Barrio Logan's beloved Las Cuatro Milpas is reopening its doors tomorrow in a new space.

Why it matters: The family-run Mexican restaurant that drew long lines out front had been a staple of the San Diego neighborhood for nearly a century before it closed in December.

Driving the news: Las Cuatro Milpas' new location will be open 8am-3pm at the Mercado del Barrio mixed-use development on National Avenue, just a few blocks from its original home.

• The Estudillo family, which first opened the restaurant in 1933, sold the original building on Logan Avenue for $2.2 million in November because of growing financial struggles.
• The family is reviving the iconic establishment, known for its homemade flour tortillas, rolled tacos, and rice and beans, in a more modern space with an upgraded kitchen and a patio.

"I couldn't let my great grandparents' legacy die," Nadia Estudillo told KPBS. "And my father couldn't allow that to happen for his grandparents either — hence our new location, our new chapter in the Estudillo book."

• "We're still going to keep our same dishes, same dynamic that people love as always, going down the cooking line," she said.

Zoom in: The restaurant has been collecting memories from locals, including photos of food and family visits, to decorate its walls as a time capsule for the community.

• Menu prices are expected to go up, but now you'll be able to pay with a card, not just cash.
• They also plan to sell merch.

Between the lines: Las Cuatro Milpas' business and property had accrued tens of thousands of dollars in tax debt and faced temporary closures due to health code violations.

• But with the building sale and new lease, the family should have no problem making rent and tax payments, broker Gino Kalasho, who helped Las Cuatro Milpas secure the new space, told the Union-Tribune.

The bottom line: While many San Diego restaurants are closing as the industry grapples with inflation and increased costs, Las Cuatro Milpas' reopening is something to celebrate — probably with some tacos.

🤤 Our Axios colleague Julie's thought bubble: Milpas is a true San Diego favorite for me and one of the places I take all my out-of-town friends and family. I'm counting down the days until I'm reunited with those rolled tacos with beans.

Tell a hungry friend

Long-simmering frustration with Democrats' California governance has grown into a visceral public indictment of the people running the state that's now playing out in the race for governor.

Why it matters: California is the ultimate paradox of Democratic rule. A state of immense wealth, innovation and cultural power is increasingly unable to deliver the basics of housing, public safety and disaster response.

State of play: No Democrat has emerged as a credible heir to Gov. Gavin Newsom.

• Former Biden Health Secretary Xavier Becerra is now the Democratic frontrunner after former Rep. Eric Swalwell abruptly quit the race over sexual assault allegations.
• Billionaire Tom Steyer is the unlikely progressive darling of the field.
• Former Rep. Katie Porter, once a rising progressive star, has languished in single digits.
• San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan, also stuck in single digits, has attracted a wave of Silicon Valley money from tech donors desperate for a viable alternative.

Between the lines: Republicans remain massive underdogs, but could qualify for California's top-two general election.

• Steve Hilton, the Trump-endorsed, British-born former Fox News host, is leading the divided field.
• Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, an immigration hardliner and former member of the far-right Oath Keepers militia, is MAGA in its purest form.

In an ideal world, California would be the Democratic Party's proof of concept — a diverse, economically dominant liberal stronghold designed to prove progressive governance could deliver at scale.

• That vision has unraveled, ground down by an affordability crisis, homelessness, bureaucratic paralysis and a botched response to the worst wildfires in California history.

Go deeper

🐴 Before the mass animal rescue at Villa Chardonnay Horses With Wings, the nonprofit in Julian faced years of complaints regarding animal welfare, people demanding their animals back, and a defamation lawsuit, court records show. Now, it's facing bankruptcy. (Union-Tribune)

👀 San Diego's first Google store opened on Friday at Fashion Valley Mall. It's the company's 10th physical retail store nationwide. (Fox5)

⚾️ The Padres posted another walk-off comeback win yesterday to split the series against the St. Louis Cardinals. (NBC7)

🔄 Republican County Supervisor Joel Anderson is proposing a competing ballot measure on county governance that wouldn't extend term limits for sitting supervisors or give them new power in hiring and firing top county officials. (Voice of San Diego)

We are hoping to crown the merch champion of San Diego and need your help.

• Take our poll to vote on your favorites.

How it works: After the first round, the winners will compete in a March Madness-style bracket, until the final boss of our city's merch is crowned.

Why we're doing it: It feels like every brewery/bar, restaurant or coffee shop sells merch in San Diego, even taco joints and fish markets.

• A few other reader suggestions that didn't make the tourney: Always Hungry Grocery & Goods, Puesto, Aero Club, Nico's, Harry's and Gravity Heights.

💭 Kate's thought bubble: One of my fav spots, Best Pizza & Brew, has a deal: $8 for a slice and tee or hat.

• I also love to see what Fish 101 has on the racks, and Harland Brewing also has cool merch, including a Padres collab.

💭 Claire's thought bubble: This bracket made me realize I need more local swag beyond my old KPBS T-shirts (though those are great, too!)

Vote here!

Reliable local reporting helps you stay connected to the people, decisions and changes shaping your community.

Why it matters: Your support helps our newsroom continue delivering the clear, trustworthy coverage you rely on every day.

💙 Become a member today. You'll help support the journalism that keeps your community informed and engaged.

Help keep strong local journalism thriving in your community.

The San Diego Mojo's final season ended last week at the semifinals of the Major League Volleyball (MLV) Championship.

Catch up quick: The team was one of the league's original franchises, but after three seasons, the Mojo won't return to the league next year.

• Owner Gary Jacobs said in a statement last month that in lieu of playing, the Mojo wanted to use the 2027 season to build a long-term plan for the franchise, but the league is looking at potential new investors for a San Diego club instead.

What we're watching: MLV is expanding to 12 teams nationwide next season, and said it's "exploring strategies" for the San Diego market.