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SDSU misses March Madness, but UCSD is dancing

The Triton women are the only local team going to the Big Dance.

News

March Madness is coming to San Diego this year, but only one local team will be dancing.The big picture: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="San Diego State University men&#x27;s basketball team" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/03/06/san-diego-state-basketball-teams-march-madness-chances" data-vars-content-id="59951e78-0f48-43e7-be12-3a6c6b9d8a2d" data-vars-headline="SDSU misses March Madness, but UCSD is dancing" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/03/06/san-diego-state-basketball-teams-march-madness-chances" target="_self">San Diego State University men&#x27;s basketball team</a> missed the cut for the 2026 NCAA Tournament, a day after <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="losing the Mountain West title game" data-vars-click-url="https://www.si.com/college/san-diego-state/basketball/san-diego-state-loses-mountain-west-title-game-utah-state-ncaa-tournament-hopes-jeopardy" data-vars-content-id="59951e78-0f48-43e7-be12-3a6c6b9d8a2d" data-vars-headline="SDSU misses March Madness, but UCSD is dancing" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.si.com/college/san-diego-state/basketball/san-diego-state-loses-mountain-west-title-game-utah-state-ncaa-tournament-hopes-jeopardy" target="_blank">losing the Mountain West title game</a>. It&#x27;s the first time the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Aztecs didn&#x27;t make the bracket" data-vars-click-url="https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/2026/03/15/san-diego-state-left-out-of-ncaa-tournament-for-first-time-since-2019/" data-vars-content-id="59951e78-0f48-43e7-be12-3a6c6b9d8a2d" data-vars-headline="SDSU misses March Madness, but UCSD is dancing" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/2026/03/15/san-diego-state-left-out-of-ncaa-tournament-for-first-time-since-2019/" target="_blank">Aztecs didn&#x27;t make the bracket</a> since 2019.

San Diego events shift amid Chávez allegations

Some local events are renamed, canceled or under review as new allegations raise concerns.

Politics

Some San Diego César Chávez event organizers are scrambling to respond amid <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new abuse allegations" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/03/17/united-farm-workers-ufw-cesar-chavez-march-allegations" data-vars-content-id="05404e99-7026-4483-90df-57071efd40f8" data-vars-headline="San Diego events shift amid Chávez allegations" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/03/17/united-farm-workers-ufw-cesar-chavez-march-allegations" target="_self">new abuse allegations</a> against the iconic labor leader, including from labor and civil rights leader <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Dolores Huerta" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2024/07/25/kamala-harris-dolores-huerta-latino-voters" data-vars-content-id="05404e99-7026-4483-90df-57071efd40f8" data-vars-headline="San Diego events shift amid Chávez allegations" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2024/07/25/kamala-harris-dolores-huerta-latino-voters" target="_self">Dolores Huerta</a>.The big picture: While some events remain scheduled this month, the abuse allegations threaten to tarnish the legacy of Chávez, one of the most celebrated Latino labor leaders in U.S. history.

Hawk Watch feeds eagle research in Ramona

The Ramona program raises awareness and funds for raptor research.

Environment

Hundreds of people got to see <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="hawks, owls and falcons" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2024/11/21/pbs-doc-san-diego-america-wildest-city" data-vars-content-id="7e42c15c-8ae9-4d45-b30e-49ae71ea8f2b" data-vars-headline="Hawk Watch feeds eagle research in Ramona" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2024/11/21/pbs-doc-san-diego-america-wildest-city" target="_self">hawks, owls and falcons</a> up close and personal during weekly Hawk Watch events in Ramona over the last two months.Why it matters: These free events are a chance to get a good look at some really cool birds, but they also serve a larger purpose: raising awareness and money for local <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="golden eagle research and conservation" data-vars-click-url="https://www.sandiegobirdalliance.org/news-events/overview.html/article/2020/08/04/the-power-of-birds-audubon-advocates-speak-up-on-behalf-of-golden-eagles" data-vars-content-id="7e42c15c-8ae9-4d45-b30e-49ae71ea8f2b" data-vars-headline="Hawk Watch feeds eagle research in Ramona" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.sandiegobirdalliance.org/news-events/overview.html/article/2020/08/04/the-power-of-birds-audubon-advocates-speak-up-on-behalf-of-golden-eagles" target="_blank">golden eagle research and conservation</a>.

Child care costs squeeze San Diego families and providers

Infant care alone can top $21,000 a year.

Finding affordable child care in San Diego is getting harder for parents as providers face rising costs to run daycares.Why it matters: The rising prices are piling onto <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="local families&#x27; growing expenses" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/01/26/san-diego-budget-deficit-fee-hikes-trash-parking-water-2025" data-vars-content-id="426bc27b-9946-48c6-b2ca-853dd64adafa" data-vars-headline="Child care costs squeeze San Diego families and providers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/01/26/san-diego-budget-deficit-fee-hikes-trash-parking-water-2025" target="_self">local families&#x27; growing expenses</a> that make living in San Diego costly while <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="forcing some moms out of their jobs" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/02/women-jobs-rto" data-vars-content-id="426bc27b-9946-48c6-b2ca-853dd64adafa" data-vars-headline="Child care costs squeeze San Diego families and providers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/02/women-jobs-rto" target="_self">forcing some moms out of their jobs</a>.

San Diego revives push to lure film crews

County leaders hope "One Battle After Another" draws more productions.

Business

San Diego County is hoping to capitalize on the success of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="&quot;One Battle After Another&quot;" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2025/09/26/san-diego-on-the-big-screen-in-leonardo-dicaprio-s-new-movie-one-battle-after-another" data-vars-content-id="6288850d-d64d-4826-b43f-dbe9215a219f" data-vars-headline="San Diego revives push to lure film crews" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2025/09/26/san-diego-on-the-big-screen-in-leonardo-dicaprio-s-new-movie-one-battle-after-another" target="_self">&quot;One Battle After Another&quot;</a> to bring more filming to the region.Why it matters: Shooting movies and commercials here creates jobs and boosts the local economy, according to county officials, so they&#x27;re trying to make it as easy as possible.

Birria's boom fuels Mike's Red Tacos national expansion

The birria boom is fueling the expansion from local food truck to national franchise.

Food and Drink

Mike&#x27;s Red Tacos opened its third San Diego location on Tuesday, but the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="local restaurant" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2025/12/16/best-dishes-cocktails-san-diego-restaurants-2025" data-vars-content-id="050fce91-99e2-4c67-a3fc-6a3576eadf39" data-vars-headline="Birria&#x27;s boom fuels Mike&#x27;s Red Tacos national expansion" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2025/12/16/best-dishes-cocktails-san-diego-restaurants-2025" target="_self">local restaurant</a> group is taking its birria national with a burst of new franchises.Why it matters: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="popular taco joint" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2024/02/06/best-local-taco-shops-san-diego" data-vars-content-id="050fce91-99e2-4c67-a3fc-6a3576eadf39" data-vars-headline="Birria&#x27;s boom fuels Mike&#x27;s Red Tacos national expansion" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2024/02/06/best-local-taco-shops-san-diego" target="_self">popular taco joint</a> that started as a food truck five years ago has more than 200 locations planned across the country over the next several years.

How the cost of breweries' beer has risen

Federal data shows draft beer wholesale prices jumped 15% in five years.

U.S. breweries have been charging bars, restaurants and distributors more for wholesale draft beer over the past five years, federal data shows.Why it matters: The rising cost offers some insight into why consumers might be seeing more expensive pints of lagers and IPAs on menus.

San Diego breweries squeezed as costs outpace prices

A pint of draft beer can hit $10 at taprooms as ingredient, labor and utility costs soar.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="San Diego brewery" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2025/07/03/pizza-port-california-craft-brewery-sales" data-vars-content-id="c9dbdc3c-dfb6-4036-a408-b65f2b01916b" data-vars-headline="San Diego breweries squeezed as costs outpace prices" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2025/07/03/pizza-port-california-craft-brewery-sales" target="_self">San Diego brewery</a> bills are going up just like <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="local residents" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/01/26/san-diego-budget-deficit-fee-hikes-trash-parking-water-2025" data-vars-content-id="c9dbdc3c-dfb6-4036-a408-b65f2b01916b" data-vars-headline="San Diego breweries squeezed as costs outpace prices" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/01/26/san-diego-budget-deficit-fee-hikes-trash-parking-water-2025" target="_self">local residents</a>&#x27;, making it tougher to brew and sell beer.Why it matters: The financial strain from higher costs, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="more competition" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/01/23/athletic-brewing-beer-dry-january" data-vars-content-id="c9dbdc3c-dfb6-4036-a408-b65f2b01916b" data-vars-headline="San Diego breweries squeezed as costs outpace prices" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/01/23/athletic-brewing-beer-dry-january" target="_self">more competition</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="less demand" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2024/02/24/dry-january-february-athletic-beer" data-vars-content-id="c9dbdc3c-dfb6-4036-a408-b65f2b01916b" data-vars-headline="San Diego breweries squeezed as costs outpace prices" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2024/02/24/dry-january-february-athletic-beer" target="_self">less demand</a> is creating a crisis for the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="once-booming craft beer industry" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/09/craft-beer-production-closings-gabf" data-vars-content-id="c9dbdc3c-dfb6-4036-a408-b65f2b01916b" data-vars-headline="San Diego breweries squeezed as costs outpace prices" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/09/craft-beer-production-closings-gabf" target="_self">once-booming craft beer industry</a> that&#x27;s leading to closures.<ul><li>Consumers are also feeling the squeeze as beer gets more expensive on draft lists.</li></ul>

The increasing costs to make California burritos

The essential ingredients are getting pricier.

There&#x27;s some debate on the essential ingredients of a fat California burrito, but carne asada, fries, cheese, sour cream and salsa/pico de gallo are our non-negotiables.The big picture: While eternally delicious, the cost to produce that beloved burrito increased 20% from June 2021 to June 2025, an Axios analysis of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="producer price index" data-vars-click-url="https://www.bls.gov/ppi/" data-vars-content-id="f23fb178-5cf2-4190-8594-41af0ab30dc1" data-vars-headline="The increasing costs to make California burritos" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.bls.gov/ppi/" target="_blank">producer price index</a> data shows.

San Diego's beloved burrito is getting pricier

It's now tough to find this flavor-packed San Diego staple for under $11.

Add San Diego&#x27;s iconic <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="California burrito" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2023/09/07/decline-burrito-quality-san-diego-san-francisco" data-vars-content-id="161de53a-2b3d-455e-9d33-f58ad4a9a3d6" data-vars-headline="San Diego&#x27;s beloved burrito is getting pricier" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2023/09/07/decline-burrito-quality-san-diego-san-francisco" target="_self">California burrito</a> to the items that are making it more expensive to live here.The big picture: It&#x27;s tough to find this flavor-packed San Diego staple for under $10, which wasn&#x27;t the case just a few years ago.

How Athletic Brewing came to own Dry January

Beer lovers celebrate IPA Day in August. Stout Month is February. Now Athletic Brewing owns January.

Beer lovers celebrate IPA Day in August. Stout month is February. Now, Athletic Brewing owns January.Why it matters: San Diego&#x27;s Athletic Brewing is America&#x27;s No. 1 nonalcoholic brewer — and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the eighth largest" data-vars-click-url="https://www.brewersassociation.org/association-news/brewers-association-reports-2024-u-s-craft-brewing-industry-figures/" data-vars-content-id="6d54ca05-065b-4bd4-b8aa-38157270d4b4" data-vars-headline="How Athletic Brewing came to own Dry January" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.brewersassociation.org/association-news/brewers-association-reports-2024-u-s-craft-brewing-industry-figures/" target="_blank">the eighth largest</a> among the nation&#x27;s Top 50 Craft Brewing Companies. The company is looking to shift the conversation about moderation well beyond <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="dry January" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2024/01/04/best-na-beers-dry-january-hazy-ipa-athletic" data-vars-content-id="6d54ca05-065b-4bd4-b8aa-38157270d4b4" data-vars-headline="How Athletic Brewing came to own Dry January" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2024/01/04/best-na-beers-dry-january-hazy-ipa-athletic" target="_self">dry January</a>.

What lower interest rates mean for San Diego housing

Experts say even a small rate drop triggers more buyers, but inventory isn't keeping up.

Mortgage interest rates dipping slightly lower will likely have big impacts on San Diego&#x27;s housing market, possibly bringing more buyers and raising prices.Why it matters: San Diego is one of the most <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="expensive cities in the country" data-vars-click-url="https://timesofsandiego.com/business/2025/06/22/san-diego-top-10-most-expensive-cities-in-us/" data-vars-content-id="24279764-9cd8-4c03-98ab-e9452c389116" data-vars-headline="What lower interest rates mean for San Diego housing" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://timesofsandiego.com/business/2025/06/22/san-diego-top-10-most-expensive-cities-in-us/" target="_blank">expensive cities in the country</a>, with the median home price sitting at just <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="under $1 million" data-vars-click-url="https://www.zillow.com/home-values/54296/san-diego-ca/" data-vars-content-id="24279764-9cd8-4c03-98ab-e9452c389116" data-vars-headline="What lower interest rates mean for San Diego housing" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.zillow.com/home-values/54296/san-diego-ca/" target="_blank">under $1 million</a>, and lower interest rates could drive those prices higher, industry experts tell Axios.

California's minimum wage is going up in 2026

Wages went up across 19 states this year — and in San Diego, workers saw a 50-cent increase on Jan. 1.

California workers join those in 18 other states in line for a raise this year, thanks to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="minimum wage" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/07/01/minimum-wage-san-francisco-los-angeles" data-vars-content-id="57e964c3-e67b-4526-99df-f19072199d02" data-vars-headline="California&#x27;s minimum wage is going up in 2026" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/07/01/minimum-wage-san-francisco-los-angeles" target="_self">minimum wage</a> increases.Why it matters: Beyond those earning minimum wage, these increases often push employers to raise salaries for workers higher up on the income ladder.

California ranks high on union list

The state ranks in the top 10 for union membership, even as its share has dropped over the past decade.

California is among the 10 states with the largest share of unionized workers, but the state&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="numbers are slipping" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-francisco/2024/02/07/labor-union-workers-california" data-vars-content-id="7b4c8a17-1818-47d6-a0d8-1aa791cc5b85" data-vars-headline="California ranks high on union list" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-francisco/2024/02/07/labor-union-workers-california" target="_self">numbers are slipping</a>, according to the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Bureau of Labor Statistics" data-vars-click-url="https://www.bls.gov/news.release/union2.nr0.htm" data-vars-content-id="7b4c8a17-1818-47d6-a0d8-1aa791cc5b85" data-vars-headline="California ranks high on union list" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.bls.gov/news.release/union2.nr0.htm" target="_blank">Bureau of Labor Statistics</a>.Why it matters: Americans&#x27; support of labor unions has surged over the last decade, signaling a shift in workers&#x27; expectations and putting more pressure on employers to deliver better pay, benefits and working conditions.

🚲 Dashers on bikes

About one-third of DoorDash deliveries in San Diego use bikes

Latest news on Wall Street, Corporate America and financial regulation.

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About one-third of DoorDash deliveries in San Diego use bikes

San Diego revives push to lure film crews

Birria's boom fuels Mike's Red Tacos national expansion

How the cost of breweries' beer has risen

San Diego breweries squeezed as costs outpace prices