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The Trump administration's immigration positions — including mass deportation — have put businesses that employ people without legal status on notice.

San Diego’s Songwriter Sanctuary is back for a new year of original music in a space that sings, recently announcing the entire 2025 schedule (complete with a limited run of season passes), which will commence with a two-year anniversary concert on Friday, January 31 featuring intimate in-the-round performances by Jeff Berkley, Will Stucky, and Shelbi Bennett w/ The Midnight Pine. The event will be guest-hosted by Lauren Leigh of Writers Round SD, the sister series of Songwriter Sanctuary. (4650 Mansfield St. Suggested Donation $10. All ages. Doors 6:30 p.m., Music 7 p.m.) Introducing Season Passes For the first time, Songwriter Sanctuary is offering season passes, on sale now through January 31. The passes grant all-access entry to every show in 2025 - a total of 11 concerts featuring 33 acclaimed San Diego-based (or affiliated) acts. Additional perks include a complimentary drink at each event, six guest passes to be used throughout the year, and recognition on the Songwriter Sanctuary website. Series curator Lindsay White highlights the significance of this initiative: “Pre-selling season passes help us guarantee fair pay for our artists while keeping the series financially accessible for all members of the community. Our goal is to grow this unique listening room series without compromising artist compensation or community access, but we need support from our neighbors to do so. We see touring acts charging as much or more for just one concert, so we hope our original music-loving audience will consider the value of a season pass, not only as a way to shop local, but also to stretch their entertainment budget for the year.” A Spectrum of Talent Songwriter Sanctuary has become a beloved showcase for San Diego’s deep pool of original artists. Acclaimed SD Music Hall of Fame songwriter and producer (not to mention preacher’s kid and natural orator) Jeff Berkley hosts with the charming wit and irreverence he has honed through decades of performances, while White approaches series curation as an opportunity to advocate for artists and community-building. Says White: “You’ll find some folky favorites and established acts, but I also try to platform a spectrum of artists and styles that represent our vibrant scene. Ultimately, it’s about coming together to experience the beauty and power of a great song.” Since its debut in January 2021, Songwriter Sanctuary has rarely featured repeat acts—a reflection of San Diego’s rich roster of talented creatives. Drawing from music scene mainstays and what White describes as a “mile-long” list of artist submissions, the showcase’s storytelling, Nashville-style round format invites artists to share the stories behind their songs and even collaborate by improvising on each other’s music, all while taking turns in the spotlight. For its 2-Year Anniversary concert on Friday, January 31, Berkley will hand over hosting duties to Lauren Leigh and perform as one of the evening’s three acts. The SD Hall of Famer and multi-SDMA winner performed in the inaugural show alongside White and original series curators Ben Grace Gilmore and Karyn Thurston Gilmore’s duo Story & Tune, who have since relocated to Portland, OR. Rounding out the bill will be San Diego’s own Will Stucky and Shelbi Bennett with a stripped down version of her SDMA-winning act The Midnight Pine. An Affirming Space Though not religiously affiliated with venue host and series partner Normal Heights United, Songwriter Sanctuary thrives on a harmonious collaboration between White, Berkley, and NHU Pastor Molly Lorden. “I often call the sanctuary the ‘fourth featured act' because it is just as jaw-droppingly gorgeous as the music and energy that fills it,” said White. “Molly, our sound tech Honza Kriwenky, and the many church members who volunteer their time continue to be such amazing teammates in this project. They intentionally offer a safe and affirming space to all members of their community, which has resulted in some incredibly healing moments for performers and attendees alike. Normal Heights United should teach other churches how to church.” Community aside, the century-old sanctuary's aesthetic charm speaks for itself. Sparkling lights strung across lofty ceilings, natural reverb, and a cozy circular seating arrangement create an inviting atmosphere perfectly suited for intimate performances and soaring vocals. You don’t have to be religious to feel the spirit. Event Details: Date: Friday, January 31, 2025 Location: Normal Heights United Church, 4650 Mansfield St, San Diego, CA 92116 Time: Doors 6:30 p.m., Show 7 p.m. - 9 p.m. Suggested Donation: $10 (all ages), but please be generous in your support of these top-tier talents. All donations go to artists. No one turned away for lack of funds. Songwriter Sanctuary alumni artists are welcome as our guests. Food/Drink: Available for small purchase, thanks to partners at Normal Heights United and sponsors Duck Foot Brewing Company. Guests are welcome to bring in outside food. Please respectfully eat and dispose of waste. Accessibility: For venue accessibility requests, contact Molly Lorden at molly(at)nhunited(dot)org. 2025 Season Schedule *subject to changes Jan 31 - Second Anniversary Show! Jeff Berkley Will Stucky Shelbi Bennett with The Midnight Pine Feb 28 Rebecca Jade Nubella Honey Ash the Author Mar 28 The Wellsprings Aly Rowell Justin John Rodriguez Apr 25 The Lovebirds (tentative) Kaylee Daugherty Brittany Taylor May 30 Surrija Mandi Miller Jonesy Jones Jun 27 - LGBTQ Pride Show! Lily Wecks Kimiko In Mazes Jul 25 The Bella Lunas Espi Miranda Ramos Aug 29 Claire King Hailey Wetzel Lexi Pulido Sep 26 Joe Summers Grainne Hunt Helena Holleran Oct 24 Shea Givens Kevin Cooper Anthony Cullins Dec 5 - Holiday Edition! JT Moring Cara Cormier David Beldock and Peggy Watson For inquiries, media comps, or further information, please contact: Lindsay White lindsaywhite.music@gmail.com Season Passes: Visit: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/songwriter-sanctuary-january-2025-2nd-anniversary-special-tickets-1128223870969 Songwriter Sanctuary SD on Instagram

Staffers began receiving termination notices this morning as part of a major restructuring at HHS. Some senior leadership are on their way out too.

Singer/songwriter Lucy Dacus's new album Forever Is a Feeling features music written about "falling in love, falling out of love." She adds, "You have to destroy things in order to create things. And I did destroy a really beautiful life."

Taco Bell gets a new beverage line up including specialty coffee drinks! Join us for the Grand Opening of the FIRST EVER Live Más Café on Monday, December 9, at 3:30 p.m. Enjoy a free drink and custom merch while supplies last!* Located at 1548 E H St., our new Live Más Café features an exciting beverage lineup and a full Taco Bell menu, blending up a one-of-a-kind Taco Bell experience. Whether you're staying to study, or grabbing your favorite order to-go, we got what you need. Don't miss out on the launch of this never-before-seen Taco Bell concept! *Free drinks and Taco Bell merchandise will be available on a first-come first-serve basis and only while supplies last.

The annual San Diego Brew Festival finally returns! The event will feature over 70 breweries, 200 beers, 10 of San Diego’s best food trucks as well as cover bands and lawn games. The SD Brew Fest will take place at NTC park from noon to 4 p.m. Visit: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2025-san-diego-brew-fest-tickets-1027084717037?aff=erelexpmlt San Diego Brew Fest on Instagram

The second annual Pairings with a Purpose Dinner Party at Callie, an evening of incredible wine and food at one of San Diego’s most celebrated restaurants, will return this year on Thursday, February 27. Funds raised from the event will sustain the School Pantry Program, Feeding San Diego’s critical hunger-relief program for kids and their families. The exquisite evening will feature a multi-course dinner by acclaimed chef and owner of Callie, Travis Swikard, who is a committed Feeding San Diego supporter and San Diego native. Each course will be perfectly paired with wines selected by Callie's lead sommelier, Tracy Latimer. To raise additional funds for the program, there will also be live and silent auctions and a paddle raise. The evening will be hosted by Troy Johnson, a TV personality on Food Network who is also the owner and chief content officer of San Diego Magazine. “I am frequently humbled and amazed by the generosity of our San Diego community, including that of Chef Travis and his team who are graciously helping raise funds for our organization through this fantastic dinner,” said Bob Kamensky, CEO of Feeding San Diego. “As we start this new year, we know the factors causing neighbors to experience food insecurity are mounting. Flat wages, increased housing costs, escalating fuel and utility costs, and residual inflation are directly impacting parents struggling to provide for their families. The School Pantry Program is a proven initiative that provides nutritious food, especially fresh produce, to families in need. Attendees of this fundraiser should know that they are truly making a positive impact in the lives of our youth.”  Tickets to Pairings with a Purpose Dinner Party with Chef Travis Swikard can be purchased for $550 now until they sell out. Tables for groups of various sizes are also available. The event will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. on Thursday, February 27 at Callie in the East Village (1195 Island Ave, San Diego, CA 92101) and will seat about 100 guests. It is sponsored in part by Cal-Mil, a family-owned company based in Oceanside dedicated to creating and manufacturing innovative products for the food service industry. The School Pantry Program brings nutritious food directly to where families with children already gather—their local schools. By providing free, fresh produce and pantry staples, the program helps close the financial gap for families and ensure kids have the healthy food they need to thrive for nights and weekends at home. Typically held twice a month and managed by school staff and parent volunteers, these pantries transform school spaces into welcoming food distribution hubs. Parents can easily pick up a variety of nutritious ingredients during pick up or drop off, empowering them to create wholesome meals at home that support their children’s growth and development. The program currently reaches as far north as Oceanside and as far south as Otay Mesa. It also serves rural communities like Boulevard in the Mountain Empire and Pauma Valley near Palomar Mountain.    "As a father and a chef, providing for others—especially children—is incredibly important to me. Since day one, our restaurant has been committed to giving back to the community, and partnering with Feeding San Diego, particularly to support their School Pantry Program, allows us to do just that. Knowing that we can help provide meals for kids who may otherwise go without gives our work even deeper meaning. It’s not just about serving food; it’s about making sure no child has to go hungry, and that’s a mission we hold close to our hearts,” said Travis Swikard, chef/owner of Callie and Fleurette. Feeding San Diego on Facebook / Instagram Since opening his restaurant in 2021, Callie has been recognized as one of the best new restaurants in America by Esquire and Robb Report and received a Bib Gourmand and Plate by the Michelin Guide. Later this year, Chef Travis will open a new restaurant, Fleurette, in the University Town Centre area of La Jolla. Callie Restaurant on Facebook / Instagram

Singer/Songwriter Kate Russell performs a gritty rendition of her chart singles with her all star band. As Ben Fong Torres ( Founding Managing Editor of Rolling Stone Magazine) says "Like all my favorite artists Kate Russell is musically all over the place and in command wherever she goes." Listen here: https://open.spotify.com/album/6Du7RL8qLSaZO3lE9SgVZx Kate Russell on Facebook

Breakfast with Santa at Molly's Date & Time: Saturday, December 21, 9 a.m. – Noon Location: Molly’s, Mission Beach Get into the holiday spirit with a magical morning at Molly’s! Photos with Santa Bring the kids, or even your pets, for a festive photo with Santa! A professional photographer will be on-site to capture the moment, and you’ll receive an instant print to take home, along with a coupon for your next visit to Molly’s. Brunch & Holiday Drinks Savor the season with a delicious brunch menu, featuring holiday coffee specials, creative holiday-themed cocktails, and cozy hot chocolate for the little ones. Don’t miss this joyful event that’s perfect for families, friends, and everyone who loves a little holiday cheer! Molly's Mission Beach on Facebook / Instagram

From thrilling dramas to the year’s funniest moments, here’s what made our watchlists.