San Diego County pilots help small businesses land contracts San Diego County has launched two pilot programs — CORE and BUILD — to help local small businesses and nonprofits prepare for and win county contracts. The initiatives provide bookkeeping, compliance, bonding and insurance support aimed at boosting competitiveness and economic mobility across the region. What are CORE and BUILD? The county introduced two targeted pilots to reduce barriers for small contractors and community-based organizations competing … Read More

3 Massive Affordable Housing Complexes Open Throughout San Diego More than 550 new affordable apartments opened in San Diego this month, adding units in downtown, Clairemont Mesa and the Midway District. City and county leaders say the projects — aimed at extremely low‑income households, veterans and people exiting homelessness — expand permanent housing and on‑site services at a critical moment. Where the new housing is and who it serves Harrington Heights — Downtown (East Village) … Read More

Community Events In San Diego County: From Rolling Pumpkins San Diego County is packed with family-friendly fall and Día de los Muertos events through the end of October and into early November. This guide highlights key community happenings across Carlsbad, Chula Vista, Encinitas, La Jolla, Old Town and other neighborhoods so you can plan outings, volunteer, or celebrate with neighbors. Quick overview: what’s happening now Expect pumpkin patches, haunted attractions, free cultural celebrations and kid-focused … Read More

Hike of the Week: Views from Boucher Hill, Palomar Mountain Palomar Mountain State Park delivers big-forest scenery and sweeping county views on a compact, family-friendly loop. This guide covers a roughly 3.5-mile moderate loop to the Boucher Hill lookout, plus practical tips for locals planning a day trip. Quick overview Distance: ~3.5 miles loop. Difficulty: Moderate. Elevation: park sits around 5,000 feet; Boucher Hill reaches about 5,400 feet. Time: allow 2–3 hours at a relaxed … Read More

Supervisors Agree To Buy $38 Million Firehawk Helicopter For Firefighting Day Or Night San Diego County supervisors unanimously approved the purchase of a Sikorsky S-70 Firehawk to expand regional wildfire response, including night flying. The county will pay $32 million for the airframe and $6 million to upgrade it to Cal Fire operational standards; Cal Fire will operate and maintain the aircraft. Why the Firehawk matters for San Diego The Firehawk brings dedicated night-flying capability … Read More

The Best Fall And Halloween Things To Do This Weekend In San Diego San Diego fills up with fall festivals, family-friendly Halloween events and full-on haunted attractions every October. This guide highlights the top picks for Oct. 24–26, with quick planning tips so you and your family can pick the right events and avoid sold‑out nights and traffic headaches. Weekend highlights Top attractions this weekend include SeaWorld’s Howl‑O‑Scream and Spooktacular (separate tickets for the nighttime … Read More

Living Local in San Diego: Neighborhoods, Beaches, Eats, Tips San Diego rewards everyday routines as much as big-ticket attractions. From neighborhood farmers markets and sunset walks to casual taco counters and quick trolley hops, local life here is sunny, salt-tinged, and practical. Use this guide to get oriented to core neighborhoods, outdoor habits, food staples, and how to move around efficiently. Neighborhoods at a glance San Diego is a patchwork of distinct districts linked by … Read More