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We check in on the power shut offs affecting San Diego County communities. In other news, the new Chuckwalla National Monument designation blocks any future development on the 600,000 acres of high desert to the east of the Salton Sea. The landscape there is sacred to several tribes who are celebrating Biden’s decision. Plus, Voice of San Diego CEO Scott Lewis explores some of the theories for former county supervisor Nora Vargas’ resignation.

Recreational marijuana is still illegal in Texas. The socially conservative legislature has voted it down year after year. And yet, with its exploding market for largely unregulated consumable hemp, Texas has inadvertently become the new Republic of THC.

Journalists who have risked their freedom to report for Voice of America and its sister news outlets wonder what happens to them now that the Trump administration has gutted their parent agency.

Love is in the air, and there’s no better place to celebrate Valentine's Day than the Gaslamp Quarter – the heartbeat of romantic festivities. Discover a plethora of enchanting happenings, special menus, hotel and restaurant specials, and more throughout the district, making Gaslamp Quarter the ultimate destination to create and cherish memorable moments of love. When: Valentine’s Day - February 14 & the week leading up to February 14 1. LIONFISH: GALENTINE’S GIRL DINNER When: Thursday, Feb 13, 2025 5 p.m. Details: Ladies, it’s time to treat yourself and your besties to a flirty, fabulous Galentine’s Day at Lionfish! Sip on the Pretty Pink Paloma Tower, indulge in the bestie bites, and savor sweet treats, all for just $29. A girls night out with fun, food, and lots of romance. Let’s make this Galentine’s unforgettable! 2. LIONFISH: LOVE BITES - VALENTINE’S DAY SPECIALS When: Friday, Feb 14 Details: Valentine’s Day Specials - $72 Grilled Lobster & Filet- 8oz Filet Mignon, Grilled Lobster Tail, Red Wine Demi, Spicy Kosho-Lime Beurre Blanc, Charred Broccolini, Sesame & Chili Flake, Crispy Potato Pavé. $50 Crab Agnolotti- Corn Chowder, Bacon Crumble, Corn & Crab, Negi, Roasted Corn, Pinenuts, Micro Cilantro 3. MARGARITAVILLE HOTEL SAN DIEGO: LOVE AT FIRST SUITE When: Travel dates: Now – 3/31 | Book dates: Now – 3/31 Details: 25% off your room rate, 50% off parking, and a $50 dining credit 4. BARLEYMASH: VALENTINE’S DAY When: Friday, Feb 14, 2025 Details: This Valentine’s Day, spice things up at Barleymash with some seriously hot drink specials! Sip on the Hott to Go, fall in love with Love Me, Love Me Not, or indulge in a glass of Perrier Jouet Blanc Gass for a little extra sparkle. Join us on Friday, February 14th, 2025, and let the drinks do the talking! Whether you’re celebrating with your special someone or enjoying the single life, Barleymash is the perfect place to feel the love. 5. GINGERS: VALENTINE’S DAY SINGLES MIXER When: Friday, Feb. 14 - 7-9 p.m. Where: Gingers at BarleyMash Details: Single and ready to mingle? Come heat things up at the Gingers Valentine’s Day Singles Mixer! Join us on Friday, February 14th, 2025, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. for a flirty night full of fun, connection, and maybe a little romance. With tickets at just $10 per person, this is your chance to meet someone special or simply enjoy a night out with other fabulous singles. Who knows? Cupid might just be working overtime. 6. THE PENDRY: VALENTINE’S DAY HAPPENINGS Provisional Kitchen When: Friday, Feb. 14 – Sunday, Feb 16, 2025 Details: Bring your favorite Valentine to Provisional Kitchen for an enchanted evening featuring Executive Chef Brandon Sloan’s dinner for two alongside live music, champagne pairings, special surprises and more. Spa Pendry When: Monday-Thursday for the month of February Details: So much to love. Soak up a dose of self-care this month at Spa Pendry where a very special Pendry Rose Renewal signature treatment features a complimentary glass of rosé, a Gemstone & Collagen Eye Mask Treatment and a rose oil-infused gift to take home. 7. HILTON SAN DIEGO GASLAMP QUARTER: VALENTINE’S DAY SPECIALS Valentine’s Day Romance Package When: Feb 1 – Feb 16 Details: Indulge in the ultimate romantic getaway with our Valentine’s Day Romance Package, designed for couples, romantic travelers, and weekend getaway seekers. Available from Feb. 1st to Feb. 16, 2025, this package includes: Wild Hare Bar Garden When: Feb 14 Details: Located in the heart of the Hilton San Diego Gaslamp Quarter, Wild Hare Bar Garden invites you to a romantic dining experience on February 14th. Enjoy specially crafted cocktails and a delectable dessert in a cozy, intimate atmosphere. 8. LUMI: VALENTINE’S DAY WEEKEND When: Tuesday, Feb. 11 – Sunday, Feb. 16 Details: At Lumi, love doesn’t wait—celebrate Valentine’s Day all week long with heart-shaped Akira Back pizzas, delicious chef specials, signature Valentine cocktails, and more. Looking for Galentine’s Day plans? Grab your besties and head to Lumi Rooftop for a Galentine’s night under the stars! Laugh, sip, and snack your way through the perfect evening with great vibes and even better company. 9. CAFE SEVILLA: VALENTINE’S DAY WEEKEND When: Thursday, Feb. 13 – Sunday, Feb. 16 Details: Special four-course Valentine’s Menu and 4th Annual Galentine’s Day Brunch. Reservations: Call 619-233-5979 10. HUNTRESS: VALENTINE’S DAY CHEF’S TASTING MENU When: Feb. 11 – 16, 2025 Details: Book our Sweethearts Table—perfect for a romantic night or Galentine’s celebration, complete with roses and festive décor. Reservations 11. HAVANA 1920: HAVANA NIGHTS – GALENTINE’S DAY EDITION When: Thursday, Feb 13 | 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. Details: Get ready for a sizzling Galentine’s celebration at Havana 1920! Enjoy the sultry sounds of a live band, sip on smooth rum, and indulge in mouthwatering Cuban bites – all for free when you RSVP. Join us on Thursday, February 13th, 2025, for a night full of rhythm, rum, and unforgettable vibes. You and your besties won’t want to miss this! 12. ALMA SAN DIEGO: VALENTINE’S DAY OFFER & HAPPENINGS When: Now-Feb 14 Details: Available offerings include a Sweethearts Package, 24K Gold Amenity Package, live music, seasonal drinks, and a paint & sip night! 13. RUSTIC ROOT: VALENTINE’S DAY SPECIALS When: Friday, Feb 14 – Sunday, Feb 16 Details: Celebrate love and friendship at Rustic Root with Valentine’s dinner specials, Galentine’s brunch delights, signature His & Her cocktails, themed photo ops, and a DIY charm bracelet activation to make with your besties during brunch. 14. THE SMOKING GUN : VALENTINE’S DAY LUAU When: Friday, Feb 14 Details: This Valentine’s Day, The Smoking Gun is turning up the heat with a tropical Valentine’s Day Luau! Join us on Friday, February 14th, and get Lei’d as you indulge in Hawaiian-inspired dishes and sip on refreshing tropical drinks. It’s a night full of island vibes, delicious bites, and unforgettable fun! 15. THE SHOUT! HOUSE: VALENTINE’S DAY – DUELING HEARTS When: Friday, Feb 14 | Doors 6 p.m., Pianos 6:30 p.m. Details: Celebrate love with an unforgettable night at Dueling Hearts! Whether you’re enjoying a romantic evening with your partner or having fun with friends, this Valentine’s Day promises a night filled with music, laughter, and memories to last a lifetime. 16. PARQ NIGHTCLUB: VALENTINE’S DAY – LOVE LUST When: Friday, Feb 14 Details: Get ready for a seductive night at Parq Nightclub’s Love Lust Valentine’s Day celebration! Join us on Friday, February 14th, 2025, for the unforgettable Parq 360 Show featuring a full 360-stage experience, complete with electrifying beats by DJ Kaos. 17. GALENTINE’S: GOOD NIGHT JOHN BOY When: Thursday, Feb. 13 | 7 p.m. Details: Ladies, it’s time to turn up the heat at Good Night John Boy! Kick off the night with a bubbly welcome champagne, then enjoy espresso martinis for just $5 – because who needs sleep when you’re having fun? Sip on Hot Stuff, Roxanne, & Jolene cocktails, nibble on small bites, shop from local vendors, and even get a flash tattoo to mark the night. PARKING: The Gaslamp Quarter offers parking at the following garages: · Park-It-On Market · 6th & K Parkade For more information and themes, visit www.Gaslamp.org Gaslamp Quarter on Facebook / Instagram

In recognition of Indigenous Peoples Day, the first annual Indigenous Heritage Week & Sustainable Design Forum held November 21st at UCSD Park & Market in San Diego will include an advance, red-carpet screening of the film “We Are Guardians.” Produced by Leonardo DiCaprio, the film highlights Indigenous Peoples' role in safeguarding the Amazon rainforest. Pury Tembe, the lead figure in the film, will make a special in-person appearance. The screening is a US exclusive. This forum, part of the inaugural binational World Design Capital legacy program, will bring together Indigenous leaders from Sister Cities across the United States, Mexico, Australia, Japan, Kenya, Brazil, and other Indigenous nations. They will share Traditional Ecological Knowledge and explore its integration into sustainable development initiatives. The Indigenous Forum and screening are co-hosted by the Kumeyaay, San Diego Sister Cities [www.sandisca.org], and Co-sponsored by UC San Diego Global Initiatives [www.global.ucsd.edu], The Behner Stiefel Center for Brazilian Studies, San Diego State University [www.brazil.sdsu.edu], the World Design Capital San Diego Tijuana 2024[www.wdc2024.org/], and My Chosen Vessels [www.mychosenvessels.org/]. The goal is to inspire sustainable solutions by integrating Indigenous traditional ecological knowledge into San Diego’s sustainable development plans. Indigenous leaders will attend the Forum, from San Diego Sister Cities partnerships from the US, Mexico, Australia, Japan, Kenya, Brazil, and beyond. The Forum is the first event of its kind, seeking to advance San Diego’s sustainable future and helping design new, Indigenous-informed models through sharing Indigenous knowledge. The film screening and the Forum kick off Indigenous Heritage Week, a series of Indigenous-led workshops, lectures, and cultural activities across university campuses in San Diego County, held in collaboration with cultural institutions and businesses. These events will include panel discussions, cultural exhibits, art displays, an Indigenous bazaar, a showcase of other Indigenous films, virtual reality experiences, and more. “Attendees will have the unique opportunity to hear directly from Indigenous leaders around the world about their efforts in protecting the planet, wildlife, forests, and oceans,” said Jessica Censotti, Executive Director of San Diego Sister Cities. “These discussions are essential for learning how we can integrate Indigenous traditional practices into our region’s efforts to develop sustainable solutions for our community and create a sustainable future for all humanity.” “We are especially excited to host an advance screening of the film ‘We Are Guardians,’ produced by Leonardo DiCaprio, featuring a special appearance by Puyr Tembé, the film's central figure. Additionally, Koji Kinjo will join us, whose groundbreaking work in coral transplantation and ocean protection is shaping the future of marine conservation, offering San Diego insights for safeguarding its own precious coastline. This is a remarkable opportunity to deepen cross-cultural connections and explore how Indigenous perspectives can shape San Diego’s sustainable future. “ "When you have a whole bundle of arrows together, it's impossible to break," said Dr. Stanley Rodriguez, referring to the unity of Indigenous leaders around the world who will gather in San Diego. Dr. Rodriguez is Kumeyaay Council Member of the Santa Ysabel Band of the Iipay Nation in San Diego & Commissioner of the California Native American Heritage Commission (appointed by Governor Newsom).

Kick off the holiday season with a morning of wellness focused on balance and breathwork. Instructors Jenna-Leigh and Joshua Church will take you through a grounding flow, sound healing and breathwork session. After class, join us next door in Orli’s private Courtyard for a holiday market featuring our favorite local vendors and brands. Holiday yoga mats provided. Visit: Balance & Breath + Holiday Market at Orli La Jolla Orli La Jolla on Instagram

Criticized for its high cost but still selling out nearly everywhere, Nintendo's sequel to their popular Switch console releases as a trade war squeezes the video game industry.

Come out and show your support for local owned businesses with a rooftop pop-up shop! Explore some of the best local owned businesses that San Diego has to offer - just in time for the holiday season! We are opening up our rooftop this weekend to showcase their products and talents along with food and beverage items available and music to set the tone. Additional Event Info: Free and open to the public Complimentary glass of Champagne upon arrival (sparkling cider available for kiddos) 10+ local owned businesses to shop from Photo-op spaces because if you don't take a pic, it didn't happen Music brought to by a variety of local artists, including a Youth String Group raising funds for cancer research Spectacular rooftop views of downtown San Diego's skyline Food & Beverage available for purchase at our rooftop restaurant & bar Dog-Friendly Venue Grab your friends and family, and head on over to find some unique treasures + gifts! Visit: Holiday Makers Market

Also on TV this week, a new season of Nine Perfect Strangers premieres on Hulu, and new episodes of Couples Therapy debut on Paramount+ with Showtime.

A former chess coach says a member of the Taliban vice squad told him: "Playing chess is forbidden. Buying a chess set is forbidden. Even watching it — is forbidden." Why was the game banned?