Today’s newsletter is presented by Best of La Jolla.
Good morning, San Diego ☀️
Here’s what we have for you today:
- SeaWorld has officially agreed to stop summer fireworks as part of a settlement.
- Shout out to reader Michael K. for guessing yesterday’s “Step Back in Time” first. Scroll to the bottom to see if you were correct.
- The polls are open from 7 am. to 8 p.m. today. It’s your last chance to vote.
Tessa Balc
Audience engagement producer
Top story
Ocean ecosystems need our help. A new collaboration puts coral reefs center stage, optimizes their recovery
You may have heard this before, but rising temperatures are affecting the ecosystems around us. Especially those in the water. Recently, we shared a story about rising temperatures on our shores eventually leading to a loss of food for local birds.
Well, our Thomas Murphy is back with another story about our seas, but this one comes with some more hope. As technology is increasingly becoming something of a detriment to our environment, a new feature is helping every day people get involved in discovering new developments with science.
Samsung has rolled out “Ocean Mode,” a new feature to Galaxy phones where the lens can see more clearly through the currents. It’s allowing scientists to create 3D models of coral reefs, allowing them to do “virtual field work.”
And the research process is somewhat democratic. Everyday people can get involved and upload their pictures to popular platforms and contribute in the name of science.
Times of San Diego thanks our corporate sponsors. Find out more about sponsorships and advertising opportunities here.
Stories you should know about
🥦 New federal CalFresh work requirements took effect Monday, curbing benefits for some recipients: Some recipients of CalFresh will now have to complete at least 20 hours of work a week, or 80 hours a month, to be eligible for benefits.
🏳️🌈 Santee Pride Walk & Festival gives LGBTQ+ community place to celebrate, feel safe: The Pride celebration began in 2021 as a church event and opened up to the community two years later. It was expanded to include the festival in 2024.
🎭 Diversionary’s ‘Rent’ provides thoughtful updates, immersive delights: Shock and awe might play a part, but it’s also clear theater leaders were thoughtful in approaching how they wanted to revive the musical.
📝 Opinion: Rebecca Jones’ SANDAG experience qualifies her for supervisor
What else we’re reading
Four charged, more than 1 ton of cocaine seized in connection with 1,933-foot-long cross-border tunnel, officials called “among the most sophisticated” ever found along the San Diego border. (Union-Tribune)
📈 In 2020, 32% of San Diegans felt that the city was on the wrong track. Now, as of May 2026, that number has shot up to 69% of San Diegans. (Voice of San Diego)
Times of San Diego thanks our corporate sponsors. Find out more about sponsorships and advertising opportunities here.
On this day…
This was taken in 1929 at North Park. Today, this is where Replay Toy’s and Gem’s Jewelry stands. Did you guess correct? Want to read more, check out this article.
