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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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
 · 
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
 · 
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
 · 
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
 · 
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
 · 
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
 · 
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
SD New Children's Museum
Play
Where to have fun with kids in San Diego
We found the best kid-friendly activities in San Diego, complete with art classes, animal encounters, and outdoor fun.
June 4, 2025
 · 
Monica Garske
A kaleidoscope illusion exhibit where one face multiplies into many faces.
Arts
This is not a mirage: Museum of Illusions opens in San Diego
The newest addition to SD’s robust museums scene is now open in downtown’s Gaslamp Quarter as the brand’s first-ever California location.
June 4, 2025
 · 
Monica Garske
RICtoday_LammarMaries_Popcorn
Work
Made in Richmond: 50+ things created in the River City
From bloody mary mix to hand-painted furniture, check out these products made right here in Richmond.
May 30, 2025
 · 
Elise Steele
A group of five children sit at a table outside at the Nasher Sculpture Center coloring on pieces of paper.
Play
Kid-friendly activities in Dallas
We’re highlighting the best kid-approved activities that Dallas has to offer — complete with art exploration, animal encounters, and outdoor fun.
May 29, 2025
 · 
Monica Garske
The pool and terrace at The Mills House Hotel; there are three friends sitting on lounge chairs enjoying the day.
Tourism and Hospitality
Take a dip: Day passes at cool pools in Charleston
From Paradiso Charleston to The Mills House Hotel, we’re really feeling these staycation vibes.
May 29, 2025
 · 
Monica Garske
SD Living Sea opening Birch Aquarium
Parks and Recreation
Adam R. Scripps ‘Living Seas’ Gallery opens at Birch Aquarium
The immersive exhibition features new habitats that explore the wonders of the Pacific Ocean; it’s the biggest capital improvement to the aquarium since 1992.
May 21, 2025
 · 
Monica Garske
SJ Empire Seven Studios small business week
Small Business
Small Business Week in San Jose: Spotlight on Empire Seven Studios
Small businesses are the heart of our community — let’s take a closer look at Empire Seven Studios, a new fine art gallery + creative studio located just outside Japantown.
May 16, 2025
 · 
Monica Garske
The exterior of the Kensington Cafe in San Diego; there are several customers sitting on the patio, which is adorned with hanging plants.
Small Business
Small Business Week in SD: Spotlight on Kensington Cafe
Small businesses are the heart of our community — let’s take a closer look at Kensington Cafe, an uptown restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
May 16, 2025
 · 
Monica Garske
SAC Salsa Sazona small business
Small Business Week in Sacramento: Spotlight on Salsa Sazona
Small businesses are the heart of our community — let’s take a closer look at a handmade salsa business with a whole lot of heart in the City of Trees.
May 16, 2025
 · 
Monica Garske
SD Gaylord Pacific Resort opens
Tourism and Hospitality
Gaylord Pacific Resort & Convention Center opens in Chula Vista
Here’s what you need to know about the new 1,600-room resort spanning 36 acres along the Chula Vista waterfront debuting on May 15, 2025.
May 15, 2025
 · 
Monica Garske
SD Edinburgh Bum the Dog sister cities
History
Now, that’s a good boy: Visiting San Diego’s Bum the Dog statue in Edinburgh, Scotland
In the cutest sister cities connection, a little piece of San Diego sits (like a good boy) at The Parish Church of St. Cuthbert churchyard in Edinburgh, Scotland — sweet smile and all.
May 12, 2025
 · 
Monica Garske
Singer Sierra Ferrell performs on stage at Channel 24 in midtown Sacramento. The venue's stage is covered in plants and mushrooms, and Ferrell is wearing a bright yellow dress, a hat, and boots.
Music
Channel 24: Sacramento’s newest live music venue
Midtown’s new 2,150-capacity concert hall appears to already be a hit with local music fans and has a jam-packed schedule this summer.
May 9, 2025
 · 
Monica Garske
SD sister cities sign
City
San Diego’s Sister Cities, one by one
From cities in Mexico, to Japan, Taiwan, and Australia, America’s Finest City has a big extended family.
May 8, 2025
 · 
Monica Garske
Kansas City Barbeque
Play
‘Top Gun’ 101: San Diego locations where the movie was filmed
The 1986 Tom Cruise classic has deep roots in America’s Finest City — “show me the way home, honey.”
May 8, 2025
 · 
Monica Garske
A bright blue tablecloth with flowers covers a table at a restaurant; two plates with tacos sit on the table alongside a draft beer and margarita.
Live
Lunch break: A guide to lunch deals under $15 in Sacramento
Lunch near Sacramento shouldn’t break the bank. From sandwiches to tacos, we’ve got the best lunch spots that everyone can agree on.
May 8, 2025
 · 
Monica Garske
SJ 111 Bakery banh mi lunch deals CG
Live
Lunch break: A guide to $15 lunch deals in San Jose
Lunch near San Jose shouldn’t break the bank. From sandwiches to tacos, we’ve got the best lunch spots that everyone can agree on.
May 8, 2025
 · 
Monica Garske
Charleston County water parks
Parks and Recreation
Makin’ a splash: Charleston County water parks are ready for summer
With summer around the corner, here are three ways to cool off around the Holy City.
May 6, 2025
 · 
Tatum Jacaruso
A wooden display rack at a small retailer in San Diego is holding three West Coast-themed candles and a wooden sculpture.
Small Business
Small Business Week in SD: Spotlight on La Galleria San Diego
Small businesses are the heart of our community — let’s take a closer look at La Galleria San Diego, a shop at Liberty Station that sells unique gifts made by artists around the world.
May 5, 2025
 · 
Monica Garske
A small business owner in Sacramento holds up a big, leafy, green plant at her farmers market booth for her Sacramento-based plant business, Hella Leaf.
Small Business
Small Business Week in Sacramento: Spotlight on Hella Leaf
Small businesses are the heart of our community — let’s take a closer look at a local plant business in the City of Trees.
May 5, 2025
 · 
Monica Garske
Green and gold streamers fly through the air at a commencement ceremony at Sacramento State; a large group of clapping students wearing black caps and gowns sit and stand around their chairs as a crowd in the stands surrounding them also claps.
Education
Sacramento State memories from SACtoday readers
It’s graduation season — the perfect time to revisit those sweet college memories.
May 5, 2025
 · 
Monica Garske
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