Monica Garske headshot

Monica Garske

Senior National Content Editor

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.

Ocean Beach Christmas Tree 2022
Culture
“A Coastal Christmas Romance": A San Diego Hallmark-style movie, as told by ChatGPT
December Nights, the OB Christmas tree, holiday lights, and ice skating? We’d watch the heck out of this fictional, AI-generated holiday movie set in America’s Finest City.
December 16, 2024
 · 
Monica Garske
SD Restored Botanical Building Balboa Park
City
See it: Balboa Park’s restored Botanical Building reopens
The iconic, highly-photographed structure closed in January 2022 for a $26.45 million renovation project, but reopened to the public in December 2024.
December 13, 2024
 · 
Monica Garske
SD Mission Trails Regional Park San Diego
Culture
Meet your New Year’s resolutions in San Diego
The biggest step in completing your New Year’s resolution? Show up.
December 13, 2024
 · 
Monica Garske
Snapinsta.app_166825607_258563212567788_9110374059553107829_n_1080.jpg
City
Tampa Bay restaurants you miss the most
TBAYtoday readers shared which local restaurants + meals they miss the most — and we think you’ll agree.
December 13, 2024
 · 
Monica Garske
A dragon statue at Cal Expo's Imaginarium
Culture
“A Light of Love in Sacramento": A Hallmark-style holiday movie, as told by ChatGPT
A boutique family shop in Old Sac, Theatre of Lights, the 60-ft Christmas tree, and Imaginarium? Yep, we’d watch this AI-generated holiday flick about our city, no doubt.
December 11, 2024
 · 
Monica Garske
A holiday light display in Willow Glen: a brightly lit two-story home, with a white star over the doorway, "Merry Christmas" in red lights, white light deer, a white light angel, multi-colored light gifts, and a brightly lit dancefloor.
Culture
“Christmas in the Park": A San Jose Hallmark-style holiday movie, as told by ChatGPT
Christmas in the Park, holiday pop-up bars, twinkling lights, and ice skating under the stars? We’d watch the heck out of this fictional, AI-generated holiday movie set in the great 408.
December 11, 2024
 · 
Monica Garske
The "Ames Room" exhibit at Museum of Illusions Boston features a grey slanted floor. In this photo, two women on the left appear very tiny, while a man on the right appears like a giant; it's all part of the exhibit's optical illusion.
Arts
This is not a mirage: Museum of Illusions Boston now open
The new museum at 200 State St. — adjacent to Faneuil Hall — is open daily.
December 10, 2024
 · 
Monica Garske
San Diego International Airport
Work
All you need to know about the San Diego International Airport
We hope our SAN guide makes your traveling process plane and simple.
December 9, 2024
 · 
Monica Garske
San Diego Bay Parade of Lights SD
Culture
How to Watch the 2024 San Diego Bay Parade of Lights
The 54-year tradition returns to downtown San Diego’s waterfront on Sunday, Dec. 8 + Sunday, Dec. 15.
December 5, 2024
 · 
Monica Garske
Starlight Circle 2022 SD
Culture
Where to see holiday lights in San Diego County in 2024
We’ve mapped out 12 jolly, local displays that truly dazzle.
December 4, 2024
 · 
Monica Garske
SJ SJPL top titles of 2024
City
Fully booked: San Jose Public Library’s most checked-out titles of 2024
San Joseans kept it diverse at the library check-out line, that’s for sure.
December 4, 2024
 · 
Monica Garske
Low clouds hang over Sacramento's downtown buildings and Old Sacramento's waterfront in the foreground. The sky and water of the river are gray.
Live
Winter 2024-2025 weather trends in Sacramento
Prepare for winter in the City of Trees with these seasonal temperature and precipitation outlooks.
December 2, 2024
 · 
Monica Garske
SD Over the Top Lounge Hyatt San Diego
Food
Fa-la-la-libations: Holiday pop-up bars in San Diego
We’ve rounded up fun, festive places to drink and be merry.
November 29, 2024
 · 
Monica Garske
SD Downtown San Diego Skyline
Live
Winter 2024-2025 weather trends in San Diego
Prepare for winter in SD with these seasonal temperature and precipitation outlooks.
November 29, 2024
 · 
Monica Garske
Owners Christopher and Angel stand in their restaurant, Flora & Fauna Provisions, with a mural in the background of a white bunny surrounded by illustrated florals.
Small Business
Shopping small in Sacramento
The City of Trees is made up of so many wonderful small businesses, here are a few our readers love in honor of Small Business Saturday.
November 26, 2024
 · 
Monica Garske
San Jose Downtown Ice
Events
San Jose’s Downtown Ice rink returns for another season
The rink at 120 S. Market St. will be open Thursday, Nov. 21, 2024 to Jan. 20, 2025.
November 19, 2024
 · 
Monica Garske
Feeding San Diego volunteers
Play
45 volunteer opportunities in San Diego
This list includes everything from helping the hungry and mentoring local youth to helping animals and cleaning up local beaches.
November 18, 2024
 · 
Monica Garske
The outside of a brick building with a red sign that says "Magee's Bakery"
Food
Come on, dish: Which Lexington restaurant do you miss the most?
We want to know — which LEX restaurant or meal sparks nostalgia in your heart and belly, and why?
November 15, 2024
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Monica Garske
WStoday: Clothes hanging on the rack inside Style Encore consignment shop on Stratford Road.
Live
Happy Hauling: flea markets, trade, vintage, and resale shops in Winston-Salem
Here’s the deal — the swap meet and vintage shopping scene is stellar in the Twin City.
November 13, 2024
 · 
Kellina Wanteu
A wintry background with snowflakes that reads "SJtoday's 2024 Gift Guide."
Culture
SJtoday’s 2024 holiday gift guide: 90+ gifts for everyone on your list
Including gifts for neighbors, foodies, significant others, homebodies, students, and gifts under $20.
November 13, 2024
 · 
Sarah Leonhardt
A wintry background with snowflakes that reads "SDtoday's 2024 Gift Guide."
Culture
SDtoday’s 2024 holiday gift guide: 90+ gifts for everyone on your list
Including gifts for neighbors, foodies, significant others, homebodies, students, and gifts under $20.
November 13, 2024
 · 
Sarah Leonhardt
A wintry background with snowflakes that reads "SACtoday's 2024 Gift Guide."
Culture
SACtoday’s 2024 holiday gift guide: 90+ gifts for everyone on your list
Including gifts for neighbors, foodies, significant others, homebodies, students, and gifts under $20.
November 12, 2024
 · 
Sarah Leonhardt
Ice skating rink at Hotel del Coronado in San Diego
Entertainment
Where to ice skate in San Diego County this season
From Coronado Island and Liberty Station to East County and downtown San Diego, the cool options roll deep in SD.
November 8, 2024
 · 
Monica Garske
CHSUnionPier.png
City
City, county, and school district approve Union Pier financial plan
The approval of a tax increment financing district will help fund the high-profile development on the edge of the eastern Charleston Peninsula.
November 5, 2024
 · 
Monica Garske
763 Meeting Street Antique Mall
Live
Happy Hauling: flea markets, trade, vintage, and resale shops in Columbia
Here’s the deal — the flea market and vintage shopping scene is stellar in the Soda City
November 5, 2024
 · 
Samantha Robertson
Three people are sitting on yoga mats practicing yoga at YogaSix in Sacramento's Land Park neighborhood; the room is dimly lit in blue lights.
Live
Find your zen with our Sacramento yoga guide
Check out these 12 yoga studios around the City of Trees and find your zen.
November 4, 2024
 · 
Monica Garske
SD Hotel Del Coronado Beach Yoga
Live
Find your flow: A guide to yoga in San Diego
Check out these 24 yoga options around America’s Finest City.
November 4, 2024
 · 
Monica Garske
Untitled design copy 2.png
Events
Know before you go: Coastal Carolina Fair
The Coastal Carolina Fair returns to Exchange Park with concerts, food, exhibits, and rides — use this guide to prepare for your visit.
October 30, 2024
 · 
Callie Putnam
CHS OMG Candy Store
Food
How sweet it is: Candy stores in Charleston
Fill your candy jar with these locally-made options.
October 29, 2024
 · 
Monica Garske
The patio at Edmund's Oast Brewing Co. in Charleston — there are lots of tables and string lights in the dining area.
Restaurants
Let’s eat, kids: Family-friendly restaurants in Charleston
Skip the meal prep just this once and treat the little ones to an outing at one of these Charleston spots.
October 25, 2024
 · 
Monica Garske
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