San Diego, CA

Attendee of the Week: Damian Da Cruz

Published

2 years ago

June 7, 2024

Every week from now until San Diego Comic-Con, we’re celebrating you: our readers! So let’s meet this week’s Attendee of the Week:

Damian Da Cruz

@Azmoedeus

Where are you traveling from for San Diego Comic-Con?

Northern Virginia

How many years have you been attending?

I’ve been coming every year since 2017.

What was your favorite panel and why?

The Magicians panel moderated by Chris Hardwick. I love the show and was just very excited to see the cast. I went up to ask a question and Chris complimented my accent. I then got Rick Worthy and Jade Tailor to do an impromptu duet by asking about what their character’s walk-out music would be.

What is your favorite exhibitor or artist booth and why?

This is probably a UBlog cliché but it has to be Patrick Ballesteros. I just love his art style and he’s always been so happy and friendly when I’ve met him.

What is your favorite item you’ve ever taken home from the convention (swag, exclusive, merch, etc.)?

I think it would have to be one of the free daily panel guides from 2017. My sister was in the front row at the Stan Lee panel, and they used a picture with her in it on the front cover. It was a very unflattering photo of her, which I found hilarious.

What was your favorite autograph session and why?

I’ve only done one autograph session, which was for the Guild 10th Anniversary. What I loved about it was that the cast had also been at Awesome Con in DC about a month before and they remembered me when I came up.

Tell us about your most memorable celebrity encounter at the convention.

Last year I had a couple of amazing encounters – I was lucky enough to get the Omni, and managed to meet a lot of the UBlog team. Also, I’m a big Felicia Day fan and she had a meet-up at an ice-cream parlor in the Gaslamp. It was a lot of fun hanging with Felicia and a bunch of fans for an hour or so.

What was your favorite offsite and why?

I really enjoyed The Boys offsite a few years ago but have to say that getting to drop off the UBlog Meatball as an offering at the Immortal Universe offsite last year, immediately jumps to the top. It was an amazing, immersive experience, with music, activities, and some fun swag. Who could ask for more?

Where is your favorite place to eat during the con?

I don’t have a favorite place to eat, I like to try at least 1 new place each con. That said, I had a great, greasy burger at The Melt a few years ago, I usually get one meal at the Old Spaghetti Factory because it’s easy to get in late after a day at the con, and this year I’m really hoping to get the Breakfast Company flight – I tried last year but their waffle maker was broken.

What is your favorite thing about San Diego Comic-Con?

It has to be the atmosphere. There’s so much to see and do. I love the way the con takes over the whole Gaslamp district.

What is your best tip having a good con?

Don’t over plan your day, just pick a couple of key things and have a backup plan. Also be prepared for long lines, have snacks and drinks available and don’t be afraid to start up a conversation with the people around you in line. You clearly love the same things, and the attendees at the con are generally a very friendly bunch who are happy to speak with you about their fandoms!

Do you tend to do the convention solo or with friends?

I’ve always gone with friends and family but this year I’ll be flying solo.

How would you describe SDCC to someone who has never been before?

The biggest collection of fans of all genres gathered into the beautiful downtown San Diego Gaslamp district, which fully embraces the con with pop ups, banners, and street events to keep you entertained. There are amazing cos players and, in my experience, everyone there is friendly and very excited to be there.

If you are a fan of anything, books, comics, film, television, or video game related, you should definitely add it to your bucket list.

Want to be featured as our Attendee of the Week? Find out how!

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San Diego, CA

Gas prices soar nearly another dime overnight

Published

3 hours ago

March 5, 2026

Press Room

Gas prices soar nearly another dime overnight

On Thursday, the average price of a gallon of self-serve regular gasoline in San Diego County recorded its largest increase since Sept. 28, 2023, rising 8.7 cents to $4.894, its highest amount since Nov. 13.

The average price has increased 15 consecutive days, rising 28.7 cents, including 7 cents on Wednesday, according to figures from the AAA and Oil Price Information Service. It is 22.4 cents more than one week ago, 38.6 cents higher than one month ago and 14.5 cents greater than one year ago.

The average price has dropped $1.541 since rising to a record $6.435 on Oct. 5, 2022.

“Gas prices are rising primarily due to a recent surge in crude oil following strikes on Iran by the U.S. and Israel,” Kandace Redd, the Automobile Club of Southern California’s senior public affairs specialist, told City News Service. “Any conflict with Iran can send oil prices higher, as Iran is a major oil producer and about a fifth of the oil consumed globally travels through the Strait of Hormuz between Iran and Oman.

“Gas prices are increasing because of seasonal factors too. Refineries are beginning the switch to more expensive summer-blend fuel, and demand is picking up as we head into the spring break season with more people on the road.”

The national average price rose 5.3 cents to $3.251, its highest amount since Sept. 11, 2024. It has risen five consecutive days, increasing 26.9 cents, including 8.9 cents on Wednesday.

The national average price is 26.8 cents more than one week ago, 36 cents higher than one month ago and 14.4 cents greater than one year ago. It has dropped $1.765 since rising to a record $5.016 on June 14, 2022.

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San Diego, CA

UNLV faces San Diego State after Hamilton’s 24-point performance

Published

15 hours ago

March 5, 2026

Press Room

UNLV faces San Diego State after Hamilton’s 24-point performance

UNLV Rebels (16-14, 11-8 MWC) at San Diego State Aztecs (19-10, 13-6 MWC)

San Diego; Friday, 10 p.m. EST

BOTTOM LINE: UNLV faces San Diego State after Kimani Hamilton scored 24 points in UNLV’s 92-65 victory over the Utah State Aggies.

The Aztecs have gone 13-2 in home games. San Diego State is eighth in the MWC with 9.0 offensive rebounds per game led by Miles Heide averaging 2.0.

The Rebels have gone 11-8 against MWC opponents. UNLV ranks eighth in the MWC shooting 34.4% from 3-point range.

San Diego State averages 79.1 points per game, 0.6 more points than the 78.5 UNLV gives up. UNLV averages 7.2 made 3-pointers per game this season, 1.9 fewer made shots on average than the 9.1 per game San Diego State allows.

The teams play for the second time in conference play this season. San Diego State won the last meeting 82-71 on Jan. 24. Miles Byrd scored 23 points points to help lead the Aztecs to the win.

TOP PERFORMERS: Reese Dixon-Waters is shooting 35.9% from beyond the arc with 1.6 made 3-pointers per game for the Aztecs, while averaging 13 points. Byrd is averaging 10.2 points and 5.1 rebounds over the past 10 games.

Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn is shooting 50.9% and averaging 20.6 points for the Rebels. Hamilton is averaging 1.4 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.

LAST 10 GAMES: Aztecs: 5-5, averaging 74.9 points, 28.9 rebounds, 13.7 assists, 6.9 steals and 4.2 blocks per game while shooting 46.4% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 69.0 points per game.

Rebels: 6-4, averaging 84.1 points, 32.3 rebounds, 14.7 assists, 6.4 steals and 4.8 blocks per game while shooting 50.0% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 80.8 points.

___

The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.

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San Diego, CA

Military bases in San Diego County increase security following Iran attacks

Published

1 day ago

March 4, 2026

Press Room

Military bases in San Diego County increase security following Iran attacks

SAN DIEGO (CNS) – Military bases in San Diego County and nationwide have increased security measures due to last weekend’s U.S.-Israeli attacks on Iran, prompting traffic delays near base entrances, enhanced ID checks and access restrictions.

The Naval Air Station North Island on Coronado ports three aircraft carriers, including the San Diego-based USS Abraham Lincoln, which led some of the first-wave attacks on Saturday.

Naval Base Coronado warned motorists of possible traffic delays at all base entry points due to the increased security measures.

Targets included Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps command and control facilities, Iranian air defense capabilities, missile and drone launch sites and military airfields.

The U.S. operation, dubbed “Epic Fury,” and Israeli operation, “Raging Lion,” began striking targets at 1:15 a.m. Eastern Time Saturday.

As of Tuesday, at least six U.S. service members had been killed in action.

The strikes also killed Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Hosseini Khamenei, who had been Iran’s supreme leader since 1989, making him the longest-serving head of state in the Middle East.

Iran’s offensive forces claimed to have struck USS Abraham Lincoln with ballistic missiles, but according to an X post from U.S central Command, “The Lincoln was not hit. The missiles launched didn’t even come close. The Lincoln continues to launch aircraft in support of CENTCOM’s relentless campaign to defend the American people by eliminating threats from the Iranian regime.”

Those with concerns regarding the heightened security can contact San Diego County’s Office of Emergency Services at 858-565-3490 or oes@sdcounty.ca.gov.

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