Did you know San Diego is located next to the Pacific Ocean?
Nah, just kidding. If you know us, you know we’re here for the deep cuts — and there are plenty of interesting factoids to go around. As connoisseurs of the quirky and unconventional, we put together a list of San Diego’s history, oddest characteristics, and more. Maybe you’ve lived here your whole life and know some of this, or maybe you’ll learn something new.
Either way, test your local knowledge with these 15 interesting facts.
1. Don’t listen to Ron Burgundy, San Diego was named for St. Didacus of Alcalá (aka Diego de San Nicolás). He died on Nov. 12, 1463, but his feast day is celebrated on Nov. 13.
2. In 1942, Balboa Park was temporarily closed to the public and renamed “Camp Kidd” during World War II. The space was used for military training, housing, education, and medical needs — and it wasn’t the first time — the park was used by the military for WWI.
3. San Diego loves Christmas — until Feb. 2, when it becomes a real Grinch. If homeowners leave lights up past that date, they’re subject to a $250 fine.
4. We all know the City of San Diego doesn’t get much snow, but there have been three officially-recorded instances — though there have been at least 10 reported instances. The last time there was measurable snow was on Dec. 13, 1967.
5. Comic-Con was first held in San Diego in 1970 in the basement of the US Grant Hotel with only about 300 attendees. Today, the event brings over 130,000 people to the San Diego Convention Center.
6. The first YouTube video ever uploaded was “Me at the zoo,” posted on April 23, 2005, by user “jawed.” The 19-second clip was filmed at the elephant exhibit at the San Diego Zoo, and has been viewed 246+ million times.
7. In 1965, The Beatles performed at Balboa Stadium, becoming the first rock act to headline the venue. But, John Lennon had to imagine a packed show, because 10,001 tickets were left unsold.
8. San Diego may be known as the “Capital of Craft” for its 150+ breweries, but wine is our neighbor. East County has vineyards in Julian, head north and you’ll be crushing grapes in Temecula, and slightly south of the border you’ll find 20+ wineries in Valle de Guadalupe.
9. Not to be a pest, but San Diego has more fleas than any other city in the country.
10. Yes, the California burrito was invented in San Diego, but that’s not the only comida deliciosa born in our city. Legend has it, rolled tacos originated at El Indio in Old Town — if nothing else, its rolled tacos are legendary.
11. You probably know SDSU Aztecs football, but UC San Diego once had a gridiron team too. The Tritons played for a single season in 1968 — lost every game — and was discontinued prior to the 1969 season.
12. San Diego County has 5,000+ farms, more than any other county in the US. That makes a lot of green, and we’re not talking about money. The county produces 60% of all California avocados, making it the avocado capital.
13. San Diego may not have an NBA team, but the city has hosted two in the past. The San Diego Rockets played from 1967-1971, eventually becoming the Houston Rockets + the Buffalo Braves became the San Diego Clippers from 1978-1984 before moving to Los Angeles.
A tribute to Bum in Pocket Park in the Gaslamp Quarter.
Photo via @horaciomancillastories
14. In 1891, San Diego required all dogs to be licensed and issued the first license to a dog named Bum — despite the fact that he had no owner. The beloved St. Bernard + Spaniel mix befriended everyone, so he belonged to the city, and is honored with a statue in the Gaslamp Quarter.
15. Live long and prosper, San Diego. The average life expectancy for a San Diegan is 82.7 years, 3.9 years longer than the US average of 78.8 years.
Your turn. Think you can get one over on us? Let us know your favorite local trivia tidbit and you just might make it into the newsletter.
