San Diego, CA
Barrio Logan brings Día de los Muertos to life with vibrant celebration
SAN DIEGO (KGTV) — The Barrio Logan Cultural District hosted its annual Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, celebration on Sunday.
The holiday originates from Mexico and is meant to honor ancestors.
This year’s theme was called “Barrio Mágico.” Sunday’s event aimed to take all traditions and stories passed down for generations in the Hispanic community and bring them to life again, like magic.
Logan Avenue beamed with bright colors, costumes, decorations, and altar installations throughout the streets.
There were vendors like Juanita Maciel, who participated for the first time at the festival. Her business sells plants, succulents, arts and crafts, and more.
“I wanted to keep my low prices and good products, so I decided to open my own nursery,” Maciel said.
There were also food vendors, including one that stood out for selling spiral potatoes.
Zaida and her parents were working at the Apaa Churros stand, and Zaida shared why this holiday is an important part of her culture.
“It shows the meaning of life is not like death,” Zaida said. “We see it as a good thing instead of a bad thing.”
Barrio Mágico also featured art installations, including one by artist Laureyn Pacheco.
Pacheco called her artwork “The Tree of Life” because it told the story of her ancestors.
“I have pictures of all of my ancestors, and the symbols here represent either different relatives or different parts of my family story and how they got to San Diego,” Pacheco said.
The festival featured a number of performers and dancers, including a duo called Los Guanchinangos.
Jorge Castillo said they were playing traditional music from Veracruz, and he explained why music is such an important part of celebrating Día de los Muertos.
“When people die, we say goodbye to them through music,” Castillo said. “The songs we play celebrate their life and their time in this world, and we send their spirits off full of music.”
San Diego State didn’t magically become the basketball team everyone expected at the start of the season, but the Aztecs did accomplish something they have struggled to do lately.
They won.
“When you lose a couple games,” coach Brian Dutcher said, “you wonder if they’re going to fight through and get a win. They fought through and got a win.”
After dropping three of four and five of seven going back to last season, the Aztecs rediscovered their hard-hat roots and blue-collared their way to a much needed 77-66 victory Wednesday night at Viejas Arena against a Utah Valley team fresh off wins by 22 and 44.
They also discovered that their other true freshman, Tae Simmons, can play, too.
Elzie Harrington started his second straight game, the earliest a true freshman has cracked the SDSU starting lineup in a decade. Simmons, an undersized power forward at 6-foot-6, was fighting for rotation minutes that figured to vanish with the return of 7-foot Magoon Gwath, until he erupted for 15 points and seven rebounds in 15 minutes off the bench Wednesday.
It came on a night when leading scorer Reese Dixon-Waters had no points through the first 33 minutes. And Miles Byrd, who sat out Tuesday’s practice with the flu, took two IV bags before tip-off and didn’t score at all. And starting center Miles Heide took a hard fall in the first half, suffered a hip contusion and didn’t return. And backup Pharaoh Compton had two dunk attempts fly off the back rim. And Gwath, also recovering from the flu and bum ankle, was on the bench during crunch time with Byrd.
“That’s where our depth paid off for us,” Dutcher said. “We had the depth to endure injuries, endure illness, and still find a way to come out with a win.”
The Aztecs (4-3) scored 77 points. Fifty-nine came from the bench, including 18 by BJ Davis, 15 by Simmons and 12 by Compton. Utah Valley’s bench managed just 16.
Or look at the plus/minus column on the stat sheet: The starters were +3, +1, -1, -9 and -11. The first five guys off bench were +21 (Sean Newman Jr.), +17, +15, +9, +8.
For Davis, it was his fifth straight game in double figures.
“BJ has obviously been one of our best players, but the spark he provides off the bench, who else is going to do that?” Dutcher said. “He’s been dynamic off the bench. He changes the rhythm of the game when he comes in. Sometimes that’s what it is. I try to tell BJ every day how much I value him. I don’t want him to be sad he’s not starting when he’s playing so well.”
Davis sparked the Aztecs to a 13-point lead in the first half. Simmons was the energizer that got them a 12-point margin in the second.
Both leads, though, quickly evaporated. Utah Valley (5-3) closed the first half with a 12-0 run to pull within a point, then briefly took the lead early in the second half. And it was a three-point game with three minutes to go before Dixon-Waters sliced through the lane for a pair of layups in traffic.
“Reese struggled at the start of the game,” Dutcher said of his senior guard who had missed seven of eight shots. “He got some looks that didn’t go in, but I thought down the stretch he really attacked strong to the basket. With the game on the line, he didn’t settle for jump shots. He got it, caught it on the dribble and went right to the rim and finished it.”
The Aztecs spent the week of practice focusing on regaining their defensive mentality and mojo, then on Utah Valley’s first possession did this:
Got confused on assignments and left Noah Taitz wide open on the right wing for a 3. Swish.
The Wolverines’ next basket came when Isaac Davis was left alone under the basket for an uncontested layup.
Not exactly what Dutcher had in mind.
But all that practice grind finally began reaping dividends, and eight minutes later the Wolverines were stuck on 10 points while shooting 3 of 15 with five turnovers.
It wasn’t a perfect defensive performance; the Wolverines still shot a respectable 42.3%, made 10 3s and had 11 offensive rebounds to offset 18 turnovers.
But it was an improvement over the last four games, when opponents scored 80 or more in each. Over the previous 100 games, they had allowed 80 or more just five times.
“The last few games, we’ve given up way too many points,” Davis said. “Being San Diego State, this is a defensive program. Coach has been harping on us all week about defense, defense, defense. … I think we did OK. That’s nowhere near where we’re going to be in due time.”
Added Dutcher: “We held a team to 66 points, how about that? … We have to get better. We know that. I thought we took a step in the right direction today.”
Notable
The Aztecs now have a week off before hosting Lamar … This was the first all-time meeting against Utah Valley … The Wolverines got 50 of their 66 points from starters, led by 17 from Jackson Holcombe (to go with 10 rebounds and five assists) and 15 from Tyler Hendricks … Dutcher won two video challenges, the first for a block call on Taj DeGourville, the second on an out-of-bounds call … Compton played a career high 22 minutes. No one played more than 25 by Dixon-Waters.
Here are some of the best things to do this weekend in San Diego from Friday, Dec. 5 to Sunday, Dec. 7.
Friday
Ups-N-Downtown Roller Rink: During the holiday season, Escondido opens a roller rink downtown. 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, noon to 8 p.m. Saturday, noon to 4 p.m. Sunday. Open Thursdays through Sunday through Jan. 3. 155 W. Grand Ave., Escondido. $5 admission; $10 for skates rental and admission; $35 for a family pack for four. downtownescondido.com/event-details/ups-and-downtown-roller-rink-2025-12-07-12-00
Holiday Market on the Plaza: In addition to the Ups-N-Downtown roller rink, downtown Escondido is throwing a holiday shopping event taking place over three weekends. A market place set up at Maple Street Plaza will feature holiday shopping and live music. 4 to 8 p.m. Fridays; noon to 8 p.m. Saturdays; noon to 4 p.m. Sundays. Weekend Dec. 5-21. Maple Street Plaza. downtownescondido.com/holidays-downtown-escondido
December Nights: One of San Diego’s largest community events, December Nights offers live entertainment, food and drinks from around the world, and late-night access to museums. 3 to 11 p.m. Friday. 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday. Balboa Park. Free. sandiego.gov/december-nights
First Friday: On the first Friday of every month, Liberty Station’s ARTS DISTRICT offers special activities and open studios. This Friday, Addison Designs is hosting a free ornament workshop from 4 to 8 p.m with supplies provided and music and refreshments. See the full First Friday lineup here: libertystation.com/events/calendar
Alpine tree lighting: The annual tree lighting event will include an artisan marketplace, food trucks, snow area for kids, inflatables, an ugly sweater contest and visit from Santa to light the tree. 5 to 8 p.m. Friday. In the parking lot of Bethel Christian Assembly at 1929 Arnold Way. alpinebethel.org.
Tree Lighting Celebration in Carlsbad: The Forum Carlsbad holds its 23rd Annual Tree Lighting Celebration from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday with live performances, holiday characters, Santa visits and Christmas Tree Wonderlights show continuing until Christmas. The La Costa Canyon High School Marching Band performs at 6 p.m. followed by Santa’s arrival, tree lighting and a snowfall finale. Festivities continue from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 6–7, 13–14, and 20–21. A pet adoption event on Sunday, Dec. 14, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 14 Dec. 6 to 25. Visit theforumcarlsbad.com/news/the-forum-carlsbad-a-festive-holiday-season-2025.
Coronado Holiday: The Holiday Parade takes off at 6 p.m. Dec. 5 featuring local organizations, clubs and businesses with lights and costumes from t8th Street down Orange Avenue to Adella Avenue. The tree-lighting ceremony is after the parade and festivities continue to 9 p.m. with live music and holiday sing-alongs. coronadochamber.com
Escondido Christmas parade: The parade, themed, “A Merry Citrus Christmas.” takes off at 7 p.m. Dec. 5, from Juniper and Grand Avenue to Orange and Grand Avenue. https://escondidojaycees.org/christmas-parade-info
Holiday Lights: The Antique Gas & Steam Engine Museum’s annual Holiday Lights event transforms the historic museum grounds into a winter wonderland with light display. Bring the whole family to enjoy thousands of twinkling lights, animals, festive hay rides, warm drinks, delicious food and a visit with Santa. 5 to 9 p.m. on Dec. Friday and Saturday, Dec. 12-13 and Dec. 19-20. 2040 N. Santa Fe Ave. Admission is $10, in advance online; $12 at gate; free for kids 3 and younger. agsem.org/holiday-lights-2025
Petco Park Holiday Wonderland: The annual Holiday Wonderland is sliding back to Gallagher Square at Petco Park. The holiday installation features Christmas lighting displays, Santa Claus, a Christmas train, holiday craft-making, a carousel and an opportunity to sled down a hill made of real snow. There will also be a 40-foot Christmas tree, live entertainment, local vendors, food and drinks for sale. 4 to 9 p.m. Friday through Dec. 7. Dec. 10-16, 18-23. 100 Park Blvd., San Diego. $18-$25. padres.com/holidaywonderland.
Saturday
Holiday Store Pop-Up: Fans of textile art and merchandise can visit a holiday pop-up market at the Visions Museum of Textile Art. Visitors can expect to find dolls, jewelry, flower pins, painted silk clothing and scarves, origami earrings and more. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and Dec. 13. Visions Museum of Textile Art, 2825 Dewey Road, Suite 100, San Diego. vmota.org/pop-up-events-in-our-vmota-museum-store/
Friends of the Library Holiday Craft & Book Sale: Book lovers can find a new read for friends and family (or for their own shelf) as well as crafts for sale and a silent auction. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. Civic Center Library, 330 North Coast Highway, Oceanside. oceansidepl.librarycalendar.com/event/friends-library-craft-and-book-sale-45286
Nitro Circus: Created by Travis Pastrana, Nitro Circus brings action sports to TVs and live tours. Athletes will show off thrilling tricks and compete in motor sports. 7 p.m. Saturday. Pechanga Arena San Diego, 3500 Sports Arena Blvd., San Diego. Remaining tickets start at $87. axs.com/events/829750/nitro-circus-off-the-rails-tickets?skin=pasd
How Latinos Built San Diego: A Talk with Maria E. Garcia The author of “We Made San Diego” will share about her book and local Chicano and Latino history and contributions. A Q&A session will follow, as well as book signings for purchases. 11 a.m. Saturday. Escondido Public Library, 239 S. Kalmia St., Escondido. Free. escondido.libcal.com/event/15529199
Annual Holiday Bookstore Sale: Books, DVDs, CDs, puzzles, gift certificates and greeting cards will be on sale for half price at this holiday sale. 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday. Alpine Library, 1752 Alpine Blvd., Alpine. sdcl.bibliocommons.com/events/691e0263a18afa0c612b8254
Jane Austen’s 250th Birthday Celebration: Celebrate Jane Austen’s birthday with tea, a screening of “Emma” and Regency-themed crafts. 2 to 4:30 p.m. Saturday. North Clairemont Library, 4616 Clairemont Drive, San Diego. Free. Registration required. sandiego.librarymarket.com/event/jane-austens-250th-birthday-NC
Christmas show: The Masters of Harmony and Pacific Coast Harmony chorus will present a Christmas show, “Merry & Bright, Holidays in Harmony.” 3 p.m. Saturday. Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church, 3459 Manchester Ave., Cardiff. $25. https://stsconstantinehelen.ludus.com
Chula Vista parade, tree lighting and festival: The Starlight Parade and Festival returns with a parade, holiday market, children’s holiday train ride, tree lighting, live entertainment and photos with Santa. The lighting of a 25-foot tree takes place at 5:45 p.m. on the plaza at the northeast corner of Memorial Park, 373 Park Way. The parade starts at 6 p.m. and goes from H Street to E Street, featuring marching bands, decorated floats, automobiles and dance teams, among other entries. 3 to 9 p.m. Saturday. Memorial Park and Park Way. Free. starlightparade.com.
Winter Wonderland at Wells Park: There will be a movie in park, train rides, bounce house photos with Santa, games, costumed characters, crafts and letters to Santa. 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday. Wells Park, 1153 E. Madison Ave. Free. elcajon.gov/your-government/departments/parks-recreation/special-events/winter-wonderland
Encinitas Holiday Parade: Encinitas’ annual holiday parade, themed “Peace by the Pacific,” will feature floats, marching bands and decorated cars along Coast Highway from D to J streets. The event kicks off with a tree lighting and brief appearance from Santa at 5 p.m. in The Lumberyard shops courtyard, between H and I streets, followed by the parade at 5:30 p.m. 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Saturday. encinitasca.gov
Winter Festival: Winter Wonderland highlights include visits with Santa, Victorian carolers, storybook characters and winter crafting along with holiday market and face painting. Food and drink will be sold. 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. California Center for the Arts, Escondido, 340 N. Escondido Blvd., Escondido. Free. artcenter.org
Fallbrook Christmas parade: Fallbrook’s 44th annual Christmas parade, themed “Candy Cane Lane,” is hosted by the Fallbrook Chamber of Commerce. The parade features Santa, lighted floats, music, marching bands and dancers along with classic cars. 5 p.m. Saturday. Main Street in downtown Fallbrook. fallbrookchamberofcommerce.org.
Ocean Beach parade: Ocean Beach holds its annual holiday parade. The event is hosted and organized by the Ocean Beach Community Foundation and Love Thy Neighborhood and supported by the Ocean Beach Mainstreet Association. 5 p.m. Saturday. Along Newport Ave., San Diego. oceanbeachsandiego.com/resources/local-news/ob-holiday-parade
Little Italy Christmas: A Tree Lighting and Christmas Village will include live entertainment, a visit from Santa Claus, 10-foot-tall nutcrackers, holiday-themed bites and sips and Christmas Village with vendors along India Street. The traditional Italian tree lighting ceremony is at 6:30 p.m. 4 to 8 p.m. Saturday. Piazza della Famiglia, 523 W. Date St., San Diego. Free. littleitalysd.com/events/little-italy-tree-lighting
Reason for the Season light show: A free synchronized light and video show, “The Real Reason for the Season,” will run every half hour from 5 to 9 p.m. from Dec. 6 to Jan. 4 at Columbia and Date Streets in Little Italy, across the Street from the Piazza della Famiglia fountain. The light show synchronized to popular Christmas music presents a short history of the Nativity and why Christmas is celebrated.
67th annual Vista Christmas Parade: The Vista Chamber of Commerce’s Christmas parade is set Saturday. This year’s theme is “Rockin’ Around Vista–A Parade of Holiday Hits.” The grand marshal is Eric Weirather, longtime band director at Rancho Buena Vista HIgh School. There will be floats, music and marching bands, along with Santa. 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday. Downtown Vista. To see the parade route, visit vistachamber.org/christmas.
Strong Ale Festival: Over 60 breweries will be part of the two-day 27th annual Strong Ale Festival. The event showcases more than 60 ale beers and food from Pizza Port. There will also be VIP sessions where guests can try exclusive barrel-aged beers. The festival will take place in the parking lot of the Pizza Port location in Carlsbad. 4 to 9 p.m. Friday. Noon to 5 p.m. Saturday. 571 Carlsbad Village Drive, Carlsbad. $50-$100. eventbrite.com/e/pizza-port-carlsbads-27th-annual-strong-ale-festival
El Cajon holiday benefit concert: The San Diego Rescue Mission and the city of El Cajon are teaming up on a holiday benefit concert at The Magnolia. The annual Christmas Jubilee Jam is a family-friendly event that helps raise money for the San Diego Rescue Mission to provide more beds and services for the unhoused. The show includes a cocktail hour reception and is headlined by the Bill Wells Band performing holiday classics and songs made popular by Motown artists. There will also be special appearances from the St. Peter’s Chaldean Catholic Choir and Santa Claus. Attendees are asked to bring a new, unwrapped toy. 5 to 8:30 p.m. Saturday. 210 East Main St., El Cajon. sdrescue.org/jubilee-jam
Sunday
Singles in Sweaters: Combining stand-up and a singles meet-up, Singles in Sweaters is a special holiday comedy event. Expect a live dating game and an ugly sweater contest. This is for ages 21 and older. 1 p.m. Sunday. Mic Drop Comedy, 8878 Clairemont Mesa Blvd., San Diego. $25.50. micdropcomedysandiego.com/shows/338356
Kringle Mingle: The festivities hosted by Cardiff 101 Main Street include live music, children’s crafts and holiday treats, coffee and hot chocolate and vendor booths for holiday shopping in downtown Cardiff. Photos with Santa are from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bring a toy for the Toys for Tots drive for Camp Pendleton Marine families. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday. Aberdeen Drive. Free. cardiff101.com/events.
Del Mar Village Winter Taste & Sip: The Del Mar Village Winter Taste & Sip is part of the North Pole by the Sea day of family-friendly festivities from 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday. Festivities include photos with Santa, carolers, live music, hot chocolate for kids and annual holiday tree lighting in the Jim Watkins Amphitheater at L’Auberge Del Mar at 5 p.m. 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday. Downtown Del Mar. visitdelmarvillage.com/north-pole-by-the-sea
San Marcos holiday parade: The 28th annual Kiwanis San Marcos Holiday Parade will be themed “Light Up The Holidays.” There will be bands, floats, marching groups and Santa. 1 p.m. Sunday. The parade route is Comet Drive at Palomar College, east on Mission Road to the San Marcos Civic Center. Visit lsmkiwanis.org
Holiday market: The San Marcos Chamber Market is inviting the community to its Holly Jolly Holiday Market at North City. The public can shop for gifts from over 175 vendors with items such as skin care products, home decor accessories and handmade artwork. There will also be food vendors, live holiday music and an appearance from Santa Claus. Admission is free and parking is complimentary at North City. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. 250 North City Drive, San Marcos. northcity.com/events/holiday-market
2026 vision board class: All the supplies needed to create a 2026 vision board will be provided at this workshop. Hot cider and cookies will also be provided. 3 to 4 p.m. Sunday. CoLabCrafts, 143 West Grand Avenue, Escondido. $39.19. eventbrite.com/e/2026-vision-board-class-tickets
SoNo Fest & Chili Cook-Off: Music, chili and community are the pillars of the SoNo Fest & Chili Cook-Off, which is returning to North Park. This volunteer-led annual event brings together more than 30 restaurants and 20 breweries, two stages of music, an artisan market, ceramic bowl making, a children’s play area and a chili-tasting contest. The event is also a fundraiser for Spanish, dance and library programs at McKinley Elementary School, for which $90,000 was raised last year, according to event organizers. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Corner of Thorn Street and 32nd Street in North Park. $25-$35. sonofestchilicookoff.com
As a result of an investigation by the FBI San Diego Field Office, federal authorities have seized and shut down a web domain used to defraud Americans through cryptocurrency investment fraud scams, officials announced Tuesday.
More than 400 San Diegans were among the victims of the Southeast Asia-based criminal enterprise, suffering an estimated cumulative loss of roughly $90 million in the 2024 fiscal year, according to the FBI.
However, federal investigators said they believe that figure to be a fraction of the total scope of losses, given that many victims do not report their losses to law enforcement.
The shuttered web domain, tickmilleas.com, had been used by scammers based at a compound called Tai Chang in the village of Kyaukhat, Myanmar, the FBI reported.
The seizure of the online site occurred less than three weeks after the announcement of the formation of the Scam Center Strike Force and the seizure of two other domains also used by the same criminals, federal officials said.
According to an affidavit filed in the case, Tai Chang is affiliated with the Burmese armed group Democratic Karen Benevolent Army and Trans Asia International Holding Group Thailand Company Limited.
Both entities were designated by the U.S. Department of the Treasury as “specially designated nationals” on Nov. 12 for their alleged links to Chinese organized crime and development of scam centers in Southeast Asia.
According to federal authorities, the tickmilleas.com domain was disguised as a legitimate investment platform to trick people into depositing funds.
Victims of the scams — a type that fraudsters refer to as “pig butchering” — reported to the FBI that tickmilleas.com showed lucrative supposed returns on what they believed to be their investments and displayed purported deposits made by scammers to the victims’ “accounts.”
According to the affidavit, tickmilleas.com directed users to download mobile applications from Google Play and Apple’s App Store. The FBI notified those firms of the fraudulent apps, and they have voluntarily removed several of them from their stores.
The Scam Center Strike Force also worked with Meta to identify accounts associated with the Tai Chang compound, the FBI reported. Meta voluntarily removed about 2,000 of them as part of the collaborative effort, officials said.
Among the results of the investigation was the FBI’s discovery that Tai Chang was targeting a San Diegan, whom authorities were able to warn about the scheme before the targeted person lost any money, according to federal authorities.
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