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How to watch Artemis II land off the San Diego coast

San Diego-based Navy teams are conducting the recovery mission alongside NASA.

News

NASA&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Artemis II" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/04/03/artemis-ii-earth-photo-picture" data-vars-content-id="540d1a4e-b383-4b92-a795-5b543a644017" data-vars-headline="How to watch Artemis II land off the San Diego coast" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/04/03/artemis-ii-earth-photo-picture" target="_self">Artemis II</a> crew is set to splash down off the coast of San Diego on Friday after their 10-day mission around the Moon.Why it matters: The astronauts and their <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="record-setting spaceflight" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/04/06/artemis-ii-distance-record-apollo-13" data-vars-content-id="540d1a4e-b383-4b92-a795-5b543a644017" data-vars-headline="How to watch Artemis II land off the San Diego coast" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/04/06/artemis-ii-distance-record-apollo-13" target="_self">record-setting spaceflight</a> have captured our attention and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="hearts" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/04/08/nasa-astronaut-wife-moon-crater-carroll-artemis" data-vars-content-id="540d1a4e-b383-4b92-a795-5b543a644017" data-vars-headline="How to watch Artemis II land off the San Diego coast" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/04/08/nasa-astronaut-wife-moon-crater-carroll-artemis" target="_self">hearts</a> over the past week, and a local Navy team will play a key role in their recovery.

Many San Diegans may not have valid parking permits

Many residents stopped after step one, risking tickets in lots reserved for permit holders.

It&#x27;s likely that many San Diegans who think they&#x27;ve secured Balboa Park <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="resident permits" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/02/25/more-free-parking-city-residents-balboa-park" data-vars-content-id="8a52399d-2f6d-4b83-a5d7-a71119e17bf7" data-vars-headline="Many San Diegans may not have valid parking permits" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/02/25/more-free-parking-city-residents-balboa-park" target="_self">resident permits</a> have not completed the process correctly, according to city officials.Why it matters: If you didn&#x27;t finish signing up, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="you could get a ticket" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/01/05/balboa-park-san-diego-zoo-parking-fees-2025-city-budget" data-vars-content-id="8a52399d-2f6d-4b83-a5d7-a71119e17bf7" data-vars-headline="Many San Diegans may not have valid parking permits" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/01/05/balboa-park-san-diego-zoo-parking-fees-2025-city-budget" target="_self">you could get a ticket</a> for parking in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="lots reserved for residents" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2025/11/19/san-diego-city-council-new-paid-parking-plan-balboa-park" data-vars-content-id="8a52399d-2f6d-4b83-a5d7-a71119e17bf7" data-vars-headline="Many San Diegans may not have valid parking permits" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2025/11/19/san-diego-city-council-new-paid-parking-plan-balboa-park" target="_self">lots reserved for residents</a>.

AI is reshaping what and how college students study

SDSU researchers found mixed reviews of how students are using and thinking about the tech.

Education

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="California college students" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2025/11/19/college-degree-earnings-san-diego" data-vars-content-id="60037ff2-0776-475f-be49-9ffea8c4a2bd" data-vars-headline="AI is reshaping what and how college students study" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2025/11/19/college-degree-earnings-san-diego" target="_self">California college students</a> vary when it comes to how they&#x27;re using and thinking about <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="AI" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/technology/automation-and-ai" data-vars-content-id="60037ff2-0776-475f-be49-9ffea8c4a2bd" data-vars-headline="AI is reshaping what and how college students study" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/technology/automation-and-ai" target="_self">AI</a> in their academics, personal lives and future careers, according to a massive new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="San Diego State University study" data-vars-click-url="https://www.calstate.edu/impact-of-the-csu/technology/ai-empowered-csu/Pages/ai-survey.aspx" data-vars-content-id="60037ff2-0776-475f-be49-9ffea8c4a2bd" data-vars-headline="AI is reshaping what and how college students study" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.calstate.edu/impact-of-the-csu/technology/ai-empowered-csu/Pages/ai-survey.aspx" target="_blank">San Diego State University study</a>.The big picture: College graduates are entering a job market that&#x27;s been rocked by a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="massive tech evolution" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/03/09/jobs-early-career-college-artificial-intelligence" data-vars-content-id="60037ff2-0776-475f-be49-9ffea8c4a2bd" data-vars-headline="AI is reshaping what and how college students study" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/03/09/jobs-early-career-college-artificial-intelligence" target="_self">massive tech evolution</a>, reshaping how students are preparing for the workforce and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="career prospects" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/08/26/ai-entry-level-jobs" data-vars-content-id="60037ff2-0776-475f-be49-9ffea8c4a2bd" data-vars-headline="AI is reshaping what and how college students study" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/08/26/ai-entry-level-jobs" target="_self">career prospects</a> for entry-level employees.

California has the country's worst tippers, according to Toast

California diners at restaurants using the Toast platform left 17.2% on average.

Business

California is home to America&#x27;s worst tippers at restaurants using the Toast platform, with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="diners" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/07/solo-dining-self-care-fast-food" data-vars-content-id="ff128ef7-e5ec-4890-a0e2-d43608564d68" data-vars-headline="California has the country&#x27;s worst tippers, according to Toast" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/07/solo-dining-self-care-fast-food" target="_self">diners</a> leaving 17.2% on average.The big picture: Nationwide, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="tips" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/01/no-tax-on-tips-jobs-trump-bill" data-vars-content-id="ff128ef7-e5ec-4890-a0e2-d43608564d68" data-vars-headline="California has the country&#x27;s worst tippers, according to Toast" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/01/no-tax-on-tips-jobs-trump-bill" target="_self">tips</a> at full-service restaurants using the platform averaged 19.2% in Q4 2025, the same as the previous quarter, per Toast&#x27;s latest <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="restaurant trends report" data-vars-click-url="https://pos.toasttab.com/blog/data/toast-restaurant-trends-report-coffee-prices-2026" data-vars-content-id="ff128ef7-e5ec-4890-a0e2-d43608564d68" data-vars-headline="California has the country&#x27;s worst tippers, according to Toast" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://pos.toasttab.com/blog/data/toast-restaurant-trends-report-coffee-prices-2026" target="_blank">restaurant trends report</a>.

7 San Diego concerts worth seeing

From surf legend Tom Curren to jazz at Balboa Theatre, here's what to see live in San Diego.

Things to Do

If you&#x27;re looking to dive into San Diego&#x27;s live music scene, start here.The big picture: From laid-back surf sounds to country to soul, there&#x27;s a lot to choose from over the next two weeks.

Q&A: Why writer/director Cameron Crowe loves San Diego

In a new book and interview, the iconic director opens up about his hometown memories and favorite spots.

Music

Cameron Crowe&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="San Diego" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2025/03/17/padres-mariners-vedder-cup-pearl-jam-interleague-play" data-vars-content-id="4750447a-a30a-4a61-a12d-5dc7f169044c" data-vars-headline="Q&amp;A: Why writer/director Cameron Crowe loves 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/2025/03/17/padres-mariners-vedder-cup-pearl-jam-interleague-play" target="_self">San Diego</a> roots run deep.The big picture: He spent his teen years here, and his iconic movies &quot;Fast Times at Ridgemont High&quot; and &quot;Almost Famous&quot; are set here — with much of the latter filmed here too. Crowe&#x27;s new book, &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Uncool" data-vars-click-url="https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-Uncool/Cameron-Crowe/9781668059432" data-vars-content-id="4750447a-a30a-4a61-a12d-5dc7f169044c" data-vars-headline="Q&amp;A: Why writer/director Cameron Crowe loves San Diego" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-Uncool/Cameron-Crowe/9781668059432" target="_blank">The Uncool</a>,&quot; is also dripping with San Diego references (more on that below).

The San Diego references in Cameron Crowe's memoir

From his first Elvis concert to writing for The Door, Crowe's memoir traces his San Diego roots in detail.

Cameron Crowe&#x27;s memoir &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Uncool" data-vars-click-url="https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-Uncool/Cameron-Crowe/9781668059432" data-vars-content-id="5119dad3-5ebe-416a-8b74-7907d4e5197e" data-vars-headline="The San Diego references in Cameron Crowe&#x27;s memoir" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-Uncool/Cameron-Crowe/9781668059432" target="_blank">The Uncool</a>&quot; is packed with San Diego shout-outs. It tells the story of his adolescence and the beginning of his career, all of which happened in San Diego.Here are a few of the many, many local references we spotted. There are probably plenty of others we missed!

Kendrick and SZA rule San Diego's Spotify in 2025

Bad Bunny, Lady Gaga and Neton Vega also made big waves in San Diego's Spotify Wrapped this year.

&quot;luther (with sza)&quot; by Kendrick Lamar and SZA was the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="most-streamed song on Spotify" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/03/spotify-wrapped-2025-new-features" data-vars-content-id="7e86bfc8-548a-477c-93e9-578d720fdb9e" data-vars-headline="Kendrick and SZA rule San Diego&#x27;s Spotify in 2025" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/03/spotify-wrapped-2025-new-features" target="_self">most-streamed song on Spotify</a> this year in San Diego.Why it matters: San Diegans mostly followed the trends <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="across the country" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/03/spotify-wrapped-2025-bad-bunny-tops-global-artists" data-vars-content-id="7e86bfc8-548a-477c-93e9-578d720fdb9e" data-vars-headline="Kendrick and SZA rule San Diego&#x27;s Spotify in 2025" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/03/spotify-wrapped-2025-bad-bunny-tops-global-artists" target="_self">across the country</a> in their listening habits, but Bad Bunny and Neton Vega are more popular here.

SD's indie music venues fuel state economy, local artists

Local clubs like Belly Up and Casbah drive San Diego's music scene and propel local artists.

California&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="independent music venues" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2024/07/02/belly-up-venue-50-year-anniversary-san-diego-music-scene" data-vars-content-id="b0150d15-0e9a-4108-9c14-a2da25193948" data-vars-headline="SD&#x27;s indie music venues fuel state economy, local artists" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2024/07/02/belly-up-venue-50-year-anniversary-san-diego-music-scene" target="_self">independent music venues</a> contributed nearly $11 billion to the state&#x27;s economy in 2024, according to a first-of-its-kind report released this week.Why it matters: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="report" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nivassoc.org/stateoflive/state-reports" data-vars-content-id="b0150d15-0e9a-4108-9c14-a2da25193948" data-vars-headline="SD&#x27;s indie music venues fuel state economy, local artists" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nivassoc.org/stateoflive/state-reports" target="_blank">report</a> was produced by the National Independent Venue Association (NIVA) to inform policymakers and music industry stakeholders about the importance of independent venues.

Adams Avenue Street Fair headlines big festival weekend

Normal Height's annual event is billed as Southern California's largest two-day free music festival.

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Adams Avenue Street Fair" data-vars-click-url="https://www.adamsavenuebusiness.com/adams-avenue-street-fair/" data-vars-content-id="42851ef6-8f11-4259-a0cf-9a453c7bee1c" data-vars-headline="Adams Avenue Street Fair headlines big festival weekend" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.adamsavenuebusiness.com/adams-avenue-street-fair/" target="_blank">Adams Avenue Street Fair</a> is taking over Normal Heights this weekend for one of the city&#x27;s biggest block parties.Why it matters: The annual event started in the 1980s for the community to celebrate the new neighborhood sign. It&#x27;s since grown into Southern California&#x27;s largest two-day free music festival, drawing about 80,000 people from around San Diego and other states.

San Diego's top Spotify songs of the summer

Here's what San Diegans were listening to.

&quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Back To Friends" data-vars-click-url="https://open.spotify.com/track/0FTmksd2dxiE5e3rWyJXs6?si=e97f03f5ee4b4005" data-vars-content-id="e9654556-32fe-4b66-b0ec-02b0443368d8" data-vars-headline="San Diego&#x27;s top Spotify songs of the summer" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://open.spotify.com/track/0FTmksd2dxiE5e3rWyJXs6?si=e97f03f5ee4b4005" target="_blank">Back To Friends</a>&quot; by Sombr was the top song this summer for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="San Diego&#x27;s Spotify" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2024/12/04/san-diego-2024-spotify-wrapped-taylor-swift-sabrina-carpenter" data-vars-content-id="e9654556-32fe-4b66-b0ec-02b0443368d8" data-vars-headline="San Diego&#x27;s top Spotify songs of the summer" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2024/12/04/san-diego-2024-spotify-wrapped-taylor-swift-sabrina-carpenter" target="_self">San Diego&#x27;s Spotify</a>, according to data shared exclusively with Axios.The big picture: According to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Spotify" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/07/29/spotify-user-numbers-investor-relations" data-vars-content-id="e9654556-32fe-4b66-b0ec-02b0443368d8" data-vars-headline="San Diego&#x27;s top Spotify songs of the summer" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/07/29/spotify-user-numbers-investor-relations" target="_self">Spotify</a> data, summer 2025 was the least danceable and lowest-energy summer for music in the last decade, based on the tempos, rhythm stability, beat strength, and overall regularity of its top tracks.<ul><li>The platform says listeners &quot;swapped carefree anthems for songs that felt personal, vulnerable, and emotionally charged — both lyrically and sonically.&quot;</li></ul>

City shuts down popular pop-up DJ events

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

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.

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.

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

Great concerts in San Diego this week

The Beach Boys, Counting Crows and Alabama Shakes are holding it down, too.

Here&#x27;s eight reasons to get out of the house and let live music cleanse your soul (or just have a relaxing night out).Hunter Burgamy and Georgia Parker play a free <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="country swing show" data-vars-click-url="https://open.spotify.com/track/5qrfxdje2YxEZEoM7rjkdl?si=2a0132d9efd046c4" data-vars-content-id="0abcd3d9-6888-46ca-b716-91ab2fb64cf2" data-vars-headline="Great concerts in San Diego this week" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://open.spotify.com/track/5qrfxdje2YxEZEoM7rjkdl?si=2a0132d9efd046c4" target="_blank">country swing show</a> early Wednesday evening at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Whistle Stop" data-vars-click-url="https://whistlestopbar.com/event/hunter-burgamy-georgia-parker/" data-vars-content-id="0abcd3d9-6888-46ca-b716-91ab2fb64cf2" data-vars-headline="Great concerts in San Diego this week" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://whistlestopbar.com/event/hunter-burgamy-georgia-parker/" target="_blank">Whistle Stop</a>.