San Diego, December 30, 2025
San Diego’s minimum wage will increase to $17.75 per hour starting January 1, 2026, exceeding California’s state minimum wage of $16.90. This adjustment aligns with the city’s ordinance that ties wage increases to the cost of living. Employers are mandated to display minimum wage notices at their locations, ensuring workers are informed. Additionally, employees will continue to accrue sick leave for personal health or family medical needs. For inquiries, individuals can reach out to the San Diego Minimum Wage Program via email or phone.
San Diego, CA
Minimum Wage Increase in San Diego Effective January 1, 2026
San Diego’s minimum wage will rise from $17.25 to $17.75 per hour starting January 1, 2026, surpassing California’s state minimum wage of $16.90. This increase aligns with the city’s Earned Sick Leave and Minimum Wage Ordinance, which adjusts the minimum wage annually based on the previous year’s cost-of-living increase. Employers are required to post minimum wage notices at their workplaces, and employees will continue to earn sick leave for personal or family medical care. For questions or to file a complaint, contact the San Diego Minimum Wage Program at [email protected] or 619-235-5912.
Weather Advisory: Santa Ana Winds and Rain Forecasted for San Diego County
San Diego County is expected to experience gusty Santa Ana winds on Tuesday, with northeast to east winds of 35 to 45 mph and local gusts up to 60 mph. A Wind Advisory is in effect until 1 p.m. Tuesday. The preliminary forecast indicates rain and mountain snow from Wednesday through Saturday, with coastal areas receiving 0.6 to 1.2 inches of rain, inland valleys 0.7 to 0.8 inches, low deserts 0.04 to 0.5 inches, and mountains 0.55 to 1.6 inches. Residents are advised to secure outdoor items and exercise caution during these conditions.
Christmas Tree Recycling Program Continues Through January 16
San Diego’s Christmas tree recycling program, which began on December 26, 2025, continues through January 16, 2026. Residents can drop off their trees at 16 designated locations throughout the city during daylight hours. The program aims to recycle trees into mulch and compost, promoting environmental sustainability. For a list of drop-off locations and more information, visit the city’s official website or contact the Environmental Services Department.
Upcoming Events in San Diego
- “Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas!”
Location: The Old Globe Theatre
Dates: Select dates November 8–December 31, 2025
Details: The Old Globe Theatre is transformed into the snow-covered Who-ville, featuring songs like “Santa for a Day” and “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch.” Tickets are available at www.theoldglobe.org. - Living Seas at Birch Aquarium
Location: Birch Aquarium at Scripps
Dates: Daily, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Details: Explore the hidden realm of a Giant Pacific Octopus, life beneath Scripps Pier, and a vibrant coral reef. Admission is $24.95–$29.95; children 2 and under are free. More information at www.aquarium.ucsd.edu. - Top Secret: Inside the High-Stakes World of Naval Intelligence
Location: USS Midway Museum
Dates: Daily, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Details: Go inside Midway’s restored Carrier Intelligence Center. Included with admission ($26–$39). Visit www.midway.org for details. - “Lightscape” at San Diego Botanic Garden
Location: San Diego Botanic Garden
Dates: Through January 4, 2026, 5–10 p.m.
Details: A mile-long, illuminated trail featuring vibrant new installations from artists worldwide. Tickets are $18–$28; children 2 and under are free. More information at www.sdbg.org.
San Diego State Aztecs Basketball Game Against San Jose State Spartans
The San Diego State Aztecs (7-4, 1-0 MWC) are set to play against the San Jose State Spartans (5-7, 0-1 MWC) on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, at 10 p.m. EST in San Jose, California. The Aztecs are entering their first true road game after a 7-4 start to the season. San Diego State ranks second in the Mountain West Conference, shooting 38.9% from 3-point range. San Jose State has a home record of 4-2 and has yet to secure a win against opponents with a record over .500 this season. The game will be broadcast live; check local listings for details.
San Diego Film Critics Society Awards 2025
The 30th San Diego Film Critics Society Awards were announced on December 15, 2025. Ryan Coogler’s period supernatural horror film “Sinners” led the nominations with twelve, followed by “One Battle After Another” with eleven and “Hamnet” with nine. “Sinners” also led the winners with a total of four wins, followed by “It Was Just an Accident” and “Weapons” with two apiece. The awards recognize outstanding achievements in film and are determined by the San Diego Film Critics Society.
San Diego International Film Festival 2025
The San Diego International Film Festival, produced by the nonprofit San Diego Film Foundation, was held in La Jolla in 2025. The festival featured celebrity awards banquets, panel discussions, retrospectives, parties, premieres, and screenings of contemporary independent narrative, documentary, and short films. Competitive juried categories varied year to year and have included foreign language, animated, Native American, military, social justice, equestrian, thrillers, and local films made in San Diego. The festival continues to be a significant event in the region’s cultural calendar.
Downtown San Diego Station Planned for 2027
A new Coaster commuter rail station, Downtown San Diego Station, is planned to open in 2027. The station will be built in conjunction with upgrades to the BNSF Railway corridor and will include a pocket track to allow greater service frequencies. A new passenger platform will be located between 1st and 5th Streets, in the vicinity of the Gaslamp Quarter, San Diego Convention Center, and Petco Park. The station will provide connections to the San Diego Trolley at the adjacent Convention Center station and Gaslamp Quarter station. Improvements are funded partly by a Trade Corridor Enhancement Program grant and partly by BNSF.
San Diego’s Warm, Windy Weekend, Rain Follows
San Diego County experienced a warm and windy weekend, with Santa Ana winds and temperatures in the seventies. However, the clear skies are expected to give way to rain and mountain snow starting New Year’s Eve and continuing through next weekend. Gusty winds, peaking on Tuesday, could reach up to 60 mph, while rainfall is expected to increase from Wednesday to Saturday, with mountain areas seeing the heaviest totals. Residents are advised to secure outdoor items and exercise caution during these conditions. Fire weather concerns remain low due to recent rains.
San Diego Christmas Tree Recycling Program Postponed Due to Rainstorm
San Diego’s Christmas tree recycling program, which usually begins the day after the holiday, was postponed this year due to a rainstorm. The first drop-off day was held on Monday, December 29, 2025, instead of Friday. Residents can drop off their trees at 16 designated locations throughout the city during daylight hours. The program aims to recycle trees into mulch and compost, promoting environmental sustainability. For a list of drop-off locations and more information, visit the city’s official website or contact the Environmental Services Department.
San Diego Film Critics Society Awards 2025
The 30th San Diego Film Critics Society Awards were announced on December 15, 2025. Ryan Coogler’s period supernatural horror film “Sinners” led the nominations with twelve, followed by “One Battle After Another” with eleven and “Hamnet” with nine. “Sinners” also led the winners with a total of four wins, followed by “It Was Just an Accident” and “Weapons” with two apiece. The awards recognize outstanding achievements in film and are determined by the San Diego Film Critics Society.
San Diego International Film Festival 2025
The San Diego International Film Festival, produced by the nonprofit San Diego Film Foundation, was held in La Jolla in 2025. The festival featured celebrity awards banquets, panel discussions, retrospectives, parties, premieres, and screenings of contemporary independent narrative, documentary, and short films. Competitive juried categories varied year to year and have included foreign language, animated, Native American, military, social justice, equestrian, thrillers, and local films made in San Diego. The festival continues to be a significant event in the region’s cultural calendar.
Downtown San Diego Station Planned for 2027
A new Coaster commuter rail station, Downtown San Diego Station, is planned to open in 2027. The station will be built in conjunction with upgrades to the BNSF Railway corridor and will include a pocket track to allow greater service frequencies. A new passenger platform will be located between 1st and 5th Streets, in the vicinity of the Gaslamp Quarter, San Diego Convention Center, and Petco Park. The station will provide connections to the San Diego Trolley at the adjacent Convention Center station and Gaslamp Quarter station. Improvements are funded partly by a Trade Corridor Enhancement Program grant and partly by BNSF.
San Diego’s Warm, Windy Weekend, Rain Follows
San Diego County experienced a warm and windy weekend, with Santa Ana winds and temperatures in the seventies. However, the clear skies are expected to give way to rain and mountain snow starting New Year’s Eve and continuing through next weekend. Gusty winds, peaking on Tuesday, could reach up to 60 mph, while rainfall is expected to increase from Wednesday to Saturday, with mountain areas seeing the heaviest totals. Residents are advised to secure outdoor items and exercise caution during these conditions. Fire weather concerns remain low due to recent rains.
San Diego Film Critics Society Awards 2025
The 30th San Diego Film Critics Society Awards were announced on December 15, 2025. Ryan Coogler’s period supernatural horror film “Sinners” led the nominations with twelve, followed by “One Battle After Another” with eleven and “Hamnet” with nine. “Sinners” also led the winners with a total of four wins, followed by “It Was Just an Accident” and “Weapons” with two apiece. The awards recognize outstanding achievements in film and are determined by the San Diego Film Critics Society.
San Diego International Film Festival 2025
The San Diego International Film Festival, produced by the nonprofit San Diego Film Foundation, was held in La Jolla in 2025. The festival featured celebrity awards banquets, panel discussions, retrospectives, parties, premieres, and screenings of contemporary independent narrative, documentary, and short films. Competitive juried categories varied year to year and have included foreign language, animated, Native American, military, social justice, equestrian, thrillers, and local films made in San Diego. The festival continues to be a significant event in the region’s cultural calendar.
Downtown San Diego Station Planned for 2027
A new Coaster commuter rail station, Downtown San Diego Station, is planned to open in 2027. The station will be built in conjunction with upgrades to the BNSF Railway corridor and will include a pocket track to allow greater service frequencies. A new passenger platform will be located between 1st and 5th Streets, in the vicinity of the Gaslamp Quarter, San Diego Convention Center, and Petco Park. The station will provide connections to the San Diego Trolley at the adjacent Convention Center station and Gaslamp Quarter station. Improvements are funded partly by a Trade Corridor Enhancement Program grant and partly by BNSF.
San Diego’s Warm, Windy Weekend, Rain Follows
San Diego County experienced a warm and windy weekend, with Santa Ana winds and temperatures in the seventies. However, the clear skies are expected to give way to rain and mountain snow starting New Year’s Eve and continuing through next weekend. Gusty winds, peaking on Tuesday, could reach up to 60 mph, while rainfall is expected to increase from Wednesday to Saturday, with mountain areas seeing the heaviest totals. Residents are advised to secure outdoor items and exercise caution during these conditions. Fire weather concerns remain low due to recent rains.
FAQs
What is the new minimum wage in San Diego for 2026?
San Diego’s minimum wage will rise from $17.25 to $17.75 per hour starting January 1, 2026, surpassing California’s state minimum wage of $16.90.
When does the Christmas tree recycling program in San Diego end?
San Diego’s Christmas tree recycling program continues through January 16, 2026.
What are the upcoming events in San Diego?
Upcoming events include “Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas!” at The Old Globe Theatre, Living Seas at Birch Aquarium, Top Secret: Inside the High-Stakes World of Naval Intelligence at USS Midway Museum, and “Lightscape” at San Diego Botanic Garden.
What is planned for the Downtown San Diego Station?
A new Coaster commuter rail station, Downtown San Diego Station, is planned to open in 2027, featuring upgrades to the BNSF Railway corridor and a new passenger platform located between 1st and 5th Streets.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Minimum Wage Increase | $17.75 per hour starting January 1, 2026 |
| Christmas Tree Recycling Program | Ongoing until January 16, 2026, with 16 designated drop-off locations |
| Weather Advisory | Gusty Santa Ana winds, rain forecasted from Wednesday through Saturday |
| New Downtown Station | Opening in 2027, located between 1st and 5th Streets |
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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.
