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Bridgett also serves on the board of the Rady Children's Hospital Foundation, while Craig, who retired after 33 years in mortgage banking, is involved with his own philanthropic causes, including sitting on the board of the Timken Museum of Art. eir 1970s-era home, purchased in 1990, has undergone three renovations over the years with the help of architect Nazrin Barbee, custom builder Tony Parker, and landscaper Daniel Islas. "We love our home, the architecture, the finishes on the plaster walls, and the home's orientation make the spaces special inside and out," says Bridgett. A mixture of Mission and Mexican design with rustic and contemporary touches, it has evolved to meet the needs of an empty-nester couple now that their two children, Leah and Jordan, are grown with families of their own. A lovely entrance and courtyard welcome visitors. e open kitchen, one of Craig's favorite spaces because of its functionality, was updated with a skylight, farmhouse sink, custom cabinetry, and a sleek island topped with quartzite. A wooden dining table, handcrafted in Mexico, runs the length of the dining room and can seat a crowd. e couple decorated the space with folk art and treasures from their world travels, including blown glass vases from Italy. e Browns spend much of their time in the family room, with its original granite fireplace and wood beam ceilings, comfortable sectional, pool table, and toys for their grandchildren. Bridgett especially enjoys the sunny living room with views of the expansive backyard. e room opens onto a patio with a swimming pool, entertainment area, television, and barbecue, where Craig is the undisputed master of the grill. e yard is landscaped with native California scrub oaks and dotted with fruit trees — orange, tangerine, and limon — the last of which find their way into fresh Paloma margaritas in the summer, while freshly-picked avocados make a delicious guacamole. Bridgett, a native San Diegan whose father served here in the Navy, graduated from San Diego State, then began her teaching career. Children are her passion, both in and out of the classroom. "My second career is being part of Rady Children's," she says. "It's part of our life." She first became involved with the hospital 18 years ago as a member of the Poway Auxiliary, chairing fundraisers and serving on the auxiliary board as a member and president. She also chaired the Rady Children's Hospital Foundation Board of Directors. "I feel proud and thankful, especially now that we have [three] grandchildren, to have Rady's to lean on," she reflects. "ere are some amazing people and programs." Bridgett recently joined the board of Cristo Rey San Diego High School, a member of a national, 38-school network which provides affordable college-prep education to students with limited economic resources. connect people << >> ranchandcoast.com 84 FEBRUARY 2024 RANCH & COAST MAGAZINE