Comic-Con, A Shark Bite, and Pandas? 🐼

Good Morning, North County! Did you know that San Diego is in 5th place for the most craft breweries per capita than any other city in the United States? Only Louisville, Milwaukee, Denver, and Portland are ahead of us.

BUSINESS

San Diego Comic-Con 2024 Is Making A Grand Entrance

San Diego Comic-Con returns from July 25-28, showcasing a diverse lineup of films, TV shows, and gaming panels, including major highlights like "Transformers One," "The Boys," and anticipated presentations from Marvel Studios.

• Event Dates: San Diego Comic-Con runs from July 25-28, featuring a full schedule of panels and events.

• Key Panels: Highlights include "Transformers One," "The Boys," and "The Lord of the Rings: Rings of Power," with expectations for Marvel Studios' return to Hall H.

• Notable Guests: Ronda Rousey and Dave Bautista will discuss Rousey's debut graphic novel, Todd McFarlane will give an update on the new Spawn movie, Chris Hemsworth and Keegan-Michael Key will introduce Transformers One.

• Exclusive Reveals: The "Marvel Rivals" panel will provide a behind-the-scenes look at an upcoming superhero shooter game, including a new trailer.

• Special Celebrations: Nickelodeon will honor "SpongeBob SquarePants" with a 25th-anniversary panel featuring the original cast and exclusive content.

OUR COMMUNITY

Local From Temecula Crowned Miss California Rodeo Salinas 2024

Vianette Garcia from Temecula has been crowned Miss California Rodeo Salinas 2024 after excelling in personality and horsemanship during the competition.

• Five contestants competed for the title, including Lillian Kier (1st runner-up) and Kate Richardson (2nd runner-up).

• Contestants were judged on personality, appearance, scholarship, and horsemanship.

• Kier won the appearance and scholarship categories, while Garcia won the personality and horsemanship categories.

• As Miss California Rodeo Salinas 2024, Garcia received a $3,000 educational scholarship, a belt buckle, tiara, and a two-horse trailer.

• Garcia will represent the California Rodeo Salinas as an ambassador at various events throughout the year, promoting the Western lifestyle.

SAN DIEGO COUNTY

San Diego Zoo To Receive Two Giant Pandas From China

Yun Chuan and Xin Bao, the first giant pandas to arrive in the United States in over two decades, are acclimating to their new home at the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance.

• Yun Chuan and Xin Bao, giant pandas from China, arrived at the San Diego Zoo on June 27, marking a significant return of these animals to the United States after a long absence.

• They are currently settling into a secluded habitat away from public view, expected to be available for viewing in several weeks.

• Yun Chuan, almost 5 years old, is known for his distinctive nose and enjoys exploring and climbing trees, while nearly 4-year-old Xin Bao, with her round face and fluffy ears, prefers sunbathing and indulging in her favorite foods.

• This panda loan is part of China's "panda diplomacy," strengthening cultural ties between nations, and underscores the San Diego Zoo's ongoing collaboration with China on panda research since 1994, focusing on various aspects of their care and behavior.

LOCAL POLITICS

Quail Meadows Apartments Remodeling Causes Controversy

After extensive community feedback, developer Baldwin & Sons has revised its Quail Meadows Apartments proposal, reducing the number of units and building heights while increasing the amount of affordable housing.

• Baldwin & Sons' original plan for Quail Meadows Apartments included 485 units in two six-story buildings but has now been modified to 448 units across four-story structures.

• The updated proposal adds 90 affordable housing units, a significant increase from the previous design, which included fewer affordable options.

• The project will feature two buildings: Building 1 with 44 affordable and 168 market-rate units, and Building 2 with 46 affordable and 190 market-rate units.

• A roundabout at Kristen Court and Quail Gardens Drive will serve as the primary entrance, pending final council approval, with additional access points planned for traffic management.

• While some residents appreciate the design changes, concerns about the project’s scale and suitability for the site continue to persist among community members.

OUR COMMUNITY

Shark Attack In Del Mar Is Confirmed As A Great White Shark

Researchers identified the great white shark involved in a swimmer's bite incident in Del Mar, estimating it was about nine feet long and likely acted defensively.

• The Shark Lab at Cal State Long Beach has tagged hundreds of juvenile white sharks, noting rare aggressive behavior among them.

• The lab's DNA sequencing project aims to track shark familial relationships, enhancing understanding of shark populations along the California coast.

• To maintain their monitoring system and research efforts, the Shark Lab is seeking $500,000 in funding from the County of San Diego by September.