Welcome to San Diego
What every newbie needs to know when moving to San Diego!
Table of Contents
General Information & Climate ………………………..Page 2 Cost of Living…………………………………………..Page 3 Cable, Telephone, Gas/Electric…………………………Page 4 Important Numbers & FCC Address and Numbers…….Page 5 How to obtain a California Driver’s License…………...Page 6 Registration Information………………………………..Page 7-8 Banks & Grocery Stores………………………………..Page 9 Around Town…………………………………………...Page 10-11 Shopping………………………………………………..Page 12-13 Transportation Information……………………………..Page 14 Finding Your Way Around………….……………….....Page 15 San Diego Airport Information………………………...Page 16-17 Popular Websites & Publications in San Diego………..Page 18 Annual Events………………………………………….Page 19-20 Places of Interest……………………………………….Page 21-22 Map of San Diego……………………………………...Page 23 FCC Hours & Holiday.………………………………...Page 24
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General Info. & Climate
Known as being “America’s Finest City” with a population of 1,233,400 and growing, San Diego is a U.S. vacation destination beyond compare. People who live here often compare it to being in paradise. Covering roughly 400 square miles of land and sea, San Diego County extends from the coast to mile-high mountains to a point near sea level in the desert. Tucked in the southwest corner of California this city is blessed with perhaps the greatest weather on earth. The average year-round temperature is 72°F. The average temperature along the coast in the summer is 78°F and 58°F in the winter. Temperatures in the inland valleys climb into the 80’s and 90’s in the summer and upper 50’s and 60’s in the winter. The mountain temperatures vary throughout the year, but in the winter months it can chill down to the point where it actually snows, while the deserts stay around the 70’s during the day. You can almost always count on having blue skies and comfortable weather in San Diego, however, San Diego never gets “Really Hot”. A unique weather phenomenon that happens here in San Diego is called the “Santa Ana” winds. These are dry, balmy winds, which blow west from the desert, creating very hot and clear weather conditions. These usually happen during the fall months. The sun shines 270 days out of the year, with the cloudiest days in May and June (also called May Gray and June Gloom). With the sun always shining it has no time to rain; the average yearly rain fall is only 10 inches making it a dry climate. The ocean water temperature in San Diego averages 68°F in the summer and 56°F in the winter. It is not advisable for you to swim in the ocean after October or before mid April, unless you have a wet suit to keep warm.
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Cost of Living
Average cost for rent $800-$1300 for studios.* Average cost for one-bedroom apartment $700-$1500.* Average cost for home in San Diego is around $425,000. Cost of living in San Diego is 40% higher than national average.
*Prices vary depending on the area where you want to live. Areas closer to the ocean and downtown such as Pacific Beach and Hillcrest, tend to be more expensive places to live. Areas like La Mesa and Santee for example are further inland and may be less costly.
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Important Necessities
*Telephone Service
Cox Communications 1-888-222-7743 Pacific Bell 1-800-310-2355 SBC 1-800-742-5722 Long distance services provided from these companies and others such as Sprint, AT&T.
Area Codes:
(619) = Greater San Diego (Downtown) (858) = Northern and Coastal San Diego (Pacific Beach, La Jolla) (760) = North County and Eastern County (Oceanside, Escondido)
*Cable Service
Cox Communications 1-800-234-3224 Time Warner (858) 695-3220
*Telephone/Cable Carriers vary in different areas.
Gas/Electric Service
SDGE (San Diego Gas & Electric) 1-800-411-7343
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Important Numbers
Emergency ONLY – 911
(Ambulance, Fire, Police, Highway Patrol, Paramedics)
San Diego Police non-emergency - (619) 531-2000 San Diego Poison Center – 1-800-222-1222
Hospitals
Sharp Hospitals throughout S.D. – (619) 636-2100 Downtown: Mercy Hospital (619) 294-8111 Mid-Town: UCSD Medical Center – (619) 543-6222 San Diego State University (SDSU) Area: Alvarado Hospital – (619) 287-3270 North County: Pomerado Hospital – (760) 485-6511
FCC’s Address
Fashion Careers College 1923 Morena Blvd. San Diego, CA 92110 P: (619) 275-4700 F: (619) 275-0635
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Driver’s License Information
If you take a job here or become a resident, you must get a California driver’s license within 10 days. Residency is established by voting in a California election, paying resident tuition, filing for a homeowner’s property tax exemption, or any privilege or benefit not ordinarily extended to nonresidents.
To apply for an original driver license if you are over 18, you will need to do the following: Visit a Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office (make an appointment for faster service) Complete application form DL 44 (Original copy ONLY no copies) You can print the form online at www.dmv.ca.gov or pick one up at the DMV Give a thumb print Have your picture taken Provide your Social Security Number Verify your birth date and legal presence (ORIGINAL Birth Certificate, or CERTIFIED Copy, NOT a notarized copy) Pay a $12 application fee Pass a vision exam Pass a traffic laws and sign test. There are 36 questions on the test. A passing score is at least 31 correct answers. You have three chances to pass. If you have a license from another country you will be required to take a driving test. If you have a license from another state, the driving test can be waived.
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Registration Information
Your vehicle may be subject to California registration from the date of entry. Fees must be paid within 20 days from the date the vehicle entered California to avoid penalties. You will need to contact the Department of Motor Vehicles when you get here.
You will need to:
Complete an Application for Title or Registration (REG 343), you may print
one online at www.dmv.ca.gov Submit your out-of-state registration certificate Submit your out-of-state title (if you have it) Provide evidence of the California Smog Certification Provide an odometer mileage certification (If your vehicle is less than 10 years old) Bring your vehicle to a DMV office for verification of the vehicle’s identification number (An appointment is recommended) Pay the fees
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San Diego County DMV Offices
1-800-777-0133 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday – Friday www.dmv.ca.gov
Chula Vista 30 N. Glover Ave. Chula Vista, 91910 Clairemont (San Diego) 4375 Derrick Dr., San Diego, 92117 El Cajon 1450 Graves Ave. El Cajon, 92021 Escondido 725 N. Escondido Blvd. Escondido, 92025
Oceanside 4005 Plaza Dr., Oceanside, 92056 Poway 13301 Poway Rd., Poway, 92064 San Diego 3960 Normal St., San Diego, 92103 San Ysidro 3702 Del Sol Blvd., San Diego, 92154
It’s strongly advised that you make an appointment for anything, wait time for non-appointments can take up to, and may exceed three hours!!
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Banks
These are just some branches closer to FCC, others are available in different areas. U.S. Bank Morena Office 5330 Napa Street San Diego, CA 92110 (619) 785-5900 Washington Mutual 3609 Midway Dr. San Diego, CA 92110 (619) 221-5081 Wells Fargo Sports Arena Area 3515 Sports Arena Blvd. San Diego, CA 92110 (619) 238-6344 San Diego County Credit Union Pacific Beach 1650-A Garnet Avenue San Diego, CA 92109 1-877-SDCC-4U
Grocery Stores
These are some of the major stores found through San Diego. Here are one’s closer to Fashion Careers College. Albertson’s 422 W Washington St San Diego, CA 92103 Ralph’s 3515 Sports Arena San Diego,CA 92110 (619) 225-8546 Von’s 3645 Midway Drive San Diego CA 92110 (619) 222-6462 Keil’s 3015 Clairemont Dr. San Diego, CA 92117 (619) 275-7060
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Around Town
A few popular places to visit!
Downtown: Horton Plaza for shopping, the Gas Lamp Quarter for clubbing, dining and shopping (located between 4 th Ave. and 6th Ave.). Seaport Village is located in the southwest corner of the city, boasting seafood restaurants and specialty boutiques. Coronado: Take I-5 to Coronado Bay Bridge. World renown for the Hotel Del Coronado, this community is an upper class area with many boutiques and restaurants. Balboa Park: If you like art, museums and natural history then this place is for you. Balboa Park is also home to the World Famous San Diego Zoo. There are also many museums in the park such as the San Diego Museum of Art. The park even has a replica of Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, where plays are performed throughout the year. From downtown take I-5 north to 163 north, exit Quincy/Balboa Park exit. From north take I-5 to I-8 west to 163 south, exit University Ave and go straight over University, Turn left onto Laurel/El Prado. See page 21 for more information on The Park. Old Town: A huge tourist attraction with a big Mexican/Old West influence. Bazaar Del Mundo is very popular spot with restaurants and boutiques; it’s like crossing the border without the hassle! If you like Mexican food there are many restaurants to satisfy your hunger. It is also the home of one of the world’s most haunted houses, the Whaley House! 2482 San Diego Avenue. San Diego CA 92110. To get to Old Town take I-5 to Old Town Ave. exit east and turn left onto San Diego Ave. Hillcrest: Also known as “Up Town” of San Diego, It’s an area roughly bordered by Park Blvd., to the east, Washington to the north, Upas street to the south and First Ave. to the west. One of San Diego’s oldest communities, Hillcrest has evolved into a trendy, arts oriented community, filled with bistros, bookstores, trendy restaurants, cafés, galleries, and health food stores. Many fine restaurants are found here. To get there take 8 east to 163 south, exit University and go left or right at University.
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Mission Valley: This area is one of San Diego’s premiere shopping meccas. Off I-8 it is home to San Diego’s first shopping center, Mission Valley Center. It also boasts another popular mall, Fashion Valley Mall. Many hotels are located here, mainly in an area called “Hotel Circle”. Mission Valley is home to many restaurants, specialty stores and a popular home décor store, Ikea. The San Diego Chargers also call Mission Valley home with Qualcomm Stadium nestled next to Interstate 15. To get to Mission Valley from south take I-5 north to 8 east and exit either, Auto Circle and go left or Mission Valley Rd and go left. From north take I-5 south to 8-east and take exits explained before. From east take 8 west and exit Auto Circle and go left or right at stop sign. Mission Bay/Mission Bay Park: This area is the second largest bay in San Diego and biggest center of beach, water sport and recreation activity. Mission Bay is also home to Shamu and his pals at SeaWorld, one of the biggest attractions in San Diego. This is a great place relax next to the water and read a book. If you’re into exercise it’s a great place to jog, rollerblade, or ride a bike. To get here take from south take I-5 north, east take I-8 west to I-5 north, all exit at Sea World Drive. Turn right into the park. From the north take I-5 south to Garnet Ave. go west on Garnet to Ingraham and turn left.
Beaches!
Pacific Beach: Take I-5 to Grand Ave./Garnet Ave. exit. Turn left at Grand Ave. or Garnet Ave. a few blocks up. Follow all the way to the ocean. Mission Beach: Take I-5 to Grand Ave./Garnet Ave. exit. Turn left on Grand Ave. Follow all the way to the ocean and turn left onto Mission Blvd. Ocean Beach/Dog Beach: Take I-8 west towards Beaches, take 8 west until it ends and turns into Sunset Cliffs Blvd. Turn right on the West Point Loma Blvd. take straight until you hit the beach. Here you can let your dog run free in the surf and sand! La Jolla: La Jolla means “Jewel” in Spanish and that’s exactly what it is. A jewel of an upscale community nestled along a beautiful coast. Visit areas like Seal Beach to catch a glimpse of a wild seal, La Jolla Cove to actually go deep into a cave, or snorkel in the waters below to see many creatures of the sea. This area is filled with high-end boutiques like Armani Exchange and White House Black Market and quaint restaurants such as Georges and the Hard Rock Cafe. To get here from the south and east take I-5 to La Jolla Village Parkway which turns into Torrey Pines Rd, follow straight until you get to Prospect, make a right (to get to the cove). To get to the shops follow Torrey Pines Rd. and turn left onto Girard St. Del Mar: This is a small seaside community, just north of La Jolla and Torrey Pines. Besides the uncrowded beaches and many small shops, restaurants and galleries, people are drawn to Del Mar for many of the events that take place at the Del Mar Fairgrounds and Race Track annually. For example the Del Mar Fair (every year in the summer), and the Del Mar Thoroughbred Horse Races held from mid July to September.
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Shopping
Malls
Fashion Valley Center 352 Fashion Valley Rd 619/297-3381 Mon-Fri 10am-9pm, Sat 10am-6pm, Sun 11am-6pm Hwy. 163 to Friars Rd. W. Bus: 6, 16, 25, 43, or 81 The Mission Valley-Hotel Circle area, northeast of downtown along I-8, contains San Diego's major shopping centers. Fashion Valley is the most attractive and most upscale, with anchor stores like Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom (which keeps longer hours), Saks Fifth Avenue, and Macy's, plus 140 specialty shops and a quadriplex movie theater. Particularly interesting specialty shops include Williams-Sonoma, Smith & Hawken, and Bang & Olufsen. Mission Valley Center 1640 Camino del Rio N 619/296-6375 Mon-Fri 10am-9pm, Sat 10am-6pm, Sun 11am-6pm I-8 to Mission Center Rd. Bus: 6, 16, 25, 43, or 81 This old-fashioned outdoor mall predates sleek Fashion Valley, and has found a niche with budget-minded stores like Loehmann's, Nordstrom Rack, and Michael's (arts and crafts). There's a 20-screen movie theater and about 150 other stores and places to eat. University Towne Center (UTC) 4545 La Jolla Village Dr 858/546-8858 Mon-Fri 10am-9pm, Sat 10am-7pm, Sun 11am-6pm I-5 to La Jolla Village Dr. and go east, or I-805 to La Jolla Village Dr. and go west. Bus: 50 express, 34, or 34A This outdoor shopping complex has a landscaped plaza and 160 stores, including some big ones like Nordstrom, Sears, and Macy's. It is also home to a year-round ice-skating rink, the popular Hops Bistro and Brewery, and a six-screen cinema. Horton Plaza 324 Horton Plaza 619/238-1596 www.hortonplaza.com Open Monday through Friday from 10am to 9pm, Saturday 10am to 6pm, Sunday 11am to 6pm, with extended summer and holiday hours Bus: 2, 7, 9, 29, 34, or 35. Trolley: City Center Parking is free with validation for the first 3 hours (4 hours at the movie theater and the Lyceum Theatre), $1 per half-hour thereafter. The parking levels are confusing, and temporarily losing your car is part of the Horton Plaza experience. The Disneyland of shopping malls, Horton Plaza is in the heart of San Diego; in fact, it is the heart of the revitalized city center, bounded by Broadway, First and Fourth Avenues, and G Street. Covering 7 1/2 city blocks, the multilevel shopping center has 140 specialty shops, including art galleries, clothing and shoe stores, several fun shops for kids, and bookstores. There's a 14screen cinema, three major department stores, and a variety of restaurants and short-order eateries. It's almost as much of an attraction as SeaWorld or the San Diego Zoo, transcending its genre with a conglomeration of rambling paths, bridges, towers, piazzas, sculptures, fountains, and live greenery. Supposedly inspired by European shopping streets and districts like Athens' Plaza and London's Portobello Road, Horton Plaza opened in 1985 to rave reviews and has steadily grown in popularity.
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Discount Department Stores
Just to name a few!
Walmart
1) 3382 Murphy Canyon Rd. San Diego, CA 92123 (858) 571-6094 3412 College Ave. San Diego, CA 92115 (619) 858-0071 170 Town Center Parkway Santee, CA 92071 (619) 449-7900
2)
3)
Target
1) Sports Arena Target 3245 Sports Arena Blvd. San Diego, CA 92110 (619) 223-2491 Mission Valley Target 1288 Camino Del Rio N. San Diego, CA 92108 (619) 542-0026 5454 Balboa Ave. San Diego, CA 92111 (858) 576-0811
2)
3)
Specialty Shops
Areas in San Diego for something special
Pacific Beach (PB)/Mission Beach (MB)
Pacific Beach is located off Interstate 5. From the north: I-5 south. Exit Balboa/Garnet Avenue. Shops are along Garnet. From the south: I-5 north. Exit Grand/Garnet Avenues. Shops are along Garnet.
Ocean Beach (OB)
Interstate 8 dead ends into Ocean Beach From the north: I-5 south. Exit 8 West to Sun Set Cliffs Blvd. Turn Right onto Newport. From the south: I-5 north. Same as above. From the east: Follow 8 West all the way.
La Jolla
Located off Interstate 5. Most of the Shop are on Girard Ave. From the south: I-5 north. Exit La Jolla Parkway. Follow to Prospect make a Right. From east take 8 west to I-5
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Transportation
San Diego’s MTS (The Metropolitan Transit System) operates bus, Trolley routes throughout the county. They also operate the Coaster which travels from downtown to north county. BUS: Rates vary from different routes they usually range from $1.75 - $4.00. Monthly passes are available, also the College Ready Pass Program helps college students. Day Tripper Passes are also available. TROLLEY: Rates vary from station to station ranging from $1.25 - $3.00. Tickets are good two hours from the time of validation and on one-way trips ONLY. For exact rates and Bus numbers and times. Visit www.sdcommute.com for more information! Or call: (619) 233-3004 for Public Bus information. (619) 231-1466 for Trolley information.
Taxis
The safe way to be after a night of partying!!! It’s also a good thing to take when going to the airport, leaving your car at the airport or a car housing complex can be costly. Costs vary depending on the distance. From FCC to the airport it usually is about $20.00. Orange Cab: (619) 291-3333 San Diego Cab: (619) 226-8294 Yellow Cab: (619) 234-6161
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Finding Your Way Around
Some of the major freeways in San Diego
INTERSTATE FREEWAY 5: It runs north and south, from the Mexican border, all the way up to Canada. In San Diego it runs along the west part of the city, throughout downtown. INTERSTATE FREEWAY 805: Runs north and south inland, parallel to I-5, through the central part of San Diego. It joins and turns into I-5 just north of La Jolla, about 25 miles north of downtown. INTERSTATE FREEWAY 15: Runs north and south inland, east of the I-805. I-15 takes you to Escondido and stretches all the way to Las Vegas and beyond. Going south in ends into the I-805 around the National City area. INTERSTATE FREEWAY 8: Runs east & west, through Mission Valley. It starts by the ocean and goes east taking you through east county and even Arizona. STATE ROUTE 94: Begins downtown and goes east into Rancho San Diego. STATE ROUTE 52: Starts at La Jolla, at I-5 and it runs east joining the I-5 , I-805, and I-15 Freeways. STATE ROUTE 54: Starts in National City, at I-5 and goes east, until it hits I-805. STATE ROUTE 163: Starts downtown and it runs northeast, through Balboa Park until it joins 1-15 around the Miramar Naval Air Station.
HINT: An easy way to figure out the freeway system: All odd numbered freeways run North and South, while all even numbered freeways run East and West.
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San Diego International Airport
In 1927, Charles A. Lindbergh electrified the world when he made San Diego the starting point for the first-ever solo, nonstop transatlantic flight. Lindbergh later agreed in a rare instance to lend his name to a proposed new airport: San Diego Municipal Airport – Lindbergh Field. Now with flights going internationally the airport has been renamed to the San Diego International Airport. Approximately 26 passenger and cargo airlines operate close to 300 departures daily. They include: Aero Mexico Airborne Express Alaska Airlines America West Airlines America West Express America Airlines America Eagle Ameniflight BAX Global British Airways Continental Airlines Delta Air Lines DHL Airways Emery Worldwide FedEX Frontier Frontier JetExpress Hawaiian Airlines JetBlue Airways Northwest Airlines Southwest Airlines Sun Country Airlines United Airlines United Express UPS US Airways
Directions to the Airport are listed on the following page.
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Driving Directions to the Airport
Getting to San Diego International Airport is easy from most major roadways. Be sure to monitor traffic conditions during certain times of the day. It is essential to allow yourself enough time for airline check-in and to pass through security. Arrive two (2) hours prior to domestic flight departures and three (3) hours prior to international flight departures.
From I-5 Northbound Take San Diego Airport / Hawthorn Street exit (signs will direct you onto westbound Hawthorn Street ). Proceed to N. Harbor Drive and turn right. Commuter Terminal is one mile ahead on right hand side; Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 are 1/4 and 1/2 mile beyond Commuter Terminal. From I-5 Southbound Take San Diego Airport / Sassafras Street exit. This puts you onto Kettner Boulevard. Take Kettner to the traffic light at Sassafras Street and turn right. Proceed down the hill to the traffic light at Pacific Highway and turn left. Take Pacific Highway about 1/2 mile to Laurel Street and turn right. Take Laurel Street to the next light, N. Harbor Drive, and turn right. Commuter Terminal is one mile ahead on right hand side; Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 are 1/4 and 1/2 mile beyond the Commuter Terminal. From State Route. 163 Take State Route 163 Southbound to I-5 North and follow directions above for I-5 Northbound. From I-8 Take State Route 163 or I-5 Southbound and follow applicable directions above. From I-15 If North of State Route 163, take State Route 163 Southbound and follow directions above for State Route 163 Southbound. If South of State Route. 163, take I-8 West and follow applicable directions above for I-8 Westbound.
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Popular Websites/Publications
The Reader:
In San Diego there is trendy paper that has gained in popularity to find out ‘what’s going’ on in this fine city, not to mention it’s FREE! It’s called The Reader which is a weekly publication that can be found at most gas stations, 7/11’s, or even the gym. The Reader contains everything from concert and movie information to events around town, classifieds, and coupons. You can also get printable coupons and additional information online at www.sdreader.com.
San Diego CityBeat:
Another FREE, popular publication is CityBeat, San Diego’s alternative newsweekly. Readers of this paper are known to be active, out and about people. CityBeat features sections on local news, opinion, and arts coverage. It also has complete listings on film, theater, music, events and classified ads. The paper can be found throughout greater San Diego, the College area, and as far north as San Marcos and Escondido. For more information on the web visit www.sdcitybeat.com
San Diego Websites:
www.signonsandiego.com – News, weather, coupons, movie times, etc. www.nbcsandiego.com – NBC 7/39 Channel 7 New website. www.sannet.gov/ - City of San Diego website. www.allaboutsandiego.com – Everything you need to know about San Diego. www.sandiegomag.com – Find out where to dine in San Diego. www.fashioncareerscollege.com – FCC’s Website.
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Annual Events
Pacific Beach Block Party
This annual event is held every year in the month of May. Here you can find many food vendors and over 400 booths that feature unique crafts, art, inventions, corporate sponsors, and just about everything else under the sun. There are also stages set up at various areas with local bands continuously performing music, everything from rock to grunge. This is a great place to people watch and enjoy San Diego’s musical talents and best of all is FREE! Check out www.pbblockparty.com for dates and more information.
Del Mar Fair/San Diego County Fair
One of the counties most anticipated event of the year, the Del Mar Fair also called the San Diego County Fair runs from mid June to the 4th of July ending with a huge firework display. Come with an empty stomach, you’ll find every kind of food you could imagine. For those who love the thrill of rides then look no further, you can find the right ride to fulfill your desires! The fair also has many farm animals that you can pet and hang out with, which normally you can’t do here in San Diego. Bring cash as well, you’ll find hundreds of vendors selling things you didn’t think existed and some even do live demonstrations of the products. Take the FREE shuttle to fair from designated parking lots. This is an event not to be missed! Log on for more information and schedule of events at www.delmarfair.com.
Street Scene
For over 20 years Street Scene has become one of California’s largest music festivals. Covering over several blocks of the Gas Lamp Quarter in downtown, the three day event signifies the end of summer, and what a way to end it! Street Scene has emerged as a premiere musical event presenting top-rated artists along with a diverse array of musical styles. From Grammy winners to emerging artists, the event continues to preserve its reputation as the top urban music festival in the country. The first two days of the event are 21 and up with photo I.D., only the last day (Sunday) is all ages. This is great place to experience all type of music and to have a blast on the streets of downtown San Diego. For more information go to www.street-scene.com.
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Golden Hanger Fashion Awards Gala
Every year during the third or fourth week in July Fashion Careers College presents its Annual Golden Hanger Fashion Awards to San Diego’s fashion community. Started in 1986 the gala awards local fashion leaders, recognizes the amazing talents of FCC students and raises money for a San Diego charity. An impressive silent auction adorns the foyer as guests are treated to a night of luxury and fashion. For more information call (619) 275-4700.
San Diego Pride
The gay and lesbian community of San Diego celebrates this three day event with pride every year. It starts on Friday and doesn’t stop until Sunday. On Saturday, the second day of the celebration there is parade that travels down through Hillcrest on University Ave. and ends in Balboa Park. To attend the festivities is a spectacle of color, costumes, and celebration. This is a great time for all Sandiegan’s to come together and have fun.
Parade of Lights
Every year around the holiday season, word gets around of one of San Diego’s most memorable events, The Parade of Lights. Boat owners of San Diego decorate their vessels with Christmas lights, statues and even Christmas trees to entertain the crowds lining the shores of the Big Bay of San Diego each year. The boats travel from Coronado, under the bridge, along Seaport Village and up to the Embarcadero and back down. This is a great event to experience and usually takes place on the weekend of the second and third week in December.
Whale Watching
From December to March the Gray Whale travels approximately 6,000 miles from the cold waters of the Arctic to the warmer waters of the Baja Coast. Here they give birth to their young and prepare them for the long trek back. On the return trip the young calves can frequently be seen swimming at their mother's side. There are different areas of San Diego where you can experience this spectacular event. You can schedule a cruise aboard the Hornblower that takes you out into the waters to get up close and personal with the whales. For more information check out www.hornblower.com. You can also catch views of these mammals at Point Loma’s Cabrillo National Monument. Take Sunset Cliffs south until you reach Hill St. Turn left and go up this steep hill and turn right on Catalina Blvd. Follow all the way to Cabrillo National Monument.
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Places of Interest
World Famous San Diego Zoo
On over 100 acres of lush, subtropical vegetation, the San Diego Zoo has the most species of animals of any zoo in the world. It contains over 4000 animals of over 930 species. Times of operation differ depending on the season. For times and pricing visit www.sandiegozoo.org. To get there from the NORTH (southbound): From Interstate 5, take the Pershing Drive exit and follow the signs. From Interstate 15 (Escondido and Riverside), take SR 163 south to the Park Blvd./I-5 South exit. Exit at Park Blvd. Turn left on Park Blvd. and head north; Zoo entrance is off Park Blvd at Zoo Place. From the SOUTH (northbound): From Interstate 5, take the State Route 163 north exit, then the Zoo/Museums (Richmond Street) exit and follow the signs. From the EAST (westbound): From Interstate 8 (Imperial County and Arizona), take State Route 163 south to the Park Blvd./I-5 South Exit. Exit at Park Blvd. Turn left on Park Blvd. and head north; Zoo entrance is off Park Blvd at Zoo Place. From State Route 94, proceed into downtown San Diego to 12th Avenue. Turn right on 12th Avenue (which turns into Park Blvd.) and proceed north. Zoo entrance is off Park Blvd at Zoo Place.
Wild Animal Park
Affiliated with the San Diego Zoo, the Wild Animal Park is located 35 miles northeast of Downtown. The unique difference between the Wild Animal Park and the Zoo is the animals at this park are left to roam free in their natural environment, which covers over 1700 acres. The only way to see the animals is to take the 5 mile, 50 minute, monorail ride. The price is included in admission. For more information, prices, and times, visit www.sandiegozoo.org and click on Wild Animal Park. To get there take 1-15 north from the south to Via Rancho Parkway, go east and follow the signs for about 2 miles.
Mt. Soledad
This is the highest point within San Diego City limits with the one of the best views of all of San Diego and surrounding areas like La Jolla, and Mission Bay. To get there take I-5 north or south and exit Grand/Garnet Ave. Turn west onto Garnet Ave. and right at Soledad Mountain Rd. Follow all the way to La Jolla Scenic Dr. South and turn Right. Drive until you reach the white cross and enjoy the view!
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Cabrillo National Monument
Located at the south tip of the Point Loma Peninsula over looking the San Diego Bay, this is one of the most Panoramic views, if not the best in San Diego. On a clear day you can see as far east as the mountains of East County 20 miles away and south as far as Tijuana. Looking over the majestic skyline of San Diego is one of the most breath taking views. Being here you can easily see why this is “America’s Finest City”. Admission to the park is $5.00 a car and it’s good for five days after your visit. Not only does Cabrillo boast spectacular views but it also offers tide pools on the west side of the peninsula. Here you can walk amongst the rocks and look at the sea life that lives in the waters of the Pacific (No Cost). You can find star fish, sea urchins, and many other creatures in and around the pools. It is best to experience this at low tide. The lower the tide the further you’ll be able to walk out and see more. To check what time the tide will be low visit the information station at the tide pools, or call the San Diego Lifeguards information line at (619) 221-8824.
Balboa Park
What a great way to enjoy the weather this fine city has to offer than to take a stroll through one of the most beautiful parks that covers 1,200 acres. Over 85 Performing Arts and International Culture Organizations, 15 Museums, the World-Famous San Diego Zoo, Gardens, Hiking and Biking Trails, Recreational Facilities, and restaurants call this park home. To get there going Southbound from I-5. Take the 10th Ave. exit off I-5. Turn left on "A" St. and left again on Park Blvd. Follow the signs to Balboa Park. From Northbound take I-5 to the B Street/Pershing exit off I-5 to Pershing Street. Take Pershing and then left on Florida Dr. Turn left on Zoo Place to Park Blvd. Left on Park Blvd. Coming southbound from Hwy 163, take the Park Blvd. exit off Hwy 163. Turn left on Park Blvd. Follow the signs to Balboa Park.
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Map of San Diego
Including Attractions, Scenic Drives and Bike Routes
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Hours & Holidays
Fashion Careers College Office Hours
*Monday – Thursday: 8:30 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. *Friday: 8:30 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. Saturday & Sunday: Closed
*Please call to see if staff members will be available before coming in. (619) 275-4700
FCC Holidays
School will be closed in observance of the following: Martin Luther King Day Memorial Day Independence Day (4th of July) Labor Day Thanksgiving (2 days) Students will not have school during the following breaks Spring Break – Dates differ yearly (1 week) Winter Break (Christmas/New Years) – Dates differ year (2 weeks) 2 weeks between every quarter and 3 weeks after Summer Quarter before the Fall Quarter.
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