When drawing, lines are fundamental elements of composition. They delineate space, outline structures, and define boundaries. When it comes to maps and borders, the line acquires a particular meaning, as this “simple” graphic expression marks a powerful division between regions, setting the beginning or the end of a territory. This line has a profound meaning at the limit between Mexico and the United States, where it constantly blurs and questions the border. In these places, multiculturalism is a daily occurrence, with a continuous negotiation of boundaries present in all aspects of life. The dynamic of these borders involves design and the generation of a complex network of interactions and collaborations.
Rather than being divided into Tijuanenses on one side and San Diegans on the other, this particular region stands out as a community whose essence harmonizes with a deep legacy of cross-border collaboration, rather than being seen as cities separated by a line. As the first binational designation in the history of the World Design Capital (WDC) program, the Tijuana-San Diego region shares a common interest in addressing urban, social, and economic issues through design. Thus, via conferences, policy summits, and workshops, the region seeks to enhance the catalyzation of ideas through its designation.
The region’s connection is visible from its urban layout, which, seen on a map, shows the continuity of roads and bodies of water—such as the Tijuana River—, to architecture developed on both sides of the border. In addition, being the busiest border corridor in the world, some people who constantly move between these two cities live through a concept that we could aptly call a “third nation.” Geographic proximity and continuous interaction have resulted in a hybrid, collaborative, and binational culture, of which several facets stand out.
Several examples illustrate the collaborative spirit that has historically existed in the region, illustrating the concept of the third nation. One notable example is Friendship Park, a small stretch of shared land split by a single fence. Projects like “La Linea Borrosa” (The Blurred Line) also emphasize this ideal, showcasing how borders can serve to connect rather than divide. Many of these initiatives, along with numerous other instances of cross-border collaboration, are now integrated into the program’s venues or serve as references in its conferences, which we will discuss below.
Monument marking the Initial Point of Boundary Between U.S. and Mexico (1973). Image Courtesy of National Park Service
The Salk Institute: A Collaboration Between Louis Kahn and Luis Barragán
A notable aspect of this project is its history of cooperation, particularly between Luis Barragán and Louis Kahn, marking one of the first modern examples of cross-border collaboration. In the 1960s, through letters and phone calls, the two architects established a communication that culminated in Kahn’s visit to Mexico and Barragán’s visit to the Salk Institute in La Jolla, California.
One example of the region’s common vision is the research project “Temporary Paradise: A Look at the Special Landscape of the San Diego Region,” a report prepared in 1974 for the city of San Diego by Donald Appleyard and Kevin Lynch. This study promotes a unified approach for shared development and culture between San Diego and Tijuana. This work has been continued by Dr. Bruce Appleyard (son of Donald Appleyard), who reinforces the joint approach between the two cities. Therefore, one cannot discuss San Diego without mentioning Tijuana, and vice versa.
Advertisement
Mexico-US border. Image Courtesy of Rael San Fratello“La Línea Borrosa” (The Blurred Line). Image Courtesy of Patrick Cordelle
Exploring the cross-border relationship, the project analyzes and presents potential opportunities for developing the area while preserving the common natural landscape. It proposes a human-scale approach, aiming to slow and redirect urban development. This plan ranges from highways and improved transportation systems to pedestrian walkways and bike lanes, and even the construction of a binational airport on the border with Mexico, something that to some extent is already a reality with Tijuana’s international airport.
Cross-Border Exchange: Tijuana Cultural Center and Balboa Park
Similarly, Balboa Park reflects this spirit as the heart of recreation and community life in San Diego. This space is the largest urban park in the United States and is home to the San Diego Art Institute, and the Museum of Photographic Arts, among others. It also hosts a series of itinerant events that extend throughout the park. In both CECUT and Balboa Park, the theme of borders is recurrent and enriches the cultural life of both places.
To further strengthen this bond and advance the connection between the cities, the Exchange Pavilion will be installed in both Tijuana and San Diego. In Tijuana, it will be located at Plaza Independencia (near CECUT), while in San Diego, it will be situated at Plaza de Panama at Balboa Park. Reflecting the importance of the WDC to the region, the temporary installation will act as a bridge connecting people from diverse backgrounds, inspiring conversations, and fostering a sense of unity.
Exchange Pavilion. Image Courtesy of World Design Organization
What’s Next in the World Design Capital (WDC) Program?
As a biannual designation, rather than a stand-alone event, the WDC program will continue to expand through other events such as the World Design Experience and the World Design Network of Cities Meeting. These activities will culminate in the Convocation Ceremony, a symbolic event marking the official “handover” of the WDC recognition from San Diego-Tijuana to the region of Frankfurt RheinMain (Germany), the next host city.
SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — San Diego Police responded to a barricaded individual in the Mission Valley area Thursday afternoon, prompting a heavy law enforcement presence.
The Nexstar Media video above details resources for crime victims
The department confirmed around 1 p.m. that officers were on scene in the 1400 block of Hotel Circle North, and are working to safely resolve the situation. Authorities asked the public to avoid the area and allow officers the space needed to conduct their operations.
Police described the incident as a domestic violence restraining order violation. At this time, it’s unknown if the person is armed.
No injuries have been reported.
The suspect was taken into custody within an hour.
Advertisement
Further details about the barricaded person were not immediately released. Police say updates will be shared as more information becomes available.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
1 — The number of plate appearances for Campusano while in the majors between June 1 and June 13 and the one at-bat resulted in a weak, pinch-hit groundout against a position player (Kike Hernandez) on the mound in mop-up duty. Campusano was recalled to the majors four times in 2025 but did not get a real opportunity get settled after he went 0-for-6 with four walks and a strikeout in three straight starts as a DH in early May. Of course, hitting .227/.281/.361 with eight homers over 299 plate appearances after getting the first real chance to start in 2024 likely informed how the Padres viewed his opportunity in 2025.
TRENDING
Down — Called up a final time on the last day of the regular season, Campusano balked at the idea that the season did not go the way he wanted. “I had a great season,” he said as he and his teammates packed for the NL Wild Card Series in Chicago. And he did … for Triple-A El Paso. He hit more home runs than ever (25), drove in more runs (95) and finished with a career-high 1.036 OPS, tops among all qualifying Triple-A hitters. The disappointment inferred in the question posed to Campusano was that he was not able to impact the big-league team in any way in 2025, which began with the team choosing to bring in a 40-year-old Yuli Gurriel a chance on the opening day roster over a homegrown product. Once billed as the catcher of the future, Campusno did not catch a single game in the majors, nor did he get any hits, although the opportunity to play was sporadic after getting three straight starts as a DH in early May (see stat to note). The Padres even lost back-up catcher Elias Díaz to an oblique injury over the final weekend of the regular season, but Campusano — who played out the string for a Triple-A El Paso team that did not make the playoffs rather than participate in the majors as a September call-up — was added to the postseason roster more as a right-handed bat than a third catcher (Martín Maldonado was also re-added to the team for the playoffs as the defensive back-up to Freddy Fermin). Campusano, of course, was not asked to help the team in either capacity before the Padres were eliminated in three games.
2026 OUTLOOK
Campusano is finally out of minor league options this year, so the Padres will either have to carry him on the roster, trade him or expose him to waivers. He has fans in the organization, but two big-league staffs headed by Bob Melvin and Mike Shildt seemingly lost faith in his ability to catch a game and all the responsibilities that come with that. It remains to be seen what impact the arrival of robo umps will have on how new manager Craig Stammen views Campusano’s ability behind the plate, but he’s been a potent minor league hitter who has yet to truly get on track in the majors beyond the second half of 2023 (.875 OPS, 6 HRs). Campusano has dabbled at first base in recent years in the minors (12 starts total), so perhaps he settles into a role as a second catcher/right-handed DH/first base option to start 2026.
Luis Campusano #15 of the San Diego Padres and Nick Pivetta #27 walk to the dugout during a practice before the Wildcard series against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field on Sept. 29, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by K.C. Alfred / The San Diego Union-Tribune)
SAN DIEGO, CA — Two San Diego County eateries were named among the most beautiful restaurants that opened last year in the country.
Carlsbad-based Lilo was ranked No. 4 and La Jolla-based Lucien was ranked No. 9 on Robb Report’s list of the most beautiful new restaurants in the U.S. for 2025.
Lilo, which opened in April, features a multi-course tasting menu served around a 24-seat chef’s counter.
The restaurant, co-owned by Chef Eric Bost and John Resnick, earned a Michelin star just months after opening its doors. The eatery was also the only one in San Diego to land on The New York Times list of the 50 best restaurants in America.
Advertisement
Lucien, which opened in July, also offers a chef’s tasting menu, with more than a dozen courses. The 30-seat restaurant, is owned and helmed by Northern California native Chef Elijah Arizmendi, along with partners Brian Hung and Melissa Lang.
“I’m very grateful for the recognition from Robb Report,” Arizmendi told Patch. “Lucien is deeply personal to me, and the space was designed as an extension of my philosophy — one centered on intention, hospitality and the joy of sharing something meaningful to others.”
The list spotlights 21 restaurants in Chicago, Los Angeles, New York City and other cities across the country. View the full report here.
