Tony Hawk has kicked his way into the Skateboarding Hall of Fame, but San Diegans know his accomplishments extend beyond the halfpipe. Nine years ago, the city honored the local legend by naming May 29 “Tony Hawk Day.”
🦅 The rise of the Hawk
Hawk was born in 1968 in Carlsbad and received his first skateboard when he was 9 years old. At age 14, he turned pro and later won multiple gold medals at the X Games. His career is filled with firsts, like when he landed the first 900 at the 1999 X Games.
San Diegans know him for more than just flipping out on a skateboard — and we’re not talking about his successful video game series “Tony Hawk Pro Skater.” He’s also dedicated to giving back to his community.
🛹 The declaration
In 2014, then-Mayor Kevin Faulconer and former councilmember Lorie Zapf deemed May 29 “Tony Hawk Day,” recognizing the skater for his achievements in his sport and his philanthropic work.
Particularly, this celebrated the Skatepark Project — formerly the Tony Hawk Foundation — that’s dedicated to providing inclusive, recreational spaces in underserved communities. Since its formation, the nonprofit has contributed to 661 parks across all 50 states, including San Diego’s Linda Vista Skate Park and Park De La Cruz in City Heights.
When it comes to celebrating, the pro skater once said, “I can’t imagine what you’re supposed to do on Tony Hawk Day.”
But, the observance is rooted in a sense of community, and Hawks’ philanthropic efforts have shown no signs of braking. Recently, he represented Feeding San Diego as a contestant on “Celebrity Wheel of Fortune” and the Skatepark Project launched an initiative to teach community organization skills to the next generation of leaders.
Events
Friday, May 26
San Diego Wave FC vs. Portland Thorns | Friday, May 26 | 7 p.m. | Snapdragon Stadium, 2101 Stadium Way, San Diego | $15-$131 | Let’s go, Wave FC, let’s go.
Fourth Friday Jazz Series: Joshua White + the Music of Harold Arlen | Friday, May 26 | 7-9:15 p.m. | La Jolla Community Center, 6811 La Jolla Blvd. | $25-$35 | The accomplished pianist and his trio hit the keys, performing the music of American composer Harold Arlen — from “Get Happy” to “Over the Rainbow.”
“Heathers the Musical” | Through Sunday, June 11 | Times vary | Ocean Beach Playhouse and Arts Center, 4944 Newport Ave., San Diego | $27 | An adaptation based on the cult classic film all about Veronica Sawyer and her longing to be part of the cool clique.
“1996: A blink-182 Musical” | Through Sunday, May 28 | Times vary | Centro Cultural De La Raza, 2004 Park Blvd., San Diego | $10 | A show based on the Poway-formed rockers, told through their music.
Saturday, May 27
Cardiff Farmers Market | Saturday, May 27 | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | MiraCosta College San Elijo, 3333 Manchester Ave., Cardiff | Free | The Cardiff 101 Mainstreet Association keeps it fresh at this weekly market.
Mending Memories with Michelle Montjoy | Saturday, May 27 | 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. | Mingei International Museum, 1439 El Prado, San Diego | $65-$75 | Join local artist Michelle Montjoy to create your own contemporary heirloom inspired by the museum’s “25 Million Stitches” exhibition.
Sunday, May 28
Evoke an Emotional Response | Sunday, May 28 | 1-5 p.m. | California Center for the Arts, Escondido, 340 N. Escondido Blvd. | $150 | This master-guided, 4-hour painting session will teach you to add emotion to your art.
San Holo | Sunday, May 28 | 9:30 p.m. | Nova SD, 454 Sixth Ave., San Diego | $55 | The DJ spins for his “Don’t Look Down” tour.
Monday, May 29
Memorial Day Ride | Monday, May 29 | 8:30 a.m. | UC Cyclery, 8715 Villa La Jolla Dr., #B, San Diego | Free | This 40-mile ride will go through Rose Canyon to Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial.
Expect the marine layer to keep San Diego cool on Memorial Day. The city is expected to reach a cloudy peak of 64° on Monday, May 29, making it colder than other US cities like Boston, Seattle, and St. Paul, MN. (San Diego Union-Tribune)
Transportation
The busy summer travel season is nearly here, so before you head to SAN, check out our guide on navigating the airport. SAN anticipates this will be its busiest travel season since 2019 and with the ongoing New T1 construction, there are major impacts to parking — plan ahead.
Community
At the first-ever Balboa Park address on Wednesday, Mayor Todd Gloria introduced a planning effort called the “Prioritization Framework.” This initiative is set to begin next month and aims to find an unbiased way to prioritize funding for repairs that will have the greatest impact on park usage. (San Diego Union-Tribune)
Civic
The County Board of Supervisors has allocated $100,000 to establish the Workplace Justice Fund that is expected to be formally adopted on Tuesday, June 13. The money will be given to locals who are victims of wage theft as their claims are being settled through the legal system.
Coming Soon
After Bub’s at the Beach closed in April, Pacific Beach is getting ready to wave hello to Bar Ella. The new restaurant is owned by Krista Barrella — who previously worked at Tavern at the Beach — and will offer spirit-forward cocktails and small plates. It hopes to open by September. (San Diego Magazine)
Environment
The City of San Diego has started increasing its street sweeping services in Mission Beach to every Wednesday — as opposed to every other week —through the end of summer. The efforts will help clear extra waste accumulated during the busy season. Stay clear by following the city’s street sweeping map.
Sports
The Holiday Bowl will get a name change in 2023 after San Diego County Credit Union (SDCCU) opted not to renew its partnership this year. SDCCU had contributed to the event since 1994 and had been its title sponsor since 2017. (Times of San Diego)
Travel
How does Going work? Sign up for free, follow up to five airports, and get notified when flights are 40-90% off. Bonus: You can browse deals immediately after signing up (like a ~$575 round trip to Fiji).*
Holiday
🇺🇸 Local Memorial Day observances
5 Memorial Day 2023 observances in San Diego
A tribute from the USS Midway Museum. | Photo via Monica Garske + SDtoday
Memorial Day is on Monday, May 29 — a holiday observing US military servicemembers who have died while serving our country. There are many events across San Diego County where you can pay your respects.
Monday, May 29
Memorial Day Wreath Ceremony | USS Midway Museum
This free ceremony starts at 9 a.m. and remembers US veterans with speakers, a flyover, and the tossing of a memorial wreath into the water. Can’t make it in person? You can watch live on Facebook.
Fort Rosecrans Memorial Day | Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery
The historic cemetery honors US heroes, 10 a.m.-12 p.m., with music, speakers, and a flower tribute.
Mt. Soledad’s Memorial Day Ceremony | Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial
This annual memorial will feature speakers and a tribute to Walter “Uncle Bert” Mintus at 11 a.m.
Good morning, San Diego. Some of us are lucky enough to have a long weekend coming up, but it doesn’t seem San Diego will be lucky enough to have sunny weather. So, I might head to a local barbecue restaurant like Grand Ole BBQ or Phil’s BBQ. But, I heard Kansas City Barbeque is the real Top Gun.
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