Difference between revisions of "San Diego, California" - New World Encyclopedia

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{{Images OK}}{{Submitted}}{{Approved}}{{copyedited}}
 
{{Infobox Settlement
 
{{Infobox Settlement
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|name                    = San Diego
 +
|official_name            = City of San Diego
 
|image_skyline            = San Diego panoramic skyline at night.jpg‎
 
|image_skyline            = San Diego panoramic skyline at night.jpg‎
−
|imagesize                =  
+
|imagesize                =
 
|image_caption            = San Diego Skyline | March 31, 2007
 
|image_caption            = San Diego Skyline | March 31, 2007
−
|official_name            = City of San Diego
+
|settlement_type          = [[City]]
−
|settlement_type          = City
+
|nickname                = America's Finest City <!--see discussion page regarding "the 619"—>
−
|nickname                = America's Finest City
+
|motto                    = ''Semper Vigilans'' ([[Latin]] for "Ever Vigilant")
−
|motto                    = ''Semper Vigilans'' (Latin for Ever Vigilant)
 
 
|image_flag              = Flag of San Diego, California.svg
 
|image_flag              = Flag of San Diego, California.svg
 
|image_seal              = Seal Of San Diego, California.svg
 
|image_seal              = Seal Of San Diego, California.svg
 
|image_map                = San_Diego_County_California_Incorporated_and_Unincorporated_areas_San_Diego_Highlighted.svg
 
|image_map                = San_Diego_County_California_Incorporated_and_Unincorporated_areas_San_Diego_Highlighted.svg
 
|mapsize                  = 250x200px
 
|mapsize                  = 250x200px
−
|map_caption              = Location of San Diego <br />within San Diego County
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|map_caption              = Location of San Diego <br />within [[San Diego County, California|San Diego County]]
−
|image_map1              =  
+
|image_map1              =
−
|mapsize1                =  
+
|mapsize1                =
−
|map_caption1            =  
+
|map_caption1            =
 +
|pushpin_map              =
 +
|pushpin_map_caption      = Location in the United States
 +
|coordinates_display      = inline,title
 +
|coordinates_region      = US-CA
 
|subdivision_type        = Country
 
|subdivision_type        = Country
−
|subdivision_name        = United States
+
|subdivision_name        = [[United States]]
−
|subdivision_type1        = State
+
|subdivision_type1        = [[Political divisions of the United States|State]]
−
|subdivision_name1        = California
+
|subdivision_name1        = [[California]]
−
|subdivision_type2        = County
+
|subdivision_type2        = [[List of counties in California|County]]
−
|subdivision_name2        = San Diego
+
|subdivision_name2        = [[San Diego County, California|San Diego]]
 
|established_title        = Founded
 
|established_title        = Founded
 
|established_date        = July 16, 1769
 
|established_date        = July 16, 1769
 
|established_title2      = Incorporated
 
|established_title2      = Incorporated
 
|established_date2        = March 27, 1850
 
|established_date2        = March 27, 1850
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|government_type          = Mayor-council
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|government_type          = [[Mayor-council government|Mayor-council]]
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|leader_title            = Mayor
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|governing_body          = [[San Diego City Council]]
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|leader_title1            = City Attorney
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|leader_title            = [[List of mayors of San Diego|Mayor]]
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|leader_title2            = City Council
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|leader_title1            = [[City Attorney]]
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|leader_name              = Jerry Sanders (R)
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|leader_name              = [[Todd Gloria]]
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|leader_name1            = Michael Aguirre
+
|leader_name1            = [[Mara Elliott]]
−
|leader_name2            = Scott Peters<br />Kevin Faulconer<br />Toni Atkins<br />Tony Young<br />Brian Maienschein<br />Donna Frye<br />Jim Madaffer<br />Ben Hueso
+
<!-- Area------------------>
−
|area_magnitude          = 1 E8
+
|area_magnitude          =
−
|area_total_sq_mi        = 372.1
+
| unit_pref              =US
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|area_total_km2          = 963.6
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| area_footnotes          =
−
|area_land_sq_mi         = 324.3
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| area_total_sq_mi       = 372.398
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|area_land_km2           = 840.0
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| area_land_sq_mi         = 325.188
−
|area_water_sq_mi        = 47.7
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| area_water_sq_mi        = 47.210
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|area_water_km2          = 123.5
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| area_total_km2         = 964.506
−
|population_as_of         = 2007
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| area_land_km2           = 842.233
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|population_metro        = 2941454<br/> Including Tijuana: 4922723
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| area_water_km2          = 122.273
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|population_total        = 1,266,731
+
| area_water_percent      = 12.68
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|population_blank1_title = Ranked
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| area_note              =
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|population_blank1 = 8th
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| population_total  = 1386932
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|population_density_km2  = 1494.7
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| population_as_of   = [[2020 United States census|2020]]
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|population_density_sq_mi = 3871.5
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| population_footnotes = <ref name="QuickFacts">[https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/sandiegocitycalifornia/PST045222 QuickFacts: San Diego city, California] ''United States Census Bureau''. Retrieved October 31, 2023.</ref>
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|population_footnotes    =
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| population_est    = 1,381,162
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<ref name="06EST">{{cite web|url=http://www.census.gov/Press-Release/www/2007/cb07-91table1.pdf|title=Population Estimates for the 25 Largest U.S. Cities based on July 1, 2006 Population Estimates|publisher=US Census Bureau|accessdate=2007-06-28|format=PDF}}</ref>
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| pop_est_as_of      = 2022
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|timezone                = PST
+
| pop_est_footnotes  = <ref name="QuickFacts" />
 +
| population_density_sq_mi = 4255.96
 +
| population_density_km2 = 1643.25
 +
| population_urban  = 3,070,300<ref name="urban area">[https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/geography/guidance/geo-areas/urban-rural.html Urban and Rural] ''United States Census Bureau''. Retrieved October 31, 2023.</ref> (US: 15th)
 +
| population_density_urban_km2 = 1,756.9
 +
| population_density_urban_sq_mi = 4,550.5
 +
| population_urban_footnotes =
 +
| population_metro_footnotes =  
 +
| population_metro  = 3276208<ref name="2020Pop">[https://www.census.gov/library/visualizations/interactive/2020-population-and-housing-state-data.html 2020 Population and Housing State Data] ''United States Census Bureau''. Retrieved October 31, 2023.</ref> (US: 18th)
 +
| population_rank    = 15th in North America<br />8th in the United States<br />2nd in California
 +
|population_demonym      = San Diegan
 +
|timezone                = [[Pacific Standard Time Zone|PST]]
 
|utc_offset              = -8
 
|utc_offset              = -8
−
|timezone_DST            = PDT
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|timezone_DST            = [[Pacific Daylight Time|PDT]]
 
|utc_offset_DST          = -7
 
|utc_offset_DST          = -7
−
|postal_code_type        = ZIP code
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|postal_code_type        = [[ZIP code]]
 
|postal_code              =  92101-92117, 92119-92124, 92126-92140, 92142, 92145, 92147, 92149-92155, 92158-92172, 92174-92177, 92179, 92182, 92184, 92186, 92187, 92190-92199
 
|postal_code              =  92101-92117, 92119-92124, 92126-92140, 92142, 92145, 92147, 92149-92155, 92158-92172, 92174-92177, 92179, 92182, 92184, 92186, 92187, 92190-92199
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|area_code                = 619, 858
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|area_code                = [[Area code 619|619]], [[Area code 858|858]]
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|demononym                = San Diegan
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|elevation_ft            = 72–400
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latd = 32 |latm = 42 |lats = 54 |latNS = N
 
−
|longd = 117 |longm = 09 |longs = 45 |longEW = W
 
−
|elevation_ft            = 72
 
 
|elevation_m              = 22
 
|elevation_m              = 22
−
|website                  = http://www.sandiego.gov/
+
|website                  = [http://www.sandiego.gov/ www.sandiego.gov]
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|blank_name              = FIPS code
+
|blank_name              = [[Federal Information Processing Standard|FIPS code]]
−
|blank_info              = 06-66000
+
|blank_info              = 66000
−
|blank1_name              = GNIS feature ID
+
|blank1_name              = [[Geographic Names Information System|GNIS]] feature ID
 
|blank1_info              = 1661377
 
|blank1_info              = 1661377
 
|footnotes                = <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="margin: auto; background: #f9f9f9; font-size: 95%;">
 
|footnotes                = <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="margin: auto; background: #f9f9f9; font-size: 95%;">
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</td></tr></table>
 
</td></tr></table>
 
}}
 
}}
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'''San Diego''' is a large coastal Southern California city located in the southwestern corner of the continental [[United States]]. In 2007, the city's population was estimated to be 1,266,731.<ref name="06EST"/> It is the second largest city in [[California]] and the eighth largest city in the United States, by population. It is the county seat of San Diego County{{GR|6}} and is the economic center of the {{nowrap|San Diego–Carlsbad–San Marcos}} metropolitan area, the 17th-largest in the United States with a population of 3,146,274 as of 2008, and the 21st-largest metropolitan area in the Americas when including Tijuana.
 
  
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San Diego County lies just north of the Mexican border—sharing a border with Tijuana—and lies south of Orange County. It is home to miles of beaches and has a mild Mediterranean climate and 16 military facilities hosting the United States Navy, the United States Coast Guard,m and the United States Marine Corps.
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'''San Diego''' is a large coastal [[California]] city located in the southwestern corner of the continental [[United States]]. It is the second largest city in California and the eighth largest city in the nation, by population. It is also the county seat of San Diego County and is the economic center of the {{nowrap|San Diego–Carlsbad–San Marcos}} metropolitan area.
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It lies along the [[Pacific Ocean]] at San Diego Bay just north of the [[Mexico|Mexican]] border. San Diego County, just south of Orange County, shares a border with Tijuana. With no natural border, the San Diego sector traditionally has been the preferred location for illegal immigration from Mexico into the U.S., accounting for more than 40 percent of the Border Patrol's total apprehensions of illegal immigrants each year, straining local resources.
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{{toc}}
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San Diego is home to 70 miles of beaches and has a mild Mediterranean climate and 16 military facilities hosting the [[United States Navy]], the [[United States Coast Guard]], and the [[United States Marine Corps]]. The presence of the  University of California, San Diego (UCSD) with its affiliated UCSD Medical Center promotes research in [[biotechnology]]. Its economy is largely composed of [[agriculture]], biotechnology/biosciences, [[computer]] sciences, [[electronics]] manufacturing, defense-related manufacturing, financial and business services, ship repair and construction, [[software]] development, [[telecommunications]], and [[tourism]].
  
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The presence of the  University of California, San Diego (UCSD) with the affiliated UCSD Medical Center promotes research in biotechnology. San Diego's economy is largely composed of [[agriculture]], biotechnology/biosciences, [[computer]] sciences, [[electronics]] manufacturing, defense-related manufacturing, financial and business services, ship repair and construction, software development, [[telecommunications]], and [[tourism]].
 
 
== Geography ==
 
== Geography ==
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[[Image:San Diego-Tijuana Metro 3D Map.jpg|thumb|right|The San Diego-Tijuana metropolitan area.]]
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[[Image:San Diego-Tijuana Metro 3D Map.jpg|thumb|400px|The San Diego-Tijuana metropolitan area.]]
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The city of San Diego has deep canyons separating its mesas, creating small pockets of natural parkland scattered throughout the city. The same canyons give parts of the city a highly segmented feel, creating literal gaps between otherwise proximal neighborhoods and contributing to a low-density, car-centered environment. Downtown San Diego is located on San Diego Bay. Balboa Park lies on a mesa to the northeast. It is surrounded by several dense urban communities and abruptly ends in Hillcrest to the north.
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The city of San Diego has deep [[canyon]]s separating its [[mesa]]s, creating small pockets of natural parkland scattered throughout the [[city]]. These canyons give parts of the city a highly segmented feel, creating literal gaps between neighborhoods and contributing to a low-density, car-centered environment. Downtown San Diego is located on San Diego Bay. Balboa Park lies on a mesa to the northeast. It is surrounded by several dense urban communities and abruptly ends in Hillcrest to the north.
  
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The Coronado and Point Loma peninsulas separate San Diego Bay from the ocean. Ocean Beach is on the west side of Point Loma. Mission Beach and Pacific Beach lie between the ocean and Mission Bay, a man-made aquatic park. La Jolla, an affluent community, lies north of Pacific Beach. [[Mountain]]s rise to the east of the city, and beyond the mountains are [[desert]] areas. Cleveland National Forest is a half-hour drive from downtown San Diego. Numerous farms are found in the valleys northeast and southeast of the city.  
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The Coronado and Point Loma [[peninsula]]s separate San Diego Bay from the [[ocean]]. Ocean Beach is on the west side of Point Loma. Mission Beach and Pacific Beach lie between the ocean and Mission Bay, a man-made aquatic park. La Jolla, an affluent community, lies north of Pacific Beach. [[Mountain]]s rise to the east of the city, and beyond the mountains are [[desert]] areas. [[Cleveland National Forest]] is a half-hour drive from downtown San Diego. Numerous farms are found in the valleys northeast and southeast of the city.  
  
 
San Diego County has one of the highest counts of [[animal]] and [[plant]] species that appear on the [[endangered species]] list among counties in the United States.
 
San Diego County has one of the highest counts of [[animal]] and [[plant]] species that appear on the [[endangered species]] list among counties in the United States.
  
 
=== Climate ===  
 
=== Climate ===  
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San Diego has a Mediterranean, or semi-arid, climate. San Diego enjoys mild, mostly dry and plenty of sunshine throughout the year with 264 sunshine days annually.<ref>[http://www.weatherbase.com/weather/weather.php3?s=009227&refer=]</ref>
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San Diego has a Mediterranean, or semi-arid, [[climate]]. The city enjoys mild, mostly dry days and plenty of sunshine throughout the year with 264 sunshine days annually.<ref>[https://www.weatherbase.com/weather/weather.php3?s=009227&refer= San Diego, California] ''Weatherbase''. Retrieved October 31, 2023.</ref> [[Temperature]]s vary little throughout the year.
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Temperatures vary little throughout the year.
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Summer or dry period of May to October are mild to warm with average high temperatures of 70-78°F (21-26°C) and lows of 55-66°F (13-19°C), and temperatures only exceed 90°F (32°C) four days a year. Winters, or the rainy period of November to April, are mild and somewhat rainy with high temperatures of 66-70°F (19-21°C) and lows of 50-56°F (10-13°C).
 
Summer or dry period of May to October are mild to warm with average high temperatures of 70-78°F (21-26°C) and lows of 55-66°F (13-19°C), and temperatures only exceed 90°F (32°C) four days a year. Winters, or the rainy period of November to April, are mild and somewhat rainy with high temperatures of 66-70°F (19-21°C) and lows of 50-56°F (10-13°C).
  
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=== Ecology ===
 
=== Ecology ===
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Like most of southern California, the majority of San Diego's current area was originally occupied by [[chaparral]], a plant community made up mostly of drought-resistant shrubs. The [[endangered]] Torrey [[pine]] has the bulk of its population in San Diego in a stretch of protected chapparral along the coast.
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[[Image:Skyscraperview.jpg|400px|thumb|A view of One America Plaza from Seaport Village.]]
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Like most of southern California, the majority of San Diego's current area was originally occupied by [[chaparral]], a plant community made up mostly of drought-resistant shrubs. The [[endangered]] Torrey [[pine]] has the bulk of its population in San Diego in a stretch of protected chaparral along the coast.
  
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The steep, varied topography and proximity to the ocean create a number of different habitats within the city limits, including [[tidal marsh]] and [[canyons]]. The influence of humans has altered existing habitats and has also created habitats that did not exist prior to human development, by construction of buildings, the introduction of new species, and the use of water for lawns and gardens. A number of species of [[parrot]]s, including the Red-masked Parakeet and Red-crowned Amazon, have established feral populations in urban neighborhoods such as Ocean Beach.
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The steep, varied [[topography]] and proximity to the [[ocean]] create a number of different habitats within the city limits, including [[tidal marsh]] and [[canyons]]. The influence of humans has altered existing [[habitat]]s and has also created habitats that did not exist prior to human development, by construction of buildings, the introduction of new species, and the use of water for lawns and gardens. A number of species of [[parrot]]s, including the Red-masked Parakeet and Red-crowned Amazon, have established feral populations in urban neighborhoods such as Ocean Beach.
  
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San Diego's broad city limits encompass a number of large nature preserves, including Torrey Pines State Reserve, Border Field State Park, Mission Trails Regional Park. Torrey Pines State Preserve, and a coastal strip continuing to the north is the only location where the rare species of Torrey Pine, ''P. torreyana torreyana'', is found. Due to a combination of the steep topography that prevents or discourages building, and some efforts for preservation, there are also a large number of canyons within the city limits that are nature preserves, including Tecolote Canyon Natural Park and Marian Bear Memorial Park in the San Clemente Canyon, as well as a number of small parks and preserves.
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San Diego's broad city limits encompass a number of large nature preserves, including Torrey Pines State Reserve, Border Field State Park, Mission Trails Regional Park. Torrey Pines State Preserve, and a coastal strip continuing to the north is the only location where the rare species of Torrey Pine, ''P. torreyana torreyana,'' is found. Due to a combination of the steep topography that prevents or discourages building, and some efforts for preservation, there are also a large number of canyons within the city limits that are nature preserves, including Tecolote Canyon Natural Park and Marian Bear Memorial Park in the San Clemente Canyon, as well as a number of small parks and preserves.
  
 
====Fire====
 
====Fire====
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The chaparral and [[coastal sage scrub]] habitats in low elevations along the coast are prone to [[wildfire]], and the rates of fire have increased in the 20th century, due primarily to fires starting near the borders of urban and wild areas. In 2003, San Diego was the site of what has been called the largest wildfire in California over the past century. In addition to damage caused by the fire, smoke from the fire resulted in a significant increase in emergency room visits due to [[asthma]], respiratory problems, eye irritation, and smoke inhalation.
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The chaparral and [[coastal sage scrub]] habitats in low elevations along the coast are prone to [[wildfire]], and the rates of [[fire]] have increased in the 20th century, due primarily to fires starting near the borders of urban and wild areas. In 2003, San Diego was the site of what has been called the largest wildfire in California over the past century. In addition to damage caused by the fire, smoke from the fire resulted in a significant increase in emergency room visits due to [[asthma]], respiratory problems, eye irritation, and smoke inhalation.
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== History ==
 
== History ==
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The area has long been inhabited by the [[Kumeyaay]] people. The first European to visit the region was [[Portugal|Portuguese]] explorer Juan Rodrigues Cabrillo sailing under the Spanish flag (1499-1543), who sailed his flagship ''San Salvador'' from Navidad, New Spain. Cabrillo claimed the bay for the [[Spanish Empire]] and named the site ''San Miguel''.  
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[[Image:San-diego-mission-chuch.JPG|thumb|400px|The chapel façade of [[Mission San Diego de Alcalá]]<br/>as it appeared in 2008.]]
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The area has long been inhabited by the [[Kumeyaay]] people. The first European to visit the region was [[Portugal|Portuguese]] explorer Juan Rodrigues Cabrillo, sailing under the Spanish flag, who claimed the bay for the [[Spanish Empire]].  
  
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In November 1602, Sebastián Vizcaíno was sent to map the California coast. Arriving on his flagship ''San Diego'', Vizcaíno surveyed the harbor and what are now Mission Bay and Point Loma and named the area for the [[Catholic]] Saint Didacus, a Spaniard more commonly known as ''San Diego''. On November 12, 1602, the first Christian religious service of record in Alta California was conducted by Fray Antonio de la Ascensión, a member of Vizcaíno's expedition, to celebrate the feast day of San Diego.
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In November 1602, Sebastián Vizcaíno was sent to map the California coast. Vizcaíno surveyed the harbor and what are now Mission Bay and Point Loma and named the area for the [[Catholic]] [[Didacus of Alcalá|Saint Didacus]], a Spaniard more commonly known as "San Diego."
  
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[[Image:SanDiego1979.jpg|thumb|left|Mission San Diego de Alcalá, July 1979 (Robert E. Nylund)]]
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In 1769, Gaspar de Portolà established the [[Presidio of San Diego]] (a military post) overlooking Old Town. Around the same time, Mission San Diego de Alcalá was founded by [[Franciscan]] friars under Father [[Junípero Serra]]. By 1797, the mission boasted the largest native population in Alta California, with over 1,400 ''neophytes'' living in and around the mission.
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In 1769, [[Gaspar de Portolà]] established the Presidio of San Diego (a military post) overlooking [[Old Town San Diego State Historic Park|Old Town]]. Around the same time, [[Mission San Diego de Alcalá]] was founded by [[Franciscan]] friars under Father [[Junípero Serra]]. By 1797, the mission boasted the largest native population in Alta California, with over 1,400 ''neophytes'' living in and around the mission proper. After New Spain won its independence from the Spanish Empire in 1823, Mission San Diego de Alcalá's fortunes declined in the 1830s after the decree of [[secularization]] was enacted, as was the case with all of the missions under the control of [[Mexico]]. In 1847 San Diego was a destination of the {{convert|2000|mi|km|-2|sing=on}} march of the [[Mormon Battalion]] which built the city's first courthouse with brick.
 
  
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After the [[Battle of San Pasqual]], the end of the [[Mexican-American War]], and the [[California Gold Rush|gold rush of 1848]], San Diego was designated the seat of the newly-established San Diego County and was incorporated as a city in 1850. In the years before [[World War I]], the [[Industrial Workers of the World]] labor union conducted a [[Free speech fights|free speech fight]] in San Diego, arousing a brutal response (see [[San Diego Free Speech Fight]].)
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After [[New Spain]] won its independence from the Spanish Empire, the mission's fortunes declined with the decree of [[secularization]], as was the case with all of the missions under the control of [[Mexico]].
  
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Significant U.S. Naval presence began in 1907 with the establishment of the Navy Coaling Station, which gave further impetus to the development of the town. San Diego hosted two [[Worlds Fair|World's Fairs]], the [[Panama-California Exposition (1915)|Panama-California Exposition]] in 1915, and the California Pacific International Exposition in 1935. Many of the Spanish/Baroque-style buildings in the city's Balboa Park were built for these expositions, particularly the one in 1915. Intended to be temporary structures, most remained in continuous use until they progressively fell into disrepair. All were eventually rebuilt using castings of the original facades to faithfully retain the architectural style.
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The end of the [[Mexican-American War]] and the [[California]] [[Gold Rush]] of 1848 drew a wave of settlers. San Diego was designated the seat of the newly established San Diego County and was incorporated as a city in 1850.  
  
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After [[World War II]], the military played an increasing role in the local economy, but post-[[Cold War]] cutbacks took a heavy toll on the local defense and aerospace industries. The resulting downturn led San Diego leaders to seek to diversify the city's economy, and San Diego has since become a major center of the emerging [[biotechnology]] industry. It is also home to telecommunications giant Qualcomm.
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A significant U.S. naval presence began in 1907 with the establishment of the Navy Coaling Station, which gave further impetus to the town's development. San Diego hosted two [[World's Fair]]s, the Panama-California Exposition in 1915, and the California Pacific International Exposition in 1935.  
  
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[[Image:Skyscraperview.jpg|right|thumb|A view of [[One America Plaza]] from [[Seaport Village]].]]
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After [[World War II]], the military played an increasing role in the local economy, but post-[[Cold War]] cutbacks took a heavy toll on the local defense and aerospace industries. The resulting downturn led San Diego leaders to seek to diversify the city's economy, and San Diego has since become a major center of the emerging [[biotechnology]] industry. It is also home to [[telecommunications]] giant Qualcomm.
  
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[[Image:GaslampQuarter.SanDiego.jpg|thumb|San Diego's Gaslamp Quarter]]
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[[Image:GaslampQuarter.SanDiego.jpg|thumb|400px|San Diego's Gaslamp Quarter]]
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Downtown San Diego has been undergoing an urban renewal since the early 1980s, beginning with the opening of Horton Plaza, the revival of the Gaslamp Quarter, and the construction of the San Diego Convention Center. The Centre City Development Corporation (CCDC), San Diego's downtown redevelopment agency, has transformed what was a largely abandoned downtown into a glittering showcase of waterfront skyscrapers, expensive live-work loft developments, five-star [[hotel]]s, and many cafes, restaurants, and boutiques.
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Downtown San Diego has been undergoing an urban renewal since the early 1980s. The Centre City Development Corporation (CCDC), San Diego's downtown redevelopment agency, has transformed what was a largely abandoned area into a glittering showcase of waterfront skyscrapers, five-star [[hotel]]s, and many cafés, restaurants, and boutiques.
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The North Embarcadero is slated to have parks in addition to a waterfront promenade. And Balboa Park will be linked to downtown with a view corridor. The recent boom in the construction of condos and skyscrapers has brought with it a [[gentrification]] frenzy, and some people are concerned that speculators have played too big a role in the condo market downtown. In the meantime, the city is committed to a "[[smart growth]]" development scheme that would increase density along transit corridors in older neighborhoods (the "City of Villages" planning concept.) Some neighborhoods are resisting this planning approach, but "[[mixed-use development]]" has had its successes, especially the award-winning Uptown Shopping Center in Hillcrest.
 
−
 
 
−
The latest accomplishment of CCDC has been the recent inauguration of [[PETCO Park]]. The once-industrial East Village adjacent to the new ballpark is now the new frontier in San Diego's downtown urban renewal.
 
−
 
 
−
A series of scandals has rocked the city in recent years. With mounting pressure aggravated by underfunding of pensions for city employees that began prior to his administration, Mayor Dick Murphy, in April 2005, announced his intention to resign by mid-July. Two city council members, [[Ralph Inzunza]] and deputy mayor [[Michael Zucchet]]—who was to take Murphy's place—were ultimately convicted of [[extortion]], [[wire fraud]], and conspiracy to commit wire fraud for taking campaign contributions from a strip club owner and his associates, allegedly in exchange for trying to repeal the city's "no touch" laws at strip clubs. Both subsequently resigned. The judge later set aside (overturned) the conviction in Zucchet's case.
 
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−
On November 28, 2005, U.S. Congressman [[Randy "Duke" Cunningham]] resigned over a [[bribery]] scandal. Cunningham represented [[United States House of Representatives, California District 50|California's 50th congressional district]], which mostly lies outside (north) of the city of San Diego proper. He is currently serving a one-hundred-month prison sentence.
 
  
 +
A series of scandals has rocked the city in recent years. Two city council members were convicted of [[extortion]], [[wire fraud]], and conspiracy to commit wire fraud for taking campaign contributions from a strip club owner and his associates, allegedly in exchange for trying to repeal the city's "no touch" laws at strip clubs. Both subsequently resigned. In 2005, U.S. Congressman Randy "Duke" Cunningham resigned over a [[bribery]] scandal and is serving a 100-month prison sentence.
  
 +
In 2008, plummeting tax revenues due to the nation's financial crisis led Mayor Jerry Sanders to make severe cuts in his fiscal 2009 budget, needed to close a $43 million gap.
  
 
== Economy ==
 
== Economy ==
−
[[Image:Moon Monster2.jpg|thumb|right|Downtown San Diego at night.]]
+
[[Image:San Diego Marriott.jpg|thumb|300px|San Diego Marriott Hotel and Marina.]]
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[[Image:San Diego Coronado bridge01.JPEG|thumb|left|250px|The [[Coronado Bridge]] at night. The bridge was built high enough to allow ships to navigate under.]]
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[[Image:Moon Monster2.jpg|thumb|400px|Downtown San Diego at night.]]
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[[Image:San Diego Marriott.jpg|thumb|right|San Diego Marriott Hotel and Marina.]]
+
The three largest sectors of San Diego's economy are [[defense]], [[manufacturing]], and [[tourism]], respectively. Several areas of San Diego (in particular La Jolla and surrounding Sorrento Valley) are home to offices and research facilities for numerous [[biotechnology]] companies. Major biotechnology companies are headquartered in San Diego, while many biotech and [[pharmaceutical]] companies have offices or research facilities in San Diego. There are also several non-profit biotech institutes, such as the Salk Institute for Biological Studies, the Scripps Research Institute, and the Burnham Institute. The presence of University of California, San Diego and other research institutions helped fuel biotechnology growth. In June 2004, San Diego was ranked the top biotech cluster in the United States by the Milken Institute.
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[[Image:Star of the Sea.jpg|thumb|left|Star of the Sea restaurant]]
 
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{{see also|List of companies headquartered in San Diego, California}}
 
−
The three largest sectors of San Diego's economy are defense, manufacturing, and tourism respectively.<ref>Powell, Ronald W. "Tourism district OK'd by council." ''[[San Diego Union Tribune]] (10-17-2007). Pg. C1/C4.</ref>
 
  
−
Several areas of San Diego (in particular [[La Jolla, San Diego, California|La Jolla]] and surrounding [[Sorrento Valley, San Diego, California|Sorrento Valley]] areas) are home to offices and research facilities for numerous biotechnology companies. Major biotechnology companies like [[Neurocrine Biosciences]] and [[Nventa Biopharmaceuticals Corporation|Nventa Biopharmaceuticals]] are headquartered in San Diego, while many biotech and pharmaceutical companies, such as [[Becton Dickinson|BD Biosciences]], [[Biogen Idec]], [[Integrated DNA Technologies]], [[Merck & Co.|Merck]], [[Pfizer]], [[Élan]], Genzyme, Cytovance, Celgene and Vertex, have offices or research facilities in San Diego. There are also several [[non-profit]] biotech institutes, such as the [[Salk Institute for Biological Studies]], [[the Scripps Research Institute]] and the Burnham Institute. The presence of [[University of California, San Diego]] and other research institutions helped fuel biotechnology growth. In June 2004, San Diego was ranked the top biotech cluster in the U.S. by the Milken Institute.<ref>{{cite web | title=MilkenInstitute.org | url=http://www.milkeninstitute.org/publications/publications.taf?function=detail&ID=312&cat=ResRep | work=America's Biotech and Life Science Clusters: San Diego's Position and Economic Contributions | accessdate=2006-12-10}}</ref>
+
San Diego is also home to companies that develop wireless cellular technology. Qualcomm Incorporated was founded and is headquartered in San Diego; Qualcomm is the largest private-sector [[technology]] employer (excluding hospitals) in San Diego County. The largest [[software]] company in San Diego is security software company Websense Inc.
  
−
San Diego is home to companies that develop wireless cellular technology. [[Qualcomm Incorporated]] was founded and is headquartered in San Diego; Qualcomm is the largest private-sector technology employer (excluding hospitals) in San Diego County.<ref>{{cite web | title=SD Daily Transcript | url=http://www.sddt.com/Databases/BusinessListings/ListCompanies.cfm?BusinessCategory_ID=140 | work=Largest employers in San Diego County | accessdate=2006-05-20}}</ref> The largest software company in San Diego (according to the San Diego Business Journal) is security software company [[Websense]] Inc.<ref>San Diego Business Journal</ref><!---would be nice to have a specific page or webpage---> 
+
The economy of San Diego is influenced by its [[port]], which includes the only major submarine and shipbuilding yards on the [[West Coast of the United States|West Coast]], as well as the largest naval fleet in the world. The cruise ship industry is the second largest in [[California]] after Los Angeles.
  
−
The economy of San Diego is influenced by its [[Port of San Diego|port]], which includes the only major submarine and shipbuilding yards on the West Coast, as well as the largest naval fleet in the world. The cruise ship industry, which is the second largest in California, generates an estimated $2 million annually from the purchase of food, fuel, supplies, and maintenance services.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://proquest.umi.com/pqdweb?did=711835761&sid=4&Fmt=3&clientId=16256&RQT=309&VName=PQD|title=Cruise Ships Face Stiffer Anti-Pollution Policies|author=Connie Lewis|publisher=[[Proquest]]: [http://www.sdbj.com/ San Diego Business Journal]|quote=The Port of San Diego is the state's fastest-growing port in terms of cruise ship dockings, and the second largest behind the Port of Los Angeles... ...The dockings are estimated to have an economic impact of more than $2 million on the local economy from the purchase of food, supplies and fuel,, as well as maintenance services.}}</ref>
+
Due to San Diego's military influence, major national defense contractors, such as General Atomics and Science Applications International Corporation are headquartered in San Diego.
  
−
Due to San Diego's military influence, major national defense contractors, such as [[General Atomics]] and [[Science Applications International Corporation]] are headquartered in San Diego.
+
[[Tourism]] is also a major industry owing to the city's climate. Major tourist destinations include Balboa Park, the San Diego [[Zoo]], Seaworld, nearby Wild Animal Park, and Legoland, the city's beaches, and [[golf]] tournaments like the Buick Invitational.
−
 
 
−
Tourism is also a major industry owing to the city's climate. Major tourist destinations include [[Balboa Park, San Diego, California|Balboa Park]], the [[San Diego Zoo]], [[Seaworld]], nearby [[San Diego Wild Animal Park|Wild Animal Park]] and [[Legoland]], the city's [[Beaches in San Diego, California|beaches]] and golf tournaments like the [[Buick Invitational]].
 
−
 
 
−
===Personal income===
 
−
In 2000, the [[median household income|median income for a household]] in the city was $45,733, and the median income for a family was $53,060. Males had a median income of $36,984 versus $31,076 for females. The [[per capita income]] for the city was $23,609. About 10.6% of families and 14.6% of the population were below the [[poverty line]], including 20.0% of those under age 18 and 7.6% of those age 65 or over.
 
  
 
=== Military ===
 
=== Military ===
−
Military bases in San Diego include [[United States Navy|U.S. Navy]] ports, [[United States Marine Corps|Marine Corps]] bases, and [[United States Coast Guard|Coast Guard]] stations. One of the Marine Corps' two [[Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego|Recruit Depots]] is located in San Diego. San Diego is also known as the "birthplace of [[naval aviation]]," although [[Pensacola, Florida|Pensacola]], [[Florida]] makes a rival claim.
+
Military bases in San Diego include U.S. Navy ports, Marine Corps bases, and Coast Guard stations. One of the Marine Corps' two Recruit Depots is located in San Diego. San Diego is the site of one of the largest naval fleets in the world, and San Diego has become the largest concentration of naval facilities in the world due to base reductions at Norfolk, [[Virginia]], and retrenchment of the Russian naval base in [[Vladivostok]]. Two of the U.S. Navy's Nimitz class supercarriers, (the USS ''Nimitz'' and the USS ''Ronald Reagan''), five amphibious assault ships, several ''Los Angeles'' class "fast attack" [[submarine]]s, the Hospital Ship USNS ''Mercy,'' carrier and submarine tenders, destroyers, cruisers, frigates, and many smaller ships are home-ported there.
  
−
San Diego is the site of one of the largest naval fleets in the world, and San Diego has become the largest concentration of Naval facilities in the world due to base reductions at [[Norfolk, Virginia]] and retrenchment of the Russian naval base in [[Vladivostok]]. Two of the U.S. Navy's [[supercarrier|Nimitz class supercarriers]], (the [[USS Nimitz (CVN-68)|USS ''Nimitz'']] and the [[USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76)|USS ''Ronald Reagan'']]), five [[amphibious assault ships]], several [[Los Angeles class submarine|''Los Angeles''-class]] "fast attack" submarines, the Hospital Ship [[USNS Mercy (T-AH-19)|USNS ''Mercy'']], carrier and submarine tenders, [[Arleigh Burke class destroyer|destroyers]], [[Ticonderoga class cruiser|cruisers]], [[Oliver Hazard Perry class frigate|frigates]], and many smaller ships are home-ported there. Four Navy vessels have been named [[USS San Diego|USS ''San Diego'']] in honor of the city.<ref>{{cite web | title=USS SAN DIEGO | work=San Diego Navy Historical Association |url=http://www.usssandiego.org/|accessdate=2006-05-03}}</ref>
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== Transportation ==
 +
[[Image:San Diego Coronado bridge01.JPEG|thumb|400px|Coronado Bridge at night. The bridge was built high enough to allow ships to navigate under it.]]
 +
[[Image:Sandiego harbor and skyline.jpg|400px|thumb|Sailboats in the San Diego Harbor, with a view of the San Diego skyline.]]
 +
=== Public transportation ===
 +
Less than 3 percent of San Diego residents use mass transit. San Diego is served by trolley, bus, Coaster trains, and Amtrak. The trolley primarily serves downtown and surrounding urban communities, though there are plans to expand it. Buses are available along most major routes, though a large number of bus stops are concentrated in central San Diego. Ferries are also available every half hour crossing San Diego Bay to Coronado.
  
−
====Military institutions in the San Diego area ====
+
=== Cycling ===
−
Marine Corps institutions in San Diego include [[Marine Corps Air Station Miramar]] and [[Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego]]; north of San Diego is [[Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton]]. The Navy has several institutions in the city, including [[Naval Base Point Loma]], [[Naval Base San Diego]] (also known as the 32nd Street Naval Station), [[Bob Wilson Naval Hospital]], and the [[Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center San Diego]]. Close by San Diego but within [[San Diego County]] is  [[Naval Air Station North Island]] (which operates [[Naval Auxiliary Landing Facility San Clemente Island]], [[Silver Strand Training Complex]], [[Outlying Field Imperial Beach]]) and the [[Naval Amphibious Base Coronado]], which are consolidated into [[Naval Base Coronado]].
+
San Diego's roadway system provides an extensive network of routes for travel by [[bicycle]]. The dry and mild climate of San Diego makes cycling a convenient and pleasant year-round option. At the same time, the city's hilly, canyoned terrain and significantly long average trip distances—brought about by strict low-density zoning laws—somewhat restrict cycling for utilitarian purposes.  
  
−
=== Real estate ===
+
=== Air ===
−
Prior to 2006, San Diego experienced a dramatic growth of real estate prices, to the extent that the situation was sometimes described as a "housing affordability crisis." Median house prices more than tripled between 1998 and 2007. According to the California Association of Realtors,<ref>[http://www.car.org/index.php?id=Mzc1NTM= C.A.R. reports sales decrease 25 percent in May]</ref> in May 2007, a median house in San Diego cost $612,370. Growth of real estate prices has not been accompanied by comparable growth of household incomes: housing affordability index (percentage of households that can afford to buy a median-priced house) fell below 20% in early 2000s. San Diego metropolitan area had the second worst median multiple (ratio of median house price to median household income) of all metropolitan areas in the United States. As a consequence, San Diego had experienced negative net migration since 2004, with significant numbers of people moving to [[Baja California]] and  [[Riverside County, California|Riverside county]], with many residents commuting daily from [[Tijuana]], [[Temecula]], and [[Murrieta]], to their jobs in San Diego. Others are leaving the state altogether and moving to more affordable regions.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.signonsandiego.com/uniontrib/20070322/news_1n22census.html|title=Greener pastures outside of county?|publisher=San Diego Union Tribune|date=March 22,[2007]}}</ref>
+
San Diego International Airport, also known as Lindbergh International Airport or Lindbergh Field, is the primary commercial [[airport]] serving San Diego. It is the busiest single-runway airport in the United States, serving over 17 million passengers every year, and is located on San Diego Bay three miles from downtown.
  
−
From 2005 to 2007, San Diego experienced a greater than 15% decline in real estate prices, which continued to accelerate into 2008. The two-year drop already experienced is worse than the four-year period between June, 1992, and November, 1996, when the region experienced an 11.8% decline in housing prices.<ref>[http://www.sandiegopreviews.com/2007/12/19/not-all-san-diego-real-estate-in-the-tank/]</ref> Much of this is blamed on the speculative attitude of investors in the early 2000s, who bought much of the available real estate, hoping to "flip" it for a large profit shortly thereafter, and the availability of "stated income" and other "exotic" loans available. When the decline hit, and adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) adjusted, many investors simply abandoned their properties, and areas that recently experienced double-digit annual increases in property value, such as San Diego, [[Los Angeles, California|Los Angeles]], [[Miami, Florida|Miami]] and [[Las Vegas, Nevada|Las Vegas]] are being hit the hardest.<ref>[http://www.nctimes.com/articles/2008/01/01/news/californian/21_20_9612_31_07.txt Record foreclosures in '07 - Real estate wave ebbs, leaving thousands of homeowners washed up and in debt : North County Times - Californian<!-- Bot generated title —>]</ref>
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=== Sea ===
−
 
+
The Port of San Diego manages the maritime operations of San Diego harbor. Cruise ships arrive and depart from San Diego's cruise ship terminal at the foot of Broadway downtown. Carnival Cruise Lines, Royal Caribbean, Holland America, and Celebrity Cruises have home port cruise ships in San Diego during the winter season. An additional cruise terminal at Embarcadero Circle is set to open in 2010. San Diego's port also manages a significant cargo operation that includes imports from [[South America]]; [[motor vehicle]] imports from [[Germany]], [[Italy]], [[Sweden]], [[Japan]], and the [[United Kingdom]]; and other trade operations.
−
In the first quarter of 2008, the number of [[foreclosure]]s repossessed by banks exceeded the number of home sales.<ref>[http://www.dsnews.com/view_story.cfm?id=2377 "San Diego Real Estate Slow Down Saga Continues"]</ref>
 
  
 +
San Diego is home to General Dynamics' National Steel and Shipbuilding Company (NASSCO), the largest shipyard on the [[West Coast of the United States]]. It is capable of building and repairing large [[ocean]]-going vessels. The yard constructs commercial cargo ships and auxiliary vessels for the [[U.S. Navy]] and Military Sealift Command, which it has served since 1960.
  
 +
[[Image:SANO1 015.jpg|right|thumb|400px|Downtown San Diego]]
  
 
== Education ==
 
== Education ==
−
 
−
 
 
=== Primary and secondary schools ===
 
=== Primary and secondary schools ===
−
The San Diego Unified School District, also known as San Diego City Schools, serves the majority of the city. It includes 113 elementary schools, 23 middle schools, 4 atypical schools, 10 alternative schools, 27 high schools, and 25 charter schools. In the northern part of the county, Poway Unified School District and San Dieguito Union High School District are outside city limits but serve several schools within city limits. In the southern part of the county, Sweetwater Union High School District serves multiple schools within city limits, although it is headquartered outside city limits.
+
The San Diego Unified School District, also known as San Diego City Schools, serves the majority of the city. It includes 113 elementary schools, 23 middle schools, 4 atypical schools, 10 alternative schools, 27 high schools, and 25 charter schools.
−
 
 
−
San Ysidro School District (K-8) serves areas of San Diego also served by Sweetwater Union High School District. Del Mar Union Elementary School District and Solana Beach Elementary School District serve areas of San Diego also within San Dieguito.
 
  
 
=== Colleges and universities ===
 
=== Colleges and universities ===
−
[[Image:Sdsumain.jpg|thumb|right|San Diego State University's Hepner Hall]]
+
Public colleges and universities in the city include University of California, San Diego (UCSD), San Diego State University (SDSU), and the San Diego Community College District. There are also a number of private colleges and universities in the city. There is one medical school in the city, the UCSD School of Medicine. The three ABA-accredited law schools are California Western School of Law, Thomas Jefferson School of Law, and University of San Diego School of Law.
−
[[Image:Geisel library.jpg|thumb|University of California, San Diego's iconic Geisel Library]]
+
<center>
−
Public colleges and universities in the city include University of California, San Diego (UCSD), San Diego State University (SDSU), and the San Diego Community College District, which includes San Diego City College, San Diego Mesa College, and San Diego Miramar College.  
+
{|
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+
|+
−
Private colleges and universities in the city include Alliant International University (AIU), Coleman University, Design Institute of San Diego (DISD), John Paul the Great Catholic University, National University, NewSchool of Architecture and Design, Pacific Oaks College, The Art Institute of California, San Diego, Point Loma Nazarene University (PLNU), San Diego Christian College, Southern States University (SSU), Woodbury University School of Architecture's satellite campus, and University of San Diego (USD).
+
|-
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+
| valign="top"|
−
There is one medical school in the city, the UCSD School of Medicine. There are three ABA accredited law schools in the city, which include California Western School of Law, Thomas Jefferson School of Law, and University of San Diego School of Law.
+
[[Image:Sdsumain.jpg|thumb|180px|San Diego State University's Hepner Hall]]
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+
| valign="top"|
−
== Politics ==
+
[[Image:Geisel library.jpg|thumb|180px|University of California, San Diego's iconic Geisel Library]]
−
In August 2007, registered Democrats outnumbered Republicans by about 7 to 6. Despite the edge in voter registration for Democrats, the current mayor, Jerry Sanders, is a Republican. San Diego has not elected a Democratic mayor since 1988. Democrats hold a 5-3 majority on the city council, including the current Council President, Scott Peters, a Democrat who often sides with the mayor. 55% of the city of San Diego voted for Democrat John Kerry in the 2004 presidential election. However, the mayor, city council members and city attorney seats are all officially non-partisan.
+
| valign="top"|
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+
[[Image:Petco Park altitude.jpg|180px|thumb|PETCO Park]]
−
On September 18, 2007, the City Council with support from Mayor Sanders, voted 5-3 to endorse a pending lawsuit before the California Supreme Court to overturn Proposition 22, which banned same-sex [[marriage]] in California. Proposition 22 was supported by 62&nbsp;percent of San Diego voters.
+
|-
−
 
+
|}
−
Proposition 22 was later ruled unconstitutional by the California Supreme Court, but in 2008 California voted to change the California constitution. The proposition received over 50 percent of the votes.
+
</center>
−
 
 
−
== Demographics ==
 
−
 
 
−
As of the [[census]]{{GR|2}} of 2000, there were 1,223,400 people, 450,691 households, and 271,315 families residing in the city. The [[population density]] was 3,771.9 people per square mile (1,456.4/km²).
 
−
 
 
−
There were 451,126 households out of which 30.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 44.6% were [[Marriage|married couples]] living together, 11.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 39.8% were non-families. 28.0% of all households were made up of individuals and 7.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.61 and the average family size was 3.30.
 
−
 
 
−
In the city the population was spread out with 24.0% under the age of 18, 12.4% from 18 to 24, 34.0% from 25 to 44, 19.1% from 45 to 64, and 10.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 32 years. For every 100 females there were 101.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 100.4 males.
 
−
 
 
−
[[Image:SANO1 015.jpg|right|thumb|[[Downtown San Diego]]]]
 
−
 
 
−
===Ancestry/heritage===
 
−
Population by race/ethnicity (Census 2000 def.).<ref>[http://profilewarehouse.sandag.org/profiles/cen00/city14cen00.pdf San Diego Race and Hispanic Origin]</ref><ref>[http://factfinder.census.gov/servlet/QTTable?_bm=y&-geo_id=16000US0666000&-qr_name=DEC_2000_SF1_U_QTP3&-ds_name=DEC_2000_SF1_U&-redoLog=false San Diego Race of total population.]</ref>
 
−
* White Non-Hispanic (49.3%)
 
−
* Hispanic/Latino of any race  (25.4%)
 
−
* Asian (13.6%)
 
−
* Black/African American (7.6%)
 
−
* Two or more races (3.1%)
 
−
* Hawaiian and Pacific Islander alone (0.4%)
 
−
* American Indian/Alaska Native alone (0.4%)
 
−
* Other Race alone (0.2%)
 
−
<!--Source: http://profilewarehouse.sandag.org/profiles/cen00/city14cen00.pdf —>
 
−
<!--Prior listed Source: http://www.city-data.com does not link to the data --->
 
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As of 2000, the place of origin for the Hispanic population was [[Mexican American|Mexican]] (83.4%), [[Puerto Rican American|Puerto Rican]] (1.9%), [[Spanish American|Spanish]] (1.8%) and [[Cuban American|Cuban]] (0.6%).<ref>[http://factfinder.census.gov/servlet/QTTable?_bm=y&-geo_id=16000US0666000&-qr_name=DEC_2000_SF1_U_QTP9&-ds_name=DEC_2000_SF1_U&-redoLog=false Hispanic or Latino by Type:  2000]</ref>
 
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−
San Diego has the lowest percentage of Hispanics for any city adjacent to the [[United States-Mexico border]].<ref name="sandag">{{cite web|url=http://profilewarehouse.sandag.org/profiles/fcst/city14fcst.pdf|format=PDF|title=2030 Regional Growth Forecast Update|publisher=[http://profilewarehouse.sandag.org/ SANDAG: Profile Warehouse]|year=2006|accessdate=2007-02-18}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://profilewarehouse.sandag.org/profiles/cen00/city14cen00.pdf|format=PDF|title=Census 2000 Profile|publisher=[http://profilewarehouse.sandag.org/ SANDAG: Profile Warehouse]|year=2006|accessdate=2007-02-18}}</ref>
 
−
 
 
−
=== Current estimates ===
 
−
More current estimate of the population as of January 2007 was above 1.3 million. The [[San Diego Association of Governments]] estimated the median household income and population as of January 1, 2006, had increased from the year 2000. The population of San Diego was estimated to be 1,311,162, up 7.2% from 2000, and median household income was estimated to be $47,816 (when adjusted for inflation in 1999 dollars), up 5.9% from 2000.<ref name="sandag">{{cite web|url=http://profilewarehouse.sandag.org/profiles/est/city14est.pdf|format=PDF|title=Population and Housing Estimates|publisher=[http://profilewarehouse.sandag.org/ SANDAG: Profile Warehouse]|year=2006|accessdate=2007-02-19}}</ref> According to the U.S. Census 2004 [[American Community Survey]], San Diego city had the fifth largest median household income of places with a population of 250,000 or more.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://factfinder.census.gov/servlet/GRTTable?_bm=y&-_box_head_nbr=R2001&-ds_name=ACS_2004_EST_G00_&-_lang=en&-format=US-32&-CONTEXT=grt|title=Places within United States:Median Household Income (In 2004 inflation-adjusted Dollars): 2004|publisher=[http://factfinder.census.gov/ U.S. Census Bureau: FactFinder]|accessdate=2007-02-19}}</ref>
 
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−
=== Crime ===
 
−
Until 2007 San Diego had a declining [[crime]] rate from 1990 to 1994, when the city had averaged 139 murders (or 12.2 murders per 100,000 residents).<ref name="sdpdcrimeactuals">{{cite web|url=http://www.sandiego.gov/police/pdf/UCR50to2006.pdf|format=PDF|title=SDPD Historical Crime Actuals 1950-2006|publisher=San Diego Police Department|date=2006-04-14|accessdate=2008-03-17}}</ref><ref name="sdpdcrime1000">{{cite web|url=http://www.sandiego.gov/police/pdf/UCRrates50to2006.pdf|format=PDF|title=SDPD Historical Crime Rates Per 1,000 Population 1950-2006|publisher=San Diego Police Department|date=2006-04-14|accessdate=2008-03-17}}</ref><ref name="sdtribunecrime">{{cite news |url=http://www.signonsandiego.com/uniontrib/20060414/news_7m14stats.html|title=County crows at glowing crime report|author=Tony Manolatos and Kristina Davis|publisher=The San Diego Union-Tribune|date=2006-04-14|accessdate=2006-04-29}}</ref> In 2004, San Diego had the sixth lowest crime rate of any U.S. city with over half a million residents.<ref name="sdtribunecrime">{{cite web|url=http://bjsdata.ojp.usdoj.gov/dataonline/Search/Crime/Crime.cfm/l|title=Bureau of Justice Statistics Crime & Justice Data Online|publisher=[http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/ U.S. Department of Justice · Office of Justice Programs]|month=October | year=2006|accessdate=2007-02-21}}</ref> From 2002 to 2006, [[violent crime]] decreased 12.4% while overall crime decreased only 0.8% partly due to a 1.1% increase in property crime.
 
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−
In 2007 the city had 59 murders and the murder rate rose to 4.7 per 100,000 (national average of 3.1). The overall crime rate rose by 2.1%.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sandag.org/uploads/publicationid/publicationid_1265_6083.pdf|format=PDF|title=Crime in the San Diego Region Mid-Year 2006 Statistics|publisher=http://www.sandag.org/ San Diego's Regional Planning Agency]|date=2006-02-16|accessdate=2007-01-28}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://sandiego.areaconnect.com/crime1.htm|title=San Diego CA Crime Statistics (2005 Crime Data)|publisher=[http://www.areaconnect.com www.AreaConnect.com]|accessdate=2007-04-02}}</ref>
 
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−
Total property crimes were lower than the national average in 2004. In 2007 burglaries, property crime, larceny/thefts, and vehicle thefts were more than twice as high as the national average.
 
 
== Culture ==
 
== Culture ==
−
[[Image:Museum-of-man-balboa-park-1997.jpg|float|thumb|right|The Museum of Man is one of several museums in Balboa Park.]]
+
[[Image:Museum-of-man-balboa-park-1997.jpg|thumb|300px|The Museum of Man is one of several museums in Balboa Park.]]
  
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Many popular [[museum]]s, such as the San Diego Museum of Art, the San Diego Natural History Museum, the San Diego Museum of Man, and the Museum of Photographic Arts are located in Balboa Park. The Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego (MCASD) is located in an oceanfront building in La Jolla and has a branch located at the Santa Fe Depot downtown. The Columbia district downtown is home to historic ship exhibits as well as the San Diego Aircraft Carrier Museum featuring the ''USS Midway'' aircraft carrier.  
+
Many popular [[museum]]s, such as the San Diego Museum of Art, the San Diego Natural History Museum, the San Diego Museum of Man, and the Museum of Photographic Arts are located in Balboa Park. The Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego is located in an oceanfront building in La Jolla and has a branch located downtown. The Columbia district downtown is home to historic ship exhibits as well as the San Diego Aircraft Carrier Museum, featuring the USS ''Midway'' [[aircraft carrier]].  
  
−
San Diego has a growing art scene. "Kettner Nights" at the Art and Design District in Little Italy has art and design exhibitions throughout many retail design stores and galleries on selected Friday nights. "Ray at Night" at North Park hosts a variety of small-scale art galleries on the second Saturday evening of each month. La Jolla and nearby Solana Beach also have a variety of art galleries.
+
San Diego has a growing art scene. "Kettner Nights" in Little Italy has art and design exhibitions throughout many retail design stores and galleries on selected Friday nights. "Ray at Night" at North Park hosts a variety of small-scale art galleries on the second Saturday evening of each month. La Jolla and nearby Solana Beach also have a variety of art galleries.
  
−
The San Diego Symphony at Symphony Towers performs on a regular basis and is directed by Jahja Ling. The San Diego Opera at Civic Center Plaza was ranked by Opera America as one of the top 10 [[opera]] companies in the United States. Old Globe Theatre at Balboa Park produces about 15 plays and musicals annually. The La Jolla Playhouse at UCSD is directed by Christopher Ashley. The Joan B. Kroc Theatre at Kroc Center's Performing Arts Center is a  600-seat state-of-the-art [[theater]] that hosts [[music]], [[dance]]. and theater performances. The San Diego Repertory Theatre at the Lyceum Theatres in Horton Plaza produces a variety of [[drama|play]]s and musicals. Serving the northeastern part of San Diego is the California Center for the Arts in Escondido, a 400-seat performing arts theater.
+
The San Diego [[Symphony]] at Symphony Towers performs on a regular basis. The San Diego [[Opera]] at Civic Center Plaza was ranked by Opera America as one of the top 10 opera companies in the United States. Old Globe Theatre at Balboa Park produces about 15 plays and musicals annually. The La Jolla Playhouse at UCSD is directed by Christopher Ashley. The Joan B. Kroc Theatre at Kroc Center's Performing Arts Center is a  600-seat state-of-the-art [[theater]] that hosts [[music]], [[dance]], and theater performances. The San Diego Repertory Theatre at the Lyceum Theatres in Horton Plaza produces a variety of [[drama|play]]s and musicals. Serving the northeastern part of San Diego is the California Center for the Arts in Escondido, a 400-seat performing arts theater.
  
−
[[Tourism]] has affected the city's culture, as San Diego houses many tourist attractions, such as [[SeaWorld San Diego]], [[Belmont Park (San Diego)|Belmont]] amusement park, [[San Diego Zoo]], [[San Diego Wild Animal Park]], and nearby [[Legoland]]. San Diego's [[Spanish Empire|Spanish]] influence can be seen in the many historic sites across the city, such as the [[Spanish missions in California|Spanish missions]] and [[Balboa Park, San Diego, California|Balboa Park]]. Cuisine in San Diego is diverse, and there is an abundance of wood fired California-style pizzas, and [[Mexican cuisine|Mexican]] and East Asian cuisine. Annual events in San Diego include [[Comic-Con International|Comic-Con]], San Diego/Del Mar Fair, and [[Street Scene (San Diego music festival)|Street Scene Music Festival]].  
+
[[Tourism]] has affected the city's culture, as San Diego houses many tourist attractions, such as SeaWorld San Diego, Belmont [[amusement park]], San Diego [[Zoo]], San Diego Wild Animal Park, and nearby Legoland. San Diego's [[Spanish Empire|Spanish]] influence can be seen in many historic sites across the city, such as the Spanish missions and Balboa Park.
  
−
<!---lead sentence could probably use rewording.--->
+
San Diego has also attracted those who are part of the [[surfing]] and [[skateboarding]] cultures. Businesses catering to these cultures have their headquarters here.
−
San Diego has a large gay culture.{{Fact|date=June 2008}} The annual Gay Pride Parade drew crowds in excess of 100,000 people in 2007.
 
−
 
 
−
[[Image:blacks surfer.jpg|thumb|right|A surfer at [[Black's Beach]].]]
 
−
 
 
−
San Diego has attracted those who are part of the surf and skateboard culture. Businesses catering to this culture have their headquarters here.
 
  
 
=== Sports ===
 
=== Sports ===
−
{| class="wikitable"
+
[[Image:blacks surfer.jpg|thumb|400px|A surfer at Black's Beach.]]
−
|-
 
−
!Club
 
−
!Sport
 
−
!League
 
−
!Stadium
 
−
|-
 
−
|[[San Diego Padres]]
 
−
|[[Baseball]]
 
−
|[[Major League Baseball|MLB]] (National League)
 
−
|[[Petco Park]]
 
−
|-
 
−
|[[San Diego Chargers]]
 
−
|[[American Football]]
 
−
|[[American Football League|AFL]] 1961-1969, [[National Football League|NFL]] 1970-Present
 
−
|[[Qualcomm Stadium]]
 
−
|-
 
−
|[[Old Mission Beach Athletic Club RFC|O.M.B.A.C. RFC]]
 
−
|[[Rugby union]]
 
−
|[[Rugby Super League (US)]]
 
−
|Little Q Rugby Pitch at [[Qualcomm Stadium|Qualcomm]]
 
−
|-
 
−
|[[San Diego Pumitas]]
 
−
|[[Soccer]]
 
−
|[[National Premier Soccer League]]
 
−
|[[Balboa Stadium]]
 
−
|-
 
−
|[[San Diego WFC SeaLions]]
 
−
|[[Soccer]]
 
−
|[[Women's Premier Soccer League]]
 
−
|[[Cathedral Catholic High School]]
 
−
|-
 
−
|[[San Diego Sockers]]
 
−
|[[Soccer]]
 
−
|[[Professional Arena Soccer League|PASL]]
 
−
|TBA
 
−
|-
 
−
|[[San Diego Wildcats]]
 
−
|[[Basketball]]
 
−
|[[ABA]]
 
−
|[[Kroc Center]]
 
−
|}
 
 
San Diego has several sports venues:  
 
San Diego has several sports venues:  
−
[[Qualcomm Stadium]] is the home of the [[National Football League|NFL]] [[San Diego Chargers]], [[Division I|NCAA Division I]] [[SDSU Aztecs|San Diego State Aztecs]], as well as local [[high school football]] championships. Qualcomm Stadium also hosts international [[soccer]] games, [[Supercross]] events and formerly hosted [[Major League Baseball]]. Three NFL [[Super Bowl]] championships and many [[college football]] [[bowl game]]s have been held there. [[Balboa Stadium]] is the city's first stadium, constructed in 1914, and former home of the San Diego Chargers. Currently Balboa Stadium hosts soccer, [[American football]] and [[Athletics (track and field)|track and field]].
+
Qualcomm Stadium is the home of the [[National Football League|NFL]]'s San Diego Chargers. It also hosts international [[soccer]] games. Three NFL [[Super Bowl]] championships and many [[college football]] [[bowl game]]s have been held there. [[Balboa Stadium]], the city's first stadium, hosts soccer, [[American football]], and [[Athletics (track and field)|track and field]].
−
 
 
−
[[Image:Petco Park altitude.jpg|left|thumb|250px|[[PETCO Park]]]]
 
−
[[PETCO Park]] in downtown San Diego is the home of [[Major League Baseball]]'s [[San Diego Padres]]. The ballpark is also the current home of the semi-final and final games of the [[World Baseball Classic]] series, having hosted the [[2006 World Baseball Classic|inaugural series championship games]] in 2006. PETCO Park will be the home to the [[2009 World Baseball Classic]] semi-finals and final as well. Other than baseball, PETCO Park hosts other occasional soccer and rugby events. The [[San Diego Sports Arena]] hosts [[basketball]], and has also hosted [[ice hockey]], [[indoor soccer]] and [[boxing]]. [[Cox Arena]] at Aztec Bowl on the campus of [[San Diego State University]] hosts the [[Division I|NCAA Division I]] [[SDSU Aztecs|San Diego State Aztecs]] men's and women's [[College basketball|basketball]] games. [[Torero Stadium]] at the [[University of San Diego]] hosts [[college football]] and [[soccer]], and the [[Jenny Craig Pavilion]] at USD hosts basketball and [[volleyball]].
 
−
 
 
−
The [[SDSU Aztecs|San Diego State Aztecs]] ([[Mountain West Conference|MWC]]) and the [[University of San Diego#Athletics|San Diego Toreros]] ([[West Coast Conference|WCC]]) are [[Division I|NCAA Division I]] teams. The [[University of California, San Diego#Athletics|UCSD Tritons]] ([[California Collegiate Athletic Association|CCAA]]) are members of [[Division II|NCAA Division II]] while the [[Point Loma Nazarene University|Point Loma Nazarene Sea Lions]] ([[Golden State Athletic Conference|GSAC]]) are members of the [[National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics|NAIA]].
 
−
 
 
−
San Diego has been the home of two [[National Basketball Association|NBA]] franchises, the first of which was called the San Diego Rockets. The Rockets represented the city of San Diego from 1967 until 1971. After the conclusion of the 1970-1971 season, they moved to Texas where they became the [[Houston Rockets]]. Seven years later, San Diego received a relocated NBA franchise (the Buffalo Braves), which was renamed the San Diego Clippers. The Clippers played in the San Diego Sports Arena from 1978 until 1984. Prior to the start of the 1984-1985 season, the team was moved to Los Angeles, and is now called the [[Los Angeles Clippers]].
 
−
 
 
−
Other sports franchises that represented San Diego include the [[San Diego Conquistadors]] of the [[American Basketball Association]], the [[San Diego Sockers]] (which played in various indoor and outdoor soccer leagues during their existence), the [[San Diego Flash]] and the [[San Diego Gauchos]], both playing in different divisions of the [[United Soccer League]], the [[San Diego Spirit]] of the [[Women's United Soccer Association]], the [[San Diego Mariners]] of the [[World Hockey Association]], and three different [[San Diego Gulls]] [[ice hockey]] teams. The [[San Diego Riptide]] and the [[San Diego Shockwave]] were indoor football teams that played at the [[San Diego Sports Arena|Sports Arena]] and [[Cox Arena]], respectively. San Diego has long<!---since when?---> been a candidate for a [[Major League Soccer]] franchise, especially due to the city recording [[FIFA World Cup]] television audiences which are double the national average.{{Fact|date=September 2008}} The city has pursued a franchise. Some observers<!---who?---> believe that the city may get one of three franchises to be offered before 2010.{{Fact|date=September 2008}} The city has an active men's team playing in the fourth level of American soccer, the [[San Diego Pumitas]].
 
−
 
 
−
The annual [[Rock 'n' Roll Marathon]] in the city draws 20,000 participants annually.
 
−
 
 
−
San Diego also hosts the [[USA Sevens]], an event in the annual [[IRB Sevens World Series]] for international teams in [[rugby sevens]], a variant of [[rugby union]] with seven players per side instead of 15. The USA Sevens moved from the Los Angeles area to San Diego in [[2007 USA Sevens|2007]].
 
−
 
 
−
San Diego has the dubious distinction of being the largest United States city to have not won a [[Super Bowl]], [[World Series]], [[Stanley Cup]], [[NBA Finals]] or any other Major League sports championship; this is known as the [[San Diego Sports Curse]].
 
−
 
 
−
=== Media ===
 
−
{{see also|List of fiction set in San Diego, California}}
 
−
San Diego is served by [http://www.sddt.com ''The San Diego Daily Transcript''], as well as the mainstream daily newspaper, ''[[The San Diego Union-Tribune]]'' and its online portal, [http://www.signonsandiego.com ''signonsandiego.com''], the online newspaper [http://www.voiceofsandiego.org ''Voiceofsandiego.org''], and the alternative newsweeklies, the ''[[San Diego CityBeat]]'' and ''[[San Diego Reader]]''. [http://www.sandiegomagazine.com ''San Diego Magazine'']is a city regional magazine publication in the county, covering politics, business, fashion, dining and community events. Another newspaper is the ''[[North County Times]]'', which serves San Diego's [[North County]] area. Business publications include ''[http://www.sandiegometro.com San Diego Metropolitan magazine]'', and the [http://www.sdbj.com ''San Diego Business Journal'']. San Diego also boasts a vibrant ''[[progressivism|progressive]]'' and ''[[activist]]'' community, which can be seen by its open-publishing media outlet called San Diego Indymedia (also know as San Diego Independent Media Center, part of the broader  ''[[Independent Media Center]]'' or ''[[Indymedia]]'' movement).
 
−
 
 
−
Since the [[Federal Communications Commission]] (FCC) licensed seven television stations in Los Angeles, two [[VHF]] channels were available for San Diego because of its relative proximity to the larger city. In 1952, however, the FCC began licensing [[UHF]] channels, making it possible for cities such as San Diego to acquire more stations. Most of the city's stations air on their own cable channel number for each area:
 
−
 
 
−
The radio stations in San Diego include nationwide broadcaster, [[Clear Channel Communications]]; [[CBS Radio]], Midwest Television, [[Lincoln Financial Media]], Finest City Broadcasting, and many other smaller stations and networks, as well as a number of local Spanish language radio stations.
 
−
 
 
−
== Transportation ==
 
−
=== Freeways and highways ===
 
−
[[Image:I-5 South in San Diego.jpg|thumb|left|I-5 looking South towards downtown San Diego.]] With the automobile being the primary means of transportation for over 80 percent of its residents, San Diego is served by an extensive network of freeways and highways. This includes Interstate [[Interstate 5 (California)|5]], which runs south to [[Tijuana]] and runs north to the Canadian border through [[Orange County, California|Orange County]], [[Los Angeles, California|Los Angeles]], [[Sacramento, California|Sacramento]], [[Portland, Oregon|Portland]], and [[Seattle, Washington|Seattle]]; [[Interstate 8 (California)|I-8]], which runs east to [[Imperial County]] and Arizona; [[Interstate 15 (California)|I-15]], which runs north to the Canadian border through [[Riverside County]] and [[Salt Lake City, Utah|Salt Lake City]]; and [[Interstate 805 (California)|I-805]], which splits from I-5 at [[Sorrento Valley, San Diego, California|Sorrento Valley]] and rejoins I-5 near the Mexican border. Notable state highways are [[California State Route 94|SR 94]], which connects [[Downtown San Diego|downtown]] with I-805, I-15 and east county; [[California State Route 163|SR 163]], which connects downtown with the northeast part of the city, intersects I-805 and merges with I-15 at [[Miramar, San Diego, California|Miramar]]; [[California State Route 52|SR 52]], which connects [[La Jolla, San Diego, California|La Jolla]] with east county through [[Santee, California|Santee]] and [[California State Route 125|SR 125]]; [[California State Route 56|SR 56]], which connects I-5 with I-15 through [[Carmel Valley, San Diego, California|Carmel Valley]] and [[Rancho Penasquitos, San Diego, California|Rancho Peñasquitos]]; and [[California State Route 75|SR 75]] ([[San Diego-Coronado Bridge]]), which spans [[San Diego Bay]].
 
−
 
 
−
[[Image:I-5 South San Ysidro.jpg|thumb|right|Interstate 5 southbound in [[San Ysidro, San Diego, California|San Ysidro, San Diego]] approaching the U.S.-Mexico border.]]
 
−
 
 
−
Several regional transportation projects have been undertaken in recent years to deal with congestion on San Diego freeways. This includes expansion of Interstates 5 and 805 around "The Merge," a rush-hour spot where the two freeways meet. Also, an expansion of Interstate 15 through the North County is underway with the addition of high-occupancy-vehicle (HOV) "managed lanes." There is a tollway (The South Bay Expressway) connecting SR 54 and [[Otay Mesa]], near the Mexican border. According to a 2007 assessment, 37 percent of streets in San Diego were in acceptable driving condition. The proposed budget fell $84.6 million short of bringing the city's streets to an acceptable level.<ref>{{cite news|first=Matthew|last=Hall|publisher=[[The San Diego Union-Tribune]]|date=2007-05-02|accessdate=2007-05-18|title=City: 37 percent of streets in acceptable driving condition}}</ref>
 
−
 
 
−
====Major Highways====
 
−
{| width="75%"
 
−
|-----
 
−
|
 
−
*[[Image:I-5.svg|20px]] [[Interstate 5 (California)|Interstate 5]]
 
−
*[[Image:I-8.svg|20px]] [[Interstate 8 (California)|Interstate 8]]
 
−
*[[Image:I-15.svg|20px]] [[Interstate 15 (California)|Interstate 15]]
 
−
*[[Image:I-805.svg|23px]] [[Interstate 805 (California)|Interstate 805]]
 
−
*[[Image:California 52.svg|20px]] [[California State Route 52|State Route 52]]
 
−
|
 
−
*[[Image:California 54.svg|20px]] [[California State Route 54|State Route 54]]
 
−
*[[Image:California 56.svg|20px]] [[California State Route 56|State Route 56]]
 
−
*[[Image:California 67.svg|20px]] [[California State Route 67|State Route 67]]
 
−
*[[Image:California 76.svg|20px]] [[California State Route 76|State Route 76]]
 
−
*[[Image:California 78.svg|20px]] [[California State Route 78|State Route 78]]
 
−
|
 
−
*[[Image:California 79.svg|20px]] [[California State Route 79|State Route 79]]
 
−
*[[Image:California 94.svg|20px]] [[California State Route 94|State Route 94]]
 
−
*[[Image:California 125.svg|20px]] [[California State Route 125|State Route 125]]
 
−
*[[Image:California 163.svg|20px]] [[California State Route 163|Historic State Route 163]]
 
−
*[[Image:California 188.svg|20px]] [[California State Route 188|State Route 188]]
 
−
*[[Image:California 905.svg|20px]] [[California State Route 905|State Route 905]]
 
−
|}
 
−
 
 
−
=== Public transportation ===
 
−
[[Image:San Diego Green Line SDSU.jpg|right|thumb|[[San Diego Trolley]] at [[San Diego State University|San Diego State University (SDSU)]]]]
 
−
{{see also|Public transportation in San Diego County, California}}
 
−
Less than three percent of San Diego residents use mass transit.{{Fact|date=September 2008}} San Diego is served by the [[San Diego Trolley|trolley]], bus, [[COASTER|Coaster]], and [[Amtrak]]. The trolley ([http://sdcommute.com/images/trolleySystemMap.jpg system map]) primarily serves downtown and surrounding [[Urban Communities of San Diego|urban communities]], [[Mission Valley, San Diego, California|Mission Valley]], east county and coastal south bay. A planned Mid-Coast line will operate from [[Old Town San Diego State Historic Park|Old Town]] to [[University City, San Diego, California|University City]] along the 5 Freeway. There are also plans for a Silver Line to expand trolley service downtown.
 
−
 
 
−
The Amtrak and Coaster trains currently run along the coastline and connect San Diego with Los Angeles,
 
−
Orange County, Riverside, San Bernardino, and Ventura via [[Metrolink (Southern California)|Metrolink]]. There are three Amtrak stations in San Diego, in [[Sorrento Valley, San Diego, California|Sorrento Valley]], [[Old Town San Diego State Historic Park|Old Town]], and [[Union Station (San Diego)|Union Station]] (downtown).
 
−
 
 
−
The bus is available along almost all major routes, however a large number of bus stops are concentrated in central San Diego. Typical wait times vary from 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the location and route. Trolleys arrive every 7 to 30 minutes (depending on time of day and which trolley line is used). Ferries are also available every half hour crossing San Diego Bay to [[Coronado, California|Coronado]].
 
−
 
 
−
=== Cycling ===
 
−
San Diego's roadway system provides an extensive network of routes for travel by bicycle. The dry and mild climate of San Diego makes cycling a convenient and pleasant year-round option. At the same time, the city's hilly, canyoned terrain and significantly long average trip distances—brought about by strict low-density zoning laws—somewhat restrict cycling for utilitarian purposes. [[Urban Communities of San Diego|Older and denser neighborhoods around the downtown]] tend to be friendlier to [[utility cycling]]. This is partly because of the grid street patterns now absent in newer developments farther from the urban core, where suburban style arterial roads are much more common. As a result, a vast majority of cycling related activities are recreational.
 
−
 
 
−
The city has some [[segregated cycle facilities]], particularly in newer developments although the majority of road facilities specifically for bicycles are painted on regular roadways.
 
−
 
 
−
Many San Diego cyclists belong to the [[San Diego County Bicycle Coalition]] which upholds the rights and interests of cyclists throughout the county.
 
−
 
 
−
In 2006, [[Bicycling (magazine)|Bicycling Magazine]] rated San Diego as the best city for cycling for U.S. cities with a population over 1 million.<ref>[http://www.bikechattanooga.org/BicyclingMagazineRecognizesChattanoogainTop21Cities.html Bicycling Magazine Recognizes Chattanooga in Top 21 Cities]. Bicycling Magazine (published on [http://www.bikechattanooga.org/ Bike Chattanooga]). 2006-01-26. Retrieved on 2007-08-10. ([http://web.archive.org/web/20070406153520/http://bikechattanooga.org/BicyclingMagazineRecognizesChattanoogainTop21Cities.html archived link])</ref>
 
  
−
=== Air ===
+
PETCO Park in downtown San Diego is the home of [[Major League Baseball]]'s San Diego Padres. Other than baseball, PETCO Park hosts soccer and rugby events. The [[San Diego Sports Arena]] hosts [[basketball]], and has also hosted [[ice hockey]], [[indoor soccer]], and [[boxing]].  
−
[[San Diego International Airport]], also known as Lindbergh International Airport or Lindbergh Field, is the primary commercial airport serving San Diego. It is the busiest single-runway airport in the United States,<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.nctimes.com/articles/2006/04/25/news/top_stories/20_02_594_24_06.txt | title=FAA chief says region right to consider bases | work=[[North County Times]] | last=Downey | first=Dave | date=2006-04-24 | accessdate=2007-02-22}}</ref> serving over 17 million passengers every year, and is located on San Diego Bay three miles from downtown. There are scheduled flights to the rest of the United States, Mexico, Hawaii, and Canada. It serves as a focus city for [[Southwest Airlines]]. Other airports include [[Brown Field Municipal Airport]] (Brown Field) and [[Montgomery Field]].
 
  
−
[[Aeroméxico]] provides a shuttle service from San Diego<ref>"[http://www.signonsandiego.com/uniontrib/20061123/news_1b23flight.html Creating a connection]," ''[[San Diego Union-Tribune]]''</ref> to [[General Abelardo L. Rodríguez International Airport]] in [[Tijuana]], [[Baja California]], [[Mexico]].<ref name="Narita">"[http://www.aeromexico.com/usa/english/pages/travel/what_new/flights/narita.html Narita (NRT) Service]," ''Aeroméxico''</ref><ref>"[http://www.aeromexico.com/usa/english/pages/travel/what_new/flights/shanghai.html Shanghai (PVG) Service]," ''[[Aeroméxico]]''</ref>
+
San Diego has the dubious distinction of being the largest United States city to have not won a [[Super Bowl]], [[World Series]], [[Stanley Cup]], [[NBA Finals]], or any other major league sports championship; this is known as the San Diego Sports Curse.
  
−
There has been debate regarding the placement of a new international airport. While the San Diego Airport Authority has endorsed the current site of the [[Marine Corps Air Station Miramar|Miramar Marine Corps Air Station]], the military said it has no intention of relinquishing that site. A vote on the issue took place on November 7, 2006 against Proposition A, in which voters rejected the proposal to move the airport to  Miramar.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.signonsandiego.com/uniontrib/20061119/news_mz1e19craver.html | title=A clear rejection on Miramar, so... | work=[[The San Diego Union-Tribune]] | last=Craver | first=Joe W | date=2006-11-19 | accessdate=2007-02-22}}</ref>  The military has rejected the proposals for a dual-use airport because the area around Miramar has already been set aside as safety corridors for military aircraft accidents. A shared commercial/military airport would force military aircraft to fly outside of those safety corridors.
+
== Looking to the future ==
 +
There is no natural barrier between the [[United States]] and [[Mexico]] in the San Diego section of the border. Local officials say illegal immigrants have strained local [[education]], [[health care]], and law enforcement resources. The San Diego sector traditionally has been the preferred location for illegal immigration from Mexico into the United States, and typically accounts for more than 40 percent of the Border Patrol's total apprehensions of illegal immigrants each year. But a federal crackdown that began in 1994 is reducing the numbers. In the five-mile stretch of the border between the San Ysidro and Otay Mesa ports of entry, fencing was raised and reinforced with razor-studded concertina wire. Since completion of the wire project in late 2008, both illegal-crossing arrests and assaults against agents in the area are down by more than 50 percent.  
  
−
=== Sea ===
+
The city is committed to a "[[smart growth]]" development scheme that would increase density along transit corridors in older neighborhoods (the "City of Villages" planning concept.) Some neighborhoods are resisting this planning approach, but "[[mixed-use development]]" has had its successes. A pilot program is designed to build working examples.
−
[[Image:Sandiego harbor and skyline.jpg|right|thumb|Sailboats in the San Diego Harbor. Visible is the San Diego skyline.]]
 
−
The [[Port of San Diego]] manages the maritime operations of San Diego harbor. Cruise ships arrive and depart from San Diego's cruise ship terminal at the foot of Broadway downtown. [[Carnival Cruise Lines]], [[Royal Caribbean]], [[Holland America]], and [[Celebrity Cruises]] have home port cruise ships in San Diego during the Winter season. An additional cruise terminal at [[Embarcadero Circle]] is set to open in 2010. San Diego's port also manages a significant cargo operation which includes imports from [[South America]]; motor vehicle imports from [[Germany]], [[Italy]], [[Sweden]], [[Japan]], and the [[United Kingdom]]; and other trade operations.{{Fact|date=April 2008}}
 
  
−
San Diego is home to General Dynamics' [[National Steel and Shipbuilding Company]] (NASSCO), the largest shipyard on the [[West Coast of the United States]]. It is capable of building and repairing large ocean-going vessels. The yard constructs commercial cargo ships and auxiliary vessels for the U.S. Navy and Military Sealift Command, which it has served since 1960.
+
Villages address growth and improve existing communities by combining housing, commercial, employment centers, schools, and public/civic uses together in areas where a high level of activity already exists. The plan is intended to create a lively, walkable, and unique atmosphere that builds upon existing neighborhoods and promotes revitalization. Connecting villages with an improved transit system will help them reach their full potential.
  
−
== Sister cities ==
+
In the early twenty-first century California in general and the city of San Diego experiencing prolonged [[drought]], that led the city to implement a voluntary [[water]] [[conservation]] program. The lack of sufficient water and the need for conservation are likely to continue.
−
San Diego has fifteen [[town twinning|sister cities]], as designated by [[Sister Cities International]]:<ref name="SisterCity">{{cite news |title=  Online Directory: California, USA |url=http://www.sister-cities.org/icrc/directory/usa/CA |publisher= Sister Cities International }}</ref>
 
  
−
* {{flagicon|Afghanistan}} [[Jalalabad]], [[Afghanistan]]
+
== Notes ==
−
* {{flagicon|Australia}} [[Perth, Western Australia|Perth]], [[Australia]]
+
<references/>
−
* {{flagicon|Brazil}} [[Campinas]], [[Brazil]]
 
−
* {{flagicon|China}} [[Yantai]], [[People's Republic of China|China]]
 
−
* {{flagicon|Ghana}} [[Tema]], [[Ghana]]
 
−
* {{flagicon|Japan}} [[Yokohama]], [[Japan]]
 
−
* {{flagicon|Mexico}} [[León, Guanajuato|León]], [[Mexico]]
 
−
* {{flagicon|Mexico}} [[Tijuana]], [[Mexico]]
 
−
* {{flagicon|Philippines}} [[Cavite City]], [[Philippines]]
 
−
* {{flagicon|Poland}} [[Warsaw]], [[Poland]]
 
−
* {{flagicon|Russia}} [[Vladivostok]], [[Russia]]
 
−
* {{flagicon|Spain}} [[Alcalá de Henares]], [[Spain]]
 
−
* {{flagicon|South Korea}} [[Jeonju]], [[South Korea]]
 
−
* {{flagicon|UK}} {{flagicon|Scotland}} [[Edinburgh]], [[Scotland]], [[United Kingdom]]
 
−
* {{flagicon|Taiwan}} [[Taichung City]], [[Taiwan]]
 
−
 
 
−
== Footnotes ==
 
−
{{reflist|2}}
 
  
 
==References==
 
==References==
−
* [http://www.citytowninfo.com/places/california/san-diego CityTown Info- San Diego]
+
*Chartkoff, Joseph L., and Kerry Kona Chartkoff. ''The Archaeology of California.'' Stanford: Stanford University Press, 1984. ISBN 0804711577
−
* [http://www.sandiego.gov/planning/genplan/pilotvillage/important.shtml City of San Diego City of Villages Program General Outline]
+
*Fodor's. ''Fodor's San Diego: With North County''. New York: Fodor's, 2013. ISBN 978-0891419426
−
* [http://www.arjis.org/ San Diego Crime Information (ARJIS)]
+
*Pelta, Kathy. ''California''. Minneapolis, MN: Lerner Publications, 2002. ISBN 0822540622
−
 
 
−
== See also ==
 
−
* [[1858 San Diego Hurricane]]
 
−
* [[List of San Diegans|List of notable San Diegans]]
 
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* [[Port_of_San_Diego#Harbor_Police|San Diego Harbor Police]]
 
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== External links ==
 
  
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*[http://www.sandiego.gov/ City of San Diego Official Website]
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==External links==
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*[http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/06/0666000.html Demographic fact sheet] from [[United States Census Bureau|Census Bureau]]
+
All links retrieved October 13, 2023.
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*[http://sandiegohistory.org/index.html History of San Diego] from [http://sandiegohistory.org/index.html San Diego Historical Society]
 
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*[http://www.sandiegobusiness.org/ San Diego Regional Economic Development]
 
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*[http://www.sandiegolibrary.org/ San Diego Public Library]
 
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*[http://sandan.org San Diego Association of Nonprofits]
 
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*[http://www.sandiego.org/ San Diego Convention and Visitors Bureau]
 
  
 +
* [https://www.citytowninfo.com/places/california/san-diego San Diego] ''CityTownInfo''.
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* [https://www.sandiego.gov/planning/genplan/pilotvillage/important Why Pilot Villages are Important] ''The City of San Diego''.
 +
* [https://www.sandiego.gov/ The City of San Diego].
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* [https://sandiegohistory.org/ San Diego History Center].
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* [https://www.sandiegobusiness.org/ San Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation].
  
 
[[Category:Geography]]
 
[[Category:Geography]]
 
[[Category:United States]]
 
[[Category:United States]]
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{{Credit|255074083}}
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[[Category:Cities]]
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{{Credit|San_Diego,_California|255074083}}

Latest revision as of 16:26, 31 October 2023

San Diego
—  City  —
City of San Diego
San Diego Skyline
San Diego Skyline
Flag of San Diego
Flag		 Official seal of San Diego
Seal
Nickname: America's Finest City
Motto: Semper Vigilans (Latin for "Ever Vigilant")
Location of San Diego within San Diego County
Location of San Diego
within San Diego County
Country United States
State California
County San Diego
Founded July 16, 1769
Incorporated March 27, 1850
Government
 - Type Mayor-council
 - Mayor Todd Gloria
 - City Attorney Mara Elliott
Area
 - City 372.398 sq mi (964.506 km²)
 - Land 325.188 sq mi (842.233 km²)
 - Water 47.210 sq mi (122.273 km²)  12.68%
Elevation 72–400 ft (22 m)
Population (2020)[3]
 - City 1,386,932
 - Density 4,255.96/sq mi (1,643.25/km²)
 - Urban 3,070,300[2] (US: 15th)
 - Urban Density 4,550.5/sq mi (1,756.9/km²)
 - Metro 3,276,208[1] (US: 18th)
Time zone PST (UTC-8)
 - Summer (DST) PDT (UTC-7)
ZIP code 92101-92117, 92119-92124, 92126-92140, 92142, 92145, 92147, 92149-92155, 92158-92172, 92174-92177, 92179, 92182, 92184, 92186, 92187, 92190-92199
Area code(s) 619, 858
FIPS code 66000
GNIS feature ID 1661377
Other City Symbols
City Flower: Carnation
City Urban Tree: Jacaranda
City Native Tree: Torrey Pine
Website: www.sandiego.gov

San Diego is a large coastal California city located in the southwestern corner of the continental United States. It is the second largest city in California and the eighth largest city in the nation, by population. It is also the county seat of San Diego County and is the economic center of the San Diego–Carlsbad–San Marcos metropolitan area.

It lies along the Pacific Ocean at San Diego Bay just north of the Mexican border. San Diego County, just south of Orange County, shares a border with Tijuana. With no natural border, the San Diego sector traditionally has been the preferred location for illegal immigration from Mexico into the U.S., accounting for more than 40 percent of the Border Patrol's total apprehensions of illegal immigrants each year, straining local resources.

San Diego is home to 70 miles of beaches and has a mild Mediterranean climate and 16 military facilities hosting the United States Navy, the United States Coast Guard, and the United States Marine Corps. The presence of the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) with its affiliated UCSD Medical Center promotes research in biotechnology. Its economy is largely composed of agriculture, biotechnology/biosciences, computer sciences, electronics manufacturing, defense-related manufacturing, financial and business services, ship repair and construction, software development, telecommunications, and tourism.

Geography

The San Diego-Tijuana metropolitan area.

The city of San Diego has deep canyons separating its mesas, creating small pockets of natural parkland scattered throughout the city. These canyons give parts of the city a highly segmented feel, creating literal gaps between neighborhoods and contributing to a low-density, car-centered environment. Downtown San Diego is located on San Diego Bay. Balboa Park lies on a mesa to the northeast. It is surrounded by several dense urban communities and abruptly ends in Hillcrest to the north.

The Coronado and Point Loma peninsulas separate San Diego Bay from the ocean. Ocean Beach is on the west side of Point Loma. Mission Beach and Pacific Beach lie between the ocean and Mission Bay, a man-made aquatic park. La Jolla, an affluent community, lies north of Pacific Beach. Mountains rise to the east of the city, and beyond the mountains are desert areas. Cleveland National Forest is a half-hour drive from downtown San Diego. Numerous farms are found in the valleys northeast and southeast of the city.

San Diego County has one of the highest counts of animal and plant species that appear on the endangered species list among counties in the United States.

Climate

San Diego has a Mediterranean, or semi-arid, climate. The city enjoys mild, mostly dry days and plenty of sunshine throughout the year with 264 sunshine days annually.[4] Temperatures vary little throughout the year.

Summer or dry period of May to October are mild to warm with average high temperatures of 70-78°F (21-26°C) and lows of 55-66°F (13-19°C), and temperatures only exceed 90°F (32°C) four days a year. Winters, or the rainy period of November to April, are mild and somewhat rainy with high temperatures of 66-70°F (19-21°C) and lows of 50-56°F (10-13°C).

Climate in the San Diego area and the rest of California often varies dramatically over short geographical distances, due to the city's topography (the Bay, and the numerous hills, mountains, and canyons). Particularly during the "May gray / June gloom" period, a thick "marine layer" cloud cover will keep the air cool and damp within a few miles of the coast, but will yield to bright cloudless sunshine between about 5 and 15 miles (9-24 km) inland—the cities of El Cajon and Santee for example, rarely experience the cloud cover. This phenomenon is known as a microclimate.

Rainfall averages about 10 inches (251 mm) of precipitation annually, mainly during the cooler months of December through April.

Ecology

A view of One America Plaza from Seaport Village.

Like most of southern California, the majority of San Diego's current area was originally occupied by chaparral, a plant community made up mostly of drought-resistant shrubs. The endangered Torrey pine has the bulk of its population in San Diego in a stretch of protected chaparral along the coast.

The steep, varied topography and proximity to the ocean create a number of different habitats within the city limits, including tidal marsh and canyons. The influence of humans has altered existing habitats and has also created habitats that did not exist prior to human development, by construction of buildings, the introduction of new species, and the use of water for lawns and gardens. A number of species of parrots, including the Red-masked Parakeet and Red-crowned Amazon, have established feral populations in urban neighborhoods such as Ocean Beach.

San Diego's broad city limits encompass a number of large nature preserves, including Torrey Pines State Reserve, Border Field State Park, Mission Trails Regional Park. Torrey Pines State Preserve, and a coastal strip continuing to the north is the only location where the rare species of Torrey Pine, P. torreyana torreyana, is found. Due to a combination of the steep topography that prevents or discourages building, and some efforts for preservation, there are also a large number of canyons within the city limits that are nature preserves, including Tecolote Canyon Natural Park and Marian Bear Memorial Park in the San Clemente Canyon, as well as a number of small parks and preserves.

Fire

The chaparral and coastal sage scrub habitats in low elevations along the coast are prone to wildfire, and the rates of fire have increased in the 20th century, due primarily to fires starting near the borders of urban and wild areas. In 2003, San Diego was the site of what has been called the largest wildfire in California over the past century. In addition to damage caused by the fire, smoke from the fire resulted in a significant increase in emergency room visits due to asthma, respiratory problems, eye irritation, and smoke inhalation.

History

The chapel façade of Mission San Diego de Alcalá
as it appeared in 2008.

The area has long been inhabited by the Kumeyaay people. The first European to visit the region was Portuguese explorer Juan Rodrigues Cabrillo, sailing under the Spanish flag, who claimed the bay for the Spanish Empire.

In November 1602, Sebastián Vizcaíno was sent to map the California coast. Vizcaíno surveyed the harbor and what are now Mission Bay and Point Loma and named the area for the Catholic Saint Didacus, a Spaniard more commonly known as "San Diego."

In 1769, Gaspar de Portolà established the Presidio of San Diego (a military post) overlooking Old Town. Around the same time, Mission San Diego de Alcalá was founded by Franciscan friars under Father Junípero Serra. By 1797, the mission boasted the largest native population in Alta California, with over 1,400 neophytes living in and around the mission.

After New Spain won its independence from the Spanish Empire, the mission's fortunes declined with the decree of secularization, as was the case with all of the missions under the control of Mexico.

The end of the Mexican-American War and the California Gold Rush of 1848 drew a wave of settlers. San Diego was designated the seat of the newly established San Diego County and was incorporated as a city in 1850.

A significant U.S. naval presence began in 1907 with the establishment of the Navy Coaling Station, which gave further impetus to the town's development. San Diego hosted two World's Fairs, the Panama-California Exposition in 1915, and the California Pacific International Exposition in 1935.

After World War II, the military played an increasing role in the local economy, but post-Cold War cutbacks took a heavy toll on the local defense and aerospace industries. The resulting downturn led San Diego leaders to seek to diversify the city's economy, and San Diego has since become a major center of the emerging biotechnology industry. It is also home to telecommunications giant Qualcomm.

San Diego's Gaslamp Quarter

Downtown San Diego has been undergoing an urban renewal since the early 1980s. The Centre City Development Corporation (CCDC), San Diego's downtown redevelopment agency, has transformed what was a largely abandoned area into a glittering showcase of waterfront skyscrapers, five-star hotels, and many cafés, restaurants, and boutiques.

A series of scandals has rocked the city in recent years. Two city council members were convicted of extortion, wire fraud, and conspiracy to commit wire fraud for taking campaign contributions from a strip club owner and his associates, allegedly in exchange for trying to repeal the city's "no touch" laws at strip clubs. Both subsequently resigned. In 2005, U.S. Congressman Randy "Duke" Cunningham resigned over a bribery scandal and is serving a 100-month prison sentence.

In 2008, plummeting tax revenues due to the nation's financial crisis led Mayor Jerry Sanders to make severe cuts in his fiscal 2009 budget, needed to close a $43 million gap.

Economy

San Diego Marriott Hotel and Marina.
Downtown San Diego at night.

The three largest sectors of San Diego's economy are defense, manufacturing, and tourism, respectively. Several areas of San Diego (in particular La Jolla and surrounding Sorrento Valley) are home to offices and research facilities for numerous biotechnology companies. Major biotechnology companies are headquartered in San Diego, while many biotech and pharmaceutical companies have offices or research facilities in San Diego. There are also several non-profit biotech institutes, such as the Salk Institute for Biological Studies, the Scripps Research Institute, and the Burnham Institute. The presence of University of California, San Diego and other research institutions helped fuel biotechnology growth. In June 2004, San Diego was ranked the top biotech cluster in the United States by the Milken Institute.

San Diego is also home to companies that develop wireless cellular technology. Qualcomm Incorporated was founded and is headquartered in San Diego; Qualcomm is the largest private-sector technology employer (excluding hospitals) in San Diego County. The largest software company in San Diego is security software company Websense Inc.

The economy of San Diego is influenced by its port, which includes the only major submarine and shipbuilding yards on the West Coast, as well as the largest naval fleet in the world. The cruise ship industry is the second largest in California after Los Angeles.

Due to San Diego's military influence, major national defense contractors, such as General Atomics and Science Applications International Corporation are headquartered in San Diego.

Tourism is also a major industry owing to the city's climate. Major tourist destinations include Balboa Park, the San Diego Zoo, Seaworld, nearby Wild Animal Park, and Legoland, the city's beaches, and golf tournaments like the Buick Invitational.

Military

Military bases in San Diego include U.S. Navy ports, Marine Corps bases, and Coast Guard stations. One of the Marine Corps' two Recruit Depots is located in San Diego. San Diego is the site of one of the largest naval fleets in the world, and San Diego has become the largest concentration of naval facilities in the world due to base reductions at Norfolk, Virginia, and retrenchment of the Russian naval base in Vladivostok. Two of the U.S. Navy's Nimitz class supercarriers, (the USS Nimitz and the USS Ronald Reagan), five amphibious assault ships, several Los Angeles class "fast attack" submarines, the Hospital Ship USNS Mercy, carrier and submarine tenders, destroyers, cruisers, frigates, and many smaller ships are home-ported there.

Transportation

Coronado Bridge at night. The bridge was built high enough to allow ships to navigate under it.
Sailboats in the San Diego Harbor, with a view of the San Diego skyline.

Public transportation

Less than 3 percent of San Diego residents use mass transit. San Diego is served by trolley, bus, Coaster trains, and Amtrak. The trolley primarily serves downtown and surrounding urban communities, though there are plans to expand it. Buses are available along most major routes, though a large number of bus stops are concentrated in central San Diego. Ferries are also available every half hour crossing San Diego Bay to Coronado.

Cycling

San Diego's roadway system provides an extensive network of routes for travel by bicycle. The dry and mild climate of San Diego makes cycling a convenient and pleasant year-round option. At the same time, the city's hilly, canyoned terrain and significantly long average trip distances—brought about by strict low-density zoning laws—somewhat restrict cycling for utilitarian purposes.

Air

San Diego International Airport, also known as Lindbergh International Airport or Lindbergh Field, is the primary commercial airport serving San Diego. It is the busiest single-runway airport in the United States, serving over 17 million passengers every year, and is located on San Diego Bay three miles from downtown.

Sea

The Port of San Diego manages the maritime operations of San Diego harbor. Cruise ships arrive and depart from San Diego's cruise ship terminal at the foot of Broadway downtown. Carnival Cruise Lines, Royal Caribbean, Holland America, and Celebrity Cruises have home port cruise ships in San Diego during the winter season. An additional cruise terminal at Embarcadero Circle is set to open in 2010. San Diego's port also manages a significant cargo operation that includes imports from South America; motor vehicle imports from Germany, Italy, Sweden, Japan, and the United Kingdom; and other trade operations.

San Diego is home to General Dynamics' National Steel and Shipbuilding Company (NASSCO), the largest shipyard on the West Coast of the United States. It is capable of building and repairing large ocean-going vessels. The yard constructs commercial cargo ships and auxiliary vessels for the U.S. Navy and Military Sealift Command, which it has served since 1960.

Downtown San Diego

Education

Primary and secondary schools

The San Diego Unified School District, also known as San Diego City Schools, serves the majority of the city. It includes 113 elementary schools, 23 middle schools, 4 atypical schools, 10 alternative schools, 27 high schools, and 25 charter schools.

Colleges and universities

Public colleges and universities in the city include University of California, San Diego (UCSD), San Diego State University (SDSU), and the San Diego Community College District. There are also a number of private colleges and universities in the city. There is one medical school in the city, the UCSD School of Medicine. The three ABA-accredited law schools are California Western School of Law, Thomas Jefferson School of Law, and University of San Diego School of Law.

San Diego State University's Hepner Hall
University of California, San Diego's iconic Geisel Library
PETCO Park

Culture

The Museum of Man is one of several museums in Balboa Park.

Many popular museums, such as the San Diego Museum of Art, the San Diego Natural History Museum, the San Diego Museum of Man, and the Museum of Photographic Arts are located in Balboa Park. The Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego is located in an oceanfront building in La Jolla and has a branch located downtown. The Columbia district downtown is home to historic ship exhibits as well as the San Diego Aircraft Carrier Museum, featuring the USS Midway aircraft carrier.

San Diego has a growing art scene. "Kettner Nights" in Little Italy has art and design exhibitions throughout many retail design stores and galleries on selected Friday nights. "Ray at Night" at North Park hosts a variety of small-scale art galleries on the second Saturday evening of each month. La Jolla and nearby Solana Beach also have a variety of art galleries.

The San Diego Symphony at Symphony Towers performs on a regular basis. The San Diego Opera at Civic Center Plaza was ranked by Opera America as one of the top 10 opera companies in the United States. Old Globe Theatre at Balboa Park produces about 15 plays and musicals annually. The La Jolla Playhouse at UCSD is directed by Christopher Ashley. The Joan B. Kroc Theatre at Kroc Center's Performing Arts Center is a 600-seat state-of-the-art theater that hosts music, dance, and theater performances. The San Diego Repertory Theatre at the Lyceum Theatres in Horton Plaza produces a variety of plays and musicals. Serving the northeastern part of San Diego is the California Center for the Arts in Escondido, a 400-seat performing arts theater.

Tourism has affected the city's culture, as San Diego houses many tourist attractions, such as SeaWorld San Diego, Belmont amusement park, San Diego Zoo, San Diego Wild Animal Park, and nearby Legoland. San Diego's Spanish influence can be seen in many historic sites across the city, such as the Spanish missions and Balboa Park.

San Diego has also attracted those who are part of the surfing and skateboarding cultures. Businesses catering to these cultures have their headquarters here.

Sports

A surfer at Black's Beach.

San Diego has several sports venues: Qualcomm Stadium is the home of the NFL's San Diego Chargers. It also hosts international soccer games. Three NFL Super Bowl championships and many college football bowl games have been held there. Balboa Stadium, the city's first stadium, hosts soccer, American football, and track and field.

PETCO Park in downtown San Diego is the home of Major League Baseball's San Diego Padres. Other than baseball, PETCO Park hosts soccer and rugby events. The San Diego Sports Arena hosts basketball, and has also hosted ice hockey, indoor soccer, and boxing.

San Diego has the dubious distinction of being the largest United States city to have not won a Super Bowl, World Series, Stanley Cup, NBA Finals, or any other major league sports championship; this is known as the San Diego Sports Curse.

Looking to the future

There is no natural barrier between the United States and Mexico in the San Diego section of the border. Local officials say illegal immigrants have strained local education, health care, and law enforcement resources. The San Diego sector traditionally has been the preferred location for illegal immigration from Mexico into the United States, and typically accounts for more than 40 percent of the Border Patrol's total apprehensions of illegal immigrants each year. But a federal crackdown that began in 1994 is reducing the numbers. In the five-mile stretch of the border between the San Ysidro and Otay Mesa ports of entry, fencing was raised and reinforced with razor-studded concertina wire. Since completion of the wire project in late 2008, both illegal-crossing arrests and assaults against agents in the area are down by more than 50 percent.

The city is committed to a "smart growth" development scheme that would increase density along transit corridors in older neighborhoods (the "City of Villages" planning concept.) Some neighborhoods are resisting this planning approach, but "mixed-use development" has had its successes. A pilot program is designed to build working examples.

Villages address growth and improve existing communities by combining housing, commercial, employment centers, schools, and public/civic uses together in areas where a high level of activity already exists. The plan is intended to create a lively, walkable, and unique atmosphere that builds upon existing neighborhoods and promotes revitalization. Connecting villages with an improved transit system will help them reach their full potential.

In the early twenty-first century California in general and the city of San Diego experiencing prolonged drought, that led the city to implement a voluntary water conservation program. The lack of sufficient water and the need for conservation are likely to continue.

Notes

  1. ↑ 2020 Population and Housing State Data United States Census Bureau. Retrieved October 31, 2023.
  2. ↑ Urban and Rural United States Census Bureau. Retrieved October 31, 2023.
  3. ↑ QuickFacts: San Diego city, California United States Census Bureau. Retrieved October 31, 2023.
  4. ↑ San Diego, California Weatherbase. Retrieved October 31, 2023.

References
ISBN links support NWE through referral fees

  • Chartkoff, Joseph L., and Kerry Kona Chartkoff. The Archaeology of California. Stanford: Stanford University Press, 1984. ISBN 0804711577
  • Fodor's. Fodor's San Diego: With North County. New York: Fodor's, 2013. ISBN 978-0891419426
  • Pelta, Kathy. California. Minneapolis, MN: Lerner Publications, 2002. ISBN 0822540622

External links

All links retrieved October 13, 2023.

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