09.29.2023

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Today’s Forecast

⭐️ A hotel suite enough for the stars

The history of The LaFayette Hotel & Club

Imig Manor pool view with chairs and hotel entrance — The LaFayette Hotel before it was The LaFayette Hotel
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Image via CH Projects

Forget Los Angeles, Hollywood history is right here in San Diego at the star-studded LaFayette Hotel & Club in North Park. It’s undergone many changes since its debut in 1946, and it’s just starting a new, glamorous era.

The story begins

Entrepreneur Larry Imig began construction on this Colonial-style, boutique hotel in 1943, making it the only US hotel constructed during World War II. It opened on July 1, 1946, as Imig Manor and attracted Hollywood stars from the start — Bob Hope was the first guest.

During The LaFayette’s early days, other Hollywood stars like Frank Sinatra, Ava Gardner, Katherine Hepburn, and Bing Crosby checked in (and those are just the confirmed ones). The fun didn’t last forever: In 1955, Conrad Hilton (owner of the San Diego Chargers) bought the hotel, changed its name, and used it as office space.

For decades after, there were management changes and talks of demolition, but locals never lost that loving feeling for the hotel, especially when it got a cameo in “Top Gun.” After a $4 million renovation in 2012, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places.

The vintage glamor of the LaFayette lobby — This refreshed lobby looks so old but feels so new.
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Image by Kimberly Motos

Today’s story

This year, the hotel completed its first phase of a $31 million renovation that keeps many vintage and lavish design elements that dazzled when it first opened. In addition to redoing rooms and decor, there are new restaurants and “The Gutter” bowling alley.

The second phase will be completed this fall, adding a European-style restaurant, jazz lounges, and spa areas.

LaFayette Hotel & Club Pool with seats and umbrellas in the background — Current image of the pool at LaFayette Hotel & Club.
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Image by Haley Hill

About that pool

One of the signature aspects of The LaFayette is its 25-meter pool, designed by original “Tarzan” actor and Olympic gold medalist Johnny Weissmuller. The renovation project refurbished it, but kept historic elements in tact.

Did you know? You don’t need to be a guest to swim, day passes are available.

Events

Friday, Sept. 29

Barbie’s Cowgirl Bash | Friday, Sept. 29 | 3:45 + 5:15 p.m. | The Well Community for Women, 5500 Grossmont Center Dr., #Ste. 195, La Mesa | $35 | Join Cowgirl Barbie for line dancing, a fashion show, and build-your-own tote bag crafting.
Oktoberfest in El Cajon | Friday, Sept. 29-Sunday, Oct. 1 |Times vary | German American Societies of San Diego, 1017 S. Mollison Ave., El Cajon | $15-$86 | Prost — it’s the first weekend of the community celebration hosted by the German American Societies of San Diego.
Anaheim Ducks vs. Los Angeles Kings | Friday, Sept. 29 | 7 p.m. | Pechanga Arena, 3500 Sports Arena Blvd., San Diego | $24-$108 | The hockey teams from LA and Orange counties head farther south for a preseason game in SD.

Saturday, Sept. 30

Family Safety Day: Hanging with Heroes | Saturday, Sept. 30 | 10 a.m.-1 p.m. | AleSmith Brewing, 9990 Alesmith Court, San Diego | $10-$40 | Grab the family and head to the Miramar brewery to learn critical safety information — from CPR to cyber safety — while meeting local law enforcement.
Morning Yoga + Bevys With Ash | Saturday, Sept. 30 | 10 a.m.-1 p.m. | Kairoa Brewing Company, 4601 Park Blvd., San Diego | $30 | Come for the 60-minute, all-levels yoga class — stay for a spritzer, mimosa, or coffee on the brewery’s rooftop.
Challenge Mania Laugh Presents The Sy-Roast | Saturday, Sept. 30 | 1 p.m. | Mic Drop Comedy, 8878 Clairemont Mesa Blvd., San Diego | $29-$99 | Cast members from MTV’s “The Challenge” roast “Real World: Boston” alum Syrus, including Mark Long, Teck, Paulie, Jemmye, Horacio, Nurys, Aviv, and Monte.
Peso Pluma | Saturday, Sept. 30 | 8 p.m. | North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre, 2050 Entertainment Circle, Chula Vista | $75+ | The breakout Mexican musician and singer brings his “Double P Tour” to Chula Vista.

Sunday, Oct. 1

Día de los Muertos: La Experiencia | Through Thursday, Nov. 2 | 11 a.m.-9 p.m. | Fiesta de Reyes, 2754 Calhoun St., San Diego | Free | The vibrant event to honor the dead opens today with art, live entertainment, and traditional and contemporary Día de los Muertos altars.
Shylock vs. Portia – A Shakespeare Mock Trial | Sunday, Oct. 1 | 3-4:30 p.m. | Mission Valley Branch Library, 2123 Fenton Parkway, San Diego | Free | Join lawyers and actors as Shylock takes Portia to court; the audience will serve as the jury and deliver a verdict by voice vote.
Nigeria Independence Day Party | Sunday, Oct. 1 | 4-9 p.m. | Quartyard, 1301 Market St., San Diego | $27 | It’s the first ever Nigeria Independence Day celebration in SD, with Afrobeats aplenty; wear your best green gear.

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

News Notes

Weather

San Diego will keep it cool this weekend. Temps are expected to fall into the high 60s or low 70s, in both coastal and inland areas, on Saturday and Sunday. There’s also a chance of showers Saturday night into Sunday morning spanning the county. (National Weather Service)

Civic

San Diego County received an additional $5.1 million to assist people experiencing homelessness along the region’s riverbeds. Specifically, the grant will address encampments in the Sweetwater Riverbed area and work to find permanent housing solutions. The funding comes from California’s $240 million Encampment Resolution Fund.

Traffic

Traveling this weekend? Crews will once again be repairing the bridge deck over state Route 163, impacting six miles of northbound Interstate 5 extending to 18th Street in National City. Traffic will be consolidated into one lane starting tonight, 9 p.m, through Monday, Oct. 2, 5 a.m. (Fox 5)

Edu

The San Diego Unified Board of Education unanimously adopted October as LGBTQIA+ History Month to help promote safe and inclusive schools. With this declaration, the district is committed to providing resources to help educators with lesson plans, addressing bullying, and allowing students to self-identify preferred names and pronouns.

Announced

SDG&E customers, prepare to see your October electric bills zapped down by $60.70 thanks to the biannual California Climate Credit. This is the same refund customers received in March, but the credit rate changes each year, so expect a different amount in 2024. (San Diego Union-Tribune)

Open

Looking for an energy boost? Dutch Bros is now open at 2365 E. Valley Parkway in Escondido. The chain is known for its coffees, frozen blends, and fruit-flavored energy drinks. This is the brand’s second San Diego County location following the Oceanside shop that opened last year.

Number

42,300. That’s the record-breaking number of students who started their fall quarter at UC San Diego yesterday. This year, move-in day was a bit more hectic due to the number of construction projects aimed at expanding campus enrollment to 50,000. (San Diego Union-Tribune)

Concert

Rock legend Bruce Springsteen announced he will postpone the remainder of his 2023 tour dates to recover from peptic ulcer disease — including the show at Pechanga Arena San Diego on Dec. 2. The Boss’ orders: When the rescheduled dates are announced, tickets will remain valid or can be refunded within 30 days.

Home

Borrow from your home — not the bank. Your home value could go down anytime; borrow now while it’s high. Calculate your payment.*

Today Is

☕️ Freshly brewed coffee ideas

Your guide to San Diego’s coffee shops

Caffe Calabria coffee cup in North Park. — Been around the world, and we still choose to get caffeinated in North Park.
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Photo via @caffecalabria

It’s National Coffee Day, and that calls for a cup of joe. If you’re in the mood to try a different coffee shop, order up at one of these spots recommended by SDtoday readers.

Caffè Calabria, North Park | This team has searched the world for the best coffee beans, and you can find them at its comfortable cafe. We recommend pairing your drink with a pastry delivered from local bakery Bread and Cie.

Fourtillfour Café, Encinitas | Fuel up at this shop that originated in Scottsdale, AZ, but zoomed to Encinitas in 2022. It was founded out of a love for vintage machines, whether they have four wheels or brew coffee.

GEM Coffee, Talmadge | This cafe started as a coffee cart before opening this brick-and-mortar shop. Owner Marlyn Gonzalez uses coffee to help form a sense of community — you can also shop here for products from local vendors.

Explore our full coffee guide

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The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Michael

From the editor

Happy Friday, San Diego. I can’t believe it, this is our final newsletter in September. Where has the year gone? However, I’m excited for October because my love of pumpkins has become socially acceptable. I like to pick them, eat them, carve them, and drink them — so don’t be surprised if you see more pumpkin chatter in an October newsletter.

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