Today’s newsletter is presented by San Diego Music Awards.
Hello, Downtown!
I go to the gas station about six times per year (not a typo). I’m a downtowner.
Look around. The national average price for a gallon of gas is $4. In San Diego County, it’s $6. In downtown San Diego, the electronic sign at the Shell station at 1011 A Street recently read $6.95.
To hell with Shell. I get gas infrequently thanks to the non-car-centric downtown lifestyle.
Downtown high-rise living isn’t for everybody (psychologically or financially). And a major issue that affects quality of life, homelessness, doesn’t stick to the top of our mayor’s to-do list.
Despite unresolved concerns – drug usage in East Village; Gaslamp Quarter infrastructure instability – urban living fills my tank. I love the relatively car-free, bike-and-walk-ability of the city.
I do own a car, a Prius, that costs me more to rent a parking space than to occasionally drive.
It certainly helps my non-driving cause that I run an online news site that covers 92101. Urban San Diego is the epicenter of news, business and politics. I don’t have to drive to far-flung meetings. Most of my business travel is done on foot or by bike.
Trips to meetings or events at City Hall, Petco Park, the San Diego Convention Center, Seaport Village or the Embarcadero are usually taken on my e-bike (still technically exercise).
When work is done and I want takeout, I order ahead and walk to the restaurant for pickup. Urban India, The Taco Stand and Tajima Ramen offer convenience with a low carbon footprint.
Hey, I care deeply about the war in Iran. But a blockade in the Strait of Hormuz doesn’t dent this downtowner’s wallet.
Ron Donoho
Downtown News newsletter host
Downtown story spotlight
Alicia Keys delivers surprise performance at Barrio Logan skate shop
By Arturo Garcia • Times of San Diego
Social media lit up with photos footage of Keys singing atop the roof of Arts-Rec, a neighborhood skate shop.
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