Hasta Mañana Cantina opens in Gaslamp

A new eatery opened in the Gaslamp with a focus on Baja coastal cuisine from industry veterans Aron Langellier, Dave Jones, Chef Kevin Templeton, and Todd Brown.

With a seating capacity of 158, Hasta Mañana Cantina invites guests to indulge in the holy trinity of Tacos, Tequila, and unforgettable moments. From meticulously crafted margaritas to sizzling Baja Coastal Cuisine, every aspect of the menu is designed to transport diners to the sun-soaked shores of Mexico.

Located at 310 Fifth Avenue, the cantina is open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday with extended hours to 2 a.m. on Friday and Saturday.

Sam the Cooking Guy’s latest restaurant opens

Sam Zien (better known as Sam the Cooking Guy), launched his newest concept, BASTA!, in the heart of Little Italy at the Piazza della Famiglia. Led by Chef Gavin Mills, Director of Culinary, guests can expect new, fun twists on classic Italian dishes as well as signature ‘Sam the Cooking Guy’ bites.

BASTA! is the latest concept by the Grain & Grit Collective, a hospitality group led by CEO Michael DiNorscia and dedicated to creating exceptional dining experiences. The Grain & Grit Collective is behind several popular ventures including Carnitas Snack Shack, Not Not Tacos by Sam the Cooking Guy, Little Italy Food Hall, Coo Coo’s Nest by Sam the Cooking Guy, and Samburgers by Sam the Cooking Guy.

Wine Girl to open in Gaslamp

Wine Girl, the popular wine bar with locations in Scottsdale and Napa Valley, announced it will be opening its third location in San Diego. Following in the footsteps of its sister locations, the San Diego wine bar will feature rotating wines on tap, a reserve bottle/by the glass list, locally crafted beers, spritzers, and other libations along with an ever-changing array of food options served up in a delightfully chic, Insta-worthy interior. The 2,4000 square foot concept is coming to the Gaslamp Promenade on Fifth Avenue by early 2025.

Housing update

City home prices surpass Downtown prices

San Diego is among many Western cities where the downtown home prices are lower than the city’s median home sale price. Unfortunately, this does not come because Downtown housing has lowered in price. Instead, the rest of the city has just gotten more expensive. This is a trend among 10 of the 14 major western cities, according to a report from Property Shark. A decade ago, only five major cities had higher housing costs outside of their downtowns.

San Diego to add 556 apartments from commercial conversions

The latest Adaptive Reuse Report from RentCafe revealed although construction is underway on some projects, no new adaptive reuse apartments were completed in 2023. This was in stark contrast to other locations such as Manhattan, which completed 733 apartments (all of them from offices); Richmond, VA, with 622 units delivered; or even unexpected players like Alameda, CA, which opened 372 units in 2023.  However, the ongoing construction efforts in San Diego are expected to yield at least 556 units in the coming years, with 393 of those resulting from transformed office spaces, 100 from retail spaces and around 60 from a former hotel. On the national level, hotel to apartment conversions outpaced office conversions for the first time. Nationwide, adaptive reuse projects increased by 17.6% from the previous year. 

Affordable senior housing tower reopens

San Diego affordable housing developer RAHD Group and Catholic Charities Diocese of San Diego (Catholic Charities) proudly announce the grand reopening of Cathedral Plaza after a $30 million renovation. Cathedral Plaza, originally constructed in 1975 with the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), is a 16-story, 225-unit apartment community in Downtown. Cathedral Plaza has been a vital housing resource for low-income seniors aged 62 and older for nearly 50 years. Now, with the help of RAHD Group, it has been reimagined to improve the quality of living of its residents for many years to come with new services including technology assistance, social events, educational presentations and access to resource advocates.

SD Foundation expands homebuyer program

San Diego Foundation (SDF) announced today that it has granted an additional $1 million to the Access Granted Homebuyer Program (formerly the San Diego Black Homebuyers Program) that will now expand to serve local Black, Latino/a, Native American and Asian and Pacific Islander residents that qualify for assistance.

The San Diego Black Homebuyers Program was launched in August 2021 by SDF with an initial $1 million grant. To date, SDF has invested $2.4 million in the homebuyer program.

The SDF Access Granted Homebuyer Program also received a $500,000 donation from U.S. Bank; those funds will be used to support any eligible homebuyer earning no more than 80% of the Area Media Income and purchasing in designated low-income census tracts. LISC San Diego will be the administrator of all funds granted to eligible homebuyers, who must make no more than 120% of the Area Median Income to qualify for funding available through the program.

Dispatches from the officials

New Chief Administrative Officer for County

The County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously Tuesday to appoint Ebony Shelton as the new Chief Administrative Officer (CAO). Shelton is the first Afro-Latina in County history to serve in the role. She will start her new position June 14.

Shelton has dedicated her career to serving the community, most recently in a dual role as the County’s chief financial officer and as a deputy chief administrative officer.

The appointment comes after the County rescinded the job offer to labor-endorsed Cindy Chavez in the wake of the Nathan Fletcher scandal, leading to protests and a standoff with chair Nora Vargas.
After the vote, Supervisor Terra Lawson-Remer released a statement, “I hope Ebony can forge a new partnership with labor that centers the voice of working families across our County. I look forward to seeing her deepen our Board’s commitment to advancing equity and environmental sustainability in all the work we do — not only through our County programs and budget priorities, but also in how we run our County as an enterprise, and how we manage procurement and contracting.”

Shelton, who is considered a financial expert, will oversee the County’s 18,000 employees through a difficult budget season.

City Clerk to expand social media presence

San Diego City Clerk Diana Fuentes issued the following statement regarding her office’s expanded presence on social media platforms.

“Social media has shown demonstrable impact in leveling access to local government. Starting today, my office will begin posting real-time vote results from City Council meetings on the following social media platforms: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and X. Expanding my office’s presence to these platforms closely aligns with my mission to maximize engagement with residents, enhance transparency, improve information sharing and facilitate service delivery. I look forward to further promoting civic engagement and resident participation in the local democratic process.”

Members of the public can connect with the Office of the City Clerk using the social media handle: @sdcityclerk. The Office also has a YouTube channel featuring San Diego historical images and content.

City launches photo exhibit for Immigrant Heritage Month

Artist and photographer John Raymond Mireles, the City of San Diego’s municipal photo fellow through the Exposure program, has teamed up with the City’s Office of Immigrant Affairs and Arts and Culture to create a series of unique photographic exhibitions based on the City’s Welcoming San Diego strategic plan. In recognition of Immigrant Heritage Month, these exhibitions, celebrating diverse immigrant communities, will debut in public spaces across the city in June.

Drawing inspiration from a poem at the base of the Statue of Liberty, Mireles titled his photo project “The New Colossus: A Photographic Celebration of San Diego’s Immigrant Communities.” The project aims to capture the lives of San Diego’s immigrants through portraits taken in their everyday surroundings. The photos can be found at city hall and various libraries.

Airport receives $23.5 million federal grant

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has awarded San Diego International Airport (SAN) $23.5 million in discretionary grant funds as part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Airport Infrastructure Grants (AIG) program. This amount is the second largest grant awarded by the FAA in this round of funding. The grant dollars will help fund the construction of a modern and efficient New Terminal 1 which includes 30 gates and will replace the current Terminal 1.The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law invests in the nation’s infrastructure and competitiveness. This is the sixth round of funding to enhance safety and efficiency at airports. Ninety-one airports across the county were awarded grants in this funding round.

MTS unveils Pride month bus wrap

In celebration of Pride Month, the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) and San Diego Pride nveiled a new bus wrap featuring a Pride flag. The agency’s new bus wrap started operating on June 5. The purpose of the “Ride with Pride” bus wrap is to celebrate and support LGBTQIA+ riders, employees and community throughout Pride Month and beyond.

MTS also announced its participation in this year’s San Diego Pride Parade July 20, featuring the newly wrapped “Ride with Pride” bus. MTS employees will celebrate San Diego Pride and promote inclusivity for LGBTQIA+ folks with the more than 250,00 spectators along the parade route.

First study on LGBTQ+ cancer risk

In a first-of-its-kind study, the American Cancer Society (ACS) released “Cancer in People who Identify as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer ​or Gender-nonconforming (LGBTQ+).” The article provides the latest statistics on the prevalence of cancer screening and modifiable risk factors in LGBTQ+ populations, as well as a ​review of literature on cancer occurrence and obstacles to cancer prevention and treatment.

LGBTQ+ individuals in the United States have elevated prevalence of smoking, excess body weight, and other factors that increase cancer risk. However the greatest health disparity occurs due to the presumption-of-care gap, which is the fear that a provider will refuse care due to gender identity or sexual ​orientation. The report found only 25% of medical students are confident in the healthcare needs of transgender patients and 30% are not comfortable treating transgender patients according to one study.

“Everyone deserves an equal opportunity to prevent and detect cancer early, which is why it’s so important to remove these roadblocks for this ​population,” said Rebecca Siegel, senior scientific director, cancer surveillance at the American Cancer Society ​and senior author of the study.

Screening for some cancers is low among transgender people; for example, 46% of transgender men are up-to-date on colorectal cancer screening compared to 60% of cisgender ​men and 68% of transgender men with a cervix are current for cervical cancer screening compared to 87% of cisgender women.

Cancer-causing infections such as HIV, HPV and Hep C are also higher among some populations of the LGBTQ+ community.

Now a round of applause…

Calif. LGBTQ Legislative Caucus honors three locals

Every year during Pride Month, the California Legislative LGBTQ Caucus hosts a ceremony in the Capitol to honor distinguished individuals who have made great contributions to the LGBTQ+ community and have served as exemplary role models. This year, the LGBTQ Caucus Pride honorees from San Diego are Araceli “Cheli” Mohamed, Paris Antoinette San Agustin Quion, and Bruce M. Abrams, Esq. Mohamed is renowned for her volunteer leadership and was recently appointed as a Commissioner by Governor Gavin Newsom to California Volunteers, which helps shape the landscape of community engagement. Drag queen and trans educator Quion was not only honored by the caucus, but is also San Diego Pride’s 2024 Champion of Pride. Abrams is a lawyer who has helped many underrepresented clients with pro bono legal services.

Sen. Atkins names Outdoor Outreach nonprofit of the year

Senate President pro Tempore Emeritus Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego) selected Outdoor Outreach as the 2024 Nonprofit of the Year for the 39th Senate District. The organization was recognized yesterday during a ceremony at the Capitol.

“We have kids that live less than ten miles from the coast but have never been to the beach,” said Atkins. “Outdoor Outreach is changing that, and in doing so, is mentoring future generations to become civic leaders and stewards of our environment. Since 1999, Outdoor Outreach has worked with more than 20,000 young people.”

Outdoor Outreach maintains partnerships with over 40 Title I schools, social service agencies and youth-serving organizations to engage communities who benefit most from their programming. Recent successes include an innovative mental health prevention and early intervention program based on outdoor engagement, as well as a juvenile justice program focused on nature-based engagement for critical youth.

County Assessor honored for public service

Local PR firm Scatena Daniels wins national award

Scatena Daniels, a women-owned PR and integrated communications firm serving organizations in Southern California, is racking up awards for their earned media relations work on behalf of Planned Parenthood of Orange and San Bernardino Counties (PPOSBC). The team received a Bronze Anvil at the Public Relations Society of America’s 80th Annual Anvil Awards for their coordinated public response to the overturning of Roe v. Wade.

The PRSA Annual Anvil Awards set the industry standard for excellence and have long been considered the benchmark for outstanding performance in public relations. In addition, the firm won two best in shows and other awards at the Health Care Communicators of Southern California’s Finest Awards, edging out major healthcare corporations.

Awards aren’t the only thing Scatena Daniels is celebrating right now–the firm is celebrating its 15th year of public relations service to healthcare, education, and nonprofit organizations. Founded in 2009 by Arika Daniels and Denise Scatena, the company has become a top public relations agency in San Diego, implementing PR and integrated communications campaigns for more than 100 organizations across San Diego, Orange County, and beyond.

Gondola Company celebrates 25 years

In a city known for its skyscrapers and bustling activity, The Gondola Company has offered a touch of Venetian charm and relaxation in the Coronado Cays since its founding in 1999 by Sean Jamieson. Celebrating 25 years this June, The Gondola Company offers unparalleled gondola cruises, whisking guests away to a world of relaxation and elegance.

Becoming a favorite among locals seeking a break from the ordinary and tourists eager to explore Coronado from a unique vantage point, The Gondola Company has been making waves with their unique waterway experience in Coronado.

Regional property manager promoted

NewMark Merrill Companies, Inc., a Calabasas, California-based retail shopping center owner and development company, is proud to announce the promotion of Chuck Moore to the position of Regional Property Manager. Moore has been an integral part of the NewMark Merrill team for nine years, previously excelling in roles such as Property Manager and Senior Property Manager before his current promotion.

In his new role, Moore will oversee the management of more than 1.5 million square feet of commercial real estate in San Diego County, specifically including notable shopping centers like Piazza Carmel and Grand Plaza.

‘The Last Butterflies’ earns eight San Diego Film Awards nominations

Drama short, ‘The Last Butterflies’ is continuing its triumphant tour of the United States with no less than eight San Diego Film Awards nominations after receiving an outstanding audience reception at the nearby Coronado Island Film Festival and San Diego Film Week.

Already the recipient of multiple nominations and awards from festivals across the USA, the latest accolades cover almost every aspect of production.

Writer and actress, Whitney Wegman-Wood said, “I’m absolutely floored by the response and support of the San Diego film community, the audience and the judges for the San Diego Film Awards. I’m so honored by these nominations and thrilled that our movie struck an emotional chord with so many viewers.

The San Diego Film Awards are organized by the San Diego Film Consortium and will mark their tenth anniversary this year. The 2024 awards will be held on June 22 at the Museum of Photographic Arts.

Winners of 2024 Broadway San Diego Awards

Broadway San Diego held its annual awards ceremony on Sunday, May 27 at Balboa Theatre to honor local students for their performing arts achievements. San Diego School of Creative and Performing Arts won Best Musical for their production of “Guys and Dolls.” Two students from the school, Mia Rivera and Spencer Kearns, also won the best actress and best actor awards. The pair are headed to New York City for The Jimmy Awards on Monday, June 24.

Winners of 2023 Fly Quiet Awards

he San Diego County Regional Airport Authority (Airport Authority) is pleased to announce the winners of the 2023 Fly Quiet Awards, which recognizes airlines for their efforts to reduce noise during arrivals and departures at San Diego International Airport (SAN).

Four airlines are being recognized for their efforts in 2023:

 – Southwest Airlines received the highest Fly Quiet Score in the large domestic carrier category due to its continued use of the Boeing 737 MAX, a newer and quieter aircraft.

– Hawaiian Airlines won in the small domestic carrier category by flying half of their overall flights in 2023 at SAN with the A321neo aircraft, a newer and quieter aircraft; and receiving a good nighttime score.

 – DHL Express USA won the air cargo carrier category for its use of quieter aircraft, the Boeing 737-800; no noise curfew violations; and the lowest noise exceedance score among air cargo carriers.

 – Lufthansa won the international carrier category, achieving the best overall score in all categories. The airline utilizes the Airbus 350-900 which is a newer and quieter aircraft; 95.5 percent of departures occurred prior to 9 p.m.; and has never had a curfew violation while operating at SAN.

Law firm’s $30k donation for Just in Time for Foster Youth

Just in Time for Foster Youth is thrilled to announce a significant investment from Van Dermyden Makus Law Corporation to further their mission of supporting transition-age foster youth in achieving self-sufficiency and well-being. Van Dermyden Makus Law Corporation’s $30,000 donation will provide essential resources, professional development, higher education and mental wellness assistance to the youth Just in Time serves.

This contribution represents a three-year commitment, with Van Dermyden Makus Law Corporation pledging $10,000 annually. Additionally, the firm demonstrated its support by hosting two tables at Just in Time’s Empower Party on May 15th at Parc Bistro-Brasserie.

Neil Good Day Center serves record number of people

New enrollment for services at the Neil Good Day Center are up 200% year-over-year between 2023 and 2024 as of April. The Neil Good Day Center, operated by Father Joe’s Villages, provided crucial services to a record number of people experiencing homelessness in San Diego County.

As San Diego County’s only drop-in services center, the Neil Good Day Center offers a range of crucial care and comfort to those in need. These services include mail service, laundry, warm showers, phone charging, shelter intake, and more.

The total number of unduplicated clients reached more than 2,800 this year, with clients in the 25 to 55 age range increasing by 15%.

100k San Diegans trained in CPR

Just in time for National CPR and AED Awareness Week (June 1-7), Revive & Survive San Diego — a community initiative to train one million San Diegans in lifesaving, hands-only cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) led by the County of San Diego Emergency Medical Services and the Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science at University of California San Diego — has reached a milestone with more than 100,000 individuals trained in CPR.

Whether in schools, businesses, shopping centers or other community spaces, Revive & Survive San Diego partners have collectively trained 108,346 San Diegans. Using simulation modeling, Natasha Martin, DPhil, UC San Diego School of Medicine professor, estimates that Revive & Survive San Diego could lead to 1,701 more individuals to perform bystander CPR and save an additional 474 lives over five years.