San Diego

San Diego Alerts

Alert

A picture of the San Diego skyline with the letters SAN.

blue

Axios San Diego Partners

Axios San Diego

Standard

A picture of the San Diego skyline with the letters SAN

A daily look at the most significant and interesting stories affecting San Diego.

Axios San Diego Thought Bubble

Thought Bubble

San Diego Members

Membership

Drivers run new stop signs at fatal San Diego crash site

Police issued 39 tickets after new signs went up where 11-year-old Andrew Olsen was killed.

Public Safety

After an <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="11-year-old was killed" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2025/12/11/san-diego-dangerous-intersections-traffic-deaths" data-vars-content-id="e0d5c171-daad-473b-b066-9639b341c2ea" data-vars-headline="Drivers run new stop signs at fatal San Diego crash site" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2025/12/11/san-diego-dangerous-intersections-traffic-deaths" target="_self">11-year-old was killed</a> by a car at a San Carlos intersection last October, the city installed stop signs that drivers have frequently been blowing through, records show.Why it matters: The stop signs were meant to prevent more tragedies like Andrew Olsen&#x27;s death. Instead, many drivers appear to be either missing or ignoring them.

Sips & Snacks: Sayulitas 2-pound burrito hits hard

It's currently holds the title for heavyweight champ among San Diego's California burritos.

Food and Drink

There&#x27;s a new heavyweight champ among <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="San Diego&#x27;s California burritos" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/01/28/california-burrito-san-diego-cost-increase-restaurant-inflation" data-vars-content-id="388a0dd5-43c0-45d0-b0f9-5e0cb5670dd1" data-vars-headline="Sips &amp; Snacks: Sayulitas 2-pound burrito hits hard" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/01/28/california-burrito-san-diego-cost-increase-restaurant-inflation" target="_self">San Diego&#x27;s California burritos</a>.Dig in: On our search to find the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="fattest burrito in town" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/02/11/finding-san-diego-fattest-california-burritos" data-vars-content-id="388a0dd5-43c0-45d0-b0f9-5e0cb5670dd1" data-vars-headline="Sips &amp; Snacks: Sayulitas 2-pound burrito hits hard" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/02/11/finding-san-diego-fattest-california-burritos" target="_self">fattest burrito in town</a>, readers recommended <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Sayulitas" data-vars-click-url="https://sayulitaseats.com/" data-vars-content-id="388a0dd5-43c0-45d0-b0f9-5e0cb5670dd1" data-vars-headline="Sips &amp; Snacks: Sayulitas 2-pound burrito hits hard" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://sayulitaseats.com/" target="_blank">Sayulitas</a> again and again. And rightfully so.

What ChatGPT secretly thinks about San Diego

A new study looks at how AI models rank U.S. cities and reinforce stereotypes.

News

Researchers have found that large language models (LLMs), such as <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="ChatGPT" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/09/chatgpt-ads-testing-go-free" data-vars-content-id="fc721872-653b-4845-bd2d-1dc98a673468" data-vars-headline="What ChatGPT secretly thinks about San Diego" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/09/chatgpt-ads-testing-go-free" target="_self">ChatGPT</a>, are just as <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="biased" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/02/13/study-chatgpt-bias-chicago-oxford-kentucky-llm-city-stereotypes-ranking" data-vars-content-id="fc721872-653b-4845-bd2d-1dc98a673468" data-vars-headline="What ChatGPT secretly thinks about San Diego" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/02/13/study-chatgpt-bias-chicago-oxford-kentucky-llm-city-stereotypes-ranking" target="_self">biased</a> as the rest of the world, including in their perception of San Diego&#x27;s chill culture.The big picture: Internet scholars at University of Oxford and University of Kentucky <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="recently compared" data-vars-click-url="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/29768624251408919" data-vars-content-id="fc721872-653b-4845-bd2d-1dc98a673468" data-vars-headline="What ChatGPT secretly thinks about San Diego" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/29768624251408919" target="_blank">recently compared</a> 91 U.S. cities with populations over 250,000 across a range of categories to gauge AI inequality and bias, including social and physical attributes, food quality, governance, politics and business climate.

San Diego income growth outpaces national rate

New federal data shows local personal income climbed 5.9%, outpacing the national gain.

Money

Personal <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="income levels" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/25/trump-economy-inflation-income-growth" data-vars-content-id="d9d81d75-7c16-46fa-91a2-fe7dbf3b9890" data-vars-headline="San Diego income growth outpaces national rate" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/25/trump-economy-inflation-income-growth" target="_self">income levels</a> rose 5.9% in San Diego County from 2023 to 2024, according to new U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="data" data-vars-click-url="https://www.bea.gov/data/gdp/gdp-by-county" data-vars-content-id="d9d81d75-7c16-46fa-91a2-fe7dbf3b9890" data-vars-headline="San Diego income growth outpaces national rate" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.bea.gov/data/gdp/gdp-by-county" target="_blank">data</a>.The big picture: That&#x27;s bigger than the national increase of 5.6%.

How San Diego dogfluencers make bank off the zoomies

Zoomies and talking buttons helped Sapphie the Pomsky go viral worldwide.

What started with a few videos about the &quot;queen of the zoomies&quot; ballooned into social media stardom for one <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="San Diego dog" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/01/09/san-diego-history-bum-dog-mascot-city-legend" data-vars-content-id="b11d8297-40a3-4364-9a86-369fc93034ef" data-vars-headline="How San Diego dogfluencers make bank off the zoomies" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/01/09/san-diego-history-bum-dog-mascot-city-legend" target="_self">San Diego dog</a>.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Sapphie the Pomsky" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/sapphie_the_pomsky/?hl=en" data-vars-content-id="b11d8297-40a3-4364-9a86-369fc93034ef" data-vars-headline="How San Diego dogfluencers make bank off the zoomies" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/sapphie_the_pomsky/?hl=en" target="_blank">Sapphie the Pomsky</a>, with more than 9 million followers across Instagram and TikTok, is a local example of the rise of &quot;dogfluencers,&quot; adorbs fur babies filmed by their owners, who garner millions of fans and paw-some paydays.

So you think you can lion dance

Performers say it's harder to get kids interested in the ancient Lunar New Year art form.

Culture

Several groups across San Diego are striving to ensure traditional Chinese <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="lion dancing" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-francisco/2025/01/30/chinatown-welcomes-lunar-new-year" data-vars-content-id="0bba6093-02e7-4cd5-a3a5-abbae21e3eee" data-vars-headline="So you think you can lion dance" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-francisco/2025/01/30/chinatown-welcomes-lunar-new-year" target="_self">lion dancing</a> doesn&#x27;t become a lost art.Why it matters: Lion dancing is an essential part of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Lunar New Year celebrations" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2024/02/28/lunar-new-year-business-experiments" data-vars-content-id="0bba6093-02e7-4cd5-a3a5-abbae21e3eee" data-vars-headline="So you think you can lion dance" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2024/02/28/lunar-new-year-business-experiments" target="_self">Lunar New Year celebrations</a>, but can also be part of weddings, business openings and other cultural events.

San Diego Museum of Art celebrates 100 years

Two centennial exhibitions open this weekend, and there's a free birthday fest in February.

The San Diego Museum of Art turns 100 next month, and it&#x27;s celebrating its history and legacy with special exhibitions and a birthday party.The big picture: The city-owned Fine Arts Gallery opened on Feb. 28, 1926, in Balboa Park as San Diego&#x27;s first art museum, and it&#x27;s been a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="cultural landmark" data-vars-click-url="https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/2026/01/04/san-diego-museum-of-art-at-100-honoring-the-past-with-big-plans-ahead/" data-vars-content-id="a81e0e9e-198c-4a4b-a8bc-4ab35c4839f8" data-vars-headline="San Diego Museum of Art celebrates 100 years" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/2026/01/04/san-diego-museum-of-art-at-100-honoring-the-past-with-big-plans-ahead/" target="_blank">cultural landmark</a> since. The institution was renamed the San Diego Museum of Art in 1978.

Vote on The Lineup's new name

We asked for your help creating new names for The Lineup. Now help us pick.

Last week, we asked for suggestions on new names for our daily news roundup called &quot;The Lineup.&quot; The big picture: Now you can vote on our top picks from those suggestions!

Silent book clubs are happy hour for introverts

The meetups at local parks, breweries and coffee shops create (mostly) quiet connection.

No assigned reading. No forced discussion. Just you, your book and a room full of fellow introverts quietly reading.Why it matters: That&#x27;s the idea behind &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="silent book clubs" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-francisco/2025/08/18/silent-book-club-bay-area-growth" data-vars-content-id="97fc3dc3-4592-43f1-9aa8-e344c04a8ef6" data-vars-headline="Silent book clubs are happy hour for introverts" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-francisco/2025/08/18/silent-book-club-bay-area-growth" target="_self">silent book clubs</a>,&quot; gatherings popping up in cafés, parks and breweries that are <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="taking off" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/12/silent-book-club-original-what-is" data-vars-content-id="97fc3dc3-4592-43f1-9aa8-e344c04a8ef6" data-vars-headline="Silent book clubs are happy hour for introverts" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/12/silent-book-club-original-what-is" target="_self">taking off</a> in San Diego and across the country.

"Heated Rivalry" craze fills San Diego library waitlists

The gay hockey romance is such a pop culture hit that the book is flying off the shelves.

Prepare to wait if you&#x27;re looking to borrow a copy of &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Heated Rivalry" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/01/09/crosby-ovechkin-feud-inspires-heated-rivalry" data-vars-content-id="e17fad2b-58db-45a7-82e6-2d2a2da51937" data-vars-headline="&quot;Heated Rivalry&quot; craze fills San Diego library waitlists" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/01/09/crosby-ovechkin-feud-inspires-heated-rivalry" target="_self">Heated Rivalry</a>&quot; from your local library.Why it matters: The &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="gay hockey smut" data-vars-click-url="https://www.thecut.com/article/heated-rivalry-series-show-book-women-explained.html" data-vars-content-id="e17fad2b-58db-45a7-82e6-2d2a2da51937" data-vars-headline="&quot;Heated Rivalry&quot; craze fills San Diego library waitlists" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.thecut.com/article/heated-rivalry-series-show-book-women-explained.html" target="_blank">gay hockey smut</a>&quot; book-turned-television-hit has exploded into a pop culture sensation, sending reader demand soaring.

New nonprofit aims to share only good news

Kindness Happens Here shares uplifting stories — from free dry cleaning to oaks grown from acorns.

A simple sign offering free dry cleaning to the unemployed inspired one San Diego journalist to start chronicling <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="acts of kindness" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2022/09/08/power-of-small-random-acts-of-kindess-study" data-vars-content-id="845110a1-e9a1-4457-a97a-02e604b4e590" data-vars-headline="New nonprofit aims to share only good news" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2022/09/08/power-of-small-random-acts-of-kindess-study" target="_self">acts of kindness</a> across the city.Why it matters: Last month, Leigh Fenly launched <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Kindness Happens Here" data-vars-click-url="https://kindnesshappenshere.org/our-beginnings/" data-vars-content-id="845110a1-e9a1-4457-a97a-02e604b4e590" data-vars-headline="New nonprofit aims to share only good news" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://kindnesshappenshere.org/our-beginnings/" target="_blank">Kindness Happens Here</a>, a nonprofit news website that focuses on stories of generosity, kindness and community.

Meet San Diego's "First Dog"

He's sweet, snack-obsessed and a big fan of Waterfront Park. This is Diego, the city's top dog.

We&#x27;re kicking off a new series about the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="pets of San Diego" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2025/11/14/trending-pet-names-san-diego-2025-rover-dogs-cats" data-vars-content-id="4aa69ba7-8624-4088-8418-42d6881395c0" data-vars-headline="Meet San Diego&#x27;s &quot;First Dog&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2025/11/14/trending-pet-names-san-diego-2025-rover-dogs-cats" target="_self">pets of San Diego</a> and figured the right place to start would be with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the city&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2025/11/05/off-leash-dogs-school-fields-san-diego" data-vars-content-id="4aa69ba7-8624-4088-8418-42d6881395c0" data-vars-headline="Meet San Diego&#x27;s &quot;First Dog&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2025/11/05/off-leash-dogs-school-fields-san-diego" target="_self">the city&#x27;s</a> &quot;First Dog.&quot; <ul><li>That&#x27;s Diego, Mayor Todd Gloria&#x27;s rescue pup.</li></ul>Why it matters: Because puppy eyes are adorable.

San Diego among top LGBTQ cities for friends, Grindr finds

A new report finds Grindr users in San Diego are searching for more than dates — they want connection and safety.

San Diego is a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="top city" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2025/10/15/explore-san-diego-s-lgbtq-history-at-city-hall" data-vars-content-id="66f1b2e3-9544-4aa0-881d-817b7f3420e3" data-vars-headline="San Diego among top LGBTQ cities for friends, Grindr finds" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2025/10/15/explore-san-diego-s-lgbtq-history-at-city-hall" target="_self">top city</a> where LGBTQ people are looking for friends, according to a new report from <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Grindr" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2024/04/16/grindr-changes-location-services" data-vars-content-id="66f1b2e3-9544-4aa0-881d-817b7f3420e3" data-vars-headline="San Diego among top LGBTQ cities for friends, Grindr finds" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2024/04/16/grindr-changes-location-services" target="_self">Grindr</a>.Why it matters: &quot;Times are tough for many of us, and the rights of queer people are being stripped,&quot; Grindr&#x27;s relationship expert, Zachary Zane, tells Axios.