60º | Morning showers, then cloudy | 48% chance of rain | Sunrise 6:48 a.m. | Sunset 5:12 p.m. | High tides 7:28 a.m. and 9:21 p.m. | Low tides 1:15 a.m. and 2:47 p.m.
🖼️ You snapped into action
See the winner of our 2023 Picture of the Year contest
Here are our five finalists; check out larger versions on our website. | Image created by SDtoday staff
Who knew there were so many talented photographers in San Diego? You all submitted 80+ photos for our 2023 Picture of the Year contest and — we must admit — narrowing it down to just five finalists was tough. See the finalists below and then vote for your favorite.
1. “Fish Shop View” submitted by Mary S.
We love that this image captures the beauty of San Diego’s skyline set against the boats of the marina — it’s very SD.
2. “Waves crashing over OB Pier” submitted by Kyle O.
This action shot perfectly captures the powerful high surf that crashed into the Ocean Beach Pier during the final week of 2023 — and the lasting impact.
3. “Downtown San Diego from the air” submitted by Marie B.
We love that this photo shows off the San Diego skyline from an angle we can’t easily access, plus we spy the beautiful Rady Shell and San Diego Bay.
4. “Love the bubbles” submitted by Julia L.
This picture showcases the natural beauty of a local beach trip complete with ocean views and that unforgettable SoCal sky. Plus, it shows kids having fun as bubbles float by.
5. “H Street Marina, Sunset” submitted by Suzie D.
We love that this picture captures the waterfront beauty locals can find — sunsets, boats, and bayfront views — taken from H Street in Chula Vista.
Voting closes Sunday, Jan. 28 — so be sure to vote for the photo you think should be crowned the winner of the inaugural SDtoday Picture of the Year contest. Pssst — don’t forget that the winner will receive a $25 gift card to use at our online marketplace, Six & Main.
Asked
Which photo should be named ‘Picture of the Year?’
A. “Fish Shop View” by Mary S.
B. “Waves crashing over OB Pier” by Kyle O.
C. “Downtown San Diego from the air” by Marie B.
D. “Love the bubbles” by Julia L.
E. “H Street Marina, Sunset” by Suzie D.
Exploration: Live! | Tuesday, Jan. 23 | 7 p.m. | Mic Drop Comedy, 8878 Clairemont Mesa Blvd., San Diego | $25 | Rising comics Charlie Bardey and Natalie Rotter-Laitman navigate some of life’s most confusing questions with fun and humor.
‘90s Nostalgia Bingo | Tuesday, Jan. 23 | 7-9 p.m. | Tony Pepperoni, 249 E. Grand Ave., Escondido | Free | Bust out the neon gear and frosted tips — this game night is set to iconic songs from the 1990s, from grunge to boy bands.
Wednesday, Jan. 24
Karaoke Night | Wednesday, Jan. 24 | 8 p.m. | The Holding Company, 5046 Newport Ave., San Diego | Free | Perform your favorite songs and watch others rock the stage.
Slick Rick | Wednesday, Jan. 24 | 8:30 p.m. | The Music Box, 1337 India St., San Diego | $35 | The hip-hop producer, DJ, and radio personality known for his work with GZA, Snoop Dogg, and Busta Rhymes takes the mic.
Thursday, Jan. 25
Cookbook Carnival and Beer Bash | Thursday, Jan. 25 | 6-9 p.m. | Downtown San Diego | Free | Food Network Chef Lauren Lawless celebrates the release of her new cookbook by unveiling a new beer from her brand — event address revealed upon RSVP.
Ben Schwartz & Friends | Thursday, Jan. 25 | 7:30 p.m. | Civic Theatre, 1100 Third Ave., San Diego | $36-$62 | The comedian — known for his roles on “House of Lies” and “Parks & Recreation” — performs with his pals.
Friday, Jan. 26
Cody Johnson | Friday, Jan. 26 | 7:30 p.m. | Pechanga Arena, 3500 Sports Arena Blvd., San Diego | $45+ | The country chart-topper takes the stage with Justin Moore and Dillon Carmichael.
Parts of North County received over an inch of rain in a three-hour period during the torrential storm that soaked San Diego yesterday. Expect a slight chance of showers this morning, with mostly cloudy skies and drier conditions through at least the weekend. (National Weather Service)
Civic
Senator Toni Atkins announced she will run for governor of California in 2026. Atkins began her political career in San Diego and served as interim mayor in 2005. Her career is full of firsts, but if elected, she would be the first woman and LGBTQ+ person to serve as governor of California. (San Diego Union-Tribune)
Transit
The city is working to reinstate quiet zones at downtown San Diego rail crossings following a suspension from the Federal Rail Administration that required trains to sound their horns at intersections. Crews are replacing signs and pavement striping, but must complete a traffic analysis before the light and gate system returns. (Times of San Diego)
State
The California Secretary of State Elections Division is hosting two virtual info sessions to prepare voters for the Presidential Primary Election on March 5. The “What’s on the Ballot?” event is tomorrow and “Options for Tracking and Casting your Ballot” is Wednesday, Jan. 31 — both 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Outdoors
It’s the last day for locals to undeck the halls via the City of San Diego’s Christmas Tree Recycling Program that allows residents to throw out old trees at 16 locations. If you miss the deadline you can get rid of your tree by using the county’s tree disposal guide.
Open
Pacific Beach is saying bonjour to Desserts by Clément — a French pastry shop known for its cakes, macarons, and trendy rolled croissants. The biz is owned and operated by veteran pastry chef Clément Le Déoré, a recent finalist on Food Network’s “Spring Baking Championship.” (Eater San Diego)
Travel
Gas prices in San Diego County are revving down. Yesterday, the average cost of a gallon of regular, self-serve gasoline was $4.580, continuing a 15-day streak of declining prices. This is $1.855 lower than the county’s all-time high — $6.435 recorded on Oct. 5, 2022. (AAA + Times of San Diego)
Sports
San Diego Mojo is getting ready to hit the airwaves. The Pro Volleyball Federation signed a multiyear streaming agreement with Bally Live and Stadium to stream 40+ games from the league’s inaugural season for free on the Bally app and Stadium’s site — including games with SD’s new pro women’s team.
Featured
Dip into North Park to find California’s best French fries. Foodie publication LoveFood gave the honor to the Duckfat Truffle Fries at The Smoking Goat. The savory side dish is fried in duck fat, drizzled with truffle oil, topped with pecorino romano, and served with a mustard aioli.
Outdoors
🏖️ It’s a shore thing
Solana Beach and Encinitas begin 50-year beach replenishment project
Crews get ready to transport sand in Solana Beach. | Photo via City of Solana Beach
Solana Beach and Encinitas have begun the process of growing their shorelines. Crews are now working on the Coastal Storm Damage and Reduction & Beach Replenishment project, a 50-year, $32 million initiative that will increase the size of the shoreline.
The project aims to address decades of beach erosion that could lead to bluffs collapsing. It’s expected to add 25 acres of public beach and double the width of the coastline, reaching 150 ft at some points. Work will be done in Solana Beach every 10 years and in Encinitas every five years.
Currently, crews are working in Solana Beach, where they’ll remain for ~60 days to transport 700,000 cubic yards of sand from the San Dieguito Lagoon via pipeline and spread it on the beach. Once they are done there, crews will start working in Encinitas.
During construction, locals can expect restricted access to parts of the beach, parking lots, and access points.
These butterluxe high-waisted leggings. Considered a Lululemon alternative by reviewers, they’re made of buttery soft fabric and feature gentle compression.
Good morning, San Diego, and I hope you’re staying dry. Whenever it rains and I feel the need to get out, I like to go bowling or to an arcade. I had a lot of fun at those places as a child, and if you enjoy those activities, I recommend giving Punch Bowl Social in East Village a try.
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