America's 'foreclosure capital of the world?'.

For years, we've been called America's Finest City. When the pension crisis hit, we were dubbed "Enron by the Sea." Now NBC "Today Show's" Barbara Corcoran has tabbed us, "Foreclosure Capital of the World." Why? It seems that four out of five recent home sales involved bank-owned properties, says Corcoran. No surprise there. Still, she opines there's no better time to get into the business of selling real estate. To that, let's agree only time will tell ... The San Diego Press Club schedules its annual awards banquet at the Hall of Champions in Balboa Park for Oct. 21. When the event was held last fall at now-closed institution Chuey's in Barrio Logan, the food was conspicuous by its absence as the ceremonies wore on. Most members (moi, included, I might add) and guests were eventually fed, but more than two hours late. This year, club veteran Terry Williams says 21 local restaurants have signed to provide food-tasting tables, while at least eight wineries in the Temecula region as well as Orfila Vineyards and Truly Fine Wine provide refreshments. Upshot? No one should go hungry, or thirsty, this year! ... Speaking of the hungry, Rockin' Baja Lobster has changed its nameplate to Rockin' Baja Coastal Cantina and business appears to be rocking. Founder Rick DiRienzo says he is franchising 44 new eateries, including five stores to open this year in Burbank and Montclair, as well as Biloxi, Miss.; Laughlin, Nev; and Austin, Texas ... Qualcomm Inc. Chairman Irwin Jacobs is said to be shuttling guests across the Pacific to the Beijing Summer Olympics aboard his luxury Canadian-built VIP twin-engine jet. Business related, maybe? Sino landline giant China Telecom is preparing to launch mobile service via Qualcomm's CDMA technology this fall ... WindanSea Surf Club hosts its 22nd annual "Kids Day at the Beach," a nonprofit event offering fun, sun and surfing instructions for underprivileged kids Aug. 23 at La Jolla Shores. More than 60 youngsters from St. Vincent de Paul Shelter for Homeless Families are set to take part in a daylong field trip. For more information and support, head on over to dayatthebeach.org. This will be the first time ever at the ocean for many kids ... In case you haven't heard, irascible San Diego Weekly Reader columnist Don Bander is reporting that local media mogul Michael McKinnon and his two sons, owners and operators of quirky independent television station KUSI, plus local, but unnamed big pockets, are interested in making a run at acquiring The San Diego Union-Tribune, which was put into play recently. Stay tuned ... There is still time to enjoy the dog days of summer. The Salk Institute for Biological Studies presents its 13th annual Symphony at Salk on Aug. 23. Singer and jazz guitarist John Pizzarelli joins the San Diego Symphony for an outdoor concert overlooking the Pacific in La Jolla. Sounds wonderful? Details and tix at salk.edu.

The Insider is taking a brief break and will return to this page Sept. 1, which just happens to be Labor Day.