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San Diego is located on the Atlantic coast of Southern California.
Answer: False
Explanation: San Diego is situated on the Pacific coast of Southern California, not the Atlantic.
San Diego experiences an average of 201 days above 70°F (21°C) annually.
Answer: True
Explanation: The city's climate data indicates an average of 201 days annually where temperatures exceed 70°F (21°C), characteristic of its mild Mediterranean climate.
San Diego Bay is influenced by the San Andreas Fault system.
Answer: True
Explanation: San Diego Bay is geologically situated within a graben influenced by fault systems, including the Rose Canyon and Point Loma faults, which are part of the broader San Andreas Fault system.
San Diego's topography, with its canyons and mesas, contributes to a high-density, public-transit-oriented urban environment.
Answer: False
Explanation: San Diego's topography, characterized by canyons and mesas, contributes to a more segmented urban landscape and often supports a lower-density, car-centered environment rather than a high-density, public-transit-oriented one.
Cowles Mountain is the highest point within San Diego city limits.
Answer: True
Explanation: Cowles Mountain, at 1,591 feet (485 m), is indeed the highest point within the official city limits of San Diego.
"May gray" and "June gloom" in San Diego are characterized by persistent, cool, damp conditions due to a thick marine layer.
Answer: True
Explanation: These phenomena refer to periods of persistent cloud cover and cooler, damper conditions along the coast, caused by a thick marine layer, which is typical for late spring and early summer.
Coastal areas in San Diego receive significantly more rainfall annually than inland areas.
Answer: False
Explanation: Generally, inland areas and higher elevations in San Diego County receive more rainfall than coastal areas, which are often moderated by the marine layer.
San Diego's primary ecological habitats include deserts and alpine forests.
Answer: False
Explanation: San Diego's primary ecological habitats within the city limits are coastal sage scrub, chaparral, and canyons, not deserts or alpine forests, which are found in more arid or mountainous regions further inland or at higher elevations.
The San Diego-Tijuana metropolitan area is the most populous transborder region in the Western Hemisphere.
Answer: False
Explanation: The San Diego-Tijuana metropolitan area is the second-most populous transborder metropolitan area in the Western Hemisphere, with an estimated five million residents.
What is San Diego's geographical position relative to Mexico?
Answer: Directly adjacent to the Mexico-United States border.
Explanation: San Diego is situated on the Pacific coast of Southern California and shares a direct border with Tijuana, Mexico.
Which of the following best describes San Diego's climate?
Answer: Mild Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters.
Explanation: San Diego is characterized by a mild Mediterranean climate, featuring warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters, with limited temperature extremes.
What is the highest peak within San Diego city limits?
Answer: Cowles Mountain
Explanation: Cowles Mountain stands as the highest point within the city limits of San Diego, reaching an elevation of 1,591 feet.
The phenomena known as "May gray" and "June gloom" in San Diego are caused by:
Answer: A thick marine layer cloud cover.
Explanation: "May gray" and "June gloom" are attributed to the persistent presence of a thick marine layer, which results in overcast skies and cooler temperatures along the coast.
The San Diego-Tijuana metropolitan area is recognized as the ______ most populous transborder metropolitan area in the Western Hemisphere.
Answer: Second
Explanation: The San Diego-Tijuana metropolitan area holds the distinction of being the second-most populous transborder metropolitan area in the Western Hemisphere.
San Diego is known as the "Birthplace of Texas" due to early Spanish exploration.
Answer: False
Explanation: San Diego is recognized as the "Birthplace of California" due to being the first European settlement on the West Coast, not the "Birthplace of Texas."
Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo visited San Diego in 1602 and named the bay "San Diego de Alcalá."
Answer: False
Explanation: Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo visited the bay in 1542 and named it "San Miguel." Sebastián Vizcaíno surveyed the harbor in 1602 and named it "San Diego de Alcalá."
The Presidio of San Diego was established after the Mission San Diego de Alcalá.
Answer: False
Explanation: Both the Presidio of San Diego and Mission San Diego de Alcalá were established in 1769, with the Presidio typically considered the initial military fortification and the mission the religious center.
The Kumeyaay people were the last inhabitants of the San Diego region before European settlement.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Kumeyaay people were the original inhabitants of the San Diego region, residing there for thousands of years prior to European arrival.
Why is San Diego referred to as the "Birthplace of California"?
Answer: It was the first European settlement on the West Coast of the United States.
Explanation: San Diego holds the distinction of being the "Birthplace of California" because it was the site of the first European settlement on the West Coast of what is now the United States.
Who surveyed San Diego's harbor in 1602 and named the area "San Diego de Alcalá"?
Answer: Sebastián Vizcaíno
Explanation: Sebastián Vizcaíno surveyed San Diego's harbor in 1602 and named the area "San Diego de Alcalá."
What is the historical significance of the Kumeyaay people in San Diego?
Answer: They were the original inhabitants of the San Diego region.
Explanation: The Kumeyaay people hold historical significance as the original inhabitants of the San Diego region, with a presence predating European settlement by millennia.
San Diego became part of the United States following the Spanish-American War.
Answer: False
Explanation: San Diego became part of the United States following the Mexican-American War (1846-1848) and the subsequent cession of territory under the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo.
Alonzo Horton promoted the relocation of the city's center to the Old Town area.
Answer: False
Explanation: Alonzo Horton promoted the relocation of the city's center to the bayfront area, which he developed as "New Town," shifting focus from the original Old Town settlement.
San Diego hosted its first World's Fair in Balboa Park in 1935.
Answer: False
Explanation: San Diego hosted its first major World's Fair, the Panama-California Exposition, in Balboa Park in 1915. A second exposition, the California Pacific International Exposition, was held there in 1935.
The Stingaree neighborhood was demolished in 1916 to make way for the Gaslamp Quarter.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Stingaree neighborhood, a historic area of San Diego, was demolished in 1916, partly to facilitate the development and expansion of the Gaslamp Quarter.
The Battle of San Pasqual was a decisive victory for American forces during the Mexican-American War.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Battle of San Pasqual in 1846 was a significant engagement where American forces suffered considerable losses against Californio forces, and it is not considered a decisive American victory.
What significant role did Alonzo Horton play in San Diego's development?
Answer: He promoted the relocation of the city center to the bayfront area, creating "New Town."
Explanation: Alonzo Horton was instrumental in developing the bayfront area, known as "New Town," which became the new center of San Diego, shifting focus from the original Old Town settlement.
Which historical event led to San Diego becoming part of the United States?
Answer: The Mexican-American War
Explanation: The Mexican-American War concluded with the cession of Alta California, including San Diego, to the United States under the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo.
What was the primary reason for the demolition of San Diego's Stingaree neighborhood in 1916?
Answer: To clear the area for the Gaslamp Quarter, driven by anti-vice campaigners.
Explanation: The demolition of the Stingaree neighborhood in 1916 was largely driven by anti-vice campaigns aiming to redevelop the area and expand the Gaslamp Quarter.
What was the outcome of the Battle of San Pasqual in 1846?
Answer: A battle where American forces suffered considerable losses.
Explanation: The Battle of San Pasqual in 1846 resulted in significant losses for the American forces, and it is not considered a decisive American victory.
The military and defense industry is a minor contributor to San Diego's economy.
Answer: False
Explanation: The military and defense industry is a major sector of San Diego's economy, hosting significant naval and marine installations and numerous defense contractors.
San Diego is nicknamed "America's Craft Beer Capital" due to its significant tourism industry.
Answer: False
Explanation: While San Diego is indeed known as "America's Craft Beer Capital," this nickname stems from its large number of craft breweries and vibrant beer culture, not directly from its tourism industry, although tourism benefits from it.
Qualcomm is listed as one of the top employers in San Diego.
Answer: True
Explanation: Qualcomm is identified as one of the major employers in San Diego, contributing significantly to the region's technology sector.
San Diego has become a major hub for the biotechnology sector, hosting over 400 companies.
Answer: True
Explanation: San Diego is recognized as a leading biotechnology hub, hosting more than 400 companies and being the second-largest biotech cluster in the United States.
San Diego's real estate market is characterized by low prices and high affordability.
Answer: False
Explanation: San Diego's real estate market is known for its high prices and challenges with affordability, often leading to negative net migration.
San Diego was designated the "Air Capital of the West" because it hosted the first transcontinental flight.
Answer: False
Explanation: San Diego earned the "Air Capital of the West" designation due to its significant role in early aviation, including the construction of Charles Lindbergh's "Spirit of St. Louis" and the presence of major aviation companies, not for hosting the first transcontinental flight.
San Diego was known as the "tuna capital of the world" from the 1980s onwards.
Answer: False
Explanation: San Diego was recognized as the "tuna capital of the world" primarily during the mid-20th century, with its last canneries closing in the early 1980s, marking the decline of that industry.
Which of the following is NOT listed as a major employer in San Diego according to the city's 2024 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report?
Answer: San Diego Padres
Explanation: The provided list of major employers includes Naval Base San Diego, UC San Diego, and Sharp HealthCare. The San Diego Padres, while a significant entity, are not typically listed among the top employers in the same category as large institutions or government bases.
San Diego's designation as the "Air Capital of the West" is primarily attributed to:
Answer: The construction of Charles Lindbergh's "Spirit of St. Louis" and prominent aviation companies.
Explanation: San Diego earned the "Air Capital of the West" title due to its significant contributions to aviation history, including the construction of Charles Lindbergh's "Spirit of St. Louis" and the presence of pioneering aviation firms.
What industry historically earned San Diego the nickname "tuna capital of the world"?
Answer: Tuna fishing and canning
Explanation: San Diego was historically known as the "tuna capital of the world" due to its significant tuna fishing fleet and canning industry.
Which of the following is a significant employer in San Diego's biotechnology sector?
Answer: Illumina
Explanation: Illumina is a major employer within San Diego's thriving biotechnology sector, known for its contributions to genomics.
What is the significance of the Port of San Diego's Tenth Avenue Marine Terminal?
Answer: It handles bulk cargo and containers for imports and exports.
Explanation: The Tenth Avenue Marine Terminal at the Port of San Diego is a key facility for handling bulk cargo and containers, facilitating international trade.
The high real estate prices in San Diego have led to what demographic trend?
Answer: Negative net migration as people seek more affordable regions.
Explanation: The high cost of real estate and associated affordability challenges in San Diego have resulted in negative net migration, as residents move to areas with lower living expenses.
San Diego is the most populous city in California.
Answer: False
Explanation: While San Diego is a major city, Los Angeles is the most populous city in California. San Diego ranks as the second-most populous city in the state.
Approximately 30.9% of San Diego residents aged 25 and older hold bachelor's degrees.
Answer: False
Explanation: According to 2017 U.S. Census Bureau data, approximately 44.4% of San Diego residents aged 25 and older hold bachelor's degrees, which is significantly higher than the national average of 30.9%.
Balboa Park is home to the San Diego Symphony and the San Diego Natural History Museum.
Answer: True
Explanation: Balboa Park is a cultural hub that houses numerous institutions, including the San Diego Symphony and the San Diego Natural History Museum.
The Old Globe Theatre and La Jolla Playhouse are known for producing Broadway shows that have already won Tony Awards.
Answer: False
Explanation: Both the Old Globe Theatre and La Jolla Playhouse are renowned for developing and premiering new plays and musicals, many of which subsequently achieve success and win Tony Awards on Broadway.
San Diego currently hosts a team in the National Football League (NFL).
Answer: False
Explanation: San Diego previously hosted the NFL's Chargers, but the team relocated to Los Angeles in 2017. The city currently does not have an NFL team.
Yokohama, Japan, established a sister city relationship with San Diego in 1957.
Answer: True
Explanation: Yokohama, Japan, is indeed one of San Diego's sister cities, with the relationship established in 1957.
The "California Dream" is a concept solely associated with the state's technological innovation.
Answer: False
Explanation: The "California Dream" is a broader cultural concept encompassing optimism, innovation, and the pursuit of opportunity, extending beyond just technological advancements to include lifestyle and cultural aspects.
San Diego has never hosted a team from the National Basketball Association (NBA).
Answer: False
Explanation: San Diego has hosted NBA teams, specifically the San Diego Rockets (1967-1971) and the San Diego Clippers (1978-1984), before their relocations.
As of 2020, approximately 29.7% of San Diego's population identified as Hispanic or Latino.
Answer: True
Explanation: According to 2020 census data, approximately 29.7% of San Diego's population identified as Hispanic or Latino.
Which of the following is a significant cultural institution in San Diego known for producing world premieres of plays and musicals?
Answer: The La Jolla Playhouse
Explanation: The La Jolla Playhouse is a prominent cultural institution in San Diego recognized for its work in developing and premiering new theatrical productions.
Which of the following is a major public higher education institution located in San Diego?
Answer: San Diego State University (SDSU)
Explanation: San Diego State University (SDSU) is a prominent public higher education institution located within the city of San Diego.
Which of the following is a sister city of San Diego, according to the provided list?
Answer: Edinburgh, Scotland
Explanation: Edinburgh, Scotland, is listed as one of San Diego's sister cities.
What demographic group constituted approximately 29.7% of San Diego's population in 2020?
Answer: Hispanic or Latino residents
Explanation: As of the 2020 census, Hispanic or Latino residents comprised approximately 29.7% of San Diego's population.
Which of the following was a major professional sports team that previously played in San Diego but has since relocated?
Answer: San Diego Chargers
Explanation: The San Diego Chargers, an NFL team, relocated from San Diego to Los Angeles in 2017.
San Diego International Airport (SAN) is known for being the busiest airport in California based on passenger traffic.
Answer: False
Explanation: San Diego International Airport (SAN) is notable for being the busiest single-runway airport in the United States, not the busiest in California by passenger traffic.
The Cross Border Xpress (CBX) terminal connects directly to Tijuana International Airport via a footbridge.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Cross Border Xpress (CBX) terminal in Otay Mesa provides direct access to Tijuana International Airport through an enclosed pedestrian bridge.
San Diego relies entirely on local water sources for its supply.
Answer: False
Explanation: San Diego relies heavily on imported water, with local sources providing only a small fraction of its total supply.
San Diego has adopted induction technology for its street lighting to improve efficiency.
Answer: True
Explanation: San Diego has been implementing induction technology for its street lighting as part of an initiative to enhance energy efficiency and reduce operational costs.
The Otay Mesa border crossing primarily handles passenger vehicle traffic.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Otay Mesa border crossing is primarily designated for commercial truck traffic and is the largest commercial crossing on the California-Baja California border.
FAA regulations limit building heights to 500 feet within a one-mile radius of San Diego International Airport.
Answer: True
Explanation: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations do impose a 500-foot height limit on structures within a one-mile radius of San Diego International Airport to ensure aviation safety.
The San Diego Trolley system primarily serves suburban areas and does not extend to downtown.
Answer: False
Explanation: The San Diego Trolley system serves downtown San Diego, as well as surrounding urban communities, Mission Valley, East County, and coastal South Bay, including an extension to University City and UC San Diego.
Approximately 80-90% of San Diego's water supply is sourced locally.
Answer: False
Explanation: Approximately 80-90% of San Diego's water supply is imported, primarily from Northern California and the Colorado River, with local sources contributing a much smaller percentage.
The San Ysidro Port of Entry is the busiest international land border crossing in the world.
Answer: False
Explanation: The San Ysidro Port of Entry is the busiest international land border crossing outside of Asia and ranks fourth overall, but not the busiest in the world.
What is the approximate percentage of San Diego's water supply that is imported?
Answer: Around 80-90%
Explanation: The vast majority of San Diego's water supply, approximately 80-90%, is imported from external sources such as Northern California and the Colorado River.
San Diego International Airport (SAN) is unique among U.S. airports primarily because it:
Answer: Operates with a single runway, making it the busiest single-runway airport in the nation.
Explanation: San Diego International Airport (SAN) is distinguished by its operation with a single runway, which makes it the busiest single-runway airport in the United States.
The FAA's building height regulations near San Diego International Airport were established to:
Answer: Prevent interference with aircraft navigation and safety.
Explanation: FAA regulations concerning building heights near airports are implemented to prevent obstructions that could interfere with aircraft navigation and overall safety.
The San Ysidro Port of Entry is notable for being:
Answer: The busiest international land border crossing outside of Asia.
Explanation: The San Ysidro Port of Entry is recognized as the busiest international land border crossing outside of Asia, handling a significant volume of cross-border traffic.