Monica Garske, 6AM City’s Senior Newsletter Editor, sits with the statue of Bum in Edinburgh, Scotland. | Photo via Monica Garske + SDtoday
As I walked past rows of tombstones in a historic churchyard on a crisp, gray day, I spotted him.His little bronze face — tongue wagging, with a sweet smirk at its edges — was instantly recognizable. It was a statue of Bum, San Diego’s famous beloved town dog. Only, I wasn’t in San Diego. I was in Edinburgh, Scotland, face-to-face with a piece of home. But why?
The canine connection
You see, since 1977 Edinburgh has been one of San Diego’s 16 sister cities — part of our big, extended family across the world. Edinburgh and San Diego’s connection revolves around a pair of beloved canines and their matching statues found in both cities.
In Edinburgh, there’s the legend of a Skye Terrier named Bobby, a loyal companion who watched over his owner’s grave at Greyfriars Kirkyard from 1858 to 1872.
In SD, there’s the legend of Bum the dog, a stowaway who boarded a boat in 1886 and disembarked in San Diego. The St. Bernard and spaniel mix roamed our local streets, quickly becoming the official town dog...
Outlaw Music Festival: Willie Nelson + Bob Dylan | 4 p.m. | North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre, Chula Vista | $46+ | The touring festival’s SD show will feature legends Willie Nelson & Family and Bob Dylan, plus Billy Strings, Sierra Hull, and Lily Meola.
San Diego International Fringe Festival | Thursday, May 15-Sunday, May 25 | 6 p.m. | Balboa Park | $7+ | Enjoy ~50 out-of-the-box performances from global artists including cabaret, comedy, circus, dance, film, poetry, and puppetry at venues across Balboa Park and beyond.
Kevin Nealon LIVE! | Thursday, May 15-Saturday, May 17 | Times vary | The American Comedy Co. San Diego | $41+ | You’ll have five chances to watch the comedian, actor, and “SNL” alum perform his stand-up in SD this weekend.
Friday, May 16
Wonderfront Music & Arts Festival | Friday, May 16-Sunday, May 18 | 12-10 p.m. | Embarcadero Marina Park North, Seaport Village + Ruocco Park | $165+ | More than 80 bands will perform across seven stages at this music, arts, and culinary fest including Peggy Gou, Foster the People, Jason Mraz, and Gary Clark Jr.
Cheese & Libation Expo 2025 | Friday, May 16-Sunday, May 18 | Times vary | Brick | $77+ | Nibble on cheese from around the world paired with sips in support of organizations like Berry Good Food Foundation, Anvil of Hope, and Zero Foodprint.
Tequila Season Pairing Tour | Saturday, May 17-Monday, May 19 | Times vary | Cutwater Spirits Tasting Room | $24 | Join this 50-minute guided experience featuring a tour of the distillery and tequila tastings paired with snacks, plus a special mini gift to take home.
San Diego Ballet Presents “Romeo Et Juliet” | 2 p.m. | Balboa Theatre | $48+ | SDB’s adaptation of Shakespeare’s classic tale of star-crossed lovers is lyrical, compelling, and heartbreaking.
Sunday, May 18
“Louis": A Silent Film + Wynton Marsalis | 7 p.m. | Balboa Theatre | $72+ | Jazz icon Wynton Marsalis, pianist Cecile Licad, and a 10-piece ensemble perform a score of Marsalis’ compositions to accompany a screening of the film, “Louis.”
Wednesday, May 21
Taste of East Village | Wednesday, May 21-Thursday, May 22 | 4-8 p.m. | East Village | $49 | The self-guided foodie tasting tour returns with 30+ participating restaurants — it’s one of the scrumptious strolls we look forward to in SD each year.
No. 13 is still all in — soccer icon Alex Morgan is now a Wave FC minority investor, rejoining the team she led before her pro soccer retirement. “San Diego is where I’ve built my home, where I am raising my children, and found a purpose beyond my playing career,” she said. (CBS 8)
Open
It is time. The $1.3 billion Gaylord Pacific Resort & Convention Center will debut today along the Chula Vista Bayfront with 1,600 guest rooms, 12 restaurants, and a 4.25-acre waterpark. SDtoday will attend the grand opening this afternoon — follow us on Instagram for updates.
Outdoors
One of the hottest topics in Mayor Todd Gloria’s draft budget is a proposal to remove the city’s ~180 bonfire rings at local beaches. According to Gloria, this could save $135,000 annually and help close SD’s $258 million budget deficit. The City Council will discuss the item on Monday, May 19. (Voice of San Diego)
Coming Soon
After months of construction, Birch Aquarium will debut its “Living Seas” exhibition on Thursday, May 22, which explores the Pacific through immersive displays like the Open Ocean and Tropical Coral habitats. It’s the largest capital improvement to the aquarium since it opened in 1992 and we can’t wait to sea it.
Traffic
An online petition with 1,300+ signatures is calling for the city to improve safety at a crash-prone, five-way intersection in University Heights. Supporters say a traffic study is needed where Normal Street meets Park and El Cajon boulevards, and it could be the ideal intersection for a “quick-build” roundabout. (KPBS)
Eat
Nobu del Coronado, the latest local celebrity restaurant, is now open at Hotel del Coronado. The Japanese restaurant founded by Chef Nobu Matsuhisa and actor Robert De Niro also has a Gaslamp Quarter location. The Coronado outpost is part of the final stretch of The Del’s $550 million revitalization.
Concert
Indie rock group Rilo Kiley featuring Jenny Lewis, Blake Sennett, Pierre de Reeder, and Jason Boesel is reuniting at Petco Park’s Gallagher Square on Friday, Oct. 17. Fans, here’s your “Silver Lining” — general public tickets go on sale tomorrow at 10 a.m.
Try This
Pinkies up.Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa will debut Tea in the Garden — a monthly afternoon tea series within its pretty gardens — this Sunday, May 18. Tickets cost $75 per person; more themed tea parties are planned for June 8, July 13, Aug. 10, Sept. 14, and Oct. 19.
Festival
Artivál — a free festival with more than 50 artists, live music, and food trucks — will debut on Main Street + Magnolia Avenue in downtown El Cajon on Saturday, June 7, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. The inaugural event aims to spotlight local creatives and the diversity of the East County community.
Zoo
We’re fawning over San Diego Zoo Safari Park’s newest resident. A male Père David’s deer fawn was born at Safari Park last month — the first Père David’s deer born there in 22 years. See the rare “leggy little” in the Asian Plains habitat next time you visit.
Sports
Pop off, El Niño. Fernando Tatis Jr.'s first career walk-off homer against the Angels was the stuff baseball dreams are made of. That ball went “deep into the San Diego night.” Go beyond the scoreboard and behind the scenes of the San Diego Padreswith Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Stat
50%. That’s how many dogs over the age of 10 will develop cancer in their lifetime. In addition to lots of tears, pet cancer care can cost you lots of money. Luckily,this pet insurance plan could reimburse you up to 90% on applicable pet care costs.*
1440 analyzes 100+ sources to create one fact-centric, concise newsletter that lands in your inbox each morning. Become the smartest person in the room by subscribing for free.*
The “Top Gun” vibe is strong at this San Diego bar + restaurant. | Photo via Monica Garske + SDtoday
Tomorrow marks 39 years since “Top Gun” was released. The 1986 film starring Tom Cruise + Kelly McGillis still takes our breath away.
Maybe it’s because everyone needs a wingman (love you forever, Goose). Maybe it’s the high-flying action. Maybe it’s the Charlie + Maverick love story. Or, maybe it’s because so much of the iconic movie was filmed right here in our city and that nostalgia is close to the hearts of many San Diegans (raises hand).
Whatever the appeal, it’s clear we’ll never lose that lovin’ feeling. We feel the need for a little “Top Gun” 101 — let’s cruise through some of the local sites seen in the movie.
This longtime Embarcadero sports bar + BBQ restaurant is where Goose (Anthony Edwards) and Maverick (Cruise) hop on the piano and play “Great Balls of Fire” as Carole (Meg Ryan) and Charlie (McGillis) sing along. If you’re streaming the movie, catch the location at around the 1:01 mark. See it again at 1:43 in the unforgettable “it’s looking good so far” ending.
Summertime’s humidity + extra time in the sunshine can take a toll on your hair. Add these five essentials to your haircare routine to keep your locks nourished all season long:
Hi, San Diego. I have one more debut to keep on your radar — The Bar at the Beau opens tomorrow at the restored Beau Hotel in downtown’s Gaslamp Quarter.
The hotel + restaurant are housed in a historic building (complete with original brickwork) that dates back to 1886. It once served as a speakeasy during Prohibition, so expect the cocktail menu to feature some nods to the past. I checked out The Bar at the Beau last night — head to our Instagram feed for a peek.
‡‡Please note: Comparison based on 12-month plan prices for compounded semaglutide from 12 leading competitors as of December 2024.
}})
}})
