

Reporter
Carlos Rico
Carlos Rico is a community guides reporter for The San Diego Union-Tribune. He collects information, talks to the community and puts together guides that act as resources for locals and visitors to San Diego County. The guides range from the best dog-friendly restaurants and best rooftop bars, to parking hacks and best ways to enjoy San Diego Wave FC and Padres games. He is an active member of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists and past president of the San Diego-Tijuana chapter. Under his leadership, the chapter won the NAHJ Chapter with the Year award in 2019, and in 2018, he was awarded the Si Se Puede Award for his volunteer work in starting a scholarship program. He has also won multiple awards from the Society of Professional Journalists and the San Diego Press Club.Rico is a bilingual, first generation Mexican-American and has lived in the San Diego-Tijuana border region most of his life. In his free time, he enjoys eating taco, traveling and DJ'ing.
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Listen to live music and poetry, learning about Black history and Black culture in celebration of Juneteenth in San Diego County

Father’s Day events: Treat dad to a tomahawk steak, live music, a car show and more
This year in San Diego County, there are various ways to celebrate and honor dads on Father’s Day, which lands on June 15.

5 places to eat, drink and explore in Oceanside from a local professor
These recommendations in Oceanside include a Polynesian-inspired dessert vendor, a community center and the pier

Soak up the sun at these 9 San Diego hotel rooftop pools
A guide to local hotels with rooftop pools that can be accessed without being a hotel guest

Foodie Forecast: A luau, new barbecue and a bourbon tasting experience
This week's food events and menu news comes from Tender Greens, Ox Coffee, Beeside Balcony and more

5 places to eat, drink and explore in Bird Rock from pro volleyball player Leyla Blackwell
These recommendations in the Bird Rock and La Jolla communities include a surf shop, a museum, a park and murals

Foodie Forecast: Memorial Day discount, a burger deal and rooftop cocktails
This week's foodie forecast for San Diego features a new breakfast bagel sandwich, an eating competition and more

Blood, sweat and legends: 4 things to know about San Diego’s new Mexican wrestling exhibit
Mexican wrestling is on display at the Comic-Con Museum with the exhibit Sangre, Sudor y Mito: The Art and Tradition of Mexican Lucha Libre.

Catch the vibe: Top summer events to fill your calendar in San Diego County
Shakira, Nightime Zoo, comedian Taylor Tomlinson and the San Diego County Fair are just a few can't-miss events in San Diego this summer

5 places to eat, drink and explore in South Park and Golden Hill from San Diego’s library director
These recommendations from the South Park and Golden Hill area include a Thai restaurant, a bookstore and a dog park

CInco lugares para comer, beber y explorar en Chula Vista según un ex alcalde
Estas recomendaciones en el lado oeste de Chula Vista incluyen una tienda de mascotas

Foodie Forecast: A monster cinnamon bun, Taste of East Village and drag brunch
This week's foodie news comes from True North Tavern, Casa Gabriela, Mavericks Beach Club and more

5 places to eat, drink and explore in Chula Vista from a former mayor
These recommendations on the west side of Chula Vista include a pet store, Italian food and several spots for animal lovers

Savory and sweet sunrise: 9 unique breakfast spots in San Diego County
Breakfast sushi, cannoli waffles and pancakes with instructions are items restaurants in San Diego County

Foodie Forecast: Tequila tasting, Mother’s Day brunch and a burger deal
This week's foodie forecast for San Diego features a Mother's Day Brunch, a burger deal, and tequila tastings

24 free things to do with kids in San Diego County
This list of free activities includes story time events, nature walks, sports and more options across the region

Foodie Forecast: Tequila, tacos, brunch and Miami-themed drinks
This week's foodie news comes from Serẽa Coastal Cuisine, Barleymash, Cococabana and more

16 options for Mother’s Day 2025 brunch or dinner in San Diego County
Brunch buffets, dim sum, beef wellington cooking class and a cruise around San Diego Bay are part of this year’s culinary Mother’s Day lineup

Foodie Forecast: Padres game-day deal, dinner and a movie, new Kraken Taco
This week's foodie news comes from Lilian’s, The Pearl Hotel, Cesarina, City Taco and more

San Diegans can grab coffee or a gift at these 8 flower and plant shops
Garden Coffee, Wild Island Collective, Walter Andersen's Nursery and Terra Bella Nursery and just some options for flowers, plants, coffee and home decor

Foodie Forecast: A tea party, a wine festival and a poolside lunch
This week's foodie news comes from Pendry San Diego, Beeside Balcony, Galpão Gaucho Brazilian Steakhouse and more

Crunchy, fluffy, drowning in sauce: 6 types of tortas to eat in San Diego
Tortas are similar, in a way, to tacos or sandwiches. They are made with various styles and ingredients and are popular throughout Mexico

8 of our top concert picks for San Diego County this week
Drew & Ellie Holcomb, Wax Tailor and other touring acts will be at venues such as Humphrey's Concerts by the Bay and Belly Up

Foodie Forecast: A garden party, beer and bingo and caviar chicken nuggets
This week's foodie news comes from, Temaki Bar, Youngblood, Snooze A.M. Eatery and more

SAN DIEGO: 8 ofertas de comida y bebidas en el centro de la ciudad para la temporada 2025 de los Padres
Durante la temporada de los Padres, encuentre alimentos y bebidas con descuento en lugares como The Blind Burro, Hasta Mañana Cantina y más.

7 concerts you won’t want to miss this week in San Diego County
Our choices include Paul Oakenfold, Poncho Sanchez, Sawyer Hill, Kim Deal, Bob Mould Band, Bria Salmena and Restless Road

8 food and drink deals in downtown San Diego for the Padres 2025 season
Throughout the Padres season, find discounted food and drinks at places like The Blind Burro, Hasta Mañana Cantina and more

Foodie Forecast: A chili cookoff, wine pairings and happy hour deals for National Puppy Day
This week's foodie news comes from North Italia, Fish Shop, Monkey Bar and VAGA

How to watch San Diego State’s NCAA Tournament game vs. LSU
The SDSU women's basketball team plays its March Madness game Saturday. Watch on television or online

How to watch UC San Diego’s NCAA Tournament game vs. Michigan
The No. 12 seed UC San Diego Tritons will face No. 5 seed Michigan in the first round of the tournament. Here are a few ways to watch.

15 can’t-miss events in San Diego County in the spring
From concerts to food fairs and art activities, here are the events to consider attending in spring

How to watch UC San Diego’s First Four NCAA Tournament game vs. Southern University
UC San Diego women's basketball team plays its first tournament game Wednesday. Watch the Tritons on television or online

8 things to know ahead of San Diego Wave FC’s 2025 season
This guide brings Wave fans up to date on roster and coaching news as well as key matches and a recap from last season

Foodie Forecast: Pi Day pies, Taste of Third, green beers and Irish coffees
The latest in dining news from across San Diego County, as well as some events that foodies can add to their calendars

Foodie Forecast: Tequila tasting, beer-battered fish tacos and new cocktails from False Idol
This week's foodie forecast for San Diego features new cocktails and mocktails from False Idol, a pizza fundraiser and a shellfish dinner

8 San Diego restaurants and bars to visit for weekend happy hour
Our guide to recent happy hour food and drink options in San Diego County includes a mix of savory appetizers, drink specials and bite-sized meals

Foodie Forecast: A lobster dinner, holiday-themed cocktails and half-off meals
This week's foodie forecast for San Diego features a lobster dinner, discounts on entrees, a St. Patrick’s Day-themed lemonade and more

La temperatura sube en San Diego. Aquí te mostramos algunas de las muchas formas de disfrutar desde el agua
Cómo disfrutar de forma segura de las playas, bahías y lagos locales a través de actividades recreativas

Arranca la temporada el San Diego FC en la MLS: Cómo ver los partidos y 8 cosas que debes saber
El futbolista profesional mexicano Hirving ‘Chucky’ Lozano lidera el nuevo club de la Major League Soccer de San Diego

Kayaking, whale watching, fishing and more: How to safely enjoy San Diego beaches, bays and lakes
How to safely enjoy local beaches, bays and lakes through recreational activities like kayaking, whale watching and fishing

8 things to know ahead of San Diego FC’s inaugural season
Mexican professional soccer player Chucky Lozano leads San Diego’s new Major League Soccer club

At these Super Bowl watch parties in San Diego County, fans can find more than just the big game
If you cannot travel to New Orleans to see Super Bowl LIX on Feb. 9, San Diego County sports bars have the answer. Most will show the game, while some...

Valentine’s Day 2025: 13 specials at San Diego County bars, restaurants and event spaces
From romantic dinners and filling brunches to Galentine’s Day get-togethers and singles parties, these are some of the options for celebrating love in San Diego County

¡Todos a bordo! 8 atracciones ferroviarias y de trenes en el condado de San Diego y Tijuana
Desde Campo hasta el Parque Balboa e incluso Tijuana

All aboard: 8 entertaining train and railroad attractions in San Diego County and Tijuana
From Campo to Balboa Park and even Tijuana, our region offers several ways to enjoy train rides and train history

These San Diego County restaurants serve savory vegan or vegetarian ramen dishes worth trying this winter
10 shops and restaurants with vegetarian and vegan ramen, for those who don't eat meat or want to take a break from it to start the year

How to celebrate the 2025 Lunar New Year in San Diego County
Learn about the various events in San Diego County, the Year of the Snake, rituals, traditions, Lunar New Year origin, Tet and more

6 bars and restaurants where San Diegans can savor mocktails during Dry January
For those who are looking for cocktail alternatives, here are six places to look for mocktails during Dry January in San Diego County.

Art crawl: 15 public murals to visit in San Diego County in 2025
Here are 15 public murals throughout the county that were completed in 2024, that you might have missed and can check out to start the year.

A bucket list of 50 free things to do in San Diego County in 2025
Our list of things to do across the San Diego region includes hiking, major events, holiday activities, concerts and more

Your guide to ‘taste of’ city and neighborhood food events around San Diego County in 2025
How to find food and beverage samples at 2025's 'taste of' events across local neighborhoods and cities

13 can’t-miss events to start the new year in San Diego County
Here are 13 of the best events coming to San Diego County in the first quarter of 2025, listed chronologically.

Skip the gym and get fit outdoors with these 8 alternative exercises, classes and activities in San Diego County
Level up your mind, body and soul in 2025 with yoga, hip-hop cardio, biking, hiking, swimming, running and intramural sports

2024 Holiday Bowl guide: Events, transportation info, and how to watch San Diego’s football bash
Whether you root for Syracuse or Washington State, here is a complete guide to 2024 Holiday Bowl activities

Our best and brightest guide to holiday fun and events through New Year’s Day in San Diego County
The calendar of holiday events in San Diego County has reached a high point with just a few days to go until Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and New Year's Eve.

Where to find 14 Christmas dining options in San Diego County
These meals are available at restaurants across San Diego County for Christmas day and Christmas Eve

BALBOA PARK: 5 cosas que debes saber si vas a visitar ‘December Nights’
December Nights regresa este fin de semana. Aquí tienes algunos consejos sobre estacionamiento y transporte

December Nights 2024: 5 things you need to know about transportation and parking
December Nights returns this weekend. Here are some tips about parking and transportation

Looking for a late-night work spot? Here are 13 locations that keep the lights on
Whether you need to study for an exam or put in a couple of extra hours of work, here are 13 locations in San Diego that stay open late.

December Nights 2024: Expect a Ferris wheel and the newly renovated Botanical Building
December Nights brings together family-friendly activities, food and drinks, photos with Santa, musical performances and light displays

Estos espectáculos de luces de 2024 ofrecen una mezcla de diversión navideña en el condado de San Diego
Los espectáculos navideños incluyen exhibiciones láser, luces navideñas, música de jazz

SAN DIEGO: 7 negocios de venta de tamales que debes probar esta temporada navideña
Dónde comprar tamales de carne, veganos y vegetarianos,

7 tamal businesses to try this holiday season in San Diego County
Where to get tamales, whether at a brick-and-mortar business or a pop-up vendor in San Diego County

Need an idea for getting into the holiday spirit? Seasonal pop-up bars are here
Various bars, restaurants and hotels in San Diego County are creating holiday cocktails and dres their venues

These 2024 light shows are offering a mix of holiday fun in San Diego County
This guide provides some options for seeing holiday light shows across San Diego County this year

Shop from local small businesses and find unique gifts at these holiday markets in San Diego County
Here are some of the 2024 options for holiday markets where locals can find unique gifts, crafts and other goods

Leave the cooking to the chefs: These are some of the San Diego restaurants and hotels serving Thanksgiving buffets and dinners
A rundown of various restaurants serving Thanksgiving meals across the region this year

7 of our top concert picks for San Diego County this week
Kat Von D, Musiq Soulchild and Homeshake are among your list of options this week

Glide into the holiday season at these 10 ice skating rinks in San Diego County
Starting in November, temporary ice skating rinks appear across the county and permanent ice skating rinks commence holiday hours and events

7 of our top concert picks for San Diego County this week
Kirk Franklin, Las Cafeteras and other touring acts will be at venues such as Soma, Gallagher Square and Belly Up

Work remotely and take your kids with you at these 5 San Diego County businesses
A new nature-inspired indoor playground and family-friendly community hub is opening Nov. 9. These are some of the other options for remote work with activities and care for children.

Alpine guide: 13 dining, shopping and entertainment ideas for visitors
13 places for food, drinks, shopping and entertainment in this unincorporated area of San Diego County

7 concerts, festivals and music events you won’t want to miss this week in San Diego County
The Songwriter Sanctuary, Marc Anthony, Mariachi Los Camperos, a electronic dance music festival and jazz concert are among your list of options this week

Tu guía definitiva para el Otoño y la temporada de Halloween en San Diego en 2024
Una lista de eventos de Halloween, festivales de otoño, lugares embrujados, experiencias aterradoras y otras cosas que hacer

Tu guía de casas embrujadas, senderos y laberintos aterradores en el condado de San Diego
Esta lista actualizada de atracciones embrujadas locales incluye laberintos, senderos y un bosque espeluznante.

It’s cuffing season: Try these first date ideas for the fall and winter in San Diego
Get to know someone at these 12 places in San Diego County, with options for fans of food, arts and culture, music and the outdoors

It’s cider season: Here are 11 local companies brewing alcoholic cider
A guide to 11 local companies making various types of cider to try this autumn in San Diego County

How to watch Game 5 of the Padres’ division series against the Dodgers
How to stream or listen to the Padres' playoff series with the Dodgers, including local watch parties

7 San Diego restaurants and bars to visit for happy hour right now
Our guide to recent happy hour options in San Diego County includes a mix of sushi, Greek food, barbecue and Mexican eats and drinks

How to watch the Padres’ wild-card series against the Braves this week
How to stream or listen to the Padres' playoff series with the Braves, including local watch parties and tips for Petco Park

Dylan Cease is the latest Padres player immortalized by mural. Here’s where to find them all.
Where in San Diego County to find murals of Fernando Tatis Jr., Joe Musgrove and other Padres by Ground Floor Murals

How to explore and eat your way through San Diego County on the Green Line trolley
Our guide to riding the Green Line trolley includes a new children’s park, happy hour specials and lunch deals

10 outdoor activities and adventures for enjoying fall weather in San Diego County
A guide to enjoying September and October weather at some outdoor attractions in San Diego County

Important dates and deadlines to know before the general election on Nov. 5
A list of important election deadlines and key dates for San Diego County voters

8 of the best places for authentic tacos al pastor in San Diego County
Where to find the best al pastor tacos near you, including Taco Tuesday deals and other specials

Your guide to scary haunted houses, trails and mazes in San Diego County
This updating list of local haunted attractions includes mazes, trails and a spooky forest

Your guide to fall festivals in San Diego County 2024
This updating list of fall festivals and events in San Diego County features farm animals, pumpkins, lawn games and other autumn activities

8 rooftop bars with some of the best ocean views in San Diego County
A collection of rooftop bars with views of the Pacific Ocean or the San Diego Bay, from downtown San Diego to Oceanside

Cómo el condado de San Diego certifica los ‘farmers market’ y dónde encontrarlos
En el condado de San Diego, hay 37 mercados de agricultores certificados. Aquí te contamos cómo encontrar un mercado oficial

How San Diego County certifies farmers markets, and where to find them
In San Diego County, there are 37 certified farmers markets. Here's how to find an official market and five options to consider

A playlist of songs to listen to at the beach, inspired by San Diego
From Imperial Beach to Oceanside, San Diego County's historic piers set the scene at local beaches, and this playlist sets the sound

How locals and visitors can get discounted arts and attraction tickets during Labor Day weekend
Discounts are available for tickets to Coronado Playhouse, Moxie Theatre, New Village Arts, Legoland and more

Skateboarding is a golden activity for San Diegans. Here’s how to learn and where to skate
Skateboarding has a storied local history, including most recently, two San Diego athletes taking gold and silver in men’s park skateboarding competition at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Where to watch your favorite college football team at San Diego restaurants and bars
Follow your college football team all season at these bars and restaurants with specials, game audio and more

‘Breaking culture in San Diego is thriving’: Where to learn the dance form featured in the Olympics
A guide for breaking classes in San Diego, and what to know about the moves, competitions and other background information

Where to watch your favorite NFL team in San Diego
Fans of NFL teams from New York, Florida, Washington and many places in between can find a place to watch on game days

Ocean views, iced coffee and pizza: 10 shops and restaurants worth the visit to Imperial Beach
Imperial Beach offers upscale Italian food, dessert and coffee shops, bike rentals, breweries, gift shops and more

45 free or really cheap things to do in San Diego County
Visit Balboa Park, the San Diego Zoo, ride a train, watch a free concert and more for free or less than $10

Comic-Con 2024: The best things we saw Friday
Friday at Comic-Con, "The Boys" and "The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power" took the stage

Comic-Con 2024: The best things we saw Thursday
Thursday at Comic-Con was the first official day for the annual pop culture event at the San Diego Convention Center. Here's what we saw.