Plus, how to help SD with flood relief efforts.
 
January 26, 2024 6AM-Top banner logo-small.png

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Today’s Forecast

71º | Sunny | 1% chance of rain | Sunrise 6:45 a.m. | Sunset 5:19 p.m. | High tides 10:42 a.m. and 11:58 p.m. | Low tides 4:47 a.m. and 5:28 p.m.
 
🍺 Tapping into SD’s craft beer scene
Graphics from SDtoday featuring a photo of Erik Fowler, executive director of San Diego Brewers Guild.
Ramona native Erik Fowler has been the executive director of the San Diego Brewers Guild since September 2023. | Photo via Erik Fowler + graphic via 6AM City
The craft beer industry has been ingrained in San Diego’s culture and economy for 25+ years, with many of the country’s top-producing craft brewing companies hailing from America’s Finest City. With that growth, comes change. With that change, local breweries continue to stand out and propel the industry, keeping SD firmly on the map as the Capital of Craft.

We’re tapping into the local craft beer scene in 2024 by asking Erik Fowler, executive director of the San Diego Brewers Guild (SDBG), 11 questions — let’s go, round by round.

Q: Share three words to describe the state of San Diego’s craft beer industry right now.
A: Iconic. Innovative. Mature.

Q: Which San Diego neighborhoods are showing the most growth right now, in terms of new breweries or nurturing existing ones?
A: For North County, I’d say Vista. South Bay has done a lot to nurture their craft beer scene, and I think that’s worth calling out. Miramar is always really solid. There’s some turnover with those facilities but places like Fall Brewing — they’re revitalizing the big production spaces up there. Miramar embodies the manufacturing side of what beer is in San Diego.

SD San Diego Brewers Guild Capital of Craft West Coast IPA 2023

Teams from seven local brewers came together to create the guild’s annual specialty beer at the Capital of Craft Brew Day on Oct. 13, 2023.

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Photo via San Diego Brewers Guild

Q: Why is San Diego so special when it comes to craft beer? What’s in the water here?
A: Well, let’s go back to the people. Without that, we’re nothing. San Diego, there’s something special — some of those big breweries set that tone and precedent. Any brewery professional in San Diego — the people are really welcoming, with that ‘You succeed, I succeed’ mentality.

Q: It’s the weekend and you’re in the mood for a craft beer — where are you heading and what are you drinking?
A: I’m probably going to go to Burning Beard. I’m having a Circle of Hops. They’ve got a cool little food truck in the back — really good smashburgers, fries.
 
Asked
 
What matters most to me when I visit a local craft brewery is that it offers…
A. Great beer
B. Good food
C. Special events
D. Solid patio space and/or seating
 
Events
 
Friday, Jan. 26
  • 2024 Farmers Insurance Open | Friday, Jan. 26 + Saturday, Jan. 27 | 9 a.m.-5 p.m. | Torrey Pines Golf Course, 11480 N. Torrey Pines Rd., La Jolla | $65+ | Catch the third round or the finals of the prestigious PGA Tour tournament on the scenic SD course.
  • La Santa Cecilia | Friday, Jan. 26 + Saturday, Jan. 27 | 9 p.m. | The Music Box, 1337 India St., San Diego | $32-$92 | This band is known for their creative hybrid of Latin and world music.
Saturday, Jan. 27
  • Pure Project 8th Anniversary Party | Saturday, Jan. 27 | 1-5 p.m. | Pure Project Brewery & Taproom, 9030 Kenamar Dr., Ste. #308, San Diego | $40 | The brewery celebrates with a National Parks-themed party at its Miramar taproom.
  • Ryan Hamilton | Saturday, Jan. 27 | 6 p.m. | The Magnolia, 210 E. Main St., El Cajon | $40+ | Smile — catch the comic known for his Netflix special, “Happy Face.”
  • Monster Jam | Saturday, Jan. 27 + Sunday, Jan. 28 | Times vary | Snapdragon Stadium, 2101 Stadium Way, San Diego | $28+ | Vroom vroom — the biggest, baddest rides perform gravity-defying tricks on a dirt obstacle course.
  • Teatro Carmina | Saturday, Jan. 27 | 7-9:30 p.m. | California Center for the Arts, Escondido, 340 N. Escondido Blvd. | $20 | Presented by Tierra Caliente Academy of Arts, this production is about Carmina, a Mexican girl with a passion for dance — and her path towards her dreams.
  • San Diego Sockers vs. St. Louis Ambush | Saturday, Jan. 27 | 7:05 p.m. | Pechanga Arena, 3500 Sports Arena Blvd., San Diego | $25-$55 | The 16-time champs kick it on the home turf.
  • Benise: Fiesta! | Saturday, Jan. 27 | 7:30 p.m. | Balboa Theatre, 868 Fourth Ave., San Diego | $30-$66 | Celebrate world music and dance with a fiery mix of Cuban salsa, Spanish flamenco, Brazilian samba, African drumming, and more.
Sunday, Jan. 28
  • Yoga + Brunch | Sunday, Jan. 28 | 9 a.m. | Hudson & Nash, 1 Park Blvd., San Diego | $10 | Find your flow while enjoying views of San Diego Bay, then head to the hotel’s restaurant for brunch.
  • Lakecia Benjamin and Phoenix | Sunday, Jan. 28 | 5 + 7:30 p.m. | The Conrad - La Jolla Music Society, 7600 Fay Ave. | $68-$83 | The rising saxophonist has played with legends like Stevie Wonder, Alicia Keys, and The Roots and is known for her jazz, funk, and soul sounds.
Click here to have your event featured.
 
 
News Notes
 
Civic
  • The city has reopened an overnight women’s shelter at the old Central Library for those experiencing homelessness. The 34-bed facility is being operated by the National Alliance on Mental Illness San Diego and will provide case management, access to social services, and housing information.
Development
Open
  • Empanada Kitchen — one of our top local spots for empanadas — has opened its newest location in La Jolla. The menu features favorites like beef, chicken, and veggie empanadas. Visit daily, 10 a.m.-9 p.m., at 613 Pearl St.
Trending
  • Is it baseball season yet? The San Diego Padres have released their list of 2024 season giveaways coming to Petco Park — and the Friar Faithful can expect lots of fun SD gear. We’re counting down to that Home Opener in two months, that’s for sure.
Ranked
  • Four restaurants in San Diego County landed on Yelp’s “Top 100 US Restaurants 2024.” Our local standouts are: Sunny Side Kitchen in Escondido (No. 3); Crafted Greens in El Cajon (No. 16); Rosemarie’s Burgers in Mission Beach (No. 40); and Peace Pies in Ocean Beach (No. 53). (Yelp)
Sports
  • San Diego Wave FC, rise up: The team has released their 2024 season schedule featuring 26 matches through early November. Their Home Opener is Saturday, March 23, 7 p.m., at Snapdragon Stadium against Kansas City Current. Tickets for each of the 13 home games go on sale Thursday, Feb. 1.
Award
  • UC San Diego atmospheric chemist Kimberly Prather has won the 2024 National Academy of Sciences Award in Chemical Sciences for innovative research. Prather is touted for “revolutionizing” the understanding of atmospheric aerosols and their impact on air quality, climate, and human health — including during the COVID-19 pandemic. (Scripps Institution of Oceanography)
Travel
  • Cruise enthusiasts, perk up: Crystal will make its debut in San Diego Saturday, Feb. 3, setting sail on a World Cruise. The 125-night voyage departs from the Port of San Diego and will travel to 25 countries and 62 destinations (Tahiti, Sri Lanka, Barcelona, etc.) — starting at $61,600 per guest.
Arts
  • Oceanside Museum of Art will host its Teeny Tiny Art Mart Wednesday, Feb. 14-Sunday, Feb. 18, a big showcase of itty-bitty works created on 5-by-5-inch canvases. The museum is accepting donated artwork for the exhibition through Sunday, Jan. 28. The mini masterpieces will be sold for $25 a pop.
Theater
  • We can hear Elpheba and Glinda now — “Wicked” is coming to SD. The renowned musical will lead Broadway San Diego’s 47th season, taking the stage at San Diego Civic Theatre Feb. 5-March 2, 2025. It’s the first production announced for the lineup; the others will be released this March.
Community
Active
  • Got an exercise goal, but not sure which gym is worth it? Get a free month of ClassPass + sample multiple gyms and studios with just one membership.*
 
 
Community
 
🤝 Storm aftermath: How to help
A crew of city workers cleans up a flooded street scattered with debris in the aftermath of the devastating storm in San Diego in January 2024.
The storm devastated some of San Diego’s neighrborhoods. | Photo via City of San Diego
The record-breaking storm and catastrophic flooding on Jan. 22, 2024, devastated many San Diego neighborhoods and businesses. If you’re looking for ways to help impacted locals, here are some ideas.
 
The Buy
 
A colorful box of bonbons, a heart-shaped peanut butter bar, or any other small business-made chocolate to indulge and treat yourself this weekend. Don’t forget to add a hot cocoa bomb to cart, too.
 
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The Wrap
 
Monica Garske headshot Today’s edition by:
Monica
From the editor
If you’re looking for a place to enjoy a nice, peaceful walk this time of year, the loop trail at the Japanese Friendship Garden fits the bill. It’s an easy stroll with beautiful garden views and relaxing sounds of the brooks and birds. General admission gets you access to the trail and gardens — grab tickets at the door.

Did you know? The Japanese Friendship Garden is an expression of friendship between San Diego and one of our sister cities, Yokohama, Japan.
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