Sometime in 2018 or 2019—he’s not sure exactly which—Brandon Rodgers called Eric Brandt. At the time, Rodgers was chef de cuisine at Benu, a three-Michelin-starred restaurant in San Francisco. He’d also done stints at The French Laundry and In Situ at SFMOMA and represented the US at the Olympics of culinary competitions, the Bocuse d’Or, where he initially met Brandt in 2007.

“He said, ‘Have you ever thought about doing a fast casual burger joint?’” recalls Brandt. “I’m like, ‘Brandon, you just got three Michelin stars. What are you thinking about a burger joint?’ And he’s like, ‘It would be the best burger joint in the world.’” 

The pair percolated over the idea and decided to try it, first as a concession concept at Acrisure Arena in Palm Desert in 2021 and then at the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club in 2023. But winning the Avocado Cup Culinary Competition at the inaugural Del Mar Wine + Food Festival last year convinced them to turn it into a full-fledged restaurant, with Brandt as owner/CEO and Rodgers as co-founder and chef.

“When we won that, it was kind of like, ‘All right, we probably better do a brick and mortar,” laughed Brandt

Tanner’s Prime Burgers, a brick-and-mortar restaurant, officially opens this Friday, April 19 at the Freeman Collective in Oceanside. The 2,000-square-foot space will feature inside and outside seating and will use 100% USDA prime-grade beef supplied from Brandt Beef, Brandt’s family ranch, which has operated in the Imperial Valley since 1945. 

“This whole concept is about the beef,” explains Rodgers, adding that they will make every item on the menu with Brandt’s beef, from the bacon to the ice cream. But with burger in the name, it’s still definitely the star of the show. “We have one burger. You can get a single, or you can get that double,” he says. “We want to keep it simple and do it right.” 

But it will be the details that set them apart. The cheese is more than just cheese—it’s a unique aged cheddar that melts like American cheese, created especially for Tanner’s by Eric Greenspan from cheese company New School. Nearby, Artifex Brewing will brew the Tanner’s Lager and Tanner’s IPA. Honey for their sweet tea comes from Avery Girl Honey, another family-owned company near Brandt’s ranch. Even their Tanner’s Prime Hot Sauce is homemade, made with a 14-day fermented chile mash and blended with vinegar. 

Other menu items include options for kids, like a slider or all-beef hot dog, fries that come plain, cheesy, or “dirty” with beef tallow, a juicy, rich beef flavor rendered from beef fat. Yes, it’s decadent. But it’s outrageously delicious, and what Brandt says makes their ice cream extra creamy. 

“That creaminess from the beef tallow just holds—it can be a hot sunny afternoon, and it doesn’t melt all over you,” he laughs, pointing to their Fatty Patty, which is a scoop of the beef tallow ice cream sandwiched between two homemade chocolate chip cookies. “You can’t leave without trying a Fatty Patty.”

Rodgers and Brandt’s commitment to using as much of the animal as possible goes beyond the food. They also incorporated it into the design by Michael Francis, principal at SAINT (Studio for Architecture and Interiors), who used Brandt leather to create red leather barstools in the dining area. Rodgers says they took inspiration from fast-casual places like Chipotle and Shake Shack for a “functional, but simple” interior where people can get unpretentious food that will still knock their socks off. 

Rodgers says the potential to captivate even more people by elevating a classic dish was a huge reason he left a three-star kitchen. “As a Michelin-starred chef, you’re preparing the best 40 meals a night, max,” he says. “What an opportunity to be able to try to prepare a burger that someone’s had 1,000 times, and try to serve that to 1,000 people a day. If you could touch 1,000 people versus 40 people a night, for me, that’s a great feeling.”

After April 19, Tanner’s will be open seven days a week from 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. The duo says they’ll see how it goes, but future locations are not off the table. “I’m focused on one, [but] Eric is focused on 21,” Rodgers jokes. Brandt agrees but says getting this off the ground has been an incredible journey already.

“I get chills thinking about the fact that we’re actually opening our first brick-and-mortar,” he says, recalling that prescient phone call from years ago. “This is a toast and a cheers to that call.”

Northrop Grumman completes assembly of

Manta Ray uncrewed underwater vehicle

Northrop Grumman Corporation completed assembly of a full-size uncrewed underwater vehicle (UUV) prototype known as Manta Ray. A new class of UUV, it is an extra-large glider that will operate long-duration, long-range and payload-capable undersea missions without need for on-site human logistics.

Manta Ray was built through a Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) program aimed at advancing key technologies to benefit future UUV designs, including techniques to manage energy, increased payload capacity, low-power propulsion and more.

DARPA has awarded Phase 2 contracts to continue the Manta Ray program that began in 2020. The effort seeks to demonstrate innovative technologies allowing payload-capable autonomous unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs) to operate on long-duration, long-range missions in ocean environments. The two prime contractors, Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation and Martin Defense Group, are each developing unique full-scale demonstration vehicles.

For more on the Manta Ray, click here

Photo: A full-size prototype of Manta Ray, a new class of uncrewed underwater vehicle, is assembled in Northrop Grumman’s Annapolis facility. (Photo Credit: Northrop Grumman)

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 Democrats kill California homeless camp ban, again

By Marisa Kendall | CalMatters

For the second year in a row, Democrats on Tuesday voted down a bill that sought to ban homeless encampments near schools, transit stops and other areas throughout California.

Despite the fact that cities up and down the state are grappling with a proliferation of homeless camps, legislators said they oppose penalizing down-and-out residents who sleep on public property.

“Just because individuals that are unhoused make people uncomfortable does not mean that it should be criminalized. And this bill does that,” said Sen. Aisha Wahab, a Democrat from Fremont and chairperson of the Senate Public Safety Committee. “The penalties will just be added to their already difficult situation of paying for things.”

Senate Bill 1011stumbled in its first committee hearing, stalling in the Public Safety Committee on a 1-3 vote. The measure by Senate GOP leader Brian Jones  and Democratic Sen. Catherine Blakespear, both of the San Diego area, would have made camping within 500 feet of a school, open space or major transit stop a misdemeanor or infraction. It also would have banned camping on public sidewalks if beds were available in local homeless shelters.

Read more

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San Diego’s OAN settles with Smartmatic

in $2 billion suit over 2020 election lies

By Ken Stone | Times of San Diego

Smartmatic has settled a lawsuit accusing San Diego-based One America News of defamation by falsely claiming that the voting technology company rigged the 2020 presidential election to help Joe Biden beat Donald Trump.

It’s the third settlement involving the right-wing network whose reach has dwindled in recent years. A lawsuit by Dominion Voting Systems against OAN is still pending.

Terms of the latest settlement are confidential, Smartmatic’s lawyer Erik Connolly said, but the company voluntarily dismissed its lawsuit filed in 2021 in Washington, D.C.

Smartmatic had estimated that OAN’s false claims wiped out much of its business value, reducing it to less than $1 billion from more than $3 billion.

Lawyers for OAN did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

The lawsuit was one of several accusing right-wing or conservative-leaning media of spreading lies about the election to drum up viewership, and boost advertising revenue.

Smartmatic still has lawsuits pending against Fox News and Newsmax over their election coverage. It is seeking $2.7 billion in the Fox lawsuit.

Read more

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All Peoples Church sues San Diego

over rejection of Del Cerro project

By Jessica Mills | sdnews.com

All Peoples Church filed a complaint against the City of San Diego on March 25 alleging that the city council’s rejection of the church’s large-scale project for a new 900-seat sanctuary on a vacant, 6-acre lot in Del Cerro violates federal protections provided to churches by the Religious Land Use And Institutionalized Persons Act. The suit further claims that the city is in violation of the church’s free speech and assembly and the free exercise of religious rights outlined in the First Amendment.

All Peoples Church purchased the property, located near the College Avenue off-ramp, in 2017. In addition to the 900-seat sanctuary, the church group sought to construct a building with “staff offices, Sunday School classrooms and a multi-purpose room.” The latter of which is intended to serve as a youth room, fellowship hall and a basketball court, according to the lawsuit.

Anaheim City Council approves $2 billion Disneyland plan

A proposal that would bring nearly $ 2 billion in new rides, attractions, restaurants and shops to Disneyland was the subject of an hours-long and contentious city council meeting in Anaheim that started Tuesday night and lasted into the wee hours of Wednesday morning. In the end, the plan was approved in a 7-0 vote, the city said. A second council vote is required in May for the plan to get final approval.

Residents packed the meeting where council members were to officially decide the fate of the proposal that would add $1.9 billion in advancements to the park and the surrounding area.

Anaheim says 84 members of the public spoke at the session, with 57 in favor, 24 opposed and three who didn’t have a strong opinion either way.

While many support the idea due the the influx of additional money to Anaheim, plenty of residents have loudly voiced their opposition in recent months.

Read more

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April 19 VIP Party sets stage for April 21

La Jolla Concourse d’Elegance automotive showcase

Set atop the seaside cliffs at Ellen Browning Scripps Park, the La Jolla Concourse d’Elegance VIP Party will be held from 6 to 10 p.m. on April 19, marking the beginning of a weekend dedicated to world-class automotive excellence.

The Friday VIP Party leads into a weekend packed with exciting events and displays, all culminating in the prestigious showcase of timeless automotive artistry, the La Jolla Concours d’Elegance 2024 on Sunday, April 21.

Recognized globally as one of the finest classic automobile showcases in the United States, the La Jolla Concours consistently draws discerning car enthusiasts from around the world. This year’s La Jolla Concours theme, celebrating the Roaring 20s and the Glamorous 30s, promises to infuse the event with a sense of yesteryear nostalgia and timeless elegance.

Whether seasoned car enthusiasts or those seeking an evening of indulgence, the Friday VIP Party promises to be an immersive experience not to be missed. Tickets are now available to purchase on the La Jolla Concours d’Elegance website for $300 per person.

For more information about the La Jolla Concours d’Elegance, visit www.lajollaconcours.com

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Dining Out For Life San Diego returns on April 25

The San Diego LGBT Community Center announce the return of Dining Out For Life San Diego on Thursday, April 25, 2024. This annual culinary event brings together food enthusiasts, community members, and local restaurants in support of vital HIV and AIDS services and prevention programs across San Diego County. The Center invites the community to dine out at participating locations. A minimum of 25 percent of sales, and at some sites, up to 100 percent, is donated to HIV services across the county.

North Island Credit Union opens new branch in Escondido

North Island Credit Union recently celebrated the official grand opening of its new full-service retail branch in Escondido located at 1230 Auto Park Way in the Escondido Promenade Shopping Center. Local city, business and community leaders opened the new branch with a ribbon-cutting ceremony along with special member raffles, prizes and give aways. The Escondido branch features a 1,700-square-foot Community Room for local organizations to hold their events and meetings at no charge.

Pilot Energy acquires Worthington Energy Consultants

Pilot Energy, a provider of energy procurement advisory services, announced its acquisition of Worthington Energy Consultants, an energy consulting group headquartered in Columbus, Ohio. Together, Pilot and Worthington serve customers across deregulated markets, with significant expertise in CAISO and PJM. Pilot and Worthington each boast decades of industry experience and expertise. Pilot Energy is backed by Boyne Capital Partners.

ideaForge introduces border protection solutions for the U.S. market

ideaForge Technology Inc. (a subsidiary of ideaForge Technology Limited), a leading global drone technology and manufacturing company, announced the launch of new innovative solutions designed to bolster its presence in the U.S. market. These innovative solutions for Border Protection and Public Safety represent the brand’s commitment to addressing pivotal challenges encountered by border patrol agencies and law enforcement bodies through innovation.

Sony Electronics announces a wide-angle zoom lens

Sony Electronics announced a large-aperture wide-angle zoom lens compatible with Sony’s Alpha E-mount cameras. This latest addition delivers sharp imagery from 16 mm through 25 mm while maintaining a maximum aperture of F2.8 over the entire zoom range. The FE 16-25mm F2.8 G is the smallest and lightest constant F2.8 zoom lens that Sony has produced to date. The compact design is a signature feature of Sony’s G lens series and makes it a highly portable lens option. It will retail for $1,99.99 at authorized Sony dealers.

GreenPower to showcase its all-electric commercial vehicles

GreenPower Motor Company Inc., a manufacturer and distributor of all-electric, zero-emission vehicles serving the cargo and delivery market, shuttle and transit space and school bus sector, will participate in the San Diego Gas & Electric Electric Vehicle Fleet Day on April 19, at SDG&E Century Park campus in San Diego. It will showcase its product line of all-electric, purpose-buil commercial vehicles asnd school buses.

Drata announces Tony Hawk as Drataverse keynote speaker

Drata, the leading continuous security and compliance automation platform, announced that skateboarding phenomenon and entrepreneur Tony Hawk will deliver the keynote session at the company’s annual user conference, Drataverse, on June 12 at Pier 27 in San Francisco. Drataverse will bring together governance, risk, and compliance (GRC), IT, and cybersecurity professionals for a full agenda of presentations, workshops, networking, and entertainment.

Ascential Medical & Life Sciences appoints

Anupam Girdhar as divisional CEO

Ascential Medical & Life Sciences announced the appointment of Anupam Girdhar as divisional CEO. A business leader with 25 years of operational and strategic experience, Girdhar has managed complex life science tools and medical devices businesses. He has a proven track record fostering growth and cultivating top-tier organizations and will work towards positioning Ascential Medical & Life Sciences for lasting success. Girdhar joins the Ascential team from Thermo Fisher Scientific, where he spent the last seven years.

Dunham & Associates unveils new approach to retirement planning

Dunham & Associates Investment Counsel Inc. announce the launch of the Dunham Retirement Income Program. Dunham introduces its Retirement Income Program as a comprehensive solution designed to assist financial advisors in guiding clients toward achieving their retirement planning objectives. Dunham believes the Dunham Retirement Income Program is a pivotal program for financial advisors, integrating back-office support and comprehensive planning tools to create a holistic retirement approach.

County Line Fitness offering expert personal training in San Diego

Amid the ever-evolving wellness industry, where the pursuit of fitness and strength is a prevailing focus for many, County Line Fitness emerges as a beacon of expert personal training and health coaching in San Diego. With a dedicated emphasis on strength training and weight loss, County Line Fitness stands at the forefront of providing unparalleled fitness solutions that cater to the diverse needs of individuals striving to achieve their health goals.

ASQ’s World Conference on Quality & Improvement set for May 12-15

Building on a rich legacy of more than 75 years as the quality community’s premier event, ASQ’s World Conference on Quality & Improvement (WCQI) stands as a beacon, connecting people passionate about quality with the processes, technologies, and experts necessary to achieve curated results for their organizations. Taking place at the San DiegoConvention Center May 12-15, 2024, this year’s WCQI promises to be a transformative experience for attendees.

 Kumquat Biosciences and Takeda announce collaboration

Kumquat Biosciences, a leader in translating breakthrough science into first-in-class therapeutics, announced a strategic and exclusive collaboration with Takeda to develop and commercialize a novel immuno-oncology small molecule inhibitor as a mono- and/or combination-therapy. Under the terms of the agreement, Kumquat granted Takeda an exclusive, global, and royalty bearing license to develop and commercialize a selected small molecule inhibitor.

The San Diego County Democratic Party is again pushing for a resolution at its county Board of Supervisors meeting, pressing the supervisors – where the Democrats have a 3-2 majority – to appoint Santa Clara County Supervisor Cindy Chavez as the new San Diego County Chief Administrative Officer.

The supervisors met Tuesday in private to consider the appointment. As of tonight, there was no announcement from the county.

The position, with an advertised salary of $253,000 to $416,000 as the top staff position for San Diego County, has been officially vacant since March 2023, filled by two acting appointees.

Chavez, who was defeated in a bid for San Jose Mayor in November 2022 by Matt Mahan, was considered the frontrunner for the San Diego administrative post because of her longtime friendship with Lorena Gonzales Fletcher, a former San Diego state assembly member and currently head of the powerful California Labor Federation.

But a sexual scandal involving Fletcher’s husband, then-supervisor Nathan Fletcher, blew up the hiring process when Democrat Nathan Fletcher resigned, leaving the board in a 2-2 Democrat/Republican split. The county postponed the hiring process until after the November election, when another Democrat won Fletcher’s seat, ensuring continuation of the Democrat majority. Fletcher also is a former state assembly member.

The fortunes of Chavez in San Diego appeared to have dimmed, as business and community leaders and county Republicans advocated for a local administrator with knowledge of San Diego County and no ties to the organized labor and partisan Democrat connections that had initially pushed Chavez for the job.

San Diego County has declined to say whether Chavez reapplied for the position last fall. Chavez has not responded to inquiries about her interest in the job.

The county Democrats claimed Tuesday that “we only know about one candidate for this position – Cindy Chavez.” The county party called Chavez “an outstanding candidate” and described the former labor leader as “an accomplished candidate who would be the first Latina CAO of the County of San Diego appointed by the first Latina chairwoman of the Board of Supervisors.”

The major Spanish-language news outlet for the county on Tuesday appeared to reaffirm its lukewarm approach to the Democrats’ resurrection of Chavez. LaPrenza San Diego published an image from San Jose Inside and a image of the county Democrats’ letter with an April 16 post on X.

In the post on X, La Prenza San Diego wrote: “Dems never interviewed her or ever weighed in on admin hiring. Her selection stalled last year after @laprensasd leaked her name.” La Prenza described Chavez as a “San Jose politician and labor leader.”

One X post in response,  wrote: “Cindy is literally the reason they stopped the search. Now they want to double down and push her through?!? Uhhhhh, no. Given how hard Lorena/Nathan [Fletcher] were bidding for her, she’s BAD news.”

Sarah Aghassi was appointed in January 2024 as interim chief administrative officer for San Diego County, with unanimous support of the board.  The county announcement at the time said she brought “more than 20 years of progressively responsible executive-level strategic, political and operational leadership in both the private and public sectors” to the job. The county never said whether Aghassi was a candidate for the permanent appointment.