Party-Perfect Month

October is San Diego’s secret.

Kids are back in school. Tourists have been replaced by tailgate partiers. And locals know some of the best weather of the year happens during our version of Indian summer. With moderate temperatures the norm, October is the perfect month to enjoy indoor/outdoor living.

What’s more San Diego than a beach party? Head of global operations for Qualcomm, Jeff Jacobs, and his wife, Deni, know how and where to throw the perfect soirée. Along with architect William Hayer and interior designer Helene Ziman, they created a terrific La Jolla Shores beach house perfectly suited to their active lifestyle. When the Jacobses aren’t busy kayaking, biking, hiking, surfing or jogging on the beach, they’re ready to entertain family, friends and colleagues. And their beach house is just the place. Their sophisticated yet comfortable home seamlessly transitions from boardroom to bare feet. We caught up with the Jacobses during a sunset cocktail party for friends. Their private chef, Lara Hayes, unveiled a new recipe inspired by a trip to the Aspen Food & Wine Festival. One look at her yam pancakes with smoked salmon, and you’ll understand why it has become a Jacobs family favorite.

Because food plays such an important role in a patio paradise, this issue we offer a remarkable opportunity to view dozens of outstanding new or recently remodeled kitchens. San Diego At Home has partnered with the local chapter of the National Kitchen & Bath Association to present the Kitchen & Bath Home Tour Extravaganza 2007. The projects featured in this issue are just a sampling of the stunning collection of homes participating in the multifaceted event. On October 6, you’ll have a chance to meet NKBA designers during a self-guided public tour of six San Diego neighborhoods. For starters, go to page 41, and step inside 10 designer homes. And then, throughout the month of October, you can log on to nkbasandiego.org/neighborhoodtour for an interactive virtual tour through dozens more homes.

With the holidays just around the corner, we get you in the festive spirit with another soirée. Peace activist Bonnie Stewart enjoys small gatherings in her stylish two-level condominium in downtown’s upscale Renaissance tower. She loves the cosmopolitan feeling of being in the center of San Diego’s urban excitement.

If October in San Diego isn’t the epitome of blissful Southern California living, I don’t know what is.

THOMAS SHESS
Senior Editor, San Diego At Home
tshess@sandiegomagazine.com

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