Monica Garske headshot

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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SD Rad Habits Juice Co. Drink Up
Restaurants
Squeeze these in: Delicious juice and smoothie shops in San Diego
Try these local places for healthy, fresh juices and smoothies bursting with flavor.
July 21, 2023
 · 
Monica Garske
The 100-year-old historic carousel in Balboa Park
Entertainment
Restored Balboa Park Carousel will reopen on National Carousel Day 2023 in San Diego
The historic attraction will spin again on Tuesday, July 25, with free rides for the special occasion.
July 21, 2023
 · 
Monica Garske
Wendy’s in Dublin | Photo via Wendy’s
Work
Made in Columbus: 18 things created in CBUS
From restaurants to businesses, Columbus is home to many original inventions and ideas. We are celebrating some of our favorite things created right here in CBUS.
July 20, 2023
 · 
Hanna Williford
SD The Point Wedding venues CG
Tourism and Hospitality
Wedding venues in San Diego
Check out this list of local spots to host your special event.
July 19, 2023
 · 
Monica Garske
A Barbie-themed cocktail at The Blind Burro bar in San Diego.
Bars
Local cocktails inspired by San Diego Comic-Con 2023
From a Barbie-themed margarita to the “The Flash,” the themed drink options are endless around downtown San Diego this weekend.
July 19, 2023
 · 
Monica Garske
A rendering of a pirate-themed playground at Pepper Park along the National City Bayfront
Development
3 things to know: the redesign of Pepper Park at the National City Bayfront
Construction is expected to begin in early 2024.
July 17, 2023
 · 
Monica Garske
A view of downtown Julian in San Diego County's mountains.
Play
The ultimate road trip to Julian
Hit the road and head to San Diego County’s charming mountain town — we’re sharing all the details about what to do, where to eat and drink, and where to stay.
July 7, 2023
 · 
Monica Garske
Lake Murray
Culture
Lovely lakes to visit in San Diego, California
It’s not just about the beautiful beaches in our county — we’re a land of great lakes, too.
July 6, 2023
 · 
Monica Garske
SD Britannia Tearooms Drink Up 2023
Restaurants
The Britannia Tearooms debuting in Midway District
Selina Stockley, of Surrey, England, has been living in San Diego for 31 years and this new business venture has long been her dream.
July 5, 2023
 · 
Monica Garske
SD Over-the-Line OTL championships
Culture
2023 Over-the-Line World Championships return to Fiesta Island
The sport was invented on South Mission Beach and since 1954, continues to be synonymous with San Diego’s summertime culture.
July 5, 2023
 · 
Monica Garske
A past Big Bay Boom Fourth of July Fireworks show over San Diego Bay.
Culture
Where to see Fourth of July 2023 fireworks in San Diego
From San Diego Bay to east, south, and north San Diego County, dazzling displays of patriotism will light up our local skies on Tuesday, July 4.
July 3, 2023
 · 
Monica Garske
People shopping at the grand opening of Portland Gear's new store in Washington Square.
City
Made in Portland: 18 things grown in the City of Roses
From brands to bands, Portland’s business scene is truly inspired.
July 1, 2023
 · 
Ben McBee
SD San Diego Comic-Con International SD Convention Center
Festivals
Mini Preview: What to expect at San Diego Comic-Con International 2023
We think San Diego is always super — especially on one very special long weekend every July.
June 29, 2023
 · 
Monica Garske
SD Elvira restaurant
Restaurants
Cesarina Group to open traditional Roman pizzeria in Ocean Beach
Elvira is set to open at the former site of BO-beau kitchen + bar.
June 29, 2023
 · 
Monica Garske
SD Rady Children's Hospital expansion rendering
Healthcare
New 7-story ICU and Emergency Services Pavilion planned for Rady Children’s Hospital
The building is slated to open in 2027 with 140 ICU beds and 84 ER treatment rooms.
June 27, 2023
 · 
Monica Garske
Kobey's Swap Meet in San Diego.
Retail
Happy haulin’: swap meets, co-ops, vintage, and resale shops in San Diego
Here’s the deal — the swap meet and vintage shopping scene is stellar in America’s Finest City.
June 21, 2023
 · 
Monica Garske
SD I-5 HOV Lanes extended Build NCC
Airports and Transportation
Build NCC adds four miles of HOV lanes on Interstate 5
The southbound carpool lanes are now open between Palomar Airport Road in Carlsbad and state Route 78 in Oceanside.
June 21, 2023
 · 
Monica Garske
SD summer weather 2023
Live
Summer 2023 weather trends for San Diego
Prepare for summer in San Diego with these seasonal temperature and precipitation outlooks.
June 19, 2023
 · 
Monica Garske
SD Creative City arts and cultural planning process 2023
City
Creative City: help plan San Diego’s creative future
The city says its new initiative aims to help guide investments in arts and culture across local neighborhoods — and local voices are a big part of the plan.
June 15, 2023
 · 
Monica Garske
A USA Lacrosse game action photo.
Sports
San Diego hosts 2023 World Lacrosse Men’s Championship
The global tournament will be played across three local venues, including Snapdragon Stadium, Wednesday June 21-Saturday, July 1.
June 15, 2023
 · 
Monica Garske
The new blue beach outdoor space at Birch Aquarium in San Diego in June 2023.
Events
New at Birch Aquarium: ‘Blue Beach’ and family-friendly happy hour series
The Blue Beach space is now open to visitors; the happy hour series runs Monday-Wednesday, July 10-Aug. 30.
June 8, 2023
 · 
Monica Garske
SD Drink Up Month 2023 Preview
Restaurants
SDtoday will celebrate Drink Up Month in July 2023
We’ll be exploring San Diego’s bountiful beverage scene during the month of July — from tea and coffee, to craft beer and more.
June 8, 2023
 · 
Monica Garske
SD La Mesa Downtown District sign rendering
City
Coming soon: La Mesa’s very own Downtown District sign
Construction on the community-funded project is expected to begin this fall in the heart of La Mesa Village.
June 7, 2023
 · 
Monica Garske
SD Carlsbad Strawberry Company U-pick season
Culture
Carlsbad Strawberry Company open for 2023 U-pick season
The berry sweet activity is open daily, 9 a.m.-6 p.m., at 1050 Cannon Rd.
June 7, 2023
 · 
Monica Garske
SD James Hubbell Home
Culture
Tour artist and architect James Hubbell’s famous compound in Santa Ysabel
The Ilan-Lael Foundation is offering private tours on select days through Saturday, June 17, at the family home of James and Anne Hubbell.
June 5, 2023
 · 
Monica Garske
SD Donna Jean Vegetarian Guide
Food
Our favorite vegan and vegetarian eats in San Diego
Dig into delicious and nutritious vegan and vegetarian fare in every corner of San Diego County.
June 5, 2023
 · 
Monica Garske
SD San Diego County Fair 2023
Events
San Diego County Fair 2023: What to know before you go
The 2023 fair kicks off Wednesday, June 7, and runs through the Fourth of July in Del Mar.
June 1, 2023
 · 
Monica Garske
SD The Marine Room High Tide Dinners
Restaurants
Summer ‘High Tide Dinners’ return to The Marine Room in La Jolla
The 82-year-old restaurant on Spindrift Drive is known for its incredible views of crashing surf.
May 30, 2023
 · 
Monica Garske
San Diego's Rady Shell concert venue in summer of 2022.
Culture
The Rady Shell’s summer 2023 concert season
The Beach Boys, Gipsy Kings, Gladys Knight, and Patti LaBelle are among the icons set to light up the venue on San Diego Bay. 🎶
May 30, 2023
 · 
Monica Garske
SD Summer Movies in the Park 2023
Culture
Summer Movies in the Park 2023 returns across San Diego County
The free, outdoor movie series kicks off Memorial Day weekend and runs through late October.
May 24, 2023
 · 
Monica Garske
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