Find the perfect gift to express gratitude and love for the role models in your life. | Graphic by 6AM City
Shopping for a loved one? With Mother’s Day falling on Sunday, May 11, it’s a great time to give to parents, grandparents, neighbors, mentors, and life-long friends. Browse the gifts we think will do the trick:
Local pick: Straw Lifeguard Hats by Hemlock | $36+ | Hats off (or on) to you, parents. Much like flip-flops, a straw hat for sunny days is a San Diego staple. Locally-based Hemlock Hat Co. makes the cutest designs, with UPF 50+ to boot.
Weighted silk lavender eye pillow | $19.99 | A silk sleep mask and a cooling gel eye mask are included in this spa set named one of Oprah’s Favorite Things in 2023.
Golf practice net | $99.99 | Golfers can perfect their swing before stepping out on the course with this golf net.
Barefoot Dreams lounge top | $99 | There may be no better gift than something luxuriously soft, cuddly, and cozy — this lounge top fits the bill.
Mom’s story book and Dad’s story book | $24.95 | Prompt them to write down memories, advice, and stories in these guided journals.
Neck + shoulders heating pad | $39.99 | This electric heat wrap helps with back pain, muscle aches, and de-stressing.
Local pick: All Around Tote by Vuori | $88 | This classic, spacious bag from the Encinitas-based activewear brand is perfect for a weekend getaway, the gym, or work. Like all of Vuori’s designs, it’s giving “active coastal California lifestyle.”
Clinique Almost Lipstick in Black Honey | $25 | You don’t have to worry about this lipstick flattering them — Black Honey is designed to look incredible (and different) on everyone.
Distilled | 5:30-9:30 p.m. | Veloce - The Vault, Miramar | $100+ | Enjoy whiskey, bourbon, and Scotch tastings alongside snacks and cool cars at this fundraiser for the local nonprofit Promises2Kids.
Friday, May 2
Leonard Patton Trio | 4:30-5:30 p.m. | The Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center, La Jolla | Free | This local jazz artist is known for his rich + smokey vocals and was once hailed by “The San Diego Reader” for having a “sensational skat.”
James Beard Winners Food & Wine Festival | Friday, May 2-Sunday, May 4 | Times vary | Rancho Bernardo Inn | $220+ | Chef’s kiss — this culinary fest will feature 37 hours of programming showcasing James Beard Award-winning talent leading tastings, seminars + workshops.
Saturday, May 3
San Diego Humane Society’s Walk For Animals | 7-11 a.m. | NTC Park at Liberty Station | $40 | SDHS leads this walk and fundraiser to support its ongoing mission to provide animals with shelter and help local families adopt pets in need.
Golden Makers Market: AANHPI Heritage Month Celebration | Saturday, May 3-Sunday, May 4 | 11 a.m.-4 p.m. | San Diego Made Factory | Free | Shop 20+ AANHPI-owned businesses and makers selling handcrafted goodies alongside a curated art show; splurge for ticketed workshops like Japanese tea tasting.
L’Auberge Uncorked: A Coastal Wine Celebration | 1-4 p.m. | L’Auberge Del Mar | $100 | The luxury resort hosts its first-ever wine festival showcasing local + international wines, live music, hors d’oeuvres, and a blind tasting experience.
Food, Wine & Brew 2025 | 6:30-10 p.m. | San Diego Zoo | $179+ | Raise a glass to the zoo’s conservation mission with this foodie fundraiser featuring bites + sips from participating restaurants, live music, and animal encounters.
Sunday, May 4
Bay FC vs. San Diego Wave FC | 5 p.m. | Snapdragon Stadium | $22+ | It’s AANHPI Night, a celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander heritage featuring in-game performances and activations.
Tuesday, May 6
“Hamilton” | Tuesday, May 6-Sunday, May 18 | 7 p.m. | Civic Theatre | $137+ | The revolutionary musical returns to the San Diego stage; don’t throw away your shot — be in “The Room Where It Happens.”
Wednesday, May 7
2025 GI Film Festival San Diego | Wednesday, May 7-Friday, May 9 | 6-10 p.m. | Museum of Photographic Arts | $10+ | The largest military film fest in the US returns to SD with 16 films tackling topics like war, Afghanistan, training in peacetime, and the stories of veterans.
The city will need to address a $258 million budget deficit, but its proposed Fiscal Year 2026 budget draft still prioritizes funding for the Transportation Department’s plan to repair 390 lane miles of local roads. The City Council’s Budget Review Committee will hear department proposals starting Monday, May 5.
State
With a GDP of $4.1 trillion in 2024, California is now the world’s fourth-largest economy, surpassing Japan. “California isn’t just keeping pace with the world — we’re setting the pace,” Gov. Gavin Newsom said. Only the US, China + Germany now have larger economies than the Golden State. (CNN)
Tech
Cal Fire added a second C-130 Hercules cargo plane to its fleet ahead of the state’s summer wildfire season. The former US Coast Guard aircraft has a 133-ft wingspan, can fly 800 miles at up to 368 mph, and can carry 4,000 gallons of fire retardant. (The Mercury News)
Traffic
Slow your roll. Using the AB 43 state law, city council voted to lower the speed limits on some busy local streets in order to improve safety and encourage foot traffic. Parts of University Avenue in Hillcrest, 30th Street in North Park, and Newport Avenue in OB will be reduced to 20 mph. (KPBS)
Development
San Diego Civic Theatre is getting $7.5 million in upgrades between now and September to “enhance the guest experience.” This includes interior upgrades like fresh paint, custom carpeting, a new terrazzo floor, and updated dressing rooms. By the way, the show will go on — construction takes an intermission on performance days.
Open
New sweets spot loading. An’s Gelato debuted An’s Electronics Repair on Bacon Street in OB. As always, the gelato shop’s quirky menu features fun flavors like No Signal inspired by sticky toffee pudding, the dairy-free coconut Bluetooth, and Power Supply made with milk-brew coffee from OB Beans Coffee Roasters.
Plan Ahead
The first-ever AANHPI Eats Week is coming to San Diego Saturday, May 10-Sunday, May 18 in honor of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Seven local restaurants will offer AANHPI-inspired menus, including Glass Box, Kalei’s Kitchenette, Lia’s Lumpia, and the renowned Kingfisher.
Shop
Need fresh Padres gear?Pro Image Sports debuted its newest sports apparel shop along Town Center Parkway in Santee. Fans of local pro teams will find hats, jerseys, shirts, and accessories. It’s open daily, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
Environment
In December 2021, scientists installed 360 reef balls on the South Bay seafloor to attract oysters, help reduce rising sea levels, and promote local biodiversity. Years later, the reef balls continue to draw in sea life and help keep the water clean. You can spot the reef balls at low tide. (CBS 8)
Sports
Can the Bolts’ latest draft picks reshape their NFL season? With Omarion Hampton joining the backfield, the Chargers now boast two first-round running backs. And what about Oronde Gadsden II? Go beyond the scoreboard and behind the sceneswith Chargers’ experts on Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Stat
$5,000. That’s how much you may have to drop if your dog or cat tears their ACL — a surprisingly common knee injury in pets. To the rescue: pet insurance. With this plan, 90% of that cost could be reimbursed.*
Biz
Last chance to invest in the “Uber of mobile phones.”Mode Mobile grew 32,481% from 2019-2022, and just secured their Nasdaq ticker with plans for a potential IPO. The opportunity to invest at $0.26/share closes today.†*
Featured Deal
Dreaming of a tropical getaway? Turn it into reality when you shop Hawaiian Airlines’ sale on select fares, like $129 from SAN to The Aloha State.*
Job
Hiring just got easier. Post unlimited job listings with us for free on the SDtoday Job Board + connect with the right candidates faster. We’ve got your back.
This view of downtown SD’s skyline is giving May Gray, for sure. | Photo via Monica Garske + SDtoday
San Diegans are used to sunny skies + warm weather, but we’re heading into the mist of a darker season. “May Gray” and “June Gloom” are upon us, which means just that — expect dreary skies or occasional sprinkles. How dare you, SD.
Let’s shed lighton the science behind this familiar weather pattern and brainstorm ways to survive the grays.
Where’s the sun?
The darker skies are a result of the marine layer, which occurs due to temperature inversion. Normally, air temperatures decrease with height, but the ocean makes air at the sea-surface cooler than higher elevations, which produces the dreaded fog.
Staying bright
Foggy skies shouldn’t dampen your plans. These ideas could help you combat these darker days:
Explore inland — the marine layer is typically less severe 10+ miles east of the coast. Take a hike at Mission Trails or Lake Murray.
Hit up local museums. Check out The Big Exchange Thursday, May 1-Sunday, May 18 when your museum membership could get you free admission to 50+ other museums across San Diego County.
Swim trunks with pockets. These quick-drying swimsuit trunks have a hidden pocket built into an anti-chafe compression liner — perfect for keeping phones, keys, and cash safe on beach days.
Raise a glass — seven San Diego County craft breweries won gold medals at the 2025 Brewers Cup of California. Our friends at the San Diego Brewers Guild said the winners were: Burning Beard Brewing, Fall Brewing Company, Hodad’s Brewing Company, Pizza Port Brewing Company, Pure Project, Taproom Beer Co., and Tarantula Hill Brewing Co.
OK, now I’m more ready than ever for the guild’s SD Beer Weekend on Friday, June 27-Sunday, June 29. The celebration includes the Rhythm & Brews festival in downtown Vista on Saturday, June 28, featuring 30+ craft breweries. Get tickets.
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