We’re excited to announce that the SDtoday Holiday Gift Guide will return this November. Want first dibs on a feature? Lock in your spot now + get 20% off with code EARLYBIRD20. Hurry — this offer ends Wednesday, Oct. 1.
Finance
DIY home inspo for fall
Presented by Unison
Let’s talk renovations (and how to get the dough to make them happen). | Photo via Pexels
Fall is in the air, and we’re feeling revived. Anyone else? If cooler temps (and hot coffee) have you ready to get creative and start a project or two, you’re not alone.
Whether you want to go big and increase your home’s value or just spruce things up before the holidays, it’s a great time to get started.
Starting small
From switching out light bulbs to replacing your cabinet knobs + drawer pulls, you can boost comfort and value without breaking the bank. Here are 10 low-lift, high-impact ideas, all under $100.
Getting cooking
When you think about home renovations, which room comes to mind first? For many, it’s the kitchen, and for good reason — upgrades can go a long way, both for your own enjoyment and your home’s selling potential.
Hungry for inspo? The National Kitchen & Bath Association’s annual Kitchen Design Trends report is a great resource. Here’s what’s in for 2025:
Statement colors for backsplashes, islands, cabinets, and walls
Biophilic design, aka bringing the outdoors in (think: large windows for natural light + herb gardens)
Multifunctional appliances and mood lighting
Making it happen
Considering major renovations? Even if you plan to DIY, the costs can add up. Luckily, there are options out there, like HELOCs (Home Equity Lines of Credit) and Equity Sharing Home Loans.
Backed by research, this skincare restores skin vitality. | Photo by Timeline
As we age, skin loses the firmness and elasticity that gives it a youthful appearance. A key reason? Skin cells lose energy, hindering essential functions like collagen production.
Enter: Mito-Biotic™ Skincare from Timeline, clinically proven to energize skin cells and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by up to 15%.‡
See benefits in as little as 15 days and save 20%while supplies last.
Don’t forget — the deadline for San Diego residents to set up their customer accounts for trash + recycling services is Tuesday, Sept. 30. Residents can create an account on the city’s Trash Services website and select their service level. New bins will be delivered starting Monday, Oct. 6.
Watch
“One Battle After Another” starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Benicio del Toro, and Sean Penn hits theaters tomorrow, and some of the movie’s locations might feel familiar. The crew spent six weeks filming in San Diego County last year, including in Borrego Springs and near the US-Mexico border.
Opening
Yard House will debut its newest SD location this Sunday, Sept. 28 at Otay Ranch Center in Chula Vista. The restaurant features 90 beer taps and a menu with 80+ dishes, from poke nachos to tacos. It’s open daily, 11 a.m.-midnight, and offers happy hour, too.
Edu
San Diego Unified School District opened its priority Choice Enrollment window this week for families who want to select a school other than their neighborhood school for the 2026-2027 academic year. Applications will be accepted through Monday, Nov. 3 and entered into an electronic lottery system.
The Word
Galacticoaster. That’s the name of Legoland California Resort’s new space-themed, indoor roller coaster set to debut in early 2026. The Carlsbad theme park released a sneak peek of crews installing the ride’s 1,500-ft track in Fun Town, which will eventually zip through cosmic scenes in the LEGO galaxy.
Concert
Grammy-winning singer Ed Sheeran will bring his 2026 North American “LOOP Tour” to 22 cities, including San Diego. The “Perfect” and “Photograph” crooner will headline Petco Park on July 21, 2026. General public tickets go on sale tomorrow at 10 a.m. (Deadline)
State
California’s Clean Air Vehicle decal program, which gives electric vehicle drivers access to carpool lanes even if they’re driving solo, expires on Tuesday, Sept. 30. Starting Wednesday, Oct. 1, California Highway Patrol can issue tickets to EVs using the lanes without at least two occupants. (The Mercury News)
Sports
The Padres clinched a playoff spot in dramatic fashion (see photo evidence below). Can the team make a deep postseason run? Go beyond the scoreboard and behind the scenes of the San Diego Padreswith Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Whether you’re a small business looking to grow your team or a large company filling a key role, SDtoday Job Board can connect you with engaged, qualified locals who are ready to work. Post your open roles for free + watch the applications roll in.
Listen
With autumn comes crowd-favorite fall festivals + so much live music (we’re ready to jam out at CRSSD Festival). Luckily, these hearing aids are the world’s first with multi-stream processing, designed to help you engage in conversations effortlessly (even in noisy environments).*
Edu
Discover your creative potential with Inward & Artward School of Creativity’s online classes this fall. Engage in courses like Creativity & Personal Mythology and Writers Accountability Groups to build resilience and sustain inspiration. Plus, apply for the 2026 hybrid Creative Facilitator Training for a unique learning journey. Enroll.*
With California still experiencing record-breaking heat waves, the last thing you need is a $10,000 HVAC repair bill (no, we didn’t accidentally add an extra zero there). Luckily, this leading company is offering 50% off select plans — get your free quote. See disclaimers forimportant consumer information.*
October is an especially good time to be a kid in SD. | Photo via Justin Galloway + San Diego Museum Council
We already know San Diego is kid-friendly, but every October, America’s Finest City is a true parentdise for curious kiddos and families.
The San Diego Museum Council and San Diego Tourism Authority partner to host Kids Free San Diego, a program that offers free admission to 60+ local museums and attractions to kids age 12 and under with a paid adult admission from Oct. 1 to Oct. 31.
Here are 20 freebies you don’t want to miss — just download your Kids Free coupons and print the pass or show it on your phone at any participating museum to score the deal.
Our home team will return to the postseason for the fourth time in six years — and the first time they’ve had back-to-back playoff appearances since the 2005-2006 seasons. Catch up on what’s next for the Padres’ postseason.
“We’re in — I think right in the beginning of — the best era of Padres baseball,” said manager Mike Shildt.
A HEPA air purifier that’s 60% off for a limited time. We love that style is not compromised for function — it features a sleek exterior + eliminates 99.97% of air particles so you can have an odor and dust-free environment.
The fun doesn’t have to end here. After reading the newsletter, head over to our games page. Games refresh with new challenges every day at 6 a.m. from crossword puzzle to Sudoku to themed word search.
The latest social media trend — “unfortunately, I do love…” — is all about embracing guilty pleasures, so let’s give it a whirl. San Diego style, of course.
Unfortunately, I do love…
Singing blink-182’s “All the Small Things” at the top of my lungs with fellow Padres fans at Petco Park, every time.
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