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This July, Pacific Records Festival will bring together three distinctly different artists whose music reflects the diverse sounds and cultures shaping Southern California today — from beach-rock and island music to harmony-driven Americana. Taking the stage July 19 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Kate Sessions Park, Sandollar, Slack Key 'Ohana, and Twilight Highway each have major summer releases arriving this month and offer compelling feature opportunities beyond the festival itself. Blending reggae, surf rock, funk, hip-hop, and Southern California soul, Sandollar has spent nearly two decades creating the soundtrack to San Diego's sand, surf, skate, and live music culture. Their music has been featured on Netflix's OUTER BANKS and CBS's MAGNUM P.I., while their 2023 album "Under The Water" earned Best World Music Album at the San Diego Music Awards. Their new album, "Sunny Day" (July 17), recorded at the prestigious studio 606 owned by Dave Grohl of the Foo Fighters, features Dizzy Wright and KBong of Stick Figure and showcases the band at a pivotal moment as they bring their signature beach-rock sound to a wider audience. Slack Key 'Ohana: Family, Harmony and Island Spirit: Centered around Brian Witkin, his mother Carol Witkin, and his father Joe Witkin — a founding member of Sha Na Na who performed at Woodstock — Slack Key 'Ohana blends island music, slack key guitar, singalong harmonies, and warm acoustic roots into a sound rooted in family, connection, and the spirit of ʻohana. The award-winning trio has earned two World Entertainment Awards, two San Diego Music Awards, two Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award (Hawaiian GRAMMY) nominations, and multiple No. 1 iTunes World Music chart debuts. While Slack Key ‘Ohana is known for collaborating with a rotating cast of guest musicians on stage and in the studio, most recently including ZZ Top’s Billy F. Gibbons and multiple GRAMMY winner George Kahumoku Jr., their upcoming album, "The ‘Ohana Sessions," marks a return to the band’s core: just the family trio. The album features stripped-down, live-feeling performances that capture the warmth, joy, and musical connection at the heart of their sound. Twilight Highway: Four Voices, One Powerful Americana Sound: With a core quartet of standout vocalists — Maggi Nowlan, Joy Newbegin, Natasha Mason, and Blaise Guld — Twilight Highway delivers a harmony-rich blend of Americana, folk, roots rock, and country influences. Guided by founder and musical director Patricio A. Pickslay, the band draws inspiration from timeless songwriting traditions while creating a sound that feels both familiar and refreshingly modern. Known for emotionally resonant performances, soaring harmonies, and genre-spanning musicianship, Twilight Highway offers audiences a dynamic live experience rooted in storytelling, connection, and musical craftsmanship. To learn more about each artist's upcoming release, pre-save the albums below: Sandollar | Sunny Day Slack Key ‘Ohana | The 'Ohana Sessions Twilight Highway | Volume 1 Together, these artists represent the heart of Pacific Records' artist-first approach and the evolving sound of California coastal and island culture.

Kick off your midweek with an upbeat, community-centered evening featuring salsa lessons, social dancing, great food, and handcrafted cocktails. Whether you're a beginner or seasoned dancer, Sips & Salsa brings people together through music, movement, and Latin hospitality in a fun, welcoming atmosphere perfect for friends, couples, and neighbors. SobreMesa on Instagram

Six leading candidates for California governor are jostling for advantage in a chaotic race with no clear leader. Four Democrats and two Republicans took the stage Wednesday for a televised debate.

Travel, Postcards, Journaling, Snail Mail Summer is here. Go somewhere, across the world or deep inside your own. I'm hosting a 3-hour hands-on workshop where we'll make postcards, start travel journals, and reconnect with the slow, intentional art of snail mail. Come with a place in mind, or let the prompts take us there. Come solo or bring a friend. Come as you are. This event is part of the World's Largest Craft Club @worldwidecraftclub, 25 creators, one day, cities around the world, all making together on June 27. No pressure. No perfection. Just good company, good supplies, and something worth sending. What's included: - Blank postcards, papers, stickers, washi tape, markers, scissors, glue, cutouts, and more - A special art supply sponsored by Visual - A limited World's Largest Craft Club stamp sticker sheet by @meowmail - USPS mailing labels to customize and keep - Real postage stamps to mail a postcard before leaving - Travel journaling tips and prompts to spark creativity - Journal starter kits will also be available for purchase on the day. All materials included. No experience necessary. I can't wait to create with you. Juliana · Pachis art studio · @pachisartstudio About the venue: We're hosted by Visual art+supply @visual_shop, a retail shop for art materials in San Diego that showcases local underground urban contemporary artists and specializes in core supplies for every artist. I'm so glad to be creating in this space. Refund policy: Registrations are non-refundable. If you can't make it, your spot can be transferred to someone else. Just email info@pachisartstudio.com with their name.

Celebrate International Sushi Day at AKA on June 18 with 50% off select sushi rolls when you show the flyer! Enjoy AKA’s elevated atmosphere, signature rolls, and modern Asian flavors for one day only at the Gaslamp destination known for its sleek dining experience and late-night energy. Only at AKA. Only on June 18. Reserve your table today! AKA on Instagram

California’s notoriously long ballot-counting process has sown distrust in the state’s election systems. But experts can’t agree on how to speed up the process; some say a delayed result is better than potentially disenfranchising voters.

Comedian and documentary filmmaker W. Kamau Bell is bringing his new stand-up tour to San Diego. Plus, a new novel explores a Native Hawaiian's coming of age journey. And finally, your weekend preview.

Pokémon helped define a generation. But as card prices soar and resellers take over more of the market, fans are wondering whether the community and connection at the heart of Pokémon can survive its massive success.

First, a conversation around navigating emotional trauma days after a tragedy occurs. Then, Governor Gavin Newsom included something in his revised May budget that local council members have been inquiring about since January. Also, how should you talk to children about Monday’s deadly Islamic Center shooting? Plus, the latest news surrounding the San Diego Velodrome. And, how new border wall construction near Tecate is causing international controversy.

Celebrate the summer solstice with two ocean-loving poets—North County's own Carly Marie DeMento and surfer Michael Klam. Join them for the release of two new books—the "2025-2026 San Diego Poetry Annual" and Klam's latest collection of poetry and visual art, "Stay There," Garden Oak Press: 2026. Carly Marie DeMento is a poet and third-generation San Diegan. Her poetry has appeared in the North American Review, Kestrel, and Green Hills Literary Lantern—and been hung in the best spot of all: friends' kitchens. Nominated for Best New Poets in 2025, Carly's work is supported by Bread Loaf Writers' Conference. She is the co-creator of "Desire, Calling"—a reading series that features queer writers, a dance party, and a fundraiser for local nonprofits. Michael Klam is associate publisher of the San Diego Poetry Annual. He is editor-in-chief of the bilingual edition of the SDPA. Klam hosts San Diego Central Library’s Conversations with Poets. His books include "The Cheapest Flight to Paradise" (Puna Press: 2017), "Anything for a Dull Moment" (Garden Oak Press: 2020), and "Stay There" (Garden Oak Press: 2026).