King tides are here.

Driving the news: The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association is projecting abnormally high tides this week, and again over Christmas, with the Scripps Institution of Oceanography reporting station expecting tides over 6 feet on the following days:

• Today at 7:43am
• Tomorrow, Dec. 13 at 8:20am
• Thursday, Dec. 14 at 9:01am
• Friday, Dec. 15 at 9:46am
• Saturday, Dec. 23 at 5:59am
• Sunday, Dec. 24 at 6:37am
• Monday, Dec. 25 at 7:15am
• Tuesday, Dec. 26 at 7:52am
• Wednesday, Dec. 27 at 8:28am

Why it matters: King tides — a "non–scientific term used to describe exceptionally high tides," per the National Ocean Service — generate interest because they can offer a preview of what sea-level rise might mean for our coastlines and infrastructure.

• "The water level reached by an extreme tide today will be the same water level of more frequent moderate tides in the future," according to the California King Tides project, a community program managed by the California Coastal Commission highlighting the phenomenon. "Seeing what areas flood during these events can help us plan for the future."

Yes, but: The worst flooding occurs when high tides coincide with high surf, and that doesn't look likely in the coming days, said Adam Roser, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service's San Diego office.

• "If we get a winter storm or anything like that, it can have more significant impacts," Roser said.

Zoom in: The California King Tide Project has collected photos of water levels along the coast during king tide events and mapped them across the state, to create a record of the changing coastline.

Of note: The San Diego Natural History Museum outlines a simple hike to the La Jolla Shores tide pools, the same ones John Steinbeck describes in Cannery Row.

What we're watching

It's not his fault the team bolted to Los Angeles for the final two years of his NFL career.

Driving the news: Chargers legend Antonio Gates — who spent his entire 16-year career with the team and 14 of those years in San Diego — was inducted into the Chargers Hall of Fame at halftime of Sunday's game versus the Denver Broncos.

• "Sunday's celebration is about the journey, the team, and the love we all shared for the game," the eight-time Pro Bowler told Axios' Maxwell Millington in an email interview.

What he's saying: The Pro Football Hall of Fame candidate detailed his favorite San Diego memories and his go-to spot in town to grab breakfast:

Axios: How did the team's relocation change your relationship with Chargers fans, if at all?

AG: "I know the move from San Diego to Los Angeles brought up different emotions for Chargers fans, and I totally understand, it was hard for all of us to leave San Diego, no doubt. But in the midst of all that, one thing stood out: Chargers fans are a special breed. They're in a league of their own, and through thick and thin, they stuck with the team and supported me.

"It was amazing playing 16 seasons for the Chargers, and seeing that passion and dedication transcend from San Diego to L.A. was something special. We built so many memories.

"Chargers fans — you're the real deal. We're a community, and I appreciate each of you for making the ride unforgettable."

Axios: Which game in San Diego was your favorite?

AG: "One of my favorite games was against Seattle ... I had three touchdown catches, including a one-handed grab, and the Chargers controlled the tempo to keep Russell Wilson and Marshawn Lynch off the field and win at home, 30-21. The three touchdown receptions tied my career high. I had such a great game and I remember it like it was yesterday."

Gates' favorite local eatery

🏠 The number of homes sold in San Diego County dropped in November, both from the total the previous month and from November 2022, but the median price of the homes sold increased. (City News Service)

🛣️ Coleen Clementson, a deputy chief executive at the San Diego Association of Governments, will take over as the agency's interim director while it launches a national search to replace outgoing chief Hasan Ikhrata. (Union-Tribune)

📚 The San Diego County Board of Education is soliciting community input as it begins its search for a new superintendent. (NBC 7)

As the quest for the fattest burrito in San Diego continues, our readers recommended some Mexican restaurants with heavy hitters.

Check out these spots around town:

• "Biggest burrito - JV's in Linda Vista," according to Michael S. "Their surf n turf is enormous."
• Kevin M. and his wife recently tried Chuy's Taco Shop in College Area, and "their chile relleno burrito was hefty."
• La Posta De Acapulco's in Hillcrest makes a California burrito wrapped in a quesadilla. Thank you, Glenn G.
• Try Porkyland. "Weird name, but delicious" and "not at all pricey," Deb. B says.

💼 Check out who's hiring now.

1. Associate Vice President, Campaign & Development Services at Scripps Research.
2. Senior Manager, Human Resources at Revvity.
3. Director of Home Ecosystem Marketing at Yahoo.

Want more opportunities? Check out our Job Board.

Hiring? Use code FIRST50 for $50 off your first job post.

'Tis the season for millions of Americans to pick out a Christmas tree for their home — and try to make it last.

What's happening: Here are some helpful hints on how to extend the life of your tree, courtesy of the American Christmas Tree Association.

• Cut 1 inch off the trunk.
• Water temperature doesn't matter, but keep it hydrated.
• Use LED lights to keep the tree from drying out.

Read the full Instagram comic for more tips here!