Plus, how to help Maui and weekend events.
 
08.11.2023 6AM-Top banner logo-small.png

SUBSCRIBE | REFER

Today’s Forecast

62º | Sunny | 0% chance of rain | Sunrise 6:52 a.m. | Sunset 4:59 p.m. | High tides 6:25 a.m. and 8:27 p.m. | Low tide 1:53 p.m.
 

🥬 There’s a lot of green on the table

There’s $15,000 on the table in the 2023 America’s Farmers Market Celebration
Hands holding a purple cabbage above a basket of colorful produce at a farmers market.
Help your local farmers market rank in the AFMC’s list of America’s favorite markets. | Photo by RDNE Stock project via Pexels
The bright burst of a freshly picked blueberry in your mouth, the excitement of seeing the first heirloom tomato of the season, a warm loaf of bread nestled into your tote bag... just thinking about our favorite local farmers market fills us with pride.

It’s time to turn that appreciation into a vote — so that the entire nation can know San Diego has the best farmers markets around.

The 2023 America’s Farmers Market Celebration (AFMC) is open to votes through Monday, Sept. 18, to find a “People’s Choice” farmers market as the top-endorsed market in the country. The prize? Up to $15,000 for the top five markets to spend on marketing, communication, and other needs.

The most popular market in each state also wins $100 — so get voting.

Need a refresher on San Diego’s finest? Lettuce lead you to our guide to local farmers markets — like the beloved, twice-weekly Little Italy Mercato, the North Park Thursday Market, or the La Mesa Village Farmers Market.

The search to find America’s most beloved markets accomplishes the AFMC’s mission: to shine a light on the vital role farmers markets play across the country.

Farmers markets are a major resource connecting communities and families to fresh, local food. The produce sold is typically at the peak of its growing season — meaning it also has peak nutrition and taste. Plus, shopping locally keeps your dollar in your community and directly supports farmers, ranchers, and growers.

Feeling the passion? Sign up for updates from American Farmland Trust or register for a free “No Farms No Food” bumper sticker. And don’t forget to vote your market to the top.
Guide: San Diego's farmers markets
Events
Friday, Aug. 11
  • Toro Nagashi Festival | Friday, Aug. 11 + Saturday, Aug. 12 | 10 a.m.-6 p.m. | Japanese Friendship Garden and Museum, San Diego | $12-$14 | With lantern floating, performances, and local vendors, this fest honors and celebrates those who are no longer with us.
  • Floral Fridays for Educators | Friday, Aug. 11 | 1-5 p.m. | Carlsbad Premium Outlets, 5620 Paseo Del Norte, Carlsbad | Free | Local teachers are invited to visit the Floral Bar at the shopping center to create custom bouquets and relax before the school year begins.
  • Friday Summer Jazz Series | Friday, Aug. 11 | 4-10 p.m. | Fairmont Grand Del Mar, 5300 Grand Del Mar Ct., San Diego | Price of purchase | Gilbert Castellanos puts on a toe-tapping jazz show.
Saturday, Aug. 12
  • Back to School: SD Fixit Clinic & Upcycling Workshop | Saturday, Aug. 12 | 10 a.m.-1 p.m. | Georgina Cole Library, 1250 Carlsbad Village Dr., Carlsbad | Free | “Repair coaches” will help you fix one item in time for school — it can be a bike, electronic device, or outfit.
  • 26th Annual Lemon Festival | Saturday, Aug. 12 | 11 a.m.-6 p.m. | 373 Park Way, Chula Vista | This zesty festival celebrates the South Bay’s agricultural history citrus-themed food and drinks, live music, arts, a lemon costume contest, and more.
  • North Park Vegan Food Popup | Saturday, Aug. 12 | 12-4 p.m. | North Park Mini Park, 3812 29th St., San Diego | Free | Explore a collection of plant-based vendors from SoCal and buy yourself a treat or two.
Sunday, Aug. 13
  • Free Interpretive Nature Walk | Sunday, Aug. 13 | 9-10:30 a.m. | Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve, 8833 Harmony Grove Rd., Escondido | Free | A moderately-paced, guided walk on the lower creek trail filled with facts about local plants and wildlife.
  • House of Panama Lawn Program | Sunday, Aug. 13 | 11 a.m.-4 p.m. | International Cottages, Balboa Park | Free | The music, food, and entertainment of Panama takes the spotlight.
  • Hillcrest CityFest | Sunday, Aug. 13 | 12-11 p.m. | Fifth Avenue, Hillcrest, San Diego | Free | Celebrate the vibrant community with music, a kids pavilion, local shopping, food, and drinks.
  • Air Plant Wreaths Craft Workshop | Sunday, Aug. 13 | 1-3 p.m. | La Mesa Wine Works, 8167 Center St., La Mesa | $60 | Learn to make a pretty wreath with dried flowers, moss, air plants, and other embellishments while sipping on a wine flight.
Events calendar here
Click here to have your event featured.
 
News Notes
Community
  • The Bunnie Fire at San Vicente and Chuck Wagon roads in Ramona prompted brief evacuations this week, but Cal Fire quickly got a handle on it. You can keep up with San Diego County’s emergency alerts — including brush fire evacuation orders and warnings — via AlertSanDiego.
Cause
  • Locally-based MMA fighter Ilima-Lei Macfarlane is organizing supply drives to help victims of Maui’s devastating wildfires. San Diegans can drop off donations like linens, towels, and toiletries at several 10th Planet gym locations; monetary donations will also aid in the relief efforts. (Fox 5)
Coming Soon
  • Long Story Short will debut in North Park on Wednesday, Aug. 16, at the former site of Little Thief. The restaurant is led by husband-wife chefs Elliot and Kelly Townsend, who recently wrapped up a guest kitchen residency at Vino Carta in Solana Beach. It’ll be open for dinner Wednesday-Sunday.
Announced
  • The 41st annual Adams Avenue Street Fair will rock uptown on Saturday, Sept. 23, 10 a.m.-10 p.m., and Sunday, Sept. 24, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. The free block party will feature 75 musical acts across seven stages, carnival rides, food vendors, and 300 arts, crafts, and retail booths.
Sports
  • It’s getting real pricey to watch the Padres play ball. For the third year, the club plans to raise all season ticket prices for the 2024 season by a weighted average increase of 9%. The team has the third-highest payroll in the MLB — $248 million. (San Diego Union-Tribune + Forbes)
Trending
  • Not so fast. The Sonic the Hedgehog-themed pop-up restaurant that opened in the Gaslamp Quarter just before Comic-Con has extended its run through Thursday, Aug. 31. It’s open daily, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; it’ll host a Sonic Symphony performance on Friday, Aug. 18, starting at 11:30 a.m.
Active
  • Belmont Park will host its first-ever community 5K on Sunday, Sept. 17. Registration includes a wristband that’ll give participants access to the amusement park’s rides; proceeds will benefit Team Parker For Life, a local nonprofit dedicated to raising awareness of childhood cancer.
 
Announced

🐘 Have you herd?

Have you herd? “Elephant Valley” coming to San Diego Zoo Safari Park in 2025
SD San Diego Zoo Safari Park Elephant Valley rendering
A vision of the future Denny Sanford Elephant Valley. | Artist rendering via San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance
There’s an elephant in the room — or rather, in a “dynamic savanna” being built in the heart of San Diego Zoo Safari Park.

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance (SDZWA) announced its vision yesterday for the new Denny Sanford Elephant Valley, a reimagined habitat for its nine African savanna elephants.

SDZWA said it’s the largest “transformative project” in the park’s 50-year history and aims to give guests a deeper appreciation for the currently endangered species.

Per the park’s website, the immersive experience will allow visitors to walk beside the elephants, “Together, on common ground.”

It’ll feature the sights, smells, sounds, and plants of the African grasslands, an overhead walkway with views of herds passing through, and a two-story lodge where educators will lead discussions on the species and wildlife conservation.

The project is expected to be completed in 2025. For now, current elephant viewing areas at Safari Park may be limited.
Share SDtoday
 

Share the good news. Get rewarded.

Have someone who needs to stay in the know? Get amazing rewards for every new subscriber you bring by sharing your unique referral link (below).

{{profile.vars.rh_reflink_25}}
Facebook Twitter Linkedin Email

{{profile.vars.rh_totref_25}} friends are looped into all things local because of you.
Claim your rewards
 
 
The Wrap
 
Monica Garske headshot

Today’s edition by:
Monica
From the editor
Happy Friday, friends. This summer weekend in SD is jam-packed with fun events and I’m so grateful to live in a place where there’s always something to do.

I’m especially excited for this Sunday, Aug. 13 — I’ll be heading to The Rady Shell, enjoying the flamenco sounds of a group I grew up listening to at home with my family. Core memories will be unlocked. My top request: “Bem, Bem Maria.”
Missed our previous newsletter?     ›
Send Us A Scoop, Question, or Feedback     ›
Subscribe     ›
Advertise     ›
Shop     ›
 
 

Content marked with an * is paid advertising. Content marked with an ^ is created by our content studio. The company may also generate commission from affiliate links in the newsletter.

Change your preferences or unsubscribe here.

Copyright © 2023 6AM City Inc, All rights reserved.

P.O. Box 2505, Greenville, SC 29602

ADVERTISE | CAREERS | ETHICS | PRIVACY | THE BUY