Home Clips Extras About Contact

San Diego Magazine

San Diego Magazine •

Covering 75: October 2023

Most doctors we know can’t fly or shoot lasers from their eyes. But that doesn’t mean they aren’t at work constantly pulling off superhero-esque feats. Because the MDs who keep us healthy typically don lab coats instead of capes, it can be easy to forget that the stethoscopes and clipboards they often rock in classic regional magazine covers (like this one from October 2009) are their own Bruce Wayne–style tools to save lives and help those in need.

In honor of our 75th anniversary, we’re askin
San Diego Magazine •

Editor's Picks: 3 of Our Fave SD Products This Month

If it seems like you’re the only one who didn’t spend their summer sunning on a yacht off the Amalfi Coast, now you can get a taste of Italy right here in SD. Rest your bod upon a made-in-Italy sofa or bed from Natuzzi Italia, a luxury design and furniture brand that recently opened a storefront at UTC in La Jolla. They carry a wide range of sleek furniture for every room in your house. Hey, it might not be sipping an Aperol spritz surrounded by breathtaking views of Capri, but their stunning so
San Diego Magazine •

The Good, the Bad, and the Ridiculous Covers of SDM's Past

Over the span of 75 years, San Diego Magazine has produced more than 800 covers. From early illustrated classics of the ’40s and ’50s to fever-dream Photoshop nightmares of the early ’00s, we’ve run the gamut from timeless to outright cringe.

Our editors have spent a lot of time in the archives as we celebrate three-quarters of a century of SDM, and looking back at old covers has become a favorite pastime in the office. Some we love so much we might use them as tattoo inspiration, and some we’r
San Diego Magazine •

Behind-the-Scenes of Our 75th Anniversary Cover Shoot

San Diego Magazine has seen many years and many editors. That’s hundreds of hands and minds covering the city’s inner life, reflecting and (sometimes) shaping its tastes. For our 75th anniversary cover, we wanted to celebrate our seven decades as a publication while acknowledging that we’re still just getting started.

And we’re inspired by the growth in the city. San Diego may be a fine old town by the sea, but it’s under constant reinvention. Whether we’re welcoming new sports teams or enjoyin

Guides

San Diego Magazine •

Best of San Diego 2023

Think we’ve run out of stuff to wax poetic about after seven-and-a-half decades of celebrating San Diego? Think again. Ever-evolving and always awesome, the city’s got a nonstop supply of cool places to eat, shop, and play. From a Michelin-starred chef’s game of “Guess Who” to zero-gravity camping, bioluminescent boozing, and one legendary goose, here are 70 of our current local favorites. (Plus more than 100 of your picks, too!)

Click on the links above to see our full list in each category.
San Diego Union-Tribune •

For subscribers: Who has San Diego's best fish taco? We tried 8 local favorites

Ah, the fish taco — an item as ubiquitous in San Diego as the beach, good weather and craft brews. Fish tacos — the classic, beer-battered kind — were first popularized in Baja — gradually made their way across the border. Legend has it that Ralph Rubio , founder of San Diego-based chain Rubio’s Coastal Grill, discovered fish tacos on a surfing pilgrimage in college. He opened the first Rubio’s in Pacific Beach in the early 1980s, specializing in the popular taco. The tacos made a splash then, a
Pacific San Diego •

Deck the halls: The ultimate guide to the holidays in San Diego

Ready to make the most of what’s left of the holiday season? From ice skating with a view to Christmas cocktails, here are 13 events and activities to make the holidays brighter in San Diego. Follow us on TikTok (@pacificsandiego) and Instagram (@pacificsd) for more!

Festive and kitschy Christmas pop-up bar that runs through Christmas Eve.

Classic holiday flicks like “Elf,” “The Grinch,” “Home Alone” and more, screened on an upscale downtown rooftop through Dec. 23.

Like your holiday cocktail
Pacific San Diego •

Where to celebrate New Year's Eve in San Diego

Ready to bid adieu to 2021? Grab your party favors, champagne and glitziest outfits and get ready to welcome 2022 with these New Year’s Eve parties happening in San Diego.

Note: Be sure to check the event websites for updated COVID-19 health and safety protocols.

Celebrate 2022 by going back in time to the original Roaring ‘20s. Presented by VIP Nightlife and San Diego Nightlife, this Great Gatsby-themed party features four local DJs spinning various genres in two music areas and a prepaid bar
Pacific San Diego •

Shine bright! Here are the best places to see holiday lights in San Diego

The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to get into the festive spirit than with some twinkling lights?

After lots of socially-distanced and virtual holiday happenings in 2020, this year invites San Diegans out of their cars and off their computer screens. From large-scale events to casual neighborhood set-ups, here’s where you can find holiday lights in San Diego this year.

Enjoy a dazzling evening in nature and explore the grounds of the 37-acre San Diego Botanical Garden, includi
San Diego Union-Tribune •

Potato Po-tah-to: Here are our favorite mashed potatoes in San Diego

While turkey might be considered the official star of a typical Thanksgiving meal, side dishes that complement the bird are the unsung heroes of the holiday. For some, Thanksgiving just isn’t Thanksgiving without the usual side suspects: stuffing, cranberry sauce, gravy, dinner rolls, roasted veggies, pumpkin pie and, of course, mashed potatoes.

Whether you like them buttery and classic or jazzed up with an elevated spin, we’re here to help you find the perfect tater for your Thanksgiving table
San Diego Union-Tribune •

A pumpkin spice roundup for people who don't like pumpkin spice

Now that it’s October, we pumpkin spice people can officially enjoy our favorite seasonal flavor without judgement.

Pumpkin spice — a blend of spices like cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves — officially became a Starbucks latte in 2003 and since then the flavor has infiltrated everything from pasta and bagels to ice cream and beer. From late August until after Thanksgiving, there’s no escaping the power of pumpkin spice — so it’s understandable why there’s an equal amount of hatred and disdain for it.
San Diego Union-Tribune •

Best bars to check out at 10 San Diego-area casinos

From Pauma Valley to El Cajon, San Diego County has no shortage of casinos — and casino bars. . If you’re looking for the perfect place to celebrate a jackpot — or drown your sorrows after a loss — here some of the best bars at area casinos.

There’s lots of fun spots to enjoy alcohol at Harrah’s, from the casual Swim-up Bar to wine hangout Corked, but Spiked offers a true craft cocktail experience in a swanky but modern setting. The menu boasts 16 creatively crafted cocktails from expert mixolo
San Diego Union-Tribune •

For subscribers: 21 things to do in San Diego before the end of summer 2021

School’s back in session, pumpkin spice is everywhere and we even had a surprise lightning storm — but officially, it’s still summer. So before we make that mental shift to fall — because weather-wise ... not so different — let’s soak in these last few days of the season.

Here are 21 things to do before the end of summer. Because of the ongoing threat of COVID-19, please check websites and state guidelines for any updates.

1. A trip to the beach, obviously

September is actually the best month
San Diego Union-Tribune •

The top 15 things to do in San Diego this summer

Though we’re still in a pandemic, the county is opening back up with a docket of concerts, festivals and other favorite events. From the inaugural season at Rady Shell to the return of the Del Mar races, here are our picks for the top things to do this summer.


Make a big splash this summer at Chula Vista’s waterpark, which opened in May after a 2-year hiatus. Enjoy rides and slides, plus a lazy river and a wave pool, now through Sept. 6 (after Labor Day, the waterpark is rebranding to Sesame
San Diego Union-Tribune •

Where to celebrate Cinco de Mayo in San Diego

Cinco de Mayo 2021 might not be the raging party we’re used to here in San Diego, but anything is better than Cinco de Mayo 2020, right?

In a sign that San Diego is slowly reopening following the coronavirus shutdown, this year, several restaurants around town are offering specials for Cinco de Mayo. COVID safety orders are still in place, but here’s where you can celebrate Mexico’s victorious Battle of Puebla.

619 Spirits, North Park

The North Park restaurant and distillery is going big for
Pacific San Diego •

8 COVID-safe activities to do this Valentine's weekend

It’s almost Valentine’s Day and love is certainly in the air in San Diego.

As restaurants and businesses slowly open up following the stay-at-home order, there’s plenty to do with your sweetheart (or with friends!) while still saying safe. Single or spoken for, here are eight Valentine’s weekend ideas to sweeten up your holiday.

What’s better than a home-cooked meal for the one you love? A home-cooked meal prepared with the help of noted chef Christina Ng (Chinita’s Pies, Berry Good Food). Thi
San Diego Union-Tribune •

From Carlsbad to Santee, where to see holiday lights this year

Because of COVID-19, a lot of events are canceled this 2020 holiday season. But one tradition that remains is hopping in your car — with people from your own household — putting on your favorite Christmas playlist and driving around to see colorful light displays. Whether it’s a spirit-filled neighborhood or an outdoor event at an amusement park, here’s where you can find holiday lights this year.

Botanic Wonderland at Botanical Garden: Enjoy a dazzling evening in nature with Holiday Nights in
San Diego Union-Tribune •

Thanksgiving 2020: Here are 13 pies by San Diego restaurants we're thankful for this year

Thanksgiving is still a thing in 2020. This year, make it a little sweeter with one of these local pie picks. Whether you like your pumpkin pie classic or with a twist (bourbon vanilla cream, anyone?), or if you’re looking for something a little different (see Aunt Dubo’s Peanut Butter Pie), here’s where you can get a piece of the pie this Thanksgiving.

Whole pumpkin pie, one of the five Pop Pie Co. flavors this season, is available for $35. True to its name, Pop Pie Co. is the go-to place for
Pacific San Diego •

Here's your Padres playoff fan guide

2020 has been a wild year, so the San Diego Padres making it to the playoffs for the first time in 14 years kind of makes sense.

Though we can’t sing “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” at the stadium this year due to COVID-19, there are still plenty of fun ways to show the hometown team how proud we are to live in Slam Diego. Go Pads!

Take in the games from downtown

The playoff energy will still be alive and well downtown with multiple bars and restaurants broadcasting the game. Just be sure to we
San Diego Union-Tribune •

Your 2020 guide to pumpkin patches around San Diego County

Autumn — the season for warm sweaters, a cup of hot cocoa and pumpkin patches. And with Halloween darkening our doorsteps, that means it’s time to find that perfect or not-so-perfect orange gourd to carve up for your All Hallows’ Eve fright night ... even if the pandemic has canceled your plans to trick-or-treat or host a party.

Luckily, many pumpkin patches are alive and well this season. Make a day of your pumpkin picking by enjoying the various family activities, snacks and shopping opportun
San Diego Union-Tribune •

Fall musts: 31 things to see, eat, watch, wear and listen to this season

It’s fall, everyone! The days are getting shorter, the air (hopefully) will get crisper, and we can start buying all things pumpkin spice without fear of judgment. But ... we’re still in a pandemic, which means the fall arts season is going to look a lot different. Instead of opening night at the symphony or theater, we’ll have livestream concerts and plays on Zoom. And rather than experiencing music and art in usual settings, we’ll have drive-in opera (!) and online auctions. Then, of course, w
San Diego Union-Tribune •

San Diego's best beaches: Here's our Top 10 list

Two people enjoy a visit to Tamarack State Beach in Carlsbad. The Carlsbad coastline is divided into Carlsbad City Beach (from Ocean to Elm Streets), Carlsbad State Beach (also known as Tamarack Beach) and South Carlsbad State Beach. The scene: Surfers, sunbathers and families make Carlsbad an idyllic beach getaway. You might even spot a beachside yoga class. Keep an eye out for people walking, running, biking and walking their dogs on the sidewalk that lines Carlsbad Boulevard. For a dog-free w
San Diego Union-Tribune •

Our 2020 San Diego summer-musts

SONG OF THE SUMMER: “Black Like Me” The usual best Song of the Summer candidates are frothy invitations to celebrate. But there is nothing usual in this year of mass civic protests and a global pandemic. That is why my Song of the Summer pick is Mickey Guyton’s exceptionally contemplative “Black Like Me.” One of the few female African-American country singer-songwriters in Nashville, Guyton, 36, seamlessly fuses elements of pop, country and gospel on “Black Like Me.” Released without fanfare on
San Diego Union-Tribune •

With so many video chat apps, which one do you choose?

With social-distancing in full swing, we now heavily rely on virtual dates, dinners and happy hours to keep us social and sane. Plus, as many of us transition to working from home, office meetings are moving online.

But with so many video chat apps out there, how do you decide which one to use?

We tested out six options, all of which can be used on a mobile device or computer, and each with its own personality. So read on to decide where your next virtual (professional or personal) meet-up sho
Pacific San Diego •

6 safe things to do outside during coronavirus

Because so many people packed the coastline over the weekend, our beaches are now closing. So are our hiking trails, bayfronts, boardwalks and playgrounds. As coronavirus cases in San Diego continue to rise, the county’s public health department is taking more extreme steps to keep people from gathering in large crowds. So what do we do now? How do we get our recommended outside time while still following the rules of safe self-distancing? Here are some ideas.

In the age of self-quarantine, pho

Entertainment News

ScreenRant •

The Bachelor’s Joey Graziadei & Kelsey Anderson Party Separately After Career Forced Them Into Long-Distance Relationship & Romantic Getaway

After a much-needed Mexican vacation together, The Bachelor's Joey Graziadei and Kelsey Anderson spent time apart in Miami over the weekend. Joey and Kelsey met and became engaged during The Bachelor season 28 and have remained happily together since then. Joey and Kelsey haven't announced any wedding plans, but they've defied the odds by staying together for a year after their show ended, despite being in a long-distance relationship due to Joey's time on the Dancing With The Stars tour. Aft...
ScreenRant •

Signs Below Deck Down Under's Wihan du Toit's Unprofessional Behavior Proves He Never Should Have Been Hired

Below Deck Down Under'sWihan du Toit is following in the illustrious footsteps of Bosun's past by being unprofessional on the job, and I don't think he should have ever been hired. It's the first season of Below Deck for Wihan, a seasoned yachtie who hails from South Africa. As the Bosun, it's his job to run the exterior crew of the motor yacht Katina, which is based in the Seychelles this season. Like many Bosuns who came before him (I'm looking at you, Gary King), Wihan's unprofessionalism...
ScreenRant •

The Golden Bachelorette: After Doing My Own Research On Wichita & NYC, I'm Convinced Joan Vassos & Chock Chapple Would Have A Much Happier Life In Wichita

The Golden Bachelorette's Joan Vassos and Chock Chapple continue to live a jet-setting life together in the four months since their finale aired, but they still haven't committed to finding a place to live together. Joan and Chock first met after appearing on The Golden Bachelorette season 1, where they became engaged. They were the first couple on the inaugural Golden Bachelorette, and they've been an inspiration to people of all ages that it's never too late to find your person. One of the...
ScreenRant •

The Bachelor Season 29: Signs Grant Ellis & Juliana Pasquarosa's Relationship Will Last (They Look In Love)

The Bachelor's Grant Ellis finally chose his bride, Juliana Pasquarosa, during the live finale on March 24, and I think he made the best choice by picking the bubbly, Boston-born Juliana over Litia Garr. Grant's journey in The Bachelor franchise began when he appeared as a suitor for Jenn Tran's season of The Bachelorette and was named lead for The Bachelor season 29. He's a successful former basketball player who now works in finance in Houston, and Grant said he was ready to settle down and ta...
ScreenRant •

"Extremely Problematic": 7 Dark Allegations Made By Welcome To Plathville’s Olivia Plath About Her Past Relationship

Olivia Plath of Welcome To Plathville fame has made some disturbing allegations surrounding a past relationship, presumably from her marriage to Ethan Plath. Olivia and Ethan's marriage was featured prominently on the TLC reality show about a family of nine kids and their overprotective parents who lived on a family farm in Georgia. Ethan, the eldest son, married Olivia when they were both in their early 20s, as is common in some conservative households. Ethan and Olivia's marriage unraveled...
ScreenRant •

"Argue Less, Talk More": Signs Janelle's Gearing Up For A Coyote Pass War Amid Life Detox & New Business (Can She Work Things Out With Kody?

Sister Wives star Janelle Brown is embracing a new lifestyle and making healthy choices amid her war with her ex-husband, Kody Brown, and the continuing fallout from their divorce. Janelle and Kody had been spiritually married for 30 years when Janelle decided to leave him and the polygamous Brown family back in 2022. Janelle packed up and left Arizona for North Carolina, where she's been living ever since. Janelle's been trying to turn the page and start a new chapter in her life, just like...
ScreenRant •

Love Is Blind Season 8: Sara Carton's Age, Job, Instagram & More

Love Is Blind's Sara Carton didn't find love in the pods after her journey with fiancé Ben Mezzenga ended at the altar (although she may have found love after the pods with costar Joey Leveille), but what about her life before landing on reality TV? Sara was one of 32 singles ready to see if love really is blind during the romantic experiment, where participants get the chance to speak with multiple people to see if they can develop a connection before actually meeting. Sara ended up developing...
ScreenRant •

Sister Wives’ Janelle Brown Admits “Stress Levels Have Been Extra” After Revealing Bold Strategy Amid Coyote Pass Drama & Welcoming New Family Member

Sister Wives star Janelle Brown is using advancements in technology to take care of her mental health amid property battles with her ex-husband, Kody Brown. Janelle has been living in North Carolina after she left Kody and the polygamous Brown family in 2022. Janelle and her daughter, Madison Brown Bush, purchased property to start a business in North Carolina together. The Sister Wives season 19 star recently revealed her bold new strategy, which involves arguing less and talking more; it appea...
ScreenRant •

Temptation Island: How To Watch Past Seasons (There's Been Six Since 2019 With Host Mark L. Walberg)

Keeping track of seasons of Temptation Island is harder than finding lasting love on a reality show, but we're here to help make it a little bit easier for you. The show has had many iterations since it originally premiered on Fox in the early 2000s, and it can be hard to figure out where to stream prior seasons. Since the latest season (confusingly categorized as season 1) premiered on Netflix, Temptation Island has found a wider audience of those who appreciate reality dating competitions in t...
ScreenRant •

The Golden Bachelorette’s Joan Vassos Reveals Why She’s “So Tired” Of Life In Maryland After Revealing Chock Relationship Is Stressful Amid Wichita Reunion

The Golden Bachelorette's Joan Vassos may have dropped a clue as to where she and Chock Chapple will end up living in a video she shared on social media. Chock and Joan met and became engaged during The Golden Bachelorette season 1 in late 2024, and since then, they've been living the high life, jet-setting around on vacations and work commitments, but they haven't picked a place to settle down yet. Joan is from Maryland, very close to Washington, D.C., while Chock is from Wichita, Kansas. Amid...
ScreenRant •

After The Bachelor Season 29 Finale, Litia Garr Finally Held Grant Ellis Accountable (It Needed To Happen)

The Bachelor's Grant Ellis finally made up his mind and chose a winner for season 29, choosing Juliana Pasquarosa over Litia Garr on the March 24 season finale. The 31-year-old basketball player turned financier narrowed down the bevy of beauties vying for his heart to Litia and Juliana after weeks of group and solo dates on The Bachelor season 29. Fan reaction to this season hasn't been as passionate as seasons past, since Grant has struggled in his role. Some accused Grant of being too nice or...
ScreenRant •

The Golden Bachelorette’s Joan Vassos & Chock Chapple Reveal Shocking Secret To Their Relationship Amid Stressful New Life & Wichita Reunion

The Golden Bachelorette's Joan Vassos and Chock Chapple are continuing their duties as Bachelor Nation alums while revealing the secret to their happy union. Joan and Chock are the inaugural couple from The Golden Bachelorette season 1, and they've been engaged ever since the season finale aired in late 2024. As a more mature couple from the franchise, fans love to see how they're making their relationship work, despite living in different states. Amid all this, Joan did admit recently that her...
ScreenRant •

5 Biggest Rumors About Welcome To Plathville Season 7 (What Allegedly Went Down At Lydia Plath's Wedding To Zac Will Shock You) SPOILERS

Warning! This article contains possible SPOILERS about Welcome To Plathville season 7. TLC has yet to officially announce the return of Welcome To Plathville season 7, but rumors are swirling that season 7 is already in production, and the tea is piping hot. Welcome To Plathville has aired since 2019, and has followed the story of the Plath family from Georgia. Since the show premiered, the family has gone through ups and downs, and they aren't the same family who first agreed to have their l...
ScreenRant •

Sister Wives’ Christine Brown Reveals If She & David Woolley Are Actually Thriving After Starting New Business Together & Refusing To Feel Guilty

Sister Wives star Christine Brown continued to show off her happiness in a post-Kody Brown world, sharing that she and her new husband, David Woolley, are kicking things up a notch with regard to living a healthier lifestyle. The Sister Wives season 19 stars met on a blind date shortly after Christine left Kody and the rest of the Brown family for a new life in Utah. While some felt Christine and David's whirlwind romance moved too fast, Christine felt certain that she and David were meant to be...
ScreenRant •

Sister Wives’ Meri Brown Reveals Intriguing Insight Into Life After Ditching Kody Amid Huge New Update & Unexpected Living Situation

Sister Wives' embattled first wife Meri Brown has a sense of humor about her life after leaving Kody Brown and the rest of the Brown family, as evidenced by a meme she shared on Facebook about finding someone "obsessed with her." Meri was Kody's first legal wife, but the last of his three spiritual wives to leave him in an exodus that started in 2021. Since she left, Meri has relocated to Utah to start a new life that includes a rumored new man, Brandon Stone, and an unexpected living situation....
ScreenRant •

Married At First Sight's Emem Obot’s Fiancé Brandon Williams' Behavior Is A Major Red Flag (His Marriage Stunt At The Reunion Was Too Much)

After Emem Obot left her Married At First Sight husband, Ikechi Ojoré, she ended up falling into the arms of her childhood friend, Brandon Williams. Sadly, the cracks in Emem and Ikechi's relationship started showing early on. Emem tried to go into the experience with an open mind, but she didn't get the same in return from Ikechi, so the couple didn't last long. After Ikechi and Emem split earlier in the season, Emem surprised the rest of the cast (and the show's expert panel) with the news...
ScreenRant •

Here’s Where All The Married At First Sight Season 18 Couples Stand After The Explosive Reunion (There Are Some Surprises)

After an unprecedented season of Married At First Sight, the couples who began on the show are not the same couples who ended up together after the show. Now that the dust has settled, and the Married At First Sight season 18 two-part reunion has aired, it's time to see what the status is of the couples who tried to find love without ever seeing their partners. From break-ups, to make-ups, and shake-ups, the reunion gave viewers a glimpse at who's left standing. The season started out with fi...
ScreenRant •

The Bachelor’s Joey Graziadei & Kelsey Anderson Finally Reconnect On Mexican Vacation After Career Forces Them Into Long-Distance Relationship

The Bachelor lovebirds Joey Graziadei and Kelsey Anderson are having the time of their lives on a romantic Mexican vacation after spending so much time apart due to their busy careers. Kelsey and Joey are a success story from The Bachelor, having met and fallen in love during The Bachelor season 28, when he picked her to be his partner. Since then, the pair has been on a whirlwind of a ride, with each of their busy careers pulling them in different parts of the country amid speculation over the...
ScreenRant •

5 Times Grant Ellis Showed His True Colors On The Bachelor (I'm Convinced He Isn't On The Show For Love)

For the most part, Grant Ellis' season as The Bachelor has been panned by viewers for being a bit underwhelming, and I think it's because Grant isn't on the show for the right reasons. Grant is less charismatic than other leads, and he gotten less decisive and sure of himself as the season has progressed. With the season finale airing soon, Grant's down to his finals: 28-year-old client services associate Juliana Pasquarosa and 31-year-old model and venture capitalist Litia Garr. Whoever he choo...
ScreenRant •

The Golden Bachelorette: Joan Vassos & Chock Chapple Have Been Quiet On Social Media (Are They Having Too Much Fun In Wichita?)

America's favorite mature couple, The Golden Bachelorette's Joan Vassos and Chock Chapple, have been quiet on social media lately, and it stands out because these two love to post about each other and their lives post-show. Joan was the franchise's first-ever Golden Bachelorette after appearing on Gerry Turner's season of The Golden Bachelor. Joan and Gerry failed to make a love connection, but Joan was given the golden opportunity to choose from dozens of potential partners when she was asked t...
ScreenRant •

What Happened To Emma Crouch After Below Deck Sailing Yacht Season 5?

Working on a superyacht or sailing yacht, especially Below Deck Sailing Yacht, requires a lot: physical prowess and capability, a willingness to put ego aside and learn from those above you, attention to detail, showing initiative, and the ability to do it all while living and working in close quarters with your colleagues on the high seas. Oh, and it's also all being filmed for a reality show. It's not for everyone, and it wasn't for season 5 deckhand Emma Crouch. Emma arrived at the Parsifa...
ScreenRant •

90 Day Fiancé: Did Josh Weinstein's Secret Girlfriend Crush Natalie Mordovtseva? (Her Baby Dream Still Hasn't Come True Amid Deportation Fears)

Josh Weinstein and his on-again-off-again-girlfriend, Natalie Mordovtseva, were a popular couple within the 90 Day Fiancé franchise, but recent news that Josh has a new girlfriend might crush his ex. Most recently appearing together on 90 Day: The Last Resort, Josh and Natalie first appeared on 90 Day Fiancé: The Single Life, when Natalie set out to get over her heartbreak from her failed marriage to Mike Youngquist on 90 Day Fiancé and 90 Day Fiancé: Happily Ever After? Natalie's been unlucky i...
ScreenRant •

The Golden Bachelorette’s Joan Vassos Expands Brand-New Career After Admitting New Life With Chock Has Been Stressful Amid Wichita Reunion

The Golden Bachelorette's Joan Vassos is taking her influencing responsibilities seriously as she recently began promoting another product amid signs of stress with fiancé Chock Chapple. The couple met during The Golden Bachelorette season 1, where they got engaged, last year. Since then, Joan and Chock have been basking in the glow of their newfound relationship, and their newfound fame, sharing their journey with fans and working with brands that align with their image. However, Joan recently...
ScreenRant •

Sister Wives’ Janelle Brown Reveals Bold Strategy Amid Tensions Over Coyote Pass & 2025 Detox After Welcoming New Family Member With Kody Brown

Sister Wives star Janelle Brown is sharpening her communication skills amid her fight with ex-husband Kody Brown over the sale of Coyote Pass, as the two just became grandparents again after Madison Brown Brush gave birth. Kody and Janelle were married for nearly 30 years before Janelle left the polygamous Brown family. Her departure followed Christine Brown, who left first, and was followed by Meri Brown, leaving Kody with one remaining wife, Robyn Brown. The Sister Wives season 19 star is now...
Load More

Television Show Recaps

Sister Wives, Season 19

TheThings •

Sister Wives Season 19 Episode 19 Recap: Closing The Chapter On Coyote Pass

It's time for another installment of the greatest failed plural marriage experiment of all time: TLC's Sister Wives, which is slowly inching towards its mid-season finale on Feb. 2. The show will take a hiatus and return with part two of Season 19 some time in the spring, so we'll have a short breather from the happenings in the Brown family, which is much needed, in our opinion. But let's catch up with Kody Brown, Robyn Brown, Janelle Brown, Meri Brown and the newly-minted Christine Woolley fir...
TheThings •

Sister Wives Season 19 Episode 18 Recap: The Ex Wives Buy Land, Lawyer Up

On this week's episode of Sister Wives, the Brown family continues to navigate their new normal, including how to deal with the finances some members of the family are still tied up in. Namely, Coyote Pass, the 14 acres of land the family purchased in Arizona to live together in peace and harmony—until the family dissolved into a mess of divorce and broken homes. The episode is fittingly titled "Money is The Root of All Evil" and for those following along, we've recapped the entire season he...
TheThings •

Sister Wives Season 19 Episode 17: Christine Finally Gets Her Fairy Tale Wedding

It's celebration time in Sister Wives land, as viewers are invited to the wedding of the century: the nuptials of Christine Brown and her fiancé, David Woolley. This is actually the episode we've all been waiting for, as we've watched preparations for the day unfold throughout the season.
While Christine and David are finally taking the leap, Kody's in Flagstaff cutting down a big tree. And having FOMO that he's not invited to the wedding, of course.
From public displays of affection to late-nig...
TheThings •

Sister Wives Season 19 Episode 16: 'They Can Have That'

Sister Wives fans, we've finally made it to the episode you've all been waiting for. Christine Brown and David Woolley's lightening speed relationship is finally culminating with a walk down the aisle.
At this point, we've seen every aspect of Christine's wedding planning, from picking a venue to throwing countless celebrations to shopping for a wedding dress. We've also been repeatedly reminded of how different this wedding will be from her first wedding to Kody Brown back in 1994, in which she...
TheThings •

Sister Wives Season 19 Episode 15: The Audacity Of Kody

Previously, on Sister Wives, patriarch Kody Brown and his remaining wife, Robyn Brown, discussed their daughters' desire to find a new religion and church, while former wives Christine Brown, Meri Brown and Jenelle Brown moved forward without Kody.
Christine is, of course, giddy at her upcoming nuptials with David Woolley, while Meri relies on a strong group of female friends for support and welcome into her new life in Utah.
Episode 15, entitled "Faith Can Move Mountains," picks up with Christi...
TheThings •

Sister Wives Season 19 Episode 14: Kody Has Feelings About Religion

When last we left our fearless Sister Wives fam, the wives were learning how to form new communities in the wake of their multiple divorces from patriarch Kody Brown. Meri Brown seeks to build a community of supportive girlfriends, Christine Brown is building a new familial community with David Woolley, and Robyn Brown wants to encourage her daughters to find community through faith.
Everyone's moving on, it seems, despite the trauma the divorces caused to the entire family. Kody, especially, s...
TheThings •

Sister Wives Season 19 Episode 13: Real Talks And Dirty Jokes

On tonight's episode of Sister Wives, the three ex-wives of Kody Brown (Christine Brown, Janelle Brown and Meri Brown) create new familial tribes, while remaining wife Robyn Brown encourages her daughters to seek out community through religion.
This new era of Sister Wives, post-mass-wife-exodus, is barely reminiscent of the early days of the show, when the plural family appeared to be happily living a conservative and religious, though non-traditional, lifestyle. But that was then, and this is...
TheThings •

Sister Wives Season 19, Episode 12: 'Thanks For Being Cool'

With only a couple episodes left to go, we're nearing the end of our Season 19 adventures with the Brown family on Sister Wives. A lot has happened to our favorite failed polygamy family.
Oh, and most of the older kids don't speak to Kody.
So yes, there's been a lot packed into this season so far, and yet we still have many unanswered questions: Who's been controlling the finances? What is going to happen to Coyote Pass? Will the other wives ever get their fair share, or will they have to lawyer...
TheThings •

Sister Wives Season 19, Episode 11: Meri Is Finally 'At Peace'

When we last left everyone's favorite failed polygamy family, the Browns on Sister Wives , Christine Brown and David Woolley officially got engaged and had to deal with Christine's kids' concerns that they're moving too fast, and Meri Brown announcing her plans to move to Kody Brown and his remaining wife, Robyn Brown.
What exciting updates will we grapple with this week? Let's dive into Episode 11 entitled, "The Eleventh Hour," but before we do, here's a recap of all episodes of Season 19:
Th...
TheThings •

Sister Wives Season 19, Episode 10: 'I Never Loved Kody As Much As I Love David'

This week's episode of Sister Wives, entitled "A Man After My Own Heart," picks up where we left off last week, with the Brown family still learning to adjust to their new normal after three of Kody's four wives left, leaving Kody with just one wife, his beloved Robyn.
For a quick refresher of Season 19, we've recapped all episodes here:
The episode opens at the home of Mykelti and her husband, Tony, as they ask Mykelti's mom, Christine, and her boyfriend, David, to watch their three kids while...
TheThings •

Sister Wives Season 19 Episode 9: A Very Awkward Engagement

Gather round, boys and girls, because this week's Sister Wives is going to be an awkward one. In this episode, entitled, "Baptism By Fire," the Brown family reunites for an engagement party for Gwendlyn and her partner, Bea. Kody and Robyn meet David Woolley, Christine's new boyfriend, for the first time, and all eyes are on them as they navigate their new family dynamic. For a refresher, we've recapped all episodes of this season of Sister Wives here: We open at Meri's house, and during...
TheThings •

Sister Wives Season 19, Episode 8: Kody Admits He's 'Bitter'

If you enjoy watching a delusional man being put in his place, then this week's episode of Sister Wives is right up your alley. While last week's episode of the TLC hit reality show explored Kody Brown and Meri Brown's relationship after officially dissolving their union and Christine Brown's wedding planning with her beau, David Woolley, this week, the Christine and David lovefest continues, and so does Kody's level of delusion.
For a refresher, we've recapped all episodes of this season of Sis...
TheThings •

Sister Wives Season 19, Episode 7: The Browns Move On

Episode 7 of Season 19 of Sister Wives, entitled "Labor of Love," began with a brief recap of last week's episode, including Kody Brown's infamous confessional wherein he utters the words, "Blame yourself if I don't love you." Okay, Kody, sounds reasonable. It also included scenes of Janelle Brown and Madison Brush looking at property and Christine Brown and her now-husband, David Woolley, expressing their plans to create a life together.
For a refresher, we've recapped all episodes of this seas...

Dancing With The Stars, Season 33

TheThings •

There's A New Mirrorball Winner In Town

After nearly three long months, we've finally reached the end of our journey on one of the most chaotic seasons of Dancing With The Stars yet. It seems like only yesterday that convicted con artist Anna Delvey threw on a sparkly mini dress and bedazzled her ankle monitor to match it when she first waltzed into the ballroom attempting to win over America (instead, she waltzed right off the show by being eliminated in the first round).
And now, it's time for America (and probably the producers of...
TheThings •

You Won't Believe Who Went Home On The Semifinals Of Dancing With The Stars

It's week nine of Season 33 of Dancing With The Stars, the long-running reality competition show that has seen new life breathed into it by a younger, more social-media-savvy cast of professional dancers and celebrities, and off-screen drama that has kept the show in headlines since the season premiered back in September.
Whether it's rumored (or staged) showmances, controversial guest judges or erratic scoring, this season has been filled with highs and lows. With the show down to its last five...
TheThings •

Who Went Home On Dancing With The Stars' 500th Episode Celebration?

Who would have known back in 2005, when the very first episode of Dancing With The Stars aired with a cast of celebrities like Joey McIntyre, Kelly Monaco, The Bachelorette's Trista Sutter and Evander Holyfield, that nearly 20 years later, the show would be celebrating its 500th episode to just as much hype and popularity as ever? After a whopping 33 seasons, 21 Emmy Awards, 51 professional dancers and nearly 400 celebrities who have taken to the ballroom hoping to win the coveted mirrorball tro...
TheThings •

Which Celebrity Was Sent Home During 'Halloween Nightmares' on Dancing With The Stars?

It’s the spookiest night on the dance floor for the cast of Season 33 of Dancing With The Stars, as the remaining contestants take to the stage to prove their mettle in the latest ballroom showdown. The reality competition is down to just seven contestants, and while we’ve yet to see a couple earn a 10 (despite Gene Simmons’ scoring faux pas back in Episode 5), it’s that time in the competition where the best must rise to the top or risk elimination. A very scary thought indeed.
Tonight’s episod...
TheThings •

Which Celebrity Was Sent Home On 'Disney Night' on Dancing With The Stars?

It's "Disney Night" on Dancing With The Stars, which means viewers will get to see their favorite celebrity contestants dance to classic Disney songs, which makes so much sense when you realize that ABC owns Disney. But tonight isn't about corporate media ownership; it's about jazz, samba and paso doble, with your favorite Disney characters popping up to serve as background dancers.
There's no guest judge tonight, following previous guest judges like Gene Simmons, who faced criticism for his ina...
TheThings •

Which Celebrity Was Sent Home On Dancing With The Stars' Dedication Night?

It's "Dedication Night" on Dancing With The Stars, and that can only mean one thing: the producers want fans to form an emotional connection to the celebrity contestants left vying for the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy. As Season 33 of ABC's reality dance competition show heats up, and more celebrity contestants are eliminated each week, the remaining nine celebrities have to make an impression on fans, and what better way to do it than by offering up their dance to someone who has had a huge im...
TheThings •

Dancing With The Stars Sends Home Two Celebs In Double Elimination

Night 2 of Dancing With The Stars was nothing but a good time, as the theme for the reality competition show was Hair Metal Night. The episode was a tribute to the glossy, glitzy world of 80s hair metal, where the bigger the hair and the tighter the pants, the better. Guest judge Gene Simmons, the frontman of Kiss, joined judges Bruno Tonioli, Derek Hough and Carrie Ann Inaba to critique the dancers as they attempt to make hair metal and ballroom work together....
TheThings •

Dancing With The Stars Returns With No Elimination

Dancing With The Stars is back after skipping an episode last week due to the Vice Presidential debate. While the show got a shout out from nominee Tim Waltz, fans who missed their weekly viewing of the reality competition show can rest easy knowing that this week, we're getting two new episodes—and a brutal double-elimination.
The theme of the Oct. 7 show, which was actually recorded last week, was Soul Train Night, paying homage to the classic show, Soul Train, which spanned 35 years and featu...
TheThings •

Dancing With The Stars Sends Home Two Celebrities In Shocking Double Elimination

After the buzz of last week's Season 33 premiere, Dancing With The Stars returns for Night 2 of sequins, spray tans and hairspray. It's a special Oscars night-themed episode that celebrates the cinematic magic of songs from acclaimed movies and will end with a double elimination, meaning two of the celebrity contestants and their partners will be sent home, thus dashing their dreams of getting to victory and winning the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy.
While the competition is still new, there are...
TheThings •

Dancing With The Stars Premieres With No Elimination

Season 33 of Dancing With The Stars premiered tonight, after weeks of teasing fans with news about the brand-new cast of celebrity contestants. While some contestants (ahem, Anna Delvey) have received more raised eyebrows than others, this season's cast is a healthy mix of Olympians, Bachelor/Bachelorettes, professional athletes and screen icons.
The premiere opens with an upbeat, high-intensity dance from the pros. It’s a standard DWTS premiere performance. Everyone’s dancing for their lives, b...

Pop Culture Commentary

TheThings •

The Vindication Of 'Crazy' Kristen Doute

Let me take you back to a simpler time. It's 2014 and Barack Obama is still president of the United States. Social media exists, but it's still in its infancy stage. It was pre-#MeToo, pre-President Donald Trump. Ten years ago, but it feels like a lifetime.
It's also the year that Season 3 of Bravo's hit Vanderpump Rules is airing, and all anyone can talk about is how unhinged Kristen Doute is. Don't get me wrong, Kristen is iconic, unhinged or not. Today, TikTok is filled with edits praising t...
TheThings •

RIP, Vanderpump Rules

Here lies Vanderpump Rules (2013-2024), the little reality show that could, the first Bravo show to break the traditional Housewives mold and become a sensation in its own right.
Vanderpump Rules was a show that was so wildly addicting, and filled with so many colorful characters, unforgettable moments and explosive drama, that we're finding it a little hard to say goodbye.
It was a Tuesday morning when we got the news of its passing. The news came in the form of a press release that Bravo casua...
TheThings •

Why Gen Z Has Embraced This Season Of Dancing With The Stars

The numbers don't lie. Now in Season 33, ABC's long-running reality competition show Dancing With The Stars has seen a stunning rise in viewers, particularly in the highly-coveted 18-49 demographic. The latest season premiered in September and saw a 14% year-over-year rise in viewership in that demographic, according to a report from Movie Guide.
According to Movie Guide, "DWTS previously saw a boost with this group towards the end of last season through a 'Taylor Swift night'." For a show that...
TheThings •

Teen Mom's Kailyn And Isaac Are TikTok's Hottest Mother/Child Duo Since Kim And North

First, there was Kim and North, a TikTok channel dedicated to documenting the online shenanigans of Kim Kardashian and her oldest daughter with Kanye West, North West. Fans got to watch as Kim and North participated in TikTok trends and made silly videos, showcasing their sweet relationship.
But there's a new mother/child TikTok duo in town, and their names are Kailyn Lowry from Teen Mom 2 and her oldest son, Isaac Rivera.
Teen Mom viewers will no doubt remember when Kailyn first appeared on...
Pacific San Diego •

What I’m Obsessed With: “And Just Like That...”

San Diego Union-Tribune editors and writers share what they’re currently obsessing over.

What I’m obsessed with: “And Just Like That...” the new “Sex and the City” reboot currently streaming on HBO Max. Warning: Spoilers ahead.

Why? Not to age myself, but I was in college when the original “SATC” aired. At the time, my girlfriends and I were enamored with the show. Even though we were younger than the ladies onscreen, their lives were aspirational. It was all so impossibly glamorous. These wom
Pacific San Diego •

Looking back at 2021's top moments in pop culture

2021 was uncharted territory in so many ways. After a tumultuous 2020, many were hopeful that 2021 would bring with it more stability and a return to normalcy. And it did! For a little while anyway.

While the COVID-19 pandemic continued to rage, there were glimpses of “normal” in 2021. Live events started to come back. The Oscars were held in person. Talk shows slowly brought back live audiences and in-person guests. Sporting events continued. We had a Met Gala.

And while we’re clearly not out
Pacific San Diego •

What we’re obsessed with right now: ‘The Princess Switch' trilogy on Netflix

San Diego Union-Tribune editors and writers share what they’re currently obsessing over.

What I’m obsessed with: The cheesy “Princess Switch” holiday trilogy of movies currently streaming on Netflix. If a sugary candy cane in movie form seems appealing, might I suggest these movies starring one-time Vista resident Vanessa Hudgens?

Why? I like “bad” movies, especially if they’re holiday movies — holiday movies don’t have to follow the same standards as regular movies. We’re not watching for the
San Diego Union-Tribune •

John Mulaney hopes to start 'From Scratch' on new tour

Comedian John Mulaney has had one hell of a year.

In September 2020, Mulaney, who has a history of substance abuse issues, checked into a rehab facility for drug and alcohol abuse. In October 2020, he hosted “Saturday Night Live,” the show that made him famous — and for which he’d served as a writer and producer, off and on, from 2008 to 2018.

At the time of his hosting, the audience and general public was none the wiser about his rehab stint.

In December 2020, after an intervention staged by
San Diego Union-Tribune •

What we’re obsessed with right now: 'Dancing with the Stars'

San Diego Union-Tribune editors and writers share what they’re currently obsessing over.

What I’m obsessed with: At this point, after having been on the air for a whopping 30 seasons, there’s nothing very new about “Dancing with the Stars.” But that’s fine by me, because one of the things I love about the show is that it almost never changes. I find that so comforting. When the world feels like it’s spinning off its axis, that mirror ball trophy just keeps spinning, waiting for someone who was
San Diego Union-Tribune •

What we’re obsessed with right now: 'Only Murders in the Building'

San Diego Union-Tribune editors and writers share what they’re currently obsessing over.

What I’m obsessed with: “Only Murders in the Building,” a Hulu original series that follows three neighbors who live in a stately New York City apartment building called the Arconia and who share a love a true crime podcast called “All is Not OK in Oklahoma.” The unlikely trio — played by Steve Martin, Martin Short and Selena Gomez — unite after a suicide at the Arconia that they deem suspicious to try and
San Diego Union-Tribune •

2020 year in review: Our favorite TV shows of the year

The world may have shut down in 2020, but thankfully there was plenty of good television to watch. From highbrow dramas to scandalous reality, here are our favorite shows of the year.

I’ve taken up a love for foreign TV shows in quarantine, and the French comedy “The Hookup Plan” is by far my favorite. Elsa (Zita Hanrot) is a 30-year-old Parisian hung up on her ex, and her best friends Charlotte (Sabrina Ouazani) and (Joséphine Draï) hire a male prostitute to take Elsa on a few dates to help he
Pacific San Diego •

The pop culture moments of 2020: Everything’s fine!

Last year, in a roundup of my favorite pop culture moments of 2019, I wrote: “Another year has come and gone and as we get ready to bid it farewell, we reflect on the tumultuous year known as 2019.” Then 2020 came along and asked 2019 to hold its beer — and here we are a year later, reflecting on what the word “tumultuous” truly means.

Let’s start with the basics: In 2020, the coronavirus pandemic shut the world down. and resulted in hundreds of thousands of deaths, an economic collapse and mil
San Diego Union-Tribune •

A good read: The best celebrity memoirs of 2020

If the year 2020 gave us anything, it’s time — time at home, time away from regular life and time to cuddle up with a good book. And lucky for us, some of our most beloved celebrities gave us another gift in 2020, and that is the gift of a juicy, page-turning memoir for us to devour during quarantine.

Everyone from Jessica Simpson to Matthew McConaughey released an autobiography and they couldn’t have come at a better time. Here are some of the best.

What it covers: Jessica Simpson’s autobiogr
San Diego Union-Tribune •

Learning to love the Netflix show ‘Love is Blind’

Let’s face it, falling in love is always a roll of the dice.

You can meet someone, go on a few dates, form a connection and slowly start developing a relationship that might turn into love.

Or, you can sign up for “Love is Blind,” a Netflix dating show that aims to answer the age-old question: Is love really blind?

I might be skeptical that someone can find love on a reality show, but I’m not skeptical about the entertainment that a good reality show can provide, no matter the premise. So whi
Pacific San Diego •

Comedy specials that remind you it’s okay to find the humor

It feels like a long time ago, but once upon a time, we used to gather in confined spaces (basements, usually) with other folks to listen to someone with a microphone try and make us laugh. We’d buy the two drink minimum and settle in for an evening of keen observation designed to make us chuckle.

Whether it’s slice-of-life commentary or political humor, comedy has always been there to lighten the mood and provide some much-needed levity in trying times.

The greatest example of this I can thin
Pacific San Diego •

The (reality) shows must go on

In times like these, we rely on entertainment to distract us from the harsh realities of the world. And while different people take comfort in different things, sometimes all you need is a good, old-fashioned reality TV show binge in order to (momentarily) relieve stress.

Reality shows are like a soothing balm to slather over your emotional wounds, wrapping you up in comfort. They are the sweet, frothy cotton candy of entertainment, and right now, cotton candy tastes good.

So sit back, fire up
Pacific San Diego •

The pop culture moments of 2019: What a time to be alive

Another year has come and gone and as we get ready to bid it farewell, we reflect on the tumultuous year known as 2019.

Ever since a certain election in 2016, I’ve marveled, over and over, at the insanity of life itself during these times. It’s scary and sometimes, it feels like the world is ending - but it’s also entertaining, right?

This year gave us fun pop cultural gems like “Rise and Shine,” The Joker, Baby Yoda, not one, but two Fyre Festival documentaries, Area 51, Disney+, Lil Nas X, B

Celebrity Interviews

Pacific San Diego •

JK: Jo Koy is "Just Kidding" at two Pechanga Arena shows

Comedian Jo Koy is gearing up for an extremely busy 2022.

There’s his next Netflix special, which will tape in March at The Forum in Los Angeles.

There’s his new movie, “Easter Sunday,” which is loosely based on his experiences growing up in a Filipino-American family. It’s set for an April release and is directed by Jay Chandrasekhar (“Super Troopers,” “Beerfest”), produced, in part, by DreamWorks Pictures and stars a few of Koy’s friends like Tiffany Haddish and Jimmy O. Yang.

Then there’s
San Diego Union-Tribune •

Spirit of "CrazySexyCool" lives on in TLC

UPDATE: TLC’s San Diego concert has since been canceled. Their show in Los Angeles will still take place on Oct. 9.

This Thursday evening, don’t go chasing waterfalls — instead, please stick to the TLC concert at Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre, where the girl group will be joined by Bone Thugs-N-Harmony for a special ‘90s-themed show, a celebration of TLC’s iconic album, “CrazySexyCool.”

“CrazySexyCool,” TLC’s sophomore album, was released 27 years ago in 1994. At the time, TLC was co
San Diego Union-Tribune •

Iliza Shlesinger brings ‘Iliza’s Comedy Tailgate Tour’ to San Diego

The year is 2020. The world as we knew it just a few months ago has changed. And it’s here, in the midst of a global pandemic, that comedian Iliza Shlesinger is hitting the road and embarking on a socially distanced drive-in comedy tour.

But is there anything funny about a global pandemic?

“There’s something funny about everything,” Shlesinger says during a phone call.

The nine-city tour, called “Iliza’s Comedy Tailgate Tour,” kicked off on Oct. 2 on the East Coast and hits San Diego on Oct.
Pacific San Diego •

Get 'Fancy AF' with Vanderpump Rules’ Tom and Ariana

Tom Sandoval and Ariana Madix are used to serving up cocktails (and drama) on Bravo’s Vanderpump Rules. Now the real-life bartending couple are helping their fans serve up their own cocktails (drama optional) with their new book, Fancy AF: Drink Recipes from a Couple of Professional Drinkers, co-written by Danny Pellegrino, host of the Everything Iconic podcast.

“We’re coming to San Diego, which I’m really excited about because I love San Diego,” says Sandoval.

PACIFIC chatted with Tom and Ari
Pacific San Diego •

Getting into the spirit with Steven Soderbergh

Steven Soderbergh knows how to tell a story. Whether it’s on the big screen, as the Academy Award-winning director of films like Traffic, Out of Sight, Sex, Lies and Videotape and Erin Brockovich, or it’s sitting in a speakeasy in San Diego, telling the story behind his involvement with Singani 63, a Bolivian spirit brand that Soderbergh founded to bring singani to the masses.

It’s not uncommon for a celebrity to start schilling products. Instagram is clogged with #sponsoredcontent and a celebr

Events

Pacific San Diego •

Love love? Here are some Valentine's Day events and experiences

It’s the season of love and San Diego is full of things to do with your significant other or friend to show them you care. From lush hotel packages to fun drag shows, here’s a guide to the top Valentine’s Day events and experiences happening all over the county.

Looking for a sweet treat to brighten someone’s day? Café Gratitude in Little Italy is offering their 100% organic Artisanal Valentine’s Day Chocolate Boxes, filled with six vegan chocolates like Almond Butter Squares, Coconut Almond Tr
Pacific San Diego •

Fans are welcomed back at the 2022 Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines

The famed Farmers Insurance Open, one of the PGA’s most prestigious tournaments, is back for another year at the beautiful Torrey Pines Golf Course in La Jolla. While last year’s tournament occurred without spectators, this year, fans are welcomed back to the greens to watch greats like Jon Rahm, Dustin Johnson and Phil Mickelson as they compete for golf glory.

Due to lingering uncertainty surrounding COVID and the Omicron variant, this year’s festivities will still be a scaled-down event. Ther
Pacific San Diego •

San Diego Bay Parade of Lights returns for its 50th year

One of San Diego’s most beloved holiday traditions, the San Diego Bay Parade of Lights, presented by the Port of San Diego, is back for another year of dazzling boat light displays set against the city skyline — and this year, it’s celebrating its milestone 50th anniversary.

Each year, the parade takes on a special theme, which is then incorporated into participating boats’ decor. The 2021 theme is the Twelve Days of Christmas and about 80 boats are scheduled to participate. In addition to ligh
Pacific San Diego •

What we’re most looking forward to at Comic-Con Special Edition

It’s beginning to feel a lot like … Comic-Con? The venerable movie and pop culture fest normally takes place in July in San Diego, but this year, due to pandemic postponements, the scaled-down show will go on in November — over this Thanksgiving weekend, to be exact.

Dubbed a “Special Edition” of Comic-Con , the convention takes place Friday through Sunday at the San Diego Convention Center. But if you’re expecting the usual star-studded parties, huge crowds and big studio activations, you’ll h
Pacific San Diego •

San Diego Bay Wine + Food Festival returns to Embarcadero this weekend

Experience the best in food, wine and culture at the San Diego Bay Wine + Food Festival, a four-day event celebrating San Diego’s dining scene.

Expect food sampling, wine tasting, Q&As, celebrity chefs, educational panels and more, all leading up to the epic Grand Tasting event on Saturday.

The festival continues through Sunday . Events happening at various locations, but the Grand Tasting event is at Embarcadero Marina Park North, 400 Kettner Boulevard.
Pacific San Diego •

Attention foodies: Taste of Liberty Station returns next week

Liberty Station is a hub for many things, including food.

At the Taste of Liberty Station, diners can sample bites from a variety of onsite eateries like Stone Brewing, Buona Forchetta, Dirty Birds, Eggies, THE LOT, Solare and many more.

Attendees will also enjoy live music, vendors and artwork from local galleries. Ticketholders will receive a “Liberty Pass,” which maps out participating restaurants and outlines each of their offerings.

Taste of Liberty Station is Wednesday from 5 to 8 p.m.
Pacific San Diego •

Blended Festival San Diego aims to "blend" food, alcohol and music at two-day event

If being stuck in quarantine made you miss live music, you’re in luck. Blended Festival San Diego is back with an event that aims to “blend” together food, music and alcohol — resulting in a festival that offers something for everyone.

Blended Festival is the brainchild of My Wine Society, a social media app based in San Diego that guides wine-lovers in various cities, telling them where to find the best wines and wineries in their area.

John Bazzo, the president of My Wine Society, said the a
San Diego Union-Tribune •

ArtWalk in Little Italy is back! Here's what to expect at this favorite San Diego arts event

One of San Diego’s favorite art events — the 37th annual Mission Fed ArtWalk — returns to Little Italy this weekend for two days of sunshine, art, interactive activities and more.

It’s also a celebration of all forms of artistic expression.

As you stroll through the streets of Little Italy, you’ll be able to peruse work from artists who hail from the U.S., Mexico and beyond. They’ll be showcasing paintings, sculpture, glasswork, jewelry, photography and more. Or you can take part in a variety
Pacific San Diego •

ArtWalk Liberty Station returns as in-person event

This weekend, over 200 artists will head to Arts District Liberty Station for the latest installment of ArtWalk, San Diego’s venerable art festival. Liberty Station’s Ingram Plaza will showcase works — in person — in a lush, outdoor environment.

This is the 16th anniversary of ArtWalk at Liberty Station and the first major in-person ArtWalk event since the pandemic. Safety protocols will be in place, including sanitation stations and unvaccinated guests being asked to wear masks. ArtWalk offici
San Diego Union-Tribune •

Boots in the Park brings splashy music festivals back to San Diego

Boots in the Park is a good, ol’ fashioned country music festival happening this week at Waterfront Park.

The all-day event features performances from country powerhouses like headliners Old Dominion, a five-member contemporary country band from Nashville, as well as acts like Dustin Lynch, Scotty McCreery (of “American Idol” fame) and Ryan Griffin.

The last San Diego version of Boots in the Park was in October 2019 and attracted about 6,000 people. Steve Thacher, president of Activated Events
San Diego Union-Tribune •

8 things we're excited about at this year's Comic-Con@Home

Comic-Con International is normally a time when San Diego shines in the international spotlight. Downtown transforms into a movie-and-pop-culture-lovers’ wonderland, with highly anticipated movie trailers dropping, breaking news in the world of comic books and pop culture and celebrities roaming the streets of downtown, rubbing elbows with cosplayers and fans alike.

This summer, Comic-Con returns with an online-only iteration, much like it did in 2020. There’s an in-person “Special Edition” eve
Pacific San Diego •

Celebrations for a fabulous Fourth of July in San Diego

Fourth of July is here, and that means San Diego will have plenty of parties, fireworks and events. Whether you’re gathering with friends or heading out, here’s a guide to San Diego’s best Independence Day events.

The biggest fireworks show of them all, San Diego’s Big Bay Boom is legendary and can be viewed from a multitude of places including Shelter Island, Harbor Island, North Embarcadero, Marina District, Coronado Ferry Landing and from the bay itself. The show starts at 9 p.m.; bigbayboom
Pacific San Diego •

Shop, groove (and skate!) at the San Diego Made Summer Market

As San Diego slowly begins opening back up, vintage shoppers who love local goods can make their way to the San Diego Made Summer Market.

Happening this weekend at Grossmont Center, the event brings two days of more than 90 local artisans selling their wares along with live music, photo opps and art installations – all in a safe, socially distanced setting.

The San Diego Made Summer Market is the first summer market that San Diego Made has produced. The group normally puts on winter and spring
Pacific San Diego •

‘Holidays in Your Car’ is safe, family-friendly way to make the season bright

We can all agree that it’s not your average holiday season. The COVID-19 pandemic and spike in cases means that decking the halls needs to be done from at least six feet away and nobody’s sitting on Santa’s lap this year, at least not without a mask. But that doesn’t mean you can’t experience the magic of the season – you just need to do it in a safe and socially distanced way.

Enter “Holidays in Your Car,” a drive-through immersive holiday light show currently running through Jan. 2 at the Del
Pacific San Diego •

Here's your Padres playoff fan guide

2020 has been a wild year, so the San Diego Padres making it to the playoffs for the first time in 14 years kind of makes sense.

Though we can’t sing “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” at the stadium this year due to COVID-19, there are still plenty of fun ways to show the hometown team how proud we are to live in Slam Diego. Go Pads!

Take in the games from downtown

The playoff energy will still be alive and well downtown with multiple bars and restaurants broadcasting the game. Just be sure to we
Pacific San Diego •

Hat’s on! Celebrate Opening Day from home

It’s not your typical Del Mar Thoroughbred Club Opening Day celebration, but there’s still a chance for you to tip your hat to the traditional racing season by participating in the Opening Day Hats Contest from the comfort of your own home.

On Friday, July 10, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., racing fans are invited to post a photo of themselves to Instagram or Twitter sporting their finest Opening Day duds (including over-the-top head-toppers) using the hashtag #DelMarHatsContest and the tag @DelMarRac
Pacific San Diego •

Party (C)on: Where to mix and mingle all night long

Comic-Con is San Diego’s weekend to shine. But it wouldn’t be an epic Comic-Con weekend without some epic parties. Looking for the best place to get your geek on? Here’s a guide to Comic-Con parties in San Diego to mix and mingle with all the X-Men and Wonder Women.


Kick off the Con by meeting the bloggers behind The San Diego Comic-Con Unofficial Blog at this meet-up for fans and readers. Free. First come, first served.

Game of Bloggers at House of Blues

The mightiest of media nerds will g

Wellness + Beauty

The List •

The Micro Bob Is The Super Short Hair Trend That Gives You A Sleek, Sexy Look - The List

The Micro Bob Is The Super Short Hair Trend That Gives You A Sleek, Sexy Look

Looking for inspiration before your next trip to the hair salon, but over the '90s and other throwback hair trends that are still going strong? You might want to consider traveling back in time a little more for inspo. Those in the know are taking their style cues from the flappers and silver screen stars of the roaring '20s — specifically, their super-short micro bobs, which are popping up on celebrity style-makers l
The List •

Disco Curls Are Trending - Here's How To Achieve The Revived '70s Look

Disco Curls Are Trending - Here's How To Achieve The Revived '70s Look

Everything old is new again, or so the saying goes. In 2023, that can be applied to everything from what we're wearing to how we're styling our hair, particularly when it comes to the '90s. In fact, the '90s are also making a comeback in fashion. Suffice it to say that, this year, we're borrowing liberally from the past to create a look that's at once timeless and modern. Disco curls are just one such hairstyle that we're ta
The List •

How Do Paraffin Manicures And Pedicures Benefit Your Skin? - The List

How Do Paraffin Manicures And Pedicures Benefit Your Skin?

With the dry winter months unfortunately still upon us, the need to stay hydrated is more important than ever — and we're not just talking about drinking the recommended amount of water each day. Your skin is also desperate for moisturization and hydration during the colder months. The chilly air and lack of humidity can suck the moisture right out of your skin, leaving it dry and cracked particularly on the cuticles, knuckles, and feet
The List •

The 3 Makeup Products Emily Ratajkowski Always Has On Hand - The List

The 3 Makeup Products Emily Ratajkowski Always Has On Hand

These days, model, actor, and author Emily Ratajkowski is busy making headlines for her post-divorce dating adventures (hello, Brad Pitt, Pete Davidson, and Eric Andre) and her refreshing — and sometimes surprising — takes on parenting, divorce, sex, and body positivity. Ratajkowski is also a huge presence on social media, boasting millions of followers across her platforms. Unsurprisingly, her social media activity also makes waves. In


Profiles

San Diego Magazine •

If You Grow It, They Will Follow

Kevin Espiritu has never been one for convention. To pay for college, he didn’t rely on scholarships or his parents to foot the bill: instead, he played online poker and used the winnings to finance his education.

Post-college, when Espiritu had graduated from playing online poker to playing video games with his brother, he felt the need to challenge himself to come up with a hobby that would take him and his brother outside and away from their screens.

That challenge turned out to be gardenin
San Diego Union-Tribune •

For this Navy helicopter pilot and promoter, the show must go on and on and on ...

Julie Roland grew up in an extremely creative Bay Area household. Her mother was both a health researcher and a poet and made sure that there was plenty of opportunity for creativity at home — from puppetry and filmmaking to music and even magic.

“My mom was just a huge promoter of any kind of artistic endeavor we wanted to explore,” Roland said during a phone interview.

Now Roland brings that spirit of creativity to her adopted hometown of San Diego through her “Just Tryna Make Friends” varie
San Diego Union-Tribune •

Meet a San Diego influencer: craft beer's Megan Stone

Follow if you like: Craft beer, advocacy, colorful photos

When North Park’s Megan Stone originally set up her Instagram account, @IsBeerACarb, she wanted to give her followers a behind-the-scenes look at the craft brewing. But over time, her account transformed into an online community that gives voice to marginalized people in the beer industry.

Stone’s passion for craft brewing began when she worked as a server at Birroteca, a craft beer and cocktail-focused restaurant in her native Baltimor
PB Monthly •

Noted Pacific Beach volunteer has new lease on life after heart transplant

Pacific Beach resident Ellen Citrano has dedicated her life to serving others — first, as a critical care nurse for 40 years and then as a volunteer in her beloved community.

But her passion for volunteering hit a snag this year when she had to undergo a heart transplant — the result of a longstanding virus in her heart.

On May 1, Citrano became the 470th person to receive a new heart at Sharp Memorial Hospital in Kearny Mesa, courtesy of thoracic surgeon Dr. Robert Adamson and his team.

Citr
PB Monthly •

Community activist, hotelier and entrepreneur Elvin Lai is Pacific Beach's new honorary mayor

Elvin Lai might just be the busiest man in Pacific Beach.

As the fourth-generation owner/operator of the Ocean Park Inn hotel on Grand Avenue, Lai has firmly entrenched himself in the PB community. He implemented the Pacific Beach Clean & Safe program through Discover PB, serves on the San Diego Foundation COVID Relief Fund executive committee and was recently appointed as the 2021 board chair for the San Diego Convention Center Association.

In April, he’s unveiling a redesign of the hotel bas
PB Monthly •

Lysundra “Sunny” Lee brings new light to Discover PB

Lysundra “Sunny” Lee, the former executive director of Old Town in San Diego, is now in charge of promoting all things Pacific Beach.

Lee is the new executive director of Discover PB, the community’s business improvement district, replacing Sara Berns, who served 13 years in the position and left the organization in December.

Since taking on her new role, Lee has been integrating herself into the community.

“It’s not a new job for me, it’s just a new community,” Lee said in a phone interview.
Point Loma-OB Monthly •

'Becoming American': Point Loma author recounts his immigrant experience on way to a life in law and politics

Point Loma resident Cary Lowe wears many hats: He is a teacher, retired lawyer, political activist and an author who worked with politicians such as Robert Kennedy, George McGovern, Jerry Brown and Tom Hayden, to name a few.

Born in Austria just after World War II to Holocaust survivors, Lowe immigrated to the United States with his family as a teenager and became actively engaged in American society.

In his new book, “Becoming American,” released in October by Black Rose Writing, Lowe shines
Point Loma-OB Monthly •

People in Your Neighborhood: AnneElise Goetz — lawyer, TV analyst, wife, mother, children's advocate

AnneElise Goetz has an extensive resumé. The Point Loma resident is a partner at the downtown San Diego law firm Higgs Fletcher & Mack, a TV legal analyst who has appeared on CNN and HLN, and a wife and mother.

In case she wasn’t busy enough, Goetz recently acquired another title: board chairwoman of Voices for Children, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting foster children.

Goetz and her husband, Andy, moved to San Diego nearly 10 years ago from the Midwest. They are the parents of
PB Monthly •

Pacific Beach Middle School student honored as 'Most Promising Teen' is shooting for the stars — or Mars

According to Lilian Franqui’s dad, she’s always been destined for big things.

“She’s a bright kid, on the bright side of any normal kid,” Ed Franqui said of the 13-year-old Pacific Beach Middle School student. “What she has is just an incredible work ethic. Even at this age, she outworks just about everybody. And so that goes for violin or whatever else. And I’ve noticed that from an early age.”

Lilian has been named one of this year’s “25 Most Remarkable Teens” by the San Diego County Public
Point Loma-OB Monthly •

Point Loma author links past and present to tell stories of women

Point Loma native and author Jill Hall likes to let her characters dictate how to tell their stories.

“I’m an intuitive writer, so I don’t really decide when I’m writing. I just start writing and my characters tell me what they want to do and where they want to be. They just unveil themselves to me through my writing,” Hall said while discussing her latest book, “The Green Lace Corset,” which will be released in October.

The book is the third in a series of Hall books that tell stories using t
PB Monthly •

People in Your Neighborhood: Community advocate Caryn Blanton works to bring hope to those without homes

Caryn Blanton doesn’t like to refer to herself as an activist.

“I will say I’m an advocate, not an activist,” she says.

The difference, in her mind, is that “activist” connotes a more “in your face” style, while an “advocate” takes a more positive approach.

“I would say I’m an advocate for my neighbors who are experiencing homelessness. Where they might not have a voice, I can have a voice,” Blanton said.

Her passion for helping marginalized groups began in childhood. Blanton lived with her
Point Loma-OB Monthly •

Ex-vice principal prepares for first semester as principal at Point Loma High in time of change and challenge

A lot of things will look different when students at Point Loma High School begin their fall semester at the end of this month.

In addition to a campus modernization and online learning due to the coronavirus, there will be a new principal: Kelly Lowry.

Lowry, Point Loma High School’s vice principal the past five years, assumed the principal’s position last month after a lengthy, all-virtual interview process.

He succeeds Hans Becker, who announced in May that he would become principal of Ran
Pacific San Diego •

My home office: Olia Majd

Occupation: Majd is a fashion, beauty and lifestyle blogger and influencer at loveolia.com. She’s also a licensed esthetician and the founder of the O Cosmétiques skincare line.

Back story: The half-Persian, half-French Majd was born in Florida, but she’s lived in San Diego since she was a young child and has no plans on leaving. “Haven’t wanted to live anywhere else,” she says. She bought her La Mesa home two years ago, and she lives there with her two “co-workers” (her dogs, a Yorkshire Terri
Pacific San Diego •

Getting through difficult times with Monica the Medium

Monica Ten-Kate (also known as Monica the Medium) knew she had a gift from an early age.

“I was always very intuitive and empathic growing up, but it wasn’t until high school that I discovered I had this gift,” she explains. “Around the age of 15, I began to realize that my empathic tendencies were accompanied by an overwhelming sense of feelings, flashes of images, and voices that I would later learn were ‘Spirit’ communicating.”

The “Spirit” Monica the Medium refers to is what she calls the
Pacific San Diego •

Get busy in the kitchen with foodmaker Holly Haines

Holly Haines likes to describe herself as a “foodmaker” rather than a chef. “I feel like [chef is] not only a title, but also a rank that is earned working in a restaurant. I worked at Subway in high school, but I don’t think that counts.”

So while she isn’t technically trained, Holly has built a loyal following of fans who love her thoughtful spins on classic recipes, like experimenting with ube (a purple sweet potato from the Philippines) and her preference for using black cocoa powder for he
Pacific San Diego •

CRSSD festival fashion tips with Samm Jandrisch

Samm Jandrisch is all about balance. By day, the stylish 23-year-old is an employee at a local project management software company. But by night (and on weekends), Samm’s a trendsetter with nearly 50,000 Instagram followers who regularly shares her many adventures with her fans. From boozy brunches with friends and traveling the world to cheering on her favorite teams and dancing the day (and night) away at music festivals, Samm likes showcasing her “real” life, versus the highly commercialized
Pacific San Diego •

Paint the town with Phoebe Cornog and Roxy Prima

If you’ve ever posed in front of a colorful mural on the streets of San Diego for that perfect, Insta-worthy pic, you can likely thank Phoebe Cornog and Roxy Prima for the eye-catching backdrop.

Phoebe and Roxy are friends and business partners who co-founded and serve as creative directors of Pandr Design Co., a branding and design business that creates splashy murals for major companies like Target, Visa and Bumble. Phoebe and Roxy also started Ladies Who Paint, a nonprofit aimed at empowerin
Pacific San Diego •

Up your fitness game in 2020 with Andrea Lopez-Velarde

It’s the New Year and for many people, it’s a time for rebirth, rejuvenation and resetting goals for the coming year. It’s the time when people make resolutions and — more often than not — those resolutions are to get in shape or live a healthier lifestyle.

Those struggling with these goals or simply looking for fitness inspo can look to Andrea Lopez-Velarde (@andrea.lva) for sweat session motivation, healthy recipes and on-trend fitness apparel, making her the ultimate in “new year, new me” go
Pacific San Diego •

Have a glass of wine with Arielle Meads of Pourstyles

As the voice behind @Pourstyles, Arielle shares her passion for all things vino and vintage clothes with her followers, along with decorating tips, restaurant recommendations and the occasional cat picture.

A trained ballerina who formerly danced with San Diego Ballet, she now spends her days as a fashion stylist, marketing director and wine aficionado, while showcasing her eclectic and unique style (think Stevie Nicks meets David Bowie, with a little Jack Skellington mixed in for good measure)
Pacific San Diego •

Good Influencer: San Diegan Erin Aschow whips up cookies, cakes and Instagram gold

Erin Aschow is more than just your standard lifestyle blogger.

On her blog, Ice Cream and Neon Dreams (formerly Revenge Bakery), Erin regularly updates her loyal audience with everything from concert-going tips (she’s kind of an expert) to travel guides (check out her roundup of dog-friendly spots in downtown San Diego) and recipes for everything from how to make your own Taco Bell Crunchwrap Supremes at home to a decadent skillet s’mores crack dip.

She’s a music-loving ordering travel enthusi

Retail + Business

San Diego Union-Tribune •

Pura Vida opens first storefront at Westfield UTC

Local jewelry company Pura Vida Bracelets has come a long way since its inception in 2010.

The brand was originally started by two San Diego State University alumni, Griffin Thall and Paul Goodman, on a surf trip to Costa Rica following their college graduation.

On the trip, the two men met local artisans selling colorful, handmade bracelets on the streets. They decided to buy a few hundred and bring them back to sell at home in the United States. The bracelets quickly sold out, and Thall and
Point Loma-OB Monthly •

Business Spotlight: EZE Ryders powers up electric bike sales and service in Point Loma

Spring 2020 might not have seemed like the best time to launch a new business, but for Devin Raymond, the timing proved to be perfect.

Raymond was working in the logistics industry in Los Angeles, but when his girlfriend accepted a position at UC San Diego, they moved here at the end of 2019. At the time, his intent was to pursue a logistics job, but 2020 had other plans.

“With the pandemic, a lot of companies stopped hiring,” Raymond said. “I had a side business in the electric bike industry
Pacific San Diego •

Jenni Kayne vintage Airstream shopping experience coming to One Paseo

Fans of Jenni Kayne’s classic California lifestyle brand will be pleased to know there’ll be an exclusive shopping experience at Del Mar’s One Paseo.

From Dec. 9 through 15, a renovated 1956 vintage Airstream trailer will stand in as a pop-up shop where customers can experience the full Jenni Kayne brand and purchase classics like chic flats and slides, comfy cashmere sweaters and elegant accessories from the latest fall collection while enjoying daily specials and promotions.

Due to Covid-19
Point Loma-OB Monthly •

Last family member in the business prepares to close 83-year-old A.L. Jacobs and Sons Jewelers

There have been a lot of changes during the run of A.L. Jacobs and Sons Jewelers.

From the development of downtown San Diego to the rise in customers’ online shopping habits, the store has withstood it all, selling jewelry to San Diegans, most recently at 1055 Rosecrans St. in Point Loma.

But at age 67 and after 44 years in the family business, Chris Jacobs, who runs the store, is ready to close up shop.

“I’d been thinking about it for a while, but definitely COVID made it a lot easier to mak
Pacific San Diego •

Nay Secka brings African-influenced face masks to San Diego

Originally born in New York as the daughter of a diplomat, Secka’s childhood was far from the norm. At four years old, her family relocated back to The Gambia, where they were originally from. Her unconventional childhood included stops in Nigeria as well, and after high school, she did a brief stint in London and then found herself back in New York.

But Secka’s worldly background has served her well since creating TEGAA, her clothing and accessories line. Originally founded in 2015, with a bri
San Diego Union-Tribune •

San Diego Zoo partners with Knockaround for limited-edition shades

If you’re planning to visit the recently reopened San Diego Zoo anytime soon, you might want to consider picking up a pair of special-release shades from Knockaround Sunglasses, a locally based sunglasses company.

Knockaround and the San Diego Zoo have partnered to create a series of new animal print glasses, inspired by some of the zoo’s favorite animals: giraffes, cheetahs and rhinos.

The collaboration kicks off with the Reticulated Giraffe Premium shades, which have a trendy giraffe print a
San Diego Union-Tribune •

Face it: We need to wear masks, so they might as well be cute

Last week, the latest in a string of public health orders to slow the threat of coronavirus in San Diego stated that employees who interact with the public are now required to wear face coverings, and while it isn’t mandatory for the public to employ such measures, it is highly encouraged.

This latest health order came at a time when business was already booming for local designer (and winner of the 2015 season of Project Runway) Ashley Nell Tipton. Tipton had recently converted her Hillcrest c

Dining + Hospitality

San Diego Magazine •

15 of the Best San Diego Food & Drinks to Try This November

Sandwiches. Tacos. S’mores. Good ol’ American breakfasts. When the weather in San Diego takes on its (admittedly minor) winter chill, often all we want is a really delicious, occasionally Michelin-recognized take on the classics. Here are 15 local dishes that hit the spot for us this month. Go get some.

Where to Eat in San Diego Right Now

One of the most likable mother-son duos have opened a permanent shop in Barrio Logan (their OG food truck was on Food Network’s Great Food Truck Race). Mom B
San Diego Magazine •

Bivouac Adventure Lodge Is Coming to North Park

Prosecuting… pivoting… pouring… Lara Worm’s path to opening North Park’s Bivouac Ciderworks was an unconventional one. She grew up in SD in a family that’s been in hospitality for 70 years. So, after 11 years as a federal prosecutor in the US Attorney’s Office in DC, she was prepped for an adventure in the high-pressure, uber-competitive hospitality industry—but she was still surprised by the challenges women encounter when opening a restaurant.

“I’ve always worked in male-dominated fields,” sh
San Diego Magazine •

The Food Hit List: July 2023

The SD food scene gets better by the minute, and our staff is out there, day after day, heroically tasting as much good stuff as we can. Each month we're compiling a hit list of some our favorite dishes and drinks we think our readers might 1 want to put their mouths on. Go get some.

Chef Josh Mouzakes is really cooking at Arlo, making dishes where you can see the creative idea but it doesn’t taste like an “idea.” Just tastes pretty damn great. Like this secret-menu charcuterie board—all the us
San Diego Magazine •

Food Hit List: June 2023

We eat. And drink. A lot. We’re constantly poking our heads into kitchens across the city. We tell the stories of the people in them. And along the way, we taste some pretty remarkable things. So we decided to create this two-page spread—a monthly hit list of dishes and drinks and places and things in the food and drink scene we think will bring you decent if not great amounts of joy. Turn it into a bingo card. Go nuts.

Want our editors to try your food? Email food@sdmag.com with the subject li
San Diego Magazine •

San Diego's Best Restaurants of 2023

The devil is in the details—and so is the revel.

This year’s “Top Five” is a chronicle of obsession. When Callie chef and San Diego native Travis Swikard learns local boats have fresh spot prawns, he drives to Scripps Oceanographic Institute, secures optimal seawater, and keeps the prawns swimming in his kitchen until dinner service. On the other side of downtown, fellow hometowner Tara Monsod and her three main chefs at the heavy-draped, softly opulent Animae are Filipina a major local culture
Pacific San Diego •

The Smoking Gun in Gaslamp launches revamped brunch menu

Looking for a good brunch in the Gaslamp? The Smoking Gun has your back.

Their new brunch menu features items like their Frito Chili-Quiles, made with wagyu beef chili, corn chips, poblano beer cheese, two over-easy eggs, green onions and Cali Wing green chili sauce; the Waffle Breakfast Sandwich, made with a bacon waffle, sausage patties, fried eggs, American cheese and maple butter; the French Toast Sticks, made with vanilla-agave cream cheese, powdered sugar and maple syrup; and the Chicken
Pacific San Diego •

Bivouac Ciderworks' launches happy hour

Bivouac Ciderworks, North Park’s urban cidery, is launching a new happy hour menu with filled with favorites priced at only $6.

A few menu items available on the new HH menu? Fancy fries with garlic poblano aioli, chips and fire-roasted, house-made salsa, Brazilian meatballs with chimichurri and soft pretzels with honey mustard aioli.

Pair these bites with $6 glasses of wine, craft beer or one of Bivouac’s famous ciders like the San Diego Jam blackberry cider or the Albright pear cider.

Bivou
Pacific San Diego •

Herb & Sea and Ironsmith Coffee Roaster introduce collab menu items

North County dining destination Herb & Sea is collaborating with the coffee shop next door — in this case, Ironsmith Coffee Roasters — on two new collaboration menu items as a way to foster a sense of neighborhood and community in Encinitas.

Introducing the Carajillo, an after-dinner cocktail made with Ironsmith Coffee espresso and Licor 43, and the Lava Cake Chocolate Muffin, inspired by Herb & Sea’s Chocolate Lava Cake dessert, made with Ironsmith Coffee and buttermilk, and featuring a chocol
Pacific San Diego •

Rise and shine! New brunch menu at Café Gratitude in Little Italy

Café Gratitude , Little Italy’s trendy eatery, has unveiled new plant-based, vegan brunch items to brighten your morning.

Chef Seizan Dreux Ellis has updated the menu with items like “I am Hospitable” Gluten-Free Chick’n Waffles, made with Belgian oat waffles, “chik’n-fried” oyster mushrooms, cashew whipped cream, maple syrup and orange slices; the “Yo Soy Vida” Machaca Mexican Breakfast Hash, made with mushroom carnitas, tofu scramble, tomato, red onion, red pepper, black beans, brown rice sal
Pacific San Diego •

Enclave Café purchases 19 acre regenerative farm in Bonsall

Enclave Café , the “food as medicine” concept restaurant, has taken the next steps to a fully sustainable operation with the purchase of a 19-acre regenerative farm in Bonsall.

Located just 30 minutes north of Enclave’s flagship café at Juneshine Ranch in Scripps Ranch, the farm will provide fresh produce and fruit to all of Enclave’s restaurants.

The farm will produce avocados, tangerines, oranges, lemons, grapefruit, macadamia nuts, kumquats, herbs and honey, with more to come.

They plan to
Pacific San Diego •

The Smoking Gun Arcade is now open in Gaslamp

The Smoking Gun is already known as one of the most popular bar/restaurants in the Gaslamp, with a retro vibe, cool drinks and a full menu of burgers, sandwiches and more.

Now the downtown spot adds to the fun with a new arcade. Enjoy classic games like air hockey, skeet ball, basketball, driving games and old-school video games like Pac-Man, while sipping cocktails and watching sports on one of the multiple TVs.

The arcade is open during The Smoking Gun’s normal business hours (3 p.m. to 2 a.
Pacific San Diego •

Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar introduces new menu items

Now on the menu at Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar , find new items like Cheeseburger Fries, featuring a heaping pile of French fries loaded with seasoned ground beer, grilled onions, three-cheese sauce, pickles, tomatoes, bark + bite sauce, mustard, toasted sesame seeds and green onions, and the Fish N Chips TV Dinner, made with crispy beer-battered fish served on waffle potato chips with a side of sweet potato tot and white corn succotash and a Nutella brownie for dessert.

At Lazy Dog’s virtual con
Pacific San Diego •

Rainbow Bunny? Cloud Chaser? These are the newest cocktails at You & Yours Distilling Co.

You & Yours Distilling Co. , the trendy urban distillery in San Diego’s East Village, debuts four winter cocktails.

The new flavors are the Rainbow Bunny, made with You & Yours vodka, rainbow carrot, blueberry, lime and sarsaparilla bitters; the Sangria & Tonic, made with London Dry Gin, Sauvignon Blanc syrup, green apple, white pomegranate, lemon and East Imperial Grapefruit Tonic; the Darling Clementine, made with London Dry Gin, clementine, persimmon, elderflower, lemon and rosemary; and the
Pacific San Diego •

Understory at Sky Deck debuts tableside cocktails

Understory , the craft cocktail bar located in Del Mar’s Sky Deck food hall, is now offering tableside cocktail service, giving guests a behind-the-scenes opportunity to see how its cocktails are made and chat with bartenders about the process, inspiration and flavor profiles.

Understory’s new tableside cocktail program will launch with two drinks: the Jalisco Pine, made with barrel-aged tequila, elderflower and rosemary syrup, lemon juice, cardamom-infused angostura bitters, rosemary spice and
Pacific San Diego •

Don't miss this gray whale conservation fundraiser dinner at Vistal

Vistal at the Intercontinental San Diego hotel is launching a new menu with a dinner that also supports the conservation of gray whales.

The dinner will celebrate the California and Baja coasts while raising funds for Wildcoast’s gray whale conservation efforts. Enjoy Chef Todd Bencivenni’s new menu, along with cocktails from Gray Whale Gin. There will be educational speeches from Wildcoast and Xplore Offshore, with the restaurant’s sweeping ocean views serving as the backdrop.

Tickets are $17
Pacific San Diego •

Enclave Café debuts breakfast with menu items like Sandy Eggo Sandos and BAE Toast

Located in the Juneshine Hard Kombucha Brewery in Scripps Ranch, Enclave Café is now serving a menu of breakfast favorites like Hot Lava Stacks (paleo waffles, fried eggs and bacon topped with hot honey), BAE Toast (bacon, avocado and egg on house-made sourdough toast), Sandy Eggo Sandos (bacon or chicken sausage, eggs and arugula on choice of a house-made sourdough bagel, sourdough brioche or gluten-free bread), the Breakfast Burrito (meat, vegetarian and vegan options) and more.

The breakfast
Pacific San Diego •

Powerhaus in Pacific Beach launches NFTs for National Pizza Day

Celebrate National Pizza Day on Wednesday with Pacific Beach’s Powerhaus Wholesome Pizza & Eats and the launch of its NFTs (non-fungible tokens) in partnership with PizzaDAO.

Proceeds from the sale of the NFTs (featuring some classic San Diego images) will be used to sponsor pizza parties for students in low-income San Diego neighborhoods.

Powerhaus will also be hosting a meet-up for the crypto community, the PB community and the general public on Wednesday from 6 to 8 p.m. All alcoholic drink
Pacific San Diego •

Alila Marea Beach Resort Encinitas announces new executive chef

Celebrity chef Claudette Zepeda and the Alila Marea Beach Resort Encinitas have announced the appointment of a new executive chef for the resort.

Ananda Bareño will oversee menus for the entire resort, including VAGA, The Pocket Pool & Bar, Coffee Box, special events catering and in-room dining. Zepeda, who had served as executive chef, will continue her work with the resort as a consultant.

Bareño’s culinary background includes stints at the Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego, the Hyatt Regency
Pacific San Diego •

Happy birthday, Belching Beaver! The San Diego brewery celebrates 10 years with unique label art

In October, Belching Beaver Brewery will be celebrating its tenth anniversary and to commemorate, the brewery unveiled new label art for some of its core beers, like the number-one-selling Peanut Butter Milk Stout, Must Be The Honey!, Phantom Bride and Viva La Beaver.

The refreshed labels illustrate the brand’s whimsical sensibilities and showcase the flavors and inspiration behind the brews. Some new labels will already be hitting shelves, with others scheduled to drop in the summer.

Belching
Pacific San Diego •

Mendocino Farms rebrands, offers Thai-inspired menu options

Mendocino Farms Sandwich Market , the fast-casual dining spot known for its fresh sandwiches, salads and bowls, has rebranded into simply Mendocino Farms (removing “Sandwich Market” from the name, which allows it to highlight other menu items).

Expect a complete makeover of the brand, including stores and website, but with the same high-quality menu items, plus new Thai-inspired menu items that are available for a limited time. Enjoy the Sweet Heat Crispy Thai Chicken Sandwich, made with air-fr
Pacific San Diego •

An's Hatmakers opens in Del Mar

An’s Gelato, the innovative gelato makers behind North Park’s An’s Dry Cleaning, have debuted another gelato shop in Del Mar with a sartorially-inspired name: An’s Hatmakers.

An’s Hatmakers will carry the brand’s signature flavors, like Canvas (olive oil and rosemary) and Leather (brown butter and chocolate chip cookie), but will add new, Del Mar-exclusive flavors like Newsboy (vanilla and white chocolate macadamia praline), Fez (red velvet made with cream cheese, white chocolate and beets) and
Pacific San Diego •

Wormwood brings cozy French cuisine to North Park

Wormwood , one of North Park’s newest restaurants, combines the charm of the French countryside with a worldly cuisine and bar menu that celebrates absinthe, an often misunderstood spirit that was popular with French bohemians in the 19th and early 20th centuries.

The anise-based liquor became known as a mythical spirit with hallucinatory properties that was enjoyed by artists and writers like Ernest Hemingway, James Joyce, Pablo Picasso, Vincent van Gogh and Oscar Wilde, among others. In fact,
Pacific San Diego •

Café Gratitude expands meal delivery program to San Diego

Looking to start the new year on a healthier track? Already popular in Los Angeles, Café Gratitude has expanded its meal delivery program to San Diego and Orange County.

The programs are available in three-day or six-day options and include vegan breakfast, lunch and dinner items created by Executive Chef Dreux Ellis. Meal options include the ‘I am Hearty’ Tofu Breakfast Scramble, ‘I am Dazzling’ Kale Caesar Salad, ‘I am Dedicated’ Mushroom Carnitas Keto Bowl and more. Meal plans are available
Load More

News

San Diego Magazine •

Hillcrest's Youth Center Serving SD's LGBTQ Community

As a queer youth growing up in El Centro, Cara Dessert says that having a place like the Hillcrest Youth Center would have been invaluable—and unimaginable.

“A place like this was beyond my wildest dreams,” says Dessert, now the CEO of the San Diego LGBT Community Center. “It’s our love letter and survival guide [for] the next generation.”

Just one of the several vital facilities operated by the SD LGBT Community Center, the new 2,500-square-foot Hillcrest Youth Center opened in April. It's th
San Diego Magazine •

Local Stokes: July's Hottest Picks

The world lost an icon when the Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll, Tina Turner, passed away on May 24. The trailblazing singer, actress, and author’s life is celebrated in the new musical, TINA–The Tina Turner Musical, which runs July 25–30 at the San Diego Civic Theatre. From her humble beginnings in Brownsville, TN, to her tumultuous relationship with Ike Turner and a triumphant comeback that cemented her reputation as one of the greatest musical acts of our time, Tina was simply the best.

The picklebal
San Diego Magazine •

Local Stokes: September's Hottest Picks

While having fun in the sun is a San Diego staple, protection from harmful rays is a top priority. Enter SWCHBAK, a female-owned, SD-based company offering an array of functional athletic apparel and accessories made from sustainable materials in prints designed by artists from around the country. The brand’s line of gaiters (a neck and face scarf) are UPF 50, with a percentage of sales going to local nonprofit Stage Free Melanoma.

Whether it’s shredded, sliced, shaved, or melted, cheese is the
San Diego Union-Tribune •

Rooftop Cinema Club offers earlier showtimes for family-friendly films

Rooftop Cinema Club is making some big changes: audiences of all-ages will now be able to enjoy an evening of cinema under the stars.

The popular series — officially titled Rooftop Cinema Club Embarcadero at the Manchester Grand Hyatt — has unveiled a brand new, state-of-the-art LED screen which allows movies to be screened at earlier times, making it easier for families to enjoy early evening matinee showings.

In addition to the 8 and 10:30 p.m. screenings, all-ages 5 p.m. matinees have been
Point Loma-OB Monthly •

Liberty Station’s Hire Heroes USA helps military veterans and spouses find their place in civilian world

San Diego County has a storied military background — it’s the home of Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Marine Corps Air Station Camp Pendleton, Naval Base Point Loma and others.

It’s also home to one of the largest concentrations of military personnel in the world.

A major issue facing many in that population is figuring out their next steps in a post-service life.

Enter Hire Heroes USA, a nonprofit founded in 2007 by John Bardis, who currently is chairman of the board.

In 2005, Bardis met
Point Loma-OB Monthly •

Three members of Point Loma troop are among first female class of Eagle Scouts

For as long as it had been in existence, the Boy Scouts of America’s prestigious Eagle Scout rank was limited to male members. But that changed in 2018, when the organization announced a rebrand, changing the name to Scouts BSA and making the decision to allow females to participate.

Now, the first female class of Eagle Scouts has been granted the honor, including three young women from Point Loma’s Troop 555.

Kaya Hoffman, Eden Tillotson and Alienor Alexander are friends who are active in Sco
Point Loma-OB Monthly •

Point Loma Boy Scout's Eagle project: make and distribute 1,000 masks for homeless

Killian Treppa, a Boy Scout in the Point Loma-based Troop 500, shows the supplies he’s used to make face masks for his Eagle Scout project.

Fourteen-year-old Killian Treppa likes to do the typical things young teenage boys like: He’s an avid gamer (Minecraft is a favorite). He likes card and board games. He enjoys spending time with his family — a family that has been involved in the Ocean Beach-Point Loma community for decades. And he especially likes being a Boy Scout in the Point Loma-based
Los Angeles Times •

International students create an app to prevent food waste

Till Hartwig , 24, and Till Kuehn, 23, have more than just a home country and a first name in common.

The two were both students at Germany’s Berlin School of Economics and Law when they applied for an exchange semester at San Diego State University. The men, who met during the application process, were both accepted into the program in the fall of 2019.

The two immediately bonded over their shared passion for business and entrepreneurship. In fact, it was during an entrepreneurship class taug
PB Monthly •

Paid parking proposal in Pacific Beach commercial district faces opposition

A proposed pilot program for Pacific Beach’s Garnet Avenue commercial district that would include metered parking has yet to go to the City Council for a vote. But a growing chorus of residents who oppose the program have taken issue with the way it was presented to the public, even going so far as to say that those who oppose it are being silenced.

The one-year paid parking program was proposed by the Pacific Beach Community Parking District to help relieve congestion on Garnet between Ocean B
Point Loma-OB Monthly •

Could palm weevil treatment harm Point Loma-OB's parrots and other wildlife?

The red-masked conure is one of five species of wild parrots found in Point Loma and Ocean Beach.

As the city of San Diego grapples with infestations of South American weevils on local date palms, questions have been raised about the safety of the insecticides used to protect the trees and their potential effects on local ecosystems, including the parrots of Point Loma and Ocean Beach.

While the city maintains that the insecticides used pass safety standards set by the California Department of
San Diego Union-Tribune •

Rooftop Cinema Club premieres 2021 season

After canceling the 2020 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Rooftop Cinema Club is back with a full lineup of classic and beloved movies — all screened in a fun, outdoor setting.

Films like “The Princess Bride” and “Pulp Fiction” are screened on the roof of the Manchester Grand Hyatt in downtown San Diego.

This year, the space has expanded to ensure proper social distancing. Guests are invited to arrive early to enjoy the city views, play games, take photos and grab a cocktail. Food is also
PB Monthly •

South American palm weevil wreaking havoc on Pacific Beach palm trees

The majestic palm tree is part of San Diego’s classic iconography — symbolizing Southern California and the beach, the feel of a tropical paradise.

Most of San Diego’s palm trees are classified as Canary Island date palm trees. Unfortunately, Canary Island date palms are also a favorite snack of the South American palm weevil, a type of bug that first made its presence known in Southern California in 2011. Once a palm weevil attacks a tree, the tree begins to show visible signs of disease, such
PB Monthly •

Pacific Beach leaders look ahead to 2021

As 2020 is drawing to a close, Pacific Beach leaders are looking to what the new year brings. Though 2020 was a year of unpredictable, catastrophic events, that doesn’t mean 2021 can’t be a success.

Here, Brian White , president of the Pacific Beach Town Council; Karl Rand , chair of the Pacific Beach Planning Group; Sara Berns , executive director of Discover Pacific Beach; Bonnie Franklin and Becca Horowitz from the Mission Bay Cluster of San Diego Unified School District and District 2 City
Point Loma-OB Monthly •

Ocean Beach vet and San Diego Humane Society president pens children's guides to pet training

Dr. Gary Weitzman is an Ocean Beach resident, a veterinarian and president and chief executive of the San Diego Humane Society. To say he is an expert on pets would be an understatement. He’s literally written the book — make that, books — on the topic.

Late this summer, National Geographic Kids published his two latest books, “Fetch! A How to Speak Dog Training Guide” and “Pounce! A How to Speak Cat Training Guide,” which are companions to his previous books “How to Speak Dog: A Guide to Decod
Point Loma-OB Monthly •

Point Loma Association hopes to brighten Rosecrans Street with Village Anchor Lights

Part of Point Loma will get a little brighter if the Point Loma Association is able to flip the switch on its Village Anchor Lights project.

The project involves installing a canopy of lights across two blocks of Rosecrans Street between Talbot and Cañon streets in the Roseville section. The lights would be up year-round to add to the welcoming, village feel that proponents are hoping for.

Mike McCurdy, chairman of the Point Loma Association, supports the project in part because he feels Point
PB Monthly •

Proposed paid parking program for commercial district gains momentum in Pacific Beach

Garnet Avenue between Ocean Boulevard and Fanuel Street in Pacific Beach would be included in a proposed paid parking program.

The program, including metered parking, was proposed by the Pacific Beach Community Parking District to help relieve congestion on Garnet between Ocean Boulevard and Fanuel Street and on stretches of Cass and Bayard streets. The idea is to increase turnover of parking spots in popular areas and provide a stream of revenue that would stay in Pacific Beach to fund local p
Point Loma-OB Monthly •

Surfing course at Point Loma Nazarene University offers new ways to view a favorite San Diego pastime

Students at Point Loma Nazarene University have been flocking in waves this semester to a new elective course — “The History and Culture of Surfing.”

The course, co-taught by professors Ben Cater and James Wicks, focuses on the history of surfing and the ways surf culture has permeated society.

While there is no certainty the course will return beyond the fall semester, its popularity seems to show that students are interested in its less-traditional take on the subject.

In a place like San D
PB Monthly •

Pacific Beach Town Council wants more time for dogs in Mission Bay parks

Madison Parker walks Billie, Charlie, Lucy and Bodi at Fanuel Street Park in Pacific Beach. The park is part of a Pacific Beach Town Council proposal to loosen dog hours at Mission Bay parks.

If the Pacific Beach Town Council has its way, parks in Mission Bay will become a little more dog-friendly.

Currently, dogs are not allowed in Mission Bay parks from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. from April through October and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. November through March. The Town Council is aiming for those hours to be lo
PB Monthly •

Environmentalists win more comprehensive study in Mission Bay wetlands debate

Land near the Kendall-Frost Mission Bay Marsh Reserve in the northeast corner of Mission Bay is being considered for additional marshland.

Local environmentalists who want hundreds of acres of new marshland added to the northeast corner of Mission Bay have a reason to be happy.

The San Diego Regional Water Quality Control Board voted unanimously Oct. 14 to approve an environmental study, the Supplemental Environmental Project, which would be in addition to ongoing studies regarding the best us
PB Monthly •

Pacific Beach groups take clean streets and sidewalks into their own hands

The streets of Pacific Beach are getting some extra attention lately.

Efforts led by groups such as the Pacific Beach Town Council and Street Stewards are cleaning the streets and sidewalks of litter, stains, sticky gum residue and other eyesores.

The Town Council is tackling dirty sidewalks much like its weed abatement program trims overgrown vegetation on traffic medians throughout Pacific Beach.

Town Council President Brian White said the sidewalk cleanup project is long overdue.

“It’s so
PB Monthly •

Growth trend: Pacific Beach Town Council tackles weeds on traffic medians

Pictures show a traffic median on Mission Bay Drive near the Interstate 5 southbound on-ramp before and after members of the Pacific Beach Town Council cut the weeds Aug. 22.

If you’ve noticed that traffic medians in Pacific Beach look less overrun with weeds lately, thank the Pacific Beach Town Council — volunteers who have taken it on themselves to spruce up the streets.

Brian White, president of the nonprofit Town Council, said the city of San Diego has fallen behind on clearing weeds, part
PB Monthly •

Pacific Beach students' new magazine sheds light on community creativity

Erick Girouard and Gracie Semmens are 17-year-old students who soon start their senior year at Mission Bay High School. Like the rest of us, they are stuck in coronavirus restrictions this summer. And, like many of us, they are looking for ways to connect to their community during this time.

Enter Light!MoreLight!PB, a magazine that aims to showcase the creativity of young people in the Pacific Beach area.

The two friends realized there’s more to the PB scene than the typical “beaches and bros

Art

San Diego Magazine •

Covering 75: July 2023

The cover of San Diego Magazine’s February 1965 issue pointed readers towards the pristine, “unplundered” beaches in Baja, boasting of potential undiscovered gems to be found by “intrepid” visitors.

“On this beach,” reads the cover description, “a ‘mystique’ is made possible by the fortuitous lack of too many people and intrepid campers can find Nirvana in the cool breezes of that more southerly Pacific as well as a trove of cast-off treasures.”

Nearly 60 years later, San Diegans’ relationship
San Diego Magazine •

Covering 75: June 2023

Summer 1977 Superguide,” screamed the cover of the July 1977 issue of San Diego Magazine, splashed over a photo of a woman enjoying a multi-flavored, triple-scoop ice cream cone. And enjoying it she is, her tongue lapping at the highest scoop.

Tongues might not be the most visually appealing body part to some, but they certainly conjure reactions. Magazine covers are meant to get people talking. They should be provocative, memorable, and get tongues wagging. This on certainly seemed to.

Beneat
PB Monthly •

Local artist and residents team up to beautify PB Rec Center with surfboard murals

Residents of Pacific Beach are about to get a much splashier look for their recreation center thanks to a collaboration between local artist Rob Tobin and the Pacific Beach Town Council.

The non-descript center, built in the 1950s and regularly used for sports and other community activities, is getting a makeover, with lots of help from residents.

The “Pacific Beach Community Surf Garden” mosaic murals will beautify the north and south wall of the building. The project is the brainchild of Bri
San Diego Union-Tribune •

New mural at Bread & Salt brings public awareness about coronavirus

Local artist Tatiana Ortiz Rubio is bringing more color to Barrio Logan thanks to a mural installation on the silo of Bread & Salt gallery.

The mural is displayed as part of the “Your Actions Save Lives” campaign by the state of California to raise awareness about continuing to do our part to reduce the spread of COVID-19. It is one of 12 original works being shared in public places throughout California. The state partnered with local artists to “reach disproportionately impacted communities w
Point Loma-OB Monthly •

Liberty Station mural depicts 'Women Who Persisted'

Point Loma’s Liberty Station is known as a cultural mecca for local artists and art lovers, filled with various installations and exhibits.

Recently, one such exhibit was installed on the walls outside the Women’s Museum of California depicting 100 years of the women’s movement.

Installed in January with plans for it to be up at least a year, “Waves of Feminism: Women Who Persisted” by local artist Katie Ruiz was inspired by women who might be lesser-known figures in the feminist movement and
Point Loma-OB Monthly •

Liberty Station's 'Installations at the Station' aims to make public art more accessible

If you’ve ever spent time wandering around the Liberty Station commercial and cultural center, you’ve no doubt encountered pieces of art on display outside. What you might not know is that a fairly new project, “Installations at the Station,” is responsible for some of those pieces.

Since 2018, the NTC Foundation’s Art in Public Places Committee has commissioned pieces from local artists to display in the Arts District at Liberty Station, the former Naval Training Center in Point Loma.


Two
Point Loma-OB Monthly •

Ocean Beach MainStreet Association debuts OB-themed jigsaw puzzle

Looking for a local gift with a little flair this year? The Ocean Beach MainStreet Association’s new OB-themed jigsaw puzzle might be just the ticket.

Designed as part of the association’s merchandizing efforts, the puzzle depicts an artist’s view of one of San Diego’s most unique neighborhoods.

Denny Knox, executive director of OBMA, said the idea for the jigsaw puzzle came about during a Promotions Committee meeting. The committee was looking for a creative way to showcase Ocean Beach and fo

Lifestyle

San Diego Union-Tribune •

San Diego Loyal Soccer Club: A rookie’s guide to kicking it at a game

If there’s one thing you can say about fans of the San Diego Loyal Soccer Club , it’s that they’re, well, loyal.

But even if you’re just a casual sports fan — or, if you’re like me, which is less than casual — the SD Loyal wants you to know that you are welcome at its games — and you can still have a ball, even if soccer isn’t your thing.

The SD Loyal SC was founded in 2019 and officially debuted in 2020. No big deal, but Landon Donovan, probably the most famous American soccer player of our t
Pacific San Diego •

Getting into the swing of things at The Links at Petco Park

If you’re like me and not much of a golf or baseball fan, you might think that spending a morning hitting golf balls around a baseball stadium wouldn’t be enjoyable. Yet, despite my athletic ineptitude, I got a lot out of my time spent putting around Petco Park as part of their The Links at Petco Park by Callaway experience.

For two weeks, from Nov. 5 to Nov. 18, Petco Park transformed into a nine-hole golf course, the kind of thing a sports fans dreams are made of. But even if sports aren’t yo
Pacific San Diego •

I tried: Taking a sound bath

It’s 2:15 pm on a Tuesday afternoon during a global pandemic and I’m sprawled out on my yoga mat in the middle of my living room, burning sage and drinking flower essence in an attempt to clear out negative energy and achieve inner balance in my life. This is much easier said than done.

I’ve been working from home since the shutdown orders went into effect in mid-March. And since then, I’ve been resistant in shifting my real life to a virtual one. To me, participating in life virtually (whether
Pacific San Diego •

Coping with uncertainty with 'Yoga with Adriene'

It’s not an easy time in the world. The days are filled with turmoil and an underlying sense of hopelessness and uncertainty that permeates every corner of life.

In addition to the battle against Covid-19 and the overwhelming effects of the pandemic, like the economic ramifications and the politicizing of the virus itself, we’re also dealing with issues of racial inequality and the protests that have ensued because of it.

In short, things feel very messy. And we’ve all had to live with it. We’
San Diego Union-Tribune •

We try it: cutting and coloring our hair at home

Coronavirus has temporarily shut down hair salons, resulting in a lot of people trying out home haircuts and color kits.

All over social media, you’ll find tearful videos of bangs being cut way too short, color coming out in uneven stripes and very, very crooked trims.

But do we need to be doing this? Some local hairdressers advise against it.

“Don’t do it,” says Susanne Kende, owner of Me, My Curls and I salon in Kearny Mesa. “If you don’t know what you’re doing, it could take a long time to

Gift Guides

San Diego Union-Tribune •

For subscribers: 2021 Holiday Gift Guide: Fashion made in San Diego

San Diego might not be known as one of the fashion capitals of the world, but it is home to a flourishing community of local creatives making everything from clothing, shoes, jewelry and other accessories. From small businesses to collaborations between two powerhouse brands, here are our picks for fashionable gifts made right here in America’s Finest City.

From delicate gold hoops to chunky rings, local jewelry brand Joiana Jewelry has chic, affordable pieces for everyone on your list. The bra
San Diego Union-Tribune •

For subscribers: 2021 Holiday Gift Guide: Gifts designed to soothe stress, calm nerves and help you relax

We all know a good night’s sleep is an important part of our self-care routine. For those nights when you just can’t rest your mind, try Remrise sleep vitamins . They’re made with natural ingredients and are even approved by the self-care queen herself: Gwyneth Paltrow! (GOOP sells Remrise on its website.) Remrise is available for single-purchase at various retailers like Amazon. Subscriptions are available directly through Remrise.

Subscriptions start at $50 per month; individual bottles are $
San Diego Union-Tribune •

For subscribers: 2021 Holiday Gift Guide: Etsy gifts to fulfill your holiday checklist

If you can’t find a gift on Etsy, the online retail marketplace where makers and creatives sell their wares, then you need to rethink your gifting strategy. Etsy focuses on handmade and vintage items — sort of like an online flea market — making unique gifts accessible to all. Check out our picks for top Etsy gifts this holiday season.

Celebrate the city we love with a hand-lettered San Diego neighborhood map from the T Calligrapher Etsy shop. Display your pride for America’s Finest with these
San Diego Union-Tribune •

2020 Holiday Gift Guide: Style

San Diegan Kate Gookin was only 22 years old when she founded Fiber, a size-inclusive, small batch clothing line made from recycled materials or environmentally friendly fabrics that, according to their website, “cause no air, noise or water pollution during production.” Items like tops, tanks and face masks are available in tones like terracotta, olive, ivory and mustard and are generally priced under $100. A favorite? The color block tee in mustard/ivory priced at $78. shopfiber.co

A blanket
San Diego Union-Tribune •

2020 Holiday Gift Guide: Drinks

The holidays are going to look a lot different this year, but you can keep the magic alive by gifting loved ones a jolly buzz.

Perfect for times of social distancing, Taffer’s Mixologist cocktail mixers are the brainchild of “Bar Rescue” host Jon Taffer . Mix your own cocktail creations at home with this line of low-calorie mixers, including Margarita, Strawberry Margarita, Piña Colada, Mojito, Bloody Mary, Cosmopolitan and Skinny ‘Rita. Just mix with your favorite alcohol for an at-home treat,
Pacific San Diego •

Shop Small San Diego

Don’t get us wrong, we love a mall.

But sometimes we’re in the mood for something different: A smaller shopping experience where you can find gifts close to home, meet your neighbors and even get suggestions from the shop owners.

That’s why we created the Shop Small Holiday Guide. We’re spotlighting items and boutiques that are exclusive to San Diego — everything from one-of-a-kind jewelry to books written by local authors.

We scoured the city to find items that should make for unique and tho
Pacific San Diego •

Shop Small San Diego: Booze

Instead of the usual bottle of champagne or red wine, bring over some booze from these local distilleries.

You and Yours Canned cocktails from You & Yours Distilling Co. are available in flavors like Gin & Tonic, Vodka Mule and Cranberry Vodka Soda. Keep an eye out for new flavors like Tangerine Vodka Soda rolling out before the holidays!

Whether you sip it on the rocks, shoot it straight or mix it up into a cocktail, Skrewball peanut butter whiskey would warm even the Grinch’s heart.

For the

Blind Dates

PACIFIC magazine's famous Blind Date series chronicles the dates of strangers set up by the magazine. 

Pacific San Diego •

Blind Date: Winning the Pottery

The 1990 movie Ghost gave us many things: It gave us a timeless love story between the luminous Demi Moore and the sultry Patrick Swayze. It gave us Demi’s chic boy haircut and Patrick’s razor sharp jawline. It gave us an Academy Award-winning performance from the great Whoopi Goldberg, who uttered classic lines like, “You in danger, girl.” And it gave us the perfectly normal idea that you could still carry on a romantic relationship with your loved one and solve crimes from beyond the grave — w
Pacific San Diego •

Blind Date: When in Dome

Unless you’ve been living under a rock these past few months, you’re probably familiar with something called Dinner With a View. Described as a “most fabulous dining event,” the much-hyped pop-up dinner invites diners to indulge in a three-course menu of upscale cuisine while enclosed in a clear plastic dome filled with lush greenery, dramatic lighting and trendy décor. It’s a dinner setting that’s tailor-made for Instagram.

Dinner With a View promises “a dining experience in a highly unexpecte
Pacific San Diego •

Blind date: Cryo me a river

Once upon a time (1998, to be exact), a pop princess named Britney Spears burst onto the scene with her infectious debut single, …Baby One More Time. In it, she sings, “My loneliness is killing me; I must confess, I still believe.”

In the spirit of these lyrics, PACIFIC set up two singles who might be feeling lonely, but “still believe” in finding their chance at love — just in time for Valentine’s Day.

On paper, this month’s daters, Josh, 34, and Mateo, 39, have a decent amount in common: The
Pacific San Diego •

Blind date: Going with the flow

Most people look at the beginning of the year as a time to recharge and set some healthier habits. Whether it’s resolving to spend Sundays meal-prepping or vowing to try a new exercise , January is the time that people buckle down in an effort to make up for the sins of the holiday season.

With this in mind, PACIFIC set up Jasmine and Correy, two singles who are looking to up their dating game by stepping outside their comfort zones and (hopefully) into each other’s arms. Jasmine and Correy hav
Pacific San Diego •

Blind date: Ice to meet you

San Diego winters can be brutal. The days are shorter. It’s freezing, with daytime highs sometimes barely breaking 65 degrees. We have to wear coats. It might even rain. Which is why, during the winter months, most people prefer staying indoors, where all they need is a warm blanket, a roaring fire in the fireplace (even candles will do), a cozy cocktail and a Netflix subscription.

That can get lonely, though, so why not try to find a partner during “cuffing season?”

With this in mind, PACIFIC
Pacific San Diego •

Blind Date: A Perfect Pair

Stop me if you’ve heard this one: A personal trainer and a chiropractor walk into a wine bar on a Wednesday evening, hoping for a connection, preferably of the romantic variety. OK, so there’s no punchline to this joke, but it turns out, this month’s blind daters are full of laughs, and they both have a great sense of humor about themselves, each other and this crazy little thing called a PACIFIC magazine Blind Date.

Meet Austin, a personal trainer who’s looking for something authentic, and Vin
Pacific San Diego •

Blind date: Leap of faith

Ask any single and they’ll tell you: dating can be risky. There’s the risk of getting ghosted, the risk of jumping in too fast, the risk of getting hurt and the risk of being humiliated and left with nothing but a bruised ego and a broken heart.

But, of course, dating can also be rewarding: the reward of feeling sparks with someone new, the reward of falling in love and the reward of never having to swipe on a dating app again.

As the saying goes, “no risk, no reward.” So, with that in mind, t
Pacific San Diego •

Blind Date: For Batter or for Worse

Is it even summer in San Diego if you haven’t gone to a Padres game? There’s no better or more American way to spend a Friday evening than hanging out at the ballpark, hot dog in one hand, beer in the other, a relative stranger you’re on a blind date with sitting next to you and a photographer trying to inconspicuously take your photo all night for a magazine.

OK, so maybe going to the ball game during a PACIFIC blind date isn’t the most traditional baseball experience, but this month’s daters,
Pacific San Diego •

Blind date: One Date Wonder

A quick scroll through Instagram proves that the Wonderspaces phenomenon is showing no signs of slowing down. In case you aren’t familiar, Wonderspaces is a pop-up, interactive art exhibit (happening in San Diego, Arizona and Austin) that seems ready-made for the influencer set. With elaborate backdrops, eye-catching light displays and bold representations, Wonderspaces attracts a diverse crowd of people who want to experience the wonder of Wonderspaces firsthand (and also capture it for the ‘gr
Pacific San Diego •

Blind Date: All's fair in love and war

It’s a balmy Sunday evening at the San Diego County Fair, and the air is thick with the smell of popcorn, funnel cakes and other fried delicacies. The sounds of children squealing in delight and carnival barkers trying to entice fill the air, while techno beats blast from the roller coasters whizzing by.

There’s something magical about the fair, as anyone who grew up in San Diego knows. It’s the ultimate summer activity, a place with something for just about everyone to enjoy.

It’s also the se
Pacific San Diego •

Blind date: Crazy little thing called love

When making a list of the greatest movie couples ever to grace the silver screen, certain pairs instantly spring to mind: Rose and Jack from Titanic. Baby and Johnny from Dirty Dancing. Allie and Noah from The Notebook.

Some of the actors who played these iconic roles had such powerful chemistry, people assumed their love affair played out off-screen as well, leaving audiences to wonder, “Is this the real life? Or is this just fantasy?”

Which brings us to tonight’s cinema-themed blind date, se
Pacific San Diego •

Blind date: Getting lucky

In the game of love, there are two types of people: there are the types of people who bet wisely and keep their hands close to the vest, and there are the types of people who go all in and put everything on the line. Because what is dating if not a game of chance? Much like gambling, finding love involves a bit skill and a bit of luck. You’ve also got to trust your gut (and it helps if you have a good poker face).

So what better place for this month’s blind daters to test their luck than the ne
Pacific San Diego •

Blind date: Mezcal me maybe

It was a cold and rainy night in San Diego, the kind of night you just want to stay in, cuddled up under a blanket and getting your Netflix and chill on.

But blind daters Jessica, 30, and Jimmy, 26, aren’t the kind of people to let a little rain get in the way of a good time. Instead, they put on their finest outfits (well, at least one of them did) and braved the cold in order to meet each other on PACIFIC magazine’s blind date. Not even wet stuff falling from the sky could drown their hopes o
Pacific San Diego •

Blind date: Mission improv-ible

Once upon a time, in a sunny seaside town filled with beaches, craft breweries and great Mexican food, a man and a woman agreed to be set up on a blind date for PACIFIC magazine. They agreed to do so in the hopes of finding their one true love, or at the very least, having a fun night out on the town. Both daters were ready to head into the date with open hearts and open minds, hoping that the person they were being set up with might be the one to break their single streak and take them off the
Pacific San Diego •

Blind date: Let it bee

It’s February in San Diego and love is in the air. The sun is shining, the birds are singing and, most importantly, the bees are buzzing in anticipation over this blind date.

This month’s daters are Katrina, 34, a wine expert who eschews popular dating apps and chooses to spend her free time outdoors, and Ian, 38, a hopeful courier with a unique sense of style and humor who has reached out to PACIFIC (a few times, actually) to make his blind date dreams come true.

This date stands out for a fe
Pacific San Diego •

Blind date: Road hard

Happy New Year, dear readers. It’s 2019 and, in an effort to start things off on the right track, we sent blind daters Chris and Ellie to take a few laps and play some games (but, hopefully not of the mental variety) on a chilly Sunday evening in America’s Finest City.

In addition to being the first blind date of 2019, this date also has some international flair added to the mix, as Chris is a Brit who hopped the pond to live in sunny San Diego. Here’s hoping he can adapt to driving on the righ
Pacific San Diego •

Blind date: The cold and the beautiful

It’s the holiday season in San Diego, and while we may not have fresh snowfall to create a picture-perfect winter backdrop, we do have several seasonal ice skating rinks to help get us into the spirit. Ice skating rinks also happen to make great date spots, and it’s where singles Tierra and Chad will have their first on this chilly (for San Diego) evening.

The daters first lay eyes on each other after an Epic Limo picks up Chad at his Mission Hills pad, and then swings over to Pacific Beach to

Weekend Event Guides

Pacific San Diego •

San Diego’s top weekend events: March 17-20

Here are the top events happening in San Diego from Thursday, March 17 to Sunday, March 20.

Kurt Metzger: Comedian Kurt Metzger brings his standup set to San Diego with three nights of shows at American Comedy Company. Metzger is best known for his work on the TV series “Inside Amy Schumer,” which won him both an Emmy and Peabody Award. 8 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday. American Comedy Co., 818 Sixth Avenue, Gaslamp. Tickets are $20 but are currently on sale for $10 at time of writing; amer
Pacific San Diego •

San Diego’s top weekend events: March 10-13

Here are the top events happening in San Diego from Thursday, March 10 to Sunday, March 13.

Comedian Steve Byrne (“Comedy Central Presents Steve Byrne,” “Steve Byrne’s Happy Hour”) has appeared in films like “The Goods: Live Hard, Sell Hard,” “Four Christmases” and “Couples Retreat.” He’ll be headlining five shows over the weekend in downtown San Diego. 8 p.m. Thursday, 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday . American Comedy Co., 818 Sixth Ave., downtown. Starting at $10; americancomedyco.com.
Pacific San Diego •

San Diego’s top weekend events: March 3-6

The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch: The Flower Fields are back! The 55-acre floral attraction at Carlsbad Ranch officially kicked off its 2022 season on Tuesday. In addition to the abundance of beautiful flowers, there will be activities like live concerts, yoga classes, flower arranging and photography workshops, wine-tasting events and tea parties, and food vendors. 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Runs through May 8. The Flower Fields, 5704 Paseo Del Norte, Carlsbad. Tickets (sold online by timed ent
Pacific San Diego •

San Diego's top weekend events: Feb. 24-27

Eighth Annual Crow Show Preview Night: The Crow Show returns to Hillcrest! The exhibit, which runs through March 31, opens with a preview night on Thursday. Thursday’s opening coincides with another anticipated return: Hillcrest First Thursdays event. Preview night is 6-9 p.m. Thursday. The exhibit is viewable during studio hours, noon to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. The Studio Door, 3867 Fourth Ave., Hillcrest. Free; thestudiodoor.com/the-crow-show

Brent Morin at American Comedy Co.: If you
Pacific San Diego •

San Diego's top weekend events: Feb. 17-20

San Diego International Jewish Film Festival: Catch the final four days of the San Diego International Jewish Film Festival, which concludes Sunday. This year’s lineup features more than 30 films, shorts and documentaries, which are all available to stream virtually. There are also still 11 in-person film screenings still on the schedule, including “Wet Dog” (Thursday), “Kiss Me Kosher” (Friday), “200 Meters” (Saturday) and “Tiger Within” (Sunday). Times vary, runs through Feb. 20. David & Dorot
Pacific San Diego •

San Diego’s top weekend events: Feb. 10-13

Here are the top events happening in San Diego from Thursday, Feb. 10 to Sunday, Feb. 13.

San Diego Jewish Film Festival: This year, the San Diego Jewish Film Festival (SDJFF) will host film screenings both in person and virtually. This year’s lineup features more than 30 films, shorts and documentaries. Times vary, runs through Feb. 20. David & Dorothea Garfield Theatre at Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center, 4126 Executive Drive, La Jolla. Tickets are $15 per film (excluding fees); 2022sd
Pacific San Diego •

San Diego’s top weekend events: Feb. 3-6

Here are the top events happening in San Diego from Thursday, Feb. 3 to Sunday, Feb. 6. Check event websites for latest health protocols and cancellations.

Four Seasons by Vivaldi and Piazzolla: The San Diego Symphony presents performances of Vivaldi’s beloved Four Seasons, as well as composer Astor Piazzolla’s interpretation of the music that’s infused with Argentinian spirit and tango rhythms. The concert, conducted by Christopher Dragon, features violinist Elena Urioste and will be performed
Pacific San Diego •

San Diego’s top weekend events: Jan. 27-30

Here are the top events happening in San Diego from Thursday, Jan. 27 to Sunday, Jan. 30. Check event websites for latest health protocols and cancellations.

The Marias: Indie pop band The Marías, aka singer María Zardoya and drummer Josh Conway, are on the road with its CINEMA Tour 2022. They will stop in San Diego to will play an all-ages show at SOMA, also featuring openers are Maye and Rosie Tucker. 8 p.m. Thursday. SOMA, 3550 Sports Arena Blvd., Midway Sold out; somasandiego.com.

READ MOR
Pacific San Diego •

San Diego's top weekend events: Jan. 20-23

Here are the top events happening in San Diego from Thursday, Jan. 20 to Sunday, Jan. 23. Check event websites for latest health protocols and cancellations.

There aren’t a lot of opportunities to experience the kind of dancing you’ll see from Alonzo King LINES Ballet. The San Francisco-based contemporary ballet company blends classical dance with movement that’s inspired by nature, by ideas and by emotions. Be sure to catch this rare San Diego appearance for a show that highlights dances from
Pacific San Diego •

San Diego's top weekend events: Jan. 13-17

Here are the top events happening in San Diego from Thursday, Jan. 13 to Monday, Jan. 17. Check event websites for latest health protocols and cancellations.

Bryce Vine: Rapper/singer Bryce Vine, whose work includes TV show “The Glee Project” and his 2019 debut album “Carnival,” brings his “Miss You A Little Tour 2022” to San Diego, featuring openers Gianni & Kyle and Chloe Lilac. 7 p.m. Thursday. House of Blues San Diego, 1055 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp. $30-$75; houseofblues.com/sandiego/concert-eve
Pacific San Diego •

San Diego's top weekend events: Jan. 6-10

Here are the top events happening in San Diego from Thursday, Jan. 6 through Monday, Jan. 10:

soundON Festival: This informal festival, put on by San Diego New Music and the Athenaeum Music & Arts Library, focuses on modern music with three days of chamber music concerts and open rehearsals. 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday. Athenaeum Music & Arts Library, 1008 Wall St., La Jolla. $22 and $27 for individual concerts; $60 and $75 for the series. Doors open at 7 and seating is first-come, firs
Pacific San Diego •

San Diego's top weekend events: Dec. 30 to Jan. 2

Here are top events happening in San Diego from Thursday, Dec. 30 through Sunday, Jan. 2.

After taking 2020 off, Mannheim Steamroller returns to San Diego with its 36th anniversary Christmas tour, presented by Broadway San Diego. Check out this nontraditional genre of rock-infused classical music, which will be a compilation of Christmas classics. 7:30 p.m. Thursday. San Diego Civic Theatre, 1100 Third Ave., downtown. $35.50 and up; broadwaysd.com.

San Diego soul band and Daptone Records-signe
Pacific San Diego •

San Diego's top weekend events: Dec. 23-28

Here are the top events happening in San Diego from Thursday, Dec. 23 through Tuesday, Dec. 28. Check event websites for latest health protocols.

As Spreckels Theatre undergoes renovations, City Ballet takes its popular, Victorian-era “Nutcracker” on the road. The ballet still showcases choreography by Elizabeth Wistrich and will be accompanied by The City Ballet Orchestra, with John Nettles conducting the Tchaikovsky score. 2 and 7:30 p.m. Thursday. California Center for the Arts, Escondido, 3