San Diego arts spaces battle rising rents as billionaire ice‑rink plan faces local opposition

Three independent art venues in the Barrio Logan district — Tierras Indígenas, Deixis Gallery and The Woo — are adapting to a real‑estate market that has seen median rents nearly double since 2014. Artists describe a grassroots approach, relying on community donations and occupying unconventional spaces. "I come from a world that didn’t have funding to begin with," said Bucky Montero of The Woo.

Meanwhile, Escondido city officials are reviewing a proposal from the Rinks Foundation, a nonprofit run by philanthropists Henry and Susan Samueli, to convert 16 acres of Kit Carson Park into a multi‑rink ice‑sports complex with seating for up to 3,000 spectators, retail space and a restaurant. Residents oppose the plan, arguing it would replace a free public park used by hundreds daily, and the issue was not placed on the upcoming City Council agenda.