Garden by SO3O open in Bankers Hill

The team behind the highly acclaimed Salon on 30th is proud to introduce Garden by SO30, a high-end yet welcoming salon experience now open in Bankers Hill. Building on the legacy of excellence established at Salon on 30th in South Park, Garden by SO30 offers a premier beauty destination where top-tier service, expert stylists, and an inviting atmosphere come together to redefine the modern salon experience.

As a sister salon to Salon on 30th, Garden by SO30 builds on a strong foundation of excellence, innovation, and dedication to both clients and stylists. Garden by SO30 is a Davines concept salon, exclusively using Davines products and color. Its sister location, Salon on 30th, also shares this distinction. Originating from Parma, Italy, Davines is known for its commitment to sustainability and quality, using natural ingredients to deliver high-performance, environmentally conscious haircare solutions.

For those looking to experience the best in salon services, Garden by SO30 is now welcoming new guests. To book an appointment or learn more, visit their website salonon30th.com/garden or follow @SalonOn30th on social media.

Food and drink

The Bar at the Beau to open

 

The Beau Hotel is excited to officially introduce its highly anticipated on-site restaurant and bar, The Bar at the Beau, opening Friday, May 16. Set inside one of the Gaslamp Quarter’s most storied properties, The Beau Hotel has become a destination for travelers seeking understated elegance, history, and heartfelt hospitality. Now, with the debut of The Bar at the Beau, guests and locals alike are invited to experience the next evolution of this remarkable space.

Originally built in 1886 as the Leland Hotel, the building later became the Beaumanor and even housed a secret speakeasy during Prohibition. Today, careful restoration honors the property’s rich history: the original 1886 bar remains, and the walls feature bricks sourced from Coronado’s PB&Y Company. Hints of the past, including the rumor of a friendly spirit, infuse the hotel with an atmosphere that feels both timeless and alive.

The Bar at the Beau offers a full-day menu — from breakfast and midday bites to happy hour and dinner — centered around elevated American comfort food. Executive Chef Robin James leads the kitchen, bringing refined creativity to nostalgic favorites like Duck Pot Pie and Braised Pork Shank, alongside shareable plates such as Beef Cheek with crispy chickpeas, fresh Oysters on the Half Shell, and Chilled English Pea Soup.

Argentinian-style steakhouse opens in Little Italy

Piedra Santa, an Argentinian-inspired steakhouse, is now open in the heart of Little Italy, bringing the time-honored tradition of Argentine asado to San Diego. The highly-anticipated restaurant, located at 555 W Ash St., offers a menu centered around premium dry-aged steaks, expertly grilled over an open flame, and complemented by an extensive selection of Argentine wines and craft cocktails.

Founded by restaurateurs Alberto Morreale and Roberto Ciacciofera, Piedra Santa is designed to immerse guests in the flavors and hospitality of Argentina. The 3,000-square-foot dining space features a warm, inviting ambiance with a semi-private lounge for larger gatherings and a 1,000-square-foot outdoor patio for al fresco dining.

With dinner service available seven nights a week starting at 4 p.m., Piedra Santa is dedicated to providing a memorable dining experience where guests can enjoy expertly prepared steaks, house-made chimichurri, and bold flavors that define Argentine cuisine.

Brunch spot now open in East Village

Say good morning to the East Village’s newest brunch hotspot: 6th & G Breakfast Co., now open and redefining the way San Diegans do breakfast. Brought to life by Rise & Shine Hospitality Group, this imaginative eatery blends neighborhood flair with next-level morning fare, all served in a lively, design-forward space that feels as vibrant as the menu.

Building on the cult-favorite success of Breakfast Republic and Breakfast Company, 6th & G invites guests to savor the moment—through bold flavors, playful design, and unexpected twists on breakfast classics.

The lineup of crave-worthy dishes includes crowd-pleasers like Blueberry, Maple Bacon, and S’mores Waffle Pops, Matcha Flood Pancakes, Turkish Eggs, Chipotle Chilaquiles, a Grilled Birria Sandwich, and the must-try Shrimp Katsu Benedict.

Open daily from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., the restaurant is located at 695 Sixth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101. The 2,714-square-foot space (plus a 300-square-foot patio) comfortably seats 71 inside and 20 outdoors, with a warm and whimsical design perfect for both casual bites and celebratory brunches.

Panama 66 owners to run Village Grill

The City of San Diego has selected highly-regarded San Diego restaurateurs Jeff Motch and Clea Hantman to bring new life to the former Village Grill in Balboa Park. Motch and Hantman currently co-own Panama 66 in Balboa Park’s San Diego Museum of Art and Blind Lady Ale House in Normal Heights.

In October 2024, the City issued a Request for Proposals for the renovation, operation and lease of the restaurant site near the Spanish Village Art Center. Through this competitive process, Motch and Hantman’s proposal – a fast-casual restaurant concept – was selected. They presented a detailed operating plan and a strong demonstration of their experience and qualifications.

With this selection, Motch and Hantman can now begin working toward implementing their vision. They will work in coordination with the City’s Economic Development Department to negotiate lease terms and with the Parks and Recreation Department on design approvals that are consistent with the Balboa Park Central Mesa Precise Plan. The former Village Grill, built in 1973, last served customers from 2014 through 2017.

Like their other food establishment endeavors, Motch and Hantman hope to create a space that fosters a sense of community and gathering, along with more food options in the park.

RationAle launches mental health initiative

RationAle Brewing, the non-alcoholic craft beer brand born here in San Diego and one of the fastest-growing in the category, just launched Crush the Crisis — a powerful new mental health initiative designed to offer real resources and real relief.

The brand announced the launch of “Crush the Crisis,” a long-term initiative focused on expanding access to mental health support across the country. The movement kicks off this May, during Mental Health Awareness Month, with a major first step, teaming up with online therapy provider, BetterHelp, to offer one free month of therapy — no purchase required for anyone in the US who visits crushthecrisis.org.

Beyond Mental Health Awareness Month, RationAle will continue fueling the movement through ongoing community partnerships, local initiatives, sampling events, and a permanent commitment to donate 1% of all sales to organizations working on the front lines of mental health.

Right in the brand’s backyard, San Diego’s H3-7P! – which subtly reads as “HELP” – will be the initial recipient of the brand’s 1% giveback from all sales — reinforcing the commitment to grassroots, community-led mental health solutions.

Disappointing year for San Diego breweries at World Beer Cup

No gold medals were won, but five San Diego County craft breweries and one Tijuana brewery earned silver and bronze at the 2025 World Beer Cup, the largest international beer competition often referred to as The Olympics of Beer Competitions. Eight medals overall were awarded to breweries in the region.

The top winner was Carlsbad-based Pizza Port Brewing Company, which won three medals at the award ceremony held in Indianapolis. Two North Park breweries won bronze medals: North Park Beer Company won for Imperial IPA House of Fu! and Taproom Beer Company (North Park) won in the New Zealand-style IPA category with Modern Love.

Tijuana’s Insurgente won a bronze medal for its “Dragula” in the Oatmeal Stout category. Insurgente became only the second Tijuana brewery to win a medal at the World Beer Cup, joining Cerveceria Rámuri, which won a bronze medal in 2018 and 2022.

“The overall results aren’t what we’re used to, but that doesn’t take away from the extraordinary beers that did win medals this year,” said San Diego Brewers Guild Executive Director Erik Fowler. “Some categories had more than 100 entries, and a few even had more than 200. The World Beer Cup is highly competitive year in and year out, and San Diego will keep bringing its best year in and year out.”

San Diego breweries won 14 medals at the 2024 World Beer Cup, including four golds.

Arts and entertainment

Renovations incoming at Civic Theatre

As part of the yearlong celebration marking the San Diego Civic Theatre’s 60th Diamond Anniversary, San Diego Theatres is excited to announce $7.5 million in theater upgrades designed to elevate the patron experience. All work on the theater is expected to be completed by late September and will occur in between ongoing performances.

The Civic Theatre will see significant interior upgrades transforming front of house spaces into a spectrum of new color tones across lobby walls, columns and flooring inspired by San Diego’s trademark coast. Design services for the project are being provided by Tucker Sadler Architects and IGroup Design. Project management services are being provided by Civic Communities.

Upon entering the venue’s ground floor level, patrons will be greeted by a completely new terrazzo floor where the blues in the sea and sky meet the sandy beaches along a variated coastline.  New, custom designed carpeting will be installed on all floors, stairs and lobby spaces, and its colors and features mirror coastal tidal pools using shades of teal, blue, sand, brown and black with gold threads running throughout.

Work began in March with new paint in the theater’s upper balcony lobby spaces and is scheduled to progress to lower floors before taking a brief ‘intermission’ on performance days when audiences are in the building.  Work resumes in June through mid-September when the improvements are set to be completed.

Broadway SD raises money for SD Hunger Coalition

The San Diego Hunger Coalition announced a partnership between Broadway San Diego, in which a night at the theater can help feed the community.

When people purchase tickets to “A Beautiful Noise,” “Moulin Rouge The Musical,” or “Shucked,” a portion of the ticket will directly support the coalition’s work to advance nutrition equity across San Diego County.

Opera announces 61st season

On the heels of a landmark 60th anniversary season, the San Diego Opera – one of San Diego’s preeminent cultural organizations – proudly announces the lineup for its 61st season. With an exciting variety of productions and slate of stellar talent, San Diego Opera continues elevating the community’s arts and culture landscape with outstanding opera and vocal performance.

San Diego Opera’s 2025–2026 season opens with Ruggero Leoncavallo’s tragic tale of love and betrayal, “Pagliacci,” running Oct. 31 – Nov. 2. The season continues with Gioachino Rossini’s hilarious comedy “The Barber of Seville,” Feb. 13–15, 2026, followed by Georges Bizet’s iconic tragedy “Carmen” from March 27–29.

Building on the success of its 60th anniversary season, which expanded performances from two to three per production—including the return of the Saturday evening shows—this season will follow the same schedule, with performances Friday through Sunday for each opera.

Additionally, San Diego Opera is happy to announce that Maestro Yves Abel has renewed his contract as Principal Conductor, a position he has held since the 2020–21 season. His current contract runs through the 2026–27 season, and the five-year extension will see Maestro Abel in the San Diego Opera orchestra pit through the 2031–32 season.

SDMA announces exhibit on visionary sculptor

The San Diego Museum of Art (SDMA) proudly announces its upcoming major exhibition, Eduardo Chillida: Convergence, a comprehensive celebration of one of the foremost sculptors of postwar Europe. Opening on Aug. 2 and running through Feb. 8, 2026, this extraordinary exhibition marks the centenary of Eduardo Chillida (1924 – 2002) and highlights his enduring legacy.

As the only US venue participating in the global centenary celebration, SDMA is honored to present the most expansive survey of Chillida’s works shown in the US in nearly 50 years. Eduardo Chillida: Convergence spans the artist’s prolific career and features an exceptional range of materials, including forged iron, oak, alabaster, and clay. The exhibition includes iconic large-scale sculptures, delicate works on paper, and a virtual reality experience that illustrates Chillida’s innovative exploration of earth, sea, wind, and light. Deeply connected to the landscape and traditions of his Basque Country homeland, Chillida’s creations are points of convergence where multiple forces, including nature and culture, material and immaterial, form and void, all meet.

Travel

REAL ID required at airport starting May 7

San Diego International Airport (SAN) advises passengers to arrive early, beginning on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, when the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will require REAL ID-compliant state-issued identification or driver’s license or another TSA-acceptable form of identification for passengers over 18 years old before boarding a U.S. commercial aircraft.

San Diego County Regional Airport Authority will have extra staff on duty in the terminals on May 7 to help address traveler concerns.

Alaska Airlines continues San Diego expansion

Alaska Airlines is adding new nonstop routes in San Diego, along with offering additional flights on existing routes and improved flight connectivity – all to give guests more convenient travel options as San Diego’s leading airline. The airline will launch three new nonstop routes with year-round service between San Diego and Phoenix beginning on Aug. 20, followed by Chicago O’Hare and Denver on Oct. 4. Each route will be served by three daily flights.

Starting Oct. 26, Alaska Airlines will also add flights to select routes that guests fly the most from San Diego with an increase in frequencies of 50% or more. That means six daily nonstops to Las Vegas, Sacramento and San Jose, Calif., and three daily flights to Salt Lake City. Tickets for the new routes can be purchased now at alaskaair.com.

Panda rooms debut at Marriott Marquis

Marriot Marquis Puerto deportivo de San Diego has launched a new immersive guest experience: the “Pandamonium Package” in partnership with the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance (SDZWA)! This limited-time offering celebrates Yun Chuan and Xin Bao at the San Diego Zoo – the only giant pandas on the West Coast and the first to enter the U.S. in 21 years.

Located in the heart of Downtown, Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina invites families and wildlife enthusiasts alike to embark on the ultimate summer escape. Just 12 minutes from the San Diego Zoo, the Pandamonium Package includes general admission to the zoo and access to the Wildlife Adventures “Inside Look,” a behind-the-scenes experience highlighting SDZWA’s world-renowned conservation work.

Upon check-in, young adventurers will be welcomed with panda-themed surprises, including plush toys, zoo-themed cookies, and fun keepsakes to take home. Booking is available now through Dec. 31.

Government updates

Affordable apartments on County land Downtown break ground

Kindred, a 126-unit affordable housing community on County surplus property, broke ground at the site of the former County Family Court building in the Cortez Hill neighborhood.

The mixed-use, intergenerational housing will provide stable homes for families and seniors at risk of homelessness and provide one, two and three-bedroom options. The $102 million development at the corner of Sixth Avenue and Beech Street in Downtown San Diego will include 4,400 square feet of commercial retail space.

Centrally located, Kindred is designed to be pedestrian friendly with easy access to the San Diego Trolley and MTS bus lines, connecting residents to job centers, schools, and other amenities. Markets, restaurants, a library, post office and parks are all within walking distance. Supportive services and affordable healthcare will be provided to residents onsite by San Ysidro Health.

Kindred was made possible through a public-private partnership that includes the County, the City of San Diego and BRIDGE Housing Corporation. The County is investing $4 million from its Innovative Housing Trust Fund, along with providing the land valued at $6.9 million.

Construction is expected to be finished by early 2027 and the homes will remain affordable to low-income households for a minimum of 99 years.

City adopts Mobility Master Plan

the San Diego City Council unanimously approved the City’s first-ever Mobility Master Plan in April, which is designed to create a balanced, equitable and sustainable mobility system for the City, focusing on areas with the greatest needs for transportation improvements. It also promotes safe street designs that will help decrease pedestrian and bicyclist injuries and deaths, as intended by the City’s Vision Zero plan.

The Mobility Master Plan, more than two years in the making, included input from community members and local leaders, and involved the work of multiple City departments. The goal of this ambitious undertaking is to bring a cohesive approach to mobility planning to the City, and to expand opportunities and safety for everyone, whether they are walking, rolling on a wheelchair, scooter or skateboard, bicycling, taking public transit, driving or using some other mode of transportation.

By encouraging safe and enjoyable alternative ways to get around without a personal vehicle, the Mobility Master Plan also advances the goals of the Climate Action Plan to reduce congestion and pollution and make San Diego a more livable city.

$148M in CalKIDS scholarships available

College acceptance and financial aid letters are arriving soon, and high school seniors and college students have a major opportunity to ease their higher education costs through the CalKIDS program. CalKIDS is the nation’s largest child development account program, providing scholarships for higher education. This statewide initiative, administered by the ScholarShare Investment Board, provides eligible California public school students with CalKIDS Scholarships worth up to $1,500—helping them take the next step toward college or career training by easing financial barriers to higher education.

In San Diego County, more than $148 million in CalKIDS Scholarships has been made available to public school students over the last three years, providing critical financial support for their higher education. A CalKIDS Scholarship does not require students to submit essays, meet a minimum GPA, or provide recommendation letters. Claiming a scholarship is simple and takes just minutes at CalKIDS.org.

Healthcare

Physician wait times up in San Diego

In San Diego, the average wait time to see a doctor has reached 28.2 days according to a report from AMN Healthcare, reflecting a 13% increase since 2004. While still slightly below the national average, the city is feeling the strain, especially in high-demand specialties like Dermatology (36.5 days), OB/GYN (41.8 days), and Gastroenterology (40 days). These delays are tied to California’s growing population, a tightening physician workforce, and uneven provider distribution, underscoring the ongoing access challenges even in urban areas with robust healthcare systems.

Scripps Health only SD company named to Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For

Scripps Health has been named one of the top employers in the nation by Fortune magazine for the 17th time. The San Diego organization is the only employer in San Diego County included in the 28th annual 100 Best Companies to Work For list.

With more than 20,000 employees and clinicians across San Diego County, Scripps has created a high-performing workforce by improving workplace safety, supporting workers in both their personal and professional lives, offering professional development opportunities and empowering staff to devise new solutions.

People to watch

Asm. Ward named chair of biotech committee

Speaker of the Assembly Robert Rivas announced the appointment of Assemblymember Chris M. Ward (D-San Diego) as Chair of the Assembly Select Committee on Biotechnology and Medical Technology for the 2025–2026 Legislative Session.

The Select Committee will focus on spotlighting the contributions of California’s more than 12,000 biotechnology and medical technology companies, which support over 1 million jobs and generate more than $470 billion in economic output. Under Ward’s leadership, the committee will hold hearings, tour research and innovation hubs, and host roundtables across the state to engage communities and stakeholders directly.

The committee will also examine how the sector intersects with education and workforce development, particularly its partnerships with K–12 schools, community colleges, and universities that provide internships, mentorships, and career pathways for the next generation of scientists and innovators.

“California’s life sciences industry isn’t just building the technologies of tomorrow—it’s investing in our young people and our communities today,” said Ward. “I look forward to convening experts, innovators, educators, and policymakers to ensure our state continues to lead the world in health and science.”

Deacon Jim Vargas honored by Ignatian Volunteer Corps for his work with homeless

Jim Vargas, deacon at Mary, Star of the Sea Parish in San Diego and a nationally known advocate for solving homelessness in America, was honored on April 27 by the Ignatian Corps (IVC) with the Madonna Della Strada Award.

As president and CEO of Pueblos del Padre Joe, Vargas oversees all facets of the organization, including the comprehensive housing and supportive services offered through St. Vincent de Paul Village, the Village Family Health Clinic, Therapeutic Child Care Center, Education and Employment Center, and the agency’s portfolio of affordable housing.

El Madonna Della Strada Award is presented to a person or organization reflecting the Ignatian values of direct service to the poor and work dedicated to creating a more just society. IVC said it’s recognizing Vargas for his “outstanding leadership and compassion in caring for our brothers and sisters struggling with poverty, homelessness, and housing instability.”

Just in Time for Foster Youth appoints new director of philanthropy

Just in Time for Foster Youth (JIT) is proud to announce the appointment of Rajah Gainey as its new Director of Philanthropy. This exciting addition to the leadership team marks a full-circle moment for Gainey, whose journey with JIT began in 2003 when he was one of the organization’s original 25 foster youth participants to receive a holiday gift basket, a small moment that ignited his lifelong passion for service and community impact. Now, with more than two decades of experience in the nonprofit sector, and nearly five years in higher education, Gainey will help lead the organization that launched his journey.

Gainey was also one of JIT’s first program coordinators in 2012-2014, where he helped establish some of the organizations’ first programs and services. Most recently, Gainey served as Associate Director of Development at San Diego State University, where he helped launch a first-of-its-kind in the country housing philanthropy initiative providing reduced-cost, on-campus housing for students in the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) and first-generation students from low-income households.

Gainey will be taking over the position from Diane Cox, one of Just in Time’s original co-founders and the heart behind many of its impactful services, as she prepares to retire. From the very first gift baskets she worked to deliver, Diane has been a driving force in growing JIT into a nationally recognized model of community-based support for youth transitioning from foster care, offering critical resources in housing, higher education, financial literacy, professional development, and more.

New president at California Western School of Law

California Western School of Law’s (CWSL) Board of Trustees is proud to announce that Miriam Baer has been appointed as the new president and dean, assuming her new position on July 1, 2025. Baer is currently the Vice Dean and Centennial Professor of Law at Brooklyn Law School, where she teaches and writes at the intersection of business law and criminal misconduct

Baer’s appointment follows a comprehensive national search supported by Isaacson Miller. She succeeds Sean M. Scott. The Board of Trustees thanks Sean M. Scott for her exceptional service in strengthening the school’s infrastructure and processes and creating the financial stability that will allow CWSL to take the next steps forward in fulfilling its mission.

Good works

Community rallies to fund stolen wheelchair

The community has come together to help a San Diego man with Parkinson’s disease after his custom electric wheelchair was stolen last week. Bill Cumley of University Heights turned to the platform, asking for urgent help through a Página GoFundMe, after his $30,000 wheelchair was taken. He says the wheelchair is crucial from helping him leave his home and remain independent. In less than a week, donors helped Bill meet his co-pay of $3,000.

Cox Foundation grants $3M to Freedom Park

Freedom Park at Burnham Navy Pier has received another milestone gift, as today it was announced that the James M. Cox Foundation has awarded the USS Midway Foundation a $3 million grant for the project.

The Barbara Cox Promenade at Freedom Park will serve as the final point of the Footsteps of Freedom Walk, celebrating service, sacrifice, and community. The Promenade, at the far west end of the pier, will culminate in a multi-figure monument honoring military personnel and their families who said goodbye at Navy Pier and the vital roles they played in our nation’s history. The monument will feature a bronze statue of Barbara Cox, the late co-owner of Cox Enterprises and the daughter of the company’s founder who—as a young Navy widow—christened the USS Midway in 1945.

The largest park honoring veterans on the West Coast, Freedom Park at Burnham Navy Pier will transform San Diego’s Embarcadero. Featuring unparalleled waterfront views, immersive storytelling, and cutting-edge technology, this space will honor the service of our veterans while creating an engaging and educational experience for visitors of all ages.

Humble Designs marks 500 homes furnished for homeless

Humble Design San Diego is about to celebrate a milestone that is seven years in the making: its 500th home transformation to help a local family leaving homelessness. Since opening its doors in 2018, Humble Design San Diego has transformed the homes and lives of more than 1,200 people (including 700-plus children and 60 veterans) by turning their empty housing units into warm, inviting homes.

Humble Design’s model is dependent upon community-donated furnishings, philanthropic funding, and volunteer power, creating a tangible way for the public to take part in helping their neighbors to escape homelessness.

Rescued iguanas at zoo

Eight critically endangered Fijian iguanas have arrived at the San Diego Zoo after being intercepted in Spain from illegal wildlife trafficking. The iguanas were among more than 600 reptiles seized by Spanish authorities in 2017. At the directive of the Fijian government, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance and its partners in both Fiji and Spain have spent the last eight years working to bring the rescued iguanas to San Diego, where skilled geneticists will work to understand the origin of each individual and how they may contribute to the conservation of their species.

​“Confiscations of trafficked wildlife happen a lot more frequently than people realize, and reptiles are especially susceptible due to their high demand in the illegal pet trade,” said Brett Baldwin, curator of herpetology and ichthyology at the San Diego Zoo. “Whether it’s within our borders or across the world, we’re ready to answer the call for help. We have assisted with over 20 reptile confiscations and seizures in last 28 years. This transport of Fijian iguanas from Spain to the San Diego Zoo was several years in the making, but is a testament to our commitment and dedication to saving wildlife and getting these iguanas the best possible care. It’s an honor to have them here now.”

The Fijian iguanas were rescued by the General Directorate of Biodiversity, Forests and Desertification of the Ministry for the Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge, CITES Administrative Authority of Spain. Prior to the iguanas’ arrival to the San Diego Zoo, they remained in the expert care of the Foundation for Research in Ethology and Biodiversity near Madrid. Their move to San Diego was authorized by Fiji’s Department of Environment and the National Trust of Fiji.

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance’s wildlife care and conservation science wildlife health teams will work together to understand each iguana’s genetic makeup—including if they were poached directly from the wild or bred illegally, and which Fijian island they may have originated from. Understanding their genetics will be important to determine if and how they may return to their native islands, and if they may contribute valuable genetics to the assurance population in the United States as part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Species Survival Plan Program.

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance has a long history working with Fijian iguanas. A successful conservation breeding program was established in the 1990s at the San Diego Zoo, and since then the Zoo has produced over 100 hatchlings. Every Fijian iguana within institutions accredited by the AZA has come from the San Diego Zoo, and the San Diego Zoo oversees the care of every Fijian iguana living at AZA-accredited institutions in the United States. The United States Geological Survey, Australia’s Taronga Zoo, and other partners performed extensive field surveys and collected samples from nearly 200 iguanas on 30 islands. In collaboration, results from San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance’s DNA testing of the collected samples showed that native Fijian iguana populations have much greater genetic diversity than previously thought.

Office news

Barings assumes ownership of Five50West

With the evolving Downtown San Diego office market, JLL announced that lender Barings, one of the world’s largest real estate investment managers, has assumed ownership of Five50West, a 20-story, 362,822-square-foot office building located at 550 West C Street in downtown San Diego. In managing the property, Barings will invest significant capital into Five50West by adding to its amenities, including the completion of a new conference center and new spec suites. JLL has been retained to oversee leasing and Transwestern will continue to provide institutional quality onsite property management.

Leading the office leasing at Five50West are JLL’s Richard Gonor, Tony Russell and Bess Wakeman.  Five50West can accommodate a wide range of users from 1,000 to 80,000 square feet, including the top floor which boasts 32 feet ceiling heights, panoramic ocean views and an opportunity for building top signage.

A San Diego landmark and symbol of office grandeur, Five50West is best known for its open concept first floor lobby that seamlessly connects to the expansive outdoor concourse. Architects Room & Board and Gensler and JLL’s PDS team recently completed a $14 million renovation of the building.

SANDAG moves offices

SANDAG has relocated its main office to a new Downtown San Diego location. The new office is in a mixed-use building at 1011 Union Street, Suite 400, San Diego, CA 92101. Starting Thursday, April 3, all SANDAG public meetings will be held at the new location.

The new office features a Board Room on the ground level, providing more convenient access for the public. In addition to the ground floor Board Room, SANDAG will occupy two floors of the 37-floor building. Visitors seeking customer service can check in at SANDAG’s reception desk located on the fourth floor.

Much like SANDAG’s previous residence, the new location is easily accessible by transit and is near bike and pedestrian-friendly amenities. It is adjacent to the Trolley line and close to MTS bus routes along Broadway. Additionally, the office’s proximity to Santa Fe Depot offers convenient access for COASTER and Amtrak passengers.

This move marks the end of SANDAG’s 35-year presence at the Wells Fargo Plaza building at 401 B Street. After evaluating four suitable downtown properties, including a renewal option, the SANDAG Board of Directors authorized a 15-year lease for the new location. The new office was selected based on several key criteria set by the Board including cost, economic benefits, operational efficiency, public access, and security.

For more information about the new main office or upcoming public meetings, please visit SANDAG.org.

Life Sciences report finds slow leasing

JLL San Diego released its Q1 Life Sciences Report.  Below are some highlights.

• As San Diego’s lab construction cycle nears completion,  a notable Q1 delivery was Headquarters Point, a 250,000-square-foot, ground-up development that is 27% pre-leased.
• Novartis announced a $1.1 billion investment to build a research facility in San Diego.
• San Diego life science vacancy and availability reach record highs of 26.7% and 29.8%, respectively.
• Negative San Diego life science absorption of 179,524 square feet reflects ongoing space givebacks and slow leasing, putting additional pressure on landlords in an already tenant-favorable market.

Retail vacancies up in Quarter 1 report

JLL San Diego released its Q1 2025 Retail Report, detailing increased retail vacancies even as retail spaces are demolished.  Below are the highlights.

• As a result of store closures and bankruptcies, San Diego’s retail market saw retail availability rise to over 6.8 million square feet in Q1 2025, a 9.4% increase from Q4 2024 and 4% from Q1 2024.
• Demand for retail space persists with leasing activity totaling nearly 613,000 square feet in Q1 2025, a 6.3% increase from Q4 2024 but a 17.4% decrease from Q1 2024
• Driven by retail space demolitions, the gradual reduction in total San Diego retail inventory continued into 2025. In Q1 2025, developers demolished 162,093 SF of retail space compared to 32,377 SF of new space deliveries, resulting in a 0.1% decrease (or 129,716 s.f. reduction) in retail inventory.

Latest office report: ‘flight to quality’

JLL San Diego released its Q1 2025 Office Report. Below are the highlights.

• The San Diego Class A office market had positive absorption of 262,039 square feet in Q1 2025 continuing the ‘flight to quality’ trend.
• Approximately 4.5 million square feet of San Diego office supply has been removed from inventory over the past four years to be redeveloped into other non-office uses, with an additional 2.1 million square feet slated for removal over the next three years.
• San Diego office sublease space has been on a steady decline as fewer subleases hit the market, and existing subleases were backfilled or rolled off into direct availability.
• San Diego office investment activity picked up in Q1 2025 as new buildings came to market for sale.