San Diego, CA

Report finds experiences differ widely across AANHPI subgroups in San Diego County

Published

1 year ago

February 1, 2025

Report finds experiences differ widely across AANHPI subgroups in San Diego County

Outcomes in health, education, economics, representation and more for San Diego County’s diverse Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) population differ widely when that data is clustered, a report published by the San Diego Foundation recently found. The report sought to highlight areas in which the county’s AANHPI population needs more attention and recommendations for action to meet those needs.

NBC 7 spoke with an Asian American member of San Diego City Council, the San Diego County Health and Human Services Department, and a community leader from the Asian Pacific Islander Initiative following the report’s findings.

Gabriela Stone with the San Diego Regional Policy & Innovation Center, spoke with NBC 7 about what her team found most surprising from the research.

“We knew that there would be disparities between the communities, but we were surprised at the size of some of them. The Cambodian community in particular has high disability rates, the lowest incomes of an AANHPI group, and are more than five times as likely as White, non-Hispanic San Diegans to not have health insurance,” Stone said.

📊 Findings on demographics and immigration

Currently, the county’s AANHPI community represents 16.2% of the county’s population. Compare that with Latinos, which represent 35% of the county’s population, according to the State of San Diego Latinos Report, also by the San Diego Foundation.

Filipinos remain the largest single-race AANHPI group in the county (4.4%), followed by Chinese (1.8%) and Vietnamese (1.7%), the report states. The second largest group is multiracial AANHPI residents (4.3%).

Just over half of those Asian American residents are first-generation immigrants (51.1%). Compare that to Latinos in the county, most of which are U.S.-born (69%), according to report.

NBC 7 asked Stone on what’s most unique about the county’s AANHPI community.

“You might know that 16.2% of San Diegans are Asian. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. We talked to people who are Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander—and that’s what we mean by ‘AANHPI.’ It turns out there are 21 different single-race nationalities and 71 multiracial combinations within the AANHPI community—and that’s just Census-recognized groups, so it doesn’t include folks like the 2,000 or so Karen [kuh-REN] people who are refugees from Burma. And each of these communities have different strengths and face different challenges,” Stone said.

Summing up the report, Stone said these areas represent the greatest barriers for the county’s AANHPI population:

Limited access to to linguistically and culturally appropriate mental health care, combined with a mental health stigma
The county is large. Overcoming geographical barriers and developing community events and spaces for cultural preservation, elder support, mentorship, community building and belonging is a challenge
Expanding leadership development programs for AANHPI-led organizations as current community leaders are overextended

🔎 Areas of concern

Issues of critical concern? Mental health. A leading cause of death among Asian American youth (15-24) is suicide.

For context, suicide ranks as the leading cause of death for AANHPI boys ages 15-19 in California, and the second leading cause of death for AANHPI girls in the same age group.

For White non-Latino boys and girls in the same age group, suicide is the third leading cause of death, researchers found.

San Diego County’s Health and Human Services Agency pointed out a discrepancy between California’s suicide-related data and that of the county.

“The suicide death rate for Non-Hispanic API youth ages 10-24 is comparable to the overall SD County rate for youth ages 10-24,” a spokesperson with the agency told NBC 7.

“In 2023, the suicide death rate for the overall API population (i.e., all ages) was lower compared to other racial/ethnic groups,” according to the agency. In 2023, the county’s rate of suicide was 11 per 100,000 residents compared to 5.4 per 100,000 for the overall API population, the agency added.

Most of the county’s Asian American residents have their health insured below or near the county average, according to the report. Meanwhile, 23.9% of Native Hawaiians and 20% of Cambodians lack health insurance.

San Diego City Councilmember Kent Lee is the city’s only Asian American member on the council and one of the few holding a leadership role in the city. He oversees District 6, which encompasses Kearny Mesa (including the Convoy Asian Cultural District), Mira Mesa, Scripps Ranch, Sorrento Valley and University City. His district is also a community with a large Asian American population. NBC 7 spoke with Lee following the report’s publishing.

Lee told NBC 7 he can’t speak to the mental health and health insurance struggles of the AANHPI community, but his office focuses on bringing different voices to the table to have conversations within the community.

He did remark that other Asian American and Pacific Islander-focused organizations in the city, such as the Pacific Arts Movement, the San Diego Asian Pacific Islander Coalition and the Lao Advocacy Organization of San Diego, work to hold events such as the San Diego Lao Food Festival and the SD Tet Festival, to bring folks together and “give voice to some of the challenges that we [are] facing.”

🏘️ Homeownership

In San Diego County, 60% of non-Latino White residents own their homes, while only 17% of “Other Pacific Islanders” own their homes and 74% of Thai residents own their homes, according to the report.

“Owning one’s home is a historically effective way to build wealth, stabilize housing costs and put down roots in a geographic community,” the report states.

San Diego City Councilmember Kent Lee is the city’s only Asian American councilmember and oversees District 6, which encompasses Kearny Mesa (including the Convoy Asian Cultural District), Mira Mesa, Scripps Ranch, Sorrento Valley and University City. The district is also a community with a large Asian American population.

NBC 7 spoke with Lee to discuss what he is doing to increase the rates of homeownership among the county’s AANHPI community.

Lee is looking to create more homeownership and more housing opportunities within District 6 specifically.

“District 6 in particular has some of the most significant amounts of new housing opportunity within our area, and not just for rent” Lee told NBC 7.

The Convoy Asian Cultural District in Kearny Mesa has been known as a hub for food and entertainment in the city.

“We’re seeing the first residential units being built in Convoy and within some of the surrounding communities,” Lee said.

🗣️ Language barriers

The AANHPI population speaks 67 distinct dialects. Language barriers could keep residents from getting the services they need.

Lee said that residents in need of language services in relation to things like city council meetings can go to the City Clerk. “One of the biggest barriers for people getting politically engaged can sometimes just be language. And so the city clerk’s office helps to provide translated materials in multiple languages,” Lee said.

If someone wants to speak at a city council meeting but is not confident in English, they can request an interpreter at city council free of charge.

JoAnn Fields with San Diego’s Asian Pacific Islander Initiate spoke to NBC 7 about language barriers the community faces. She says people have missed important messages related to the COVID-19 pandemic, wildfire and flood warnings and surveys on the Tijuana river sewage crisis.

According to Fields, during the historic flooding in parts of San Diego in January 2024, she asked former County Supervisor Nora Vargas for emergency notices to be translated into Tagalog.

🤸‍♂️ Recommendations for action

Following the report, the foundation recommended these actions:

Investing in cultural and linguistic services for mental health, social connection for AANHPI elders, leadership and business development
Developing community events and spaces to facilitate cultural preservation, elder support, mentorship, community building and a sense of belonging
Expand leadership development programs and for AANHPI-led organizations
Address geographic barriers to services by strategically locating resources and transportation, especially for elders
Further expand data collection to better understand and address disparities in the AANHPI community

To address issues facing the AANHPI community, Stone specifically suggests investing in disaggregated date collection and measuring the impact of interventions. “For example, disaggregated data on Cambodian and Laotian populations could guide tailored educational and workforce interventions,” Stone said.

Stone also recommended providing services that address cultural nuances and language diversity. “The geographic analysis in the report offers data that will help organizations locate resources well, too,” she added.

🤝 Resources and groups for San Diego County’s AANHPI community members

The report was commissioned by the San Diego Foundation and developed in partnership with the San Diego Regional Policy & Innovation Center. How was the research conducted? Stone sent the following statement to NBC 7:

Research was conducted over a period of about 4 months using both primary data collection and secondary data analysis of data between 2021-2024. Wherever possible we used the 2022 American Community Survey (ACS), conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau. We also analyzed data about youth mental health among San Diego Unified School District high school students from the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System, a regular survey of high school students conducted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). To better understand these and ground our analysis more effectively in the San Diego community, we attended a Community Ambassador Session and conducted nine interviews with leaders in the San Diego AANHPI community.

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San Diego, CA

Herb & Wood Celebrates 10 Delicious Years in Little Italy

Published

3 hours ago

March 28, 2026

Press Room

Herb & Wood Celebrates 10 Delicious Years in Little Italy

A decade of unforgettable meals calls for a proper celebration. This April, Herb & Wood marks its 10-year anniversary, honoring ten years of shaping San Diego’s culinary identity from its stylish home in Little Italy.

Since opening in 2016, the restaurant has played a defining role in modern San Diego dining, ushering in a more ingredient-driven, chef-forward era while setting the standard for design, hospitality, and overall experience.

A Month of Throwback Favorites and Celebratory Surprises

To commemorate the milestone, Herb & Wood is celebrating all month long by bringing back a selection of OG favorites alongside the signature dishes that have remained staples over the years.

Order from the anniversary lineup and receive a scratcher ticket for a chance to win prizes like a whole Jamón Ibérico ham leg, a custom Johnny Lane painting, and a coveted “lifetime” branzino card. It’s a fun and fitting way to toast one of San Diego’s most influential restaurants.

A Collaborative Anniversary Dinner

The celebration concludes with a special four-course anniversary dinner featuring standout chefs from the Puffer Malarkey Collective. Brian Malarkey, Aidan Owens, Tara Monsod, and Kylie Cablayan will come together for an unforgettable evening that highlights their creativity and culinary artistry.

The celebratory menu includes:

Course One

Parker House Rolls with honey herb butter
Oyster & Beef Tartare with smoked oyster mayo, caramelized onion, and beef fat snow

Course Two

Lechon Kawali with grilled strawberries, pickled mustard seeds, pickled Tokyo negi, mustard frill, and strawberry sarsa

Course Three

Woodfired Tenderloin & Charred Prawns with garlic and chili, fennel oil, celery root, and whipped tallow butter

Course Four

Funfetti Cake with blueberry jam, lemon curd, and Swiss meringue buttercream

This one-night-only collaboration is a delicious tribute to Herb & Wood’s legacy and a memorable way to toast ten remarkable years in Little Italy.

A Defining Force in San Diego Dining

Over the past decade, Herb & Wood has become a cornerstone of Little Italy’s vibrant dining scene. Known for its warm ambiance and thoughtfully crafted menu, it continues to set the tone for modern dining in San Diego.

Whether revisiting longtime favorites or discovering something new, this anniversary celebration is the perfect excuse to gather around the table and raise a glass to ten remarkable years.

See you there!

We’ll be celebrating in Little Italy with throwback bites, celebratory pours, and plenty of toasts to ten iconic years at Herb & Wood.

📆 April 3 – 29, 2026 | Culmination celebration April 30
📍 2210 Kettner Blvd, San Diego
🎟️ Book your table here
ℹ️ Click here for updates

See you there, San Diego!

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San Diego, CA

Tom Krasovic: Catarina Macario signing shows brighter days ahead for Wave

Published

16 hours ago

March 27, 2026

Press Room

Tom Krasovic: Catarina Macario signing shows brighter days ahead for Wave

The San Diego Wave and their fans deserved every second of the festive Friday morning that played out at Snapdragon Stadium.

Wave personnel and fans erupted in cheers as Catarina Macario, a star striker with San Diego roots who agreed to a record-setting contract, displayed a Wave No. 20 jersey at an introductory news conference.

Macario, 26, has taken injury detours, but stands indisputably as one of the world’s better goal-scorers among women.

The Torrey Pines High School and San Diego Surf alum’s local pedigree may also boost the fifth-year Wave, who through no fault of the club’s current leaders, lost considerable star power in recent years, contributing to an attendance decline.

At a reported $8 million, the five-year deal is reportedly the most for a women’s soccer player.

Macario, smiling often, labeled her new reality “unreal,” while seated next to Wave sporting director Camille Ashton.

She was 12 when family members, seeking better opportunities, brought her from Brazil to live in San Diego after first visiting Dallas.

“I never would have imagined, I guess, that 12-year-old Cat, not knowing how to speak English, being super scared, would one day come back and get to represent her hometown team,” Macario said. “It’s very special. It’s something I’m very proud of. It will just mean that much more, once I step on the field.”

Catarina Macario, right, holds up her jersey with Camille Ashton, Sporting Director and General Manager, at a news conference held to announce
her signing with the San Diego Wave FC March 27, 2026 in San Diego, Calif. (Photo by Denis Poroy)

Ashton called it “a monumental signing.”

Ashton, formerly Camille Levin, won a national championship with Stanford as a player. She said Macario, who came to Stanford after Ashton turned pro, fits well into the possession-driven, uptempo style the Wave have developed in a season-plus under coach Jonas Eidevall.

“Cat is a world-class player of exceptional quality, intelligence and character,” Ashton said. “Her technical ability, vision and goal-scoring instinct make her one of the most exciting talents in the game today. Just as importantly, she brings a professionalism and competitive drive that will both complement and elevate the high standards already established within our squad.”

Turmoil marked the 2024 season, the franchise’s final one under team president Jill Ellis and coach Casey Stoney.

Ellis fired Stoney, the franchise’s coach since its inception, before midseason. The team’s offense was tedious, leading to a ninth-place finish and the franchise missing the playoff cut for the first time. Ellis, amid reports of a harsh work environment, moved on.

In the first full year under Ashton and Eidevall, the Wave’s offense improved and the team made the playoffs, but was bounced in one game.

Macario will give the Wave a better chance to rebound at the gate and on the pitch from the exodus of popular stars Alex Morgan (retirement in 2024), midfielder Jaedyn Shaw (traded at her request in January 2025) and defender Naomi Girma (who was transferred to Chelsea later that month for $1.1 million).

The Macario signing comes 16 months after Lauren Leichtman and Arthur Levine, founders of a private equity firm in Los Angeles, completed a $120-million purchase of the Wave.

The record contract “just shows how serious they are about me, and getting the club to succeed even more,” Macario said.

NWSL leaders facilitated the deal as well. Ashton said the league’s adoption four months ago of the High Impact Player Rule, allowing an exception to the salary cap, “came at an incredibly good time.”

Macario said she knows several Wave players and played with versatile fullback Perle Morroni on France’s top club team, Lyon.

Given that Macario has scored goals at an extraordinary pace throughout her career — with the Surf, Torrey Pines, Stanford, Lyon and Chelsea — there’s only one major concern about how her Wave career will play out:

Health.

A left ACL injury suffered in the final game of her season with Lyon four years ago cost her a full season.

An irritation in her right knee cost her a spot on the U.S. team that won gold at the 2024 Olympics in France.

She was sidelined in recent months at Chelsea, creating uncertainty about her Wave debut.

“We’re confident her best years are ahead,” Ashton said.

Macario offered no details Friday about when she’ll be ready to play for the Wave, who’ll face Chicago in a home game today.

Smiling, she suggested being in San Diego will improve her health.

“Maybe the skies were a little too gray for me,” she quipped about health setbacks in England and France. “The sunshine will help me heal a little bit quicker.”

For a franchise that was enveloped by clouds in 2024, the forecast grew much brighter Friday.

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New Venues in San Diego for Spring 2026 Meetings and Events

Published

1 day ago

March 27, 2026

Press Room

New Venues in San Diego for Spring 2026 Meetings and Events

Here’s a closer look at San Diego’s newest eateries, drinking spots, hotels, conference areas, private rooms, and other spaces available for events this spring. The new and renovated San Diego venues are available for corporate parties, weddings, fundraisers, outdoor functions, business dinners, team-building activities, conferences, meetings, and more.

Roppongi Restaurant & Lounge

Photo: James Tran

Roppongi Restaurant & Lounge has debuted a redesigned dining and lounge space in the heart of La Jolla, blending modern elegance with globally inspired design. Led by restaurateur Sami Ladeki, the venue features standout elements like a gold-brushed statement wall, sculptural ceiling installations by Milan-based artist Mirei Monticello, a dramatic fireplace framed by Buddha statues, and a leathered quartzite bar that anchors the space. The 5,700-square-foot restaurant accommodates up to 230 guests seated or 300 reception-style, with full buyouts available, plus a covered patio with heaters that extends the footprint for year-round events. Additional options include a 12-seat private dining room and two semiprivate spaces for 18 and 34 guests. Executive chef Alfie Szeprethy leads a globally inspired, shareable menu—from sushi and dumplings to wok-fired dishes and signature plates like Polynesian Crab Stack and Japanese hot rock steak—paired with a beverage program featuring premium sake, wine, and craft cocktails.

Bonne Vie Brasserie & Bar

Photo: Courtesy of Bonne Vie Brasserie & Bar

Bonne Vie Brasserie & Bar debuted in November 2025 at The Westgate Hotel in San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter, offering a design-forward dining destination that blends French culinary tradition with a relaxed California sensibility. Designed by Jacoi Mann, the space features deep blue and gold tones, velvet seating, and softly lit chandeliers, creating a setting that feels both polished and inviting for group dining and social gatherings. The all-day concept is led by executive chef Fabrice Hardel, whose menu reimagines classic French dishes with locally sourced ingredients, from Burgundy escargot and French onion soup to seafood specialties and modern American-inspired plates. Overall, the 222-room Westgate Hotel has 12 meeting and event spaces and four culinary concepts.

Diamond Room

Photo: Eric Scire/Finest Collective

Diamond Room opened in January inside the historic Simon Levi Building at Gallagher Square in San Diego’s Petco Park, bringing an intimate, retro-chic cocktail experience to the Ballpark District. Developed by Patina Group and Finest Collective—the newly rebranded events and hospitality division of the San Diego Padres—the 50-seat lounge channels a late-1970s aesthetic with velvet, leather, mirrors, and a disco ball, creating a moody, design-forward setting for small gatherings and VIP events. The cocktail program focuses on elevated classics with a local twist—like a clarified margarita and a nitro-infused Garibaldi—while a menu of shareable bites complements the experience. The venue also offers interactive “Shaken & Stirred” mixology classes for small groups. Located steps from the Gaslamp Quarter, the space is available for buyouts and group bookings.

Dora Ristorante

Photo: Kimberly Motos

Dora Ristorante opened near the La Jolla Playhouse at UC San Diego, bringing a coastal Italian dining concept from the team behind Cori Trattoria to the city’s theater district. Led by chef Accursio Lota, the restaurant draws inspiration from southern Italy with a California twist, featuring handmade pastas, Mediterranean seafood, and a house gelato program designed for sharing. Located steps from the theater, Dora offers a pre-theater dining experience with a rotating three-course menu inspired by current productions, as well as options for full-service dinners and wine pairings. The venue includes multiple event spaces, from a 14- to 16-seat private dining room to a main dining room, bar lounge, and patio, with full buyouts accommodating up to 130 seated or 180 guests for receptions.

Paradise Point Resort & Spa

Photo: Courtesy of Paradise Point Resort & Spa

Paradise Point Resort & Spa has completed a full renovation of its conference center, reimagining more than 60,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting space with a coastal-inspired design and enhanced technology. Located on a 44-acre island in Mission Bay, the refreshed venues—including the Paradise Ballroom, Sunset Ballroom, and Mission Bay Ballroom—feature abundant natural light, flexible layouts, and seamless indoor-outdoor flow, with many spaces opening onto waterfront terraces or lawns. Upgrades include integrated lighting, advanced AV capabilities, and high-speed connectivity to support both in-person and hybrid events, alongside sustainability-focused enhancements like LED lighting and eco-conscious materials. Beyond the meeting rooms, groups can take advantage of on-site amenities such as waterfront dining, a full-service spa, five pools, and beachside activities.

Fox Point Farms

Photo: Courtesy of Fox Point Farms

Fox Point Farms in Encinitas is a newly developed regenerative farm and event destination designed for immersive, multi-moment gatherings. The multi-acre working property blends indoor and outdoor venues with on-site food and beverage programs, live music capabilities, and a strong emphasis on sustainability and seasonality, allowing events to flow between gardens, fields, and dining spaces. The venue has already hosted corporate buyouts, private celebrations, and large-scale gatherings, with programming that integrates food, drink, and environment in a way that feels cohesive and place-driven. A standout feature for planners is the on-site wellness studio, which offers private group classes ranging from yoga and Pilates to sound healing and mindfulness.

Wedgewood Weddings at The Headquarters

Photo: Courtesy of Wedgewood Weddings

Wedgewood Weddings at The Headquarters has debuted in San Diego’s Seaport Village, transforming the city’s historic 1939 police headquarters into a 15,000-square-foot event venue that blends art deco heritage with modern design. The waterfront property features a range of flexible spaces for meetings and social events, including the Velvet Lounge, a speakeasy-inspired cocktail space with a circular bar and jewel-toned finishes, and the Gilded Hall, which accommodates up to 280 guests seated beneath exposed beams and statement chandeliers. Additional highlights include two VIP suites—The Rose Room and The Vault—designed for pre-event gatherings and photo moments. Located minutes from the San Diego Convention Center and airport, the venue offers a turnkey option for corporate events, galas, and celebrations within a landmark setting.

Courtyard by Marriott San Diego Downtown Little Italy

Photo: Courtesy of Courtyard by Marriott San Diego Downtown Little Italy

Courtyard by Marriott San Diego Downtown Little Italy opened in November 2025, bringing a 334-room hotel with design-forward suites and more than 10,000 square feet of event space to one of the city’s most vibrant neighborhoods. Located in the heart of Little Italy, the property offers a range of flexible venues—including the Amici Ballroom and Cardini Boardroom—suited for everything from intimate receptions to conferences. Guest accommodations include spacious, townhouse-style suites with features like lofted layouts, Juliet balconies, and dedicated living areas. On-site amenities include Orexi, a Mediterranean-California restaurant serving shareable plates and cocktails, along with a rooftop Skydeck pool, sunset terrace with a fireplace, and a fitness center with Peloton bikes.

Ox Coffee Roasters

Photo: Courtesy of Ox Coffee Roasters

Ox Coffee Roasters in Mission Valley is now offering its storefront for private events, providing a casual, community-driven setting for small gatherings and interactive experiences. Located near several convention hotels, the venue accommodates up to 40 guests and can host everything from morning mixers to hands-on latte art classes and coffee tastings led by resident expert Chris Dennis, a competitor in national roasting competitions like the U.S. Brewers Cup Championship. In addition to its coffee program, Ox serves tea, including matcha, and a small menu of pastries and light bites, making it a flexible option for low-key networking events, workshops, and group experiences.

Bacari North Park

Photo: Jakob Layman

Bacari North Park opened in February, marking the San Diego debut of the LA-born, family-owned Mediterranean wine bar in one of North Park’s most recognizable two-story buildings. Known for its shareable, seasonally rotating menu, Bacari offers Mediterranean-inspired small plates, wood-fired pizzas, handmade pastas, and an extensive wine list in a setting designed to feel like an elevated dinner party. The new location spans two levels plus an outdoor patio, making it a flexible option for group dining, receptions, and full buyouts.

NÓMADA

Photo: Kimberly Motos

NÓMADA opened in Carlsbad from Grand Restaurant Group, bringing a regionally driven Mexican dining concept inspired by chef Alex Carballo’s Sinaloan roots and travels throughout Mexico’s coastal and agricultural regions. The menu highlights traditional techniques with a focus on coastal seafood, featuring dishes like Birria Chimichanga Bites, Duck Mole Taco Trio, and Cochinita Pibil. Designed for gatherings, the restaurant offers a mix of indoor dining rooms, an open-air patio, and a lively bar with a live music stage, creating a flexible setting for group dining, celebrations, and private events.

Life Time Otay Ranch

Photo: Robert Reyes

Life Time Otay Ranch opened in December 2025 in Chula Vista as the brand’s first San Diego-area destination built from the ground up, bringing a 150,000-square-foot athletic country club and wellness-focused gathering space to South County. Designed as a two-level, all-in-one lifestyle hub, the property features a 26,000-square-foot workout floor, dedicated group training studios, indoor and outdoor pickleball courts, and a more than 50,000-square-foot outdoor beach club with pools, dining, and lounge areas. In addition to fitness and recreation, the venue includes a Kids Academy, LifeSpa, and LifeCafe, making it a versatile option for wellness-driven corporate events, team-building experiences, and community-focused gatherings.

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