TRANSPORTATION

SANDAG votes to add $643 million for youth transit, freeway upgrades

San Diego’s popular Youth Opportunity Pass is among dozens of programs to receive more funds after the San Diego Association of Governments Board of Directors voted to add $643 million to the budget Friday. SANDAG introduced the amendment to the 2024 fiscal year budget, originally passed in May, after receiving additional state and federal funds and an increase in local revenue. 

The Youth Opportunity Pass program, which gives people 18 and under access to unlimited free rides on public transit, is part of a suite of additional or extended projects scheduled to be completed over the next five years. These include construction on the 94-125 and 15-78 freeway connectors, bikeways, environmental upgrades, and more.

Airport Authority completes bond sale to help finance new Terminal 1 project

The San Diego County Regional Airport Authority has completed a major bond financing totaling $1.062 billion. The combination of the bond sales in 2021 and 2023 have provided $2.35 billion towards the projected $3.4 billion cost of the Terminal 1 project, whose first phase is set to open in late summer 2025.

The 2023 bond sale was a combination of $74.675 million in Senior Series A (Non-AMT) bonds, and $987.305 million in Series B (AMT) bonds with a true interest cost of 5.18 percent. The proceeds will provide funding for terminal and roadway construction, as well as airside projects as part of the New T1 program.

New Terminal 1 entrance

Visitors heading by foot and car to San Diego International Airport (SAN) on N. Harbor Drive will access Terminal 1 via new entrances beginning Oct. 27. The new entrances are a part of the airport’s New Terminal 1 (New T1) planning and construction. The new entrances will also allow construction crews to continue working on the New T1 Parking Plaza, which will open in late 2024. The five-level structure will offer 5,200 parking spaces — 750 more than the old Terminal 1 surface parking lot. Ten percent of parking spaces in the new parking structure will be equipped with charging stations for electric vehicles. The first phase of the New T1 is scheduled to open in late summer 2025.

New non-stop flights

Alaska Airlines has announced it will offer daily nonstop flights between San Diego International Airport (SAN) and Atlanta, Georgia via Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ALT) beginning May 16, 2024.

Atlanta will be the 37th nonstop destination Alaska Airlines offers from SAN. The airline currently offers 36 nonstop destinations to cities across the Northwest, Northeast, California, Mexico, Florida and all four major islands in Hawaii from San Diego, which remains the most destinations offered by any airline operating out of SAN.

San Diego International Airport (SAN) will increase non-stop service with a second daily flight to London Heathrow Airport (LHR) on British Airways starting April 20, 2024.

San Diego International Airport (SAN) will increase non-stop service to Munich, Germany, via Franz Josef Strauss International Airport (MUC) on Lufthansa Airlines starting April 2024. Lufthansa currently serves SAN-MUC three times a week. It will expand to five days per week in April 2024 and transition to daily service in June 2024.

ECONOMY AND GOVERNMENT

Report finds high poverty, inequity for San Diegans

A new report commissioned by the San Diego Foundation and developed in partnership with the San Diego Regional Policy and Innovation Center found that one in 10 San Diegans lives in poverty, including 86,000 children, due to a lack of self-sufficient wages and the high cost of housing, utilities, transportation and food in the region.

Healthcare worker minimum wage increases to $25 per hour

Gov. Gavin Newsom has signed a bill raising the minimum wage for healthcare workers, gradually increasing to $25 per hour. The legislation will impact a range of healthcare employees, including launderers and gift shop workers. The new law will prevent cities and counties from using ballot measures to raise wages for a decade. Larger healthcare facilities with over 10,000 employees will see the minimum wage rise to $25 per hour by 2026.

Mpox cases surge locally

The County of San Diego is reporting 11 new cases of Mpox in the month of October, mirroring a trend happening across the state. As of Oct. 21, 2023, the total number of cases in San Diego County is 492 since cases first emerged in July 2022. 

Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is a virus that is spread through close physical contact with someone who has Mpox.

The county is encouraging people to get vaccinated.

Reports: SD life science industry reaches $1 billion venture funding

Real estate firm JLL released a report in October studying the capital activity in local biotech companies. The most notable was was that third quarter venture capital funding reached $1 billion, exceeding the combined total brought in during the first two quarters of the year. Meanwhile, the IPO market, which has been frozen for the last 18 months, showed signs of thawing. Two San Diego companies, Turnstone Biologics and RayzeBio, went public during the quarter, raising a combined $438 million.

JLL expects much stronger leasing activity in quarter four, with approximately 300,000 square feet of new leases under negotiations in the core cluster.

Meanwhile, Cushman & Wakefield released its September Life Sciences Update finding, San Diego continues to strengthen its position as one of North America’s largest life sciences hubs, with 22.6 million square feet (msf) of lab inventory, an average asking rent of $69.23 per square foot and an 8.2% vacancy rate. Continued growth of the industry has been fueled by public, private and academic collaboration, a talented workforce and strong life science anchors such as Illumina, Pfizer and Lilly.

The life sciences cluster generated $57.4 billion in economic impact in 2022. As of second quarter 2023, there were 5.9 msf (26 buildings) under construction, 25% of which are pre-leased. As venture capital investment returns to pre-pandemic levels and sublease availabilities increase, tenants will have an attractive choice in cheaper, move-in ready space, according to the report.

San Diego rated as No. 1 in ‘Greenest City in America’ survey

San Diego is ranked No. 1 in Wallet Hub’s “Greenest Cities in America” survey. To determine the cities promoting an environmentally friendly lifestyle, Wallet Hub compared the 100 largest cities across 28 key “green” indicators. Its data set ranges from greenhouse-gas emissions per capita to number of smart-energy policies and initiatives to green job opportunities.

PHILANTHROPY

Downtown’s e3 Civic High selected for MIT program

e3 Civic High, located inside the San Diego Central Library, is one of eight school nationwide selected to participate in the prestigious Lemelson-MIT InvenTeams for 2023-2024.  The InvenTeams are focusing on problems facing their local communities, with a goal that their inventions will have a positive impact on beneficiaries and, ultimately, improve the lives of others beyond their communities.

The 2023–24 InvenTeams are comprised of students, teachers, and community mentors who pursue year-long invention projects involving creative thinking, problem-solving, and hands-on learning in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The InvenTeams’ prototype inventions will be showcased at a technical review within their home communities in February 2024, and then again as a final prototype at EurekaFest — an invention celebration taking place June 10-12, 2024, at MIT.

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance partners with the Special Survival Commission

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance has been recognized for its expertise in wildlife biobanking, and has partnered with the Species Survival Commission (SSC) of the world’s largest conservation organization—the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)—to form the new Center for Species Survival: Biodiversity Banking. The new center is the first ever to have a strategy focus rather than a taxonomic one.  

Curebound Concert for Cures raises $5.5 million for cancer research

Curebound, a San Diego-based philanthropic organization that raises and invests strategic funding in cancer research, raised $5.5 million at the 2023 Concert for Cures on Oct. 20, at the Rady Shell at Jacobs Park. The sold-out event was headlined by four-time Grammy Award winner Ed Sheeran. The benefit concert raising awareness and funds for lifesaving cancer research. All proceeds from the event fuel innovative research grants among collaborative scientific teams from California’s top research institutions.

Soapy Joe’s announces inaugural Pets and Vets Customize for a Cause campaign

Soapy Joe’s Car Wash, which has 21 locations across San Diego County,  announced its inaugural Pets and Vets Customize for a Cause campaign that will run through Veterans Day on Nov. 11, 2023. The public can submit a photo of their pet or veteran online at SoapyJoesCarWash.com/Pets-And-Vets and Soapy Joe’s will turn it into a custom air freshener free of charge. For every photo submission, Soapy Joe’s will donate $1 to Support the Enlisted Project (STEP) and the Helen Woodward Animal Center (HWAC). 

ARTS

Arts and culture sector produced $1.1 billion economic impact in City of San Diego

A new study by the Americans for the Arts shows that San Diego’s nonprofit arts and culture industry generated more than $1.1 billion in local economic activity last year. The study, which looked at regions in all 50 states and Puerto Rico, measured the economic and social impact of nonprofit arts and culture organizations and their audiences.

According to the Arts and Economic Prosperity 6 (AEP6) study, which is conducted every five years, in 2022 San Diego saw nearly $658 million in spending by local nonprofit arts and culture organizations. The study also measured $528 million in event-related spending by audiences, things like restaurant dining, paying for parking or transportation, and even childcare.

Overall, the impact of this economic activity in the city supported 16,900 jobs and generated about $276 million in tax revenue.  

Conrad Prebys Foundation announces $16 million in arts initiatives

The Conrad Prebys Foundation announced $16 million in arts initiatives to support and uplift the vibrant arts community of San Diego. “We seek to celebrate and strengthen the many forms and roles of San Diego’s dynamic visual and performing arts scene,” said Prebys CEO Grant Oliphant.

Local author releases memoir

SDSU professor of cross-cultural communication Jessica Keith’s debut memoir “Saying Inshallah With Chutzpah: A Memoir,” is out November 14th, distributed by Simon and Schuster. The gefilte fish out of water journey is her experience as a Jewish woman working for a Muslim government. This story of connection and resilience hopes to bring positivity to complicated relationships. The book launch is Nov. 17th at 7 p.m. at The Book Catapult in South Park, San Diego.

Shortest Short Story contest

The Library Shop SD has announced the seventh annual Matchbook Story Contest, giving those with a penchant for brevity the opportunity to show off their wit, humor, and succinctness.

The Matchbook Story Contest challenges writers to craft a story short enough to fit inside a book of matches. Each entry will cost $5. This year, each entry will quadruple its impact thanks to a generous matching gift donation from longtime supporter and Library Foundation SD Trustee Judith Wenker. 

Additionally, there’s now a new Team Category, allowing entire companies, book clubs, and other organizations to enter their members for $75 – with no limit to the number of entries submitted. Along with an overall winner for the entire contest, judges will also declare a winner from each team.

The winning short story, as in year’s past, will be printed on a limited-edition matchbook available for purchase at the Library Shop. Matchbook Story Contest submissions will be accepted from Oct. 1 to Nov. 15 at bit.ly/matchbook-story.

Native American Art Showcase

Celebrate Native American Heritage Month with an inspiring artistic journey at Exclusive Collections Gallery (EC Gallery). Join us from Nov. 10 to 12 for the “Native American Art Show,” highlighting the rich cultural heritage of the nation’s top Native American artists through remarkable sculptures, paintings, and mixed media pieces.

In addition to meeting the acclaimed artists, guests will also be able to enjoy Native American wine, beer, light bites, and music at EC Gallery at 621 Fifth St.

RSVP is recommended. The cost for the show is free and open to all ages, except the Friday VIP event where guests must be 21+. Please visit their web site at ecgallery.com to RSVP and for more show details.

New Year exhibit at Sparks Gallery

New encaustic (wax painting) artworks by Tiffany Bociek will be featured in a solo exhibition, Enduring Exuberance, at Sparks Gallery at 530 Sixth Ave. from January to March, 2024. The exhibition consists of three series that were born from the artist’s internal exploration of her past, her present state of being, and a vision for her future self. This is the first in a series of exhibitions in 2024 at the gallery that will explore the curatorial theme of “Memories.”

FOOD AND DRINK

Knotty Barrel launches BBQ menu

Knotty Barrel in East Village officially launches weekend outdoor BarB-Que on Nov. 3rd. Owner, Kenny Lovi showcases his love for quality ingredients, simple recipes and the all-day smoking process with this new menu. Specializing in three things, Knotty Barrel will be serving Smoked Brisket, Smoked Turkey and Smoked Sausages, including Jalapeño Cheddar and hot links, every weekend starting Friday, Nov. 3rd.

Karl Strauss acquires its original Downtown location

Karl Strauss Brewing Company, the pioneering force behind San Diego’s craft beer movement, proudly marks its enduring legacy with the completion of acquisition of its original brewery/brewpub location at 1157 Columbia Street (at the corner of B Street) in Downtown San Diego. The sale went through on October 1, marking a significant milestone for San Diego’s original independent brewing company.

Founded in February 1989, Karl Strauss was the first craft brewery in the City of San Diego since prohibition, helping launch San Diego as a mecca for craft beer fans and shape a thriving industry that now boasts more than 9,500 independent craft breweries across the United States.

Brazilian steakhouse opens in Seaport

Now accepting reservations and walk-ins, Galpão Gaucho opens its seventh location in the U.S. in San Diego, CA. The Brazilian Steakhouse brings to San Diego a unique restaurant experience inspired by Gaucho culture and the dining tradition of the Brazilian cowboy – the rodizio menu. Guests have the opportunity to enjoy 17 different cuts of meat including beef, seafood, pork, chicken, lamb and more, for $48 during weekday lunch and $72 for dinner and weekend service. The 10,000 square foot space features around 400 seats. 

Galpão Gaucho San Diego is located at 789 West Harbor Drive, Ste #134, San Diego, CA 92101. The restaurant is open for lunch Monday through Friday, from 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.; dinner Monday through Thursday from 5-9:30 p.m.; Friday from 5-10 p.m.; Saturday from noon-10 p.m.; and Sunday from noon-9 p.m. For more information, visit GalpaoGauchoUSA.com, or call the San Diego location directly at (619) 373-9969.

EL Chingon Thursday nights to benefit immigration nonprofits

El Chingon, GBOD Hospitality Group’s “Bad Ass Mexican” restaurant and bar located in the Gaslamp Quarter at 560 Fifth Ave., has partnered with local experiential marketing brand, Subelo Group, to support immigrant and Hispanic communities by donating funds to two charities, Border Angels and Love Thy Neighbor. El Chingon will donate a portion of cover charges collected on Thursdays nights in November and December to the organizations. More information about El Chingon is available on the website at ElChingon.com/San-Diego.

Melting Pot offers discount for St. Jude’s donation

 Melting Pot is celebrating its 20-year partnership with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital^® and making it even easier to donate more and make a difference this holiday season through its annual St. Jude Thanks and Giving campaign.

For the first time ever, Melting Pot is offering two donation tiers. From now through December 31st, Melting Pot will collect donations by encouraging guests to donate $10 to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital® and receive a Donate and Dine Card valid for $20 off a future purchase of $50 or more. Or guests can choose to donate $20 and receive a new Donate and Dine Card valid for $40 off a future purchase of $100 or more. The Donate and Dine Card is valid for dining only and valid from January 2 through August 31, 2024.

Coco Maya celebrates one year in Little Italy

For its first anniversary, island-inspired rooftop bar Coco Maya announced a new dinner menu.

As a go-to spot for brunching, happy hours, and stunning ambiance over Little Italy’s piazza, Coco Maya’s brilliant Culinary Director, Quinnton Austin, affectionally known as “Chef Q” has revamped and expanded their dinner menu. Original favorites like the Strawberry Baby Salad with house made vinaigrette, Jerk Chicken Gnocchi with diced and grilled mango, Maine Lobster Flatbread featuring béchamel truffle sauce, and Maya TKO Tacos featuring smoked pineapple still remain and welcome additional steak, taco, and pasta options that make Coco Maya even more of a foodie’s wonderland. Additional notable menu items include Short Rib Birria Tacos, 12 oz chili rubbed Prime Ribeye, and Jerk Chicken with a mango-habanero butter. 

All-in-one Japanese food in East Village

An all-in-one destination for Japanese food that’s emerged in the East Village is an ambitious enterprise from the team behind Beshock Ramen. The largest storefront belongs to Asa Bakery, a sidewalk-facing cafe offering coffee, espresso drinks, matcha and hojicha lattes. The in-house bakery turns out a wide range of Japanese bread and pastries. Behind a secret door hidden in the right wall of the bakery is Bar Kamon, a speakeasy that transports guests back to Japan in the 1920s. A door in the back of the bakery leads to Sushi Gaga, a cozy 10-seat, omakase-only sushi bar.

$5,000 grants available for independent restaurant owners

Applications are open for the second round of the Restaurant Care Resilience Fund through Nov. 8. This initiative, backed by a $2.1 million contribution from SoCal Gas, PG&E, and SDG&E, offers $5,000 grants to independent restaurant owners across California. These grants can be used for technology adoption, equipment upgrades, employee onboarding and retention, or unforseen challenges. Awardees will be announced on Dec. 1.

EVENTS

San Diego Beer Week

The 15th-Annual San Diego Beer Week, presented by the San Diego Brewers Guild, begins Friday, Nov. 3 at breweries, bars, and restaurants throughout San Diego County with a virtual kick-off toast at 7:30 p.m. Individual breweries will host events and have beer specials throughout Beer Week November 3-12, all of which are posted on the Brewers Guild’s calendar. 

A Capital of Craft IPA collaboration beer specifically created for Beer Week will be available at breweries throughout the 10 days of festivities. The West Coast Capital of Craft IPA (6.5% ABV) was made by Modern Times Beer (host), 3 Punk Ales Brewing Co., Dog Leg Brewing Co., GOAL. Brewing, Kilowatt Brewing, Northern Pine Brewing, and Seek Beer Co..

“Intro to Video” class

San Diego based VideoMasters (a Toastmasters International Specialty Club) today announced their upcoming “Intro to Video” online workshop for speakers, communicators and leaders who want to improve their skills in using video to present their ideas, concepts and programs.
There is no cost to attend this short two-hour program on Saturday, Nov. 4 at 9 a.m. It is open to everyone. The program will cover the basics of creating and using video.

For more information and to sign up, please visit http://tiny.cc/VideoMastersEvent

Fall Back Festival

The Gaslamp Quarter’s only children’s festival brings families and children back to the past to experience a day of historic play and demonstrations to make lasting memories.

Step into a living time capsule at the 23rd Annual Gaslamp Quarter Fall-Back Festival! On Sunday, Nov. 5, 2023, from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., Downtown San Diego’s historic heart transforms as we wind the clocks back. Join us in front of the Davis-Horton House on 4th and Island Avenue for an unforgettable journey through San Diego’s rich cultural history. This FREE event blends play and education, offering kids of all ages a chance to touch history. Interactive activities and demonstrations will make the past come to life. 

San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival

The 19th annual San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival returns to San Diego on Nov. 6-12. The festival will bring together an unprecedented roster of over 100 regionally and nationally recognized chefs and over 800 craft wine, beer, cider and spirits selections, sommeliers, brewers, artists, artisans, and live entertainment. It will also emphasize the influence of Mexican culture, heritage, and gastronomy on Southern California’s food scene with participation from top chefs from both sides of the border.

Women’s Museum happy hour and craft night

Join the Women’s Museum of California at Mujeres Brew House (1983 Julia Ave.) on November 9 from 5-8 p.m. for a happy hour craft night. They will be making a traditional ‘Eye Craft.’ This is a traditional craft of the Huichol tribe in Mexico, serving as an amulet/symbol of power and protection.

All skill levels are welcome to join this free activity taught by museum staff.

Ashes to Action

Join persons of faith and other activists Downtown San Diego to memorialize those lost due to the climate crisis and demand big banks stop funding fossil fuel projects. The interdenominational memorial and procession carrying a (mock) coffin symbolize the mounting casualties of this crisis with stops at Bank of America, Chase, Citibank, and Wells Fargo to recognize the banks’ culpabilities and resistance towards changing their investment strategies. To join, wear black and meet at 655 W. Broadway at 11 a.m. on Nov. 13.

Ice skate at Hotel del Coronado

Skating by the Sea at Hotel del Coronado is returning for the 2023 holiday season from Nov. 17 – Jan. 7, 2024, as part of Hotel Del’s Frosted by the Sea celebrations. The beachfront ice rink features stunning views of the Pacific and benefits Make-A-Wish® San Diego. Guests can also reserve the rink-side Frostbite Lounge with plush seating, roaring fire pits, holiday-themed libations, and delectable bites. Frosted by the Sea also features sparkling lights draping the hotel’s iconic red turrets, Christmas trees, snowy surprises and garlands galore, filling the property with holiday cheer and visits from Santa.

Festive lights at USS Midway

The USS Midway Museum will deck out the carrier from bow to stern with hundreds of thousands of twinkling and shimmering lights to celebrate this year’s holidays with “Jingle Jets,” its inaugural festive lighting experience. This joyous evening event will be the newest holiday tradition in San Diego. Jingle Jets will begin on Friday, Nov. 24 and run on 17 selective nights through Dec. 23 from 5:30 – 9:30 p.m.

December Nights returns

On Dec. 1 and 2, December Nights will return to Balboa Park as The City of San Diego’s largest free holiday festival. The family-friendly event brings San Diegans together to enjoy the lights, the sounds, the attractions and of course, the amazing food.