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Archive APRIL 3, 2019

Let’s Celebrate Doctors’ Day

Say thanks to your Scripps doctor (or whole team!) with a donation in their name

Let’s Celebrate Doctors’ Day

For Michael Timson, health was a team effort. After a diabetes diagnosis in 2014, Scripps Clinic put together a coordinated care dream team with not one, not two, but five skilled medical professionals. With their help, Timson was able to change the course of his disease. To say thanks, he made a donation to Scripps in honor of National Doctors’ Day in his caregivers’ names. Learn more about Doctors’ Day and how you can give a shout out to your Scripps physician here. Two-time cancer survivor Steve Young came up with a different way to express how grateful he was to his Scripps care team. He and his wife made a five-year commitment to Scripps MD Anderson Cancer Center. Read more about how they gave back here.

For more nutrition, wellness, and healthy living tips, sign up for the San Diego Health newsletter here.


San Diego Magazine has partnered with Scripps Health to bring you the stories behind some of the most innovative health care in America, happening right here in San Diego. Stay tuned for more inspiration from San Diego Health.

Let’s Celebrate Doctors’ Day

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Arts & Culture AUGUST 5, 2026

The Best of San Diego 2026: Readers’ Picks

From tacos to tailors and trainers to travel, these are the businesses, people, and places that earned San Diego readers' votes

The Best of San Diego 2026: Readers’ Picks
Photo Credit: Narrative Images

Beauty + Cosmetic

Brow Studio

Elicia Marie Beauty

Hair Removal Business (Non-Laser)

Brazilia Skin Care

Laser Hair Removal

San Diego Aesthetics and Med Spa

Lash + Brow Technician

Elicia Soltesz, Elicia Marie Beauty

Lash Studio

Cupid Complexion

Makeup Artist

Ashley Fierro, Ashley Fierro Makeup

Microblading Artist

Sunny Olais, Sunny Bee Brows

Microneedling

Michelle Langston, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC, HNB-BC, Starlite Aesthetics

Spa for Skin Care (Non–Med Spa)

Honest Skin

Spray Tan Artist

Alysa Espiritu, Afterglo Beauty Lounge

Spray Tan Studio

Afterglo Beauty Lounge

Waxer

Tracy McMaster, The Wax Lady

Cosmetic or Beauty Product: San Diego–Based

KOA+ROY

Barber

Ronnie Page, Gold Comb Barbershop North Park

Barbershop

Hillside Barber

Courtesy of The Blow Dry Lounge

Blow Dry Bar

The Blow Dry Lounge

Colorist (Balayage)

Mariela Urbina, Rinse Salon

Colorist (Highlights)

Ryleigh Hunter, Headbang Salon

Colorist (Single-Process)

Mariela Urbina, Rinse Salon

Hair Extensions

The Hair Extension Bar

Hair Salon

Pixiedot Salon

Hair Stylist

Ann Teresa Degischer, Maen the Salon

Keratin or Smoothing Treatment Specialist

Lindsay Axelrod, Pixiedot Salon

Scalp Treatment Specialist

Cheng Tan, Koda Salon

Manicurist

Moni, Clawed Up by Moni

Nail Salon

Lulu Nails

Pedicurist

Zoe Walter, Pure Nailz

Piercing Studio

Enigma

Tattoo Artist

Lauren Skinker, Lucky Cat Tattoo

Tattoo Studio

Lucky Cat Tattoo

Courtesy of SUVA Fitness

Fitness

5K Run

Father Joe’s Villages Turkey Trot

Aerial Fitness Studio

Aerial Revolution

Barre Studio

barre3

Best New Class/Program, Opened 2025

SUVA Fitness

Best New Fitness Studio, Opened 2025

Sculpted. A Lagree Studio

Body Sculpting Studio

Move Madly

Boutique Gym

MK Fitness

Boxing Studio

City Boxing

Climbing Gym (Indoor Rock Climbing)

Mesa Rim Climbing

CrossFit Studio

Invictus Fitness

Dance Studio

Madhouse Dance

Fitness Bootcamp

The Camp Transformation Center, West Chula Vista

Fun Run

San Diego Santa Run

Golf Clinic

Singing Hills Golf Club at Sycuan

Half Marathon

Carlsbad Half Marathon

HIIT Studio

Orangetheory Fitness

Kickboxing Studio

9Round Kickboxing Fitness

Lagree Studio

Rise Lagree Studio

Courtesy of Rock ‘n’ Roll San Diego

Marathon

Rock ‘n’ Roll San Diego

Martial Arts Studio (Including Jiu-Jitsu, Judo, Karate, Krav Maga, and MMA)

Legacy San Diego

Personal Trainer

Camila Casanueva, The Yard Gym

Pickleball Courts

Barnes Tennis Center

Pickleball Lessons

The Hub Pickleball Club

Pilates Studio

SaltVault

Pole Fitness Studio

The Dollhouse Fitness

Spin Studio

Activate House

Surf Lessons

Little Groms Surf Camp

Tennis Club

Balboa Tennis Club

Tennis Courts

La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club

Tennis Lessons

Mission Hills Tennis

Traditional Gym/Fitness Center

Fit Athletic Club

Triathlon

San Diego Triathlon Series

Yoga Studio

Yoga Box

Photo Credit: James Tran

Food + Drink

Açaí Bowl

everbowl

Bagel

Big City Bagels

Bakery

Valerio’s Bakeshop

Bar

Happy Medium

Bartender

Austin Harrington, Captain’s Quarters

Best Local Alt-Drink, Alcoholic

Bivouac Ciderworks, Savoy Dry Apple Cider

Best New Bar Opened 2025

Kiku Room

Best New Brewery Opened 2025

Good Pressure Brewing Company

Birria

Birria El Rey

Bloody Mary

Waterfront Grill

Bread

Izola

Brewery

Harland Brewing Company

Burrito

The Taco Stand

Canned Cocktails

Cutwater

Caterer

Snake Oil Cocktail Company

Cheese Shop

Venissimo Cheese

Chips & Salsa

La Puerta

Chocolate Shop

San Diego Chocolate Co.

Coffee Beans/Roaster

Bird Rock Coffee Roasters

Craft Cocktails

Happy Medium

Distillery

Cutwater

Dive Bar

Aero Club

Donuts

Nomad Donuts

Farmers Market

Little Italy Mercato

Farmers Market Food Vendor

Flavors of East Africa

Fish Market

Tunaville Market and Grocery

Fish Taco

Oscars Mexican Seafood

Food Truck

Shawarma Guys

Fries

The Crack Shack

Gourmet Grocery Store

Lazy Acres

Happy Hour

La Puerta

Ice Cream/Gelato

Stella Jean’s

Juice Bar

Señor Mangos

Kombucha

Juneshine

Liquor Store

Old Town Liquor

Local Agave Spirits (Tequila/Mezcal)

Bebemos

Local Beer

Pure Project

Courtesy of Seven Caves Distillery

Local Gin

Seven Caves Distillery

Local Vodka

619 Spirits North Park

Local Whiskey

Skrewball Whiskey

Local Wine

Bernardo Winery

Margarita

Cantina Mayahuel

Martini

Turf Supper Club

Mocktails

Juniper and Ivy

Negroni

Sonny’s Pizza

Old Fashioned

Cowboy Star

Pasta

Pazza Market & Cucina

Phở

Phở Ca Dao

Pizza

Tribute Pizza

Pop Up

Mon Chourie

Produce Market

Specialty Produce

Romantic Bar

Starlite

Rooftop Bar

Communion

Sandwich

Big Jim’s Roast Beef

Smoothies

Señor Mangos

Sommelier

Missi Burns, Et Voila

Speakeasy

Raised by Wolves

Specialty Food Store

The Wise Ox

Sports Bar

Fairplay

Taco

Tacos El Gordo

Taproom/Tasting Room

Pure Project

Tequila/Mezcal Bar

Cantina Mayahuel

Whiskey Bar

Seven Grand

Wine Bar

Finca

Wine Store

Vino Carta

Winery

Gianni Buonomo Vintners

Wings

OB Noodle House

Courtesy of Four Moons Spa

Health + Wellness

Aesthetics + Med Spas: Aesthetician for Facials/Peels/Non-Medical Skincare

Cara Paymaster, CARA Studios

Aesthetics + Med Spas: CoolSculpting/Body Contouring Clinic

Cosmetic Laser Dermatology

Aesthetics + Med Spas: Hormone Therapy/Anti-Aging Clinic

Prospera Internal Medicine and Aesthetics

Aesthetics + Med Spas: IV Therapy/Hydration Lounge

San Diego Aesthetics and Med Spa

Everything SD JULY 31, 2026

The Best of San Diego 2026: Health & Outdoors

From getting your sweat on at hip-hop class to celebrating with a zero-proof cocktail, here are San Diego's top fitness and wellness spots

The Best of San Diego 2026: Health & Outdoors
Photo Credit: Brett Butterstein

Best We Named It What for Why Oh Dear

Cush-pii

For thousands of years, the Kumeyaay who lived in this area called a mountain south of Julian Cush-pii, meaning “sharp peak.” Then, after the Civil War, Confederate sympathizers saw that same mountain and decided to rename it Stonewall Peak—after General Stonewall Jackson. The name stuck for nearly a century and a half, until Cuyamaca Rancho State Park announced earlier this year that the name will return to its original, Cush-pii. Hike to the summit for expansive views of the Coronado Islands to the west and Mexico to the south.

Courtesy of Culture Shock San Diego

Best Pop and Lock Spot

Culture Shock

In 1993, Angie Bunch gathered a group of hip-hop dancers—called Culture Shock Dance Troupe—and gave them a space to practice and perform. As hip hop grew through the ’90s, so did Culture Shock. It has since become a nonprofit, a space for young and old, beginner and expert dancers. Culture Shock has also expanded to Los Angeles, Oakland, Las Vegas, Chicago, Atlanta, New York City, and Washington, D.C., as well as Ottawa and Toronto, Canada.

Best Way to Sweat on a Lava Lamp

Yoga Box

In 2019, Amanda Leach created the Yoga Box method, which takes high-energy flows and adds strength-building poses in heated, vibey, lava-lamp-lit studios. What started on Grand Avenue in Pacific Beach has spread to 15 locations across the county, with even more trickling into Denver, Chicago, and Brooklyn. The best part? Mindfulness newbies who can’t touch their toes and six-packed contortionists can hang in the same class. You can customize each session based on your ability and fitness level.

Courtesy of Fit Athletic Club

Best Leg Day Turned Social Hour

Fit Mission Beach

A gym taking over a historic beachfront pool sounds like the setup for a new season of Love Island, but Fit Mission Beach operating the nearly 100-year-old Plunge at Belmont Park is real. The independent fitness brand has spent the past several years building a loyal following through group fitness classes, community events, and a members’ social club overlooking the ocean. Upstairs, members can work remotely, meet friends, or hang out long after their workout ends. Between the Plunge, the coworking-style lounge, and a packed calendar of events, Fit has evolved into something bigger than a gym. It’s a clubhouse for San Diego’s fitness crowd.

Best Place to Learn What a Vagus Is

Breathe Degrees

The wellness world is finally transitioning away from HIIT workouts and cult-like spin classes, where your heart rate hits Zone 5 within minutes and stays there until cooldown. Good. At Breathe Degrees, wellness takes the form of zenned-out communal breathing sessions or vagus nerve–activating cold plunges. Breathwork is said to boost your mood in the short term and improve your heart health in the long term, and maybe that’s why everyone’s coming back for more. You can’t run into someone in Carlsbad who hasn’t dropped into at least one breathwork session, and now the studio has opened a second location in Liberty Station.

Photo Credit: Shot On Us

Best Pilates Studio for People With Tiny Roommates

Soul Pilates and Care

Pilates wasn’t just popular this year; it was practically a requirement for maintaining your San Diego residency. New studios seemed to appear weekly across San Diego, each promising stronger cores and better posture, but Soul Pilates and Care found a way to stand out by addressing a challenge many parents know well: finding time to exercise at all. Fitness doesn’t have to compete with parenting responsibilities. Parents can drop their kids off with trained caregivers while they head into reformer classes, eliminating one of the biggest barriers to working out. The studio has earned strong reviews for both its instruction and family-friendly approach.

Best Million-Dollar Massage

Spa at The Del

The Hotel del Coronado’s sweeping $550 million restoration touched nearly every corner of the historic resort, but one of the most anticipated unveilils was the debut of its redesigned spa. The oceanfront wellness destination now features 21 treatment rooms, a relaxation lounge, a sauna, steam room, and a treatment menu inspired by the coastal environment just steps away. The redesign blends the Del’s Victorian legacy with a cleaner, more contemporary aesthetic, creating a space that feels distinctly SoCal rather than generic luxury hotel. For locals who don’t have time for a vacation, it’s the next best thing.

Best Cheers Without Beers

Good News Bar

As non-alcoholic beverages continue their meteoric rise, Good News Bar has become one of San Diego’s most compelling arguments for a booze-free evening. The University Heights hotspot serves a menu of carefully crafted zero-proof cocktails that borrow techniques and ingredients from traditional cocktail programs (it’s not just fancy juices and soda water), minus the hangover. The space also hosts regular community events and has quickly become a gathering place for everyone from sober San Diegans to the merely sober-curious. In a nightlife industry built around alcohol sales, Good News proved there’s plenty of demand for connection without the buzz.

Everything SD JULY 22, 2026

There’s a New SPF for Men Called 4-Skin (Yes, Really!)

Why a well-known San Diego restaurateur launched a skincare brand with a name you can’t unhear

There’s a New SPF for Men Called 4-Skin (Yes, Really!)
Courtesy of 4-Skin

In Mexico for a wedding, a friend got a tourist-level sunburn. One of San Diego’s top restaurateurs—Arturo Kassel, founder of Catania and Gravity Heights—was on hand. He made a joke about how basic sunscreen literacy seems to be a male-pattern blindness.

“I said, ‘You know what? I’m going to start a men’s sunscreen brand, and I’m going to call it 4-Skin—because men are dicks and they need to cover up,’” he explains. “We spent the whole weekend thinking of puns and innuendos for this hypothetical brand we were never actually going to launch.”

The joke refused to die. Days later, one of the Mexico-wedding friends—a top marketer in the city—called Kassel and said the highly intentional dude humor might have a couple top notes of genius. So Kassel did a little digging into men and very basic skincare/sunscreen usage. Turns out, 1 in 29 are at risk of developing melanoma compared to 1 in 40 women.

“I was shocked to learn that only about one in 10 men actively use sunscreen, and that’s at the beach, on the golf course, or at the pool, when you’re going to get fried,” he says. “Daily use is essentially nonexistent.” During the process, Kassel became part of the story.

“My dermatologist called and told me I had basal cell carcinoma,” he says. “At that point, it went from being a business to a very personal mission. I became determined to move the needle when it comes to men’s apathy toward sunscreen.” And so—hundreds of hours later, including a still-going crash course on launching a CPG brand—a local restaurateur launched a jarringly named sunscreen and moisturizer for men. Broad spectrum, high-quality, SPF 50, lightweight, goes on clear, all the things. The daily-use morning routine version is called Morning Rub. Of course it is.

Kassel reached out to his friend Troy Johnson—San Diego Magazine co-owner and co-founder of Here We Are Studios,—to collaborate on creating two commercials for the brand. They launched July weekend. Friends went down to the beach to talk to strangers about their 4-Skin. Awkward, funny, and if all goes to plan: making men rethink their relationship to the blazing ouchie star in the sky. 

“4-Skin is funny as a brand, but there’s nothing funny about skin cancer,” says Kassel. “That’s the one-two punch: we got your attention, maybe we made you laugh. And now we can tell you something that might extend your life.”

For this special-edition podcast from Here We Are Studios, Troy and Arturo sit down and tell the entire story of how a joke became a brand with a serious mission.

Studio S JULY 25, 2026

These San Diego Companies Are Driving the Region’s Next Wave of Growth

This month, the 2026 San Diego Business Impact Awards recognized local businesses making an impact in clean energy, biotech, hospitality, and beyond

These San Diego Companies Are Driving the Region’s Next Wave of Growth
Photo Credit: Matt Furman

Renewable energy companies building hundreds of power plants. Biotech startups using artificial intelligence to create personalized medicine for children with rare diseases. Hospitality companies quietly powering thousands of local events. Consumer brands growing from beach-town startups into national businesses. These are the kinds of companies driving San Diego’s economy today, and the businesses recognized at this year’s San Diego Business Impact Awards offer a snapshot of where the region is headed.

Hosted July 23 by San Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation (EDC) and JPMorganChase, the second annual awards event honored four local companies for innovation, growth, and economic impact. More than 100 nominations from San Diego’s middle-market businesses were reviewed by a 10-person judging committee, with winners selected across four categories: startup, early-stage innovator, rising star, and established heavyweight.

Two-time honoree Jimbo Someck, founder of Jimbo’s organic grocery stores, also joined the event for a fireside chat on buying local, supporting emerging brands, and giving back to the community.

“San Diego’s strength comes from its makers and builders—the resilient people who endure great risks and overcome obstacles to build and scale a company,” says Aaron Ryan, San Diego Region Manager and Middle Market Banking at JPMorganChase & Co. “These awards aren’t just recognition; they spotlight the talent, grit, and innovation shaping our region’s future. By celebrating those who create and build, we foster connections and fuel the growth that keeps San Diego thriving.”

Photo Credit: Matt Furman

Building the Infrastructure Behind Clean Energy

Heavyweight honoree SOLV Energy has grown alongside the country’s rapid investment in renewable power. “It’s an exciting time for SOLV Energy as we are experiencing significant growth,” says CEO George Hershman. “The business has doubled over the last year and has almost double-digit growth since its inception.”

The Rancho Bernardo-based company designs, builds, operates, and maintains utility-scale solar and energy storage facilities. Since its founding in 2008, SOLV Energy has built more than 500 power plants.

Growth has translated directly into hiring. About 200 employees work from the company’s local headquarters, including roughly 20 interns. “Our intern program is a big part of the way that we grow our workforce,” Hershman says. “Last year, 43 percent of our interns became full-time employees. We believe San Diego is a great community to build and grow a high-tech infrastructure and technology company because of the incredible workforce—the ability to attract top talent and draw from world-class universities.”

Photo Credit: Matt Furman

Developing Medicine One Patient at a Time

Startup honoree La Jolla Labs is tackling one of medicine’s biggest challenges by developing personalized RNA therapeutics for patients with rare diseases—many of them children with neurological disorders like ALS. Using proprietary artificial intelligence and machine learning tools, the biotech company develops treatments tailored to each patient’s specific genetic mutation.

CEO Tamar Grossman says the recognition reflects how far the company has come despite limited resources. “We’re honored to be recognized for our ability to change and save patients’ lives and turn our lean startup into a clinical company with very minimal resources,” she says.

Grossman credits San Diego’s concentration of research institutions—including UC San Diego, the Salk Institute, and Scripps Research—with creating a pipeline of talent and collaboration. “San Diego is one of the world-leading centers for technology, genomics, and RNA therapeutics,” she says. “We have over 30 RNA therapeutics companies here, and we support each other and help with anything related to drug discovery.”

She says that collaborative spirit extends beyond formal partnerships. “You can walk around Torrey Pines, go into a café, and find colleagues from the industry and have an ad hoc conversation,” Grossman says. “That’s something very unique to San Diego.”

Photo Credit: Matt Furman

Powering San Diego’s Special Celebrations

While Snake Oil Venue Company may not be a household name, chances are many San Diegans have attended one of its events. The early-stage innovator honoree has expanded from beverage catering and mixology consulting into venue management, operating Julep Venue in Mission Hills, Bramble Bay Venue in Imperial Beach, Vesper Venue, the Chapel at Liberty Station, and five outdoor venues throughout Liberty Station—more than 500,000 square feet of event space altogether.

“We do a lot of launch parties for corporations and new products,” says CEO Mike Esposito. “I really like working on the entrepreneur side of things, where new businesses are entering the San Diego market and looking to make a splash.”

Snake Oil has executed more than 16,000 events, employed more than 1,000 people, and partnered with more than 900 local vendors, including caterers, florists, photographers, entertainers, and other hospitality businesses. The company also works with many of San Diego’s nonprofits, museums, and cultural institutions. “We get to celebrate people’s most important moments,” Esposito says. “Whether that’s a wedding, celebration of life, or quinceañera, we’re fortunate to be involved in the community in so many different ways.”

Photo Credit: Matt Furman
Photo Credit: Matt Furman

Growing a Beach-Town Brand into a National Business

Rising star honoree ALOHA Collection is proof that a simple idea can grow into a thriving company. Founded by two roommates who wanted a better way to carry wet swimsuits after a day at the beach, the lifestyle brand has grown into a business while maintaining strong year-over-year growth.

Now headquartered in Carlsbad, ALOHA Collection employs more than 100 people and operates its California flagship store in Encinitas, which is slated for a remodel. With roots in Hawaii, the company is known for its lightweight, splash-proof travel bags that have become a familiar sight on beaches in San Diego and beyond.

“‘Aloha’ is part of our name, but it’s also how we move through the world,” says CEO Lynna Barnard. “It’s how we show up for people, the way we travel, the way we give back.” Since day one, the company has maintained a 5 percent giveback to Hawaii conservation efforts, contributing millions of dollars over the years.

“I think what’s so inspiring about ALOHA Collection, and the founders in particular, is when you dream big, those dreams can come true when you work hard and trust in the universe,” Barnard says. “It’s inspiring to be a role model for other people wanting to start businesses from humble beginnings. Start small and watch it grow.”

Together, businesses like these form a cornerstone of San Diego’s economy—not only through the jobs and revenue they generate—but through the local workers they hire, vendors they support, and investments they make in the region. Their growth doesn’t happen in isolation; it ripples outward, strengthening the broader business community and the people who call San Diego home.

Photo Credit: Matt Furman

Partner Content
Everything SD JULY 17, 2026

10 Local Skincare Products We’re Loving Right Now

For a city that lives outdoors, these hometown makers understand exactly what your complexion is up against

10 Local Skincare Products We’re Loving Right Now
Courtesy of Saffron & Sage

San Diego has always worshipped at the altar of good skin. Equal parts surf town, biotech hub, and wellness capital, it’s a city where lunch breaks become beach walks and sunscreen sits beside car keys by the front door. The products that get used here earn their place. With 266 sunny days a year and one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the country, we take skincare seriously. Dr. Bronner’s has been making soap in North County since the 1960s. Sun Bum was born in Encinitas and is now on shelves in over 70 countries. The tradition runs deep.

The best skincare routine for sun protection according to dermatologists featuring someone putting on sunscreen

“Living in San Diego means your skin is exposed to sun almost every day of the year,” says Sue Zhang, M.D., a San Diego physician specializing in aesthetic medicine. “The products that tend to succeed here are the ones that can keep up with daily life, UV exposure, sweat, and movement, while still supporting long-term skin health.”

From a mineral powder that solves the sunscreen-over-makeup problem to an acorn oil serum rooted in Indigenous plant medicine, the local San Diego shelf is more diverse, and comprehensive, than most of us realize.

Courtesy of Kopari

Kopari

Sun Shield Body Glow SPF

A hydrating gel-oil hybrid that applies like a body treatment and leaves skin with a sheen that reads as healthy rather than oily. La Jolla–founded Kopari built its reputation on cold-pressed coconut oil sourced from family farms in the Philippines, and the Sun Shield Body Glow SPF is exactly that in summer form: coverage that doubles as skincare.

4-Skin

Morning Rub

The name is intentional. The founder got a basal cell carcinoma diagnosis that his dermatologist caught—she’s now his business partner. The question he couldn’t shake was why the skincare industry hadn’t yet figured out how to talk to men, and 4-Skin is the answer: a premium sunscreen and skincare line built around the kind of blunt, self-aware humor that gets guys to pay attention. Men’s skincare has needed this for a long time, and the formulas are serious enough to deliver.

Courtesy of Coola

Coola

Classic Face Sunscreen SPF 50

Carlsbad-based Coola was formulating organic SPF before “clean sunscreen” was a marketing category, and the Classic Face Sunscreen is the brand’s thesis: protection that disappears into skin and layers cleanly under makeup. Sheer and lightly hydrating, it makes sunscreen easy to reapply before an afternoon walk at Torrey Pines.

Saffron and Sage

Glow Finishing Oil

Squalane, argan, jojoba, and CoQ10: a short ingredient list that does a lot. The Glow Finishing Oil from Mission Hills wellness sanctuary Saffron and Sage is plant-based, scientifically grounded, and formulated to absorb rather than sit on the skin. The brand started as an integrative health practice where acupuncture, naturopathic care, and functional medicine share a roof, and the skincare line runs on the same philosophy.

Courtesy of Alastin

Alastin

Restorative Skin Complex with TriHex+

The Restorative Skin Complex is powered by TriHex+, a patented peptide blend developed by Carlsbad-based Alastin’s team of SkinMedica veterans. It promises to clear out damaged collagen and elastin while supporting new production, the kind of gradual improvement that makes a product hard to quit.

Courtesy of Dehiya Beauty

Dehiya Beauty

Alia Jouj Liquid Argan Beldi Cleanser

Beldi is a multi-functional cleansing tradition rooted in Moroccan hammam culture, dating back over 12 centuries. Alia Jouj is the brand’s flagship product, and San Diego–based founder Dr. Mia Chae Reddy built a brand around it. Alia Jouj uses 100 percent organic, cold-pressed argan oil and the same ancient saponification method to produce a honey-thick liquid cleanser that softens skin without stripping it.

Courtesy of N8iV Beauty

N8iV Beauty

Móyla Moon Polish

Acorn oil has been used by California’s Indigenous communities as plant medicine for generations. Ruth-Ann Thorn, an enrolled member of the Rincon Band of Luiseño Indians, built N8iV around it as the first Native American–owned skincare brand to reach the national mainstream. The Móyla Moon Polish, named for the Luiseño word for moon, is an exfoliant centered on acorn oil Thorn gathers herself each year from the La Jolla reservation. Find it at the Gaslamp Quarter store Thorn owns at the historic Yuma Building.

Courtesy of Colorescience

Colorescience

Sunforgettable Total Protection Brush-On Shield SPF 50

This product solved the reapplication problem. As a brush applicator, this mineral SPF goes over makeup without disturbing it, which is why it has been on derm-office retail shelves in Carlsbad and beyond for over two decades. The tinted version doubles as foundation.

Courtesy of Tubby Todd

Tubby Todd

All Over Ointment

This steroid-free, petroleum-free eczema treatment was built specifically for babies and toddlers (although grown-ups can use it, too). It’s centered on FDA-approved 1 percent colloidal oatmeal with a base of sunflower seed oil, beeswax, and jojoba. The “linoleic-acid-rich sunflower oil is helpful for atopic, eczema-prone skin that is often deficient in that fatty acid,” says Dr. Zhang. Gentle enough for newborns, safe for daily use, and tested by both pediatricians and dermatologists.

Korej

The Mandelic Night Serum

The Mandelic Night Serum pairs mandelic acid, an AHA derived from almonds and gentler than glycolic acid on sensitive skin, with lactic acid, niacinamide, and urea to brighten, smooth texture, and reduce breakouts overnight. Fragrance-free, vegan, cruelty-free. The brand name is the initials of the founder’s five daughters, pronounced like courage. Dr. Zhang also says she “really value[s] [the founder’s] mission to create pregnancy-safe skincare products that are both effective and wallet-friendly.”

Ingrid Yang

About Ingrid Yang

Ingrid Yang, M.D., J.D. is a hospital-based physician in San Diego, CA, certified yoga therapist, and longevity specialist. She loves *double hearts* San Diego and spends her days helping people fully engage in long, healthy lives through evidence-based lifestyle medicine. Her books include Adaptive Yoga, Zen Mindfulness, and Hatha Yoga Asanas. When she’s not leading international wellness retreats, she is chasing sunsets, handstanding in nature, or geeking out over mitochondria.

Everything SD JULY 13, 2026

San Diego Neighborhood Guide: Rancho Santa Fe

Explore restaurants, activities, and shops within this affluent North County community

San Diego Neighborhood Guide: Rancho Santa Fe
Courtesy of the Inn at Rancho Santa Fe

The inland North County community of Rancho Santa Fe is often associated with wealth. It’s one of San Diego’s most expensive residential markets and is consistently ranked one of the highest-income zip codes in California and the U.S. Rancho Santa Fe is known for its large equestrian community including riding facilities and horse trails, as well as its country club lifestyle and associated golf courses.

At the center of this luxury master-planned community is a small, walkable downtown area referred to as the “village,” with The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe acting as both a landmark and social hub. Much of the community, including the historic Inn, was designed by acclaimed architect Lilian Rice, one of California’s earliest female architects. The Spanish Colonial-style architecture she brought to the village is still one of its defining characteristics today.  

Whether you’re coming to Rancho Santa Fe for golf, horseback riding, or pampering at a resort spa, be sure to start with a short walk around the village to take in the neighborhood’s charm. Plan your next visit here with our neighborhood guide to the area’s best restaurants, things to do, and shopping.

Jump To: Restaurants | Things to Do | Shopping

Courtesy of Goli

Rancho Santa Fe Restaurants, Bars, and Coffee Shops

The Pony Room

Families congregate at The Pony Room for elevated California ranch-style cuisine. Lamb lollipops, carne asada tacos, burgers, and weekly dinner specials are offered here, alongside an extensive collection of wine and spirits (especially tequila) and sizeable kids menus. As the signature restaurant of Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa, this all-day eatery is a lively centerpiece of the local social scene.

5921 Valencia Circle

Mille Fleurs

The piano bar at Mille Fleurs is the buzziest spot to be on Friday and Saturday nights in Rancho Santa Fe. French classics like escargot, lobster bisque, duck confit, and steak frites are the main dinner attractions at this local institution that has been around for more than 40 years. Spring for the four-course prix fixe menu before nabbing a coveted bar seat near the piano entertainer.

6009 Paseo Delicias

Nick & G’s Restaurant

Nick & G’s is one of the most prominent restaurants in the village, with an outdoor patio that overlooks the main thoroughfare. Enjoy modern Italian food, steaks, and seafood dishes here, including homemade pasta, pizza, wagyu beef, and oysters. Be sure to check their live music schedule and events calendar for the latest happenings.

6106 Paseo Delicias

Lilian’s

Named after renowned architect and planner Lilian Rice, Lilian’s is The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe’s flagship restaurant. Their upscale menus feature sustainable seafood, grass-fed meats, local produce, and even sushi rolls during dinner. Outdoor seating provides a bird’s-eye view of the village and an elegant backdrop for weekend brunch. Stop by Bing’s Bar (a nod to Bing Crosby) for craft cocktails, beer, wine, and light bites in a refined setting.

5951 Linea Del Cielo

Thyme in the Ranch

Quaint cafe and bakery Thyme in the Ranch serves a small selection of breakfast and lunch items (don’t miss the tarragon chicken salad), but is perhaps best known for its pastries and baked goods. Cakes, pies, muffins, scones, and cookies fly off the shelves here, where locals come for special occasions, parties, and group catering orders.  

16905 Avenida De Acacias

Paseo RSF

Located inside a historic building once home to Rancho Santa Fe’s original schoolhouse, Paseo RSF is one of the village’s newest dining options. The charming American bistro has pasta, salads, burgers, meat and seafood entrees, plus a thoughtfully selected California wine list and new sushi and omakase program. Kids and dogs are both welcome here.

6024 Paseo Delicias, Suite C

Rancho Roasters

Grab a quick coffee to go from this walk-up window in the same shopping center as the post office. Cinnamon roll lattes, cold brew, spiced chai, smoothies, protein bowls, and more can be found at Rancho Roasters, where they brew beans from Dark Horse Coffee.

16950 Via De Santa Fe

Goli Pizza

Casual pizzeria and martini bar Goli is a popular spot for catching the latest sports games. Order one of their unique specialty pizzas like the Casbah with hummus and veggies, build your own pizza or burger, or go with one of their hearty wraps that’s made with an extra thin version of pizza dough.

18021 Calle Ambiente, Suite 403

Cocina del Rancho

Find generous portions of Mexican food at Cocina del Rancho, run by the same owners as Carlsbad’s Cicciotti’s Trattoria Italiana and Village Kabob. Get classic dishes like burritos, tacos, and enchiladas, plus their specialty items including pulpo, carne asada, and fajitas with lobster tail. Don’t skip the margaritas.

16089 San Dieguito Road

Chino Farm Stand

Kai Oliver-Kurtin is a San Diego-based writer who covers travel, dining, events, and culture. Her writing has been published in USA Today, Condé Nast Traveler, Fodor's Travel, Marie Claire, and HuffPost, among others.

Partner Content AUGUST 6, 2026

Exploring the Frontiers of Biotechnology: How Research-Focused Companies Support Scientific Discovery

Biotechnology is one of the most dynamic and rapidly evolving fields in modern science.

Exploring the Frontiers of Biotechnology: How Research-Focused Companies Support Scientific Discovery
Sam Sulek, co-owner of NewBioRX | Courtesy of NewBioRX

From advancements in cellular biology and molecular research to innovations that deepen our understanding of complex biological systems, biotechnology continues to influence how researchers explore some of science’s most important questions.

While major discoveries often capture headlines, the process behind those breakthroughs receives far less attention. Scientific progress depends on a vast network of researchers, laboratories, manufacturers, and specialized organizations working together to support ongoing investigation and discovery.

The Growing Importance of Biotechnology

In recent years, biotechnology has moved beyond the walls of research institutions and into mainstream conversation. Increased access to scientific information, educational content, and expert commentary has sparked growing public interest in the biological sciences.

Topics once discussed primarily within academic circles are now reaching broader audiences through podcasts, documentaries, digital media, and online communities. As a result, more people are developing an appreciation for the research, experimentation, and innovation that drive scientific advancement.

This growing visibility has transformed biotechnology from a largely specialized field into a subject of interest for educators, innovators, investors, and curious observers alike.

The Hidden Infrastructure Behind Discovery

Scientific breakthroughs often capture public attention, but the infrastructure that makes those breakthroughs possible rarely receives the same recognition. Behind every new discovery are years of investigation, testing, analysis, and refinement.

Behind nearly every research project is a network of laboratories, suppliers, technical specialists, and research-focused organizations working together to support scientific exploration. Laboratory infrastructure, specialized materials, quality standards, and reliable methodologies all contribute to the integrity of the research process.

When these foundational elements are in place, researchers can focus on generating insights, exploring new ideas, and building upon existing knowledge. Although much of this work occurs behind the scenes, it plays a critical role in helping science move forward.

Why Discovery Depends on More Than Researchers Alone

As biotechnology continues to evolve, research-focused organizations have become increasingly important contributors to the broader scientific ecosystem.

Among them is NewBioRx, a company operating within the biotechnology and life sciences sector. Like many organizations operating within the broader research ecosystem, NewBioRx contributes to the network of suppliers, laboratories, and scientific stakeholders that help support ongoing research efforts.

As scientific research becomes increasingly sophisticated, organizations that help support the research environment contribute to a culture where innovation can continue to thrive. Their work may not always be visible to the public, but it forms part of the foundation that enables scientific progress.

Why Science Is Reaching Wider Audiences

One of the most notable developments in recent years has been the growing public fascination with science and human biology.

Scientific concepts that were once primarily discussed within research settings are now reaching wider audiences through educational content, podcasts, digital media, and online communities. People are becoming increasingly interested not only in scientific outcomes, but also in the process of discovery itself.

The growing visibility of science has also created new connections between scientific communities and broader audiences. Individuals who operate across multiple worlds—including fitness, media, and life sciences—have helped introduce scientific topics to audiences that may not have engaged with them previously.

One example is Sam Sulek, co-founder of NewBioRx, whose involvement across fitness culture and the life sciences sector reflects the growing intersection between public curiosity and scientific exploration.

As co-founder of NewBioRx, he has helped champion a research-focused approach to scientific inquiry while supporting broader conversations around scientific literacy and discovery.

As scientific discovery becomes increasingly collaborative, public attention is beginning to extend beyond individual breakthroughs and toward the broader ecosystem that makes those breakthroughs possible. From researchers and laboratories to the organizations that support them, scientific progress remains a collective effort built on curiosity, expertise, and long-term commitment.

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