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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>.

San Diegans lost over a day to rush hour in 2025

Rush hour delays in San Diego totaled 30 hours on average, per a new traffic congestion report.

Transit

San Diego drivers lost 30 hours <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="stuck in rush hour" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/22/traffic-by-city" data-vars-content-id="676d9417-09c5-4635-bfdb-a03bbb485f08" data-vars-headline="San Diegans lost over a day to rush hour in 2025" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/22/traffic-by-city" target="_self">stuck in rush hour</a> last year, per the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="TomTom Traffic Index" data-vars-click-url="https://www.tomtom.com/traffic-index/" data-vars-content-id="676d9417-09c5-4635-bfdb-a03bbb485f08" data-vars-headline="San Diegans lost over a day to rush hour in 2025" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.tomtom.com/traffic-index/" target="_blank">TomTom Traffic Index</a>.Why it matters: That&#x27;s more than an entire day staring at somebody else&#x27;s license plate, tail lights and — if you&#x27;re lucky — quippy bumper stickers.

Parking no longer free at Balboa Park or zoo

Here's what San Diego residents and visitors will pay — and how to register or pay by phone.

It&#x27;s official. You now have to pay for parking at both the San Diego Zoo and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Balboa Park" 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="cdf520a8-b58b-44cd-85e4-9668f6876feb" data-vars-headline="Parking no longer free at Balboa Park or zoo" 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">Balboa Park</a>.Why it matters: This historic change is happening after City Council votes to help close the city&#x27;s massive budget gap.

The best and worst times for San Diego Thanksgiving 2025 travel

Wednesday evening traffic and Sunday airport crowds will be the worst — plan ahead and pack patience.

Holidays

If you&#x27;re <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="traveling for Thanksgiving" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/24/thanksgiving-travel-delays-weather" data-vars-content-id="a4e6200c-e4c1-4eef-85cc-71aaaa4283f8" data-vars-headline="The best and worst times for San Diego Thanksgiving 2025 travel" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/24/thanksgiving-travel-delays-weather" target="_self">traveling for Thanksgiving</a> this year, remember to pack your patience.Why it matters: There&#x27;ll be a record-breaking 81.8 million Americans leaving town for Thanksgiving this year, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="AAA" data-vars-click-url="https://newsroom.aaa.com/2025/11/aaa-thanksgiving-travel-forecast-2025/" data-vars-content-id="a4e6200c-e4c1-4eef-85cc-71aaaa4283f8" data-vars-headline="The best and worst times for San Diego Thanksgiving 2025 travel" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://newsroom.aaa.com/2025/11/aaa-thanksgiving-travel-forecast-2025/" target="_blank">AAA</a> predicts.<ul><li>About 90% of them will be driving, 7% will fly and everyone else will take trains, buses, or cruise ships.</li></ul>

San Diego drivers lost 88 hours to traffic last year

Drivers in the region lost 88 hours to congestion last year — the most since tracking began in 1982.

The average San Diego car commuter is spending a record 88 hours annually <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="stuck in traffic" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/01/08/slowest-driving-cities-america-list" data-vars-content-id="d195f925-ad1f-47b2-b5af-374ef95986e3" data-vars-headline="San Diego drivers lost 88 hours to traffic last year" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/01/08/slowest-driving-cities-america-list" target="_self">stuck in traffic</a> amid changes in when and why we drive, a new report finds.Why it matters: The findings put some hard data behind a common feeling among many drivers: Traffic has been getting worse — or at least different — since the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="COVID-19 pandemic" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/08/28/cdc-covid-vaccine-rules-recommendations-high-risk-fda" data-vars-content-id="d195f925-ad1f-47b2-b5af-374ef95986e3" data-vars-headline="San Diego drivers lost 88 hours to traffic last year" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/08/28/cdc-covid-vaccine-rules-recommendations-high-risk-fda" target="_self">COVID-19 pandemic</a>.

San Diego hopes microtransit can patch its transportation system

The region is increasingly looking to neighborhood shuttles as transit options, despite early struggles.

San Diego is again trying to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="improve its transit system" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2024/01/08/transit-ridership-improvement-san-diego" data-vars-content-id="4a6d254b-7db9-4673-a185-4858935f43a3" data-vars-headline="San Diego hopes microtransit can patch its transportation system" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2024/01/08/transit-ridership-improvement-san-diego" target="_self">improve its transit system</a> with small, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="neighborhood-focused shuttles" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2025/02/14/mid-city-go-north-park-city-heights-rideshare-shuttle" data-vars-content-id="4a6d254b-7db9-4673-a185-4858935f43a3" data-vars-headline="San Diego hopes microtransit can patch its transportation system" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2025/02/14/mid-city-go-north-park-city-heights-rideshare-shuttle" target="_self">neighborhood-focused shuttles</a>, this time in the southeastern part of the city.Why it matters: The region&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="cash-strapped transit network" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2024/11/25/sandag-measure-g-transportation-airport-funding" data-vars-content-id="4a6d254b-7db9-4673-a185-4858935f43a3" data-vars-headline="San Diego hopes microtransit can patch its transportation system" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2024/11/25/sandag-measure-g-transportation-airport-funding" target="_self">cash-strapped transit network</a> is hard-pressed to expand through big, infrastructure-intensive projects, so it has instead turned to &quot;microtransit&quot; to fill gaps in the system.

Local governments are a roadblock to California transit, report says

The Circulate San Diego report argues that  local governments are a major obstacle to building transit, using their power to demand unrelated infrastructure in exchange for permits.

California governments are sometimes a major impediment to state attempts to build transit <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="projects" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2024/11/06/sandag-measure-g-sales-tax-public-transit" data-vars-content-id="f900c5ee-35f4-475e-a285-c829c0af96b6" data-vars-headline="Local governments are a roadblock to California transit, report says" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2024/11/06/sandag-measure-g-sales-tax-public-transit" target="_self">projects</a>, according to a new report by transportation advocacy group Circulate San Diego.Why it matters: Expanding <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="transit systems" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2024/01/08/transit-ridership-improvement-san-diego" data-vars-content-id="f900c5ee-35f4-475e-a285-c829c0af96b6" data-vars-headline="Local governments are a roadblock to California transit, report says" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2024/01/08/transit-ridership-improvement-san-diego" target="_self">transit systems</a> and concentrating new housing in the dense urban areas they serve are fundamental goals of the state&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="plans to combat climate change" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2023/07/27/climate-goals-san-diego-commuting-transit-net-zero" data-vars-content-id="f900c5ee-35f4-475e-a285-c829c0af96b6" data-vars-headline="Local governments are a roadblock to California transit, report says" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2023/07/27/climate-goals-san-diego-commuting-transit-net-zero" target="_self">plans to combat climate change</a>.

New roadway into SAN opens to ease congestion

The first phase of the new Terminal 1 is slated to open in September.

San Diego International Airport is opening a new, dedicated road to both terminals Friday, shifting airport traffic off of Harbor Drive.Why it matters: The three-lane road on airport property is expected to divert 45,000 vehicles per day, at least initially clearing up congestion for both airport trips and local traffic.

San Diego trails in active transportation, study finds

About 14% of trips among county residents were walking or biking, with the vast majority of those walking.

San Diego County is <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="not among the top 30 counties" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/07/15/walking-biking-county" data-vars-content-id="902daf97-4646-492d-971e-0356fae4f8b0" data-vars-headline="San Diego trails in active transportation, study finds" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/07/15/walking-biking-county" target="_self">not among the top 30 counties</a> in the U.S. for the share of trips taken on foot or by bike rather than in a vehicle, according to a new report.Why it matters: Discouraging driving by developing dense, walkable urban areas has been a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="cornerstone" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2024/06/06/carlsbad-encinitas-la-mesa-chula-vista-climate-action-plan-report-card" data-vars-content-id="902daf97-4646-492d-971e-0356fae4f8b0" data-vars-headline="San Diego trails in active transportation, study 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/2024/06/06/carlsbad-encinitas-la-mesa-chula-vista-climate-action-plan-report-card" target="_self">cornerstone</a> of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="region&#x27;s strategy" data-vars-click-url="https://www.sandag.org/-/media/SANDAG/Documents/PDF/regional-plan/2021-regional-plan/final-2021-regional-plan/2021-regional-plan-chapter-2-2021-12-01.pdf" data-vars-content-id="902daf97-4646-492d-971e-0356fae4f8b0" data-vars-headline="San Diego trails in active transportation, study finds" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.sandag.org/-/media/SANDAG/Documents/PDF/regional-plan/2021-regional-plan/final-2021-regional-plan/2021-regional-plan-chapter-2-2021-12-01.pdf" target="_blank">region&#x27;s strategy</a> to combat climate change for years.

Gogo adds new bus route between San Diego and LA

Gogo Charters is <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="expanding its network" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2025/03/04/new-charter-bus-company-launching-ohio" data-vars-content-id="ceb78ecc-46db-418d-b2e0-08dc246f9e89" data-vars-headline="Gogo adds new bus route between San Diego and LA" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2025/03/04/new-charter-bus-company-launching-ohio" target="_self">expanding its network</a> to Southern California with a new daily bus route connecting <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="San Diego" data-vars-click-url="https://gogocharters.com/san-diego-charter-bus" data-vars-content-id="ceb78ecc-46db-418d-b2e0-08dc246f9e89" data-vars-headline="Gogo adds new bus route between San Diego and LA" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://gogocharters.com/san-diego-charter-bus" target="_blank">San Diego</a> to Los Angeles.Why it matters: This will make it easier to travel up and down the coast by offering an alternative service to the popular but <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="unreliable Surfliner train route" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2024/09/16/southern-california-rail-revival-amtrak-surfliner" data-vars-content-id="ceb78ecc-46db-418d-b2e0-08dc246f9e89" data-vars-headline="Gogo adds new bus route between San Diego and LA" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2024/09/16/southern-california-rail-revival-amtrak-surfliner" target="_self">unreliable Surfliner train route</a> and Greyhound buses.

Waymo autonomous vehicles – with drivers — are coming to San Diego

The information-gathering visit is not a precursor to launching self-driving taxi service, a company spokesperson said.

Waymo&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="autonomous vehicles" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2024/12/05/self-driving-taxi-waymo-miami" data-vars-content-id="a80e512d-d59d-4ebc-ab06-1b15fb6adfcf" data-vars-headline="Waymo autonomous vehicles – with drivers — are coming to San Diego" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2024/12/05/self-driving-taxi-waymo-miami" target="_self">autonomous vehicles</a> are coming to San Diego — with human drivers.Why it matters: The company announced its fleet will arrive this week in San Diego and Las Vegas, where trained drivers will allow them to collect local information in hopes of improving their driverless ride-hail services.

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