What kind of tequila costs $25 a shot? Well, it ain’t no well drink. The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe, the hot spot for the gang at the city’s San Diego Data Processing Corp., pours several varieties of the liquor distilled from the agave plant. But the brand of choice for the Data Rat Pack was El Tesoro Paradiso, a blend of tequilas aged in cognac barrels. Want some to enjoy with buddies at home? It retails online for $154 a bottle. By the way, in English, tesoro means treasury.

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Is she real or a computer graphic? The answer is, she’s full of silicon, the camera loves her and she should be called Oscar. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences bestows a Technical Achievement Award this month (two weeks before the Oscars) on Henrik Wann Jensen, a computer science professor from UCSD’s Jacobs School of Engineering, for “pioneering research in simulating subsurface scattering of light in translucent materials.” Jensen says the research involved both the development of a mathematical model and an efficient method for implementing it. “The primary purpose was to address the often criticized problem of computer graphics, which is the plastic-like hard look of the objects,” Jensen says. He has dealt with visual effects companies Industrial Light & Magic and Pixar, and Jensen’s processes have rubbed off on the “Harry Potter,” “Terminator” and “Lord of the Rings” movies.

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The San Diego Public Library now offers free wireless Internet access at its Mission Valley and Point Loma/Hervey branches. These are the first libraries in San Diego county to offer wireless Internet access. Librarygoers who have portable computers with 801.11b network interface cards can gain access to the Internet. Free wireless access at all city libraries is planned.

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Customhouse Plaza LLC/Border Trade Services Inc. has bought an 111,644-square-foot building at 2695 Customhouse Plaza, from First Industrial Realty Trust for $6.6 million. The building includes a 68,000-square-foot, fully fenced, paved and lit truck yard. Emery Worldwide occupies about 23,000 square feet and Border Trade Services will occupy the remaining 88,644 square feet. Kelly Nicholls of BRE Commercial represented the buyer. Louay Alsadek and Scott Henderson also of BRE Commercial represented the seller, First Industrial.

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The latest addition to the fleet at Jimsair Charter is retired Navy Capt. Richard Cloward, a surface line officer, who admits “I’m not touching the airplanes.” But Cloward’s touch from his seven years just ended as executive director of the San Diego Port Tenants Association will be invaluable to Jimsair, uniquely situated as it is as both a San Diego Port District and Airport Authority tenant. The charter service has three planes, its own hangar with plans to upgrade and an increasing amount of former first-class flyers who find their time is worth more to charter than to wait for airline flights, Cloward says.

The search is on for a permanent replacement for the tenants’ executive director. Remaining on board as acting executive director is Sharon Cloward (Richard’s ex-wife — but they’ve enjoyed a famously harmonious working relationship). She’s applying to take the helm permanently.

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Pacific Scene Homes of San Diego has opened its own commercial contracting firm, Legacy Building Services Inc. Legacy President Tom Remensperger is a civil engineer with 30 years’ experience in local construction. The firm seeks to develop stronger relations with landowners and allow Pacific Scene to return to the commercial and multifamily markets it was active in during the 1980s, says Pacific Scene President Jason Khoury.

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The historic Carnation Dairy Building in East Village has been sold for $8.25 million. The 40,000-square-foot building is at 1051-1091 J St. between 10th and 11th avenues. The buyer was Icon LLC. A mixed-use infill development, called Icon, and featuring 320 condominium units, is being built on the site. The seller was Carnation LLC with Wayne Buss as general partner. Victor Krebs of Colliers International represented the seller. Richard Garcia of Levin Menzies & Associates represented the buyer. The lender for the sale was San Diego National Bank.

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Maria Fuentes isn’t about to open a new office in Chula Vista and not make an event out of it. Hence, Mayor Steve Padilla is scheduled to cut the ribbon at 5 p.m. Feb. 11 for what Fuentes is calling the “International Wine and Roses Ceremony” to open her new office in the Gateway, 303 H St., Suite 431. Figures. She runs Inspirational Event Planning, an event-planning firm that covers everything from corporate meetings to weddings. Attorney Andy Cook will emcee and Father John Dolan will bless the house.

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Fish & Richardson has recruited three top patent attorneys from Heller Erhman White McAuliffe in San Diego along with three associate attorneys, three technical specialists and three scientific advisers. Over the next several weeks up to 10 additional associates, technical professionals and staff from Heller are expected to join Fish & Richardson, creating what will be San Diego’s largest biotechnical and pharmaceutical patent law practice. Stephanie Seidman, a 20-year-veteran of biotech patent law, leads the group and will join Fish & Richardson as a principal. Also joining as principals are Fred Hernandez and Dale Rieger. Seidman’s group includes 12 Ph.D.s, bringing to 70 the number of legal staff with Ph.D.s at Fish & Richardson. With the additions, the Fish & Richardson office here totals more than 60 lawyers. “Dr. Seidman and her group are a significant expansion of our San Diego biotech practice,” says John Gartman, Fish & Richardson’s San Diego managing principal. “This group also solidifies our position as a national leader in biotech law.”

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Countown To Downtown, a production of Cox Communications’ Channel 4, kicks off this month a series of programs that will lead up to the opening of Petco Park. Station Manager Dennis Morgigno is overseeing an effort designed to not only tell the ballpark’s tale, but also stories of the urban core. He will be joined as co-host for the initial 30-minute program by Matt Vasgersian, the station’s play-by-play announcer for televised games. Morgigno will draw on the talents of his 30-person team — such as journalist Jane Mitchell, baseball color analyst Mark Grant and former Padres player and coach Tim Flannery — as well as the sources it has gleaned with programs such as San Diego Insider. “We are going to weave our news and sports story telling into one program,” he says. Apologizing for using an old marketing slogan, Morgigno says Petco “Is more than a ballpark. It is an engine for Downtown, it is an engine for redevelopment. There are so many great stories to tell.” While the work will be coordinated from the channel’s headquarters in Little Italy, the sets will be at Petco. The production crew will travel with the team to spring training and begin live broadcasts as the April 8 home opener nears.

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Above, new military housing along Murray Ridge Road in Serra Mesa is changing the look of the neighborhood. The demolition of 812 outdated residential units of Cabrillo Heights (below) is being followed by construction of about 900 new units as part of the Navy Region Southwest’s efforts to upgrade military housing. Construction is by Lincoln Property Co. Inc. and Clark Realty Capital LLC. The makeover began in November 2002 and should finish in July 2006. The total development cost, including 500 new units at Liberty Station, is about $260 million.

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Delaware North Companies’ Sportservice Corp., the food service and retail provider of the Padres at Petco Park, is hosting job fairs and conducting on-site interviews for hourly staff and seasonal positions from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays and from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays over the next several weeks. Applicants should come to the 11th Avenue and K Street entrance to the new ballpark, where security staff will direct them to the job fairs. The job line is (619) 795-5877.

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In case you’re called, the San Diego Employers Association’s annual salary survey runs through this month until March. 10. Organizers wonder whether this year’s data will reflect an economy that is edging back up, albeit with a mixed effect on hiring. Participating companies, even if they are not members of SDEA, will receive the resulting report at no cost. Otherwise, SDEA members will be charged $350 and nonmembers $500. “The more companies that participate, the stronger the data,” says Joseph N. Sczempka, SDEA president and CEO. For information on participation, call Melissa Drake at (858) 679-7332. Responses are confidential.

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Paola Hernández, chief of staff to National City Mayor Nick Inzunza, will be inaugurated as chair of the San Diego County Hispanic Chamber when the organization holds its 15th anniversary gala on March 11 at the Manchester Grand Hyatt. More than 500 people are expected for the event, called “A Voice to Be Heard … A Community in Motion,” which also will feature the inductions of vice-chair Lidia Martinez, West Coast multicultural community affairs manager for Southwest Airlines; secretary Louis Murillo, president of institutional development for the San Diego Community College District; and correspondence secretary Ceci Cazares, regional public affairs for SDG&E/Sempra Energy Utility.

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San Diego-based Tucker Sadler Noble Castro Architects has begun the first phase of the $23 million master plan of The Bishop’s School in La Jolla. The project team representing the school is led by Associate Headmaster David Armstrong and Program Manager Orin W. “Bill” Miller. Construction is expected to begin in June. The plan includes improvements for the 11-acre, 17-building school campus, to be implemented over the next 10 to 15 years.

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SeaWorld San Diego will open on Memorial Day weekend, May 29-31, the largest attraction in its 40-year history. Called Journey to Atlantis, it features a 60-foot-tall thrill ride and a 130,000-gallon Commerson’s dolphin exhibit. “Today’s park guests are looking for both adventure and a personal connection with marine life,” says SeaWorld G.M. Dennis Burks. “Journey to Atlantis provides just that type of experience. We’re pleased this new attraction not only re-energizes the park with a breathtaking, heart-pounding ride, but it also features an incredible, face-to-face encounter with Commerson’s dolphins.”

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National University’s $178.3 million endowment is now among the 200 largest of colleges and universities in the country, reports the National Association of Colleges and University Business Officers after surveying 716 endowments. Among California’s private colleges National’s endowment ranks in the top 10. National’s growing endowment moved it from the 204th to the 193rd spot on the list.

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The San Marcos Chamber has come up with an innovative way to make a little extra money. For $100, it will send an e-mail advertisement from a member to all other members in its database. The chamber first approves the message. Call (760) 744-1270 for information.

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Jerrilyn Malana, attorney with the San Diego office of Littler Mendelson, was installed as president of the Pan Asian Lawyers of San Diego at a dinner Jan. 17. The event, held annually with the Filipino American Lawyers of San Diego, featured Carol Lam, U.S. attorney for the Southern District of California, as the keynote speaker. U.S. District Court Judge Dana Sabraw and Assemblywoman Shirley Horton also addressed the group. In celebration of the Chinese New Year, the San Diego Opera presented a special preview performance of Puccini’s opera “Turandot.” Nearly 170 attorneys, judges, law students, elected officials and business professionals attended the event at Tom Ham’s Lighthouse.

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A historic photograph and walking tour book, “San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter,” has been published in collaboration with the Gaslamp Quarter Association, the Gaslamp Quarter Historical Foundation and the San Diego Historical Society. Former city architect Michael Stepner wrote a foreword to the 128-page soft cover book by Arcadia Publishing. The walking tour includes 30 historic Gaslamp buildings. The book sells for $19.99 and may be purchased at the San Diego Trading Co.’s two Gaslamp Quarter locations: 711 Fourth Ave. and 534 Fifth Ave., and online at www.gaslamp.org.

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The deadline is April 1 for the Unified Port of San Diego to receive proposals and a $25,000 good-faith deposit from developers to design, construct and operate a restaurant/store/marina on 1.75 acres of land and 3.75 acres of water on America’s Cup Harbor adjacent to Shelter Island. Nearly 30 developers have shown interest.

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JMI Realty has closed financing and construction has begun on Hotel Solamar, a 235-room boutique hotel at Sixth Avenue and J Street in Downtown San Diego. With DavisReed Construction Inc. of Encinitas as the general contractor, completion is set for April 2005. The first mortgage is by Bank of America. A 99-year ground lease and mezzanine loan is through Sycuan Tribal Development Corp., which separately recently purchased the U.S. Grant Hotel Downtown. Delawie, Wilkes, Rodrigues, Barker & Bretton designed the 10-story hotel, which includes two stories of above-ground parking and 8,000 square feet of street-level storefront space with an eating establishment by Puccini Restaurant Group of San Francisco. The hotel will be the first San Diego operation for Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants of San Francisco. The interior of the hotel, which accommodates 212 guest rooms, 23 suites and a fourth-floor restaurant, is designed by Susan Caruso of Intra-Spec Design of Marina del Rey. JMI Realty is master developer of the Ballpark District where its 32-story Omni San Diego Hotel, with 11 floors of The Metropolitan condominiums atop, opens with Petco Park in April.

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Wackenhut Corrections Corp., which renovated and leases the San Diego County Detention Facility on Front Street Downtown, is now The GEO Group Inc. The 20-year-old, publicly traded Florida corporation has been in San Diego for five years. “We have a 15-year lease from the county for the building itself,” says warden Eric Noonan. Under a separate five-year deal that began in 2000 with the U.S. Marshal Service, GEO provides detention services for up to 616 prisoners. Total capacity is 784 inmates, Noonan says.

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Driscoll Boat Works on Shelter Island has powered up its nautical services, adding an electrical department of Keith Dodson, lead electrician, and Harold Cleveland. Dodson’s 12 years of experience includes a hitch as a Navy sub electrician. Cleveland has 20 years in military electronics.

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GetitGone.com, started by Kim Dumas and Rick Nestor, provides a venue for people to sell and buy new and used goods without the hassle of shipping fees. Sellers may post photos and starting bids. The idea of an local online auction came to Nestor when he was searching for a bed. He decided he could streamline the buying and selling process for many people by eliminating the shopping and shipping process. He contacted Dumas, a Web site designer, and the two became business partners.

Because the site only serves locals, users can post items in the morning and have them sold and picked up by evening. For sellers without a digital camera, the owners are even willing to take their digital camera to clients’ homes. Dumas says that their goal right now is to get the site started and to help people. “That’s more important than generating profit.”

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Johnson & Jennings General Contracting has completed tenant improvement remodeling for the 3,300-square-foot branch office of San Diego National Bank at 1945 Garnet Ave. in Pacific Beach. The $530,000 project entailed complete demolition and buildout of the interior, along with exterior improvements.

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On April 2 the San Diego Padres host “Base-Ball,” an inaugural black-tie gala to celebrate the opening of the new San Diego Padres Petco Park. The event will feature music, food and a behind-the-scenes tour of the exclusive areas within San Diego’s new ballpark. Proceeds will benefit The Padres Foundation for Children.

“The event allows us to showcase the ballpark, the areas and the new culinary (amenities) prior to the opening,” says Sue Botos, director of The Padres Foundation for Children. “The guests will also see the players showcasing their batting skills.”

Botos says the event encourages guests to meet and mingle with the team. The celebration starts at 7 p.m. and ends at midnight. Cost is $500. For tickets and information, call (619) 233-5008 or visit www.padres.com.

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When San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter is decorated in purple, green and gold on Feb. 24, you know it’s time to celebrate Fat Tuesday. The 2004 Bud Light Mardi Gras in the Gaslamp presented by Southern Comfort features live entertainment, Cajun and Creole dishes, and — the highlight of the event — the Masquerade Parade. Among those performing from three sound stages will be Candye Kane, San Diego’s mistress of sassy swing, and Theo & the Zydeco Blues Patrol.

The event is from 5 p.m. until midnight. Tickets are $15 at the gate. For information, contact the Gaslamp Quarter Association at (619) 233-5227 or visit www.gaslamp.org.

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“A Prairie Home Companion” is produced by Prairie Home Productions, presented by Minnesota Public Radio and distributed by Public Radio International to public radio stations nationwide, and is not a National Public Radio program, as was implied in The Metropolitan’s December 2003 San Diego Scene.

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WordsOut! Communications, a marketing service, has launched creative copywriting services aimed at the advertising efforts of the county’s 60,000 startup and emerging enterprises. David Woodruff, president and founder of the firm, says many budding companies fall short of their potential because they lack affordable access to marketing. For information, visit www.wordsout.net.

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Robbins Jorgensen Christopher reports construction is under way on the new Coronado City Hall and Community Center at Glorietta Bay. The $30 million undertaking includes a 16-acre park and waterfront promenade between the Coronado Yacht Club to the north and Glorietta Bay Park to the south. Robbins Jorgensen is providing planning, programming, architectural design, interior design and landscape architecture for the waterfront project.

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Scott Heising, executive v.p. of Hagerty Stewart & Associates, says the firm has changed its name to Independent Financial Group and unveiled a new logo, a series of gray toned parallel stripes within a circle and a bold blue italic “I.”

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Spring has bloomed early — but just in time for Valentine’s Day — for ProteaPlusMore.com. Danielle Kendall’s family owned and operated farm in Fallbrook grows protea plants and ships the cut flowers with free next-day delivery.

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In honor of Playboy magazine’s 50th anniversary, Playboy, Chivas Regal and Michelob Light on March 11 are rolling out the red carpet at On Broadway, at 615 Broadway in Downtown, as part of a 50-city, 50-party celebration. For one night, partygoers 21 and over will have a chance to experience the Playboy lifestyle as On Broadway Events Center transforms into a private “members only” club, reminiscent of the world-famous Playboy Clubs.

On tour will be an exhibit of Playboy memorabilia including a pair of Hugh Hefner’s silk pajamas, his famous round bed, original outfits worn by Playmates and artwork.

For $146, VIP tickets include a private pre-party with Playmates, complimentary drinks and a gift bag. General admission is $65. Tickets are available at www.tickets.com or (800) 919-6272.

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Facial recognition technology developed by San Diego-based ImageWare Systems Inc. is being tested by Carnival Cruise Lines to speed guest purchases of cruise photos. “We’re looking forward to testing this innovative new technology aboard Carnival Miracle,” says Bob Woodry, Carnival’s v.p. of photo/video services. “Our objective is to enhance our guests’ experience by utilizing state-of-the-art technology that reduces the time and energy it takes to physically search for keepsake photos.”

To access the system, a guest steps up to a stand-alone photo-retrieval kiosk, which will capture an image of his or her face. This image is then compared, using facial recognition technology, to all faces in all photos that have been captured on the cruise. Once the search is complete, photos containing the guest, including group and individual shots, will appear on the screen and be available for review and purchase.