February 29, 2024

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Today’s Forecast

🌅 Seize the Leap Day

A grassy green hill at Kate Sessions Park overlooking Mission Bay, with many people picnicking and sitting on the grass.

Kate Sessions Park on Mt. Soledad in Pacific Beach is the perfect spot to enjoy a San Diego day. | Photo via Monica Garske + SDtoday

Today is Leap Day. Since this “extra” day only comes around every four years, we’ve rounded up fun ways to spend these next 24 hours in San Diego. Let’s seize the moment in our glorious city.

Good morning, SD

First things first: check out a local coffee shop — SD has so many good ones. Michael and I always love our time at Better Buzz, Spill the Beans, Moniker, Lestat’s, or S3 Coffee Bar, to name a few.

Next, spend time outside. Hit a local hiking trail, park, or one of San Diego’s beautiful beaches. Afterwards, take in the local arts and culture scene at one of SD’s magnificent museums (Bonus: today is the final day of Museum Month). Want to give back? Volunteer at a local nonprofit.

SD Salud Tacos Barrio Logan — Salud Tacos! in Barrio Logan — it hits just right.
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Photo via Monica Garske + SDtoday

Good afternoon, SD

It’s lunchtime. Find a weekday brunch, check out one of the new restaurants around town, or keep it casual by visiting a food hall, grabbing a slice of pizza, or tracking down the perfect taco. Remember — no matter what anyone says, SD has perfect tacos.

Need a little energy boost? Grab a smoothie and head to a yoga class. Take an afternoon stroll around one of the San Diego neighborhoods that speaks to your zodiac sign. Look for marvelous murals. Find a used bookstore — maybe you’ll get lucky enough to find books by local authors.

SD Kids at Sunset Garske — A San Diego sunset — a great way to end any day.
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Photo via Monica Garske + SDtoday

Good evening, SD

Peruse a local farmers market; there are great Thursday options in North Park, Scripps Ranch, Linda Vista, and Oceanside. Find a good happy hour and treat yourself. Catch the sunset at a prime location, and then stick around after dark to try to sneak a peek at bioluminescence. Wrap up your night by heading to a 24-hour retro diner like Rudford’s or Beginner’s Diner.

Head home and get your eight hours of sleep — you did good today, San Diegan.

Events

Thursday, Feb. 29

Monello Pairing Dinner with Patron Tequila | Thursday, Feb. 29 | 7-10 p.m. | Monello, 750 W. Fir St., San Diego | $50 | GBOD’s top chef and beverage director lead this spirited dining event featuring dishes paired with cocktails.
Jesus Adrian Romero: “Terrenal Tour” | Thursday, Feb. 29 | 8 p.m. | Balboa Theatre, 868 Fourth Ave., San Diego | $77+ | The Mexican musician and author known for songs like “Tú Estás Aqui” performs in the historic downtown venue.

Friday, March 1

The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch: 2024 Season | Friday, March 1-Sunday, May 12 | 9 a.m.-5 p.m. | The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch, 5704 Paseo Del Norte, Carlsbad | $9-$18 | The North County springtime staple is in bloom, with 55 acres of vibrant Giant Tecolote Ranunculus flowers and lots of family-friendly activities throughout its 2024 season.
The Great Junk Hunt | Friday, March 1 + Saturday, March 2 | 4-9 p.m. + 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | Del Mar Fairgrounds, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd. | $10-$20 | Discover vintage, upcycled, and repurposed goods at this traveling, 70,000-sqft flea market.

Saturday, March 2

San Diego FC Chrome Ball Tour | Saturday, March 2 | 10 a.m.-6 p.m. | Town Center Park East, 550 Park Center Dr., Santee | Free | San Diego FC’s community tour continues with another soccer-centric, family-friendly event to hype up fans for the team’s 2025 debut.
San Diego Festival of Sciences and Engineering | Saturday, March 2 | 11 a.m.-5 p.m. | Snapdragon Stadium, 2101 Stadium Way, San Diego | Free | This kid-friendly expo will showcase dozens of STEM experiments and experiences while partnering with local community organizations.
Chris Stapleton | Saturday, March 2 | 5 p.m. | Petco Park, 100 Park Blvd., San Diego | $149+ | The Grammy Award-winning hitmaker and prolific songwriter drops by the ballpark for his “All-American Road Show” tour featuring special guests Elle King and the Turnpike Troubadours.
San Diego Mojo vs. Atlanta Vibe | Saturday, March 2 | 7 p.m. | Viejas Arena, 5500 Canyon Crest Dr., San Diego | $15+ | Watch the new women’s pro volleyball team serve, set, and kill it at home.

Sunday, March 3

San Diego Symphony’s Picnic at the Park | Sunday, March 3 | 11:30 a.m. | The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park, 222 Marina Park Way, San Diego | Free | The bayfront venue releases its 2024 Conrad Prebys Summer Season lineup while the symphony and other artists perform; bring a blanket and picnic.
San Diego Restaurant Week | Sunday, March 3 | 12 p.m. | Locations Vary, San Diego | $20+ | The annual dining event returns with more than 100 restaurants across San Diego County offering prix fixe lunch and/or dinner menus starting at $20.

Events calendar here

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News Notes

Civic

The filing deadline for federal and state taxes has been extended to June 17 for San Diego County residents and businesses. The new timeline approved by the California Franchise Tax Board and IRS is meant to offer relief to local taxpayers impacted by the catastrophic Jan. 22 storm and flooding. (San Diego Union-Tribune)

Trending

What was that smell? Locals across San Diego County — from Pacific Beach to Escondido — reported the mysterious scent of “burning plastic or chemicals” wafting in the air this week. Agencies like the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department and Air Pollution Control District are still investigating. (CBS 8)

Community

The Cardiff Farmers Market will celebrate its first anniversary with a special shindig this Saturday, March 2, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. The event will feature family-friendly activities, sweet treats, a chance for patrons to win “Market Bucks,” and live music. Now, lettuce give flowers to all of SD’s farmers markets.

Read

Talk about a birth story. In honor of Dr. Seuss’ birthday, Dr. Seuss Enterprises will give a free, personalized copy of “The Cat in the Hat” to every baby born in the US this Saturday, March 2. The fine print: Parents have until May 31 to claim the fun freebie.

Sports

After a historic Cy Young season, could Blake Snell be joining the San Francisco Giants? Go beyond the scoreboard and behind the scenes of the San Diego Padres with Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.

Plan Ahead

Our Lady of Peace will host its 10th Annual Women’s Symposium, “Together We Rise,” on International Women’s Day — Friday, March 8, 8 a.m.-12:45 p.m. The event will showcase 40+ speakers and panelists across various fields discussing topics like public policy, health care, and STEM. Get your tickets.

Watch

The Pearl Hotel on Rosecrans Street will host a red carpet-worthy Oscars Watch Party on Sunday, March 10, 3-7:30 p.m. We don’t know about you, but we’re rooting for “Nyad” star Annette Bening to win the Academy Award in her category — she spent her childhood and adolescence in San Diego.

Festival

Spring is in the air. The South Park Business Group will host its annual Spring Walkabout on Saturday, March 16, 5-9 p.m. The free community event will showcase the small businesses on Fern and 30th streets that truly make South Park one-of-a-kind; keep your eyes peeled for deals and activities.

San Diegan

📚 Oh, the places you should go

SD Ellen Browning Scripps Park San Diego

The trees at this La Jolla park are said to have inspired the trees in “The Lorax.” | Photo via Monica Garske + SDtoday

This Saturday, March 2, is Dr. Seuss’ birthday. The iconic author and artist lived in La Jolla from 1948 until his death in 1991; his name is synonymous with our city and his legacy is all around, including at these local places.

Ellen Browning Scripps Park | La Jolla

This scenic, oceanfront park is said to have inspired the “Truffula Trees” seen in “The Lorax.” From his La Jolla home, Dr. Seuss was able to see a rare Monterey Cypress tree that stood at the park, which sparked ideas for the environmental conservation themes found in “The Lorax.” The so-called “Lorax Tree” collapsed in 2019, but a visit to this site may inspire you as it did Dr. Seuss.

Geisel Library | UC San Diego

This architectural gem was designed in 1970 by William Pereira, and its futuristic shape is meant to look like hands holding up books. In 1995, it was renamed in honor of Theodor Geisel and his wife, Audrey, for their generous contributions to the library.

1, 2, 3, 4 more Seuss spots

The Buy

New tees for a new season. Freshen up your spring wardrobe with tees that feel as good as they look from Carolina Surf Dogs, Salt Monkey, and Sandlot Goods.

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The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Monica

From the editor

I recently had dinner with a friend at Finca, the new traditional Spanish tapas bar and bottle shop (with a California twist) in North Park. The menu is filled with interesting, small plates and to get a lay of the land, we shared a bunch of them. Research is important.

I recommend the Duck Confit Croquettes, Patatas Bravas, and the Charred Eggplant Dip — I’m still dreaming of the perfect blend of flavors, and the much-needed catch-up with my friend.

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