Singled Out

KNOWN FOR ITS BEAUTIFUL people, San Diego offers no shortage of eye candy. But when it comes to meeting your match, we know looks aren’t everything. The singles spotlighted on the following pages offer much more than a pretty face; they are successful pro athletes, restaurateurs, media personalities and entrepreneurs. We asked the hardhitting questions (you can tell a lot about a person by their choice of karaoke song) and got some pretty insightful—and entertaining —responses.

If you’d like to get in touch with any of our singles, send an e-mail to singledout@ sandiegomag.com, and we’ll forward the message.

Christina (Chrissy) Russo

Age: 31. Live in: Ocean Beach. Job: Weather/traffic anchor for Fox 6 in the morning. Hobbies/ interests: Surfing, tow-in surfing, soccer, snowboarding, jogging, animals and volunteering. Favorite San Diego spot: South Beach Bar & Grill for fish tacos. Describe your ideal date: Riding on the back of a Harley over the Coronado Bridge. Favorite film: Crash. TV show you really hate missing: Nanny 911. Favorite CD/band: I’ll admit it, I love Mariah. What’s your drink? Gin and tonic with lime. You’re being forced to sing karaoke. What song do you sing? “Ebony and Ivory” by Paul McCartney and Stevie Wonder. I own too many: Freaking articles of clothing. Who would play you in a movie? Alyssa Milano. Ideal San Diego spot for a first date: Coronado Brewing Company. Five adjectives to describe you: Clumsy, giggly, adventurous, driven and devoted. Necessary extravagance: good sunglasses and running shoes. I would never date someone who: Smokes. Sexiest quality in a man: Passion for what he does in life, a good smile and a good laugh. How do you like to spend your Saturday morning? Sleeping past 3 a.m., then having breakfast on my porch after a nice jog along the water. How do you take your coffee? With a ton of flavored creamer and Stevia sweetener. Are you a morning person or a night owl? Both!

Tommy Sablan

Age: 41. Live in: Rancho Peñasquitos. Job: Producer, Star 94.1 FM’s Jeff & Jer Showgram. Hobbies/ interests: Mountain biking, guitars and eating. Favorite San Diego spot: Peñasquitos Canyon and all of Chula Vista. How would friends describe you? You can count on him being there for you; he needs to open up more at times with his true feelings; and he’s gained a few, hasn’t he? Favorite CD/ band: The Rolling Stones. I also love old Motown stuff. You’re being forced to sing karaoke. What song do you sing? “Long Run” by the Eagles . . . I kind of lived that song, and I feel I am singing about my life. I own too many: Guitars. I have 36 guitars. I don’t have enough: Guitars. I only have 36 guitars. Who would play you in a movie? Charlie Sheen. Ideal San Diego spot for a first date: The Marine Room . . . the booth in the far left corner as you walk in. Favorite fictional character: Harry Potter. Five adjectives to describe you: Sentimental, caring, obsessive-compulsive, loving and quiet. Biggest pet peeve: Businesses that don’t observe Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Dream car: Maserati. I would never date someone who: Doesn’t like children. Would like to be reincarnated as: A bird… I want to fly. Sexiest quality in a woman: Legs. If you had a date coming over for dinner, what would be on the menu? Domino’s Pizza and/or Top Ramen. How do you know when a date is going well? Her shirt is off. Where do you see yourself in five years? Celebrating the many years I had with Jeff and Jer and begging Jerry to come out of retirement! Beauty/grooming ritual item you can’t do without: I get manicures and pedicures biweekly.

Deanna Bramble

Age: 34. Live in: Carmel Valley. Job: Real estate broker for The Guiltinan Group. Hobbies/interests: Running, working out, dressage, helping less fortunate animals. Favorite San Diego spot: The barn where my horse is at in Rancho Santa Fe, or Dog Beach in Del Mar. Favorite books/author: Conversations with God series by Neale Donald Walsch and Diet for a New America by John Robbins. Favorite film: The Black Stallion. TV show you really hate missing: One show I miss from the past is Men Behaving Badly. Quirkiest habit: Always having to have my car clean. You’re being forced to sing karaoke. What song do you sing? Something by Sarah McLachlan. Celebrity dream date: Not so much of a dream, but would be fun . . . Eric McCormack from Will and Grace. Favorite fictional character: Winnie the Pooh. Five adjectives to describe you: Personable, empathetic, soulful, clairvoyant and conscious. Astrological sign: Gemini. Dream car: The truck I just sold a few months ago (F350 Crew Cab 4x4). Necessary extravagance: Fresh fruits and veggies due to being a vegetarian. Most proud of: Being the author of two books, two business degrees and too many things I cannot list in a public magazine. I would never date someone who: Smokes or is an alcoholic. Would like to be reincarnated as: A well-loved orangutan or horse. Sexiest quality in a man: His heart, along with the ability to give and nurture. Where do you see yourself in five years? In love, married, with a child. What makes you laugh? The innocence of animals playing.

Shawne Merriman

Age: 21. Live in: Scripps Ranch. Job: Professional football player with the San Diego Chargers. Hobbies/interests: Bowling and video games. Favorite San Diego spot: Stingaree and Wings N’ Things. What is your idea of perfect happiness? Feeling comfortable in life financially. Describe your ideal date: The one that never ends, it’s to be continued . . . forever. How would friends describe you? Determined, goodhearted, loyal. Favorite book/author: 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene and Joost Elffers. Favorite film: Life. TV show you really hate missing: Martin. Quirkiest habit: Singing in the shower. Favorite CD/band: 50 Cent. What’s your drink? Gatorade. You’re being forced to sing karaoke. What song do you sing? Notorious B.I.G.’s “Mo Money Mo Problems.” If you could have dinner with three people (living or dead), who would they be? Richard Pryor, Bob Marley, Princess Diana. Celebrity dream date: Oprah Winfrey. Ideal San Diego spot for a first date: Dinner on a yacht. Favorite fictional character: Superman. Five adjectives to describe you: Good sense of humor, relaxed, spontaneous, focused, reliable. Biggest pet peeve: Public displays of affection. Dream car: Mercedes McLarren. Necessary extravagance: Jewelry. Would like to be reincarnated as: Bill Gates. Sexiest quality in a woman: Personality. What’s your biggest flaw? Always conducting business. How do you like to spend your Saturday morning? Eating cereal and watching cartoons/game film. If you had a date coming over for dinner, what would be on the menu? Her! How do you know when a date is going well? When she starts making plans for the next one. Beauty/grooming ritual item you can’t do without: Cologne.

Adrienne Baravetto (seated)

Age: 29. Live in: La Jolla. Job: Buyer and personal stylist for L.A. Fairchild Denim Bar & Boutique in Cardiff-by-the- Sea. Hobbies/interests: Spontaneous trips and traveling, snowboarding, dancing, design and decorating, studying fashion as an art form. Favorite San Diego spot: Encinitas coastline. What is your idea of perfect happiness? Living the moment, loving what I do and having no regrets. What would friends say about you? I am the go-to friend, whether it be for a fun time or advice. Favorite film: Election. TV show you really hate missing: 24. Quirkiest habit: Insomnia. I own too many: Jeans. I don’t have enough: Patience. Celebrity dream date: Jack Black. Who would play you in a movie? Natalie Portman. Favorite fictional character: Willy Wonka. Five adjectives to describe you: Fun, happy, silly, loyal, outgoing. Biggest pet peeve: Pretentious people. Dream car: Aston Martin. Necessary extravagance: Manicures and pedicures. Most proud of: Getting my degree, then following my passion. Would like to be reincarnated as: Myself again, but wiser. What’s your biggest flaw? I am mathematically challenged. If you had a date coming over for dinner, what would be on the menu? Lasagne and some sort of dessert, of course. How do you know when a date is going well? When halfway through the date my mouth hurts from laughing and smiling so hard. Do you want kids? Yes, one day.

Kathy Shelburne

Age: 48. Live in: La Jolla. Job: Partner in Shelburne Sherr Court Reporters. Hobbies/interests: Travel, sports, film. Favorite book/author: The Unbearable Lightness of Being by Milan Kundera. Favorite film: The Godfather. Quirkiest habit: Disappearing from the radar screen. Favorite CD/band: Dave Matthews. What’s your drink? Tequila. If you could have dinner with three people (living or dead), who would they be? Michelangelo, Leonardo Da Vinci, Dante. Celebrity dream date: Robert Redford. Who would play you in a movie? Sela Ward. Five adjectives to describe you: Spontaneous, kindhearted, affectionate, supportive, stubborn. Dream car: Bugatti. Necessary extravagance: Prada flask. Most proud of: My children. Sexiest quality in a man: Energy. What’s your biggest flaw? Tardiness. Where do you see yourself in five years? Lost in Italy. How do you take your coffee? Cappuccino, extra dry. What’s your favorite way to spend your day off? Spontaneously. First post–lottery win purchase: Flying friends and family to an unknown destination. Are you a morning person or a night owl? Night owl.

Josh Cox

Age: 30. Live in: A house. Job: Professional marathon runner. Hobbies/interests: I love anything in the water or at the beach, snowboarding, shopping (unfortunately), I absolutely love to write, reading and spending time with my nine nieces and nephews. Describe your ideal date: If you’re with the right person, any date could be “ideal.” What would friends say about you? I’m passionate, a leader, hardworking, extremely committed to my faith, I love my family. Favorite book/author: The Purpose-Driven Life by Rick Warren. Favorite film: Braveheart. Quirkiest habit: I do 50 push-ups right before I get into the shower. Favorite CD/ band: The best CD ever is Michael Jackson’s Thriller album, but my favorite band is U2. You’re being forced to sing karaoke. What song do you sing? My Bob Marley is pretty solid for a white boy. If you could have dinner with three people (living or dead), who would they be? Jesus, Clive Staples Lewis and my future wife. Celebrity dream date: Jessica Simpson. First post–lottery win purchase: A big home for me overlooking the ocean (after I build an orphanage in Mexico, of course!). Necessary extravagance: Plasma televisions. I would never date someone who: Didn’t have at least a little of the old-fashioned girl within. Sexiest quality in a woman: It’s a tossup between intellect and sense of humor. How do you know when a date is going well? When she looks at me and smiles for no reason. Beauty/grooming ritual item you can’t do without: Body butter. Are you a morning person or a night owl? Definitely an extreme night owl. What makes you laugh? Sarcasm, funny movies, my nephew Carson and anyone who is willing to injure themselves for the sake of humor.

Heidi Hageman

Age: 26. Live in: North Park. Job: Publicist at J Public Relations. Hobbies/interests: Live music, indie flicks, MySpace (and currently) planning my high school reunion. Favorite San Diego spot: Mount Soledad—it’s 360 degrees of pure perfection. What is your idea of perfect happiness? Lying on the beach with a boat drink, cell phone and laptop nowhere in sight. Describe your ideal date: Sushi at a restaurant with a great vibe like Zenbu, followed by a stroll at La Jolla Cove. How would friends describe you? As a “firecracker.” Favorite film: Vanilla Sky. TV show you really hate missing: Grey’s Anatomy. Quirkiest habit: I lose everything —keys, bills, jewelry. You name it, I’ve lost it. Favorite CD/band: My iPod is currently stuck on James Blunt. What’s your drink? I’m a light-beer kind of lady. You’re being forced to sing karaoke. What song do you sing? Forced? I’d do it for a living if I could! I like the Dixie Chicks, maybe even a little Sir-Mix A-Lot if the mood is right. If you could have dinner with three people (living or dead), who would they be? Jackie O, Marilyn Monroe, Oprah. I own too many: Stilettos. Don’t bring a good pair of pumps within credit card swiping distance. Celebrity dream date: Vince Vaughn. Ideal San Diego spot for a first date: The racetrack in the summer. Favorite fictional character: Carrie Bradshaw; she’s a media diva just like me. Five adjectives to describe you: Spunky, smart, sassy, sarcastic and strong-willed. Dream car: BMW 645CI—black with tan leather interior. I would never date someone who: Didn’t let me know he had a live-in girlfriend and four kids . . . true story. It just happened. Sexiest quality in a man: Humor. Where do you see yourself in five years? Continuing to expand my professional life. Are you a morning person or a night owl? Up before dawn every day, even on weekends. What makes you laugh? Offensive humor . . . seriously. Do you want kids? Someday . . . but once I start I want a big family.

Julien Hug

Age: 30. Live in: Del Mar. Job: Manager and maître d’ of Mille Fleurs Restaurant in Rancho Santa Fe. What would friends say about you? That I have a sense of humor always at the ready, and I am a great host on and off work. Favorite book/author: The Game by Neil Strauss. Favorite film: L.A. Confidential. Quirkiest habit: Constantly mimicking almost anyone who has a distinctive voice or accent. What’s your drink? I’ll side with Bond on this one. Vodka martini, up, shaken, not stirred. You’re being forced to sing karaoke. What song do you sing? “What I Like About You” by the Romantics. Celebrity dream date: I have met a lot of beautiful women in real life I have been more impressed with than celebrities. Who would play you in a movie? Jude Law. Biggest pet peeve: Tie between hypocrisy and namedropping. Dream car: Pagani Zonda. Would like to be reincarnated as: A rock star. Sexiest quality in a woman: Confidence. What’s your biggest flaw? I tend to be guarded until I know someone for a while. How do you know when a date is going well? When it is over before you know it. How do you take your coffee? Espresso, plain. Beauty/grooming ritual item you can’t do without: Cologne. Are you a morning person or a night owl? Night owl; I am a brute in the mornings. What makes you laugh? Silly, childish pranks and standup comedy.

Demien Farrell

Age: 33. Live in: La Jolla. Job: Managing partner, Side Bar & Stingaree. Hobbies/interests: Surfing, snowboarding. Favorite San Diego spot: Windansea Beach. How would friends describe you? Straightforward, honest, fun. Favorite film: Braveheart. Favorite CD/ band: U2’s The Joshua Tree. If you could have dinner with three people (living or dead), who would they be? John F. Kennedy, Bono, Biggie Smalls. I own too many: Surfboards. I don’t have enough: Time. Ideal San Diego spot for a first date: Pasquales in La Jolla. Favorite fictional character: Bart Simpson. Five adjectives to describe you: Energetic, hard-working, smart, fun, enthusiastic. First post–lottery win purchase: A house at the beach. Biggest pet peeve: People who complain and do nothing about it. Dream car: My Porsche Cayenne works fine. Necessary extravagance: A nice watch. Would like to be reincarnated as: A bald eagle. Sexiest quality in a woman: Big, brown eyes. What’s your biggest flaw? I have no patience. How do you know when a date is going well? No moments of uncomfortable silence. Beauty/grooming ritual item you can’t do without: Kiehl’s shaving cream. Are you a morning person or a night owl? Night owl. What makes you laugh? Acting silly; dumb movies like Wedding Crashers. Do you want kids? Someday.

David Binn

Age: 34. Live in: Pacific Beach. Job: Long snapper for the San Diego Chargers. Hobbies/interests: anything athletic, travel, music and golf. Favorite San Diego spot: Windansea. What is your idea of perfect happiness? Shooting under par. Describe your ideal date. Hike to a quiet spot with a beautiful view and share a bottle of wine at sunset. Favorite book/author: The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway. Favorite film: Caddyshack, Gladiator. TV show you really hate missing: Entourage. Quirkiest habit: I crack my toes. Favorite CD/ band: Anything by Bob Marley. You’re being forced to sing karaoke. What song do you sing? “Copacabana.” If you could have dinner with three people (living or dead), who would they be? Einstein, Jesus, Bobby Jones. Celebrity dream date: Jessica Alba. Ideal San Diego spot for a first date: Torrey Pines. Favorite fictional character: Indiana Jones. Five adjectives to describe you: Kind, dedicated, athletic, fun, adventurous. First post–lottery win purchase: Airfare around the world. Biggest pet peeve: People crowding the baggage carousel before their bag comes up. I would never date someone who: is taller than me. Where do you see yourself in five years? Running for Congress. How do you take your coffee? Black. Beauty/grooming ritual item you can’t do without: Just give me a toothbrush. What makes you laugh? Dave Chappelle.

 

Yolanda S. Walther-Meade

Age: 30-something. Live in: Little Italy. Job: Consultant in U.S.-Mexico/Latino affairs—public/media relations, interpretation/ translation from the office of President Fox, President Bush and the governor’s office. Hobbies/interests: Performing with a salsa dance team, volunteering on regional boards of directors, museum fund development, travel, Pilates, working out. Favorite San Diego spot: Rooftop terrace at the San Diego Natural History Museum. What is your idea of perfect happiness? Knowing how to fully savor the moment. Describe your ideal date: To be whisked off to San Francisco; dinner à deux prepared by Thomas Keller on an outdoor terrace with a trio serenading us on an Indian summer evening. How would friends describe you? Devoted mother, committed friend, outgoing, knows how to seize the moment. Favorite book/author: Soldier of the Great War by Mark Helprin. Favorite film: Million Dollar Baby. Quirkiest habit: Post–salsa dancing 2 a.m. taco craving. What’s your drink? Grey Goose, pomegranate, seltzer with a lime wedge. I own too many: Clothes. I don’t have enough: Closet space. Celebrity dream date: Hugh Jackman. Who would play you in a movie? Salma Hayek. Five adjectives to describe you: Dynamic, inquisitive, passionate, eloquent, firecracker. First post–lottery win purchase: NYC apartment. Biggest pet peeve: Narrow-mindedness. Dream car: Maserati. Necessary extravagance: Skincare. Most proud of: My family. I would never date someone who: Has no joie de vivre. Sexiest quality in a man: Well-honed intellect. How do you like to spend your Saturday morning? Breakfast at Café Chloe with friends, vigorous workout followed by a splendid massage. Are you a morning person or a night owl? Both; I don’t need a lot of sleep. What makes you laugh? Depending on my mood, that which is extremely witty or slightly silly. Do you want more kids? I would enjoy helping to raise someone else’s in addition to my son (8) and daughter (7).

Aaron Wilson

Age: 24. Live in: Fashion Valley. Job: Pro baseball player with the San Diego SurfDawgs. Favorite San Diego spot: Old Town. What is your idea of perfect happiness? Waking up next to my soul mate, having a bowl of cereal with my kid before leaving for a job that I completely love. Favorite film: Tombstone. Favorite CD/band: Red Hot Chili Peppers. You’re being forced to sing karaoke. What song do you sing? A short one! If you could have dinner with three people (living or dead), who would they be? Jake Peavy, Frank Sinatra and William Wallace. Jessica Simpson can be our waitress. Who would play you in a movie? I’ve gotten the Brian Austin Green (of Beverly Hills 90210) comparison about a dozen times now. Ideal San Diego spot for a first date: La Jolla Cove. Five adjectives to describe you: Surprising, realistic, athletic, versatile, considerate. Dream car: The original Hummer, in red. Most proud of: My country and the freedom it provides. Sexiest quality in a woman: The way she walks, moves and carries herself. What’s your biggest flaw? I don’t smile as often as I should. If you had a date coming over for dinner, what would be on the menu? Filet mignon, vegetables and red wine. What makes you laugh? A Will Ferrell skit or movie. Do you want kids? Kids are in my future, but not the near future.

Anya Marina

Age: Oh no you didn’t. Live in: La Jolla. Job: Musical raconteur and jockeyess of shiny discs (midday deejay at FM 94/9 and singer/songwriter). Hobbies/interests: Ascertaining the high points of lowbrow pop culture. Favorite San Diego spot: Top of Mount Soledad or the Wit’s End. How would friends describe you? Little Miss Optimism or Worst Case Scenario Girl, depending on who you’re asking. Favorite book/author: Me Talk Pretty One Day by David Sedaris. Favorite film: A tie between Noam Baumbach’s Kicking and Screaming or The Squid and the Whale. TV show you really hate missing: Grey’s Anatomy. Favorite CD/band: Liz Phair, pre-Matrix. What’s your drink? I love my wine, but if we’re talking spirits, then vodka’s my drink —either a Cape Cod or a dirty vodka martini with blue cheese–stuffed olives as made by my pal Ron at Oceanaire. You’re being forced to sing karaoke. What song do you sing? My own songs; karaoke scares me. I own too many: This one’s easy . . . CDs. I don’t have enough: Shoes, patience and rabid ambition. Favorite fictional character: Tie between Jack Tripper, Holden Caulfield and Darla Marks (Parker Posey in Dazed and Confused). Five adjectives to describe you: Bent, insouciant, impertinent, hopeful, affable. First post–lottery win purchase: I am so firing my assistant. No one ever told me I won the lottery!? Okay, I don’t really have an assistant, but if I won the lottery I would hire one . . . stat! Most proud of: Getting on with it and putting out my album, Miss Halfway, on my own label (Good Rope Records). I would never date someone who: Was my blood relative. Unless they were really, really good looking. Sexiest quality in a man: An easy and genuine sense of confidence and curiosity. Are you a morning person or a night owl? Working on being a morning person with this new time slot (middays, 9 a.m.–2 p.m.). What makes you laugh? The balance in my checking account and my sister’s laugh.

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