Plus, Monica Montgomery Steppe makes San Diego history.
 
12.06.2023 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.
 

⚡️ Bolting through San Diego

Neighborhood electric vehicle expected to serve North Park and City Heights in 2024
Free Rides Around National City
FRANC is taking a trip through National City. | Photo via @SANDAG
North Park and City Heights are buzzing for an upcoming mobility project. The communities are planning to get their own neighborhood electric vehicle (NEV) service, aimed at making it easier for locals to get around.

The program is the result of a $1.5 million grant awarded by the state for clean-air transportation initiatives. Details are still in the works but community organizations are hoping the service is up and running by mid-2024.

Carlsbads Good Ride Car

This is a good way to ride around Carlsbad.

|

Image via Visit Carlsbad

Watts the scoop?

If this initiative sounds familiar, it’s because other San Diego County communities already have similar NEV programs in motion. In 2016, Free Ride Everywhere Downtown — aka FRED — launched in downtown San Diego.

Many riders have adopted the service. According to pre-pandemic stats from 2019, FRED served 250,000+ riders annually. In 2022, the gO’side Shuttle began running in Oceanside, and three other services debuted in 2023:
There is also the Chula Vista Community Shuttle that offers free rides to locals aged 55+ in northwest Chula Vista.

The Beach Bug parked in PB

The Beach Bug cruising the streets of PB.

|

Photo via Michael Beausoleil + SDtoday

The full charge

Ready to ride? Travelers can access these zero-emission, low-speed vehicles using the Circuit app. Generally, they have limited service areas, but operate in popular locations. They aim to reduce traffic congestion and make it easier to get to destinations that have limited public transit options.

Funding sources for NEVs are different in each neighborhood, meaning hours of operation can vary. In some communities, NEVs are free. In others, there’s a fee to ride. It’s unclear if the new shuttle in North Park and City Heights will require a fare.
Asked

Have you ever used a neighborhood electric vehicle?
A. Yes
B. Not yet, but I’m interested
C. No
Drive home your answer
Events
Wednesday, Dec. 6
  • Davina and the Vagabonds | Wednesday, Dec. 6 | 6 + 8:30 p.m. | The Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center, 7600 Fay Ave., La Jolla | $68-$83 | This holiday show spans 100 years of American music with influences from Memphis soul, New Orleans jazz, and dark theater.
  • “A Christmas Carol” | Through Saturday, Dec. 30 | Times vary | Cygnet Theatre, 4040 Twiggs St., San Diego | $39-$73 | Don’t be a Scrooge, this Charles Dickens classic returns for its eighth season.
  • Jimmy Carr | Wednesday, Dec. 6 | 7 + 9:30 p.m. | Balboa Theatre, 868 Fourth Ave., San Diego | $32-$52 | The British stand-up comedian and TV host performs his “Terribly Funny” tour.
Thursday, Dec. 7
  • Holiday Sip & Shop | Thursday, Dec. 7 | 3-6 p.m. | Blythe Interiors, 9445 Farnham St., Ste. 102, San Diego | Free | Visit the local interior design company’s showroom and get inspiration for holiday decor and home remodel ideas while enjoying festive activities.
  • “Pod Save America” Live | Thursday, Dec. 7 | 8 p.m. | The Magnolia, 210 E. Main St., El Cajon | $60 | The four former aides to President Barack Obama bring their popular progressive politics podcast to the stage.
  • Dizzy’s: A Big Band Christmas | Thursday, Dec. 7 | 8 p.m. | Dizzy’s, Arias Hall at the Musician’s Association, 1717 Morena Blvd., San Diego | $20 | The Brad Steinwehe Jazz Big Band leads this festive, toe-tapping show.
Friday, Dec. 8
  • Paranormal Cirque | Friday, Dec. 8-Monday, Dec. 11 | Times vary | Montgomery Weller Park, 3020 Coronado Ave., San Diego | $30-$65 | This European-style circus combines theater, cabaret, jaw-dropping stunts, and a storyline for mature audiences.
  • “Nuncrackers” | Through Sunday, Dec. 17 | Times vary | Patio Playhouse, 201 E. Grand Ave. #1D, Escondido | $15-$22 | This show is performed in the style of a TV special filmed for a cable access network, filled with “nunsense” humor and music.
Saturday, Dec. 9
  • Arthritis Jingle Bell Run | Saturday, Dec. 9 | 8 a.m. | NTC Park, 2455 Cushing Rd., San Diego | $30-$50 | This 5K supports the Arthritis Foundation’s research and treatments.
Sunday, Dec. 10
  • Breakfast with Santa | Sunday, Dec. 10 | 9 a.m.-12 p.m. | Dave & Buster’s, 2501 El Camino Real, Carlsbad | $32 | Eat breakfast, play games, and enjoy a visit and photo with Santa Claus.
Events calendar here
Click here to have your event featured.
 
News Notes
Community
  • Yesterday, Monica Montgomery Steppe was sworn in as District 4 Supervisor after winning last month’s special election. Montgomery Steppe is the first Black woman to serve on the San Diego County Board of Supervisors; her term ends in January 2027.
Development
  • The Port of San Diego has agreed to sign a non-binding, 40-year agreement with Topgolf International to lease a 9.5-acre site on East Harbor Island. The sports entertainment company plans to build a bayfront driving range, but the finalized agreement will need to get board approval before construction can start. (San Diego Union-Tribune)
Civic
  • In a 5-4 vote, San Diego City Council has narrowly elected Sean Elo-Rivera as its president. This will be Elo-Rivera’s third term in the role, making him the first person to be elected as City Council president three times. (San Diego Union-Tribune)
Environment
  • According to nonprofit Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP), San Diego is on the A List. CDP’s prestigious ranking uses many metrics that assess how transparent and proactive cities are when taking climate action. SD is one of 119 worldwide cities to receive a top score for their achievements in addressing climate change.
Health
  • The McGrath Family Foundation has gifted $25 million to UC San Diego Health that will help build a six-story, 250,000-sqft facility in Hillcrest, now dubbed the McGrath Outpatient Pavilion. Recently, the organization also gave $10 million to Sharp HealthCare to help develop its Serra Mesa campus. (San Diego Union-Tribune + UC San Diego Today)
Real Estate
  • The San Diego metro area will remain a hot housing market next year, ranking at No. 4 on Realtor.com’s “Top Housing Markets for 2024.” According to experts, home sale prices are expected to grow by 5.4% compared to 2023 and the number of home listings is expected to increase by 11%. (Realtor.com)
Open
  • The Village at Mira Mesa welcomed a sweet addition: Sunmerry Bakery. The popular Taiwanese shop is known for treats like bolo buns and cakes, and drinks like boba teas and matcha lattes. A second bakery is in the works, hoping to open in Kearny Mesa in January 2024. (Eater San Diego)
Concert
  • “Raise a Glass” — P!NK will bring her “Summer Carnival 2024" tour to Petco Park on Sept. 11, 2024. The pop star will “Soak Up the Sun” with guests Sheryl Crowe, The Script, and KidCutUp. General public tickets go on sale Monday, Dec. 11, 10 a.m.
Announced
  • The La Jolla Concours d’Elegance is zooming back to Ellen Browning Scripps Park, April 19-April 21, 2024. This celebration of automotive history will showcase 200+ rare and classic cars and include events themed after the roaring 1920s and glamorous 1930s. If you’re ready to roll, tickets are now available.
Shop
  • Health.com called this vibrator the “Rolls Royce Of Sex Toys” — and it’s also clinically proven to improve arousal and alleviate dryness. Get it for 30% off ahead of the holidays.*
Finance
  • There’s cash back, and then there’s unlimited 1.5% cash back. This card has that, plus a $200 bonus and 0% intro APR until 2025. (Oh, and did we mention the annual fee? No — because there isn’t one.) Learn more + apply.*
 
Outdoors

🛝 Collier Park gets ready to play

Collier Park nears the end of its redevelopment
Collier Park in La Mesa's redesign
Some new amenities are sliding into Collier Park. | Photo via @CityofLaMesa
A new outdoor experience is swinging into La Mesa. The year-long renovation of Collier Park is nearly complete, a project that has transformed the 7.7-acre community space.

The park’s $4.5 million redevelopment is part of a greater master plan adopted in 2013. It’s been closed for construction since November 2022 but when the park reopens, visitors will find upgraded amenities and completely redesigned areas, including:
  • New playground and fitness equipment
  • A nature trail and amphitheatre
  • New picnic spots and a shaded pavilion
  • Lighted pickleball and tennis courts
  • A 25-car parking lot and a new overflow lot
The city expects a soft opening by the end of this year; a grand opening ceremony is tentatively scheduled for Feb. 10, 2024.
The Buy
 
Anything on sale for Six & Main’s Deal of the Day. Each day, unlock a new deal on a specialty, locally-made item. Today’s deal? Get 20% off our earring collection.
 
Share SDtoday
 
ReferralGIF1-SD.gif

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
 
Michael Beausoleil

Today’s edition by:
Michael
From the editor
Good morning, San Diego. Monica and I recently got to try Elvira, a new Italian restaurant that’s now open in Ocean Beach, and developed by the team behind Cesarina Ristorante. We loved the homey feel of the space — it felt like being in grandma’s kitchen. Everything we tried was delicious, but if I had to give one recommendation it’d be the Tonnarelli Cacio e Pepe. Buon appetito!
Missed our previous newsletter?     ›
Send Us A Scoop, Question, or Feedback     ›
Become a Member     ›
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