Today’s Forecast

🏀 A new recreation destination

Waterfront Park under construction for the Waterfront Park Active Recreation project.

A crane digging ground at waterfront park.

We dig this new project. | Photo via Michael Beausoleil + SDtoday

When downtown’s Waterfront Park opened nine years ago, it made a big splash with locals. Today, it’s in the mist of an update — the ongoing Waterfront Park Active Recreation project. This will introduce new activity spaces and amenities to a 1.5-acre portion of the popular park along the Embarcadero.

What’s the plan?

Construction crews are currently working at the northeast corner along West Grape Street and Pacific Highway, so expect detours. This space previously housed decorative gardens and paths, but was used less than other park spaces.

San Diego’s Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) hosted public meetings and collected feedback to develop a plan to transform the area. Crews recently broke ground, and when the project is completed, additions will include:

Basketball courts
Pickleball courts
A dog park with agility equipment and off-leash spaces
A T-ball field with 100-meter foul lines
Outdoor fitness equipment and a table tennis area
ADA-compliant paths, walkways, and benches

Construction by the Serpant Tree sculpture at Waterfront Park. — Some things are changing, but this “Serpent Tree” will stay standing.
|
Photo by Michael Beausoleil + SDtoday

🗓 When will it reopen?

According to the DPR website, the new amenities are expected to open by the end of the year. They will be free to use and follow the same hours as the rest of the park: 6 a.m.-10 p.m.

Currently, the playground equipment in the southeast portion of the park and all fountains remain open to the public, unaffected by the construction.

What will go away?

This project aims to retain as many trees as possible, but 11 will be removed — though more native plants will be added. The new construction mostly replaces grassy areas, but the 12-acre Waterfront Park still has plenty of open, green space in its northwest and southwest portions.

Existing paths will also be retained, as will the “Arbre de Serpents” sculpture by Niki de Saint Phalle.

Events

Friday, May 12

Gator by the Bay Festival | Friday, May 12-Sunday, May 14 | Times vary | Spanish Landing Park - East, 3900 N. Harbor Dr., San Diego | $65-$250 | The lively, Louisiana-themed music and food festival returns to the Embarcadero with 100+ musical acts across seven stages.
PettyBreakers | Friday, May 12 | 7 p.m. | The Magnolia, 210 E. Main St., El Cajon | $25-$35 | We’re free fallin’ for this Tom Petty tribute show.
City Moves | Friday, May 12 + Saturday, May 13 | Times vary | San Diego City College, 1313 Park Blvd., San Diego | $10 | A dance showcase featuring works by student choreographers.

Saturday, May 13

Mother’s Day Weekend Art, Garden & Studio Tour | Saturday, May 13 + Sunday, May 14 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | Off Track Gallery, 937 S. Coast Highway 101, Ste. #C103, Encinitas | $35 | Explore eight North County homes, art studios, and gardens.
All About Mom Pop-Up Market | Saturday, May 13 | 10 a.m.-6 p.m. | Westfield Mission Valley, 1640 Camino Del Rio N., San Diego | Free | Shop small with mom at this family and pet-friendly pop-up.
River Day Cleanup | Saturday, May 13 | 9-11 a.m. | Ocean Beach Pier, 1850 Ocean Front St., San Diego | Free | Beautify Ocean Beach and its iconic pier with The Surfrider Foundation’s San Diego Chapter.
North Park Vegan Food Popup | Saturday, May 13 | 12-4 p.m. | North Park Mini-Park, 3812 29th St., San Diego | Free | Explore a collection of plant-based vendors from SoCal.
Emo Night Brooklyn | Saturday, May 13 | 9 p.m. | House of Blues, 1055 Fifth Ave., San Diego | $15 | Wear your darkest eyeliner to this celebration of emo music with guest Ryan Cabrera.

Sunday, May 14

Coronado 2023 Mother’s Day Historic Home Tour | Sunday, May 14 | 11 a.m.-4 p.m. | Coronado Historical Association, 1100 Orange Ave. | $45-$145 | Take mom on this trek of historic, charming homes on the island.
Spreckels Organ Sunday Concert | Sunday, May 14 | 2-3 p.m. | Spreckels Organ Pavilion, 2125 Pan American E. Rd. San Diego | Free | This Sunday tradition is music to San Diegans’ ears — and this week, the Mother’s Day concert features a rose giveaway.

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

Finance

Kick back and retire (yes, please)

SmartAsset matches you with vetted financial advisors in your area. | Photo by SmartAsset

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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 who serve your area.

It’s never too late to work towards more radiant golden years. Take this quiz to see if you can retire comfortably.*

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News Notes

Development

Local nonprofit Father Joe’s Villages will build a housing complex with 107 affordable units on 17th and Commercial streets near Barrio Logan. The project is expected to cost $50-$60 million, but is aided by a $4 million grant from the City of San Diego. It’s expected to open in 2026. (San Diego Business Journal)

Open

Chula Vista is making it a double. The city’s second In-N-Out Burger is now open at 1810 Main Court. The restaurant features a drive-thru, indoor seating for 74 guests, and a covered patio with capacity for 39.

Tech

Escondido residents can now hire a “GreenPal” to help with their yard work via the app by the same name. The tool helps users connect to pre-screened lawn care professionals, and is also available to residents in Poway, Oceanside, Vista, Encinitas, and Carlsbad. (The Coast News Group)

Concert

Saving money rocks. Over 50 local shows are participating in Live Nation’s Concert Week promotion through Tuesday, May 16. The deal offers all-in, $25 tickets that cover all fees — other than state taxes — including acts like Duran Duran, Dierks Bentley, and Kidz Bop.

Art

Arts District Liberty Station is seeking artists to create temporary outdoor masterpieces for its Installations at the Station program. The works should be engaging and “create a sense of place” by showcasing the culture and diversity of the San Diego-Baja region — like these current pieces. Apply by Monday, May 15.

Number

42. That’s how many home runs Sofia Mujica hit to break the CIF San Diego Section softball record. Now, the Granite Hills High School junior has pitched a new goal — 60 home runs, which would break the state record. (ABC 10)

Announced

Heading to Disneyland? Four rides will be closed for refurbishments starting Monday, June 5. “The Little Mermaid: Ariel’s Undersea Adventure” will reopen on Thursday, June 8, followed by “Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride” and “Alice in Wonderland” on Friday, June 16. The fourth ride — “Peter Pan’s Flight” — doesn’t have a set reopening date. (Fox 5)

Holiday

How to win Mother’s Day? Send the mother figure in your life iconic meals and desserts from across the country with Goldbelly. Think: Ina Garten’s coconut cake, a New York bagel brunch kit, and a chef’s steak dinner for four. Yup, it’s all on Goldbelly.*

Kids

Let your kids touch the stove

Summer cooking camps for kids in San Diego

Two kids in denim aprons gaze at a counter holding a bowl of flour, chocolate chips, and croissants.

Kids will be whipping up French pastries in no time. | Photo via Sur La Table

Let us explain. We’d only recommend this activity under professional supervision, with detailed instruction and the promise of tasty treats at the end — AKA, everything you get in one of Sur La Table’s cooking camps.

Check out the camps held at Sur La Table (Fashion Valley Mall, 7007 Friars Rd.), perfect for little chefs who’d love hands-on cooking instruction this summer. Bon appétit.

🧁 For kids ages 7-11

Baking 101
This camp will have kids making everything from chocolate marble banana bread to homemade pizzas. While most camps have sold out, a five-day camp is available Monday, Aug. 21, to Friday, Aug. 24. Sign up for 10 a.m. or 1 p.m. slots.

Culinary Excursion
From chicken dinner to taco night, little chefs will learn a breadth of recipes to make again. Five-day camps are available June 12 through Aug. 18. Browse camps and sign up.*

More camps for kids + teens

The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Michael

From the editor

Happy Friday, San Diego. Mother’s Day is this weekend, and if you’re looking for ideas, I’d like to share some of my mother’s favorite things to do in San Diego. She loves getting Mexican food at Cafe Coyote, checking out the seals at La Jolla Cove, or exploring Balboa Park.

You might have guessed, she’s not a local, but we always have fun when she’s in town.

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