The world lost an icon when the Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll, Tina Turner, passed away on May 24. The trailblazing singer, actress, and author’s life is celebrated in the new musical, TINA–The Tina Turner Musical, which runs July 25–30 at the San Diego Civic Theatre. From her humble beginnings in Brownsville, TN, to her tumultuous relationship with Ike Turner and a triumphant comeback that cemented her reputation as one of the greatest musical acts of our time, Tina was simply the best.
Pickleball Courts Westfield UTC
Pickleball’s In Your Court
The pickleball craze shows no signs of slowing down, and, for a limited time, you can hit the courts at Westfield UTC. Open through July, the mall’s three regulation-size pickleball courts (located above True Food Kitchen) are available on a first-come, first-serve basis—no pun intended. Bring your own gear and show off your skills during regular daylight hours. Use of the courts is complimentary.
Oddish Wine Bay Park Winery
Photo Credit: Danielle Adams
Nothing “Oddish” About It
As co-founders of Lost Cause Meadery, Bill and Suzanna Betz know their way around a fermenter. Recently, the duo opened another drinking establishment: Oddish Wine in Bay Park. Specializing in minimal intervention wines made with Southern California grapes, Oddish also offers an array of ciders, spritzes, vermouth, and amari (gotta catch ’em all). Nestled next to Lost Cause, Oddish is located at the Gärten, a multi-vendor space that also includes Pizza Cassette and Deft Brewing.
Malibu Dream Lounge SDCC 2023 – XLE Productions
Courtesy of XLE Productions
Come On, Barbie, Let’s Go Party
Bring your retro, Barbiecore dreams to life at the Malibu Dream Lounge pop-up during San Diego Comic-Con (July 19–21). To get in on the plastic action—held beneath Parq nightclub—reserve entry into any of XLE Productions’ Comic-Con parties (they all take place at Parq). During the day, reservation-holders can visit the lounge and enjoy themed cocktails (non-alcoholic sips are also available), photo ops, and immersive experiences. After dark, VIP guests can dance the night away to the sounds of DJ Atomic Blonde and get dolled up with glitter and cosmetics from viral TikTok sensation Designer Dust Co. Prices vary.
Jennifer Ianni is a long-time San Diego journalist whose work has appeared in the Los Angeles Times, PACIFIC magazine, Point Loma-OB Monthly, PB Monthly, and more. She’s a native San Diegan who loves puns, pop culture, dive bars, yoga, extra dirty martinis, walks with her dog, Luna, and hanging out with her nephew, Jay, and her niece, Siena.
A new, all-ages-friendly reason to brave the throngs of little humans at Legoland: Miniland San Diego—a Lego version of America’s finest city—has opened at the park with all of our favorite landmarks depicted in tiny plastic block form. Highlights include the Gaslamp sign, Coronado Bridge, San Diego Public Library, Petco Park, The San Diego Fair, and Santa Fe Depot.
Majorette
Grand Opening in Rolando
The team behind College Area’s beloved Scrimshaw Coffee just opened up a restaurant and bar further down El Cajon Boulevard in Rolando: Majorette. Picture a dog-friendly patio out front and classic bar fare with twists, including shared plates, sandwiches, and milkshakes for dessert. Highlights include the flat-top burger, dad’s beer snacks (tinned fish and saltines), a Cubano with slow-cooked mojo pork, house-made sausage, and sauerkraut.
McGills
Courtesy of Tony Hawk
A Skate Shop Begins Again
After 35 years, legendary Encinitas skate palace McGills Skate Shop has moved locations to 140 Encinitas Boulevard and recently reopened. Guests at the grand reopening included Tony Hawk, skate photographer (and SDM contributor) J. Grant Brittain, Rodney Mullen, and Bryce Wettstein. (In that legend-filled photo are, from left to right, Steve Caballero, Kevin Staab, Christian Hosoi, Stacy Peralta, Tony Hawk, Mike McGill, and Lance Mountain.)
Arawayuu
Photo Credit: Odom Media
Woven Together
Color fiends, rejoice: San Diego accessories brand Arawayuu just released its 2023 spring-summer collection. The local brand, run by founder Maria Salazar, who is originally from Colombia, sells handwoven mochila bags and clutches made by artisan women of the Wayuu tribe in La Guajira, Colombia. The new collection features neon versions of the company’s signature bags, bright tassel earrings, and yoga mat straps.
inHarmony
Getting Harmonized
The tech-assisted meditation tools from San Diego–based inHarmony help practitioners reach whatever higher level they seek. Its mindfulness gadgets, including hooked-up cushions, massage tables, and a brand-new sound lounge (all of the above in one), utilize sound, vibration, and frequency. Each device can be paired with inHarmony’s app featuring music meditations.
Jackie is a long-time freelance journalist covering cannabis, food/restaurants, travel, labor, wine, spirits, arts & culture, design, and other topics. Her work has been selected twice for Best American Travel Writing, and she has won a variety of national and local awards for her writing and reporting.
To the delight of anyone consistently underwhelmed by jarred sauces (me), an artisanal brand called Romolo & Remo has sprung up in City Heights. Their Roman-style tomato sauces are fit for pastas, pizzas, and anything else that requires red liquid gold. Chef Nico Del Guidice-Piña was raised in Rome, where his mom is from, returning to the United States in 2007 to live and attend high school in City Heights, where he’s been ever since. The sauces come in four varieties with either a garlic or basil base, each with a spicy option aided by chile de arbol. Hand-jarred (and delicious, I can confirm), the sauces are always vegan and gluten-free, with no added sugars.
SD Museum of Natural History – 50th Anniversary Canyoneers Program
Into the Wilderness
If dating app profiles are to be believed, hiking is easily one of the most popular activities among San Diegans. This month is the San Diego Museum of Natural History’s 50th anniversary of its Canyoneers program, comprised of volunteer naturalists who offer free, expert-guided hikes all over SD County. What began in 1973 as an advocacy group to help preserve Florida Canyon has evolved into a full-fledged program providing natural history interpretation and info on regional flora and fauna. A list of led hikes can be found online.
Nomadic, Presented by The Colony
Desert Dreaming
If you’ve been hearing about new stuff popping up in far East County, you’ve been hearing right. The latest opening is Nomadic, presented by The Colony, an artistic playground-slash-desert-resort with glamping, a geodesic dome, motel rooms, full RV hookups, customized park model homes, and an on-site arts collective. The park model homes are designed by Leslie K. Monroy, a local cannabis florist and installation artist, each with its own color and theme (’60s Sunrise Yellow, ’70s Afternoon Blue, ’80s Sunset Purple, and the others garden-themed). It’s in Jacumba Hot Springs, right past the Golden Acorn Casino.
Pop Up Picnic Co. – Picnic + Flowers
In Full Bloom
Bust out those wide-brimmed hats and floral digs: Pop Up Picnic Co. is hosting Picnics + Flowers through May 14 at Carlsbad’s The Flower Fields. The picnic series includes ranunculus-filled ocean views, a prix-fixe meal, a variety of non-alcoholic drinks like aguas frescas and iced teas, cold towel service, and a Polaroid photo. The picnics are also customizable for guests with accessibility limitations. There’ll be two seatings per day at 11:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Tickets available online for $125 per person.
Oh Glory Day Spa, North Park
Glory Be
A brand-new day spa, called Oh Glory, has arrived in North Park. Focusing on holistic treatments that incorporate acupuncture, facials targeting microbiome and cell regeneration, massage treatments that fuse intuitive modalities with traditional techniques, and powerful plant compounds like healing herbs, cold-pressed organic oils, and floral waters, the program is designed to bring peace to both body and mind. Owners (and best friends for 17 years) Jessica Anderson and Serena Kahlen have long careers in spa care: Kahlen, an esthetician for 20 years, owns La Jolla’sZio Skin Spa. Anderson has been a hairstylist for 20 years and owns Salvage Salon and the newly opened Lovesong Coffee next door to the spa.
Palihotel San Diego
Downtown Digs
Adding to the ever-growing list of posh lodgings debuting in the Gaslamp is Palihotel San Diego, a 122-room boutique hotel from the chic Palisociety portfolio. The site was originally built as the St. James Hotel in 1912—the transformed version has stylish, modern updates as well as design features that nod back to the building’s early 20th-century roots. The hotel also boasts a guest-only roof deck and a new restaurant, Saint James French Diner, which melds American diner-style food with French bistro classics.
Jackie is a long-time freelance journalist covering cannabis, food/restaurants, travel, labor, wine, spirits, arts & culture, design, and other topics. Her work has been selected twice for Best American Travel Writing, and she has won a variety of national and local awards for her writing and reporting.
Today’s seniors are more connected than ever, with a renewed focus on retirement as a time of discovery and enriching experiences. The ultimate reward for a retirement well-earned is the wisdom to appreciate it all, and what better place to enjoy that unique perspective than Vi at La Jolla Village, in the heart of San Diego.
All-access pass to good living.
As a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC), Vi provides access to a connected and fulfilling community while making it easy to plan for future care, should the need ever arise. With a care plan in place, residents enjoy greater financial predictability and long-term value, freeing them to focus on making the most out of retirement.
Resort-style amenities at the epicenter of a cultural hub like San Diego offer a retirement experience unlike any other. Paired with exceptional dining, spacious accommodations and dedicated staff, the best of maintenance-free living is all around. And with the introduction of Vista 360 Well-Being, Vi’s panoramic approach to wellness, there are more ways than ever for residents to access it all.
The harmony of mind, body and community.
Courtesy of Vi at La Jolla Village
The key to longevity is striking the right balance in maintaining an active lifestyle with an active mind in a fulfilling community. With newly renovated community spaces and restaurants, Vista brings a variety of opportunities for residents to elevate their well-being through Vi-exclusive “Signature Experiences.”
Vista Enrich takes an evidence-based approach to brain vitality, keeping residents at the forefront of cognitive health through exergaming (exercising + gaming), nutritional plans and informative workshops. It is also home to The Brain Vitality Studio, an innovative facility dedicated to cognitive fitness that has garnered national recognition.
Vista Discover invites residents into stimulating educational experiences, from chef-led cooking demos and guided wine tastings to lectures at local universities and intimate lectures following cultural outings.
While Vista Enrich focuses on brain health and Vista Discover engages residents intellectually, Vista Explore cultivates a sense of adventure through curated travel and local excursions. But broadening one’s horizons doesn’t always require a plane ticket. One recent event brought a taste of the world right to the community: an onsite “jazz cruise” featuring live music and global cuisine served at a series of themed “ports” all within the community’s own ballroom.
“Location, location, location”
Courtesy of Vi at La Jolla Village
One of the biggest perks of life at Vi at La Jolla Village is its proximity to just about everything. With easy access to transportation and local attractions just steps away, residents can explore and engage with their community at their own pace.
“There are trolley and bus stops within a 5-minute walk that will get you to the beach, UCSD Campus, medical appointments, downtown La Jolla or San Diego, et cetera. We rarely use our car,” said resident Tom Yager.
With the best of San Diego just steps away, residents don’t just live in the city, they live within reach of everything that makes it special.
The best of all worlds.
Courtesy of Vi at La Jolla Village
At Vi at La Jolla Village, retirement isn’t a chapter to slow down; it’s an invitation to discover more. Tailored community experiences created by Vista, paired with the vibrant pulse of San Diego just outside the door, mean that residents don’t have to choose between security and adventure, connection and independence. They get all of it.
This is what an all-access pass to good living looks like: the comforts of an elevated lifestyle, a community built for growth and a city made for discovery – all in one place.
To learn more about Vi at La Jolla Village or for details on available floor plans, visit ViatLaJollaVillage.com/SDM.
Throughout late January and early February, researchers at Scripps Institution of Oceanography released nontoxic pink dye at the mouth of the Los Peñasquitos Lagoon, which turned the surf pink at Torrey Pines State Beach. The experiment, titled Plumes in Nearshore Conditions (PiNC), aims to study how small freshwater outflows interact with the surf zone, a little-understood process that has important implications for how pollutants, sediments, larvae, and other materials spread into the coastal ocean. Preliminary data analysis will be completed soon, with a peer-reviewed publication to follow.
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Luxury Underfoot
Local luxury flooring company Duchateau has released its first designer collection with renowned interior designer Martyn Lawrence Bullard. Each design is named after a prominent architect—for example, Niemeyer, Lutyens, Neutra, Napoleon III, Jeanneret, and Palladian—with a corresponding hue and underlying wide plank 9.5-foot European oak.
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Photo Credit: Leah Paquette
Drinks & Kinks
On March 11, ReBru Spirits in Barrio Logan will host Bondage & Brews: Hoe Down. It’s a live rope bondage, BDSM, burlesque, pole, and queer line dance show with an erotic art display featuring a variety of well-known and loved BDSM and burlesque performers, including Gisella Thorn and Ginger N. Whiskey. Tickets are $65 if you buy beforehand, or, if there are any left, $75 day off.
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Photo Credit: Jasmine Fitzwilliam
In The Club
Coffee-turned-wine-and-home-goods shop Communal (locations in Oceanside and North Park, including the newly opened Haven) just released a monthly wine club. Selections focus on biodynamic and natural wines. Memberships start at $165 for three months and include two bottles a month. Club members will also have access to a monthly pick-up party, a “Glass Pass” for free bottles or glasses (depending on the length of subscription), a monthly exclusive gift, and 10 percent off all bottles in shops.
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Safer Streets
When it comes to pedestrian accessibility, little improvements often have big impacts. Recently, Balboa Park access in the Golden Hill area has become much safer and easier thanks to a $380,000 project to restore the pathway for pedestrians and bicyclists along 26th Street. Started in 2019, a makeshift trail created by bicyclists and pedestrians over the years was formalized by California Conservation Corps members who cleared, widened, and stabilized the trail, adding fencing, a small bridge, and 25 baby coast live oak trees.
Jackie is a long-time freelance journalist covering cannabis, food/restaurants, travel, labor, wine, spirits, arts & culture, design, and other topics. Her work has been selected twice for Best American Travel Writing, and she has won a variety of national and local awards for her writing and reporting.
NewBridge School is San Diego’s only school dedicated to the education of students with dyslexia and related learning profiles. For 30 years we have successfully served students with dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, receptive/expressive language disorders, ADHD, executive functioning and memory deficits. Students transition successfully into academically rigorous high schools and colleges across the country. Why NewBridge? Training, training, training (plus intensive individualization, and comprehensive program design). All teachers are trained and retrained biennially in Orton-Gillingham, the only approach proven to remediate dyslexia based on Science of Reading research, and complete a year-long training program. Every aspect of our program is designed around our students’ learning styles and needs. Every class is taught by a highly-trained expert, and our Speech/Language and Occupational Therapy teams embed throughout the day. Our multisensory, multi-tiered math program has been developed in conjunction with sister schools and experts across the country. Don’t wait—early intervention is magic!
