Today’s newsletter is presented by Advanced Exteriors.
Good morning, San Diego ☀️
Here’s what we have for you today:
- As we deal with another summer heat wave, here are 14 movies that confronted the ongoing climate crisis.
- The Trump administration bought the Otay Mesa Detention Center for $1.5 billion, shedding light on its new strategy on immigration.
- Footage of a man kicking a sea lion at La Jolla Cove has prompted a federal investigation.
Jennifer Vigil
News editor
Top story
‘This show was about us’: Stars align to celebrate 60 years of ‘Star Trek’ at SDCC
Comic-Con can be pretty overwhelming. Even the most dedicated badge holders I know are running on fumes by Sunday.
Why? Most events are confined to just one segment of a convention venue, but Comic-Con takes up the entire San Diego Convention Center and then some — and that covers about five city blocks. Fans get their 10,000 steps in, for sure.
What makes it all worth it for so many of them? The exclusive swag? The celebrity sightings? The cosplay? The choice bits and spoilers that make everyone salivate for more?
Perhaps it’s things like Friday’s double whammy surprises — off-the-cuff shows by Green Day’s Billie Joe Armstrong, at Gallagher Square, and Common, who performed at Apple TV’s “Silo” activation.
With one day to go, what have been some of the biggest reveals at the 2026 edition of the comic and pop culture extravaganza? Fans were giddy over Simon Pegg joining the cast of Amazon’s ‘Lord of the Rings: Rings of Power” and word of the long-awaited “Spaceballs” sequel. They also were talking about the trailer for a new Amazon take on “Blade Runner” and a 7-minute preview of Brad Bird’s (of “The Incredibles” fame) “Ray Gunn” for Netflix. Then on Saturday night, there was the news that Ryan Gosling would play a new incarnation of “Ghost Rider” for Marvel’s Cinematic Universe.
There could be more Sunday, but for sure, there will be exhales all around as San Diego wraps another Comic-Con. Want to see all the best from 2026? Our contributor Adrian Childress hit the streets to document the energy, costumes, activations and more. And Nicole Abrams was in the cavernous Hall H as “Star Trek” celebrated a legacy of optimism and a look at its latest series, “Strange New World.”
So, until the 2027 edition – live long and prosper, folks.
Times of San Diego thanks our corporate sponsors. Find out more about sponsorships and advertising opportunities here.
Stories you should know about
💲 Newsom’s populist act: Oppose state billionaire tax, embrace federal one: By focusing on AI-driven inequality now, Newsom is choosing a popular issue to define his expected 2028 run. But it’s not yet clear whether voters will buy his solution.
🧬 From RNA to beach bags, SD companies recognized for innovation and growth: The innovation and rapid growth of our region’s economy was on display this week in an event hosted by the San Diego Regional Economic Development Corp.
💡California restricts utility shutoffs as dangerous heat ripples across state: The protections would apply only to shutoffs for unpaid bills. They would not prevent outages caused by equipment failures, wildfire-prevention shutoffs, or other emergencies. Nevertheless, advocates say the changes are important.
🧒Head Start, explained: How changes to early education program affect California families: If Head Start classrooms begin to enroll fewer children, California does have other early-learning options for low-income families. But the state’s options will not cover Head Start cuts.
Times of San Diego thanks our corporate sponsors. Find out more about sponsorships and advertising opportunities here.
In case you missed it…
Weekdays get busy—we know. And with so much from Times of San Diego, good stories can slip by. Here are a few worth your time:
🍃 How La Mesa became the ‘Amsterdam of San Diego.’ Read it here.
🦸 Less Marvel? No problem — experts say Comic-Con is not facing a post-MCU ‘Doomsday.’ Read it here.
🏨 Douglas Hotel district proposed to honor San Diego’s ‘Harlem of the West’. Read it here.
🍋Street vendors out in force again after ruling in ongoing court battle limits enforcement. Read it here.
🎶 Organizers behind fun, free events want to keep them going. But they must satisfy the city to make it happen. Read it here.
💉 San Diego lawmakers push for federal action on IVF access and the cost of fertility treatments. Read it here.