Taking the Midway District to another level

Will building height regulation change in the Midway District?

The City of San Diego has big plans for the Midway District. The Sports Arena area could see 48 acres transformed for the Midway Rising project, but there’s a hold up: height regulations.

The issue — Measure C on the ballot — will be decided by voters in the Tues., Nov. 8 Statewide General Election. The results will determine the development’s future, and either outcome will impact the city.

Midway Rising Rendering — Midway Rising could make the space look very different.

📜 The lowdown

Voters will decide whether to exclude the Midway-Pacific Highway Community Plan area (where the Midway Rising project will be constructed) from the 30-foot height limit for Coastal Zones, a regulation designed to preserve access to public spaces + the shoreline. Specifically, this change would allow the Midway Rising project to add 4,250 new homes for San Diegans, including 2,000 affordable units.

Wait up — didn’t we already vote on this? Yes, in 2020, this regulation was Measure E on the ballot. It passed with a 57% approval, but the decision was blocked by the San Diego Superior Court after determining voters didn’t have enough information on environmental impact.

👍 Thumbs up

To pass, Measure E would need to receive the majority of the votes, meaning 50% + 1. It would allow repairs to be made specifically for projects to the Midway District, including:

Additional housing, aligning with the city’s “Homes For All of Us” initiative.
8,500 new jobs + retail and dining spaces for customers.
A transit-focused community with 20 acres of public parks.
A new arena with 16,000 seats.
$27.5 million annually in city revenue with no tax increase for residents.

Supporters also note the Midway District is not an actual beach community, as it isn’t directly on the coastline — though it does provide access to Point Loma + Ocean Beach.

👎 Thumbs down

Locals in opposition believe changing height regulations is a slippery slope. While Measure C only impacts Midway-Pacific Highway Community Plan, it would modify a regulation voters passed in 1972. Concerns include:

Beach access will be restricted, and tall buildings will block ocean views.
Congestion + traffic and their environmental impacts.
Approving the measure will allow taller developments — even those without affordable housing.
Construction will allow politicians to give companies lucrative contracts.

🗳️ The decision will be made on Election Day. Voters can cast their ballots at a vote center or by returning them by mail.

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Friday, October 28

11th Annual Gaslamp Halloween Pub Crawl | Fri., Oct. 28 | 8-11:15 p.m. | Tin Roof, 401 G Street, San Diego | $31.99 - $61.99 | Visit some of the most vibrant bars in the Gaslamp District.
Evening with The War & Treaty | Fri., Oct. 28 | 7:30-9 p.m. | The Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center, 7600 Fay Avenue, La Jolla | $31.00 - $75.00 | The husband-and-wife team bring their bluesy fusion of Southern soul, gospel, country, and rock-and-roll to San Diego.
Fourth Friday Jazz Series | Fri., Oct. 28 | 7-9:30 p.m. | La Jolla Community Center, 6811 La Jolla Boulevard, La Jolla | $22.00 - $30.00 | Top jazz artists unite for a toe-tapping good time.

Saturday, October 29

Nightmare on Normal | Sat., Oct. 29 | 5-11 p.m. | Pride Plaza, Pride Square, San Diego | $25.00 - $55.00 | The haunted Halloween dance party + costume competition returns to the heart of Hillcrest.
NOVO Family-Friendly Halloween Party | Sat., Oct. 29 | 4-11 p.m. | Novo Brazil Brewing Company, 901 Lane Avenue, San Diego | Free | A family-friendly party featuring a 10-ft animatronic talking witch, costume contest, bounce house, food trucks + music from Rising Star Band.
Puppy Yoga | Sat., Oct. 29, Sat., Oct. 29 | 12:30-1:30 p.m. | Spirit Yoga, 1559 Garnet Ave., San Diego | $30.00 | Bring your mat, dog, and costume for a class.
The SpongeBob Musical | Sat., Oct. 29 - Sat., Nov. 12 | 2 p.m. | Casa del Prado, 1600 Village Place, San Diego | $18.00 | SpongeBob and all of Bikini Bottom face the annihilation of their undersea world — but the power of optimism is strong in this fun musical.

Sunday, October 30

Bizzy Bone | Sun., Oct. 30 | 7:30 p.m. | Brick By Brick, 1130 Buenos Ave., San Diego | $25.00 - $30.00 | The rapper performs without his band, but brings all the harmony.
Blue October | Sun., Oct. 30 | 7 p.m. | The Magnolia, 210 E. Main St., El Cajon | $25.00 - $205.00 | The alt-rockers perform live.
Halloween Heresy Tour 2022 | Sun., Oct. 30 | 8:30 p.m. | The Merrow, 1271 University Ave., San Diego | $8.00 | A night of horrorpunk and dark melodies with Dark Ride + The Blackjackits.

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.

TREAT YOURSELF TO MORE EVENTS

Weather

73º | Sunny | 3% chance of rain
It’ll feel more like fall, just in time for Halloween. The National Weather Service predicts a low trough system will bring cooler temperatures to San Diego County through Wed., Nov. 2, with the coolest temps expected on Wednesday. There’s also potential for winds + scattered showers. 🌬️ (San Diego Union-Tribune)

Sunrise + Sunset

Rise: 7:03 a.m.
Set: 6:01 p.m.

Tide

Low: 4:47 a.m. + 6:37 p.m.
High: 12:03 a.m. + 11:12 a.m.
Water Temperature: 66º

Real Estate

The cost of a home in San Diego County declined 2.5% from July to August — the biggest drop since July 2008. But, there’s still signs of growth. Prices are up 12.7% over the past 12 months, making San Diego the metro area with the eighth highest annual growth in the US. 🏘️ (San Diego Union-Tribune)

Travel

Gas prices keep moving in reverse. Yesterday, the average cost of a gallon of regular, self-serve gasoline in San Diego County was $5.671 — the 22nd consecutive day declining. During this downward streak, prices have fallen 76.4 cents, including Thursday’s 2.1-cent price drop. ⛽ (AAA)

Concert

The Eagles are bringing their “Hotel California 2023 Tour” to San Diego on Fri., March 3, and they’ve decided Pechanga Arena is a lovely place to host the concert. The iconic rock band will be joined by an orchestra + choir to perform the classic album along with top hits. Tickets go on sale today at 10 a.m. 🦅

Outdoors

Photographer Jordan Anast dropped jaws with a photo taken during a San Onofre State Beach surf contest. A great white shark jumped into the shot, resulting in an image that looks like a scene from “Sharknado.” Fortunately the animal kept its distance, only leaving behind cool pictures. 🦈 (Fox 5)

Civic

The San Diego County Board of Supervisors approved plans to build a San Diego Regional Firefighter Memorial at Waterfront Park. The project will honor local heroes, and as fundraising efforts begin, $10,000 has been transferred to the Department of Parks & Recreation to begin the design process. 🚒

Number

8,686. That’s how many backpacks were filled with school supplies thanks to San Diego County Credit Union’s “Stuff the Bus” campaign. The organization exceeded its $100,000 goal, and provided supply packages to students facing housing insecurity in San Diego, Orange + Riverside counties. 🎒 (Times of San Diego)

Cause

The Escondido Union School District received a surprise $16 million donation from philanthropist Mackenzie Scott — the largest it has ever been gifted. Officials will put the funding to good use, but won’t spend it yet. They expect visible changes during the 2023-2024 school year, but are working on that budget. 💸 (NBC 7)

Ranked

Trick-or-treaters beware: Mission Hills was named the best neighborhood for impressive Halloween displays + candy in San Diego County by Tinybeans. The family-friendly publication notes that houses go all out, to the point where decorations might be too creepy for younger children. 🎃 (Tinybeans)

DYK

Did you know we want to share your Black Friday deals with our SDtoday readers? Promote your business with us by submitting a deal to be included in our Fri., Nov. 25 newsletter. Pricing varies by market + must be submitted by Wed., Nov. 16.

Drink

Getting groceries delivered is great, but getting your favorite beer, wine, and liquor delivered is even better. With Drizly, you can order your go-to libations as well as mixers, party supplies, and snacks + they’ll be delivered to your door in under 60 minutes. Order now. 🥂*

The Buy

Real talk: You’re an adult, and it’s time to say goodbye to those sad, flat pillows and invest in bedding that supports your neck and back. Marlow designed a pillow specifically for side sleepers with customizable firmness, three angles to support your neck, and cooling technology — code 6AM saves you 10%, plus buy-more, save-more discounts up to 40%. ☁️ *

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A dark art display

Oceanside Museum of Art bringing back Art After Dark

Tomorrow, when the sun goes down, the day will transform into a night of art.

Oceanside Arts After Dark gif — There’s so many ways to experience the art.

At least, that’s what you’ll find at the Oceanside Museum of Art when the Art After Dark celebration begins. This year’s event has a “Metamorphosis” theme and features live performances + music. Expect to see cultural dances, stilt walkers, and the queer nuns from Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence.

That’s just the start of the fun. You’re encouraged to wear a costume, but you’ll need to ID yourself at the door. This 21+ party will feature drinks by Juneshine + treats from local food trucks. Tickets are $50 — or $25 for museum members — and drink tickets can be purchased in advance.

THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by Michael.

Editor’s pick: Happy Friday, San Diego. If you’re celebrating Halloween this weekend, I hope you eat lots of candy + stay classy in a locally-inspired costume. And, I have a fun fact for my fellow scary movie fans: “Paranormal Activity” was filmed in Rancho Peñasquitos. But don’t worry, it’s just a movie, and the site isn’t really haunted — but the Whaley House might be.

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? Where to get amazing birria in San Diego.

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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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