San Diego, December 10, 2025
The San Diego City Council has approved a $30 million settlement for the family of Konoa Wilson, a 16-year-old mistakenly shot by police. This decision, among the largest in U.S. history, follows surveillance footage showing Wilson fleeing gunfire when he was shot by Officer Daniel Gold. The case has sparked national conversations about police reform and accountability. Officer Gold is under investigation, and the family’s attorney emphasized the need for reflection on police violence.
San Diego, CA
City Council Approves $30 Million Settlement in Police Shooting Case
San Diego City Council has approved a $30 million settlement for the family of Konoa Wilson, a 16-year-old fatally shot by police in January. This settlement is among the largest in U.S. history, surpassing the $27 million awarded in the George Floyd case. Surveillance footage showed Wilson fleeing gunfire at a train station when he encountered Officer Daniel Gold, who allegedly shot him without warning. Wilson was unarmed at the time, though a gun was later found under his clothing. The lawsuit claimed Gold did not identify himself as an officer until after the shooting. The case has sparked renewed calls for police reform and accountability. Officer Gold is currently on administrative assignment pending investigation. The family’s attorney emphasized the settlement as a partial measure of accountability, urging national reflection on unjustified police violence.
San Diego FC Completes Acquisition of Midfielder David Vazquez
San Diego FC has finalized the full acquisition of 19-year-old midfielder David Vazquez from the Philadelphia Union. The deal includes an exchange of up to $500,000 in general allocation money, with $250,000 guaranteed and an additional $250,000 tied to performance-based metrics. Additionally, the Union will retain a percentage in any future trade or resale of the player. Vazquez, a Los Angeles native, joined San Diego on loan in July 2025 and featured in four MLS matches, starting in two. He made his league debut on June 29 with Philadelphia against the Columbus Crew. A homegrown signing by the Union in 2024, Vazquez contributed two goals and one assist in 14 starts for Union II in the MLS NEXT Pro league during the 2025 season.
City Council Approves Continued Use of License Plate Reader Technology
San Diego City Council has approved the continued use of automated license plate reader (ALPR) systems, such as those from Flock Safety, by the San Diego Police Department (SDPD). This decision followed an intense city hall meeting where over 100 public speakers voiced opinions on 54 surveillance technologies, including ALPRs and smart streetlights. While the police argue these tools are essential for addressing crime within an understaffed department—claiming they have aided in about 600 investigations and led to $6 million in recovered property and 400 arrests—critics, including the nonprofit coalition Trust SD, raise concerns about privacy, data misuse, and a recent data-sharing error that allowed other California agencies to access San Diego’s surveillance data. California law restricts such data sharing to in-state agencies only. Despite controversy, ALPR technology is widely used across over 6,000 agencies nationwide, including in nearby cities such as Chula Vista, El Cajon, La Mesa, National City, and Oceanside.
San Diego Wave FC Wins Second World Sevens Football Championship
San Diego Wave FC has been crowned champions of the second World Sevens Football Championship, held for the first time in North America, after defeating Tigres 3-0 in the final at Beyond Bancard Field. The tournament featured 16 matches and a total of 60 goals, highlighting its high level of competitiveness. San Diego Wave completed a perfect campaign with five victories, with goals from Makenzy Robbe and a double from Adriana Leon in the final. In the semifinals, San Diego overcame Flamengo, and Tigres narrowly defeated Club América. Individual awards recognized talent in the tournament: María Sánchez (Tigres) received the Golden Boot with six goals and was named Player of the Tournament, while DiDi Haračić (San Diego) won the Golden Glove as the best goalkeeper. Sarah Cummins, CEO of the tournament, celebrated the event’s success, noting that the World Sevens Football is not just a tournament but a movement that elevates women’s football to new levels.
Lifeguards Rescue Dog Swept Out to Sea by Rip Current
San Diego lifeguards rescued a black Labrador retriever-mix named Sadie after she was swept out to sea by a rip current. The dog had wandered from her temporary home during a football game and was eventually tracked via an Airtag by her owners, Alexis Barcellos and Brandon Valdez. Surfers at Ocean Beach alerted authorities when they saw Sadie caught in the current. A search involving a U.S. Coast Guard boat and lifeguards ensued. After more than an hour, just before ending the search, the lifeguards spotted and rescued Sadie about half a mile offshore. Tired but alive, Sadie was brought ashore and reunited with her owners. Though her paws were injured from trying to climb the jetty, Sadie has recovered well and recently took a long walk and visited a pet store. Her owners expressed profound gratitude for her safe return.
Record Heat Hits San Diego County
San Diego County experienced record-breaking heat, with daily highs reaching 84°F in Chula Vista and 86°F in Escondido. These temperatures are 10 to 20 degrees above average for this time of year. High pressure systems and weak Santa Ana winds contributed to the unseasonably warm conditions. While a slight cooling trend is expected by the weekend, temperatures will remain up to 15 degrees above average. Coastal areas can expect highs in the mid-60s to low-70s, inland areas in the mid-70s, mountains in the mid-60s, and deserts in the upper-70s. Winds will be weakly offshore through Thursday, continuing the very dry conditions. The marine layer is expected to return Thursday night into Friday morning, bringing patchy dense fog, especially near the coast.
San Diego Humane Society Brings Early Christmas to 600 Dogs
San Diego Humane Society, in collaboration with the Karen Cooper Foundation, brought an early Christmas to 600 dogs by providing special holiday toys and treats to lift their spirits while they await loving homes. The “Toys, Treats and Tail Wags” event took place at the San Diego Humane Society, 5500 Gaines St., and aimed to bring joy to the canine residents during the holiday season.
San Diego Unified School District Reduces Projected Budget Deficit
San Diego Unified School District has identified $64 million in savings, reducing its projected budget deficit from $176 million to $112 million for the 2025-26 budget year. The strategy includes recognizing $25 million in vacancy savings and receiving an additional $9 million this year and next year for the district’s “Unduplicated Pupil Percentage,” which accounts for the number of economically disadvantaged students, English language learners, and foster and homeless students.
San Diego City Council Considers License Plate Reader Program Renewal
San Diego City Council is weighing privacy concerns against public safety as it considers renewing its license plate reader program. The program has been credited with aiding in about 600 investigations and leading to $6 million in recovered property and 400 arrests. However, critics raise concerns about data sharing practices and potential misuse. The council is expected to vote on the program’s renewal in the coming days.
December Nights Returns to Balboa Park
Balboa Park hosted its annual December Nights event, San Diego’s largest holiday celebration, drawing over 300,000 attendees. The two-day event featured holiday festivities, shopping, food stations, live performances, and more. Dozens of museums offered free admission during the event, allowing visitors to explore the cultural offerings of the park.
Sesame Place San Diego Announces Temporary Closure
Sesame Place San Diego announced an abrupt closure until spring 2026, leaving many workers and season pass holders stunned. The theme park, located in Chula Vista, will close after Sunday, September 21, and not reopen until spring 2026. The sudden move to a “seasonal schedule” has angered some season pass holders, many of whom say they bought memberships specifically for the park’s fall and winter events. To soften the blow, Sesame Place is offering current pass holders a complimentary SeaWorld San Diego Fun Card valid through the end of 2025, giving them access to that park’s Halloween Spooktacular and Christmas Celebration.
Manager Mike Shildt Announces Retirement from San Diego Padres
Mike Shildt, manager of the San Diego Padres, announced his immediate retirement after two seasons with the team. Over his tenure, Shildt guided the Padres to consecutive playoff appearances, achieving a combined record of 183-141. The 57-year-old cited mental, physical, and emotional fatigue from the demands of the baseball season as key reasons for his retirement, emphasizing his need for self-care. Padres executive A.J. Preller praised Shildt’s dedication and confirmed that the search for a new manager would begin immediately, with the aim of securing a World Series title in 2026.
San Diego TSA Workers Express Disappointment Over Government Shutdown
San Diego TSA workers expressed disappointment over the government shutdown, with some agents feeling like “pawns” in the situation. Despite the shutdown, local agents continue to perform their duties at San Diego International Airport. A TSA spokesperson stated that the organization has not experienced any delay in operations due to callouts and remains fully capable of facilitating safe and secure travel for passengers. However, an extended shutdown could mean longer wait times at airports.
San Diego Unified School District Addresses Special Education Challenges
San Diego Unified School District leaders announced ongoing efforts to tackle challenges within the special education framework, aiming to enhance the quality of services provided to students with disabilities. Initiatives include increasing staff support, improving training programs for educators, and engaging with parents to better understand their needs and expectations.
Conclusion
From significant policy changes in local governance to exciting sports achievements and community-focused events, San Diego continues to showcase its resilience and innovative spirit. The various stories highlighted demonstrate the intersection of accountability, growth, and celebration within the city. Residents are encouraged to actively engage with local businesses and community initiatives to strengthen San Diego’s economy and cultural identity. Stay informed and supportive of the ongoing developments shaping our vibrant city.
FAQ
What was the amount of the settlement approved by the San Diego City Council in the police shooting case?
The San Diego City Council approved a $30 million settlement for the family of Konoa Wilson, a 16-year-old fatally shot by police in January.
Who did San Diego FC acquire recently?
San Diego FC has finalized the full acquisition of 19-year-old midfielder David Vazquez from the Philadelphia Union.
What law enforcement technology did San Diego City Council approve the continuation of?
The San Diego City Council approved the continued use of automated license plate reader (ALPR) systems by the San Diego Police Department.
What recognition did San Diego Wave FC achieve recently?
San Diego Wave FC has been crowned champions of the second World Sevens Football Championship.
| Key Features | Details |
|---|---|
| Settlement Approved | $30 million for the family of Konoa Wilson |
| San Diego FC Acquisition | David Vazquez from Philadelphia Union |
| License Plate Readers | Renewal approved for use by SDPD |
| World Sevens Football Championship | San Diego Wave FC crowned champions |
| Community Christmas Event | San Diego Humane Society provides toys and treats for 600 dogs |
| San Diego Unified School District | Reduced budget deficit from $176 million to $112 million |
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Author: STAFF HERE SAN DIEGO WRITER
The SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanDiego.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Diego, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Comic-Con International, San Diego County Fair, and San Diego Pride Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Diego County, plus leading businesses in biotechnology, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Qualcomm, Illumina, and Scripps Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
