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Monica Garske

Senior Content Strategist

Monica is based in San Diego, California. She was previously a senior digital media producer and podcast host at NBC 7 San Diego + The Scene, and has been in the news biz since 2005. She loves hiking, the beach, and family days with her husband and two kids.

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Feeding San Diego volunteers
Play
45+ volunteer opportunities in San Diego
This list of volunteer opportunities in America’s Finest City includes everything from helping the hungry to cleaning up local beaches.
September 10, 2025
 · 
Monica Garske
SD The Joan opens Liberty Station
Arts
Curtains, up: Performing arts center ‘The Joan’ opens at Liberty Station
The Joan and Irwin Jacobs Performing Arts Center will serve as Cygnet Theatre’s new home.
September 10, 2025
 · 
Monica Garske
SACtoday_sac_sports
Play
Brush up on your knowledge of every Sacramento sports team
From the Kings to the River Cats, we’re sharing all details of Sacramento’s professional sports teams.
September 4, 2025
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Jordan Radach
Five team logos of the Quakes, San Jose Giants, Sharks, Barracuda, and Bay Area Panthers on top of a blue, cartoon San Jose skyline.
Play
Your guide to sports teams in San Jose
From the Sharks to the Quakes, we’re sharing all details of San Jose’s pro sports teams.
September 3, 2025
 · 
Alyson Chuyang
JapaneseFriendshipGarden2
Play
10+ of the top free things to do in San Jose
No cash? No problem. Whether you are spending a day or a lifetime in San Jose, these are some of the best offerings that won’t break the bank.
August 28, 2025
 · 
Monica Garske
pexels-steve-8347375 (1)
Play
10+ of the top free things to do in Sacramento
No cash? No problem. Whether you are spending a day or a lifetime in Sacramento, these are some of the best offerings that won’t break the bank.
August 28, 2025
 · 
Monica Garske
A big, pink jellyfish sculpture at the new Terminal 1 at San Diego International Airport
Work
All you need to know about the San Diego International Airport
We’re here to make your flying process plane and simple.
August 28, 2025
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Monica Garske
Balboa Park
Play
15+ of the top free things to do in San Diego
No cash? No problem. Whether you are spending a day or a lifetime in San Diego, these are some of the best offerings that won’t break the bank.
August 28, 2025
 · 
Monica Garske
SD San Diego skyline from Shelter Island
Events
Save the Dates: 25+ big events coming to San Diego in 2025
Whew, 2025 is shaping up to be an eventful year in America’s Finest City.
August 20, 2025
 · 
Monica Garske
San Jose Skyline
Live
Save the Dates: Big events coming to San Jose in 2025
We love a game plan — here are some big events and festivals to look forward to this year in the great 408.
August 13, 2025
 · 
Monica Garske
Morning Glory San Diego
Play
Where to plan your next brunch date in San Diego
Don’t just pick a spot with pancakes and eggs — pick the spot that’s perfect for your gathering with this guide that includes menu recommendations, brunch categories, and beyond.
August 8, 2025
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Monica Garske
A plate of breakfast tacos topped with eggs and veggies sits on a brown wood table on the patio of The Mimosa House restaurant in Sacramento. Next to the plate, there are two pink-hued mimosas; across the table, there's another breakfast dish resembling a benedict.
Play
Time for brunch: Our favorite spots for a mid-morning meal in Sacramento
Don’t just pick a spot with pancakes and eggs — pick the spot that’s perfect for your gathering with this guide that includes menu recommendations, brunch categories, and beyond.
August 7, 2025
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Monica Garske
Live music at North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre in Chula Vista
Play
Sound On: Live music venues in San Diego
We’ve made a concerted effort to orchestrate this roadmap, so you can focus on finding the artists you adore.
August 6, 2025
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Michael Beausoleil
SD City Tacos lunch deals CG
Live
Where to find lunch for $15 or less in San Diego
Lunch near San Diego shouldn’t break the bank. From salads to sandwiches, we’ve got the best lunch spots that everyone can agree on.
July 30, 2025
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Michael Beausoleil
A shell-shaped concert stage glows in deep purple lights during a show in San Diego, California.
Play
Music to your ears: More than 50 upcoming concerts in San Diego
Benson Boone? Check. Ice Cube? Check. It’s not a bad idea to triple-check this list and get your concert tickets before they sell out.
July 29, 2025
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Monica Garske
Seaport Village San Diego
Food
Where to eat and shop at Seaport Village in San Diego
Here’s a taste of what’s new at the landmark dining and shopping hub.
July 21, 2025
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Monica Garske
SD San Diego Comic-Con International SD Convention Center
Play
Preview: What to expect at San Diego Comic-Con International 2025
America’s Finest City is always super, but on this long weekend every July, the scene in downtown SD is extra incredible — catch these highlights.
July 18, 2025
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Monica Garske
Musician Jason Bonham performs on the stage at The Mountain Winery surrounded by a big audience.
Play
Make some noise: 40 concerts coming to San Jose
Kali Uchis. Check. Dave Matthews Band. Check. It’s not a bad idea to triple-check this list and get your concert tickets before they sell out.
July 17, 2025
 · 
Monica Garske
198462108_229089342082136_1984399613687270957_n
Play
Let’s hear it for these 30+ concerts coming to Sacramento
Jonas Brothers? Check. John Legend? Check. Tate McRae? Check. It’s not a bad idea to triple-check this list and get your concert tickets before they sell out.
July 17, 2025
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Monica Garske
Papa Roach's Jacoby Shaddix on stage at Aftershock Festival 2022
Play
Save the Dates: Big events coming to Sacramento in 2025
Whew, it’s going to be a busy, eventful year in the City of Trees.
July 16, 2025
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Monica Garske
The hot pink entrance to Malibu Barbie Café in San Diego, flanked by green plants.
Entertainment
Hi, Barbie: Malibu Barbie Café kicks off its run in San Diego
The traveling pop-up celebrating all things Barbie is open at the Hilton Garden Inn San Diego Downtown/Bayside hotel through Sunday, Oct. 12.
July 11, 2025
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Monica Garske
SD Smoking Gun Happy Hour Guide
Play
Sip, snack, save: A guide to happy hour deals in San Diego
Hit the town and enjoy a discounted drink at one of these cheers-worthy San Diego happy hours.
July 11, 2025
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Monica Garske
A cocktail made with gin, lemon, allspice, simple, pomegranate. It's yellow at the top and deep red at the bottom.
Play
Sip, snack, save: A guide to happy hour deals in Sacramento
Hit the town and enjoy a discounted drink at one of these cheers-worthy Sacramento happy hours.
July 10, 2025
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Monica Garske
OTL San Diego
Sports
Over The Line: The history of San Diego’s sport born on South Mission Beach
The OTL World Championships return to Fiesta Island every July and the ball + bat sport is about as San Diego as it gets.
July 7, 2025
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Monica Garske
Carmichael Farmers Market vendors set up on either side of the walkway, with tents and displays of local goods.
Live
Farmers markets in Sacramento: Where to find fresh food
Pack your reusable bags and your shopping list, because we’re shopping local at these 18 farmers markets around America’s Farm-to-Fork Capital.
July 2, 2025
 · 
Madeline Ewing
Little Italy Mercato
Live
Farmers markets in San Diego: Where to find fresh food
Pack your reusable bags and your shopping list, because we’re shopping local at these 30+ farmers markets around San Diego, CA.
June 26, 2025
 · 
Michael Beausoleil
The wall of winners — fans of "Hell's Kitchen" will recognize these faces. | Photo via Zach Cordner
Play
Celebrity restaurants in San Diego
Gordon Ramsay, is that really you?
June 25, 2025
 · 
Monica Garske
A ferris wheel is seen lit up at night.
Entertainment
Know before you go: California State Fair 2025 heads to Cal Expo
Sac’s summertime staple returns for 17 days of fun this July — fair warning, there’s a lot to see + do.
June 20, 2025
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Monica Garske
Race up to five of your friend’s on Wake Island’s Ninja Race Course. | Photo by @wakeislandwaterpark
Play
Where to have fun with kids in Sacramento
We found the best kid-friendly activities in Sacramento, complete with art classes, animal encounters, and outdoor fun.
June 6, 2025
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Monica Garske
A group of people gather with drinks and food in hand, smiling and toasting to Taste of Third in Chula Vista.
Live
Scrumptious Strolls: A guide to ‘Taste of’ food events in San Diego County
From Little Italy and the Gaslamp Quarter to North Park and East Village, “Taste of” gatherings are alive and well in San Diego.
June 5, 2025
 · 
Monica Garske
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