6AM City In-house

City

A guide to city departments in San Diego
City of San Diego Seal
The city’s many departments are here to help you make the most out of living here. | Photo via City of San Diego
Whether you need to register to vote, inquire about residential services, or just stay in the know about civic happenings, we’re here to connect you with the right department in the City of San Diego.

“I want to adopt an animal.”
“I want to explore San Diego’s art scene.”
“How do I best prepare for a fire?”
“My garbage hasn’t been picked up.”
San Diego skyline

America’s Finest City, indeed.

Photo via Canva

“I’d like to plan a city festival or parade.”
  • Special Events & Filming | This department will connect you with the city to book a special event or authorization to film a project on public property.
“I’d like to start a business.”
“I need help finding a place to live.”
“Which parks are the best for ages 6-12?”
  • Parks and Recreation | Discover local community events, volunteer opportunities, or nearby recreation centers.
“I’d like to work for the city.”
  • Human Resources | View the city’s employment opportunities and application resources.
“What is going on with all this street construction?”
  • Transportation | Learn about upcoming road work, street sweeping schedules, and local transit.
And that’s not all. There are even more city departments to address your concerns — so let us know which ones you’re curious about and we’ll continue this series. Need urgent city services? Use the Get It Done platform.
6AM City In-house

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Thursday, Jan. 5
  • Cascade San Diego | Thursday, Jan. 5 | 11:45 a.m.-1 p.m. | Karl Strauss Gardens 9675 Scranton Rd., San Diego | A group of software designers and developers interested in building a better internet.
  • Lemon Grove Farmers Market | Thursday, Jan. 5 | 3-6:30 p.m. | VFW Parking Lot, 2885 Lemon Grove Ave., San Diego | Free | An East County gathering highlighting locally-grown produce.
  • San Diego State University vs. University of Nevada | Thursday, Jan. 5 | 5 p.m. | Viejas Arena, 5500 Canyon Crest Dr., San Diego | $6-$20 | The Aztecs take on the Wolf Pack in women’s basketball.
Friday, Jan. 6
  • Blue Sky Hike - Friday Fun | Friday, Jan. 6 | 9 a.m. | Blue Sky Ecological Reserve, 16275 Espola Rd., Poway | Free | Biologist and Blue Sky docent Marcia Kipp leads a free, scenic, moderate-level hike through Blue Sky Reserve.
  • Special Exhibition: Acupuncture Arrives in the U.S.A. | Friday, Jan. 6-Sunday, Jan. 8 | 12-4 p.m. | San Diego Chinese Historical Society and Museum, 404 Third Ave., San Diego | $5 | This exhibition examines how the ancient Chinese practice of acupuncture made its way into US culture.
  • Gimme Gimme Disco | Friday, Jan. 6 | 9 p.m. | House of Blues, 1055 Fifth Ave., San Diego | $20-$24 | A disco dance party inspired by the music of ABBA.
Saturday, Jan. 7
  • Holidays at LEGOLAND | Through Sunday, Jan. 8 | 10 a.m.-7 p.m. | Legoland, One Legoland Dr., Carlsbad | $89-$119 | It’s the final weekend of this festive celebration featuring holiday-themed meet-and-greets and a 30-ft tree made entirely out of LEGOs.
  • 2023 San Diego Brew Fest | Saturday, Jan. 7 | 12-4 p.m. | Liberty Station NTC Park, 2455 Cushing Rd., San Diego | $50-$65 | Dozens of craft beer brands, unlimited sudsy samples, and food trucks.
  • Chris D’Elia | Saturday, Jan. 7, Saturday, Jan. 7 | 7 p.m. | Balboa Theatre, 868 Fourth Ave., San Diego | $36-$155 | The comedian and “You” star takes the stage at the downtown venue.
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.
MORE JOY IN JANUARY

This billion-dollar startup wants to help you retire
Portrait of businesswoman standing against a wooden wall in office.
SmartAsset’s no-cost tool makes it easy to find vetted financial advisors who serve your area. | Photo by Dean Mitchell
This Princeton grad’s startup raised $161 million to help people plan for retirement. 👀

If you’re one of the whopping 110 million Americans over age 50 — or a wise Millennial looking to get ahead — SmartAsset’s no-cost tool makes it easy to find vetted financial advisors serving our local area.

In just a few minutes, you can get matched with up to three financial advisors, each legally bound to work in your best interest. Now that’s service.*
TRY THE FREE TOOL
Weather
  • 60º | Showers | 90% chance of rain 🌧️
  • So, how ‘bout that rain, San Diego? The National Weather Service says another round in the “parade of storms” is expected today, with thunderstorms possible after 10 a.m. and wind gusts as high as 30 mph. The agency predicts today’s conditions will bring a quarter to half-inch of rainfall. ☔ (National Weather Service)
Sunrise + Sunset
  • Rise: 6:52 a.m.
  • Set: 4:57 p.m.
Tide
  • Low: 1:32 a.m. + 3:11 p.m.
  • High: 7:49 a.m. + 9:44 p.m.
  • Water Temperature: 58º
Civic
  • There’s a new sheriff in town. San Diego County Sheriff Kelly A. Martinez has officially started her term, becoming the county’s 31st Sheriff. The San Diego native has been with the department since 1985 and has been serving as Undersheriff since 2021. Her ceremonial swearing-in is on Monday, Jan. 9. 🚨
Biz
  • Well, this is certainly shocking. SDG&E says ratepayers will see a large spike in their bills this month because the price of natural gas has doubled since December — from $2.55 to $5.11 per therm. With colder weather, customers use an average of 44 therms of gas in January. 🔌 (San Diego Union-Tribune)
Announced
  • Save the date: Padres Fan Fest 2023 is on Saturday, Feb. 4, at Petco Park. The annual celebration of the Friar Faithful will feature family-friendly activities, player autographs, and photo ops for fans (please tell us Rally Goose is coming). More information on how to attend is expected soon. ⚾
Coming Soon
  • Monster Jam goes down Saturday, Jan. 7-Sunday, Jan. 8, and Saturday, Jan. 14-Sunday, Jan. 15, at Snapdragon Stadium — the event’s first time at the venue. To that end, 26 million pounds of dirt were poured into the stadium so monster truck legends can show off their stunts, twists, and turns. 🛻
Outdoors
  • Thinking about hitting the hiking trails? You should wait a while. County Parks and Recreation says locals should not use trails immediately after it rains because walking through wet or flooded areas could damage native plants and the terrain. 🥾
Cause
  • Feeding San Diego is in urgent need of volunteers. The hunger relief nonprofit says volunteer numbers dropped off after the holidays and they need helping hands to cover four daily shifts, Monday-Saturday. Volunteers can be age 6+, with an adult chaperone. Get involved, and here are more ways to help around town. 💜
Pets
  • Calling all pups and their pint-loving humans. Second Chance Beer Company will host a free dog training session with experts from Hope2K9 Foundation this Sunday, Jan. 8, 4-6 p.m., at its North Park taproom — 4045 30 St., Ste. A. Owners will learn techniques centered around calmness and connection. 🐶
Number
  • $1,407,630. That’s how much moola one lucky person won on Dec. 18 at Harrah’s Resort Southern California while playing a table game called EZ Baccarat. The resort says it’s one of the largest jackpots handed out in SoCal in 2022. 💵
Travel
  • How does Scott’s Cheap Flights work? Sign up for free, follow up to five airports, and Scott’s will notify you when flights are 40-90% off. Bonus: You can browse deals immediately after signing up (like a $300+ round trip to St. Croix). 🌴*
Content marked with an * is brought to you by our advertising partners and helps make this newsletter free.

Livin’ la vida local 🌇

‘Locals Month’: San Diego residents get free admission to Whaley House, Old Town Trolley Tours
Whaley House SD
The self-guided tour inside the Whaley House is free for locals this month. | Photo via Monica Garske + SDtoday
Being a local has its perks — especially if you’re up for a few touristy activities this month.

Old Town Trolley Tours is running its “Locals Month” promotion, offering San Diego residents free admission to three activities through Tuesday, Jan. 31:

👻 The daytime, self-guided tour at the Whaley House in Old Town
🚃 Old Town Trolley Tours (those green and orange buses that cruise to major attractions)
🌊 San Diego SEAL Tours (those blue vehicles that hit both the streets and San Diego Bay)

To take advantage of the freebies, bring your valid San Diego County photo ID, driver’s license, or voter’s registration to a ticket booth — like the one at 4010 Twiggs St. in Old Town, 1004 N. Harbor Drive along the Embarcadero, or 825 W. Harbor Drive at Seaport Village.

The company says the offer is for local families or individuals, not for groups like schools. Happy sightseeing. 🌇
THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by Monica.

Editor’s pick: Hi, friends — hope the start of 2023 is treating you right.

Rain or shine, my little ones had a hankering for ice cream this week, so we headed to Mutual Friend Ice Cream in South Park. The family-owned shop on Juniper Street — a sister company to Dark Horse Coffee Roasters — specializes in small-batch, craft ice cream. The flavors rotate, so it’s always an adventure, and this time we tried the “Milk + Cookies” and “Double Caramel.” So good. 🍦

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? We shared post-holiday tips for undecking the halls and recycling that Christmas tree. 🎄
Connect with us.

Editorial: Monica Garske, Michael Beausoleil, Britt Thorson, Emily Shea, Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto, Dayten Rose, Sarah Leonhardt, Katie Smith | Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.

Sales: Julie Brown | Advertise with us.

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