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Daniel Joseph started by playing tunes for his friends at Golden Hill Park through a Bluetooth speaker. A year later, 500 strangers were showing up every Friday to hear him spin — until the city shut him down.

The big picture: Local DJs have been drawing big crowds to neighborhood parks with low-key free pop-ups for a few years now, but city officials put a stop to the social media-boosted gatherings this month when they got too big.

State of play: Joseph went to set up in his usual spot on Aug. 8 and found a park ranger who told him he needed a permit — and insurance, security, portable toilets and hand-washing stations.

That would run him about $1,600, Joseph calculated, so he put the word out on Instagram and TikTok that his burgeoning weekly hang was dead.

Catch up quick: The Golden Hill parties were similar to the Winyl Club, free Wednesday night events that started in Balboa Park three years ago and moved this summer to Kate Sessions in Pacific Beach.

Hundreds of young people came to those events to listen to old records, until they were also shut down this month.

Between the lines: Benny Cartwright, a city spokesperson, confirmed that staff stepped in, saying such gatherings require a citywide special event permit to operate.

He shared a list of common municipal code violations the events may have committed, saying the events, in general, required permits because of the large number of attendees, presence of alcohol and sound amplification.

Daniel Joseph's Golden Hill event on July 18. Photo: Andrew Keatts/Axios

What they're saying: Joseph recalled trying to argue he was just playing music for friends and couldn't help it if the park's other visitors came to listen — but the rangers noted how he promoted the hang on social media.

"I shouldn't have promoted it, but man, there was just such a buzz around town," he said. "The guy in a barber chair across from me said, 'Oh, you're the Golden Hill guy!' It became such a cool thing, and really felt like a community."

Yes, but: The Golden Hill event could come back.

A city official reached out to Joseph to connect him with a grant program that funds community-focused events, as well as a nonprofit that could help with organization, and it got him talking to the right staffers to get the permits he needs.

"They're trying to help me turn this into something we can do for the city," Joseph said.

City shuts down popular pop-up DJ events

The organic parties were promoted on social media and eventually brought hundreds of attendees.

Three screen shots of social media pages promoting local DJ sets

Daniel Joseph and the Winyl Club used social media to drive big crowds to local parks. Screenshots: (left) @winylclub_/Instagram; (center, right) @danieljoseph.mp3/Instagram

Daniel Joseph started by playing tunes for his friends at Golden Hill Park through a Bluetooth speaker. A year later, 500 strangers <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="were showing up every Friday to hear him spin" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2025/07/22/wavves-aquabats-deltron-3030-concerts-san-diego-july-23-27" data-vars-content-id="05c46584-c565-4369-8300-9c1796f67ac7" data-vars-headline="City shuts down popular pop-up DJ events" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2025/07/22/wavves-aquabats-deltron-3030-concerts-san-diego-july-23-27" target="_self">were showing up every Friday to hear him spin</a> — until the city shut him down.The big picture: Local DJs have been drawing big crowds to neighborhood parks with low-key free pop-ups for a few years now, but city officials put a stop to the social media-boosted gatherings this month when they got too big.

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Ocean Beach is about to have its own sitcom.

The big picture: Daniel M. Dyer, a writer and videographer, has nearly wrapped the pilot episode of "End of the 8," a show about a group of bandmembers and their social circle in OB.

The fictional band includes members of real-life OB bands Half Hour Late and Band of Gringos, and the show stars local musicians Kat Hall and Crispy J.

Between the lines: The genesis of the show was a three-minute skit created after Dyer and his friends noticed they kept saying "that would be a funny skit idea" about life in OB.

They decided to build the premise into a full pilot, with a dry tone that Dyer compared to "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia," turned toward targets like OB's weekly post-farmers market drum circle.

Teasers for the show that hit social media this month give a taste of the vibe.

What they're saying: "The cool thing about a sitcom is the plot can be loose as long as the vibe and characters are funny and endearing," he told Axios.

The first episode includes scenes at neighborhood favorites like OB Beans, Raglan Public House, Humble Heart and Hodads, and Dyer said the concept came together the more they focused on making OB its own character in the show.

State of play: All the pilot needs is a few shots of an audience at a show yelling, with as many recognizable locals in the crowd as possible.

Dyer and the cast are holding a free show at Winstons on Sept. 11 to get that scene, with the band in the show playing a full gig once the shot is in the can.

The intrigue: The first episode is mostly focused on dudes in the band, with girls they're friends with in supporting parts.

Dyer said he's planning to flip that in the second episode, shifting focus on the group of girls as the main characters and pushing the guys to the background.

"Terriers" was a critical hit on FX before it was canceled too soon, and while "Veronica Mars" was set in fictional Neptune, California, its local shooting locations included Dog Beach in OB.

What's next: Once the episode is wrapped, Dyer plans to schedule screenings at locations around the neighborhood.

Then he's looking to shop the pilot, along with his ideas for an eight-episode season, to production studios in LA.

Ocean Beach sitcom "End of the 8" nears pilot finish

"End of the 8" pilot features OB spots, local musicians and a free Sept. 11 show at Winstons.

A nine-panel grid with "End of the 8" in a TV in the center, and people looking at each other in each panel like in Brady Bunch

The pilot for "End of the 8" will soon be screening in locations around OB. Photo: Courtesy Daniel M. Dyer

Ocean Beach is about to have its own sitcom.The big picture: Daniel M. Dyer, a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="writer" data-vars-click-url="https://www.amazon.com/When-This-Bullshit-Become-Poetry/dp/B08VLM9XDH#:~:text=Exploring%20the%20humor%20in%20religion,of%20a%20lonely%20stoner%20stumbling" data-vars-content-id="2a523616-1391-4fef-8fbb-61c55720fcce" data-vars-headline="Ocean Beach sitcom &quot;End of the 8&quot; nears pilot finish" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.amazon.com/When-This-Bullshit-Become-Poetry/dp/B08VLM9XDH#:~:text=Exploring%20the%20humor%20in%20religion,of%20a%20lonely%20stoner%20stumbling" target="_blank">writer</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="videographer" data-vars-click-url="https://www.thevisualcandy.com/" data-vars-content-id="2a523616-1391-4fef-8fbb-61c55720fcce" data-vars-headline="Ocean Beach sitcom &quot;End of the 8&quot; nears pilot finish" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.thevisualcandy.com/" target="_blank">videographer</a>, has nearly wrapped the pilot episode of &quot;End of the 8,&quot; a show about a group of bandmembers and their social circle in OB.

Culture

Palm trees are twinkling and Santas are surfing, which means the holiday season has arrived in San Diego.

The big picture: Here are some of our favorite ways to embrace the holiday cheer this time of year, from Christmas festivals to concerts and cocktails.

The San Diego Zoo's Jungle Bells and Wild Holidays at the Safari Park feature interactive light shows, acrobatic and musical performances, festive games and other activities.

The nightly "All That Jazz" musical light show is another classic during the holidays at the Hotel del Coronado.

Don't miss the glowing art installations on the Lightscape trail through the San Diego Botanic Garden in Encinitas.

Carlsbad Campstore's musical light show with snow flurries and an ocean view every night at sunset.

December Nights is the city's ultimate holiday festival with attractions, shopping, food and performances that draw hundreds of thousands to Balboa Park for the free two-day event each year. 

Petco Park's Holiday Market turns Gallagher Square into a winter wonderland with live music, a carousel, Santa and some of his reindeer and local vendors for unique gifts.

Sip, shop and see the Parade of Lights at the Makers Arcade Holiday Fair at Broadway Pier this year.

Make spirits bright at one of San Diego's holiday pop-up bars that are truly Christmas explosions.

Check out the new Santa's Cabana pop-up at Brisa in Little Italy or get Snowed In at Fort Oak in Mission Hills.

Miracle's festive drinks and decor are at Botanica Bar in North Park and Coaster Saloon in Mission Beach this year, while Draft at Belmont Park has turned into a Winter Wonderland. 

In Pacific Beach, Duck Dive is decked out with A Great Dickens' pop-up, and the tiki-themed Sippin' Santa has taken over Grass Skirt.

There's a punk-pop Emo Christmas pop-up at El After Social Club, and a groovin' disco Xmas bar at Good Night John Boy's downtown.

Gawk at humanity's triumph over nature at outdoor ice-skating rinks across our coastal desert.

Check out ice rinks at the Hotel del Coronado, Viejas Casino and Resort, Liberty Station and up in the mountains at Julian Farm and Orchard.

Kick off the holiday season with a fundraiser for McKinley Elementary that's developed into a family-friendly festival, where the best chefs in town compete for the title of best chili.

Be smart: There's good music all day, but don't miss the Night Carrots, a rocking group of grade-school girls who have been winning over North Park crowds for years.

Get in the Christmas Spirit on the North Pole Limited, starting at the historic Campo Depot and winding through scenic backcountry with hot cocoa and cookies until Santa and Mrs. Claus board the train to ask each kid what they want for Christmas.

Celebrate the Christmas classic with the Southern California Polar Express, departing from Perris, California.

The Holiday Express on the Coaster is sold out, but hey, it's the season of perpetual hope. Maybe you can make it happen.

Suit up like Santa for the annual 5K race in Pacific Beach that was voted best in the country by USA Today.

Give the kids a taste of theater with Dr. Seuss' "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" or "Ebenezer Scrooge's Big San Diego Christmas Show" at the Old Globe, or leave the little ones at home and enjoy "Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol: A Ghost Story." 

The San Diego Symphony is performing holiday concerts, including "The Holiday" and "Home Alone" at Rady Shell and a sensory-friendly kids concert at Jacobs Music Center. 

See "The Nutcracker," "A Drag Queen Christmas" and "A Magical Cirque Christmas" at the Balboa and Civic theaters downtown. 

San Diego Musical Theatre is putting on "A Christmas Story," while the California Center for the Arts, Escondido and the San Diego Natural History Museum also have holiday shows.

John Waters — The Prince of Puke, The Pope of Trash — is back for two nights to celebrate Christmas as only he can, at Lou Lou's in the Lafayette Hotel.

Grateful Dead tribute band Easy Wind is bringing "A Jerry Christmas" to Belly Up, where Beatles tribute band Abbey Road is also performing a Christmas concert. 

Holiday guide: 10 festive things to do in San Diego this winter

These can't-miss events will make your December very merry and bright.

Santa in his sleigh full of presents facing Spreckels Organ Pavilion lit up with Christmas lights in Balboa Park.

December Nights in Balboa Park is the city's largest holiday festival. Photo: Dünzl\ullstein bild via Getty Images

Palm trees are twinkling and Santas are surfing, which means the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="holiday season" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2023/12/06/holiday-christmas-lights-sd" data-vars-content-id="2f821aa1-511b-4a01-8a6d-e73714783a15" data-vars-headline="Holiday guide: 10 festive things to do in San Diego this winter" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2023/12/06/holiday-christmas-lights-sd" target="_self">holiday season</a> has arrived in San Diego.The big picture: Here are some of our favorite ways to embrace the holiday cheer this time of year, from <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Christmas festivals" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2023/12/01/december-nights-balboa-park-2023" data-vars-content-id="2f821aa1-511b-4a01-8a6d-e73714783a15" data-vars-headline="Holiday guide: 10 festive things to do in San Diego this winter" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2023/12/01/december-nights-balboa-park-2023" target="_self">Christmas festivals</a> to concerts and cocktails.

Guides

Here's eight reasons to get out and see live music this week. 

🎸 Japanese Breakfast, the indie-pop stars fronted by a New York Times bestselling author, headlines the Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre at SDSU on Wednesday night.

🇧🇷 Rafa Pondé Band is a San Diego-based Brazilian reggae group headlining Winstons on Thursday.

🌴 Tropidelic are growing at a break-neck pace with a blend of reggae, funk and rock, and they're playing Music Box on Friday along with rapper Shwayze.

🌈 Babe Rainbow, a throwback psychedelic rock group from Australia, hits Belly Up on Friday night.

🎺 Jesus "Aguaje" Ramos and the Buena Vista Social Orchestra celebrate Cuban music and keep the legacy of the Buena Vista Social Club alive at The Magnolia on Saturday night.

🌊 No Surf Fest brings a full day of indie rock and electronic artists to The Soap Factory Saturday for an up-and-coming festival benefiting ocean conservation.

🐢 Trampled by Turtles and Shakey Graves team up at The Sound on Sunday, with the bluegrass-folk outfit co-headlining with Austin's bluesy singer-songwriter.

🪕 Béla Fleck & the Flecktones bring their progressive, improvisational bluegrass to The Magnolia on Sunday night.

Open Air Theatre at SDSU on Wednesday night

the legacy of the Buena Vista Social Club

8 must-see live shows in San Diego this week

From Japanese Breakfast to a celebration of the legacy of the Buena Vista Social Club, here are the eight shows you won't want to miss.

Japanese Breakfast jumping from a clam shell on stage at Coachella

Japanese Breakfast comes to SDSU's Open Air Theatre Wednesday. Photo: Valerie Macon / AFP via Getty Images

Here&#x27;s eight reasons to get out and see live music this week.

The Arizona plates are gone. The water temperature is up. Crowds are thin. June Gloom is gone. It's locals' summer, baby.

The big picture: Tourism dips nearly 50% in September from its July peak, just as San Diego's weather gets even better.

Here are six ways to act like a tourist in your own city this September and October.

🎶 Hear a free concert at the Rady Shell by getting there early enough to have the waterside bench to yourself — Jon Batiste, Big Thief and Haim are all coming up.

Stop by Mona Lisa on the way and snag two spicy special sandwiches and a couple of drinks for the show.

⛴️ Cruise Mission Bay on the Bahia Belle during its scheduled Sunday Funday trips, because we're surrounded by water and getting on a boat otherwise requires having the right friend.

The boat runs between the Bahia and Catamaran resorts and is basically a wedding party without your weird Uncle Frank.

🦈 Snorkel (or just swim) with leopard sharks at La Jolla Shores.

Don't let this be one of those annual San Diego traditions that you just happen to never take advantage of. They're harmless, they're cool, the water's warm, get out there.

⚾ Enjoy the pennant chase — and playoff baseball that follows — during the best time of year for a game at Petco Park.

Let's be real, y'all. This is the team. Manny is doing it this year. There are 15 home games left.

🏊 Swim at Kellogg Beach. I know, I know, the neighbors really don't like it when you tell anyone about the kinda-sorta secret beach. I can't abide.

It's the best beach in town for kids, and even though it doesn't have showers or restrooms, you won't regret getting out there for a dip.

Yes, but: There will be limited access on weekdays for about three weeks starting Sept. 8 as construction crews add more sand to the beach.

💰 Save dough with the region's annual "kids free October" promotion at participating museums and attractions.

🏇 Get rich at the Breeder's Cup. I'm kidding, of course. Gambling is not a good way to make money.

Unless you have a system (like me), and then it's free money.

😎 What are your go-to locals' summer activities? Email us at sandiego@axios.com and let us know!

6 ways to savor locals' summer in San Diego

Tourist crowds are gone. Weather's perfect. Here's how to enjoy the city like it's your own theme park.

 surfer gets out of the Pacific Ocean after surfing at La Jolla Shores beach at sunset on a warm, summer evening on August 26, 2025 in San Diego, California. 

It's all ours. Photo: Kevin Carter/Getty Images

The Arizona plates are gone. The water temperature is up. Crowds are thin. June Gloom is gone. It&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="locals&#x27; summer" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2025/05/22/san-diego-summer-bucket-list-bingo-card" data-vars-content-id="bd1031f6-9d29-4fb4-ac6f-356b01437b14" data-vars-headline="6 ways to savor locals&#x27; summer in San Diego" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2025/05/22/san-diego-summer-bucket-list-bingo-card" target="_self">locals&#x27; summer</a>, baby.The big picture: Tourism dips nearly 50% in September from its July peak, just as San Diego&#x27;s weather gets even better.<ul><li>Here are six ways to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="act like a tourist in your own city" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2024/02/16/kayak-sea-caves-la-jolla-san-diego" data-vars-content-id="bd1031f6-9d29-4fb4-ac6f-356b01437b14" data-vars-headline="6 ways to savor locals&#x27; summer in San Diego" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2024/02/16/kayak-sea-caves-la-jolla-san-diego" target="_self">act like a tourist in your own city</a> this September and October.</li></ul>

Andrew Keatts

Featured stories

Holiday guide: 10 festive things to do in San Diego this winter

6 ways to savor locals' summer in San Diego

City shuts down popular pop-up DJ events

Ocean Beach sitcom "End of the 8" nears pilot finish

8 must-see live shows in San Diego this week