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.

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.

Micro-transit project in North Park

Clean Mobility Options (CMO), a statewide public program committed to addressing mobility challenges in under-resourced communities throughout California, has awarded $1.5 million to North Park Main Street (NPMS) for their groundbreaking micro-transit project in the Mid-City area. This project, led by NPMS in collaboration with the City Heights Community Development Corporation (CHCDC) and Circuit, aims to provide a clean, shared, zero-emission transport system to enhance connectivity between the City Heights and North Park neighborhoods.

The funds granted by CMO will be utilized to launch a neighborhood electric vehicle (NEV) shuttle system in a designated area within Mid-City. The next steps for the project team involve community outreach and coordination as they move forward with implementation, scheduled for 2024. The program’s primary goal is to develop a pilot micro-transit system that demonstrates the positive impact of connecting neighboring communities, particularly City Heights and North Park, which have historically been divided by highways, overpasses, and car-centric urban planning.

NONPROFITS

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.  

Mission Hills resident named board chair of Hebrew Free Loan

Graeme Gabriel has been named the new Board Chair for Hebrew Free Loan of San Diego, effective Jan. 1, 2024. Gabriel has been an active part of Hebrew Free Loan of San Diego since its establishment in early 2021, serving on both lending and development committees. 

Well established in the San Diego business community, Gabriel is an experienced professional in the real estate and development communities.

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). 

LETRAS

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.

San Diego Museum of Art receives $1.6 million grant

The San Diego Museum of Art (SDMA) is pleased to announce that it is a recipient of the ‘Access for All’ grant funded by the Art Bridges Foundation, a national arts nonprofit founded by philanthropist Alice Walton. SDMA will receive $1.6 million over three years to develop tailored programming for the local community, to launch in January 2024, including:

• Underwriting free admission on a designated “Access for All Day”

• Designing interdisciplinary and culturally responsive programs relevant to community interest

• Providing fully bilingual Spanish-English interpretation, assistive listening and visual systems, marketing, and programming

• Working with local organizations to provide additional accessibility

• Creating dedicated staff positions responsible for the creation of community engagement programming and more

The Art Bridges Access for All initiative represents a sweeping effort to get people back to museums after COVID-19 brought revenue, staffing, and attendance declines. With many museums seeing just 71% of their pre-pandemic attendance, the new initiative aims to restore pre-pandemic levels – and open opportunities for all people to enjoy art by reducing barriers to access and strengthening community relationships. 

SDMA opens exhibit ‘Korea in Color’

The San Diego Museum of Art (SDMA) is pleased to announce the special exhibition “Korea in Color: A Legacy of Auspicious Images” which sheds light on the use of color in Korean painting—known as polychrome painting (chaesaekhwa)—and its role in Korean culture. On view from October 28, 2023, through March 3, 2024, the exhibition will make its U.S. debut at The San Diego Museum of Art after traveling from the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Gwacheon in South Korea (MMCA).

Fifty works of art from multiple lenders span a variety of media, including paintings, videos, and installations, many of which have never before been on view in the U.S. For more information on The San Diego Museum of Art and to purchase tickets, visit www.SDMArt.org.

New mural at The Nat highlights biodiversity

The San Diego Natural History Museum (The Nat) is moving forward with exciting plans to celebrate its 150th anniversary next year. One priority is a significant refresh of the Atrium—the vast, five-story space in the center of the Museum that serves as the arrival point from the north entrance.

Visitors can already enjoy a completed 33-foot mural by San Diego-based artist Eva Struble. Commissioned by The Nat, this mural is one part of a larger effort to turn the Atrium into a warm and inviting community gathering space that welcomes visitors to the museum and introduces them to the specialness of nature in our region. Titled “Frasera,” the mural is inspired by specimens in the museum’s collection and showcases the incredible biodiversity of Southern California and the Baja California Peninsula. It will be on view through 2024.

Diversionary announces cast, creative team of “The Glass Menagerie”

Diversionary Theatre announced the cast and creative team for its production of “The Glass Menagerie” por Tennessee Williams, directed by Lisa Berger.  “The Glass Menagerie” will run November 30 through December 23 on Diversionary Theatre’s mainstage at their home in University Heights. For tickets and information, please visit diversionary.org.

The Glass Menagerie is a legacy revival honoring and celebrating LGBTQIA+ narratives and themes from the theatrical past. The creative team includes: Kian Kline Chilton, Associate Director and Cultural Consultant; Jesse Marchese, Dramaturg; Kandace Crystal, Intimacy Consultant; Michael Wogulis, Set Design; Vida Huang, Lighting; Remus Harrington, Sound Design; Eliza Vedar, Sound Designer and Composer; Katie Paulson, Costumes; Bailie Molsberry, Stage Manager.

Shana Wride will play Amanda Wingfield, Luke H. Jacobs will play Tom Wingfield, Julia Belanova will play Laura Wingfield and Kirk Brown will be Jim O’Connor.

Local playwright, composer debuts musical ‘DanceLand’

Playwright and composer Tyler Tafolla brings his new dance-centered scifi musical “DanceLand” to the City Heights Performance Annex on Nov. 9, 12, 18 and 19. The cast of 20 professional dancers are performing free for the public at 3795 Fairmount Ave. Reserve tickets at showtix4u.com/event-details/76240.

One-man show to debut in City Heights

San Diego’s Patrick Combs debuts his new one-man show “Trying to Break a Leg” at the City Heights Arts Annex on Nov. 30 at 7 p.m. with a weekend of performances to follow. Combs relates his year-long rollercoaster of dreams and disastrous attempts at creating his first theater show that will leave audiences laughing through tears. A love letter to theater, it will inspire anyone who’s ever had a dream to create something no one thought they could. A show about making a show, workshop audiences have called “Trying to Break a Leg” a masterpiece that is deeply emotional, brutally honest, and utterly inspirational.

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 Concurso de cuentos de caja de cerillas, 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 Biblioteca Fundación 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.

FOOD AND DRINK

Bivouac Ciderworks expansion

This fall, Bivouac Ciderworks will open a 5,700-square-foot space next door to its existing taproom and brewery in North Park, which will triple its overall footprint. The Adventure Lodge will offer 100 indoor and outdoor seats, a coffee shop, a communal co-working-style space, a market for cider and chef-driven pantry and other items, a retail shop with adventure-inspired gifts, a cider education and tasting bar, a members-only private brandy lounge and a large cider production facility.

Tapas restaurant to come to North Park

Finca, a casual, 90-seat California tapas restaurant and wine bottle shop in North Park, will open in late fall. The restaurant is a project from Dan Valerino and Joe Bower, two hospitality veterans who met while working at the acclaimed restaurant Juniper & Ivy. The space will be an open kitchen concept and the menu will feature Spanish-inspired shareable plates, complemented by a bar program highlighting sangrias and wines from Spain and California. 

Pali Wine Co. adds restaurant in North Park

Pali Vino Co., a Central Coast winery with a wine tasting room in Little Italy, will open its first full-service restaurant in November in North Park. The 63-seat restaurant will offer Mediterranean fare, including house-baked pita, fresh seafood, and California produce. The wine menu will feature the full spectrum of Pali’s cellars, which include still and sparkling, white, pink, orange and red wines. Architects Tecscape Design are giving the indoor-outdoor venue the vibe of Central Coast wine country.

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 31S t, 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.

$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 calendario. 

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 Cerveza de tiempos modernos (host), 3 Punk Ales Brewing Co., Dog Leg Brewing Co., GOAL. Brewing, Kilowatt Brewing, Northern Pine Brewing, y 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

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 gratis activity taught by museum staff.

Normal Heights fundraiser for animal rescue

On Saturday, Nov. 11th, head to The Ould Sod in Normal Heights between 3-7 p.m. to raise money for Treat Them R+ght Animal Rescue. Cold beers and craft cocktails will be poured by The Ould Sod bartenders while attendees enjoy live music from three amazing bands; Shoeless, Boy Named Soo and Cruz Roots. Big Oven Pizza food truck will be on-site serving delicious pizza for purchase. There’s also going to be a raffle with great prizes.

Treat Them R+ght Animal Rescue is a family operated animal rescue and sanctuary that is dedicated to the betterment of animal welfare.

Tickets are on sale now for a suggested donation of $15 at treatthemrightfundraiser.eventbrite.com. Tickets will also be available for sale at the door for a suggested donation of $20. The Ould Sod is located at 3373 Adams Ave., San Diego CA 92116.

Sabor de University Heights

16el annual Taste of University Heights is taking place Sunday, Nov. 12 from noon to 3 p.m. The simultaneous Arts Open is occuring from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Stroll through the quaint neighborhood sampling delicacies from University Heights diverse restaurants and enjoy a free self guided tour of the arts. Purchase discounted tickets at uhcdc.org.

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.