6AM City In-house

How well do you know San Diego?

15 interesting facts about San Diego
Balboa Park architecture
Balboa Park is full of fun history. | Photo via Michael Beausoleil + SDtoday
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.

San Diego Zoo Elephant

City Editor Mike visited the elephants 17 years later.

Photo via Michael Beausoleil + SDtoday


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.
TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE
Did our fun facts surprise you?
  1. Yes, I didn’t know any of these
  2. I knew a few but there were still some surprises
  3. I know my city well and knew all these already
WAS YOUR MIND BLOWN?
6AM City In-house

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Wednesday, October 26
  • Pink Talking Fish | Wed., Oct. 26 | 7 p.m. | The Holding Company, 5046 Newport Ave., San Diego | $20.00 - $27.00 | The fusion tribute act honors bands like Pink Floyd, Talking Heads + Phish.
  • Cruising is not a crime; it’s a cultural celebration | Wed., Oct. 26 | 11:30 a.m.-8 p.m. | East County Art Association Gallery., 124 E. Main St., El Cajon | Free | Discover the history of cruising + its cultural roots at this art exhibit — donations appreciated.
  • Zero Waste Parenting Tips and Tricks Webinar | Wed., Oct. 26 | 4:30-5:30 p.m. | San Diego | Free | A seminar helping families consume less and find ways to minimize waste.
Thursday, October 27
  • Greensky Bluegrass | Thu., Oct. 27 - Fri., Oct. 28 | 7 p.m. | Humphreys Concerts by the Bay, 2241 Shelter Island Drive, San Diego | $45.00 | The five-piece American bluegrass jam band headlines the waterfront venue.
  • Holidays Wood Workshop | Thu., Oct. 27 | 10 a.m.-1 p.m. | AR Workshop Coronado, 1033 B AVENUE SUITE 101, Coronado | $30.00 - $72.50 | Get a head start on holiday crafting by making a wood sign, porch piece, bath tray, or a Lazy Susan.
Friday, October 28
  • Pumpkin Plunge & Glow Swim | Fri., Oct. 28 | 6:30-9 p.m. | Plunge San Diego, 3115 Ocean Front Walk, San Diego | $25.00 - $35.00 | A floating pumpkin patch? Don’t miss this inaugural seasonal swim at the historic pool.
  • Trick-or-Treat on India Street | Fri., Oct. 28 | 5:30-7:30 p.m. | Piazza della Famiglia, 523 West Date St, San Diego | Free | Ghouls of all ages are invited to wear their costumes and trick-or-treat at small businesses in Little Italy.
Saturday, October 29
  • Diaz Jr. vs Zepeda | Sat., Oct. 29 | 3 p.m. | Pechanga Arena San Diego, 3500 Sports Arena Blvd., San Diego | $25.00 - $200.00 | This lightweight, 12-round boxing match puts an American heavy-hitter against an undefeated Mexican rising star.
  • Fall Home Garden Show | Sat., Oct. 29 - Sun., Oct. 30 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | Del Mar Fairgrounds, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd, Del Mar | Free | This two-day expo features hands-on demos, booths showcasing local services, educational seminars, and consultations with top experts.
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.
MORE SEASONAL FUN

Weather
  • 71º | Mostly sunny | 4% chance of rain
Sunrise + Sunset
  • Rise: 7:01 a.m.
  • Set: 6:03 p.m.
Tide
  • Low: 3:47 a.m. + 4:54 p.m.
  • High: 10:02 a.m. + 11:09 p.m.
  • Water Temperature: 66º
Civic
  • Representatives from SANDAG + CalTrans joined officials from the State of California and Mexico to sign a binational Toll Revenue Sharing Agreement. The document will allow the governments to split revenues at the Otay Mesa East Port of Entry — a project designed to improve movement between borders. 🤝
Biz
  • Local biotech startup Amplifica Holdings Group raised $11.8 million with the goal of growing more than its business. The company is focused on reactivating dormant hair stem cells to address androgenic alopecia, a common form of hair loss that’s often associated with male pattern baldness. 🧬 (San Diego Union-Tribune)
Read
  • University of San Diego law professor Orly Lobel knows technology doesn’t always have the best reputation, but usually, advances are used for good. The writer explores this idea in her new book “The Equality Machine,” that views developments in the field through a constructive + optimistic lens. 💻 (San Diego Union-Tribune)
  • What’s your favorite scary book? The County of San Diego Library released lists of its most popular creepy books for the spooky season. “Mexican Gothic” by Silvia Moreno-Garcia earns the No. 1 spot for print books while “The Butcher and the Wren” by Alaina Urqu is the top in the ebook + audiobook category. 📚
Jobs
  • San Diegans are clocking in to new jobs. The unemployment rate in September was 3.1% — a 0.3% decline from August thanks to an additional 1,300 nonfarm jobs. This is also an improvement from September 2021 when the rate was 5.4%. 📉
Holiday
  • Tis the season to plan your holiday events, and the City of Santee is preparing to brighten the season. Santee Trolley Square will host the Holiday Lighting Celebration on Fri., Nov. 18, from 5:30-8:30 p.m. featuring a tree, music + sledding. 🎄
Award
  • Colson Baker — aka rocker + rapper MGK — was recognized with the Spotlight Award at the San Diego International Film Festival for his film “Taurus.” The Tim Sutton-directed film follows the rise and fall of a troubled musician. 🎞️
Ranked
  • People love San Diego, but we’re not the only species to call it home. The city ranked No. 18 on Orkin’s list of rattiest cities in the US based on the number of new rodent treatments from Sept. 1, 2021-Aug. 31, 2022. But there’s good news, the city scurried down one spot compared to last year. 🐀 (Orkin)
Home
  • Do you rent or own? Let us know. Your answers will help us make sure we’re delivering the real estate and home improvement content that’s most relevant to you. 🏡*
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Seaing the monsters

Sea Monster Saloon coming to the Star of India
What’s kraken at the Star of India? The ship is being taken over to host the Sea Monster Saloon on Sat., Oct. 29, from 5-10 p.m. — but don’t worry, the tentacles are just for costume.

Sea Monster Saloon SDtoday

Something’s taking over this ship.

Gif via @gomuseums


If you’re getting déjà vu, this event sold out during Comic-Con. Now, it’s back for Halloween and will focus on the scariest creatures of the deep blue, giving you access to the Maritime Museum of San Diego’s exhibit, “Sea Monsters: Delving into the Deep Myth.” You’ll also hear the sounds of local blues-rock band Fish and the Seaweeds while sipping a specialty rum-based cocktail.

Tickets are on sale for the 21+ party, and costumes are encouraged. But it will only be back for one night, and when it’s over, it’ll be nothing more than a legend.
6AM City In-house
THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by Michael.

Editor’s pick: Good morning, San Diego. Going through these San Diego facts made me hungry, especially for a California burrito. If this delicacy is on the menu, it’s a wrap — that’s what I’m getting. So, it’s hard to limit my recommendations, but I’ve bought many at La Perla Cocina in Pacific Beach + I also suggest Lucha Libre in Mission Hills.

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? “Piñatas: The High Art of Celebration” swings into the Mingei International Museum.
Connect with us.

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

Sales: Allie Wetteland | Advertise with us.

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