In February, we observe Presidents Day. The occasion usually celebrates George Washington’s birthday, Feb. 22, and Abraham Lincoln’s birthday that’s today, Feb. 12.
Neither of those presidents set foot in San Diego, but many later leaders did — including these five presidential visits that have gone down in local (and US) history.
Benjamin Harrison
On April 23, 1891, the 23rd POTUS became the first incumbent president to visit San Diego while touring the nation by train. During his time in SD, he stopped to have breakfast at the Hotel del Coronado.
Franklin D. Roosevelt
To celebrate Balboa Park’s second Panama-California Exposition, President Roosevelt crossed Cabrillo Bridge and delivered a speech at Balboa Stadium on Oct. 2, 1935. During his address, he welcomed the House of Pacific Relations International Cottages and acknowledged their role in building peaceful international relations.
John F. Kennedy
President Kennedy delivered the San Diego State University commencement speech on June 6, 1963, where he addressed 30,000+ students at the Aztec Bowl. Before the graduation, he drove down El Cajon Boulevard — a moment immortalized on the menu at the longtime local diner, Rudford’s.
Jimmy Carter
The 39th president visited San Diego on Oct. 11, 1979, to deliver a speech to labor leaders where he discussed employment rights. During the same visit he also spoke at the Hotel del Coronado, addressing similar topics and reminiscing on the time he spent living in San Diego while he was in the US Navy, serving in the Korean War.
George W. Bush
The 43rd president visited San Diego multiple times, including the memorable “Mission Accomplished” speech on May 1, 2003, on USS Abraham Lincoln. He stood in front of a banner to announce plans to end combat in Iraq. Bush also visited and spoke to local communities following the devastating Cedar and Witch Creek wildfires that occurred during his presidency.
Asked
Do you get time off for Presidents Day?
A. I get no extra time off B. Yes — Feb. 12 + Feb. 19 C. Yes — Just Feb. 19 D. I am not working or I make my own schedule
Circus Vargas | Through Monday, Feb. 19 | Times vary | North County Mall, 272 E. Via Rancho Parkway, Escondido | $25-$85 | The thrilling, family-friendly event features comedy, aerialists, juggling, and much more.
Tea + Meditation II | Monday, Feb. 12 | 6:30-8 p.m. | Wild Island Collective, 3504 Adams Ave., San Diego | Free | This donation-based guided meditation session invites you to sit with a plant while sipping on a cup of tea for a calming experience; bring your own mug, mat, and journal.
“Dirty Laundry” | Monday, Feb. 12 | 7-9 p.m. | Cygnet Theatre, 4040 Twiggs St., San Diego | $25 | Ready for a lil’ hot gossip? Hear titillating stories, letters, diary entries, and correspondences from the who’s who of literature read aloud by professional actors.
Tuesday, Feb. 13
Mother + Daughter Valentine’s Day Workshop | Tuesday, Feb. 13 | 10-11:30 a.m. + 5:30-7 p.m. | Ana Galena Floral Studio, 2770 Historic Decatour Rd., San Diego | $135 | Combine your creativity to create a beautiful floral arrangement together.
Gaslamp Mardi Gras | Tuesday, Feb. 13 | 6 p.m.-2 a.m. | American Junkie, 628 Fifth Ave., San Diego | $35 | Celebrate Chinese New Year and Mardi Gras while enjoying downtown’s nightlife.
“Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind” | Tuesday, Feb. 13-Thursday, Feb. 15 | Times vary | La Paloma Theatre, 471 S. Coast Highway 101, Encinitas | $12 | Relive the 2004 Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet film at this Retro Rewind show.
Wednesday, Feb. 14
Bivouac Cider Valentine’s Day Dessert Pairing | Wednesday, Feb. 14 | 4-10 p.m. | Bivouac Ciderworks, 3986 30th St., San Diego | $35 | Drop by to taste three ciders perfectly paired with mini desserts from North of 72 Baking Studio.
Vanderpump Valentine | Wednesday, Feb. 14 | 8 p.m. | The American Comedy Co., 818 Sixth Ave., San Diego | $20 | “Vanderpump Rules” star Billie Lee shares her comedic approach to love.
The City of San Diego’s Emergency Response Grant is now accepting applications from small businesses impacted by the Jan. 22 storm. Recipients could receive up to $5,000 in recovery funds, and the selection process will prioritize businesses in under-resourced areas. Applications close on Tuesday, Feb. 27.
Development
Home sweet high rise. Crews are expected to break ground in early 2025 on a 40-story residential complex at 611 Island Ave. in downtown San Diego — the current site of Ballpark Storage. The Revel Residence development will have 443 units; its construction timeline has not been released. (Times of San Diego)
Open
Collier Park in La Mesa has reopened following the completion of a $4.5 million redevelopment project that had closed the 7.7-acre space since November 2022. Improvements include a new playground, shared tennis and pickleball courts, and a community art piece featuring 192 hand-painted tiles.
Community
The Reef parking lot at Cardiff State Beach is closed after portions of the asphalt crumbled due to damage from recent storms. Crews from California State Parks are finalizing repair plans and hope to begin construction soon. (CBS 8)
Closing
Downtown San Diego is preparing to say ciao to LAVO Italian Restaurant. The eatery will close on Wednesday, March 28, after nearly two years in business. Tao Hospitality Group, the restaurant’s operator, already closed its LAVO New York location this year. (San Diego Union-Tribune)
The Word
“La Nada” — a neutral weather pattern that’s defined by neither El Niño nor La Niña. San Diego is expected to enter La Nada after the current strong El Niño phase, which is forecast to end between April and June. During La Nada, it’ll be more difficult for meteorologists to predict the weather. (Fox 5)
San Diegan
Westview High School football coach Greg Fosteris a pro at eating spicy peppers. The North County resident holds four Guinness World Records for his sizzling speediness. He ate three Carolina Reapers in nine seconds, and he holds three records for speed eating Bhut-Jolokia Ghost peppers. (ABC 10)
Asked
Do you have a local love story you’d like to share? We’d love to hear it. Today is the last day to add your meet cute to our interactive love story map, and it will have a chance to be featured in a future newsletter.
Finance
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Legacy
💛 PS, we love you
The San Diego Padres to honor Peter Seidler on their 2024 jerseys
The Padres will show Peter Seidler love, regardless of their uniforms. | Photos via San Diego Padres
The late great San Diego Padres chairman and owner Peter Seidler remains in the hearts of locals.
The San Diego Padres will add a patch to their jerseys during the 2024 regular season to honor Seidler. The tribute — a design idea from his children — will feature gold hearts with Seidler’s initials created in two variations, depending on the jerseys the team will wear.
Seidler died in September 2023. He was known for his unwavering support of the Padres and his commitment to the city. Following his death, the San Diego Padres established the Peter Seidler Legacy Fund within the Padres Foundation to support underserved youth, education, health and wellness, and resources for homelessness.
The team is hosting a celebration of life for Seidler on Saturday, March 23. Attendance is free, but an RSVP is required — registration starts Thursday, Feb. 29. The first 10,000 fans will receive free “PS” patches.
Beats Studio Buds, because you deserve an earbud upgrade. The Beats buds use active noise canceling technology for an immersive sound experience. Bonus: They’re sweat and water resistant, aka your new best gym buddy.
Good morning, San Diego. All this talk of presidents makes me think of Jimmy Carter’s Mexican Cafe in Hillcrest. When I first saw it, I immediately thought of the president, but it’s actually named after its owner who coincidentally has the same name.
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