A big jump for the local minimum wage

San Diego will raise its minimum wage to $16.30 in 2023

The cost of living is going up, but pay raises are coming for some people. The City of San Diego will increase the minimum wage to $16.25 on Jan. 1, 2023 — $1.25 higher than the $15 rate in 2022, making it the single largest increase in San Diego’s history. For a full-time worker, this would amount to a $33,800 annual salary.

The City Administration Building in San Diego — The County Administration Center, where many decisions impacting locals are made.

In May 2022, the city projected minimum wage would only increase by 25 cents to $15.25 at the start of 2023 — and it would reach $16 at the start of 2026. It also anticipated California’s minimum wage would remain at $15, but the first sign of change came when the state announced it would increase its minimum wage to $15.50 at the start of 2023, effective for all employees.

💰 Why the big increase?

In July 2016, the City of San Diego passed the Earned Sick Leave and Minimum Wage Ordinance, allowing San Diego to set its own minimum wage — provided it’s higher than the state + federal rates. Starting in 2019, the law also required this rate to increase as the Consumer Price Index (CPI) rises.

In August 2022, the CPI rose 8.1% when compared to the same month in 2021. The $1.25 increase to the minimum wage roughly matches this percentage — it’s actually slightly higher.

💰 Who will be impacted?

All employers in the City of San Diego will be required to raise their hourly minimum wage to $16.25, regardless of their size. Any employee who works at least two hours a week must receive this pay.

If you currently make more than $16.25/hour, your employer is not required to increase your wage, even if your starting pay was above the minimum.

Locals should also be aware this can impact the cost of services — particularly those dependent on workers receiving minimum wage. Historically, similar motions have resulted in HOA fees to increase or businesses — particularly small + local ones — to raise prices to ensure they can pay their employees.

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Today

CMT Next Women of Country | Wed., Sept. 28 | 8 p.m. | Moonshine Beach, 1165 Garnet Ave. | $20 | Maddie & Tae headline the “All Song No Static Tour” with guests Sacha + Abbey Cone. 🪕
Comedy Night | Wednesdays | 7-9 p.m. | Pali Wine | Free | Grab some wine in Little Italy while listening to stand-up comedy — unless you want to take the mic. 🍷

Thursday

San Diego Padres vs. Los Angeles Dodgers | Thurs., Sept. 29 | 6:40 p.m. | Petco Park | $40+ | Celebrate Dominican heritage with special offers all around the ballpark. ⚾
Natalie Cuomo Live | Thurs., Sept. 29 | 8 p.m. | The American Comedy Co. | Free | Live stand-up from the comedian who’s appeared in “Time Out NY” + “Inked Magazine.” 🎤
Oceanside Sunset Market | Thursdays | 5-9 p.m. | Pier View Way, downtown Oceanside | Free | 200+ vendors span four city blocks for this weekly food and live music gathering in the North County. 🍐

Friday

El Cajon Oktoberfest 2022 | Fri., Sept. 30-Sun., Oct. 2 | Times vary | 1017 S. Mollison Ave. | Free | Opening day includes a parade, keg tap + the crowning of the Oktoberfest Queen; the fun continues through two weekends. 🥨
Drew Lynch | Fri., Sept. 30 | 8 p.m. | Balboa Theatre | $36.50+ | The “America’s Got Talent” season 10 runner-up brings his stand-up comedy act to downtown San Diego. 🎤
Flamingo Fridays | Fridays | 7-10 p.m. | Little Italy Food Hall | Free | Enjoy live music on the Piazza della Famiglia and food + drink deals from select LIFH vendors. 🦩

We have a monthly guide filled with events + activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.

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OCTOBER, WE SEE YOU

Get the lowdown on clinical trials at free health + wellness event 🩺

Doctor talking at clinical trial info event

At this educational event, attendees can learn what clinical trials are, why they are important, and how you can get involved. | Photo provided by CISCRP

Ever wonder what it would be like to join a clinical trial? CISCRP’s Journey to Better Health | AWARE for All program shares information about the benefits of participating in clinical research to help San Diegans make informed decisions about their healthcare.

The next AWARE for All event is on Thurs., Oct. 6 at The Scottish Rite Center of San Diego (1895 Camino del Rio S.) from 5-8 p.m. Here’s what to expect:

Fast facts:

Explore exhibits from 20+ local and national health-related organizations (including Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Alzheimer’s Association and more).
Hear a presentation about clinical research to learn the basics and safeguards of the process and the importance of diverse representation in clinical research.
Hear the perspectives and experiences of clinical research professionals and patient trial participants, including Victoria Jackson, a Scleroderma clinical trial participant, and Dr. Amy Jak, PI, Veterans Medical Research Foundation.
Get free health screenings, including memory screenings from the Sharp Neurocognitive Research Center.

Pro tip: The first 50 community members to register and attend this event will receive a $20 Walgreens gift card. Sign us up.*

Weather

81º | Partly cloudy, Heat Advisory in effect through 8 p.m. | 6% chance of rain

Sunrise + Sunset

Rise: 6:41 a.m.
Set: 6:37 p.m.

Tide

Low: 4:51 a.m. + 5:46 p.m.
High: 11:06 a.m. + 11:53 p.m.
Water Temperature: 70º

Civic

Encinitas is taking steps to put out smoking on public streets + sidewalks. City Council voted to draft an ordinance at the request of the Environmental Commission, and once written, they will revisit the plan. If it passes, it would essentially prohibit smoking any place other than private property. 🚬 (San Diego Union-Tribune)

Concert

Due to a recent hospitalization, Jimmy Buffett canceled two of his fall tour dates and postponed three — including his show at Snapdragon Stadium. The show was originally scheduled to be the venune’s first concert on Sat., Oct. 22; the “Margaritaville” singer has not yet announced the show’s new date. 🏟️ (San Diego Union-Tribune)

Environment

Grossmont Union High School District celebrated the opening of its modern transportation center equipped with a fleet of 17 new electric buses. The facility will be used for storage, maintenance + training, but this is only phase one. A second stage will come next year, bringing 10 additional electric buses. 🚌 (School Transportation News)

Opening

The Gärten is ready to bloom at 5322 Banks St. in Bay Park. The multi-vendor collaboration will officially open to the public on Sat., Oct. 8, and will feature food + drinks from Deft Brewing, Lost Cause Meadery, Oddish Wine + Pizza Cassette. From the looks of it, the new space is a work of art. 🍻 (There San Diego)

Travel

Gas prices are getting supercharged as San Diego County’s average cost of a gallon of regular gasoline rose 11.6 cents on Tuesday — the largest increase since March 9. The price has spiked 48.5 cents over the course of a week, but it hasn’t reached the highest price: $6.373 on June 16. (CBS 8)

Festival

Orange you excited for pumpkin beer? The Great Pumpkin Beer Festival will return to the Gaslamp Quarter on Sat., Oct. 22, from 3:25-8:55 p.m. to celebrate the seasonal staple. The event also features music, squash-based treats, gourd games, a costume contest, and more. Tickets are on sale. 🎃

Arts

Chula Vista will celebrate art + culture with the grand opening of “Filipinos of South Bay Exhibit” on Sun., Oct. 2, from 1-3 p.m. The free, public display is a collaborative project from community members, and can be found at the Chula Vista Heritage Museum in the Civic Center Branch Library through December 2023. 🇵🇭

Traffic

Time to speed up. The 55 mph speed limit on Interstate 5 from Lomas Santa Fe Drive to Poinsettia Lane in Carlsbad will be replaced with a 65 mph limit on Fri., Sept. 30. But stay alert, the 55 mph limit will remain in effect from Palomar Airport Road to State Route 78 as construction on new HOV lanes continues. 🛣️

Watch

Ava Lynn Thuresson has something to sing about. The recent Cathedral Catholic High School graduate appeared on Monday’s episode of “The Voice”, auditioning with her version of “Baby One More Time” by Britney Spears. John Legend + Camila Cabello turned their chairs, but she accepted a spot on Camila’s team. 🎤 (NBC 7)

Number

35,382. That’s how many newsletter subscribers (like you) we reach every day through SDtoday. Have a local, regional, or national business and want to expand your audience? Learn how to advertise with us.

Pets

Woof woof. That’s the sound of your pup asking what they’re going to be for Halloween this year. Our ideas: Sherlock Holmes, a professional chef, a fluffy lion, Oscar the Grouch, or a taco. Cats can get in on the fun too, as a “Meowbucks” barista, a slice of bread, or a sophisticated Parisian. 🎃*

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Development

SeaWorld San Diego adding ‘Arctic Rescue’

The site of the “Arctic Rescue” at SeaWorld San Diego

The site of the “Arctic Rescue.” | Photo via Monica Garske + SDtoday

Get ready for a rescue mission: SeaWorld San Diego dropped details on its newest roller coaster — “Arctic Rescue” — heading to the theme park in late spring of 2023.

The new, 2-minute ride will invite riders to explore frozen climates across a 2,800-ft track that starts indoors (at the former home of the “Wild Arctic” simulator) before getting launched outside. Guests will learn about animals impacted by arctic change like beluga whales, walrus + ringed seals.

The roller coaster is different from others because it’s a “straddle ride,” meaning riders will sit in a snowmobile-style seat with a lap belt. Each train holds 16 riders in eight, two-person rows.

There are no drops, but the ride will reach a max height of ~30 ft and feature three “accelerations” — each one faster than the last — at 34, 38 + 40 mph.

This family-friendly attraction will be designed for riders 48+ inches and adds to SeaWorld’s mission to be the “Coaster Capital of San Diego.” In March, the “Emperor” debuted, which is California’s only floorless coaster + rises 14 stories.

THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by Michael.

Editor’s pick: Good morning, San Diego. I’m still a sucker for the city skyline, but I think you’d have a hard time finding a better view than at Centennial Park in Coronado. It’s an easy trip on the Coronado Ferry — and you’ll definitely get some great views during your voyage.

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? 10 local pumpkin patches.

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Editorial: Monica Garske, Michael Beausoleil, Trevor Peters, Britt Thorson, Ashlea Hearn, Emily Shea | Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.

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