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Scoop: San Diego police quietly signed new Flock tech deal

Police say the software was exempt from an oversight process for surveillance tech.

News

Privacy advocates are alarmed that San Diego Police acquired a new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="surveillance-related technology" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2025/12/10/san-diego-police-flock-license-plate-surveillance-cameras" data-vars-content-id="dbbead24-d45c-4136-afab-2ed17d56bd1c" data-vars-headline="Scoop: San Diego police quietly signed new Flock tech deal" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2025/12/10/san-diego-police-flock-license-plate-surveillance-cameras" target="_self">surveillance-related technology</a> without going through the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="city&#x27;s public oversight process" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2024/01/24/council-amends-surveillance-oversight-ordinance" data-vars-content-id="dbbead24-d45c-4136-afab-2ed17d56bd1c" data-vars-headline="Scoop: San Diego police quietly signed new Flock tech deal" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2024/01/24/council-amends-surveillance-oversight-ordinance" target="_self">city&#x27;s public oversight process</a>, but the police say the platform in question didn&#x27;t need that approval.Why it matters: The contract for the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Flock Nova" data-vars-click-url="https://www.flocksafety.com/blog/flock-nova-smarter-investigations-faster-case-resolutions" data-vars-content-id="dbbead24-d45c-4136-afab-2ed17d56bd1c" data-vars-headline="Scoop: San Diego police quietly signed new Flock tech deal" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.flocksafety.com/blog/flock-nova-smarter-investigations-faster-case-resolutions" target="_blank">Flock Nova</a> platform was quietly signed in December, as local residents and City Council members questioned police using <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Flock&#x27;s Safety&#x27;s other surveillance technology" data-vars-click-url="https://transparency.flocksafety.com/san-diego-ca-pd" data-vars-content-id="dbbead24-d45c-4136-afab-2ed17d56bd1c" data-vars-headline="Scoop: San Diego police quietly signed new Flock tech deal" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://transparency.flocksafety.com/san-diego-ca-pd" target="_blank">Flock&#x27;s Safety&#x27;s other surveillance technology</a> — specifically <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="license plate readers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2025/12/12/city-council-flock-alternatives-license-plate-reader-police-surveillance" data-vars-content-id="dbbead24-d45c-4136-afab-2ed17d56bd1c" data-vars-headline="Scoop: San Diego police quietly signed new Flock tech deal" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2025/12/12/city-council-flock-alternatives-license-plate-reader-police-surveillance" target="_self">license plate readers</a> — to assist investigations.

Big delays in plan to curb off-leash dogs at schools

Six months after promises, most school fields still lack enforcement and even a way to report issues.

Neighborhoods

It&#x27;s gotten much harder to report off-leash dogs and their scofflaw owners who use San Diego school fields and don&#x27;t clean up their mess.Why it matters: Some school fields have been riddled with holes and dog poop since the pandemic, when people got used to letting their pups run free. Now that kids are back on the fields, the doggy detritus has been an incessant problem.

8 things to do in San Diego this weekend

From Gaslamp fiestas to Del Mar food stalls and live shows, here's what to do this weekend.

Things to Do

We&#x27;ve got you covered if you&#x27;re looking for plans this weekend.The big picture: Cinco de Mayo celebrations, food festivals and live shows are taking over San Diego as May kicks off.

Scoop: AI is helping answer San Diego 911 calls

The city is using AI agents to sort nonemergency calls and assist dispatchers with transcripts and prompts.

Public Safety

San Diego has rolled out <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="AI for police dispatchers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/04/01/how-san-diego-uses-ai-government-copilot-gemini-future-potholes-records-requests" data-vars-content-id="67608916-df80-467d-93a9-4d57f51f8dad" data-vars-headline="Scoop: AI is helping answer San Diego 911 calls" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/04/01/how-san-diego-uses-ai-government-copilot-gemini-future-potholes-records-requests" target="_self">AI for police dispatchers</a>, including AI agents that answer non-emergency calls and automatically classify calls by type, per a contract obtained exclusively by Axios.Why it matters: The contract is another example of the city using <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="AI technology" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2025/10/20/san-diego-chula-vista-police-drones" data-vars-content-id="67608916-df80-467d-93a9-4d57f51f8dad" data-vars-headline="Scoop: AI is helping answer San Diego 911 calls" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2025/10/20/san-diego-chula-vista-police-drones" target="_self">AI technology</a> to help employees be more efficient, but advocates warn it could <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="violate privacy" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/04/29/san-diego-police-flock-nova-surveillance-technology-contract-review" data-vars-content-id="67608916-df80-467d-93a9-4d57f51f8dad" data-vars-headline="Scoop: AI is helping answer San Diego 911 calls" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/04/29/san-diego-police-flock-nova-surveillance-technology-contract-review" target="_self">violate privacy</a>.

Santee to get New York-style steakhouse this June

A luxury steakhouse with Sinatra vibes and airport views aims to fill a dining gap in East County.

Food and Drink

Santee is getting a New York-style steakhouse this June.The big picture: There&#x27;s a strong market for a classic American steakhouse in East County, especially among older residents, and The Heritage Steakhouse will fill that need, backers told Axios.

This Lemon Grove backyard serves an Egyptian feast

A mother-daughter duo hosts intimate dinners, and now brunch, at their home in Lemon Grove.

There&#x27;s a backyard oasis tucked away in Lemon Grove that&#x27;s serving home-cooked, Egyptian meals for an unexpected <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="dining experience" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/food-and-drink" data-vars-content-id="e3f8d317-08d7-46da-aca0-06d402ce5f01" data-vars-headline="This Lemon Grove backyard serves an Egyptian feast" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/food-and-drink" target="_self">dining experience</a>.Dig in: Chef Noura Bishay and her mother, Samia Khair, opened <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Hidden Gazebo Eatery" data-vars-click-url="https://www.hiddengazebo.com/" data-vars-content-id="e3f8d317-08d7-46da-aca0-06d402ce5f01" data-vars-headline="This Lemon Grove backyard serves an Egyptian feast" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.hiddengazebo.com/" target="_blank">The Hidden Gazebo Eatery</a> in January, cooking a seven-course dinner out of their home.<ul><li>Now, they&#x27;re adding a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="four-course brunch menu" data-vars-click-url="https://www.hiddengazebo.com/brunch-menu" data-vars-content-id="e3f8d317-08d7-46da-aca0-06d402ce5f01" data-vars-headline="This Lemon Grove backyard serves an Egyptian feast" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.hiddengazebo.com/brunch-menu" target="_blank">four-course brunch menu</a> and we got to taste test the new dishes from their Egyptian homeland.</li></ul>

Poke Chop stands out in San Diego's crowded poke scene

Fresh fish, customizable bowls and quick takeout make this local spot worth a stop after a long day.

The takeout poke <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="competition" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2025/08/24/island-life-hawaiian-food-san-diego-farmers-markets-festival" data-vars-content-id="72d0f076-21a0-419d-87aa-76cea2996161" data-vars-headline="Poke Chop stands out in San Diego&#x27;s crowded poke scene" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2025/08/24/island-life-hawaiian-food-san-diego-farmers-markets-festival" target="_self">competition</a> in San Diego is tough, but Poke Chop should be among the contenders.The big picture: The Hawaiian-style restaurant serves fresh ingredients and a simple menu at its four locations.

Local shops represent big at BagelFest West

Our growing bagel scene has some rising stars.

Several <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="San Diego bagel shops" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2025/04/09/new-york-style-bagel-shop-rise-san-diego" data-vars-content-id="410dce59-c315-470e-8342-f4b52f3f5b9d" data-vars-headline="Local shops represent big at BagelFest West" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2025/04/09/new-york-style-bagel-shop-rise-san-diego" target="_self">San Diego bagel shops</a> earned top marks for their dough, schmears and sandwiches at the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="2026 BagelFest West" data-vars-click-url="https://www.bagelfest.com/" data-vars-content-id="410dce59-c315-470e-8342-f4b52f3f5b9d" data-vars-headline="Local shops represent big at BagelFest West" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.bagelfest.com/" target="_blank">2026 BagelFest West</a> in Los Angeles this week.Why it matters: Our growing <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="bagel scene" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2024/06/26/best-bagel-shops-axios-reader-picks" data-vars-content-id="410dce59-c315-470e-8342-f4b52f3f5b9d" data-vars-headline="Local shops represent big at BagelFest West" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2024/06/26/best-bagel-shops-axios-reader-picks" target="_self">bagel scene</a> has some rising stars that are taking a bite out of the competition on the national stage.

Izakaya Sakura delivers authentic Japanese dining

From fresh sushi to standout yakitori, Izakaya Sakura is a go-to for classic Japanese dishes.

If you&#x27;re looking for an authentic <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Japanese dining" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2025/11/24/hinotez-convoy-sushi-spot-san-diego" data-vars-content-id="b61b2d34-cbd5-4401-b4e6-d243b0401283" data-vars-headline="Izakaya Sakura delivers authentic Japanese dining" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2025/11/24/hinotez-convoy-sushi-spot-san-diego" target="_self">Japanese dining</a> experience, you&#x27;ve got to try <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Izakaya Sakura" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/izakayasakra/" data-vars-content-id="b61b2d34-cbd5-4401-b4e6-d243b0401283" data-vars-headline="Izakaya Sakura delivers authentic Japanese dining" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/izakayasakra/" target="_blank">Izakaya Sakura</a>.The big picture: The cozy spot in Convoy serves up fresh sushi, plus tempura, yakitori, noodles and ramen, so there&#x27;s something for everyone (who likes Japanese food, that is).

New food arrives at Petco Park for Padres' 2026 season

New bites, local vendors and classic ballpark eats make baseball games a foodie destination.

Sports

The San Diego Padres 2026 season is here, which means <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new food options" data-vars-click-url="https://www.mlb.com/padres/ballpark/food" data-vars-content-id="50bc4ae6-5c7f-4cc3-99b4-b89fce6accde" data-vars-headline="New food arrives at Petco Park for Padres&#x27; 2026 season" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.mlb.com/padres/ballpark/food" target="_blank">new food options</a> for those who want to indulge in more than a Friar Frank at Petco Park.Dig in: Fans and foodies can try two new spots in the ballpark this season and new menu items from their <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="favorite local vendors" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2025/03/24/new-food-petco-park-padres-2025-mlb-season" data-vars-content-id="50bc4ae6-5c7f-4cc3-99b4-b89fce6accde" data-vars-headline="New food arrives at Petco Park for Padres&#x27; 2026 season" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2025/03/24/new-food-petco-park-padres-2025-mlb-season" target="_self">favorite local vendors</a>.

Coco & Jules' cookies are a seriously sweet treat

The bakery's freshly baked selection of gluten-free cookies changes daily.

Shoutout to our readers for suggesting <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Coco &amp; Jules" data-vars-click-url="https://www.cocojulescookies.com/?utm_source=ig&amp;utm_medium=social&amp;utm_content=link_in_bio&amp;fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQMMjU2MjgxMDQwNTU4AAGnZEaJBiAXISsOqZdMaYBIFLAwOr5-FE2O9mhmgiL0NnsMJYIpQF9-KZwr6ZI_aem_qMECfSEpBCBOtD5xrcBSZw" data-vars-content-id="0d9caf1c-6cab-4239-87ee-5ce1cf0db822" data-vars-headline="Coco &amp; Jules&#x27; cookies are a seriously sweet treat" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.cocojulescookies.com/?utm_source=ig&amp;utm_medium=social&amp;utm_content=link_in_bio&amp;fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQMMjU2MjgxMDQwNTU4AAGnZEaJBiAXISsOqZdMaYBIFLAwOr5-FE2O9mhmgiL0NnsMJYIpQF9-KZwr6ZI_aem_qMECfSEpBCBOtD5xrcBSZw" target="_blank">Coco &amp; Jules</a> in Normal Heights on my mission to find San Diego&#x27;s best chocolate chip cookie.Dig in: This local bakery&#x27;s chewy classic chocolate chip cookie made with oats and sprinkled with sea salt is definitely a contender.

Why Bacari is one of North Park's hot new reservations

From Moroccan cigars to schnitzel and spritzes, Bacari's menu is built for a night out with friends.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Bacari" data-vars-click-url="https://www.eatwithbacari.com/" data-vars-content-id="40536d7e-14c9-47b0-896b-0674bf259202" data-vars-headline="Why Bacari is one of North Park&#x27;s hot new reservations" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.eatwithbacari.com/" target="_blank">Bacari</a> quickly became one of San Diego&#x27;s buzziest <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new restaurants" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/food-and-drink" data-vars-content-id="40536d7e-14c9-47b0-896b-0674bf259202" data-vars-headline="Why Bacari is one of North Park&#x27;s hot new reservations" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/food-and-drink" target="_self">new restaurants</a> with elusive reservations when it opened in North Park in February.Dig in: The new LA-based Venetian restaurant and wine bar concept is breathing new life into a French Quarter-style building that&#x27;s been sitting vacant on 30th Street since <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Urban Solace closed in 2019" data-vars-click-url="https://sandiego.eater.com/2019/3/12/18262360/urban-solace-closing-solace-moonlight-lounge-north-park" data-vars-content-id="40536d7e-14c9-47b0-896b-0674bf259202" data-vars-headline="Why Bacari is one of North Park&#x27;s hot new reservations" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://sandiego.eater.com/2019/3/12/18262360/urban-solace-closing-solace-moonlight-lounge-north-park" target="_blank">Urban Solace closed in 2019</a>.<ul><li>Its Mediterranean-style sharable dishes make for a fun night out with friends, especially since the chef suggests two to three plates per person. </li></ul>

Little While's coffee and pastries are a new treat in North Park

The team behind Pop Pie Co. and Stella Jean's opened a new café inspired by moments of connection.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Little While" data-vars-click-url="https://www.littlewhilesd.com/menu" data-vars-content-id="13770877-a5ff-4556-a312-94bd9a1e6dd9" data-vars-headline="Little While&#x27;s coffee and pastries are a new treat in North Park" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.littlewhilesd.com/menu" target="_blank">Little While</a> in North Park wants to be the neighborhood spot where you don&#x27;t choose between <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="coffee" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2024/05/13/selva-coffee-terra-bella-nursery-point-loma" data-vars-content-id="13770877-a5ff-4556-a312-94bd9a1e6dd9" data-vars-headline="Little While&#x27;s coffee and pastries are a new treat in North Park" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2024/05/13/selva-coffee-terra-bella-nursery-point-loma" target="_self">coffee</a> and a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="pastry" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2024/10/15/sips-and-snacks-japanese-bakery-treats" data-vars-content-id="13770877-a5ff-4556-a312-94bd9a1e6dd9" data-vars-headline="Little While&#x27;s coffee and pastries are a new treat in North Park" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2024/10/15/sips-and-snacks-japanese-bakery-treats" target="_self">pastry</a> — you treat yourself to both.Dig in: The new café and roastery recently celebrated its grand opening, which drove a consistent line out the door on a Saturday morning.<ul><li>Spoiler alert: The globally inspired drinks and pastries were worth the wait.</li></ul>

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

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

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.

Food and Drink 🍽

Santee to get New York-style steakhouse this June

This Lemon Grove backyard serves an Egyptian feast

Poke Chop stands out in San Diego's crowded poke scene

Local shops represent big at BagelFest West

North Park's new French brasserie, À L'ouest, is worth the wait