In the current dining landscape, San Diego restaurants face challenges like the rising cost of goods, labor shortages, and evolving customer expectations. Everything from longtime city institutions to newer places unable to find their footing can succumb to a combination of obstacles, although San Diego restaurateurs and chefs remain resilient — just check out Eater’s hot new restaurants map for proof. This column keeps track of all the closures you may have missed.
San Diego, CA
Heat wave in San Diego County could bring record highs this week
What to Know
- The National Weather Service issued a Heat Advisory from Monday at 10 a.m. through Friday at 8 p.m. for the coast and valley communities
- An Extreme Heat Watch will also go into effect Thursday morning and last through 8 p.m. Friday for our mountains and deserts
- By the middle of the week, daytime highs could be 20 to 30 degrees above normal, with the likelihood of breaking both daily and monthly records.
It’s hard to believe we’re still in the final days of winter as we’re expected to reach record high temperatures this week for most of San Diego County.
The National Weather Service issued a heat advisory from 10 a.m. Monday to 8 p.m. Friday for the city of San Diego and the valley areas of San Diego County, the NWS said. An extreme heat watch will take effect at 10 a.m. Thursday until 8 p.m., Friday.
“Not only are temperatures exceptionally warm, given the time of year, but the duration of prolonged heat for widespread locations is what is making this an unprecedented heat wave, especially for this time of year,” said the NWS. “By Thursday, it is possible that there will be a few locations possibly breaking monthly records, and then again on Friday, as temperatures will be at their hottest.”
A Heat Advisory remains in effect for the coastal areas and valleys from 10 AM Monday to 8 PM Friday. An Extreme Heat Watch is now in effect for the mountains and low deserts from 10 AM Thursday to 8 PM Friday, the NWS said.
Temperatures of 80 to 90 degrees are expected near the coast, and 100 to 105 degrees inland.
A weak offshore flow will bring winds of up to 20 mph Sunday through Tuesday. This week, winds will be confined to the usual passes and canyons with peak gusts around 25-35 mph.
“The big story is how this will begin our warming trend as offshore flow combines with the upper level ridge amplifying off the West Coast,” the NWS said.
The agency said Friday is forecast to be the hottest day of the week, with high temperatures around 30 degrees above normal away from the coast, and around 20 degrees above normal at the beaches.
Highs will reach 109-112 degrees in the deserts.
An early-season heat wave has the potential to break monthly high temperature records, especially in the mountains and deserts, the NWS said.
Some San Diegans took in the nice weather with a hike at Cowles Mountain. While locals are welcoming the warm temperatures, they can be dangerous. NBC 7’s M.G. Perez shows us how some outdoor enthusiasts are staying safe.
Tips to help keep cool and safe:
County officials offered tips on how people and their families can stay safe:
- Drinking plenty of fluids
- Stay out of the sun
- Wear light, loose-fitting clothing
- Avoid using the oven to cook
- Limit strenuous activities to early morning or evening
- Take refuge in air- conditioned spaces if possible
- Check in on potentially at-risk friends, relatives and neighbors
Responding to Signs of Heatstroke or Heat Exhaustion:
First and foremost, if you find someone who is suffering from symptoms of heatstroke or heat exhaustion — dizziness, nausea, confusion, headache — call 9-1-1 and start cooling them. DO NOT give them fluids to drink. A person with heatstroke may not be able to swallow. Fluids could run down their trachea into their lungs and make it hard for them to breathe.
After calling 9-1-1, start cooling the person by moving them into the shade, spraying them with cool water and fanning. Place them in a cool shower if they are alert, monitor their body temperatures and continue cooling them.
SAN DIEGO (CNS) — The number of unsheltered homeless across San Diego County declined by 11% this year, but sheltered homelessness increased by 12%, according to the results of the 2026 Point-in-Time Count released Friday.
The PITC is conducted every January by the Regional Task Force on Homelessness and is a one-day snapshot of the region’s homeless population.
All told, homelessness across the region decreased by 1%, from 9,905 individuals in 2025 to 9,803 in 2026.
“This is what progress looks like,” said RTFH CEO Tamera Kohler. “We’re seeing good results where we’ve made investments. As a region, we still do not have enough housing resources — there are no more housing vouchers, and HUD funding is uncertain. So the investments have been in diversion, sheltering and encampment resolutions. When we have adequate investments, we can reduce unsheltered homelessness.”
The 2026 count found 5,108 individuals living unsheltered, down from 5,714 last year, while 4,695 people were in shelters or transitional housing, up from 4,191.
The information collected is used to apply for federal and state funding to help people experiencing homelessness.
The number of unsheltered homeless dropped dramatically in several cities: 64.1% in Santee, 39.5% in El Cajon, 30% in Encinitas, 25% in La Mesa and 24.5% in Chula Vista.
In San Diego, which as the largest city in the county has a correspondingly large population of homeless residents, those unsheltered declined by 6.6%.
One of the region’s most pressing concerns is the increase in senior homelessness. Older adults make up 33% of the unsheltered population, up from 29% last year, and more than half are experiencing homelessness for the first time. The oldest individual RTFH volunteers engaged on the morning of this year’s count was an 86-year-old Latina woman in Chula Vista.
“It has to be a top-priority population,” Kohler said.
Serving Seniors President & CEO Melinda Forstey says the trend continues to show an increasing impact from homelessness on San Diego county’s older adults.
“While it is encouraging to see that overall homelessness has declined, the continued rise in homelessness among older adults is deeply concerning,” Forstey said. “Once again this year, older adults now make up one third of the region’s homeless population.”
Deacon Jim Vargas, president and CEO at Father Joe’s Villages — one of the region’s largest homelessness services providers — said the region should be doing better.
“We are disappointed to see that overall progress has stalled, with no change in the total number of people experiencing homelessness in our region, even as we’ve continued to invest in solutions,” he said. “More concerning, the data shows a growing crisis among older adults. This year, even more seniors fell into homelessness for the first time, continuing a troubling trend. This is a challenge for which our community is not prepared.”
Possible cuts to San Diego’s homelessness funds in the fiscal year 2027 budget also had Vargas concerned about loss of resources.
“As our population ages, we must act swiftly to prevent seniors from losing their homes and to provide targeted services that meet their unique needs,” he said. “Focusing on prevention, diversion, health care and housing is key to addressing homelessness. It is a travesty for anyone to spend their golden years on the streets.”
Positive developments from this year’s count include a 12% drop in unsheltered veterans, 26% decline in unsheltered transitional-age youth (18-24) and a 14% decrease in people living in vehicles.
“San Diegans should be encouraged by this progress,” said RTFH Board Chair Veronica Dela Rosa. “We are seeing results from targeted investments and strong regional collaboration. But we must stay focused and continue investing in what works.”
A total of 80% of people experiencing homelessness said they became homeless in San Diego County, “underscoring that this is primarily a local challenge driven by housing costs and economic pressures,” a RTFH statement read.
The data released Friday continues a trend of declining homelessness. In 2025, the number of people experiencing homelessness in San Diego County dropped by 7%, and dropped by about 14% in the city of San Diego.
“Progress like this doesn’t happen by accident,” said Continuum of Care Advisory Board Chair Akilah Templeton. “It reflects the work of service providers, outreach teams, local governments and volunteers across the region. At the same time, we must continue expanding housing and services to meet the scale of the need.”
Copyright 2026, City News Service, Inc.
SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — Fans are embracing every remaining moment rallying behind San Diego’s professional indoor women’s volleyball team as it prepares to fold after this season.
One final home crowd lifted the team Thursday night at Viejas Arena before they take their shot at the MLV playoffs and the uncertainty that follows.
“It’s sad. I’m going to miss them for sure,” said local fan Jordan Haskel with her mom by her side. “It’s our thing to come out here together,” said her mother, Babs Symonds.
The team will not be returning for the upcoming season fans are coming to terms with the announcement.
“My heart is broken now when I got the news today that they’re not going to be here next year,” said Danny Jackson.
Owner Gary Jacobs wanted to pause the team in 2027 to pursue a long-term plan, but the league rejected the idea, so the team will shut down while the league searches for new investors.
“You have to have pretty deep pockets to support a team and to support a team you got to have supporters to come out and buy tickets, and you got to be in the stands to yell for them. Last week, I made a comment to my wife I said, God, I wish we had more fans in here,” said Jackson.
It’s not the first time San Diego sports fans have faced losing a team.
“We saw that with the Chargers. We saw that with the Loyals. Unfortunately, sometimes it’s outside of our control,” said Desiree Morales.
Volleyball shaped Morales by instilling discipline and teamwork – values she hopes to pass on to her niece through the Mojo.
“I want them to stay so I can come here every day to see them play,” said Morales’ niece, Isabella.
One thing is for sure, the community the team has built will stay, waiting patiently for what comes next.
“Whether you’re rooting just for San Diego or the team itself or the sport itself you just have to do it,” said Morales.
Major League Volleyball released a statement that reads in part, “San Diego remains one of the most vibrant volleyball communities in the country, and we believe strongly in its long-term potential at the professional level. We are actively exploring strategies for the market, building on the momentum established by the Mojo.”
Del Mar— Cucina Enoteca closed its doors in mid-March after nearly 12 years in the Flower Hill Promenade. In a statement shared with Eater, Urban Kitchen Group owner Tracy Borkum attributed the closure to “substantially increased property taxes.” The hospitality group’s other restaurants, including Cucina Urbana, Artifact and Craft Café at Mingei Museum, The Kitchen at MCASD, Gold Finch, and Morena Provisions, remain open while Cucina Enoteca searches for a new location in North County.
Carmel Valley— Taiwanese shaved ice dessert shop Icekimo shuttered its location in the Del Mar Highlands Town Center. “It was a great location, but the operating expenses were too high. Such a tough time for many businesses,” says owner Robert Yang. Icekimo also shuttered its Eastlake outpost. The flagship location in the Convoy District remains open. In April, a new Icekimo food truck will be available for booking via Instagram.
Kearny Mesa— Sizzling House and Noodles closed its doors after being open for just two years in the Convoy District. One of the first restaurants to open in Plaza del Sol, which was damaged in a 2020 fire, the Asian restaurant served seared marinated proteins on hot platters. Mr. Lin, the restaurant’s owner, tells Eater he sold the business to Urban Matcha, a tea shop that’s expanding from Las Vegas. While he still owns Tasty Pot in Mira Mesa, he hasn’t decided if he’ll open another restaurant. “We’re going to wait to see what the economy does,” Lin says.
North Park— After operating for more than three years at a corner spot in North Park, Patisserie Melanie has closed its doors, according to the San Diego Union-Tribune. At the bakery, owner and Le Cordon Bleu-trained chef Melanie Dunn served croissants, kouign-amann, and quiches that she learned to make in Paris while transitioning from a career as a high school teacher to pastry chef.
Sorrento Valley— Decade-old Chinese restaurant Ma-Dasao closed its doors and rebranded as Shanghai Cuisine; the restaurant’s ownership remains unchanged. Shanghai Cuisine offers all-you-can-eat deals and weekday lunch combos, along with dim sum, in a cafeteria-style setting. Select dishes from the previous Ma-Dasao menu, such as Taiwanese beef noodle soup, are also available.
University Town Center— Rick Bayless’s Mexican restaurant, Red O’s, chose not to renew its lease in the complex across the street from Westfield UTC Mall, according to the San Diego Union-Tribune. The other three Red O outposts in Newport Beach, Westlake Village, and Santa Monica remain open. Plans to tear down the buildings to create new apartment complexes are expected to begin this spring.
Oceanside— After 18 years of serving morning buns, bear claws, and sweet and savory croissants in Oceanside, Petite Madeleine closed its doors on March 15. The bakery announced its closure with a statement shared on Instagram.
Gaslamp Quarter— San Diego Dining Group steakhouse Butcher’s Cut shuttered its doors in January after nearly six years. Romanissimo, operated by the same hospitality group as Butcher’s Cut, took over the space. The Roman trattoria first opened in early 2025 at a neighboring Gaslamp Quarter location with a menu of pastas made in-house, burrata caprese, and bone-in rib-eye.
-
Technology4 minutes agoSplatoon Raiders preorders for the Switch 2 are nearly 20 percent off
-
World10 minutes agoBus plunges into river after trainee driver crash, massive rescue response: reports
-
Politics16 minutes agoTrump teases US will be ‘taking over’ Cuba ‘almost immediately’ in Florida speech
-
Health22 minutes ago‘Ozempic breath’ sparks questions as users report strange side effect
-
Sports28 minutes agoPalestinian soccer boss refuses to shake hands with Israeli counterpart at FIFA Congress
-
Technology34 minutes agoADT data breach exposes customer information
-
Business40 minutes ago
Google, Nvidia and other tech titans sign AI deal with the Pentagon
-
Entertainment46 minutes agoZayn Malik cancels U.S. leg of his Konnakol tour after a recent mystery hospitalization
