6AM City In-house

What goes around 🎠
The Balboa Park Carousel in San Diego is temporarily closed for restoration.
Construction signs surrounded the carousel on Dec. 31, 2022. | Photo via Monica Garske + SDtoday
The historic Balboa Park Carousel turned 100 last summer — and now it’s time for a little self-care.

The landmark’s iconic attraction — normally spinning ‘round and ‘round at 1889 Zoo Pl. — is temporarily closed as Forever Balboa Park works to give it much-needed structural upgrades.

Here’s what’s planned — and when it’ll ride again.

The 100-year-old historic carousel in Balboa Park

When it is open, the colorful menagerie and historical photos are truly something to marvel at.

Photo via Monica Garske + SDtoday


A Forever Balboa Park rep tells SDtoday that caring for a century-old carousel is an ongoing process “with a lot of moving parts.” The nonprofit bought the ride in June 2017 and maintains it.

The current, 5-month restoration process includes removing the triangle eaves that weren’t part of the original building, installing safety improvements like a new fire suppression system, and giving the hand-carved menagerie a fresh, more historically accurate paint job.

As part of the continuing overall restoration of the attraction, Forever Balboa Park says other improvements have included replacing all of the carousel’s lights with new LED bulbs.

So, why another facelift now? Well, it’s all about the kids. The carousel normally operates based on the San Diego Unified School District’s academic calendar — open for special hours during the summer — and on weekends and school holidays the rest of the year. Fall through spring is considered the attraction’s “off-season,” so there’s no time like the present.

SDtoday editor Monica Garske and her daughter riding the Balboa Park Carousel.

Editor Monica and her littlest daughter riding the carousel in fall of 2022.

Photo via Monica Garske


Forever Balboa Park plans to reopen the carousel this spring, though an exact date has not yet been determined. When it reopens, hours and prices — $3 per ride, or $10 for four rides — will be the same.

🎟️ Already missing the carousel? Until those sweet, 5-minute rides on the 52 animals return, take a spin around the history of the attraction — no ticket required.
6AM City In-house

Click here to have your event featured.

Monday, Jan. 9
  • Yoga at Golden Hill Park | Monday, Jan. 9 | 11 a.m. | Golden Hill Park, 2590-2596 Golden Hill Dr., San Diego | Free | An accessible, donation-based class — find it at the big tree by the park’s entrance.
  • Oceanside Job Fair | Monday, Jan. 9 | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | Virtual, Oceanside | Free | Browse jobs with 40+ local companies that value diversity.
  • Crafternoon | Monday, Jan. 9 | 1-3 p.m. | Grossmont Healthcare District’s Health & Wellness Library, 9001 Wakarusa St., La Mesa | Free | A crafty activity open to residents and people who work, attend school, or have health-related ties to East County.
  • Blues Jam Night | Monday, Jan. 9 | 6-10 p.m. | Aztec Brewing Company, 2330 La Mirada Dr. #300, Vista | Free | Swing along to the rhythm and blues.
Tuesday, Jan. 10
  • That Good Good Market | Tuesday, Jan. 10 | 4-8 p.m. | Evolution, 2965 Fifth Ave., San Diego | Free | Browse vegan, cruelty-free, and sustainable foods with local restaurants Evolution and Donna Jean.
  • Jenny O’Henny Duo | Tuesday, Jan. 10 | 6 p.m. | Humphreys Backstage Live, 2241 Shelter Island Dr., San Diego | $5 | A live show that mixes blues, soul, and jazz.
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.
BIG PLANS FOR JAN.

Weather
  • 65º | Partly sunny, with possible nighttime showers | 50% chance of rain 🌥️
  • Last week brought solid rain to San Diego. According to the tallies from the National Weather Service, notable rainfall stats from the final storm included 2.73 inches at Palomar Observatory, 1.01 inches in Valley Center, 0.87 inches in Escondido, and 0.60 inches in National City. ☔ (National Weather Service)
  • Last week’s storm caused damage to the Ocean Beach Pier and officials say it is closed to the public until repairs can be completed. Images showed several guardrails were knocked down during the downpour, which came with huge sets of waves that crashed down on the pier. 🌊 (San Diego Union-Tribune)
Sunrise + Sunset
  • Rise: 6:52 a.m.
  • Set: 4:59 p.m.
Tide
  • Low: 3:42 a.m. + 5:12 p.m..
  • High: 9:55 a.m. + 11:47 p.m.
  • Water Temperature: 56º
Civic
  • Six newly-elected officials will be sworn into office today at 10 a.m. Taking oath are Sheriff Kelly A. Martinez, District 4 Supervisor Nathan Fletcher, District 5 Supervisor Jim Desmond, District Attorney Summer Stephan, Assessor/Recorder/County Clerk Jordan Marks, and Treasurer/Tax Collector Dan McAllister. Watch the livestream across several platforms. ✋
Legacy
  • Padres Hall of Famer Nate Colbert, an original member of the team from 1969-1974, has died. Colbert hit the most home runs in the team’s history — 163 — and was also beloved for his work helping disadvantaged youth. The Padres called him “a trailblazer in the San Diego sports community.” 🤎 (Fox 5)
Cause
  • Local nonprofit Mama’s Kitchen is in need of volunteers to pack and deliver meals, help in the kitchen, and answer phones. Hours vary by role, and regular delivery days are Tuesday and Fridays, 12:30-3:30 p.m. Get involved, and also check out our guide of 40 volunteer opportunities in San Diego County. 💜
Read
  • Resolving to read more in 2023? Use the San Diego County Library’s list of “top checkouts” for inspo. The top three titles for adults last year were “The Last Thing He Told Me” by Laura Dave, “Apples Never Fall” by Lianne Moriarty, and “Where the Crawdads Sing” by Delia Owens. 📚
Travel
Sports
  • San Diego Aztecs women’s basketball is on fire. The team defeated Nevada 80-70 at home last Thursday, earning their 10th double-digit win of the season. Their next game at Viejas Arena at Aztec Bowl is this Saturday, Jan. 14, against the Boise State Broncos. Score tickets. 🏀 (SDSU Athletics)
  • The National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum released a bobblehead over the weekend commemorating one of the most legendary defensive plays in MLB history — the diving, barehanded catch by Padres rookie shortstop Ozzie Smith on April 20, 1978. The figurine costs $65. ⚾
Eat
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Everybody’s workin’ for the city 🦺

City of San Diego ‘prioritizing critical infrastructure’ in 2023
City of San Diego crew repairing stormwater pipes
The City of San Diego is tackling major infrastructure projects in 2023. | Photo via @cityofsandiego
New year, new infrastructure. 🏗️

The City of San Diego says it is hitting the ground running in 2023, prioritizing several large-scale infrastructure projects designed to improve local life.

This includes the Stormwater Department’s annual goal of replacing one mile of pipe, and the ongoing “Sexy Streets” initiative that aims to repave ~54 miles of heavily used roads in underserved communities.

Crews are also in the final stretch of the West Mission Bay Drive Bridge Replacement Project that has overhauled the 1950s-era bridge. Meanwhile, repairs at the 104-year-old Hodges Dam are set to be completed this spring.

Initial construction has started on Pure Water San Diego — a multi-year program that’ll provide nearly 50% of the city’s water supply by the end of 2035.

This is just a sampling of local infrastructure projects that are underway; the city says little by little, it is “working to build a better future for all of us.” 🌆
6AM City In-house
THE WRAP

SD Santee Lakes Dining Deck

Today’s issue was written by Monica.

Editor’s pick: Have you been to the dining deck at Santee Lakes? It debuted in 2021 — over the water on Lake 4 — and is a lovely spot to take a break after a walk.

The commercial kitchen used to be occupied by Tin Fish, but a new restaurant moved in last month, Angry Petes Pizza. The eatery specializes in Detroit-style pan pies, and also offers breakfast items and coffee drinks — all with a view of the lakes. 🍕

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? Rule-followers, take note — these 10 new laws will impact San Diegans this year. 📝
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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