Today’s newsletter is presented by San Diego Restaurant Week.
Good morning, San Diego ☀️
Here’s what we have for you today:
- The Highway Patrol included San Diego in an Amber Alert asking people to help find a missing teen from Salinas.
- A bill that would offer tax credits to news outlets is on the way to Gov. Newsom’s desk after passing through the legislature.
- Temperatures around the county are expected to go back up after our long holiday weeked.
Tessa Balc
Audience engagement producer
Top story
Concert giant Live Nation has set its sights on downtown. What that means for live music in San Diego
Yesterday we talked about some issues with a downtown music venue. Today, we’re talking about the future of downtown San Diego’s venues, specifically the old Wonder Bread factory.
Nearly a month ago, Live Nation announced its plans to transform the warehouse into a 4000-seat venue. It’ll add a “stepping stone,” if you will, in San Diego’s stock of live music venues. That means artists have a new place to grow their audience, rather than having to blow up in order to move up in venue size.
But, it might be a bit of an understatement to say Live Nation isn’t known for being the most wholesome company in the music biz. The company was declared a monopoly by New York federal courts.
The reach of the company is extensive, when you start to understand all of the moving parts they control. From ticket prices to merch sales. They have their own artist management arm, and they will require some artists to sign exclusive contracts with them that prevent them from performing at competing venues. It goes all the way down to the concessions they sell.
You could think that music lovers might be up-in-arms about this, but not necessarily. Live Nation might finally be able to bring your favorite artist to town. That’s a huge win in some concert fanatics’ books.
I spoke with some of the folks who run independent venues downtown to get their take on what the future might bring. After all, things could change in the two years Live Nation estimates until the venue will be live.
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Stories you should know about
🚗 As California debated sharing data on drivers, Homeland Security subpoenaed 17 million records: DHS’ demands became public last month through a lawsuit filed by attorneys general in 22 states, including California.
🍴 SNAP cuts could lead to kids losing free school breakfast and lunch: One expert warns that the cuts “are not going to stop at the grocery store” as more people around the country are going hungry.
🏡California lawmakers push back on Trump’s attack on renters: A first-of-its-kind law would prohibit work requirements or time limits on low-income tenants who receive federal assistance.
Times of San Diego thanks our corporate sponsors. Find out more about sponsorships and advertising opportunities here.
Step back in time…
This was Barrett’s Beauty Parlor. Can you guess which coastal neighbor it was located in? Reply first to get a shoutout in tomorrow’s newsletter!
