The San Diego Convention and Visitors Bureau is jumping into the YouTube game with an update from agency president David Peckinpaugh. San Diego is "ready and open for business," he says. Also on camera is a family of three visiting from Dayton, Ohio that hasn't had any trouble due to the fires.

We have to hand it to the SDCVB for embracing technology to get the word out, and tourism dollars can certainly help recovery efforts. But the video has that classic tourism marketing sheen that says, "Fires? What fires?" A deeper look at SoCal's post-wildfire situation might leave us feeling a little more informed.

Related Stories:
· San Diego Attractions Reopening As SoCal Recovers [SDCVB]
· Is Amanda Bynes a Hotel Diva? [HotelChatter]
· US Airways Eyeing Colombia Flights [USA Today]
· Visitors Too Fat For "It's A Small World" [Consumerist]
· Leisure Travel and Costs on the Rise [AP, via Mercury News]]]> pbb 2007-10-29T17:20:03-05:00 http://www.jaunted.com/story/2007/10/26/122925/75

It's been a hard week for San Diego, what with raging wildfires and subsequent evacuations. Our hearts go out to all those who were forced to flee or lost their homes this week. We hope you'll be able to come back soon because someone to love is waiting for you at one of these places:

RT's Longboard Grill -- Ron Trenton was a surfer who vanished on a flight from Catalina Island. Let someone with a beautiful smile find you at 99-cent taco Tuesdays. 1466 Garnet Ave.

Yard House -- This restaurant and pub may be great to work for, but even the full-time guest can appreciate the choice of over 100 beers on tap and delicious appetizers like Thai pizza. 1023 4th Ave.

Cafe Forte -- A cute guy (or girl) drinking coffee could make your day, but even if you're not looking for someone you can browse the gallery attached to this vegan-friendly cafe. 3139 University Ave.

Related Stories:
· RT's Longboard Grill [Official Site]
· Yard House [Official Site]
· Missed Connections coverage [Jaunted]
· San Diego Hotels [HotelChatter]

[Photo: revlimit]]]> egw 2007-10-26T14:00:01-05:00 http://www.jaunted.com/story/2007/10/24/155452/31

Six Flags Magic Mountain sits dangerously close to Santa Clarita fires.

Naturally the wildfires raging through Southern California are putting a damper not just on everyday life but on tourism.

While most hotels in downtown San Diego are open, they are housing a lot of evacuees. Qualcomm Stadium, home to the San Diego Chargers, is being used as a shelter for thousands of people and SeaWorld is closed. Also closed is the San Diego Wild Animal Park, which is part of the San Diego Zoo. The world-famous zoo, however, is still open.

Other attractions and museums are closed due to wildfires. Before you go (if you must go), check the San Diego tourism site for further updates.

Up north in Los Angeles County, none of the major amusement parks have been closed. Although Six Flags Magic Mountain is literally next door to a wildfire, its not officially closed down because the park is only open on the weekends. Come Friday, we'll see if the park opens.

Meanwhile, luxury hotels in the area are booking up fast with evacuees and celebs. HotelChatter has the scoop.

Related Stories:
· San Deigo CVB with Fire Updates [Official Site]
· Fires Foul up the Air, Travel Plans and Tourist Attractions [Seattle Times]
· Posh Los Angeles Hotels Fill Up as Celebs and Residents Flee [HotelChatter]

[Photo: DawnH/YourScene: La Times]]]> juliana 2007-10-24T15:54:52-05:00 Search Jaunted string http://www.jaunted.com/search/