Gift ideas from SDtoday to you 🎁

San Diego gift ideas from SDtoday’s editors

There’s no place like home for the holidays, but we can’t pack San Diego in a box. So, if you’re looking to give a locally-themed gift this year, Monica + I are here to help. We’ve rounded up local items we can’t live without that can be gifted— or kept for yourself (no judgment).

Bird Rock coffee roasters mugs

Bird Rock Coffee Roasters is a favorite.

Photo via Michael Beausoleil + SDtoday

🎁 Michael’s picks

  • Bird Rock Coffee Roasters | As a coffee lover, this local shop is one of my favorites. I often get beans to take home, especially blends with local ties like “Little Italy Blend” and “Little Blue Penguin
  • San Diego Zoo membership | The zoo is massive, so I like taking dozens of small trips to give each exhibit the attention it deserves. The annual membership lets me do that, and it includes the Safari Park in Escondido.
  • Vuori | This athleisure brand was founded in Encinitas, and the Kore Shorts are perfect for relaxing, being active, or taking a trip to the beach.
  • Calicorn Popcorn | I take snacking very seriously, and this is one of my favorite treats. Plus, it’s stocked at local grocery stores like Ralphs + Vons, so it’s super easy to buy a few bags.
  • Anchorman” | In San Diego, Ron Burgundy is kind of a big deal. So, it’s important to have the movie so I understand all of the references I encounter — and for laughs.
The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park Christmas colors

This is how Monica shell-ebrates.

Photo via Monica Garske + SDtoday

🎁 Monica’s picks


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Tuesday, Dec. 13
  • Fiesta de Reyes - Feliz Navidad | Through Sunday, Jan. 1 | 11 a.m.-9 p.m. | Fiesta de Reyes, 2754 Calhoun St., San Diego | Free | The colorful marketplace in Old Town is all decked out for the holidays.
  • Show Tunes Dinner Theatre Divas | Tuesday, Dec. 13 | 6-9 p.m. | MO’s Bar and Grill, 308 University Ave., San Diego | Free | Drag queens perform toe-tapping tunes — and there’s all-you-can-eat spaghetti on the menu, too.
Wednesday, Dec. 14
  • Plaid Tidings | Through Saturday, Dec. 24 | 7 p.m. | SDMT Stage, 4650 Mercury St., San Diego | $35-$65 | A special holiday edition of “Forever Plaid.”
  • Comedy Night in Little Italy at Pali Wine Co. | Wednesday, Dec. 14 | 7-9 p.m. | Pali Wine Co. Winery Tasting Room, 2130 India St., San Diego | Grab some wine in Little Italy while listening to stand-up comedy — unless you want to take the mic.
Thursday, Dec. 15
  • Oceanside Sunset Market | Thursday, Dec. 15 | 5-9 p.m. | Downtown Oceanside, Pier View Way, San Diego | Free | 200+ vendors span four city blocks for this weekly food and live music gathering in the North County.
  • The Best of San Diego | Thursday, Dec. 15 | 8 p.m. | The Comedy Store La Jolla, 916 Pearl St., La Jolla | $10 | Laugh with up-and-coming local comedians at this career-launching show.
Friday, Dec. 16
  • Lola Kristine | Friday, Dec. 16 + Saturday, Dec. 17 | 5 p.m. | Petco Park, 100 Park Blvd., San Diego | $12-$20 | The SoCal singer performs at the ballpark’s Holiday Market.
We have a calendar filled with events and activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.

UNWRAP MORE EVENTS

Weather
  • 58º | Partly cloudy | 6% chance of rain
Sunrise + Sunset
  • Rise: 6:42 a.m.
  • Set: 4:43 p.m.
Tide
  • Low: 5:03 a.m. + 7:11 p.m.
  • High: 1:42 a.m. + 11:18 a.m.
  • Water Temperature: 57º
Civic
  • The City of Chula Vista will hold a swearing-in ceremony today at 5 p.m. for its new mayor and councilmembers. The newly-elected local leaders are Mayor John McCann and representatives Carolina Chavez for District 1 + Jose Preciado for District 2. ✋
  • Four San Diego County cities have been awarded a total of $5.3 million to enhance services for individuals experiencing homelessness — the remainder of a $10 million fund. The grants will support projects in Escondido, Carlsbad, Chula Vista + the City of San Diego working to expand shelter capacity, particularly for seniors. 💵 (San Diego Union-Tribune)
Health
  • Seven San Diego County COVID-19 testing sites are now offering influenza tests to help locals stay healthy. The no-cost tests are provided by the California Department of Public Health, and there will be at least one site open daily. 🩺
Development
  • Storm drains in Bird Rocks’ La Jolla Hermosa Park were repaired just in time for the rain. For years, blockages resulted in flooding that caused erosion to cliffs and bluffs. The project cleared the drainage system and fixed surfaces, so water flows into the ocean — and park access has been restored. 💧 (La Jolla Light)
Concert
  • Superstar Janet Jackson announced her 2023 “Together Again” tour, and Chula Vista will be part of the rhythm nation. Ms. Jackson will perform at North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre on Sunday, June 11, 2023, at 8 p.m. Ticket presales begin today at 11 a.m and general public sales start Friday at 11 a.m. 🎟️
Transit
  • Dozens of second-generation Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) Trolley cars built in the 1990s traveled 6,000 miles to Mendoza, Argentina — but will travel millions more. The city signed a declaration with MTS to give new life to the older vehicles, using them as part of its transit system and keeping their signature red coloring. 🚃 (KPBS)
Trending
  • Actress Sandra Bullock’s Valley Center hideaway has been sold for $5.6 million. The 5,938-sqft, Mediterranean-style house includes 4 BD, 6 BA, a gated driveway, a pool, and a chicken coop. The property also features a 3 BD manufactured home for her A-list houseguests. 🏠 (NBC 7)
Featured
  • Hungry for a great restaurant? Look no further than San Diego. Newsweek posted its list of the 100 best restaurants in the US, rated by diners using data from OpenTable, and three local eateries claimed spots: Born & Raised, Cesarina, and Herb & Wood. 🍽️ (Newsweek)
Travel
  • Craving a trip? How about famously foggy mornings, boutique shopping, and Michelin-starred restaurants in San Francisco? We love this Presidio Heights two room + bath suite for its central location, cleanliness, and bay window breakfast nook. 🌉*
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La Jolla Music Society’s 2023 lineup

We like the sound of this. La Jolla Music Society is on track to make 2023 an unforgettable year with its 54th concert season that runs through June. The season will bring 33 shows next year, and here’s a taste of the lineup for January:

2023 La Jolla Music Society acts

123 Andrés, Monterey Jazz Festival, EDEN, Davina and The Vagabonds.

  • Davina and The Vagabonds | Saturday, Jan. 14 | 6:30 + 8:30 p.m. | A jazz + blues act that’s been compared to the likes of Etta James, Janis Joplin, and Amy Winehouse.
  • Joyce DiDonato’s EDEN | Wednesday, Jan. 18 | 7:30 p.m. | The Grammy Award-winner performs a show fusing music + movement.
  • Monterey Jazz Festival on Tour | Thursday, Jan. 26 | 7:30 p.m. | The festival celebrates its 65th year with Grammy Award-winning vocalists Dee Dee Bridgewater + Kurt Elling and instrumentalists Christian Sands, Lakecia Benjamin, Clarence Penn, Yasushi Nakamura.
  • 123 Andrés | Saturday, Jan. 28 | 10:00 + 11:30 a.m. | A bilingual performance for children ages 2-6.
Tickets are on sale, which can be purchased individually and as part of a series. Or, you can save 10% and create your own playlist when purchasing tickets to any 4+ performances at the same time.
MORE TO SEE + HEAR
THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by Michael.

Editor’s pick: Good morning, San Diego. We had quite the soak this weekend, and I spent time inside watching Christmas movies. Somehow, I couldn’t find a holiday film set in San Diego. I can’t say I’m surprised, but I hope I’m wrong — send me an email if you know of a seasonal San Diego gem.

There is Barry Devorzon’s songIt’s Christmas Once Again in San Diego,” so at least San Diegans have something to call our own.

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? San Diego’s weather outlook this winter.
Connect with us.

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

Sales: Julie Brown | Advertise with us.

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