One important thing to note about Bike the Coast: It’s not a race. The fourth annual cycling event on November 2 is designed to be accessible for all skill levels, with optional 7-, 15-, 25-, 50-, and 100-mile coastal routes that begin and end on the beach at Oceanside Pier. Bike the Coast is the brainchild of event director and Del Mar resident Jim Curl, whose experience in planning triathlons and other cycling events taught him that there was a need for less challenging, family-friendly rides. This year, Bike the Coast is expected to draw a record number of 2,500 participants. Proceeds will benefit the San Diego Bicycle Coalition through the accompanying Taste the Coast festival at the finish line, which is bigger and better than ever. Cyclists can expect a newly expanded beer garden and additional food vendors serving up breakfast burritos, sweet and savory crêpes, handmade pizza, street tacos, and more. There’ll also be live music and a health and fitness expo presented by Tri-City Medical Center. Happy riding! bikethecoast.eventmediainc.com
Cycling infrastructure is coming our way in the near-ish future
In 2030, San Diego will be threaded with more than a thousand miles of bike routes, according to the recently approved San Diego Bicycle Master Plan Update. So dust off that Schwinn and prepare to break up with your SUV. Now, what will we do about all these hills?
Biking through Del Mar
510 existing miles in San Diego’s bicycle network
595 additional miles proposed by 2030
47,499 SD commuters currently biking to work, school, college, and transit stations
112,378 Commuters in 2030 who will bike to work, school, college, and transit stations (projected)
39.4 miles of “Bicycle Boulevard” proposed. What is a Bicycle Boulevard? A low-speed or residential street that’s bike-friendly and sees minimal cut-through motor traffic.
6.6 miles of “Cycle Track” proposed—zero miles currently exist. What is a Cycle Track? A bikeway on a road that is separated from vehicles by a wide raised curb, parking system, or some other barrier.
149 million Reduced number of weekday vehicle miles per year (by 2030)
121 million Reduced pounds of CO2 per year in 2030
$80K Funding San Marcos received from the State to create a new master bike plan
Upcoming Bike Events
March 1: The international Bicycle Film Festival will roll into San Diego at MOPA. bicyclefilmfestival.com
March 30: San Diego County Bicycle Coalition’s CicloSDias will hit Pacific Beach. ciclosdias.com
Cycling infrastructure is coming our way in the near-ish future
In 2030, San Diego will be threaded with more than a thousand miles of bike routes, according to the recently approved San Diego Bicycle Master Plan Update. So dust off that Schwinn and prepare to break up with your SUV. Now, what will we do about all these hills?
Biking through Del Mar
510 existing miles in San Diego’s bicycle network
595 additional miles proposed by 2030
47,499 SD commuters currently biking to work, school, college, and transit stations
112,378 Commuters in 2030 who will bike to work, school, college, and transit stations (projected)
39.4 miles of “Bicycle Boulevard” proposed. What is a Bicycle Boulevard? A low-speed or residential street that’s bike-friendly and sees minimal cut-through motor traffic.
6.6 miles of “Cycle Track” proposed—zero miles currently exist. What is a Cycle Track? A bikeway on a road that is separated from vehicles by a wide raised curb, parking system, or some other barrier.
149 million Reduced number of weekday vehicle miles per year (by 2030)
121 million Reduced pounds of CO2 per year in 2030
$80K Funding San Marcos received from the State to create a new master bike plan
Upcoming Bike Events
March 1: The international Bicycle Film Festival will roll into San Diego at MOPA. bicyclefilmfestival.com
March 30: San Diego County Bicycle Coalition’s CicloSDias will hit Pacific Beach. ciclosdias.com
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.”
Matt Furman Photography
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.”
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.”
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.”
Matt Furman Photography
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.
By Erin Chambers Smith | Photo by Robert Benson | Hair and Makeup by Kristi Colby
Julie Moss
When I hear the USA triathlon bigwigs call me a multisport pioneer, I think… of when I started training for my first triathlon in 1981, when the sport was so new I would have to give a full explanation every time I mentioned it. However, being a pioneer had its perks. You didn’t have to qualify to get into the Ironman, the race entry was only $85, and there was only one training group in town. It was the best-looking boys’ club I had ever seen, so I was highly motivated to hang with the pack.
The fact that San Diego is the birthplace of triathlons makes me feel… lucky to have been in the right place at the right time. It’s rare you get in on the ground floor of a sport and watch it grow up.
My favorite time of day to run is… in the morning, after coffee. Otherwise you’re chasing that run all day long.
My favorite place to run is… the San Elijo Lagoon Trail, starting at Cardiff Seaside Beach heading east toward Rancho Santa Fe. Then up and over the “Rim of the World” trail, then loop back. It’s about 10 miles. When the water is warm, I jump in the ocean and kick my legs out for instant recovery, then hit Pipes Cafe on the way home.
Training is a part of my… sanity. I feel happier and healthier when I break a sweat every day.
Of all the places I’ve traveled for this sport, the one I most want to return to is… Reunion Island, just off of South Africa. I was there for an Ironman race in the early 1990s; by far, it was the most exotic destination I’d ever imagined. Crazy to fly all that way, race, and go home.
To say I’m competitive is… true, I’ll paint a target on anyone’s back if it helps me get to the line faster. But outside of racing, I’m a cheerleader and mentor and want everyone to be their best.
Pain… can be a great coach. Listen to your body and it will teach you the difference between when to stop and when to stop whining.
My daily workout routine includes… yoga at Core Power. Without the strength and flexibility I get from my daily yoga practice, I wouldn’t be able to go out and do all the other sports.
The foods I couldn’t live without are… coffee, Greek yogurt, Lärabars, something salty/crispy paired with something cold/bubbly, and spicy chicken soup from Jorge’s Mexicatessen.
When Kathleen McCartney passed me as I was crawling across the finish line in the 1982 Ironman, it taught me… to find a way to keep moving forward. In a race, just like in life, you will fall, so get up. And if that’s not possible, then ask, “What is?” When standing became impossible, crawling was. There’s always something you can do.
Endurance sport is different today than it was 30 years ago because… the races are no longer considered freak shows. The Ironman is now mainstream. Becoming an Olympic sport was a huge jump. And now, training for this year’s Ironman you have Hines Ward, the Steelers MVP and Dancing with the Stars champion. You don’t get more mainstream than that.
As a motivational speaker, the most important tip I can offer people is… dream big AND never give up on your dreams. I recently collaborated with Kathleen McCartney, the woman who passed me all those years ago, to create “Iron Icons.” Our message is simple and timeless: Be a warrior for your dreams, be relentless in the pursuit of those dreams; you and you alone are the champion of your life.
Moss will be honored April 18 at the Bahia Resort Hotel, kicking off the ITU World Triathlon San Diego race weekend.
La Jolla Music Society kicks off the New Year with one of the nation’s leading dance troupes, The Joffrey Ballet, performing at Copley Symphony Hall.
January 30:
San Diego’s hipster ’hood also boasts one of its best culinary corridors. Sample discounted specialties at dining and drinking hotspots during the 30th on 30th self-guided tour.
The San Diego Black Film Festival kicks off its four-day showcase of African-American cinema, screenings, panels and parties.
February 1:
Get your wallet-friendly culture fix throughout February during Museum Month with half-off entry into 40 local museums.
February 2:
Runners illuminate the Del Mar Fairgrounds with a million watts of light and sound at the 5K Electric Run.
February 3:
If you can’t get to New Orleans for the big game, spend your Super Bowl Sunday drinking beer and eating wings at Tilted Kilt, The Commons, or Dirty Birds.
San Diego is home to world-class aestheticians, plastic surgeons, and dermatologists who can help turn back the hands of time and revitalize tired, damaged skin. Enhancing your look is a spectrum. Treatments range from noninvasive procedures like lasers or injectables to the big guns, like a deep-plane facelift—many with better results and less downtime than ever thanks to advanced techniques and technology. Whether you’re a Botox beginner or an aesthetic medical care veteran, San Diego aestheticians and aesthetic medicine providers can help you look and feel like the best version of yourself.
Changes Plastic Surgery & Spa
Changes Plastic Surgery & Spa is San Diego’s premier destination for aesthetic surgery, led by world-renowned plastic surgeon Dr. Michael Rossi. Celebrated for his artistry, precision, and natural-looking results, Dr. Rossi is known for creating customized Mommy Makeovers that help women restore confidence and reclaim their bodies after pregnancy. His expertise also extends to comprehensive post-weight loss body contouring, addressing excess skin and skin laxity with sophisticated surgical techniques tailored to each patient’s unique anatomy and goals. From breast and body rejuvenation to deep plane facelifts and eyelid surgery, every treatment plan reflects Dr. Rossi’s commitment to surgical excellence, personalized care, and transformative results that look as beautiful as they feel.
Cosmetic Laser Dermatology
At Cosmetic Laser Dermatology, the board-certified, internationally acclaimed team has the power to erase 10+ years of aging in a single treatment. The center’s 60+ laser, light, and energy devices do it all—refining texture and tone, calming acne, minimizing pores, and erasing that ill-advised spring break tattoo of yesteryear. Their dermatologists take it further by stacking multiple devices in one session for synergistic results—the philosophy behind their signature Take5 and Take10 treatments, the latter capable of removing a decade-plus of aging in just one visit. Add a full suite of injectables, body sculpting, and vein treatments for every skin type and tone, and it’s no wonder the practice’s medical director was named the #1 cosmetic dermatologist in America by Newsweek two years running.
Cultivé Medical Aesthetic
If it’s subtle, lasting results you’re after, Cultivé Medical Aesthetics has you covered. Cultivé purposely combines aesthetics and wellness. The Bankers Hill practice offers a full menu of services designed to improve skin health and support the three pillars of aesthetic aging: skin tone and texture, volume loss, and laxity. Cultivé offers a wide range of aesthetic treatments, including collagen boosting powerhouse Morpheus8, biostimulators like Sculptra and Radiesse, PRP therapy, laser hair removal, VI peels, and regenerative skincare treatments. They also provide wellness-focused services such as hormone replacement therapy, IV therapy, and medical weight management programs.
Starlite Aesthetics and Wellness
Starlite Aesthetics and Wellness focuses on enhancing natural beauty through science-backed treatments tailored to each client’s goals. Michelle Langston, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC, founded Starlite on the principle that aesthetic medicine should be precise, personal, and rooted in wellness. The boutique aesthetic practice in La Jolla combines modern medical aesthetics with holistic wellness principles for refined results personalized to each patient. Langston has spent more than a decade honing her skills in advanced injectables, regenerative therapies, and anti-aging care. Starlite offers regenerative therapies rooted in science, promoting skin rejuvenation using a multiple modality approach. Service offerings include RF microneedling, wrinkle relaxers, facial balancing and more.
The “It” List
In the rapidly advancing field of aesthetic medicine, it can be hard to tell what’s worth the hype. Here are some of the latest, most advanced, and most popular options out there.
Morpheus8: This combination of microneedling and radiofrequency (RF) energy activates your skin’s own collagen and elastin without the downtime associated with some laser treatments. It can be used to reduce wrinkles, tighten skin, improve skin tone, contour the jawline, and minimize acne scars.
Exosome Therapy: This cutting-edge treatment uses protein-packed nanoparticles to trigger repair and rejuvenation at the cellular level. Often used post-microneedling or lasers, exosomes penetrate deep into the skin to stimulate collagen production.
Post-GLP-1 Skin Removal: Rapid fat loss prompted by GLP-1 medications, including semaglutide, tirzepatide, and retatrutide, can leave users with sagging skin. Skilled surgeons can remove excess skin and reshape the figure.
Treatment Stacking: Sometimes it’s the more the merrier when it comes to aesthetic procedures. Combining multiple non-surgical treatments in a single session allows users to address several issues efficiently, with less downtime.
