Today’s newsletter is presented by Evans Hotels/Catamaran.
Good morning, San Diego ☀️
Here’s what we have for you today:
- Daniel Joseph returns to Golden Hill Park tonight. Follow the House Rules so he can continue to play.
- South Bay residents can now apply for a new round of air purifiers.
Jennifer Vigil
News editor
Top story
Organizers behind fun, free events want to keep them going. But they must satisfy the city to make it happen
In an era where people constantly bemoan how we are all too attached to our phones, with our noses in screens all the time, enterprising folks have been finding ways to gather.
And the city of San Diego has been throwing one block after another at them.
It’s the latest development among similar cases, like the one involving remote workers trying to meet at the beach. Now it’s DJs and bands sharing music at local parks.
It’s a simple idea, really. Use San Diego’s abundant and beautiful outdoor resources for IRL meetups based on a common interest.
But (ironically) the influence of social media helped spread the word so far and so fast that throngs of people started showing up. And the city has regulations that cover large gatherings, requiring permits ahead of time and the provision of some basics like handwashing stations and porta potties. Not so simple.
Some of those things are costly, so organizers, like DJ Daniel Joseph, have pivoted. He has a benefactor to cover the necessary fees. Not surprisingly, though, others have lacked the resources to cover the expense, so some of the events have died.
What is the city of San Diego’s role in this? When gatherings grow, should they be subject to the requirements of other public festivals, concerts and events, no matter how simple the original idea?
Perhaps, this could be said of San Diego: Sometimes it’s just no fun being the adult in the room.
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Stories you should know about
📒 San Diego’s DIY community reflects on resurgence of zines amid federal activism crackdown: Local zine-makers are rallying behind an artist who was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison for transporting a box of independent zines.
💉 San Diego County pays $3 million to widow of man who was refused insulin in jail: Medical examiners classified Keith Bach’s 2023 death as a homicide by neglect, after he repeatedly asked for insulin and died from a lack of it.
⛳️ San Diego Weekend Guide, Outside Comic-Con: The Alabaster Jar Project Gold Tournament, Taste of Eastlake, Bicycle Film Festival, Hella Plants Market and National Carousel Day are all this weekend.
🥃 Gillie’s Auto Lounge — where family and cars are the driving force: Michael Olguin named the lounge after his father, and has worked to make it an experience through member access to a luxury lounge featuring a bar, TVs and a cigar deck.
🏎️ Porsche slams into car in PB, sparking nine-car pileup that leaves 1 motorist dead: Police arrested the 59-year-old Porsche driver on suspicion of gross vehicular manslaughter. Use of alcohol is not considered a factor in the wreck.
🚨 Opinion: Emergency preparedness must include families who need more time.
What else we’re reading
⚡️ Coronado is poised to become the next member of San Diego Community Power after a unanimous council vote, and if all goes to plan Coronado customers can begin utilizing Community Power in March 2028. (Union-Tribune)
📖 San Diego Christian College vacated its lease and moved out of its Santee property at least a month ago, but it’s unclear if the college is still offering courses online. (inewsource)
Times of San Diego thanks our corporate sponsors. Find out more about sponsorships and advertising opportunities here.
Locals Only
🎟️ We asked you: What’s the best theater in San Diego? Here’s what San Diegans had to say:
🎥 Cinépolis in Del Mar from Alex A.
🎟️ La Paloma in Encinitas from Beth H.
🎭 Balboa Theatre in Downtown San Diego from Drew S.
🎩 Bonitafest Melodrama at Sweetwater Community Church from Max B.
🌈 Diversionary in University Heights from Nara M.
🎭 North Coast Repertory Theatre in Solana Beach from Eric C.
🌹Old Globe in Balboa Park from Alan H.
🎫 Backyard Renaissance Theater Company in downtown San Diego from multiple fans: Elaine R., Angela H. and Eric H.
🐚La Jolla Playhouse from Lisa R.