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👉 Downtown San Diego will get a touch of tech
Downtown San Diego plans to install up to 75 digital advertising kiosks
San Diego has signed up for new kiosks. | Photo via @CityofSanDiego
Consider this a sign of the times, San Diego City Council has voted to install 50-75 interactive advertising kiosks in downtown San Diego. The digital additions will be designed to offer new features to the community, but they’ve also raised some concerns among locals.
What are we getting?
It can be difficult to get around downtown — especially if you’re not a local. The new, 15-sqft, dual-sided, touchscreen kiosks will aim to serve as wayfinding tools and connect people to nearby resources. Developers say they’ll be more localized than search engines and provide:
Information about nearby destinations and restaurants
Services and shelter information for unhoused people
This technology will be designed by IKE Smart City, a company that has already installed kiosks in major cities like Atlanta, Miami, and San Antonio.
The devices are expected to be installed over the next three years, and could start arriving in six to nine months.
What’s the concern?
City officials announced the kiosks would be installed at no cost to the city. In fact, the project is expected to bring in up to $15 million in revenue for the City of San Diego and another $7 million for the Downtown San Diego Partnership over 10 years.
This money will mostly be generated by digital ads and commissioned art pieces that will be displayed when people are not using the kiosks. Critics believe these digital signs — which will come with amendments to the sign ordinance — could become an eyesore and lead to further changes to downtown San Diego’s appearance for the sake of adding more advertisements.
The Downtown San Diego Partnership will work with residents to find the best locations for kiosks before installation.
Events
Friday, June 9
Scott Silven | Friday, June 9 | 6 + 8:30 p.m. | The Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center, 7600 Fay Ave., La Jolla | $70-90 | Nope, you’re not seeing things — the illusionist, mentalist, and performance artist really is on that stage.
Strangelove | Friday, June 9 | 8 p.m. | House of Blues, 1055 Fifth Ave., San Diego | $28 | All you ever needed was this Depeche Mode experience.
From New York, With Love | Friday, June 9 + Saturday, June 10 | 8-10 p.m. | Poway Center for the Performing Arts, 15498 Espola Rd. | $35-$99 | Golden State Ballet presents a show with choreography and performers from NYC.
Saturday, June 10
Shipwrecks Housemusicfest | Saturday, June 10 | 2-9 p.m. | Waterfront Park, 1600 Pacific Highway, San Diego | $75 | This pirate-themed event is a treasure trove for house and electronic music fans.
Agave Fest | Saturday, June 10 | 4-7 p.m. | Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa, 9700 N. Torrey Pines Rd., La Jolla | $95 | An evening filled with Mexican spirits and Baja-inspired cuisine.
Mexico vs. Cameroon | Saturday, June 10 | 6:30 p.m. | Snapdragon Stadium, 2101 Stadium Way, San Diego | $65-$600 | The 20th edition of the MexTour kicks off with this soccer match.
Melanie Martinez | Saturday, June 10 | 7:30 p.m. | Viejas Arena, 5500 Canyon Crest Dr., San Diego | $82-$562 | The artist performs her “Portals Tour” with guest Tanukichan.
Sunday, June 11
World Ocean Day Beach Clean-Up | Sunday, June 11 | 10 a.m.-3 p.m. | The Shops at La Jolla Village, 8801-8879 Villa La Jolla Dr. | Free | In honor of World Ocean Day, The Shops will provide the community with all supplies needed to help clean up La Jolla Shores.
Art and Art Collecting: A Personal Perspective | Sunday, June 11 | 4:30-6:30 p.m. | Timken Museum of Art, 1500 El Prado, San Diego | Free | This thoughtful and engaging seminar will introduce you to the art of collecting.
Don’t make these seven mistakes when hiring a financial advisor. | Photo by SmartAsset
Life should be a balance of adventure and relaxation — not finances. Enter: Working with a financial advisor.
But choosing the wrong one could potentially wreak havoc on your retirement and investments.
Check out these seven secrets comfortable retirees know about hiring one, so you can optimize your savings and get back to the balance that matters most — explore, relax, or both?*
Taft Point Middle School in Serra Mesa has opened its new joint-use park. The space offers courts, exercise equipment, grassy fields, and walking paths and will be used by students. It will also be open to the public after school hours and during breaks. (Times of San Diego)
Arts
Ahoy, “USS Recruit.” The exhibit is now open inside the historic, landlocked training ship at Harbor Drive and Laning Road at Liberty Station. The display celebrates Liberty Station’s centennial, and can be viewed for free on weekends, 12-4 p.m.
Open
Pickleball has become a big dill in San Diego, and The Hub in Spring Valley is now open to serve fans of the sport. The center offers 26 courts, coaches and instructors, and a pro shop. Join the action with a membership or drop-in to play. (ABC 10)
Outdoors
You know we love jacaranda trees, but if you haven’t seen big blooms this year, there’s a reason. These are tropical trees accustomed to low water and high heat, and this year’s weather has been wetter and colder. But don’t give up hope — late blooms are still possible. (CBS 8)
Feel Good
Cue “Pomp and Circumstance.” After nearly 50 years, twin sisters and Vista residents Carol Baker and Carolyn Baker-Lowery received their high school diplomas at age 64. The duo dropped out of school as teenagers, but together, they graduated from MiraCosta College’s Adult High School program. (The Coast News Group)
Regional
Planning a magical summer trip to Disneyland? California residents are eligible to purchase specially-priced, 3-day tickets at reduced rates — $249 for a weekday pass or $299 for weekends. Add-ons are available, and visits must be scheduled between Monday, June 12, and Thursday, Sept. 28.
Ranked
Peep this — San Diego ranked No. 2 on Lawn Love’s “2023’s Best Cities for Birdwatching.” The study compared the 200 largest US cities and found that birdwatchers flock to San Diego for its abundance of natural space and variety of feathery species. (Lawn Love)
Drink
Struggle to drink enough water? (Same.) This brand can change that — for 45% off.*
Holiday
Reminder: Father’s Day is a little over a week away. Give Dad a listening upgrade with the second generation AirPods Pro. Or help ease muscle soreness with the Theragun Mini 2.0. Plus, this portable neck fan will make everyone laugh — but catch Dad using it the very next day.*
Learn
📝 San Diego’s do’s and don’ts
Unwritten rules for living in San Diego
From the way we talk to the way we dress, we’ve compiled tips, tricks, and fun memories we share as locals who know the city like the backs of our hands. Consider this your official list of unofficial San Diego rules.
Good morning, San Diego. Recently, I went to Westfield UTC by taking the UC San Diego Blue Line Trolley. I grew up in the Boston area, so I’m fairly familiar with public transit, and I can tell you, this ride was super easy. Plus, I got to eat at the new Salt & Straw, which was delicious. Check out my journey.
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