February 28, 2024

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Today’s Forecast

✨ You glow, San Diego

Glowing blue water at Torrey Pines Natural State Reserve washing onto the rocks from bioluminescence.

The bioluminescence at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve really rocks. | Photo via @arundhatiphotographyanddance

We know San Diego has glowing beaches, but recently, they’ve been especially bright. Locals have been reporting neon blue water — a result of the naturally occurring sensation known as bioluminescence. And with some luck, you could catch a glimpse.

What causes bioluminescence?

Despite the color of its light, bioluminescence results from a phenomenon known as “red tides.” According to Scripps Institution of Oceanography, this is caused by a dinoflagellate called Lingulodinium polyedra, a plankton that’s particularly common in Southern California. This organism contains a so-called “sunscreen” that gives it a reddish-brown color.

On sunny days, the plankton gathers near the ocean’s surface, giving it a red hue (hence the name “red tides”). However, the bioluminescent glow results from a chemical reaction that emits a blue light, especially when the plankton is moved around quickly by waves at night.

Did you know? Researchers at Scripps called Lingulodinium polyedra “the Michael Phelps of the plankton world” because it moves so quickly. This speed allows it to develop dense blooms — leading to glowing waters.

A heart is being drawn in the sand, and as fingers move along the shape, bioluminescence glows in blue. — Photographer Erik Jepsen makes a heart in the sand at Mission Bay, illuminated by bioluminescence.
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Video via @erikjepsen

If you’re on a quest to see bioluminescence, there have been reports across the San Diego coast this month — including Torrey Pines, Carlsbad State Beach, and Mission Bay. However, the phenomenon could occur at any local beach.

If you want to see the glowing tides here are some things to know:

There’s no way to forecast when red tides are coming, though methods are still being researched. However, data suggests events are more common in February through September.
Event length is unpredictable, but bioluminescence often lasts one week to one month. If there was a glow yesterday, there’s a good chance of activity today.
Bioluminescence is best seen in the dark. Find a beach with little man-made light, and wait about two hours after sunset.
The plankton should not be consumed, but generally, it’s not harmful to humans.

Events

Wednesday, Feb. 28

Sleater-Kinney | Wednesday, Feb. 28 | 8 p.m. | The Observatory North Park, 2891 University Ave., San Diego | $57 | The indie rockers from Washington bring their riot grrrl movement sounds to SD.
“The Age of Innocence” | Through Sunday, March 10 | Times vary | The Old Globe, 1363 Old Globe Way, San Diego | $35-$118 | This Globe-commissioned world premiere play, set in 1870s New York City, follows a tale where love and high society clash.
“Society” with Director Brian Yuzna | Wednesday, Feb. 28 | 7-10 p.m. | Adams Avenue Theater, 3325 Adams Ave., San Diego | $16 | Watch this cult-classic horror film, followed by a Q+A with its director.

Thursday, Feb. 29

Cocktail Making + Cheese Pairing Class | Thursday, Feb. 29 | 6:30-7:30 p.m. | You & Yours Distilling Co., 1495 G St., San Diego | $70 | Measure, shake, stir, and pour two cocktails while enjoying curated cheese pairings — we’ll cheers to that.
The Marshall Tucker Band | Thursday, Feb. 29 | 8 p.m. | Sycuan Casino Resort, 5469 Casino Way, El Cajon | $79+ | The country and blues-inspired rock band performs the “Live From Cloud 9" tour with Jefferson Starship.

Friday, March 1

Dueling Piano Night | Friday, March 1 | 6 + 8 p.m. | My Yard Live Beer Co., 288 Rancheros Dr., San Marcos | Free | Danny DiCarlo and Doug Allen hit the keys — and promise to keep you laughing and singing along.
Lil Sasquatch | Friday, March 1-Sunday, March 3 | Times vary | The Comedy Store, 916 Pearl St., La Jolla | $25 | The comedian known for Barstool Sports and his podcasts performs live.
San Diego Sockers vs. Empire Strykers | Friday, March 1 | 7:35 p.m. | Pechanga Arena, 3500 Sports Arena Blvd., San Diego | $25-$55 | The indoor soccer team takes on their opponents from Ontario, CA.

Saturday, March 2

Candlelight: A Tribute to Adele | Saturday, March 2 | 9 p.m. | Star Theatre, 402 N. Coast Highway, San Diego | $62+ | “Hello” — “Rumour Has It” this dreamy tribute show will cover the glowing repertoire of the Grammy Award-winning artist’s biggest hits.
Dave Spade | Saturday, March 2 | 8 p.m. | Balboa Theatre, 868 Fourth Ave., San Diego | $42+ | The “SNL” alum and comedy star — known for films like “Joe Dirt” and “Tommy Boy” — performs his “Catch Me Inside” tour.

Events calendar here

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News Notes

Civic

San Diego has installed 100+ Smart Streelights, part of an ongoing effort that will add over 500 security cameras to the city. This license plate-tracking technology was approved by City Council in November 2023, and so far, the city says it’s been used to recover stolen vehicles and identify suspects in crimes.

Health

San Diego County has partnered with UC San Diego Health to launch Revive & Survive — an initiative that will help locals learn CPR. The program aims to train 1 million San Diegans to perform the life-saving procedure via free courses led by healthcare workers.

Transportation

Efforts to bring a proposed high-speed transit connection to San Diego International Airport will require at least three more years before a final route can be selected, according to a recent presentation by SANDAG. The agency will spend the rest of this year analyzing data and airport arrival preferences. (San Diego Union-Tribune)

Open

Something new is cooking in Clairemont Mesa — Hi Guest Music BBQ, a restaurant that specializes in shaokao (Chinese barbecue). Inside, guests will find a dining area decorated with neon lights and over-sized art, plus a small stage. The eatery is open daily starting at 5 p.m., with performances expected on weekends. (Eater San Diego)

Concert

Like rolling stones, three music legends will roll to Chula Vista this summer. Bob Dylan, Willie Nelson, and John Mellencamp will perform their “Outlaw Music Festival” at the North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre on July 29. General public ticket sales begin this Friday, March 1, 10 a.m.

Ranked

We’re glad to hear that San Diego has been named the No. 15 happiest city in the US. The study assessed the nation’s 180 largest cities on 29 happiness indicators. America’s Finest City had high marks in community and well-being categories, but our income-based metrics weren’t as rosy. (WalletHub)

Trending

Have you spotted a Tesla Cybertruck? The electric vehicle, noted for its angular, futuristic appearance, has started showing up in San Diego — including one owned by local resident Alex Schamonin. The San Diegan waited four years to purchase the vibrant truck, and it tends to turn heads. (CBS 8)

Sports

What’s happening with the Padre’s Opening Day lineup, Spring Training, and potential trades? Go beyond the scoreboard and behind the scenes of the San Diego Padres with Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.

Civic

🏝️ San Diego’s plan to sea changes

Waves in Ocean Beach as kids play on the beach.

High surf can cause erosion on San Diego’s coastline. | Photo via City of San Diego

The City of San Diego is working to address rising sea levels by developing a green infrastructure program known as the “Coastal Resilience Master Plan.” This state and federally funded effort is a component of the city’s “Climate Resilient SD Plan” — guidelines to help the city adapt and thrive in a changing climate.

This blueprint aims to find nature-based solutions that mitigate coastal flooding and erosion while protecting the natural habitats of San Diego’s wildlife. Solutions could include wetland restoration, dune engineering, waterfront park creation, and landward realignment to move the coastline boundary inward.

City staff will start collecting feedback at community events, including a booth at the Ocean Beach Farmers Market today. More pop-up events, webinars, and workshops will be scheduled in the future, or you can provide input online. A first draft is expected early this year, and the project aims to be completed in 2026.

The Buy

Your must-have Stanley Quencher accessory (yes, water bottle accessories are a thing). There are straw cover caps, personalized name plates, water bottle carrier bags, and even a snack bowl that fits around your Stanley.

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The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Michael

From the editor

Good morning, San Diego. I can’t believe we’re just about at the end of February. It’s been a rainy month, but it was still full of fun. Some highlights for me were celebrating Lunar New Year at the House of China in Balboa Park, watching five local dogs in “Puppy Bowl XX,” and catching the San Diego Mojo’s first-ever home game.

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