serves as a lifeline for many, operating Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. It provides necessities like winter clothing and toiletries, along with resources aimed at helping individuals get back on their feet.

“People in California don’t realize how cold they can get over here,” added Bonnie.

Each year, Uptown assists more than 2,000 San Diegans.

As the holidays approach, Uptown Community Service Center encourages donations to help those in need. Items like socks, underwear, winter clothing, and toiletries can make a significant impact on the lives of those they serve.

For more information or to learn how you can help, visit Uptown Community Service Center’s websiteor stop by their City Heights location.

Source link

San Diego, CA

One of FBI’s most wanted ‘terrorists’ arrested in Wales: Daniel San Diego found after more than 20 years on the run for ‘bombings in San Francisco’

Published

16 hours ago

November 26, 2024

Press Room

One of FBI’s most wanted ‘terrorists’ arrested in Wales: Daniel San Diego found after more than 20 years on the run for ‘bombings in San Francisco’

Do YOU know ‘Daniel San Diego’ from his time in Wales? Contact shannon.mcguigan@mailonline.co.uk

By SHANNON MCGUIGAN

Published: 18:04 GMT, 26 November 2024 | Updated: 19:12 GMT, 26 November 2024

One of the FBI’s most wanted fugitives has been arrested in North Wales after being on the run for over two decades, according to the US intelligence agency.

Daniel Andreas San Diego, 46, was among the FBI’s ‘most wanted terrorists’ following two bombings in the area of San Francisco, California, in August 2003.

Two bombs detonated on an Emeryville campus – a biotechnology corporation – an hour apart in the summer of that year, Sky reports.

The following September, a bomb wrapped in nails blew up at a nutritional products corporation in Pleasanton, however no one was injured, according to the bureau.

The US intelligence agency issued a warrant for San Diego’s arrest in October 2003, however he vanished before he could be taken into custody.

The National Crime Agency alongside North Wales Police apprehended the 46-year-old on Monday near Conwy in North Wales.

It is believed that he was arrested at a property located in a rural area near a forest

According to his FBI most wanted profile, San Diego reportedly has links to ‘animal rights extremist groups’, with the alleged terrorist was known to possess a handgun.

There was also a reward of $250,000 (£199,000) on offer for details leading to his arrest.

Daniel Andreas San Diego, 46, (Pictured) was among the FBI’s ‘most wanted terrorists’ following two bombings in the area of San Francisco in August 2003

The National Crime Agency – the UK’s law enforcement agency – alongside the North Wales Police and the Counter Terrorism Policing apprehended Mr San Diego on Monday near Conwy

He has been allegedly linked to a bombing in Emeryville at a biotechnology corporation (Pictured in 2003)

In September 2003, a bomb wrapped in nails blew up at a nutritional products corporation in Pleasanton, however no one was injured, according to the FBI (Pictured: Emergency response in Emeryville in 2003)

It is believed Mr San Diego at links to ‘animal rights extremist groups’ according to the FBI (Pictured: Emergency services in Emeryville in 2003)

There was also a reward of $250,000 (£199,000) on offer for details leading to his arrest, as the alleged terrorist was known to possess a handgun (Pictured: The biotech firm in California)

On Tuesday, he appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court as the procedure for his extradition to face charges in the US starts.

San Diego was known to follow a vegan diet and would not eat meat or food containing animal products, according to his FBI most wanted profile. .

FBI Director Christopher Wray said: ‘There’s a right way and a wrong way to express your views in our country, and turning to violence and destruction of property is not the right way.’

‘Daniel San Diego’s arrest after more than 20 years… shows that no matter how long it takes, the FBI will find you and hold you accountable.’

An NCA spokesperson said: ‘On Monday 25 November 2024, officers from the National Crime Agency, supported by colleagues from Counter Terrorism Policing and North Wales Police, arrested Daniel Andreas San Diego, aged 46, in the Conwy area of Wales, at the request of the US authorities.

‘He appeared at Westminster Magistrates Court today (26 November) as extradition proceedings began. He was remanded in custody.’

This is a breaking news story. Updates to follow.