From infrastructure improvements and Prop 8 protests to buzzworthy new-again restaurants and chic summertime spirits, downtown is packed with action.

Let’s see who said what about San Diego Gaslamp news this week.

Shrinkage: The San Diego newspaper industry is getting hit and it’s getting hit hard. The San Diego News Network has been progressively losing staff due to the brute economic situation in our midst forcing many reporters and editors to jump ship. In one such instance, Rebecca Tolin, a veteran reporter and freelance environment writer for San Diego News Network, averaged less than $50 for 10 pieces she produced for the website and was slashed of her monthly stipend of $500. In addition, Wehtahnah Tucker, former SDNN North Coast editor and Julie Pendray, editor of the North Central section, have been forced to leave due to the company’s pay decrease generated from the revenue-sharing agreement. Are we already approaching the end of the new San Diego News Network?

Fixer-Upper: Downtowners, get ready for some upgrades! San Diego City Councilmember Kevin Falconer, who’s District 2 includes the city’s downtown area, says that residents can expect slowly emerging infrastructure improvements. According to Faulconer, residents can look forward to more development near Downtown as the Centre City Development Corporation continues to acquire land in the East Village communities.

Let the Beat Rock: And the results are in! The 2009 Street Scene lineup is now posted so start gearing up for San Diego’s rockin’ summer music festival. But if you’re expecting the usual indie-oriented vibe, SDUrban.com blogger Paul Jamason says you should expect otherwise. With the Black Eyed Peas as the headlining act as well and other musical talents such as M.I.A., Thievery Corporation, MSTRKRFT, Modest Mouse, Girl Talk get ready for an action packed variety  August 28 - 29.

No on 8: Many local opponents and supporters of Prop 8 have been causing quite a ruckus since the California Supreme Court’s decision to uphold the state ban on same-sex marriage on Tuesday. On the evening of May 27, a noisy, five-hour sit-in at the county clerk’s office was launched after a gay couple was denied a marriage license. Although no arrests were made, sheriff’s deputies escorted 40 people out of the County Administration Center warning protestors that they would be jailed for trespassing if they did not leave. Supporters of the Prop 8 ban were scheduled to rally for traditional marriage outside of the County Administration Center this afternoon. (pictured)

Foodie News: It’s finally official. It’s been hush, hush until now but the Urban Kitchen team has been spending months planning and scheming to reinvent a new concept for us San Diegans. Urban Kitchen is encouraging locals to follow them on Twitter to help choose a new name for the restaurant and submit ideas. Now that Laurel is closed, a new restaurant will soon open with a new customer-chosen name and revamped vision. The grand prize winner will receive free dinner for a year. Oh the anticipation.

Movies, Popcorn and…Booze?: Just when they give us the option, they up and take it away. Downtown’s Gaslamp 15 was going to be the first San Diego movie theater to give us 21 and over crowd the wondrous option to purchase special Saturday-night movie tickets with the choice to include beer, wine or a cocktail. Unfortunately, this little drinking plan has now been put on hold after having suffered complaints. Buzz kill.

Padres Updates: After a successful win today against the Rockies the Padres will be returning to Petco Park tomorrow night to play the Phillies. Unfortunately, Padres’ right-hander Jake Peavy will not be part of the game tomorrow night, however he is scheduled to start Tuesday's game despite being bothered by right ankle tendinitis. Padres manager Bud Black said that Peavy’s ankle has improved since he turned it running the bases against the Cubs on May 22. Let’s hope for another win this week.

Get Shaken and Stirred: Clear your calendars for the weekend of June 5th through 7th because the first ever San Diego Spirits Festival is here to shake, stir or blend it up for you. Hosted at the W Hotel, the weekend festival will be chockfull of VIP parties, mixology classes, fashion shows, tastings and much more in order to officially kick off the summer. Find out more information here.

Fatal: A young man accused of involvement in three shootings pleaded not guilty on Friday, May 22 to a murder charge and two counts of shooting into an occupied vehicle. San Diego police officials had arrested 20-year-old David Flores for the death of 18-year-old Martin de la Torre on Tuesday, May 19. SDPD Homicide lieutenant Terry McManus stated that the fatal Logan Heights shooting on Monday, May 18 was believed to be gang-related. Flores was ordered held on $1.5 million bail and faces life in prison if he is convicted.

 

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