Virtual Reality in San Diego - Sandbox VR in Mission Valley Lets You Travel to Other Worlds

This could be YOU! Seriously, you can be right there at Sandbox VR in Mission Valley, San Diego!

SANDBOX VR OPENS ITS SECOND OF FOUR SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA LOCATIONS

The most realistic virtual reality experience in the world is now open at Westfield Mission Valley in San Diego

San Diego, CA (December 9, 2019) - Sandbox VR opened its doors at Westfield Mission Valley in San Diego on December 29th, 2019. Sandbox VR is the kind of immersive social experience that people have dreamt of since the dawn of computing. Through a unique combination of motion capture and VR technologies, you can become anyone and go anywhere. 

Guests transform into virtual avatars of themselves and enter experiences that are mapped over the physical world. Groups can feel haptic feedback, see their friends, and interact with each other just as they normally would.

It doesn’t get any more real than this at Sanbox VR in San Diego

“At Sandbox, you aren’t just inside an experience, you become the experience. With our full-body motion capture technology, you can run, jump, and even high five your friends. Your virtual body is just like your real body—except better, stronger, faster,” explains Founder, Steven Zhao.

Guests can immerse themselves in five exciting Sandbox experiences: The Curse of Davy Jones, Amber Sky 2088, Deadwood Mansion, Unbound Fighting League (UFL), and the newly added Star Trek: Discovery Away Mission. Located at 1640 Camino Del Rio N, Suite 116, San Diego, CA 92108, Sandbox VR will be open Monday through Thursday from 11 AM to 10 PM and Friday and Saturday from 11 AM to midnight and Sundays from 11 AM to 11 PM. 

With the success of the October 4th, 2019 opening of The Village Westfield Topanga location, Sandbox VR is also slated to launch at Los Cerritos Center in Cerritos, CA on January 22nd, 2020. “I can’t wait to show Californians the same life-changing experience that I had when I first entered a Sandbox for the first time,” said CEO Siqi Chen. 

Sandbox is launching with five unique experiences: The Curse of Davy Jones is a thrilling treasure hunt on the high seas, Amber Sky 2088 is a futuristic journey from the ground floor of new Hong Kong all the way up to space, Deadwood Mansion is an intense survival experience, UFL throws you in an ultimate fighting ring, while our newest experience allows you to join the crew of the USS Discovery in Star Trek: Discovery Away Mission.

Sandbox VR - In Here, It’s Possible.

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For more information and to make reservations, please visit sandboxvr.com and connect with Sandbox VR on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

ABOUT SANDBOX VR

Sandbox VR is the true VR experience that people have dreamt of since the dawn of computing. Your whole body is captured into an experience with your friends right there with you. Feel, see, hear, and move freely - be anyone, go anywhere. Visit a new world. Try an unearthly experience. Transform into a new character. Be a new you. Experiencing is believing. Learn more at www.sandboxvr.com. In here, it's possible.

San Diego Symphony Christmas + Holiday Events 2019 - What's Going On This Christmas in San Diego?

It’s not the Holidays until you attend a San Diego Symphony event!

The holiday season – and the San Diego Symphony’s special December concert calendar – are quickly approaching, and the orchestra’s merry concerts are can’t-miss traditions for everyone to enjoy.

• December 13: Disney in Concert: Mary Poppins
  Although not a holiday-specific film, Mary Poppins is a true classic that’s perfect for all ages! The San Diego Symphony will perform The Sherman Brothers’ charming and delightful Oscar-winning musical score during this popular film.

• December 14, 20, 21, 22: Noel Noel
  Copley Symphony Hall will be your new home for the holidays at the Symphony’s annual Noel Noel concert. San Diego’s top holiday tradition will feature classic Christmas gems, choral favorites and audience sing-alongs. The event will also feature a special appearance by Old St. Nick!

• December 15: Noel Noel: A Family Concert
  The holidays are a family affair, and that’s why the San Diego Symphony is hosting a special Noel Noel concert specially dedicated to families. In one short afternoon concert, the orchestra will perform holiday favorites alongside the San Diego Master Chorale, the San Diego Children’s Choir and a certain jolly North Pole resident.

Looking ahead to the New Year, the Symphony will host its fifth annual January Festival, whose 2020 edition is titled “Beethoven: Iconoclast, Innovator, Genius” and comes the same year as the singular composer’s 250th birthday.

WASTED: A Celebration of Sustainable Food coming to San Diego on October 20th.

WASTED: A Celebration of Sustainable Food coming to San Diego on October 20th.

Kitchens for Good is making celebrity chefs rethink kitchen waste

SAN DIEGO, October 8, 2019 – Kitchens for Good is thrilled to announce their upcoming event, WASTED: A Celebration of Sustainable Food, on Oct. 20, sponsored by Sysco. This tastemaker event will feature 35 local and national celebrity chefs and mixologists who will be competing to prepare winning dishes and cocktails using food that would otherwise be discarded. The goal of the event is to bring awareness to sustainability for chefs and consumers, creating a call to action about the way people consider food waste. All proceeds will support Kitchens for Good, a non-profit organization that tackles issues of food waste, poverty and hunger.

According to a National Resources Defense Council (NRDC) report, approximately 40 percent of edible food ends up in landfills in the United States. Further, nearly one in six San Diegans lacks access to healthy, affordable food, according to a study conducted by Feeding San Diego.

Chefs at the WASTED event will demonstrate ways to turn food waste into inspiring dishes with some rethinking of ingredients and creative cooking. Day-old bread? Turn it into beer. Bruised fruit is great for desserts while savory bites can be concocted using the whole animal or vegetable. Attendees will get to cast their votes to choose the winning dishes in the savory, sweet and cocktail categories.

"The WASTED event and efforts behind Kitchen for Good aligns so perfectly with our intrinsic company values. Our mission with our product line and content is to help people enjoy safe, fresh, longer-lasting food while preventing food waste. We are excited to serve up our killer chocolate chunk walnut banana bread with the peels on, featured in my new book Eat Like You Give a Fork: The Real Dish on Eating to Thrive, using a locally made, small batch, handcrafted bean to bar chocolate called Nibby's. We'll also be serving a warm drink high in Theobromine that uses cocoa bean husks that are normally thrown away." – Chef and Author, Mareya Ibrahim.

Kitchens for Good culinary students, who are gaining employment skills following incarceration, homelessness and/or foster care, will be matched with competing chefs in the preparation of dishes for the event.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for chefs to inspire the public to rethink food-waste, all while raising money and awareness towards an important issue,” said Aviva Paley, Co-Founder and Senior Director of Kitchens for Good. “We’re excited about the lineup of chefs and are thankful for Sysco and their sponsorship.”

WASTED will feature top local and national chefs including Chopped Champion Thiago Silva, Food Network Star Maeve Rochford, Chef Ryan Olrando of International Smoke, Chef Drew Bent of Lola 55, Chef and Author, Mareya Ibrahim and Executive Chef Davin Waite of Wrench and Rodent Seabastropub.

“For the first time ever Chefs have a unique platform to educate and lead by example,” said Waite. “There is a tremendous amount of food waste in our industry. The solution is not only simple and good for the planet but can lead to a more interesting and delicious culinary experience."

There will be live entertainment and a silent auction. Interviews, chef demonstrations and photo/video opportunities are available.

More information about the event, to buy tickets, or become a media sponsor please visit www.wastedcelebration.com.

About Kitchens for Good

Kitchens for Good is a San Diego based non-profit that uses kitchens as a tool to nourish bodies, empower the marginalized, and create economically vibrant communities. Kitchens for Good rescues surplus food that might otherwise go to waste, and turns it into nutritious meals for the hungry, while training men and women previously perceived as unemployable for careers in the culinary industry. This approach addresses the most immediate need of hunger by feeding the food lines, but also helps to shorten the line itself by offering pathways out of poverty for individuals transitioning out of incarceration, homelessness and foster-care. KFG’s ensures its sustainability through a catering and food service enterprises that offers on the job training opportunities for all students, and generates 59% of the organization's budget.

San Diego Symphony 2018 Bayside Summer Nights Schedule

Summer concert series to include Roger Daltrey With Band Members From The Who, Patti LaBelle, Megan Hilty, Rick Springfield, Clint Black, Star Wars: A New Hope In Concert, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire™ in Concert with a live symphony orchestra and more!

August Concert Highlights: 

• FRI AUGUST 3

Burt Bacharach

The one-and-only Burt Bacharach is returning to Bayside Summer Nights for a night of lively pop hits! Accompanied by sensational singers and the orchestra, his fresh twist on pop favorites has made him a San Diego Symphony favorite.  

• WED AUGUST 15

       Roger Daltrey with Members of The Who Band

Rock icon Roger Daltrey will perform Who hits and rarities and songs from his latest album, As Long as I Have You, at a special concertaccompanied by members of the Who band and special guest Leslie Mendelson. This is one of the most sought-after shows of San Diego’s summer concerts.

• FRI AUGUST 17 | SAT AUGUST 18

Gerswhin on Broadway feat. An American in Paris and Porgy and Bess

The Embarcadero will come alive with the music of one of America’s finest composers, George Gerswhin! Led by famed Broadway Conductor Rob Fisher, this concert will focus on the recent revivals of An American in Paris and Porgy and Bess and feature special appearances by top Broadway stars including performer Norm Lewis from the 2012 Porgy and Bess Broadway run and singer, dancer and Tony Award-nominated star of the An American in Paris revival, Robert Fairchild.

• WED AUGUST 22

Star Wars: A New Hope – In Concert

Step into the thrilling world of Star Wars at this special San Diego Symphony concert! The San Diego Symphony will perform John Williams’ iconic score live-to-picture at the Embarcadero Marina Park South.   

• THUR AUGUST 23

Ladies Who Jam: Women in Jazz

Celebrate the many iconic women of jazz at Ladies Who Jam! The concert will feature some of the most innovative, up-and-coming female talent in today’s jazz music scene including violinist Nora Germain, pianist Helen Sung, and Grammy and Tony Award-winning jazz veteran Dee Dee Bridgewater. 

• FRI AUGUST 31 | SAT SEPTEMBER 1 | SUN SEPTEMBER 2

1812 Tchaikovsky Spectacular

The San Diego Symphony’s fantastic Bayside Summer Nights series will end with a bang! Join us for the ever-popular annual Tchaikovsky concert led by Associate Conductor Sameer Patel and watch the night sky light up with a spectacular firework display over San Diego Bay! 

This year, the San Diego Symphony will also be hosting a fun new weekly event: Flamingo Fridays. On Fridays, the Symphony will offer lower ticket prices, happy hour drink specials, pre-concert entertainment, giveaways and gifts!

Box Office: 619.235.0804
Website: www.sandiegosymphony.org
San Diego Symphony - Bayside Summer Nights 2018
Embarcadero Marina Park South
206 Marina Park Way
San Diego, CA 92101

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Ben & Jerry's FREE Cone Day at Seaport Village, April 4, 2017

Free ice cream cone at Ben and Jerry's, Seaport Village, April 4, 2017

YEA! FREE ICE CREAM CONE AT BEN AND JERRY'S AT SEAPORT VILLAGE, APRIL 4, 2017!

Ice cream lovers can head to Ben & Jerry’s at Seaport Village (the only store location in San Diego) for the 38th annual Free Cone Day happening next Tuesday, April 4. From 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., guests can get a free scoop of their favorite flavor. In the spirit of giving back, Ben & Jerry’s will also partner with The San Diego Youth Services to collect donations that day and raise awareness about their local programs.

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WHERE:  SEAPORT VILLAGE, SAN DIEGO (859-A West Harbor Drive San Diego, 92101)

WHEN:  APRIL 4, 2017, FROM 10 AM TO 9 PM

WHAT AGAIN?  FREE ICE CREAM CONE!  

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For the past 38 years, Ben & Jerry’s has opened Scoop Shops to dish out free ice cream to fans, thanking them for being so uniquely awesome. The tradition has continued to grow, beginning in the small state of Vermont, and now spanning across the globe. Come join in on the company’s long-time tradition of thanking fans for their commitment and ongoing support.

The company was founded on the idea that business has not just the opportunity, but also the responsibility to give back to the community. Free Cone Day is a long standing tradition when it comes to benevolent acts, and as Jerry said, "If it’s not fun, why do it?" The annual anniversary merges the two founding principles and demonstrates that giving back to the community is just as sweet as free ice cream.

Don't miss it!  Free Ice Cream Cone at Ben & Jerry's, Seaport Village, San Diego

"We love getting involved with and giving back to our communities.  It’s amazing what we can do together over shared values and several scoops of ice cream," said Michelle Alcantar, Owner/Operator, Ben & Jerry’s of Seaport Village. Ben & Jerry’s has been a longtime advocate of social causes like marriage equality and climate justice, and ensuring that their ice cream is made in the best way possible which includes sourcing Fairtrade and non-GMO ingredients.

Ben & Jerry’s continues to deliver on the chunky and funky flavors fans have grown to love and expect. In addition to dishing out the chunks and swirls, Ben & Jerry’s of Seaport Village will partner with local organization San Diego Youth Services to spread the word about their mission to improve the lives of homeless, runaway, abused, and at-risk youth.

So the biggest question is, what flavor will you have on Free Cone Day? 

Old Mission Beach Athletic Club to Host First-Ever Craft Beer Festival & Over the Line Tournament at Mariner’s Point on May 20th and 21st, 2017

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OVER THE LINE RETURNS WITH CRAFT BEER, MAY 20TH, 2017

Put your toes in the sand with a drink in your hand at the only local beer festival on the beach!

The Old Mission Beach Athletic Club (OMBAC) is taking its renowned Over the Line (OTL) Tournament to the next level this year. The organization will host its first-ever Craft Beer Festival on Saturday, May 20 in conjunction with the first rounds of Over the Line at Mariner’s Point on May 20-21—because nothing gets you warmed up for bat like a cold one. Players are invited to bring their bats, balls and most creative team names to the tournament, while spectators watch the games and enjoy local craft brews, cocktails, and bites for a cause.
 
On Saturday, May 20 from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., sip craft beer from many of San Diego’s top breweries and enjoy fare from local food trucks. Breweries will include Aztec Brewing, Belching Beaver, Benchmark Brewing, Bolt Brewery, Dos Desperados, Fall Brewing, Helms Brewing, Indian Joe Brewing, Iron First Brewing San Diego, Ironfire Brewing, Left Coast Brewing, Resident Brewing, Second Chance Brewing, and more to come. Cutwater Spirits, from the band of liquid pioneers behind Ballast Point, will also be selling craft cocktails onsite.
 
General admission, including the four hour beer tasting, for guests ages 21+ is $30 with advance online purchase via Eventbrite, or $40 at the gate on the day of event.
 
The OTL Tournament will host 125 teams in a double elimination format. The first rounds will take place from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 20 with winning teams returning from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 21. Tournament divisions include: Men's Pro; Men's Open; Men's Masters; and Women's Open. The entry fee is $120 per team and will increase as the tournament fills up.
 
This two-day event is a precursor to the 64th Annual World Championship Over the Line Tournament set for July 8/9 and July 15/16 at Fiesta Island, Mission Bay Park, San Diego.
 
For more information on OMBAC charities, please www.ombac.org/omcharities/ and for general inquiries, contact us at info@ombac.org. Get social with OMBAC on Facebook at @ombac and on Instagram at @ombacsd.
 
About Old Mission Beach Athletic Club
OMBAC is a 501(c) 4 non-profit organization that focuses on amateur sports, youth athletics, and local charities. OTL is the main fundraising event. Past recipients of OMBAC’s fundraising and donations included UCSD Cancer Research, Jr. OTL Scholarships, Wounded Warrior Foundation, Huntington’s disease, Bikes for Kids, Jr. Lifeguard Foundation, Cancer Walk, Marine Family Christmas Fund, Alpha Project, Meals on Wheels, Hospice, Pacific Beach Youth Group, San Diego St. Patrick’s Day Parade, San Diego Blood Bank, OMBAC Rugby, OMBAC Lacrosse and OMBAC Water Polo. For more information, visit www.ombac.org, Facebook or Instagram.

San Diego 2016 Christmas Holiday Events

Hanging for the Holidays in San Diego 2016

Best Things to Do from Ice Skating at the Hotel Del Coronado to Special Events at the San Diego Zoo

It may not be a white Christmas, but there is plenty to do in gorgeous San Diego to get you in the holiday spirit! Whether you’re visiting for just a bit or a long-time local, you’ll want to check out these holiday activities:

Neighborhood Holiday Lights

Garrison Street Christmas Lights (Point Loma) – this amazing neighborhood covers their homes in shining lights, nativity scenes, Santas, sleighs and so much more. You can drive through, but you’ll probably want to park and stroll down the street to truly enjoy the details. They are ready the day after Thanksgiving until December 31st. Plug this address into your GPS and you’ll find yourself right there! 3663 Garrison Street, San Diego, CA 92106. There are many wonderful neighborhoods all over San Diego that have similar over-the-top decorations. To find a neighborhood closer to you, use this handy map of Christmas Lights.

San Diego Boat Parade

For a unique coastal twist to the holidays, plan to see the 45th Annual San Diego Bay Parade of Lights. Find a Bayfront spot and watch the procession of approximately 80 lavishly decorated boats as they dazzle and entertain on December 11th and 18th, starting at 5:00pm.

Ice Skating

Outdoor ice skating is a special treat during the holiday season and here are two wonderful choices for this activity.

The iconic Hotel del Coronado offers “Skating by the Sea,” a seasonal oceanfront ice skating rink open from November 24th to January 2nd. Visitors will surly feel the holiday spirit strolling through their winter wonderland of beautiful decorations, DELights display, and the spectacular two-story lobby Christmas tree.

“Fantasy on Ice” at historic Liberty Station begins November 17th with live performances and remains open until January 8th. There are a variety of different public skating times so check here for more information. One hundred percent of profits from this rink benefit Peckham Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders at Rady Children’s Hospital.

Major Attraction Holiday Event:  San Diego Zoo, LegoLand, Seaworld

Visit the World-Famous San Diego Zoo from November 24th to January 3rd to experience “Jungle Bells.” Enjoy an array of holiday lights and animal-shaped light sculptures, ride the twinkle trolley, see the acrobatic trampoline elves, visit with Santa and much more.

Celebrate the Holidays at LEGOLAND with a life-size Lego Santa, reindeer and sleigh among twinkling lights, nightly snowfall and special holiday treats.

Visit Sea World’s Christmas Celebration to feel a wave of holiday cheer. The 320-ft. tall Sky Tower shines with twinkling lights and all the park’s various shows have Christmas themes. You can have breakfast with Shamu and Santa, visit Santa’s Cottage, see the 40-ft. happiest dancing Christmas tree, and much more.

San Diego is the perfect place to experience so many outdoor holiday activities to put you in the festive spirit. Plan ahead to make sure to enjoy all your favorites! Happy holidays!

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Guest Post Provided by Molly McCrackin

Molly McCrackin grew up in San Diego and has been managing short term vacation rentals in the beach area since 2008. She is the owner and manager of Molly's Rentals - a short term vacation rental company that specializes vacation homes in Mission Beach, Pacific Beach, and downtown San Diego.

SAN DIEGO BAY WINE + FOOD FESTIVAL, NOV 11-18, SAN DIEGO'S BIGGEST FOOD EVENT IS BACK! 2018 Update!

The Moment Has Arrived – Tickets Now On Sale For Southern California’s Most Anticipated Culinary Classic, November 11 -18, 2018

San Diego, CA – The San Diego Bay Wine + Food Festival® launches ticket sales for its 15th annual culinary classic held November 11 -1 8, 2018, and announces an impressive lineup of new events and celebrity chefs. Featuring over 40 citywide tasting experiences, Southern California’s largest food and wine festival will welcome 10,000 eager epicurean enthusiasts to America’s Finest City.

I go EVERY year without fail because this is absolutely the best food event in San Diego.  With over 90 booths of gourmet foods from some of San Diego's best restaurants and food companies there's something for every foodie.  And I'm not talking small bites of pasta, I'm talking about the good stuff - beautifully plated small bites and wine, beer, and spirits to wash it all down.  Add to that the normally gorgeous San Diego weather this time of year and it's an absolute winner.  Check out this impressive list of restaurants participating this year. 

Here's how it works - During the week there are tons of events, from Excursions to sample the best of Baja wines and cuisine to Wine Education classes and dining events.  You can see all of the events here.  On Saturday, Nov 17th, 2018, the Grand Tasting Event happens where food booths take over the Embarcadero area near Seaport Village.  The VIP tickets get you in an hour early for four full hours of eating, drinking, dancing, and San Diego style people watching.  Standard admission opens an hour later but if you can swing it the early tickets are the way to go as the crowds are much thinner the first hour.

This year there's a special priced four pack for $485 - that's a good deal!  And remember, the event is all you can eat, all you can drink, all the gourmet food you can handle!  Look, you have to trust me on this one - GO!  I've gone to a lot of food and wine festivals and nothing compares to the San Diego Bay Wine + Food Festival!

Photos to Tempt You!