Kyocera's nearly 15,000-square foot plant in Kearny Mesa will initially manufacture enough solar panel capacity to power 10,000 homes.

“Today’s a great day for San Diego and our growing clean tech sector,” said Mayor Jerry Sanders at a news conference announcing the plan earlier this month. “By this summer the company expects to be producing panels at their facility across the street here in Kearney Mesa. This development is the next step in a long, productive and mutually beneficial relationship between Kyocera and San Diego. And it’s an opportunity that our city, our county and our state really went after.” The plant is also expected to bring approximately 75 jobs to San Diego.

                                            

SDNR Commentary

So now it’s official:  the U.S. Senate will attempt to “fix” its health care reform bill through reconciliation, the arcane parliamentary procedure that enables the majority party to avoid filibusters or other roadblocks by the minority.

On Friday, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) announced in a letter to his counterpart, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY), that “we plan to use the regular budget reconciliation process” to ram ObamaCare through the Senate.  That this was Reid’s intention all along was the worst-kept secret in Washington for weeks, but now it’s formally out in the open.

I’ve written several times about reconciliation in this space, each time to criticize the procedure for different reasons.  The concept owes its latest revival to the election of Republican Sen. Scott Brown in Massachusetts, which deprived Senate Democrats of their filibuster-proof majority.  Now the House and Senate cannot meld their separate health care bills into a single version without facing a GOP filibuster—unless, of course, they resort to reconciliation, which requires only a majority vote.

But it’s now become apparent that the debate-stopping measure is deeply problematic for a very different reason.

                                            

Fraisier Triple Berry Torte

Although this Penguin has have lived in San Diego for years and has heard wonderful things about Extraordinary Desserts (ED), I had never visited. I enjoy desserts now and then--maybe suggest an extra spoon and share a few bites to finish a tasty meal--but I have never felt the desire to seek out a restaurant which seemingly offered the sole option of sweet treats.  I was mistaken for several reasons…

Benny and I ventured down to Little Italy to pay a visit to one of ED’s two locations. We immediately noticed the stylish design and Asian décor.  The calming atmosphere and feng shui interior was absolutely stunning.  ED features beautiful miniature trees decorated with lanterns and blooming flowers.

We were in such awe of our surroundings, we almost failed to see the plethora of stunning works of art on display behind the front counter—the main event.

I could not believe my eyes! Incredible coconut cream flan tarts, lemon berry cream brulee parfaits, chocolate pecan pie, lemon bars, mini chocolate bundt cakes blanketed by rich chocolate frosting—all delightfully adorned with colorful gold flecked orchids, roses, and daisies.  Almost too pretty to eat!