Today we celebrate the life of a trailblazer who peacefully pushed for equality. In 1971, San Diego Mayor Frank Curran declared January 15 “Martin Luther King Day” – three years after the civil rights icon was murdered + 12 years before Ronald Regan declared the holiday at a federal level.

Our city’s relationship with Dr. King began during his lifetime and extends to the present day. He visited Calvary Baptist Church in Barrio Logan in 1962 where he addressed the costs of prejudice as he fought against racial segregation. His 1964 speech was delivered at both San Diego State University + Point Loma Nazarene University (then known as California Western University). SDSU’s Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre now has a plaque remembering this occasion.

Today, San Diegans can find tributes to Dr. King across the city. The Gaslamp Quarter’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Promenade is a 0.6-mile linear park lined with quotes + artwork — like Melvin Edwards’s “Breaking of the Chains” added in 1995.

Drivers see tributes on a daily basis. A 10-mile stretch of the California 94 Freeway (SR-94 to locals) has been named Martin Luther King Jr. Freeway — decorated with murals in his honor.

In Broadway Heights, you might turn onto Martin Luther King Jr. Way, and his face can be seen on a Mountain View mural of civil rights leaders at the cross between Ocean View Boulevard + S. 35th Street.

Most importantly, Dr. King’s legacy is displayed through San Diegans who serve our community + and fight for equality. National City’s community center is named in his honor, and the city has many events commemorating MLK Day — like WorldBeat’s 33rd annual celebration in Balboa Park and HandsOn San Diego’s volunteer opportunities across the county.

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EVENTS

Today

33rd Annual MLK Day Celebration | Mon., Jan. 17 | 1-4 p.m. | WorldBeat Center | Free | Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr.’s life in Balboa Park with music, food, dancing, speeches + more.
Jamestown Revival | Mon., Jan. 17 + Tues., Jan. 18 | 8 p.m. | Belly Up Tavern in Solana Beach | $25 | The Texas folk duo — Zach Chance + Jonathan Clay — perform, with MIPSO and Robert Ellis also on the concert bill. 🪕
Still Woozy + Wallice | Mon., Jan. 17 | 7 p.m. | North Park Observatory | $55+ | Join the California-based singer-songwriter for the “If This Isn’t Nice” Tour. 🎸

Tuesday

Japanese Friendship Garden | Tues., Jan 18. | 10 a.m.-6 p.m. | Balboa Park | Free | Walk through the scenic, landmark garden — free today for San Diego residents. 🌸
Mingei International Museum | Tues., Jan 18. | 10 a.m.-6 p.m. | Balboa Park | Free | Study the art, objects, and cultures of all people from different eras — free today for San Diego residents. 📐

We have a monthly guide filled with events + activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.

MORE TO DO IN JANUARY

Note: COVID-19 protocols are changing rapidly to curb the spread of the Omicron variant in San Diego. Please make sure to check event listing pages + venue websites for the most up-to-date information.

NEWS NOTES

Weather

65º | Partly cloudy | 15% chance of rain

Sunrise + Sunset

Rise: 6:50 a.m.
Set: 5:07 p.m.

Tide

Low: 1:40 a.m. + 3:13 p.m.
High: 7:55 a.m. + 9:44 p.m.

Civic

Mayor Todd Gloria gave his State of the City address on Wed., Jan. 12, covering city officials’ plans for the future of San Diego. Line items included street repairs + assessment, services for those experiencing homelessness, and a commitment to add 100,000+ new homes. 📢 (Voice of San Diego)
The City of Chula Vista has declared a State of Public Health Emergency regarding trash pileup. City crews, plus Work for Hope (a work project for people experiencing homelessness) + Alpha Project, will begin clearing trash, starting with multi-family housing apartment complexes. (CBS 8)

Biz

Classy — the leading crowdfunding platform for nonprofits — has been acquired by GoFundMe for an undisclosed price. The San Diego-based tech company has helped nonprofits raise over $188 million since it was founded in 2006. GoFundMe hopes the acquisition will improve the ability to help donors support local nonprofits. 💻 (San Diego Union Tribune)

DYK

Researchers at UC San Diego’s Scripps Institution of Oceanography are identifying cyclone patterns found on Jupiter. Lia Siegelman studied images taken by Juno — a NASA satellite orbiting Jupiter — and identified similar patterns to those found on Earth. This information could be used to better understand cyclone behaviors on our planet. 🔭

Health

Some encouraging news in our current health climate: flu cases are down. San Diego County reported a 40% decline week over week since the start of January, urging citizens to continue the trend by getting their flu shot to prevent overcrowding in hospitals.

📸 @sdsheriff

Let’s uncover the San Diego County Sheriff's Department’s newest addition by the numbers: 11 weeks old, 14 pounds, and four legs. The bloodhound puppy, Albert, was introduced in a tweet last week — named in memory of the late Search and Rescue veteran Sgt. Don Albert.

If you see him sniffing around, you’re not busted — he’s still in training + getting accustomed to his new job. Albert joins his partner Gus, a beagle who became part of the squad this past November.

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THE WRAP

Editor’s pick: Good morning, San Diego. I know some of us are enjoying a long weekend + the extra time is much appreciated. Today, I’ve allotted myself time to read — I’m committed to learning more and listening to new voices this year. If you’re looking for a new book (and a bit of local history) you can head to Warwick’s in La Jolla, it’s our nation’s oldest continuously family-owned and operated bookstore.

Missed Friday's newsletter? Learn how buoys track sharks in Coronado.

Today's Edition by:

MICHAEL

SDtoday Team

Editorial: Monica, Michael, Trevor, Britt

Sales: Rachel

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