Santa Ana Winds and the LA Fires

The Issue: #1

We cover the fires in LA, SDGE planned outages, some amazing local events like Monster Jam and the San Diego Rodeo, plus new restaurants, and music, and of course the weather to help you get the most out of beautiful San Diego

Let’s rock!

With Mike Slayen, Realtor, Guitar Teacher, Musician

The Digest

Why is LA on fire but San Diego isn’t? It’s all about wind direction!

Santa Ana winds have affected eastern San Diego County but have not caused wildfires like those in greater Los Angeles. The canyons, which funnel and concentrate the winds to create Santa Ana’s, are north-south oriented in Los Angeles versus San Diego’s east-west canyon direction and this weeks winds, unlike our normal Santa Ana’s, are coming from the north due to a storm out of Alaska. Read more here.

But stay vigilant. Weather reports indicate upcoming Santa Ana winds from the east may reach 40-70 mph with low humidity here in San Diego increasing our risk of wildfires. ($)

How did the fires in LA start?

Well, we don’t know yet but statistics show that most fires, perhaps up to 95%, have a human connection. We do know some wild fires are ignited by lightning strikes but that wasn’t the case with these fires as far as we know.

We do know that the death toll has risen to at least five and over 100,000 people are under evacuation orders. Damage estimates currently run as high as $57 billion dollars possibly making these the most costly fires in California history. Read more here.

Active fires in Los Angeles plus Fire Evacuation Order Map

There are currently five active fires in the greater LA area. The Pacific Palisades fire at around 20,000 acres at the time of writing. The Eaton fire at just under 14,000 acres. The new Kenneth fire. The Hurst fire at just under 1,000 acres. And the Sunset fire in Hollywood at around 60 acres. Estimates for damaged structures and vehicles range widely but up to 6,000 homes, buildings and vehicles may have been damaged or destroyed. Read more here.

3D Incident / Fire Evacuation Map here.

Wildfire planning and preparation tips here.

SDGE Power Shutoffs and Restorations

Power restoration is underway for San Diego communities affected by planned shutoffs by SDG&E. As of Thursday, 1,460 customers in 11 communities remain without power; over 73,000 were affected. Power line inspections are starting, but no timeline for completion is available. Additional power shutoffs could occur due to strong Santa Ana winds, with gusts expected up to 80 mph. SDG&E advises customers to have emergency supplies and to report downed lines to 911 or their call center. Read more here.

_{stories with a ($) require a third party subscription}

The Food

Ululani's Hawaiian Shave Ice is opening its first San Diego location in Chula Vista.

The brand originated in 2008 in Lahaina, Maui, and has expanded to 12 locations across Hawaii and the mainland. The Chula Vista shop will feature a variety of unique shave ice flavors made with pure cane sugar and natural fruit juices. Ululani's emphasizes exceptional customer service through its "alohatude" philosophy. The new location is set to open later in 2025 at 736 Otay Lakes Road. Read more here.

The Swell Plate Series in Oceanside

January 15 to February 13, 2025
Featuring 15 restaurants the Swell Plates Series is part of the Season of Swell in Oceanside, California. Visit these restaurants, order a “swell” plate, get a stamp to add to your “passport” and then drop it off or mail to the Oceanside visitor center to be entered to win the grand prize which includes and overnight stay plus dining credits in town.

You can also submit photos of your plates for a chance to win gift cards. Learn more here.

Michelin Bib Gourmand Award Dumpling Shop Opening in San Diego

Luscious Dumplings, a Michelin-recognized Chinese restaurant originally founded in San Gabriel, CA, in 2001, is excited to announce the opening of its first San Diego location. The family-owned business, established by Alan Lam and Grace Li, has expanded over the years and has branches as far away as Philadelphia and Colorado.

The new San Diego restaurant will open at the Village Walk at Eastlake Shopping Center in Chula Vista. Known for its fresh, hand-made dumplings crafted from high-quality ingredients and traditional Northern Chinese recipes, the menu will feature a variety of offerings including potstickers, xiao long bao soup dumplings, and boiled dumplings.

The restaurant's emphasis on quality has earned it a Michelin Bib Gourmand award and a loyal customer base.. For further details, visit lusciousdumplings.com.

The Events

San Diego Brew Fest – January 11

Join us this Saturday, January 11, at NTC Park at Liberty Station from noon to 4 p.m. for the 14th Annual San Diego Brew Fest! Taste over 70 of the finest brews from local breweries while enjoying live cover band performances, engaging lawn games, and delicious offerings from 10 local food trucks.

General admission tickets are available for $62, while you can snag early admission tickets for $79, which allows you to enter an hour early for exclusive specialty pours.

Don’t miss this exciting celebration of craft beer!

Location: 2455 Cushing Road, Point Loma

San Diego Rodeo

• When: Friday thru Sunday, Jan. 10 to 12, 2025

  • 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday

• Where: Petco Park, 100 Park Boulevard, San Diego

• Cost: Varies

• Age limit: All ages

• Event: Three-day family-friendly rodeo featuring top athletes and over $800,000 in prize money, showcasing local charro culture.

Summary: The San Diego Rodeo, happening from January 10, 2025, at Petco Park, is a family-friendly event highlighting elite rodeo athletes, offering substantial prize money and celebrating local rodeo traditions. Learn more here

Monster Jam San Diego

Monster Jam will take place in San Diego, CA, on January 11-12, 2025, at Snap Dragon Stadium, offering thrilling monster truck competitions. The event features world-class drivers and various monster trucks, providing an exciting experience for fans of all ages.

Tickets are available for different seating options, with family packages and special offers. Attendees are encouraged to plan ahead for parking and arrive early to enjoy the pre-show festivities, including fan interactions and displays. Learn more here.

The Views

The Weather

The Coast

Friday: 67 high, 46 low - Plenty of Sunshine

Saturday: 60 high, 45 low -Plenty of Sunshine

Sunday: 66 high, 44 low - Plenty of Sunshine

Inland

Friday: 76 high, 41 low - Plenty of Sunshine

Saturday: 67 high, 39 low - Plenty of Sunshine

Sunday: 74 high, 40 low - Plenty of Sunshine

The Mountains

Friday: 55 high, 26 low - Windy but lots of Sunshine

Saturday: 59 high, 30 low - Plenty of Sunshine

Sunday: 54 high, 38 low - Plenty of Sunshine

The Desert

Friday: 67 high, 40 low - Plenty of Sunshine

Saturday: 71 high, 38 low - Plenty of Sunshine

Sunday: 67 high, 31 low - Plenty of Sunshine

The Ocean [sailing, fishing]

Offshore San Diego County:

• Wind AM - 5 Knots N

• Wind PM - 7 Knots WNW

• Swells - WSW 3 feet

The Surf [surfing, fishing]

Water Temp: 58

• West-Facing - 4-5 ft

• South-Facing - 4-5 ft

• Swells - WNW @ 12 seconds

• Form - Fair

The Diving Report

water visibility: 10 ft; Fair conditions / moderate surge

The Music

The TomiTomSho at Five Suits Brewing

Vista, CA

Friday: 6 pm to 9 pm

Mainly Mozart Sommelier Concert Master Series

Fairbanks Ranch Country Club

“Taste What You Hear” in a Sensory Event Like No Other

Experience the emotion of classical music through taste as world-class sommelier and concertmaster duos have collaborated to pair the perfect glass of wine with the music being performed.

Saturday January 11th, 6 pm. Learn more here.

San Diego Meteor is published every Thursday Morning by Steve DeLong