Plus, The Del preps for a famed Japanese restaurant.
 
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Today’s Forecast

62º | Heavy rain with possible flooding | 96% chance of rain | Sunrise 6:41 a.m. | Sunset 5:25 p.m. | High tides 5:10 a.m. and 7:48 p.m. | Low tides 12:58 p.m. and 11:41 p.m.
 
🐲 The Year of the Dragon
Lion dancers at the San Diego Tet Festival celebrate the Vietnamese Lunar New Year.
The San Diego Tết Festival is Friday, Feb. 16-Sunday, Feb. 18. | Photo via San Diego Tết Festival + @sydneytranphotography
The Lunar New Year is upon us. Around the world — especially in East and Southeast Asian cultures — communities will celebrate the Year of the Dragon (or, in some cultures, the Year of the Naga) starting Saturday, Feb. 10. In San Diego, you can partake in the fun at several local festivals — many of which are free.

San Diego Lunar New Year Festival | Friday, Feb. 9-Sunday, Feb. 11 | Times vary | Jeremy Henwood Memorial Park, City Heights | The Little Saigon San Diego Foundation will host this community fest featuring lion dances, folk dancing, art exhibitions, kid-friendly activities, and food vendors.

A stage lined with yellow flowers and colorful lanterns at the San Diego Tet Festival in Mira Mesa.

One of the stages at the San Diego Tết Festival in 2023, ready for performances.

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Photo via Monica Garske + SDtoday

San Diego Tết Festival | Friday, Feb. 16-Sunday, Feb. 18 | Times vary | Mira Mesa Community Park | The Vietnamese-American Youth Alliance and Vietnamese Federation of San Diego will highlight the Year of the Dragon with lion dances, live entertainment, a pageant, vendors, and arts and crafts.

Chinese New Year Fair | Saturday, Feb. 17 + Sunday, Feb. 18 | 11 a.m.-5 p.m. | International Cottages, Balboa Park | The House of China will lead this celebration filled with entertainment, fun activities, and vendors in the heart of the historic, multicultural hub.

A past Chinese New Year celebration at the House of China in Balboa Park

A past Chinese New Year celebration at the House of China in Balboa Park.

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Photo via @sotnwaffle

San Diego Wildlife Alliance: Lunar New Year | Saturday, Feb. 17 + Sunday, Feb. 18 | 9 a.m.-5 p.m. | San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park | Included with admission | Visitors can expect Lunar New Year-inspired foods, activities like hanging your wish on a wishing tree, experiences with wildlife care specialists, crafts, and the spotlight on the organization’s Asian Rainforest Conservation Hub.

San Diego Chinese New Year Fair | Saturday, Feb. 24 + Sunday, Feb. 25 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | Third Avenue and J Street, downtown San Diego | This 41st annual fair will fill the streets with performances, crafts, a lantern parade, art displays, and food vendors aplenty.
 
Events
 
Monday, Feb. 5
  • Hiking for Fun and Fitness | Monday, Feb. 5 | 9-11 a.m. | Blue Sky Ecological Reserve, 16275 Espola Rd., Poway | Free | Meet new friends and connect with nature on this guided hike for all fitness levels; the group meets at the south end of the parking lot.
  • San Diego Museum Month | Through Thursday, Feb. 29 | 70+ local museums | Prices vary | ‘Tis the month to check out a local museum — 70+ places are offering 50% off admission all month long.
  • Mythology Workshop Series for Tweens and Teens | Monday, Feb. 5 | 4 p.m. | Mission Valley Branch Library, 2123 Fenton Parkway, San Diego | Free | This workshop — designed for kids ages 9-14 — is perfect for young readers who love action-packed myths of heroes, quests, monsters, and villains.
  • Warwick’s Livestream: Tea Time Recommendations | Monday, Feb. 5 | 4-4:45 p.m. | Facebook Live | Free | Booksellers and publishers from the longtime, local store share their recommendations on this livestream via Warwick’s Facebook page.
  • Monday Trivia | Monday, Feb. 5 | 6 p.m. | Common Theory, 4805 Convoy St., San Diego | Free | Test your knowledge — perhaps with a pint, cocktail, and app in hand — at this weekly game night hosted by Sunset Trivia.
  • San Diego International Jewish Film Festival | Through Sunday, Feb. 11 | Times vary | David & Dorothea Garfield Theatre, 4126 Executive Dr., La Jolla | $15-$18 | This showcase of contemporary Jewish cinema includes 34 feature films and 28 short screenings — tonight’s reception features a discussion with two directors and a producer.
Tuesday, Feb. 6
  • Love Lines Bingo | Tuesday, Feb. 6 | 7-9 p.m. | Tony Pepperoni, 249 E. Grand Ave., Escondido | Free | Journey through decades of love songs, and listen carefully to match the tunes on your bingo board.
  • Michael Flatley’s “Lord of the Dance” | Tuesday, Feb. 6 | 7:30 p.m. | Civic Theatre, 1100 Third Ave., San Diego | $22+ | The former Riverdance performer brings his high-energy Irish dance with original music and storytellings.
Click here to have your event featured.
 
 
News Notes
 
Weather
  • More heavy rain is expected to sweep San Diego County today through Wednesday, Feb. 7, as an atmospheric river hits the region. A Flood Watch is in effect from 4 p.m. today through 10 a.m. Wednesday. (National Weather Service)
Civic
  • Due to the storm, the City of San Diego has reissued a voluntary evacuation warning for low-lying, flood-prone neighborhoods like Southcrest, Mountain View, Encanto, Mission Valley, San Ysidro, and Sorrento Valley. Keep these local emergency resources handy during this storm — and beyond.
State
  • Governor Gavin Newsom has proclaimed a new state of emergency for eight flood-ravaged counties across California, including San Diego County. The proclamation authorizes a response from the National Guard (if necessary), potential unemployment benefits for impacted locals, and will also allow out-of-state contractors to help repair storm damage.
Legacy
  • Iconic “Rocky” actor Carl Weathers — aka Apollo Creed — died “peacefully in his sleep” on Feb. 1. Before becoming a Hollywood star, Weathers was an NFL linebacker. He also played college football at San Diego State University under legendary coach Don Coryell during the Aztecs’ 1969 Pasadena Bowl victory. (AP News)
Development
  • San Diego is seeking a buyer to develop a 26,500-sqft, city-owned building in downtown’s East Village into 100% affordable housing. The three-story property — at 1401 Imperial Ave., across from Tailgate Park — can include ground floor commercial businesses. Proposals are being accepted through May 1 at 5 pm.
Opening
  • Birch Aquarium’s “Hold Fast” exhibition debuts this Thursday, Feb. 8 — an immersive display that explores local kelp forests and climate change through the works of three local artists and scientists. The deep dive is on our list of exhibitions to explore in San Diego this year.
Cause
  • Feeding San Diego will host a free, drive-thru emergency food distribution today, 10 a.m.-12 p.m., at Faith Chapel Community Church in Spring Valley for up to 750 households. San Diegans impacted by the recent floods can pull up and receive 40 pounds of food and produce.
Plan Ahead
  • The San Diego Public Libraries will host free author talks, crafts, readings, and more during Black History Month. Some highlights: Black History Pride Storytime on Tuesday, Feb. 20, at Skyline Hills Library, and Fearing the Black Body with Dr. Sabrina Strings on Sunday, Feb. 25, at San Diego Central Library.
Festival
  • Bust out that brown and gold, SD. Padres FanFest returns to Petco Park Sunday, March 24, 12:30-5:30 p.m., with scheduled appearances by Manny Machado, Fernando Tatís Jr., Xander Bogaerts, Joe Musgrove, Yu Darvish, and Mike Shildt. Fans can claim up to four free tickets to the community event Friday, Feb. 16.
Sports
  • San Diego FC, the City of Escondido, and Street Soccer USA united over the weekend to open futsal courts at Washington Park — hard courts designed for a specific type of soccer. The goal is that the amenity generates more interest for “the beautiful game” in SD.
 
 
Announced
 
🍣 Rollin’ into The Del
Actor Robert De Niro and Chef Nobu Matsuhisa stand side by side laughing at a Nobu Restaurants event.
Oscar-winning actor Robert De Niro and Chef Nobu Matsuhisa began their Nobu Restaurants partnership in 1994. | Photo via Nobu Restaurants
Nobu — the globally-known Japanese restaurant founded by Nobu Matsuhisa and Academy Award-winning actor Robert De Niro in 1994 — will open a location at Hotel del Coronado in early 2025.

Part of the landmark’s ongoing $550 million revitalization, the new, 3,700-sqft restaurant will boast an indoor dining room, a covered outdoor patio, and a dedicated sushi bar.

On the menu, Nobu fans can expect signature dishes including the Black Miso Cod and Yellowtail Jalapeño, plus some yet-to-be-announced items and experiences exclusive to The Del location.

Nobu — also backed by producer Meir Teper and restaurateur Drew Nieporent — originated in New York and currently runs 53 locations worldwide including international spots in London, Mexico City, Barcelona, Cape Town, and Dubai.

There’s a Nobu in the Gaslamp Quarter, too — at 207 Fifth Ave., inside Hard Rock Hotel San Diego.
 
The Buy
 
These cowgirl boot stir sticks from Coco Cadeaux’s collection. They’re festive, pink, and perfect for your Galentine’s Day celebration (bonus: they’re also BPA free).
 
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The Wrap
 
Monica Garske headshot Today’s edition by:
Monica
From the editor
San Diego Museum Month is in full swing, and my little family is itching to visit some of our local gems. Last month, we went to The Nat and Japanese Friendship Garden; any recommendations on where we should go next?

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